Dan Antion

Is It Really You? – #SoCS

Some assembly required.
My coworker.

Welcome to the weekend. As is our habit, we have gathered at the bar to relax, imbibe and to work around the challenge of Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. This week, Linda gave us the following:

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “more than a hundred.” Write your post inspired by something you have more than a hundred of in your home right now. Enjoy!”

Join us as we try to enjoy.

If we were having a beer, good things would be coming our way.

“Is that a new mask, Dan?”

“Yes and no, David.”

“It’s a yes OR no question Dan.”

“I understand, but…”

“Wait, you’re not going to tell me a story about this mask, are you?”

“David, meet Dan. He’s one of Cheryl’s regulars. He drinks Corona Extra out of the bottle and he always answers a question with a story.”

“This day keeps getting better. Hello Skippy.”

“Hi Brad. Can’t say as I enjoyed the introduction, but I would like a Corona.”

“Sorry, Dan, but you know…”

“He knows. After you dig his beer out of the cooler and build your lime castle, could I get a John Howell’s Special.”

“Of course, David.”

“So, Dan. New mask?”

“Technically, yes, but I’ve had it a long time.”

“Saving it for this occasion?”

“No, I forgot my mask.”

“Here’s your Corona and your lime, Dan. David, I’ll be right back with your ensemble.”

“Brad, why is the lime on a plate? Where’s your signature lime-balance?”

“I’m not allowed to make them. The manager says that requires too much contact with the lime. You know, the other Corona thing.”

“But if your hands are clean – they are clean, aren’t they? – and the lime is clean, who cares how long you touch it?”

“I don’t make the rules, Dan.”

“I see. It’s OK if I touch it, right?”

“Be my guest. David, here is your glass of John Howell’s Bourbon, your snifter of seltzer and your glass of ice. Anything else I can get you guys?”

“A map to the cherries.”

“Ha, that’s a good one, David. One in each glass today.”

“Cheer’s David.”

“Not so fast, Dan. You still haven’t answered my question.”

“Yes, the mask. Well, if you must know, the mask is new, but it’s disposable.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“It’s like having a new potato chip, or a new bottle of Corona. It’s here, it’s new, but it’s about to be gone.”

“So, it doesn’t count? Where did you get it?”

“Harbor Freight. The have them in packs of ten at the counter. I’ve been picking one up, here and there.”

“But you normally wear a cloth mask.”

“I do, but these are good when you forget those.”

“You guys ready for another round? A little more John Howell’s for you, David?”

“Yes please. You know, Skippy, if you’re working here in a couple weeks you can meet John Howell.”

“Meet him? In person?”

“Yep. Dan says he’s coming here.”

“Is that true, Dan? I don’t believe you. Why would John Howell come to this little bar?”

“I’ll tell you what, Brad. Let’s call John and ask him. If it’s true, our drinks are free.”

“And if it’s false?”

“David will tip you one-hundred percent.”

“Wait, why am I involved, Dan? It isn’t even my week to pay.”

“It has to be you, David, you’re the one drinking bourbon.”

“I see…actually, that doesn’t make sense.”

“One-hundred percent? Deal. Call him up.”

“Hear, it’s ringing.”

“Hello.”

“Hi, this is Brad. From the bar with Dan and David. Is this really John Howell? The author?”

 “I have been called a number of things, Brad. I must say I do like it when you say ‘author,’ so, yes, this is me.”

“Dan says you’re coming here, is that true? I mean, why would you be coming here?

“Dan graciously invited me to stop by for a drink and to talk about my new book. Given those are two of my most favorite things to do on a Saturday, I accepted.”

“When are you coming?”

“Let me look at my calendar. Oh, it’s real soon. I’ll be there on Saturday September 12th.

“Ugh, I’m going to have to switch with Cheryl. She’s gonna want something big.”

“Well, I can’t give you much advice on that. Good talking with you Brad.”

“Wait, wait. I need to know this is really you. If you’re really John Howell, what’s the real name of John Howell’s Bourbon?”

“That is an easy one Skippy. The full name of John Howell’s bourbon is Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. Commonly called Willett.”

“Damn. I just lost a lot of money. Here Dan, here’s your phone. I’ll get you guys another round.”

“Thanks for the drinks, Brad.”

“The new drinks, Dan, the new drinks.”

If you want to buy John’s book before he visits, here are the universal links to do so.

