Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy, Bailey, and Twiggy Try to Play

October 25, 2018October 24, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

The rainy weather is still with us and it presents a challenge to the canines.

“I’m going to bite off your ear.”

“Oh, no please spare me.”

“That was a good ear bite move, Little One. But now you are going to die.”

“Oh, I’m so afraid, Lucy you big ole cow.”

“Okay, you two. Looks like the smack talk is getting out of hand. Time to take it outside.”

“But it is raining.”

“Not now so move it.”

“Man take a look at that pelican in the pond.”

“Hold on. I’ll be right there.”

“I’ve never seen one in there before.”

“Do you think he is okay, Lucy?”

“Yes, I do. What do you think, Bailey?”

“It just flew off, so I would say it is fine.”

“Lucy the pelican flew over that house across the street.”

“I’m wondering what game we can play?”

“I thought I left the ball over there.”

“No, Twiggy. We passed the ball coming out here.”

“Yeah, Twiggy. It is right in the middle of the yard.”

“I don’t know Bailey. She still has something on her mind.”

“I still can’t get over the pelican in the pond.”

“Small stuff. You need to move on.”

“Okay, can I name the game?”

“Anything to get you off the pelican.”

“No fair peeking. This game is called night ball. You have to find it in the dark.”

“Twiggy. You come up with the weirdest games.”

“Fun though, Right?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #197 by Keith Channing

October 23, 2018October 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“What’s that old saying?”

“Okay, you got me. What old saying?”

“Something about the red sky.”

“Oh, that one. Red sky at night sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning sailor take warning.”

“Yeah, that’s it. Have you seen the sky tonight?”

“No, I haven’t been out of this radio shack for five hours.”

“You gotta go out and take a look. I’ll watch the radio for you.”

“What am I going to see?”

“You will not believe the sunset. It is almost like the sun is going to drop into the ocean.”

“I would love to see that. All you have to do is put on these earphones and listen for our call sign which is ‘Fairwind.”‘

“What happens if I hear it.”

“Just record the message in this log and answer them. Start your answer with ‘Fairwind.”‘

“Sounds easy enough. After all, you won’t be gone but a few minutes.”

“That is true.”

“Okay, I got this. You go look.”

“Thanks. Be right back.”

“Boy, that was quick. You back already?”

“Are you kidding me? It must be a hundred degrees out there. That sun is coming very close. I couldn’t stay long.”

“Well, there was one message.”

“You have got to be kidding me. I was only gone a couple of minutes. What was the message?”

“Here it is. It is from the atmospheric agency. It is pretty short.”

“Read it to me.”

“Fairwind. Farewell.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Were with Edison in 1879

October 22, 2018October 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

This is a continuation of the Top Ten on a historical backdrop. On October 21st after 14 months of testing, Thomas Edison first demonstrates his electric lamp, hoping to one day compete with the gaslight.

Top Ten Things Not to do if You were with Edison in 1879

10 If you were with Edison in 1879, do not say, “Watson come here I need you.” If you do, at best no one will answer. At worst, you will be escorted from the room and your 100 shares of Edison stock revoked. (You somehow got Alexander Graham Bell mixed up with Edison, Frici.)

9 If you were with Edison in 1879, do not elbow Tiny the WWF champ out of the way for a better view. If you do, at best Tiny will ignore you. At worst, Tiny, who has an aversion to being touched will use his hips to body check you out the door. (You didn’t think a big guy could move that fast huh, Friduwulf? Too bad the door was closed when you went through it.)

8 If you were with Edison in 1879, do not touch anything before the demonstration. If you do, at best you’ll avoid the live wire. At worst, you will inadvertently disconnect the main lead. (The test was a failure, Frisco. Thanks to you we are all living with gas lamps today.)

7 If you were with Edison in 1879, do not tell him how to improve his speech. If you do, at best he will do the speech the way he wrote it. At worst he will take your suggestions. (Thanks to you, Fynbar, the electric light bulb was named by Edison as “the better mousetrap of gas lamps.”)

