Thoughts For Thursday...

And we begin the day with a bit of moisture on the ground from some overnight showers.
I will say that Spring is taking it's damn good time getting here.
But never fear, for today will provide us some respite.
Our Hoosierland weather brings us partly cloudy skies (or mostly sunny...whatever), with temps rising to around SEVENTY TWO DEGREES (that's 72...you read right), but we will have windy conditions coming along for the ride.
Sure won't need the heat on today...heh.

So, let's get that refreshing morning beverage poured and parked nearby, as we see what else has been going on elsewhere...
*** First out of the starting gate is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"I got taught a lot of great lessons by superhero comics as a kid about virtue and self-sacrifice and responsibility. And those were an important part of imprinting my DNA with ethical and moral values."

This was spoken by another "newbie" here, one Mark Waid (born March 21, 1962) who ((is an Eisner Award-winning American comic book writer, known for his work on titles for DC Comics such as The Flash, Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and for his work on Captain America, Fantastic Four, and Daredevil for Marvel Comics.))
(see, Chris...I said you'd like this)
And here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Waid

I read where he is now a comic retailer (does not surprise me).
His career in writing comic book storylines is a pretty lengthy one with both DC and MARVEL.
While it's not everyone's cup of tea. it's good to know that people like this can be relied upon to bring us such words of wisdom.
It's not a bad read, especially if you're a comic fan.
*** Next up, let's see to our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
APRIL 12 -
---It's National Big Wind Day

(no, it's NOT another political observance)
---It's National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

(sounds like a meal to me)
---It's National Licorice Day

(sounds like dessert)
*** Next, we have us yet ANOTHER study about which city in America is the "best" to live in. Here's the link:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/04/11/u-s-news-fort-wayne-best-place-to-live-in-state-40th-nationwide/
Wow, Ft. Wayne made it to number 40 on the list.

Big...fat...hairy...deal...!

Who beat us and who is worse, you may ask. Well, here's the source article to catch a glimpse of the entire list:
https://realestate.usnews.com/places/indiana/fort-wayne

Ft. Wayne loves IT'S ghetto.

Now, I can easily dispute some of the criteria used in the study, because those who compiled this list do NOT live where we live, and never have seen the things that would give one pause to ponder how the study's data could be misinterpreted.
And when you read about which city wound up where on that list, you might have some questions as well.
*** Next up, our "king" (mayor) stands his ground on the G.E. campus deal. Here's the link:
http://www.wpta21.com/story/37930620/fort-wayne-mayor-hopes-to-bridge-funding-gap-with-electric-works-project

It ALWAYS looks good on paper...

Sure, HE (already) pledges $50 MIL, while the developers "want" $65 MIL (for the initial phase of the entire project, which has been mentioned as running as high as over $400 MIL. How much you want to bet that cost overruns will be in the offing?
Given the past track record for City Hall, it would not be far from reality.

Just what we (don't) need...again.

And this is all "in thr hope" we get something BACK from all the money tossed into this.
We need to open a special ZOO...JUST for all the white elephants we seem to be collecting.
*** Next, some residents found out it pays to stick together. Here's the story:
http://www.wpta21.com/story/37929865/illinois-road-rezoning-voted-down
The Illinois Rd proposal has been turned DOWN...is this a first?

The NAYS have it (for once)!

I can't fault these folks for wanting to retain the privacy they basically PAID for when they bought their homes in that area. But, I can blame the county (and city) for wanting to take that privacy and quiet repose AWAY from the people.
*** Next up, get ready for even HIGHER prices at the gas pumps in Indiana:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20180411/WEB/180419967

Yeah, oil prices are on the rise once again...and with Middle East tensions ALSO on the rise, we're probably not going to see any decline soon.
The good (?) news is that some of the rise in prices has to do with this (stupid) "changeover" from WINTER gas to SUMMER gas. And if that has got you wondering WTF it's all about, take a gander at this article from 2012:
https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a3180/summer-blend-vs-winter-blend-gasoline-whats-the-difference-13747431/
See, we provide all you need to know (and are usually never told) for free. No price gouging here.
(and no seasonal changeover either)
*** Next, time to drop by our "Kitten Corner"...

A good day to take things easier than usual.

Another good day with the kids.
And while we had a bit of chasing about, they calm back down soon enough.

And a good day to pose for pictures.

No complaints from me on that score.
*** Next up, let's check in with "Midnight and Company"...

Lounging across the patio table.

Our furry twosome spent the day taking things easy, and being watchful around our "Fortress".
Both of them didn't miss a meal, which makes me breathe easier.

Lounging across the patio works well, too.

With the nice weather around the corner, I sure don't want them to get into a situation caused by the "locals". We've enough problems with them as it is.
I'm hoping any wanderlust with these two doesn't cause them to stray far from our gates.
*** Last back to the finish line...I used to enjoy warmer weather.

Now, while I was never a summer OR winter person, I always looked forward to both Spring and Fall.
Yet, as I'm already starting to see (and hear), the local morons are becoming "uppity", and this usually occurs when the first vestige of nice weather comes along. I've already seen a couple "cookouts" (lazy people cuisine), and naturally, we have had the damnable boom cars around (winter doesn't phase them any longer like it USED to), and I will predict that lawn trash and assorted litter will be on the upswing.
To me, when I see this, it begs the question: "WTH happened to all the normal people, anyway?" 

Where is the civility that USED to populate neighborhoods; the respect for one another we used to enjoy?

Well, there are too many causes (and reasons) as to WHY this has taken place, as well as why it's allowed to continue, seemingly unabated. But, that's a few other posts for several more days, isn't it? Let's just say that I have not changed since we moved here, in that I've not become a lesser person. I have become more aware, more vigilant, and more prone to calling police when I see some crap going on than in th past.
But, this is because other people have changed (and have shirked their responsibilities)...not me.

I still adhere to the values and principles that I learned growing up, as do a lot of other folks.
(just not the ones living near us today)
One thing I don't want to have to admit is that things will ahve to get worse before they get better.
I'd like to be a bit more optimistic than that...as would we all.

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