Friday Follies - Pre Christmas Edition...

We're almost there at the threshold of the last week of the rolling year.
And that means the final two holiday events of Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Then, we start the whole thing OVER once again...can we stand the strain?
It could always be worse, but in keeping with the season, let's not dwell on that.
Our Hoosierland for today brings us damp conditions with scattered showers, and it will remain cloudy most of the day with temps rising to around 44 degrees.

Expect that precipitation most of the day (which part I have no idea...they don't pay me enough for that). Dress and drive accordingly. Safety first, right?

Now, let's get this weekend off and running with a nice hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa as we see what's been going on elsewhere...
*** First  off of the cookie sheet is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
DECEMBER 22 -
---It's Forefathers' Day

(gonna have to go back to the Mayflower for this one, gang)
---It's National Date Nut Bread Day

(wish I had some to go with my coffee)
*** Next, and since we have arrived at week's end, let's see what things we can look forward to over the following 48 hours...
DECEMBER 23 -
---Saturday is Festivus

(something I try to actively avoid...never was a fan of Seinfeld)
---It's National Pfeffernusse Day

(good cookies if you can find a place that makes 'em)
---It's National Roots Day

(my roots are in Philly, so it's not a big thing for me in Indiana)
DECEMBER 24 -
---Sunday is Christmas Eve

(now THAT is really self-explanatory)
---It's National Eggnog Day

(as long as you add a touch of whiskey, bourbon or scotch in it...lol)
And there you are...everything you need to observe leading up to Christmas Day
Please remember to observe responsibly, and have a designated observer nearby.
*** Next up, two drug busts in Ft. Wayne nets some interesting perps.

Tis the season to be jailed for some. Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/20171222/drug-raids-yield-2-arrests-2-bombs-drugs-weapons

Shawn Bacon

The first raid took place at an apartment located at 1728 High St. near Spring Street and Runnion Avenue around 1400 hrs after police stopped one Shawn Bacon, 37 out front on a traffic stop.
This guy was really bad news.
He drove 2 Impalas (black and silver), had explosive devices in the apartment (with fuses in working order), along with over 20 firearms (one handgun was reported stolen) and is a member of the Aryan Brotherhood.
(nice neck tatt of marijuana leaves)
And Bacon gets to spend Christmas in jail on $385K bail.
(don you now your orange apparel...lol)
The next raid took place the same day around 1430 hrs when Ted E. Geisleman, 45, of 1217 Rumsey Ave came out of the house and got into his black 1996 Jeep Cherokee.

Ted Geisleman

About 1500 hrs, Geisleman pulled into a nearby business parking lot where police stopped him.
Police found drugs and dealer items on him along with a stolen .40 caliber pistol. Police obtained a search warrant and returned to the house where officers were confronted by two pit bulls. Police shot one pit bull and the other got away.
Geisleman is at the Allen County Jail, being held in lieu of $215,000 bail.
Both face a myriad of charges, some of them federal in nature. Neither one should have a  firearm in their possession.
Funny how BOTH raids were within BLOCKS of one another (NW), too. Not a bad haul for the holidays...was it?
And the final score was:
Law Enforcement = 2, drug dealers = 0.
Merry (effin) Christmas and fa la la la laaa, la la you losers!
*** Next, an update on the shooting death in the Webster St alley:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/20171222/potential-witness-sought-in-webster-street-homicide
A potential witness...who chose not to come forward?
Not in the ghettohood, right?

That never happens (except all the damn time).
Hey, for all anyone knows, this guy could have killed the victim, identified as Foster Doughty, 28, of Fort Wayne.

There is something kinda hinky about this...it doesn't track right to me.
*** Next up, Papa Johns won't have "Papa John" as CEO any longer.

Here's the story:
http://www.businessinsider.com/papa-johns-founder-steps-down-as-ceo-2017-12
Yeah, God forbid you make the right call against NFL players when they diss the national Anthem in "protest".

((John Schnatter has been one of the biggest names in fast food. But he recently ran into controversy when he blamed NFL players' mass move to drop to one knee during the playing of the national anthem as affecting his company's sales.))
At least he isn't being called out for sexual harassment, like what seems to be happening to damn near every third male in America.
*** Next, we finally made ONE HUNDRED spam/scam calls for the year.

So much for being on that stupid-ass DO NOT CALL REGISTRY, right?
Nice to know that SINCE getting on the D-N-C list, we've gotten MORE unwanted calls at home then we did before...amazing.
Some hang up as soon as the machine picks the call up, but others just play through and keep on jaw-jacking, leaving unwanted messages.
All of them are the same pre-recorded (female Asian) voice talking about credit card interest rate reduction.
Caller ID will show "toll free call" or "unknown caller" or the number calling (redundant).
Here's one site that offers some advice and a decent explanation:
https://moneyish.com/ish/heres-why-youre-getting-so-many-spam-phone-calls/

These scammers are getting more creative with the communications tech...so WHY doesn't the federal or state governments and all those damn communication companies DO LIKEWISE?
Guess that's asking WAY to much.
I can only imagine how many MORE calls we'll be getting NEXT year.
Bet we surpass that hundred (and change).
*** Next up, time to take a stop at our "Kitten Corner"...

The kids were in a more serene mood yesterday. They hardly even bothered with the tree, so Wifey and I might chance putting lights and ornaments on it...(and cross our fingers)...heh.
Violet and Gallifrey have both been in a rubbing nature of late, which isn't bad when you're NOT trying to have a drink while watching television.
They can get a bit demanding (for attention) and that's where the laser pointer comes into play.

A surefire way to get them tuckered out, so they can nap.
And napping is always a nice touch to a hectic day...for ALL of us.
*** Next, let's keep the cute going, as we check in with "Midnight and Company"...

The furry twosome were parked in the usual places yesterday morning...he on the table, and she at the door, awaiting their "breakfast".

As the day went on, Midnight rediscovered his "nest" and spent a few hours napping there, while Whiskers remained in her shelter (maybe the smarter of the two).

They do expect to get fed at specific times, and you can see them waiting patiently when it gets near that time. Talk about a precise "internal clock".

His Eminence stops by...

But, we do get a break while the cats are asleep, and then the birds stop by for some seed.
As long as everyone gets along (without being eaten)...not a problem.
*** Last back to the cookie jar...hard to believe we're at the door of Christmas once again.

It didn't seem that long ago that we were putting away last year's stuff and taking down decorations.
And, it won't be long before we do that again as well.

We all know that time isn't speeding up...it moves at the same pace it always has, and yet why does it seem otherwise? Is it because we get distracted and lose sense of time frequently? Perhaps.
Maybe it's just another government conspiracy cover-up...LOL.
Whatever the case, we do need to slow down once in a while, take in the wonders of life, and just enjoy the ride, as it were. We'll never get this chance again, so it behooves us to make the most of every moment we have.

And while we're on this journey, remember WHO has permitted every one of us the opportunity to live our lives.
The real reason for this season IS at hand...let's acknowledge that most of all.
Do have yourselves a good weekend.

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

(See 'ya on Christmas)