6 If you were with Edison in 1879, do not mention to bystanders that the British had toyed with incandescent bulbs since the 1830’s. If you do, at best Edison won’t hear you. At worst, you’ll be talking with a reporter from the Wall Street Journal. (Well now you’ve done it, Fernando. The headline reads “Edison steals British Idea.” Good luck with your future stock options.)

5 If you are with Edison in 1879, do not make jokes about the Edison Screw. If you do, at best you better hope he doesn’t hear you. At worst, the joke carries a big laugh, and now you are unemployed. (You had no way of knowing, Francisco, that the Edison Screw is the standard set up for light bulbs and sockets. The joke was pretty funny though.)

4 If you are with Edison in 1879, do not trip and let the only bulb fall to the floor. (If you do, at best the carpet will prevent a disaster. At worst, the lab floor is made of concrete. (Well, there goes the demonstration, Franklin. Future generations of those who do not have General Electric to work for salute you.)

3 If you are with Edison in 1879, do not suggest naming the company. If you do, at best Edison will choose his own name. At worst, he will call the company after a significant advantage of the bulb. (Somehow the Less Gas Light Company doesn’t sound too good when you say it out loud, Frankie. Let’s hope he comes to his senses.)

2 If you are with Edison in 1879, do not try to talk him out of his idea about motion pictures. If you do, at best he will avoid you on the subject. At worst, you will be successful, and he will abandon the idea. (So where are you going with that tub of buttered popcorn, Freddy?)

1 If you are with Edison in 1879, do not suggest that he read from the newspaper on the first recorded conversation. If you do, at best he will choose his own literature. At worst. He will listen to you and select the classifieds. (So now the first recorded voice puts everyone to sleep, Fletcher. Mary Had a Little Lamb is so much better.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Old Town Festival

October 21, 2018October 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Each year Port Aransas celebrates its roots with an Old Town Festival. This year due to the rain the popular parade had to be canceled. Also, the sand pumpkin carving contest was postponed Other events went on as scheduled. Here is a photo review of the goings-on.

The sign points the way.

The first stop is The eighth annual Expression Session Surfing Contest. Here you seem some boards waiting for surfers.

The Texas Gulf Surfing Association is here.

A big tent with hot dogs and T-shirts and loud music.

A surfer coming in from the cold under the Horace Caldwell Pier. The Gulf temperature is in the low 70’s

More contestants going out.

A shot of the surfers using the iPhone zoom.

Wading into the cold water.

Have to have a VW camper which doubles as a kissing booth.

Here is the kisser. A little too stiff for my taste. (a manikin)

Type A surfers.

Some young folks getting ready to surf.

An old folk pretty much done for the day.

There is also The Pawesome Doggie Surfing Contest but it had not begun yet. Here are a trio of spectators.

The next stop is the Port Aransas Hurricane Tree Recovery Campaign.

Native Texas tree plantings are free.

Some of the varieties.

More.

All you do is sign in and pick out which trees you would like.

Here is a shot of the Museum where a special surfing exhibit is on display. The sign points to the community center where storytellers are relating Wild Sea Stories which are tales of Port Aransas’ past.

Here is a shot of the community center where the stories are being told and a lunch is being served.

Here is a photo of the Farley Boat Works which was the location for the Barn Dance Saturday night. In addition to a band, there was red or white clams linguine served.

All in all the rain did not put a damper of the Festival.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

October 17, 2018October 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we all stood around while the anchor was boiling in the descaling solution. We learned that Louis the tech had met Sandusky ten years ago. I think we all jumped to the conclusion that Louis may know a lot about what happened back then. Let’s get back since I see Larry doing his best Colombo imitation of subtleness in his questions.

“So did you kill Sandusky?”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Sandusky was killed ten years ago, and someone who knew a lot about conduction and pulverizing things was responsible. Sound like anyone you know?”

“Hold on detective. I said I met Sandusky. I don’t know anything about his death. I read about it in the paper like everyone else.”

“Funny you should remember his name right away.”

“I could never forget Sandusky.”

“Why’s that?”

“He gave me fifty thousand dollars that’s why.”

“Okay now, this is getting good. Why did he do that?”

“He wanted me to perfect a process he was working on.”

“What process?”

“Removing organs from people without having to cut them open.”

