Views of the Neighborhood

Here are a few photos that should serve as a catch-up kind of post. The reason this situation has occurred is my Producer is out of town for puppy pick up duty. Usually, she has investigated what is going on in Port Aransas and sets up the shooting schedule. Well left to my own devices you can see what happens. We all miss the Producer I’m sure.

Easter weekend on the beach

Looking North, this looks much like Spring Break. There is a difference most of these people are adults.

Same kind of scene looking south.

The kites were out in force.

A couple of more beauties.

Notice there are no police cars. Mostly families enjoying the sun.

full moon

Full moon last night.

View of the neighborhood

Finally, a shot of a storm over the Gulf taken last September but I never ran it. (this is called filler)

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Bun”

 

 

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “bun.” Linda Hill further advises that the word bun can be used as part of a word or alone. If you would like to participate in this prompt, hop like a bunny (oh my) over to Linda’s blog and read all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/03/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-30-18/

Bun by John W. Howell @ 2018

“Bun in the oven. Bunsen burner. Easter Bunny.”

“What are you doing?”

“I signed up for the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt.”

“And you have lost your mind?”

“No, I’m trying to get a story developed around this week’s prompt.”

“Let me guess. The prompt is bun.”

“You are amazing.”

“So how hard can it be? How about a bun vendor who has a magic bun that he gives to a bun eater.”

“That is your story, not mine.”

“Why does it have to be yours anyway.”

“There are rules.”

“And if you break them you go to jail right?”

“It is a matter of pride and honesty.”

“Okay then put on your thinking cap and get a story going.”

“Okay here goes. There is this guy who is a bun vendor and has a magic bun. He gives it to a princess who needs the bun to attract the bun eating prince.”

“Why would the guy give away a magic bun?”

“He was actually a frog before the princess kissed him and now he needs to show his gratitude.”

“Gratitude for rising to the exalted position of bun vendor?”

“Well, he is human now and happy about that.”

“So no more fly eating.”

“May I finish.”

“You go.”

“Okay, so the princess takes the magic bun with her to the ball.”

“What ball?”

“The prince is throwing a ball to meet all the fair ladies in the kingdom.”

“A fine point left out of the story.”

“A big line forms and the ladies are meeting the prince.”

“Before cocktails? That must have been nerve-wracking.”

“Yes. I mean, may I continue?”

“Knock yourself out.”

“The princess gets in line and finally approaches the prince. She reaches out and has the bun hidden in her palm. She and the prince look into each other’s eyes as they eagerly grasp each other’s hand.”

“Wow. Romantic or what?”

“They pull together and as if magnetized, touch lips.”

“Okay. Now we are getting somewhere.”

“The magic bun melts in their fevered grip forming a permanent bond between the two.”

“And they live happily ever after right?”

“Well, let’s just say the magic bun did its job.”

“What does that mean?”

“The prince was turned into a frog and the princess had a frog attached to her hand.”

“OMG. Are you nuts?”

“Well, unlike every other prince in the kingdom, the bun vendor didn’t mind the frog and married the princess.”

“His plan all along?”

“He was the only one living happily ever after.”

“You need professional help. You know that?”

“Here, have a bun.”

 

 

 

 

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

Another week in the bag. (so to speak). We are happy that all the repairs have been made at our house. Yesterday was the first day in six months that no one was scheduled to come in and do something. The sound of silence is deafening. I have to say after all the angst and loss of hair, the house looks great.

TGIF

Here is the photo I ran on this blog before the flooring work started.

New Floors

So here is the finished item. Wider planks, darker wood, more texture in keeping with a beach house.

Today’s John Ku talks about the new normal in a disaster area. I hope you have a great weekend.

Patience by John W. Howell © 2018

Normal completion,

Can be months instead of weeks . . .

Learn patience virtue.

Thursday – A Little personal – New Arrival

“Hey, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. How are you today?”

“Not sure.”

“What’s the problem?”

A New Puppy

“There’s a pile of stuff over there that I don’t recognize.”

“Mom is putting the things she will need for the puppy arrival.”

“I know you mentioned a puppy, but are you actually going to adopt one? Look at this stuff Bailey.”

