So where is Dad and Aunt Barbara?” “They went off to see a sculpture garden and an art exhibit.” “So what does that mean to us?” “Of course you would ask that. Well, it means we are on our own until they come back.” “On our own. Like we’re orphans?” “No, it means that Dad […]
Today, I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 129. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “focus.” This is our prompt today. Focus by John W. Howell © 2026 “You got the target?” “Roger. My focus is absolutely laser sharp.” “Well, just track it then and […]
This post was originally published by Marie Ann Bailey and me on January 6, 2014. Since some of us still make New Year’s resolutions, I thought it might come in handy. Top Ten Things Not To Do as New Year’s Resolutions 10. For your New Year’s Resolutions, do not put “Exercise Daily” or the word […]
Today we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall Art display to view the installation of Lakeway artist Sofia Besondy We are catered by La Santa Barbacha of Austin. Our entertainment is Nora Jones. Menu BARBACOA -braised beef topped with cilantro and onion BENITO TACO -pinto beans, chicharron, barbacoa, queso fresco, avocado, herbs BEEF ASADA TACO […]
Coffee first, then face the day. The low caffeine warning light is blinking behind my eyes. A touch of the two-coffee icon on the touchscreen starts the process that delivers eight ounces of life-saving goodness. One sip and the red warning begins to fade. A second sip, and the chimes of Westminster announce […]
Today’s good news story comes from The Cool Down newsletter. Thank you to Noelle Granger for sending it to me. Experts thrilled by recovery of beloved US creatures: ‘It was really successful’ By Drew Jones Wild turkeys are thriving across Illinois in what one wildlife expert has dubbed “one of the greatest wildlife management success […]
“Wow. That sun feels good on the face, Twiggy.” “Tell me about it. We haven’t laid out for quite a while.” “Why don’t we do this more often?” “You tell me. I don’t know why.” “Being inside on a day like this is a crime.” “Well, all we have to do is get Mom or […]
Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 77. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger that we can read is the compound word “short-range.” This is our prompt. Short-Range by John W. Howell © 2026 “What are you talking about?” “Were you […]
This post, written by Marie Ann Bailey and me, was published on January 13, 2014. Since the holiday period was quite long this year, and today is the first day back for many of you, I hope it is useful Top Ten Things Not to Do as You Return to Work after a Long Holiday […]
Today’s good news story comes from CBS. It was sent by Resa McConaghy. Thanks, Resa, for sharing Elusive, endangered wild cat seen in Thailand for the first time in 30 years December 26, 2025 An elusive wild cat long feared extinct in Thailand has been rediscovered three decades after the last recorded sighting, conservation authorities […]



















