Dan Antion

Labor of Love – SoCS

It’s not fancy, but it’s very good.
Modelo draft
Chicken corn chowder

It’s Saturday, and David and I are kicking off a holiday weekend here in the States. Monday is Labor Day, and if we weren’t already retired, we would welcome this last three-day weekend of summer. It’s oddly quiet at the bar, but we’re looking forward to a couple of drinks, some conversation and a chance to consider Linda G. Hill’s latest Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt:

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘start with why.’ Begin your post with the word ‘why.’ Have fun!”

If we were having a beer, you’d be curious.

“Why is this place so quiet, Cheryl?”

“It’s a holiday weekend, David. Folks are on the road or at home near the grill.”

“Dan, why aren’t we doing that?”

“What? And leave Cheryl here all by herself?”

“I guess you’re right. Besides, you probably only have Corona at your place.”

“I keep some dark beer in the fridge in case Faith comes over.”

“Like what?”

“Berkshire Brewery Coffee House Porter.”

“You keep any bourbon around?”

“Not the stuff you drink, but I have a small bottle of Woodford Reserve on hand.”

“OK, I guess I know why we come here.”

“Like you’d turn down a free glass of Woodford Reserve.”

“You guys took too long. David, here’s a glass of John Howell’s Bourbon, a snifter of seltzer, a glass of ice and three cherries. Dan, I have a surprise for you. We have Modelo on tap. I took the liberty of pouring you one.”

“Oooh, I’ll that looks so good. Thanks!”

“So, Dan, you announced your book, then Thursday Doors, then quiet. Are you going to announce a launch tour, a giveaway, a parade? What’s up with your marketing department?”

“I’m going to avoid a full-blown launch tour, David. I had one in June for ‘Knuckleheads’, I don’t want to wear out my welcome.”

“So, no launch posts?”

“I didn’t say that. I’d like to do a couple a week, during the last two weeks of September. If anyone is willing to help, I’d appreciate it.”

“Do I get a free copy?”

“You don’t have a blog, but yeah, sure. But you’re buying these Modelos. If people want to help, and would like an eBook, I’d be happy to send them one.”

“I heard Modelos, with and ‘s’, so I brought another round. You boys want anything to eat?”

“I, um…”

“You had fish and chips at Skooter’s. I saw your car, Dan. How about you, David?”

“You have any specials, Cheryl?”

“We have chicken corn chowder and a salmon dish with veggies.”

“I’ll have a bowl of the chowder. I don’t want to eat a meal alone.”

“I’ll have a bowl of chowder, too, Cheryl.”

“No soup at Skooter’s?”

“Ouch.”

“Touché, Cheryl.”

“I just like picking on him, David.”

“OK. The beers and the chowder are on me. I get a copy of your book, and I don’t have to listen to you talk about it.”

“I will be talking about books, though.”

“Yours? The next in the series? I thought you said that’s not due until November.”

“Not my book. I read books, too, you know.”

“So, whose books are we talking about?”

“One is Miriam Hurdle. I’m helping her launch her new book on Tuesday. The other is a surprise.”

“Surprise?”

“I’m entitled to have some fun.”

“I guess, it is a holiday.”


If you like magical realism with suspense, action and a bit of family sarcasm, you will enjoy these books:

Knuckleheads
The Evil You Choose
When Evil Chooses You

Series page on Amazon

My profile page (and books) on Lulu

All available on Kindle Unlimited!

Smokey was in that tree, but I missed him.
There you are.
Walking after the rain while the sun is still low in the sky.
The white double rose of Sharon is still blooming.
First bloom. Rose of Sharon plants are expensive, but they spread themselves around. If you’re willing to invest some time and water, you get this.
It’s still hot and sunny so I’m walking early.
Makeshift sign damaged by…weather? Bear? Vandals?
These guys are out there early to beat the heat.
The trees at the park have taken a beating this summer.
The banners have been replaced again. I like this practice.
Puddles are very rare these days
Sun and water drops – a nice combination
The birds are back out after the storm.
This time I got him in a nice pose.
MuMu surveying her yard.
She came through the storm just fine

68 comments

  1. Wishing you a successful and rewarding book tour Dan.

    Love the sun shining through Smokey’s ears! MuMu has found something really interesting outside. I think she’s trying to figure how to open the window, remove the screen, and get out there!