I see it. Yeah, Pops. Come clean. What’s going on?

Okay, Girls. Here’s the deal. You know Mom, and I believe in the rescue of animals?”

“Yes, Boss and Baily and I love you for that.”

“Well, there is an organization named Dog Ranch Rescue who have as a mission to rescue enslaved dogs from puppy mills.”

“This story could take a while, so I’m going to go and lay down.”

“Okay, Bailey. You can listen from the couch. As I was saying, the rescue people go to auctions and buy as many puppy mothers as they can.”

“Puppy auctions? What are those, Pops.”

“These are places where breeders sell dogs they no longer want. Maybe the dogs are older or have had too many litters. Anyway, this group buys these dogs to give them freedom from being used in puppy mills.”

“Puppy mills sound like a bad place to be if you are a puppy.”

“That’s true, Lucy. They are even worse places for mothers of puppies. Sometimes the group is able to buy a mother who already has puppies inside her. Then this is an opportunity to free the mother and have the puppies born in freedom as well. Which brings us to Little Twiggy.”

“Twiggy? Is that the puppy’s name?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Can we see her?”.

Well, I happen to have a photo taken by her foster mom for Easter, and you can also go to the Dog Ranch Rescue website. The group gave her the name Maraschino which is her name on the site. We are naming her Twiggy.”

“OMG Pops. She is so cute. Is she a boxer?”

“No Bailey she is a French Bulldog, and she was born free.”

Lucy and Bailey“When is mom going to get her?”

“Good question Lucy. Mom will get her in the Dallas area on Saturday, and she will be here on Monday.”

“Monday? Why so long?”

“You remember Dr. Hay in San Antonio don’t you?”

“Aw, he’s the best.”

“Yes, well, mom has to stop there so that Twiggy can have a complete physical and then she’ll be home. What do you think?”

Lucy and Bailey

“Yay, a baby sister.”

“I think you will like her Bailey. How about you Lucy?”

“I love babies. She is in my heart already.”

“You two are going to love her.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week we went with Frank Plano to Jason McDonnell’s office. Frank asked Jason a few questions that seemed to put Jason on edge. “When did you meet Trish and does she have a boyfriend?” got Jason a little cranky. We ended last week’s discussion with Frank telling Jason that he was going to interview Trish. I don’t know about you, but if I were Trish, I don’t think I would talk to Frank. He defiantly has a way of getting down to the bone so to speak. Well, I can see Trish letting Frank into Lucas’ apartment. So much for our opinion on what she should do. Let’s hurry since this might be an interesting conversation.

“Come in Mr. Plano. What can I do for you?”
“As I said on the phone, I just have a few questions that relate to the killing of your parents. Oh, and you can call me Frank. We are all friends here.”
“You have been hired by Mr. McDonnell, right?”
“That’s right, Trish. So as you can see we are all on the same team.”
“I am worried about my brother. Do you have the evidence you need to clear his name.”
“I think I do. I just have a few loose ends, and then I think I can safely present the case to the DA here in Antion.”
“The DA? I thought you work for Mr. McDonnell.”
“Oh yes. I guess I should have said that Mr. McDonnell would be able to present the case. My mistake. Once I start working on a particular situation, I tend to think of it as my own. I hope I didn’t alarm you.”
“I was just surprised. I didn’t think you were working on your own is all.”
“I understand. You ready for a few questions? By the way, these are just for the record so that all the facts line up.”
“I-I guess so.”
“And if you are uncomfortable you can let me know. I certainly am not here to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I appreciate that, Mr. Plano.”
“It’s Frank but okay. My first question is about the time you spent in rehab.”
“What about it?”
“Did you know Mrs. Weston was working at the facility?
“Who?”
“So you didn’t know Mrs. Weston?”
“No, I can’t recall that name.”
“Okay, thanks. The next question I have is about Sheriff Gibson.”
“What about sheriff Gibson?”
“You used him as a reference to get the job at the hotel.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“How well did you know him?”
“He got me off a charge of drug dealing depending on going to rehab.”
“Why would he do that?”
“I think he thought I would want to pay him back with sex.”
“Really?”
“Well, he never said anything, but I got that opinion.”
“Did you know he was married to Mrs. Weston?”
“That name again. I knew he was married and divorced. I never heard a Mrs. Weston mentioned.”
“How about Alice?”
“Yeah, he mentioned Alice. That was his ex-wife.”
“Switching gears a minute. When did you meet Jason McDonnell?”
“Lucas introduced us one day when I was visiting at the hospital.”
“I see. So you never met him before then?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Nothing. I’m just verifying what you said.”
“You implied that I met him some other time.”
“I didn’t imply anything of the sort. Anything on your mind that you would like to tell me?”
“I would like you to go and ask someone else your hundred questions.”
“You ever have sex with Jason McDonnell?”
“Where did you get that idea?”
“Oh, let’s just say others don’t have your integrity and like to flap their gums.”
“So Jason told you we were lovers?
“Were you?”
“No more questions Mr. Plano. I am asking you to leave.”
“Thank you, Ms. Severide. You have been very helpful. Good day.”