Kindle

Paper

We walked during a break in the rain.
We have had some welcome rain this week.
Foggy reflection.
Right-side up view.
I always wonder why a group of birds picks one pole and a single bird tries another.
Foggy path.
Now that the sun is up, this for won’t last long.
Maddie finds these leaves interesting.
I tried to see what Maddie saw.
The lower brace on the rafters are secured to the upper rafter portion with screws and gusset plates that are stapled on.
The roof rafters have been strengthened and the facia has been applied. It’s going to rain for a bit, so I covered the plywood with plastic.
It’s beautiful bar, but it’s kind of sad to see it like this,.
MuMu is not interested in conversation.
For some reason, Maddie decided to try the Editor’s bench as a place to sit.
Unphased by the weather, MiMi is getting some rest.

90 comments

  2. I have disposable and cloth masks in each vehicle as does my husband, and I was laughing that car makers are going to have to add hooks to hang them on because it seems like there is no end to this mask wearing period. :-) Maddie sitting on the bench is pretty cute, and I wish you’d send some of that rain north to us. We’ve got a 50% change at noon today so I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed. :-) Happy Saturday, Dan.

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    • They say you should wash them after every use, but I doubt any virus can survive baking in the sun we’ve had this summer. It’s raining here now. No walk today, probably no sitting. I don’t know what possessed her to jump up on the bench. I hope the rain heads your way. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. As always, Dan, you give us an interesting trip to the bar.
    You sure get plenty of fog up there, eh? Mostly our foggy mornings are west of here on 441.
    Enjoy your weekend – and stay safe!

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  7. Happy Saturday Dan. The construction proceeds. What was the temporary pulley for on the roof ? The history of the Willett distillery is interesting. As for the bar – gee it looks more like a bank teller’s window than a bar. At least before ATMs. And I probably should not have typed that out loud. What a grotesque thought. And possible progression. Or regression ! And on that thought time for some more coffee to sip on. Can we get the Dos Equis XXX hombre to do a John Howell plug ? When I drink bourbon it is always John Howell…

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  9. Funny bar conversation. Masks are here forever, I think. Certainly for those of us who will be reluctant to give them up, despite their annoyance.

    Maddie looks too cute for words on the bench . Love the foggy and raindrop pictures. Apparently it’s not just humans who don’t practice social distancing, it’s birds too!! Lol.
    Ginger

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    • I couldn’t believe it when she jumped up on the bench, Ginger. It was if she was reminding me that we have even more places to sit. There are some things that will never be the same. I expect to be seeing people wearing masks for a very long time. I was looking forward to giving them up, but now they seem to be saying that they do help the person wearing the mask. It’s one of the reasons they think some people’s symptoms aren’t as bad as others. If that’s possible, I’ll keep wearing mine.

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  10. Thank you so much for the links, Dan. I really loved talking to Brad. I didn’t realize how high his voice gets when he whines. The photos were terrific. That braced roof is something. Maddie is her perfect self. I’m looking forward to the 12th. Since I don’t fly these days (COVID) I’m going to have to start out early to get there. Not sure if by car or train. See you then. 😁

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  11. Great Saturday trip to the bar as always. That’s exciting news about John! Now I must ask. What’s at the end of that pulley shown in your picture of the shed or was it necessary for your build in some way? It’s raining here again today. The sun is intermittent at best these days.

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    • It is exciting news, Maggie. I wanted to make sure people knew he would “show up” in the near future.

      I was going to send you to my reply to John Hric, but I decided to copy & paste my reply instead of making you wander around. When I raised the roof segment, I had left the center section of sheathing out so I could attach the slings to the rafters. Of course, that pulled those rafters a little out of place. And then, like an idiot, I nailed the sheathing in and preserved the bend. Fortunately, the bend was slight. I backed my trailer under the roof and with the come-a-long that you see, I pulled the roof back to “straight” before attaching the lower portions of the rafters. Once they were attached, I removed the come-a-long and the roof line remained level, all the way across.

      It is pouring here today. We need the rain, and I am enjoying a day off.

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      • Thanks for the explanation, Dan. I could never do what you do, but I do love hearing about the process. Our rain has finally subsided and the sun it making itself known. Looks to be a nice Saturday. Enjoy your day off.

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  12. How cool that the ‘real’ John Howell is coming to visit. Skippy couldn’t give me enough to miss that! Your shed work is coming right along nicely. I actually prefer a disposable mask. They aren’t as trendy but breathing and less fogging are a plus. Enjoy your weekend Dan.