    That puddle is the best puddle yet!

    We have those banners as well. It’s good to see our military honored.

    Not surprised Old Glory came through the storm just fine. Look at the war’s she’s weathered. Long may she proudly fly.

    Enjoy the holiday weekend Dan. Looks like heat and humidity are coming back for an encore! But some soaking rain has been promised…unfortunately it may alter the festivities for some folks.
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thanks Ginger. Smokey’s ears caught my attention too.

      When we were having the A/C replaced, MuMu got to sit in open windows. I think she wants them back. It will have to wait until these heat waves leave us alone. If we open the windows during the day, the humidity builds quickly. IT makes it very hard for my wife to breath.

      You know I like puddles and the flag, and I am so happy to see those banners. What a good idea that is for towns to do that.

      Take care. Stay out of the storm.

      Like

      Reply

  2. After a very long hiatus this summer it was ciders and beef barley soup. Why it was a long hiatus is a much longer story. Good pics and good to see local heros recognized in the community. I am beginning to think that Old Glory may wave a lot longer. More and more people are coming to their senses about the people who merely pay lip service. Enjoy your Modelo and enjoy the long weekend Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. Hi Dan – have a good labour day weekend … enjoy yourselves. Always good to have a catch up of photos around the homestead. Mind you brunch sounds pretty good too – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Remember how exciting a 3-day weekend used to be?! So thankful for retirement.
    The chain photo is a good one, Dan. And Smokey with his little ears lit up…so cute!!
    Miriam and I had talked about her book…isn’t melanoma an awful thing to have in common? That is so wonderful of you to help promote her. And book #2 for you! So exciting!
    Enjoy the long weekend, Dan. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. This is weird. I have checked for your SoC Saturday post several times today, but only now did it show up; it says it’s been up for 13 hours. Not on my WordPress. And it looks different. I’m ready to say that alien beings account for a lot these days because I can’t think of any better explanation. I am not sure I agree about your not working; you sure seem like a worker to me! I like this photo of the flag, rising out of the shadows into the sun. Nice. I hope your weekend is good.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • It’s funny. I’d love to stand on a soapbox and shout “Buy my book!” But I like my blog the way it is, and I don’t want people rolling there eyes at every post.

      Puddles are a favorite subject, and we didn’t have them for a long time.

      Enjoy the weekend.

      Like

      Reply

  14. I do love puddle pictures! Dan if there’s anything I can do to help launch a book, just let me know. Remember I’m an idiot when it comes to many things having to do with the Internet but I’ll help anyway I can.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Best wishes on the launch of your new book, Dan. I can understand not having the energy for another full-out launch so soon. But I do look forward to reading it, and of course, I will leave a review. Great photos!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thanks Jan. Since I’m releasing these so fast, I couldn’t run a full tour. I’ll do what I can to get the word out, but the third book in the series is coming in late November, I really didn’t want to wear a hole in the mat.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. I bought your new book a couple of days ago and am looking forward to reading it on my upcoming road trip.

    I remember, way back when, enjoying three-day weekends. Now, I can’t wait for them to be over so everyone goes back to work and school, and I can enjoy the less crowded, stores, restaurants, streets, and beaches. This is the beginning of the local’s summer.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy the book. It’s funny how our view of holidays changes over time. I’ve been avoiding stores for the past two weeks as back-to-school and holiday shoppers fill the lots.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • That’s fish and chips, and it is chicken corn chowder. The restaraunt makes a delicious clam chowder, too. Thanks so much for offering to help. I’ll skip you a copy. Any day is fine. I know you have tons of work to do.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Wait. The US Air Force was formed in 1947? But I watched all those WW2 movies! I know, I know, I googled. Says it’s the second youngest branch of the armed forces. I’m the second youngest. When my brother was born I couldn’t be left alone with him or I’d put a pillow over his head. I wonder if the Air Force feels the same way about Space Force. 🤔

    I love your photo of Smokey. That’s a good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. Hi DAn, it sounds like you had a relaxing time for the long weekend. If it were a South African holiday, I would be hosting a big family meal. I would love to host you for your book tour. Somehow, I missed your call for hosts for the last one. Pop me an email when you are ready.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Add your thoughts or join the discussion. One relevant link is OK, more require moderation. Markdown is supported.

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.