Tuesday-Anything Possible-Kreative Kue #167

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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

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

Kreative Kue #167

The Walk by John W. Howell © 2018

“What did you do?”

“Me? Nothing.”

“Where did all this steam come from?”

“How do I know? I was just taking a picture of that crawly thing when it came up from the grate. Wait. Don’t walk on it.”

“I wasn’t going to walk on it. I wanted to see if it is hot.”

“With your foot?”

“I don’t want to stick my hand in it.”

“Get back away. Of course, it’s hot.”

“How do you know?”

“I can feel the heat from here.”

“What crawly thing were you taking a picture of?”

“You didn’t see it?”

“No what did it look like?”

“Sorta like a centipede.”

“Ew. I’m glad I didn’t see it. Where is it now?”

“It jumped into the grate just before the steam came out.”

“Where do you think it went?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, but I’ll tell you one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Where ever it went I’m sure it is dead. That must be a thousand degrees down there.”

“Should we be worried?”

“About what?”

“I don’t know. Maybe an earthquake or volcano?”

“Oh please. This is a little disturbance is all. Nothing ever happens like that here.”

“That’s a relief. How about some lunch?”

“I heard they have a great place around the corner.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“I bought a guidebook.”

“Let me see it.”

“Okay, here on page 45 starts the list of the top restaurants in Pompeii.”

“You feel that?”

“Whoa, I sure did.”

Views of the Neighborhood – Galveston Book Festival

Yesterday I was in Galveston for their Book Festival. I had to drive 41/2 hours. Such is the life of an Island dweller. Everything is hours away.

Galveston Book Fair

It was two lane road the whole way. This garbage truck in front of me was my best friend for twenty miles. He kept me from exceeding the speed limit. In fact, he was so concerned he held me at least five miles per hour under the whole way.

The Festival is in the grade school.

Here is the setup. You can tell we are in the gym by the doors.

I thought I would take a shot without the doors

Would you buy a book from this guy?

A view of the other setups around me.

More booths

Here is a far away shot of my booth.

Happy book lovers.

Final shot. Now for another 41/2 hours back to the island.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Picture”

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “picture.” We are supposed to write about a picture that we see when we sit down to write. Unfortunately, my regular writing place which has lovely pictures is overrun with workers installing new flooring. I will have to write about the picture in my head.

The Picture by John W. Howell © 2018

“So what picture have you formed in your head?”

“I’m sitting on a desert island under a palm tree.”

“What are you doing there?”

“Basking in the sweet peace and quiet.”

“Is there anyone there with you?”

“Let me see. Nope. There is only me, the sand, and the crystal clear water. Oh yes, there are palm trees too.”

“Aren’t you lonely?”

“I just got here for heaven’s sake. By the way, where did you come from?”

“Me? I’m just a figment of your imagination.”

“Who asks a lot of questions.”

“Well, it must be your enquiring mind.”

“Okay so let’s just go with it. What else do you want to know?”

“Why are you here?”

“Have you ever spent three weeks with an air compressor and  pounding hammers?”

“I could say yeah, cause I’m part of you but let me play along and say, no.”

