John W. Howell's Blog

“Twiggy. I’m exhausted.” “What’s the matter?” “Mom took me to Lowe’s, and I’m worn out.” “Oh, poor you. You’ve got to go to Lowe’s.” “I know. All those people adoring me and the treats.” “Yes, the horror.” “I’m starting to recover.” “Oh, I would take the rest of the day. One can’t be too careful.” […]

  I am pleased to help announce Sally Cronin’s newest book, Tales from the Irish Garden – The Missing Pieces. As you know, Sally is a large supporter of Indie authors and an author in her own right. So when she launches a book, it is an honor to help spread the word. About the […]

  Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 225. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “privacy.” That is our prompt today. Privacy by John W. Howell © 2026 “Could you please leave?” “What’s the problem?” “I just need some privacy.” “I don’t get it.” […]

  This edition continues the historical background on the Top Ten feature. I hope you like it. This post ran on September 1, 2018 Top Ten Things Not to Do During the 1849 California Gold Rush 10 If you are near the gold rush, do not sell everything to go mine for gold. If you do, […]

Today, we are visiting Lakeways historic Liebelt Cabin. We are catered by Crown and Anchor Pub of Austin. Our entertainment is The Foggy Mountain Boys. Menu Classic Hamburger & Fries – The tried-and-true original, 100% Fresh, Never Frozen Patty cooked to perfection. For those who don’t want to mess with a good thing! Mushroom Swiss […]

A simple Saturday would include a calm cup of coffee, peace, and quiet. Of course, around here, the coffee is available, but peace and quiet? A touch of the two-coffee button sets in motion a chain of events destined to see me admitted to a special care facility or an order for a tun of […]

  Our good news post comes from the Good News Network. 250 Millionth Tree Planted by this Tree-Planting Search Engine Just Ahead of Earth Day By Andy Corbley –Apr 23, 2026 Reaching the milestone just before Earth Day, Ecosia, the nonprofit search engine, is celebrating 250 million trees planted worldwide, becoming the world’s largest planter […]

“She’s really gone?” “Well, for a while, Tempeste.” “Where’d she go?” “Her daughter is fostering a dog and had to go on a trip, so Mom is babysitting.” “How long is she going to be gone?” “Till Sunday.”     “Till Sunday? You know how long that is?” “Yeah, it’s four days.” “We could die […]

I have known Jan just about as long as I have been writing and blogging and am pleased to have her visit on the fourth stop on her tour. Her stories are always intriguing and very difficult to put down. Jan is here today to talk about her latest, so I will get out of […]

  Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 85. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word nearest to my finger is “breath.” This is our prompt today. Breath by John W. Howell © 2026 “Okay. Close your eyes.” “Why should I close my eyes?” “‘Cause I don’t want […]