Friday Follies...

Here we go...last weekend before Thanksgiving.
And, it will be a nice mild day out there, probably the last one we're gonna have for a spell, too. The next two days will certainly serve as a reminder that it is indeed autumn. Keep a jacket handy.
Our Hoosierland weather brings us somewhat sunny skies to begin with, but that will give way to clouds increasing during the day.
We're supposed to get some rain (maybe a thunderstorm) later into tonight. Highs today are expected to reach the low 70s, but that WILL change by tomorrow. (sure beats blizzard conditions in the Dakotas for today, right?)
Now, let's get that Friday Fortitude in our glasses or cups as we see what's going on elsewhere...
*** First out of the family room is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
NOVEMBER 18 -
---Today is National Vichyssoise Day

(not really into anything with "vichy" in it)
---And, it's Mickey Mouse's Birthday

(glad to see some of us never age)
*** Since we are at week's end, let's see what is going on over the following 48 hours...
November 19 -
---Saturday is National Carbonated Beverage With Caffeine Day
(please pass the Dr. Pepper)
---It's National Play Monopoly Day

(sorry, seen enough of the bad kind of monopolies down where we live)
---It's National Adoption Day
(this might be worth our time in some four-footed way)
NOVEMBER 20 -
---Sunday is National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
(sounds like a keeper)
---It's National Absurdity Day

(that's a daily habit for the behavior of the locals in our part of the ghettohood)
*** Next, looks like we have a hung jury in a triple murder case.

Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/courts/Jury--No-verdict-in-triple-slaying-16373687

Smug-ass human refuse

This goes back to the triple "execution-style" shooting on the 800 block of Lewis St back in February of three black males (of foreign backgrounds).
It was allegedly over a robbery (of some pot) gone "bad".
Sure doesn't take long for immigrants to get with the "game" does it?
Now, this can either result in the case being dismissed, and this piece of human crap turned back ON our streets, or the prosecution can ask for  a retrial.
Sounds like once again, the city judicial system (and prosecutor's office) dropped the ball. Wonder if they're playing for the OTHER team, as well?
All too familiar these days. One of many reasons I refuse to sit on a jury in this city.
*** Next, seems our city loses again, this time it's over tax credits.
Here's that story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/City-loses-on-federal-tax-credit-program-16376894

The Treasury Department had a list of cities set to receive portions of the $7 BILLION in "federal aid" for low-income neighborhoods....and Fort Wayne was NOT on that list.
(oh, boo-frigging-hoo)
There's a coalition that organizes the funding (as usual), and some stats are provided, for all that's worth.

(( The funding works like this: Community development entities such as the Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund sell the tax credits to investors who can then get a credit against their federal income taxes. The fund then uses proceeds of the sale to help finance eligible commercial projects.
Officials used the incentives to spur construction of The Harrison mixed-use building beside Parkview Field; construction of the Ash Skyline Plaza residential and retail tower; and recent expansion of Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities.
The final $7.5 million in its second allotment has been committed to The Landing’s $35.7 million revitalization project, but local officials had hoped to add to that amount – and jump start other projects – from a fresh supply.))
Guess the city's gotta look elsewhere now...too bad.
And our part of town continues it's downward spiral, as the SW side begins it's own decline. How nice.
*** Next up, and speaking of decline, I'm a bit tired this morning (more than usual).

This is because around 0030 hrs this morning, while trying to fall asleep, I heard FOUR nearby gunshots (within a block, it seemed) followed by a slightly more distant SIX rounds.
I immediately got up and checked out all the windows (armed, of course)...nothing outside I could see.
Nobody driving through OR walking about.
Now that's damn odd.
Someone playing with guns (again)...and as I remained awake, I saw absolutely NO FWPD cruisers come through the area.
I thought about calling it in, but I didn't have a specific direction as to where the shots had come from.
Apparently no one else had heard the shots (???)...amazing.
Talk about this chronic desensitization to such things...same goes with all the damn loud music down here.
Apathy abounds, as does the mediocrity that fosters it.
Bunch of effin' morons living around us.
I'm gonna stay on heightened alert, however.
Be interesting to see if anything shows up on the police blotter (bet'cha there won't be).
*** Next, and believe it or else, something somewhat good (really?) for the south side of town, as we're expected to get a THIRD leaf pickup the first week of December...simply amazing.

Don't put that stuff away YET, boys!

But, considering the initial pickup was too damn EARLY (to begin with) and hardly ANY leaves came down, it makes sense. Next year, start up north and work your way down, when we have leaves to collect. Gotta school damn near everyone these days, don't we?
*** Next and last back to the living room...tomorrow will mark ONE MONTH since I lost my longtime feline buddy Rassie.

Wifey and I have been wondering about taking in a couple kitties to ease the loss and emptiness this old house has had in abundance since this time last month. Been quite a while since we had kittens around, that's for sure. I was 20 years younger then, and a lot more spry.
Still, the benefits can far outweigh any down-side we could encounter.
If we make the decision to take them in, I just want them to be healthy above all. Getting real tired of losing animals around here, believe you me. Who knows, they might just outlive me...lol.
And I might even be able to get part of me back into some sort of holiday spirit.
Lord knows that's in very short supply with my heart and soul these days.
As I said yesterday, perhaps the best memorial for Rassie and Penny, and yes, even for our missing Hobo, is to provide the same sort of caring environment they all enjoyed for the time they were with us.
With Hobo, that was way "too short a season"...it was THREE MONTHS to the day from when I first met him (on the garage roof) until he vanished without a trace. That happened too soon (for me) after Rassie passing, that's for sure.
Anyway, we shall see what tomorrow brings, and how things decide to turn out.

I suppose that's the best any of us can ever hope for, because in the end, and under every circumstance, we ALL rely on some level of HOPE.
It's one of the better choices we can make in life.
DO have yourselves a good weekend.

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