“This island is so quiet it almost brings tears of joy in the response to the relief.”

“Wow. You trying to impress yourself with that kind of description?”

“Now you’re being a pain.”

“So how long are we—um—I mean you staying?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Let’s just say I might be ready to leave as soon as my heart slows down and ears stop ringing.”

“I think that was the bourbon and not hammers.”

“Very funny. I only used the bourbon as soothing syrup.”

“Said the guy who pitched an empty 1.5-liter bottle.”

“Aw come on. I had that thing a year. Besides, why do I listen to you?”

“Good point. Do you have an answer?”

“Go away.”

“How about a nice cold drink of water.”

“You bring a cooler?”

“No.”

“So why offer a cold drink?”

“It was a thought, not an offer.”

“Come to think about it. I think I need to find some water.”

“And a stray burger or two.”

“Damn. this may not work.”

“You think?”

“Let’s get out of here and stop at Buster’s Bodacious Burgers on the way home.”

“My kind of guy. I’m right behind you.”

“Wait. How do we get off?”

“I’m a figment, not a magician. How do I know? You got us here now take us home.”

“There’s no place like home.”

“Wizard of Oz isn’t going to help. Why don’t you just wake up.”

“Huh. Where am I? Where are you, figment? Oh great. Hammers.”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

Galveston Book Festival

Friday is here and a good thing too. I am heading to Galveston to participate in the Galveston Book Fair. The fair is from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM tomorrow. I am driving, and it is a 41/2 hour trip by car, so I need to go up the night before. I have been anticipating this festival in that I have decided to take a local approach to helping spread the word on my books. I plan on two others for this year, and then I will make a decision if I need to continue or go in a different direction.

Like you, marketing my books has been one of the hardest things about being an Indie author. Intellectually I know they won’t sell themselves so outreach tactics are necessary. I still haven’t found the magic bullet for success but will keep trying.

Today’s JohnKu talks about finding the formula for success. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Success by John W. Howell © 2018

We all want success,

Although the way may be hard . . .

Quitting’s no option.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

 

Hump Day

An Award if you qualify.

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were surprised by Trish’s reaction to the information that Lucas gave her about Frank Plano. She seemed upset that Frank wanted to talk to her and very interested in what Lucas said about her introduction to Jason McDonnell, the lawyer. Goodness, this is getting a little complex, isn’t it? Well, I see Frank is headed over to the lawyer’s office so I think we should follow along. Uh oh, he is already in there, so we need to hurry.

“Have a seat Frank. You need any water or anything?”
“No boss. I’m good.”
“So how is the investigation going?”
“Pretty good. I think I’ve pretty much established that Lucas is an innocent man.”
“Oh, that’s good news. Want to share the details?”
“Well, I have just a few things to wrap up. Dot the I’s and cross the T’s so to speak.”
“I see. But you are sure Lucas is innocent?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Do you have an idea who did do it then?”
“Um, I do, but it will take a little time to build the case.”
“Anyone, we know?”
“Now boss you must be patient. I don’t want any unreasonable expectations to be raised.”
“You know you can confide in me.”
“Oh, I know that it’s just I hate to reach a conclusion until I’m sure.”
“How long until you are sure?”
“I have to ask a couple of questions of Trish Severide and then maybe one or two of Harriet Murphy.”
“My God. Do you think Harriet has anything to do with this? She hired us for heaven’s sake.”
“As I said I need to check out a couple of facts.”
“Trish Severide. You think she could do it?”
“I’m not sure. What do you think?”
“I’m sure I don’t know. I only met her once.”
“Where was that?”
“At the hospital. She was visiting Lucas, and he introduced her.”
“Yeah, well that wouldn’t give you enough exposure to know if she was capable.”
“She seemed a little unstable though.”
“Yes, she has had a rocky past. She have a boyfriend?”
“Now, how in the hell would I know that?”
“I just thought you might have some information. I know how good you are in getting to the truth.”
“Thanks. In this case, I have no idea.”
“Okay then. I’m going to go and see if I can interview her myself.”
“Thanks for the update, Frank.”
“Anytime, Boss. Bye now.”