Humpday Happenings...

Twas the day BEFORE the day before Christmas, and the shopping is brisk.
Welcome to the middle of this holiday week, which feels a lot like a SPRING day, rather than a WINTER one.
(complete with some London fog outside)
Our Hoosierland weather finds us enjoying (?) a nicely MILD day which might see us breaking the former record high temperature for the day.
That was back in 1933, when we had ALL that "global-warming". 
(Oh wait, we DIDN'T have any of that crap back then, did we?)
We're expecting temps to reach the mid-SIXTIES, and that beats the old record by several degrees.
We have some strong rain showers moving in later this afternoon, and mind that early fog when venturing outside this A.M.
Now, with that dispensed with, let's get our morning beverage close-at-hand as we see what else in going on today.
*** First out of the fog bank is our WHO SAID THAT? quote of the week:
"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas."
Now THAT is something we can carry with us ALL year long...and doesn't weigh us down during our journey.
So, WHO said that, hmm?
(it just might surprise you)
The answer at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back at the Flying L Ranch...
*** Next up, is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
December 23 -
---Today is NATIONAL PFEFFERNUSSE DAY

(not to fret - it's just a type of cookie, folks)
---It's also NATIONAL ROOTS DAY

(and that doesn't mean to check the color OF those "roots"...or maybe you SHOULD...lol)
---And, it's "Festivus", a made-up holiday "parody" from Seinfeld that has gotten notoriety from those NOT of a religious nature.

Yep, looks about right for the nihilists.

Here's the WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus
So, the atheists have a holiday AFTER all, hmm? Good. Maybe they can leave OUR CHRISTMAS ALONE? (hey, we can hope. It IS Christmas, after all)
*** Next, and while we're closing in on Christmas and what it REALLY means, here is a wonderful story of two sisters that caught my attention on last evening's local news...kinda puts a lump in one's throat.
http://wane.com/2015/12/22/sisters-bring-christmas-spirit-to-lutheran-childrens-hospital/

Two of Santa's helpers got an early start to Christmas cheer at Lutheran Hospital.
Samantha and Josalyn Kolberg were busy giving out toys to children not able to be home for the holiday.
They got the money to purchase all the toys through donations and selling homemade crafts.
This is the third year they've done this, but a first for Lutheran.
The maturity of these young ladies surpasses that of many adults several times their age.
And the unselfish manner in which they give is something we can ALL take a few notes on.
I've been at hospitals as a patient as a child, and it was VERY lonely around Christmas.

I've also been to a hospital to do some art work for a children's ward (school project with others), and I can tell you that ANYTHING you do for these kids that let's them know they're not alone (hospitals seem scary when you're young), and that someone is there to talk to means SO much.
I still get misty-eyed when I think of those times.
These two girls are to be commended for their charity, and their parents are to be applauded for the manner in which they brought Samantha and Josalyn up...with a sense of ethics, morality, and a giving heart.
THAT is what much of Christmas is all about.
Moving on...
*** Next, The Lovely Mrs. Bobby G. returns today from her visit to Vincennes, and it will be good to have the house a bit more on the "crowded" side...lol.
I mean, you can only talk to the cat SO much before he walks off and falls asleep (again).

Plus, the variety of TOPICS you can discuss with a family pet tends to be a tad on the LIMITED side (except when it's time for them to eat...then, they won't shut up...HA!)
---In the meanwhile, I AM enjoying the Doctor Who marathon-takeover on the BBC America channel (thank God for small favors).

FIVE FULL DAYS - GERONIMO!

Actually, I put it on BOTH TVs downstairs, so no matter WHERE I roam in the house, I'm never that far away where I miss much. I know that's not Wifey's cup of tea, but the cat and I are still in "bachelor-mode" until she arrives back home to the "Fortress" safe and sound, so why not "indulge", hmm?
*** Next, I want to say a prayer for Pat Miller (WOWO) during his knee-replacement surgery, and that he has a speedy recovery and returns to the airwaves in good dispatch soon.

Not fun to be "laid up" during the holidays, but since I've always looked at Christmas as a time of renewal, it's only right to offer those up who are in need of prayers.
---Also, Kevin Leininger (News-Sentinel) will be retiring early next year after 37 years of journalism.
I'm going to miss his columns, as he was one of a (very) few people in this city who spoke the truth, didn't mince words, and was not a follower of the PC-BS brigade.
Not bad at all for a Lutheran...lol. He's good people.

I hear he is going to Concordia, (not sure if it's the high school or seminary) so he's not leaving us entirely, thank God for that.
He had his detractors, but you have to realize that WHENEVER someone has the courage to speak the truth, there will ALWAYS be those opposing it (we call them LIBTARDS).
I wish Kevin continued success in whatever endeavor awaits him (and his family)
Thanks for the opportunity to meet you (several times) and to call you a friend.
*** Last back to the rain barrel...like I said earlier this week, Christmas is a time that brings out the BEST in people.

...And kittens, too.

Unfortunately, it will also bring out the worst in people, or is it that we tend to NOTICE the bad more easily during a time which is filled with all that "good will"?

I believe that any person of a good and sincere heart sees the problems of the world much easier, and can also know the hearts of many people they encounter with the same ease.
First impressions are usually the ones we recall with clarity, and my Dad always chided me to make the best first impression I could, because it not only reflected upon ME, but my FAMILY as well.
Many people today can't seem to get a handle on that one.
They act out and take no never-mind as to how others will view them, and what ramifications follow along for the ride.
The old saying "What you see is what you get" never has had as much importance as it does today, because so many are lost in their own devices, passions, nonsense...call it what you will.
None of us are anywhere close to approaching perfection (that's reserved for the Almighty), but we can sure as anything TRY...no harm in wanting to attempt to be BETTER, is there?

But, for some, the EFFORT needed to follow such guidelines is too difficult...better to take the easy way through life. That's not the best way, and has it's own problems connected with it.
At THIS time of year, let's be a lot more REAL in the way we deal one with another.
None of this PC-BS stuff.
Let's allow our yays to be yay and our nays to be nay...at least THAT part is easy enough.
And, let's be unafraid to speak the truth, live the truth, and spread the truth.
I think that is a great way to proceed into the Christmas time of year...and beyond.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.