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  13. I have made about fifteen or so cloth masks for my husband and me. I see so many of those disposable ones “disposed” on the ground (I know you wouldn’t do that) that I just can’t bring myself to buy any.

    I love the picture of Maddie on the white bench… that’s worth framing. Looking forward to reading about John’s visit!

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    • The stuff I see on the ground is really upsetting, Janis, including masks and gloves within three feet of a trash can. Some people are just the worst.

      I do like the picture of Maddie on the bench. I have no idea what possessed her to do that. We walk by thatr bench all the time.

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  15. This is so fun having more people at the bar–like the real John Howell! I am excited. I was even happy to see Skippy at the bar today. Oh, geez…..he’s growing on me. Maddie looks so cute with that big smile on her face. Such a pretty girl. MiMi and MuMu–you know those two have my heart. Enjoy the weekend, Dan.

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    • Skippy is growing on you? Oh my, that can’t be good, Lois. I don’t think Cheryl is going to swap shifts with him. It seems she wants to “be there” when John visits. The girls appreciate your support. They like having people around who will always take their side 😏

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  16. Maddie on the Editor’s bench is too cute! <3
    Sassy has disposable masks for her work and I’m not certain, but I believe most of them end up in my car? We now have mask round-ups like we used to have pacifier round-ups.
    Culver’s dining room was closed last night so instead of standing in front of the freezer pointing, I was pressed to discuss possible custard flavors with the drive-thru kid — not a fan, but I drove away with chocolate covered strawberry which is exactly what I wanted, and I’m pretty sure the freezer is as clean as Skippy’s hands, so all’s well that ends well!

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  19. Let me join the chorus of folks telling you how wonderful the image of Maddie on the chair is, even if you don’t know why she jumped up on it. I thought about you yesterday when I had my first introduction to the new block editor. I still use the ancient editor, now referred to as “classic”, but one of my blogger friends was having trouble with the new editor. Whenever she pasted her poetry text from Word into the blog, it messed up the formatting. I figured out that the Cmd+shift+v shortcut let you paste the text in as plain text on a Mac (Control+shift+v on a PC). Apparently the Happiness Engineers had not been able to make very happy, but she loves my workaround.

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    • Formatted text is a problem, Mike. When I complained about not being able to indent in a block without using a quote (which I don’t always want to do) the Happiness Engineer I was working with said, “Indenting paragraphs is an old-person thing.” Yeah, no happiness was achieved on that chat.

      I’m glad you were able to give her a workaround. She can also post the whole thing into a Classic block.

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      • Believe it or not, Dan. The Classic Block has the same formatting issue when you paste text into it with a control+v. She does poetry and her lines are often short, so she uses a carriage return to move to the next line. Even within the Classic Block, WP interprets the carriage return as the end of a paragraph and puts in a double space, so all of her text ends us double spaced. Even when you save it in Word as a .txt file and paste it into the classic block, you can’t get single spaced text. (For me what works is to to right click instead of selecting a classic block and I get an option called “Paste and Match Style” which works–she did not have that option. On my Windows 10 laptop the options is called “Paste as plain text” when I right-click at the insert point in the block editor.

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  21. Yup, I though JH was a real bourbon as well. Silly me. I have a cloth mask in my purse and another in the van just in case. Both were made by our younger daughter. Then I have what seems like a zillion others that mostly came about when my husband thought I should get more, so i did, but then he did as well, at least twice. Sigh. I hand wash the cloth one when I get home, then hang it in the merciless Arizona sun where any germ that survives it is one that’s going to get me no matter what.

    Happy Saturday, Dan.

    janet

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  23. I used disposable masks for a while at the start of this whole thing but now we have cloth ones that we rotate. Now the rest of that disposable pack is good for keeping extras stashed in the cars.

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    • We are doing the same. I also stocked up a bit as they started talking about opening schools. I was worried that there might be a run on these things again. That and the fact that Harbor Freight has them at the checkout “3 packs for $10” and I’m a sucker for an impulse buy.

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  24. So nice of you to invite John to the bar! Do you ever find disposable masks tossed about on the ground where you take walks? It appears that in our area the wear and toss approach is common. Our rental that is next to the pub had some huge party this past Friday night and our yard was sprinkled with cans, plastic cups, and disposable face masks. Sigh … I love the adorable face Maddie made while sitting on the bench. Fog photos are great too. And the leaf – LOVE!

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  25. I loved this, Dan! What a great way to introduce John’s new book. You are so clever. It’s a fabulous photo of Maddie, too. Obviously the single crow has been sent to time out by his fellow crows.

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