Fiction Favorites

Today we are visiting Lakeway and seeing what we can see. We are catered by Serenade American Brasserie restaurant, and our entertainment is James Taylor. The producer took all the photos except a few. Hers are the most beautiful Menu CONCHIGILE ALLA VODKA  – Alla vodka, stracciatella, red pepper, chili, basil SALMON – Olive oil potatoes, heirloom relish, fried caper HALIBUT – Brown butter…

Before we begin our silliness today, I want to remind us of all those who stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. For some, it was their last day, and we owe them a great deal for their sacrifice. There are very few alive now who participated in that D-Day exercise for liberty, but most lived full lives that their comrades would not enjoy. Almost by coincidence, the coffee…

“Tempeste, where are you going?” “Don’t you hear that barking?” “That dog barks every day. What’s the big deal?” “It just sounded a little different to me.” “Listen carefully. Tell me it’s different.” “Okay. You are right. That is the same dog.” “So let’s get on with the day,” “Yeah, good idea. That stupid dog has shut up anyway.” “What would you like to do today?” “Oh, I don’t know. We could…

Today, I opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 267  and with eyes closed pointed. My finger fell closest to the word “tampered.” This is our prompt today Tampered by John W. Howell © 2026 “Somebody tampered with my stuff.” “What do you mean?” “Look here.” “What am I looking at?” “See the mess?” “I hate to say this, but your place is always a mess.” ‘Not like this.” “Okay, spell it out for…

Photo – Mystic Stamp Company   In 1683, thirteen families from Krefeld, Germany, arrived in Philadelphia to begin Germantown, one of America’s oldest settlements. The Top Ten Things Not to Do provides advice (maybe a little late) if you found yourself part of that event. This post ran in October of 2018. Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Helped Found Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1683. 10 If you are…

Today, we are going back to view the remaining Texas flora. If you missed last week, you can go HERE. We are catered by Roaring Fork of Austin, and our entertainment is The Proclaimers. Menu BIG ASS BURGER – poblano / cheddar / bacon / lettuce / tomato / onions / pickles / chipotle mayo served with French fries SHRIMP AND GRITS –  cheddar grits, sweet corn butter,  chorizo,  fried egg RAINBOW…

Saturday is always a good day. It seems the coffee machine goes out of its way to impress the end user. Just this morning it said good morning without being prompted. It then produced this fine mug of coffee Just in time  for the first sip to quell the percussion part of the Anvil Chorus playing in my head.  The second sip brings the familiar  steel stamping plant cacophony of the combination of…

Florida panthers in the Picayune Strand – credit, David Shindle Conservancy of Southwest Florida Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network. Everglades Restoration Project Ongoing for 20-Plus Years Sees Huge Rewilding Success By Andy Corbley – May 28, 2026 A huge area of the Everglades that was drained in an attempt to convert it to suburbia has been restored to a somewhat native…

“What do you think, Twiggy. Time we do something?” “I suppose. You know those long weekends knock me out.” “What are you doing in the kitchen?” “You never know what those two might drop.” “Yeah, like what?” “Oh,  I don’t know. Maybe a bit of cheese or cracker.” “Okay, so I ran over here, and nothing. What are you doing in the laundry room?” “I know Mom keeps toys in here, and I thought maybe I…

  Today, I readomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 147. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word nearest to my finger is “complicated.” This is our prompt today. Complicated by John W. Howell © 2026 “It’s complicated.” “All I asked was how come you two are not together.” “And I’m telling you there are complications to an easy answer.” “I mean, you and he are always…

As in years past, I firmly believe that we should not forget the sacrifices of those who have died in service to this country. All ten points are the same. Do not forget those who gave their lives so you may live in freedom.   Our flag honors those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Today, we will view the Lakeway Walk of Texas Flora. There are 26 stops, so we won’t make all of them today. We’ll do half this week and the rest next. Also, the display cards are under glass, so the photographs are as good as I could make them. We are catered by Embers of Austin, and our entertainment is Johnnie Lee and Lane Brody. Menu Plantain Stack – Buttermilk Pancakes, Plantains, Whipped…

“ May your day be wonderful” is the message on the touchscreen of the coffee machine. For the life of me, I can’t imagine why the machine has started to provide motivational messages. The last software download must have led to the idea that we humans can change our emotional state at will. Oh well, it is a nice sentiment, and a touch of the two coffee buttons is a more practical way to alter a…

A bull moose passing through Gary Verbrugge’s yard – credit, supplied by Verbrugge to the Spokesman-Review Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Man Gathers Up Family Acres Home to Moose and Mountain Lion and Returns Them to Indian Tribe By Andy Corbley –May 21, 2026 Early in May, GNN reported how Australian and US citizens have amassed 85 million acres of private land…

“Tempeste, why aren’t you testing the fence?” “For one, this tasty leaf needs to be finished.” “Is there a for two?” “Well, from here it looks mighty wicked.” “What do you mean, ‘wicked?'” “It might be electrified.” “Dad would never do that.” “He would get pretty excited when I busted through the old one.” “Yeah, but this looks like it is made pretty well.” “It does look substantial. I don’t…

Today, I randomly opened The Eternal Road – The last stop to page 253. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger is “content.” That is our prompt. Content by John W. Howell © 2026 “Well, you look content.” “Makes you jealous, doesn’t it?” “Not really. I have had enough to eat, and the expanded content of my stomach tells me it is nap time.” “I’m not sure I understand the…