Thoughts for Thursday...

Yesterday, we traded off the rain for some late day snow...that was kinda novel.
The sun even came out now and again for a few minutes.
Amazing what takes place in Indiana within 24 hours.
Temps dropped through the day as well, making it feel more wintry outside.
Our Hoosierland weather for today will bring us mostly cloudy skies, temps reaching to around 34 degrees and some late afternoon snow showers. Still need those heavier jackets.
Let's get a good start by getting ourselves a nice hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, as we see what's been going on elsewhere...
*** First out of the flurry factory is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."

This was spoken by one John Dewey (October 20, 1859 – June 1, 1952), who was an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer whose ideas have been influential in education and social reform. Here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dewey
((Dewey is one of the primary figures associated with the philosophy of pragmatism and is considered one of the fathers of functional psychology.))
A well-known public intellectual, he was also a major voice of progressive education and liberalism.
(had a feeling he wasn't totally without some dents in his armor)
This is a very curious yet interesting read, simply because what we used to call liberalism seems a far cry from what passes for it today. That's not to say he was conservative. Remember, he was around during Wilson's administration.
((Known for his advocacy of democracy, Dewey considered two fundamental elements—schools and civil society—to be major topics needing attention and reconstruction to encourage experimental intelligence and plurality.))
He DID have more than a few very good points to consider regarding humanity and education.
And, he also viewed women (then) much the way we do today...ahead of his time there.
While lengthy, it does help one to understand how education was brought into the 20th century.
*** Next up, time for our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
MARCH 2 -
---Today is National Banana Cream Pie Day

(still working on the blueberry one I have)
---It's National Old Stuff Day

(sounds right up MY alley)
---It's National Read across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day)

(our cats have no hats)
*** Next, get ready for some utility rate hikes. Here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/City-gets-ball-rolling-on-1st-hike-in-stormwater-fees-in-a-decade-18038043

((Officials say the increase is necessary to fund an investment of more than $40 million in stormwater improvement efforts citywide, many of which are tied to roadway improvement projects. More rate increases will be coming, said City Utilities CEO Kumar Menon.)) 
Gee, I can hardly wait.
And this comes right on the heels of NIPSCO wanting to raise their rates. Can AEP be far behind?
(most likely...not)
*** Next up, a white trash dumbass goes for a ride.

Here's that story:
http://wane.com/2017/03/01/police-chase-man-through-streets-trail-and-onto-moving-freight-train/
He shoplifts, then he leads police on a chase, then hops a freight train, only to get arrested by police a few blocks later.

Then, he got a free ride...downtown.
Yep...that's some serious STUPID going on.
*** Next up, where there's smoke, there usually is fire. Here's the story:
http://wane.com/2017/03/02/traa-paramedics-spot-smoke-rescue-6-from-burning-house/

Credit an observant TRAA ambulance crew for spotting smoke coming from a residence at 434 W. Rudisill Blvd.
Realizing it was too cold for fog, they checked it out, banged on the door and windows, and managed to rescue 2 adults and 4 kids, as the house was indeed on fire.
((Fort Wayne firefighters were dispatched at 0155 hrs and found fire in the attic. Fire officials said they initially had difficultly getting to attic because of limited access. The flames were put out by 0216 hrs.
FWFD said no one was hurt and fire damage was moderate to the home. The two-story home also had moderate water damage and minor smoke damage.)). The fire is under investigation and the Red Cross was assisting the family.
*** Next up, since Wifey  won't be home until tomorrow, let's see what's going on at "Bobby G's Kitten Wrangling Academy"...

She loves that chair. Must be the cat pillow.

Another fairly good day, behavior-wise with Violet and Gallifrey.
I can get both of them to stand on their hind legs at feeding time. Can't get pictures for the obvious reason (too busy holding the food dishes).

He's like me...he'll nap anywhere.

Some nice nap time, and a couple invasive bouts when I was eating, but, other than that...a good time had by all.

"It's National Peanut Month? Count ME in."

(There was a squirrel who was happy for that, too)
The cats even come around to wake me up...shortly after 5 AM. Who's training who now?
And who needs an alarm clock?
*** Last back to the bird feeder...having Wifey away for the week has it's ups and downs.

The up side is that I "have the run" of the house, such as that is. I can choose to eat whenever I want, whatever I want, and watch either television at my leisure. That's not too bad.
The down side, is that I miss cooking for the two of us, prepping her lunch, and awaiting her return every day.
I guess it stems from the fact that our home is meant to have a certain number of souls within it's four walls.
It's hard to fully explain, but it's similar to when we lost our two former cats...the house grew "bigger".
Over time, there comes this familiarity of those under your roof, and anything that seeks to change that, can throw you off your game, so to speak.

It's just knowing that person, or persons are there...that the pets are there, that brings a welcome relief each day you wake up. And this week, truth be told, I've missed that.
Funny thing about life...the things and people you miss creates quite a long list over time.
You never get over it, but you do manage to live with it.
And, as long as your memory serves you, you never forget it...or them.

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