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“No detective I’m serious.”

“What was he going to do with the process.”

“Well, that’s the funny part.”

“Go on.”

“He said it was going to be a medical breakthrough on transplants. His process removes the organ with no cutting.”

“How does the transplanted organ get in the body?”

“I asked him the same question.”

“And?”

“He told me it was top-secret. If he told me he would have to kill me.”

“He was serious then?”

“Let’s just say I didn’t detect that he was joking. You ever meet Sandusky?”

“No, not while he was alive.”

“He had the coldest eyes I’ve ever seen. Gave you the chills.”

“But you took the fifty thousand.”

“Was a no-brainer. I already had the process developed. I even think he knew that.”

“So, you told him how to do it?”

“Yup. Even signed away my rights.”

“You practice on a body?”

“Yeah, several.”

“OMG.”

“They were research cadavers. I borrowed them from the University. You can check with the Dean. It was all on the up and up.”

“So, tell me. Did the process include pulverizing the organ?”

“That is how it worked. The organ exploded inside.”

“We need to go downtown and have a little more discussion.”

“Fine by me. I have nothing to hide. Your anchor is done, and I would have told you what I know without the subterfuge.”

“Hear that Andrew?”

“Yeah, I heard. But do I believe it?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #196 by Keith Channing

October 16, 2018October 15, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“So tell me. Is it going to be okay?”

“How long has this been going on?”

“No more than a couple of hours.”

“Well, that is a blessing. I’m glad you called me right away.”

“We didn’t know what else to do.”

“I think you did the right thing. Most people wait too long and then it is too late.”

“It’s not too late I hope?”

“Just a few more moments and I can give you a better idea of what we are facing.”

“I’m sorry for being so anxious, but we wouldn’t know what we’d do if we didn’t have Betsey.”

“Betsey that’s what you named it?”

“Her.”

“Excuse me?”

“Betsey is a girl.”

“Oh my gosh. I never would have guessed that the way it looks.”

“Her.”

“Yeah, I get it. Her. Hold on. I think I have found the problem.”

“Thank heavens. Can you solve it?”

“Yes, I think so. I have the instrument in my bag. Humm. Let me see. Oh, yes, here it is.”

“What do you have to do?”

“I’ll need you to help.”

“Anything. Just tell me what to do.”

“I’m going to make a slight cut here. After that, I need to use this to go in and remove the blockage. I want you to hold this instrument and when I tell you, place it in my hand. Can you do that?”

“Yes. I’m good.”

“Okay, so here we go. First the cut. Yes, that looks good. Hand me the instrument.”

“Here you go.”

“Ah. I’ve got the blockage. Hand me that cloth.”

“What is that thing?”

“Looks like a chunk of charred wood.”

“Charred wood? How is that possible?”

“You’re right. It’s a petrified piece of brisket. How often do you clean this thing?”

“Every time I use her.”

“Well, you better be more careful. You almost lost it.”

“Her.”

“Whatever. If you want to keep it in top condition, you better do a better job of cleaning. You’ll save my fee too.”

“We have a lot of hamburgers to grill. Is she up to it?”

“Yes. I sealed the cut. She is good to go.”

“You know they don’t make grills like this anymore.”

“Yeah, I know. Here’s my bill.”

“This bill is more than my doctor charges.”

“I know. I used to be a doctor.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Battle of Waterloo

October 15, 2018October 14, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

The Battle of Waterloo by Clément-Auguste Andrieux

This post continues the historical tableaux for the Top Ten Lists. As always I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are at the Battle of Waterloo, do not volunteer to carry the French Eagle battle standard. If you do, at best your application will be lost. At worst, every British and Prussian soldier will be trying to take it from you. (So how does it feel, Flannery, having 15,000 swords all waving at you?)

9 If you are at the Battle of Waterloo, do not continue to try to meet Emperor Napoleon if Tiny the WWF champ tells you to go away. If you do at best, you may get thrown out. At worst, Tiny who just finished his last group session on self-esteem may think you don’t respect him. (Uh oh. Looks like Tiny is priming that musket, Floinn. Might be a good time to try out the Air Jordans.)

8 If you are at the Battle of Waterloo, do not order Napoleon Brandy as an after-dinner drink while dining with the British Commander the First Duke of Wellington. If you do, at best the restaurant won’t have any. At worst, the Duke’s team will think you a spy. (You just finished your last meal, Fonzie. I hope you enjoyed it.)

7 If you are at the Battle of Waterloo, do not offer to be a Henry Kissinger-like, peace negotiator. If you do, at best you will cause uproarious laughter. At worst one side will take you up on your offer. (But the other side has decided to use you as a target for practice. Might as well put that white flag down, Forrester. It’s not going to stop 15,000 lead balls heading your way.)

6 If you are at the Battle of Waterloo, as the brandy example, do not order beef Wellington at Napoleon’s staff dinner. If you do, at best they will all think they did not hear you right. At worst, someone will get the idea that it would be fun to have a dual. (Guess who has been chosen as the duelee, Fortune? Yup. Better find a second fast.)

5 If you are at the Battle of Waterloo, do not take Emperor Napoleon’s horse for a fast getaway. If you do, at best he has a spare. At worst, the horse has been trained to return to Napoleon with a whistle. (This is a fine kettle of fish you have gotten yourself into, Francois. You can add horse thief to the charges of treason, sedition, and spy. Don’t worry though you only have one life to give.)

4 If you are at the Battle of Waterloo, do not ask your British commander about tea time. If you do, at best he will think you are joking. At worst, he will assign you the job of going to the French lines to get a croissant to go with the tea. (I’m not surprised the French started shooting at you, Franky. Everyone knows croissants are for breakfast, not afternoon tea.)

3 If you are at the battle of Waterloo, do not try speaking French to the French to be better understood. If you do, at best you will be disappointed. At worst, your BonJour greeting will be met with a hail of bullets. (I guess it is your American accent that gets in the way, Franz. Try Spanish next time.)

2 If you are at the battle of Waterloo, do not turn your map upside down to get a different view. If you do, at best your general will get dizzy. At worst, the general will order the charge of the Scots Greys in the wrong direction. (Now you are charging alone in the right direction, Frazier. Good luck when you meet the French Chevau-légers of the line (lancers) They look pretty mean too.)

1 If you are at the Battle of Waterloo, do not keep your souvenir stand open after the first cannon salvo. If you do, at best you will have few customers. At worst, you’ll have to take cover. (The cannonballs seem to be attracted to your stand, Freeowine. Maybe cheap trashy gifts have that effect on hot, heavy, metal balls flying through the air.)

Views of the Neighborhood – 1st Annual Trash Dash

October 14, 2018October 14, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Port Aransas held its First Annual Trash Dash yesterday. Although a brief downpour made everything wet, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants

Here is a shot of the registration table. All participants got a T-shirt and a collection bag. The idea is to go out and for one hour collect trash on the beach. The most trash collected wins first prize.

A photo of one of the volunteers Angie Huckabay will give you an idea of the front of the shirt.

The back shows the sponsors and the plea to Keep Texas Beaches Clean.

Here is a mom and her children signing up to participate.

Here is a French Bulldog in the mud and mugging for the camera.

Here is a shot of the trophies. There are awards for the first, second, and third place.

First place

Second Place.

Third place.

Ready, set, go. And they are off

Another group.

A couple of boys headed for the dune.

A group photo of participants. Photo by Shannon Solimine

Some of the Eighty bags picked up. Photo by Shannon Solimine

First Place. Photo by Shannon Solimine

Second Place. Photo by Shannon Solimine

On the way home, we spotted that the missing sea captain (from Hurricane Harvey) is being replaced. I will bring you an after shot when he is complete.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

October 12, 2018October 11, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

“Come on Dad. It’s Friday. Put your back into it. You can win.”

It is Friday. Our thoughts and prayers go to those affected by Hurricane Michael. Currently, there have been two deaths reported and an untold amount of damage. Power is out for over 800,000 residents. It will be a long recovery for those in the path.

Today’s JohnKu speaks of challenges. Hope you have a super weekend.

Nature or others,

Serve up the unexpected . . .

We need to be strong.