Humpday Happenings...

Looks like we get a break from heat, humidity and rain...for a while, anyway.
Today promises to be one of the better days of late spring.
And you will get NO complaints from me on that.
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us mostly sunny skies, temps climbing to around 75 degrees (still comfy), and no precipitation in our immediate forecast. Like I say...can't argue with that, can you?

Now, let's get a nice refreshing drink to send the day off to a good start, as we see what else is happening...
*** First off of the coffee table is our "WHO SAID THAT?" quote for the week:

"Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy." 
This follows up on what I was talking about yesterday, and it speaks to using anger in a more constructive manner, as opposed to merely lashing out without reason.
So, who said that? The answer at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back in  Stagira, Chalcidice (yeah, the location is from antiquity)...
*** Next up, time for our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
JUNE 6 -
---It's D-Day

(more on that to follow)
---It's National Applesauce Cake Day

(looks like breakfast to me)
---It's National Drive-In Movie Day

(if you can still FIND one, that is)
---It's National Eyewear Day

('cause you only get one set of eyes)
---It's National Gardening Exercise Day

(well, the weather is cooperating, so why not?)
---It's National Higher Education Day

(remember, not everyone is meant to go to college)
---It's National Running Day

(as long as it's not from the police)
---It's National Yo-Yo Day

(the TOY...NOT the CELLIST)
*** Next, another staple of "Americana" goes bye bye?
The Miss America pageant plans to drop the swimsuit competition...say it ain't so!
http://www.wane.com/entertainment/miss-america-dropping-swimsuit-competition/1219327084

I think we're fast losing what it really MEANS to be AMERICA these days.
Sure, we began as a melting pot, but now we seem content to become a nation beset by politically-coprrect "cultural pluralism" instead.

There IS a difference, people.
*** Next up, an Indiana teacher challenges district transgender name policy. Here's the link:
http://www.wane.com/news/indiana/indiana-teacher-challenges-district-transgender-name-policy/1219596571

((The Indianapolis Star reports that former Brownsburg High School orchestra teacher John Kluge says the Brownsburg Community Schools policy goes against his religious beliefs and violates his First Amendment rights.
LGBTQ community advocates say the practice is a sign of respect and isn't about religion or politics.))
Now...about that PLURALISM thing.....
*** Next, a man who suffered a bitter divorce had a helluva grudge, after he waited 8 years to seek his revenge and became the prime suspect in 6 killings.
http://www.wpta21.com/story/38347655/retired-policemans-hunch-leads-to-suspect-in-6-killings

Sad to say the shooter took his OWN life, but it's amazing that we never really hear about THIS type of mass shooter. Racial "privilege", perhaps?
((So far, investigators have been unable to determine a precise motive for the shootings, but they say three of the victims were directly tied to the divorce.))
Crime stats would confirm that close to 70% of such shooting are have people who are interrelated in some manner.
As Gibbs would say: "Go with your gut".
*** Next, let's stop on by our "Kitten Corner"...

She's so dainty with that raised paw.

Our kids spent some of yesterday playing "follow Daddy around", and that can be cute but tedious, as once in a while, a cat will cross right in front of you. I mean, no one wants to get hurt here, right?

YO...I'm napping on the washer over here!

Once they find a spot to settle down (and usually nap), it's much easier to go about the house without wondering if you're going to step on (or trip over) a cat. Everyone wins on that one.
*** Next, time to check in with "Midnight and Company"...

Yep, the steps are still here.

The furry twosome were once again doing their usual things (after the early rains passed). Midnight was on patrol (across the street, mainly) while Whiskers watched hummingbirds come to the feeder.

Yes, it was raining at breakfast.

Both of them made all the meals, too.
We did have a nuthatch come to a feeder, but I didn't have the camera out and ready (they never announce when they stop by). It's good to know we still get birds (mostly when the outdoor cats are asleep nearby).

Later on, things dried out for dinner

Both of the cats should find today comfortable, considering they have to lug around those fur coats.
*** Last back to the beach...today is D-Day, and it was back in 1944 when one of the largest gambles took place upon the beaches of Normandy, France.

It was called Operation Overlord. And here's the WIKI on this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord

Here you'll find all the backstory connected to the actual operation, including planning and rehearsals (Operation Tiger didn't turn out all that well). This is a really good read.
Here is the WIKI for the specific landings:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings

This link has all the stats connected with the event, and describes the events of that first (and longest) day.

What all of have to remember is that so many gave their lives in the execution of this noble and necessary  operation, because the fate of the world was at stake.
America was galvanized (as a people) to winning the war, and this particular operation was perhaps the largest event of it's kind EVER.
Our allies felt the same way as they played their aprt. This was to be THE pivotal event of the war, taking it TO the axis powers on THEIR territory, and  eventually beating THEM back. In the end, we won, but at a high cost.
Those  who made it through the operation and returned to their loved ones never viewed themselves as heroes, and yet, each of them was, just as much as those who did not return.

Because the survivors of D-Day would become the voice of those who could no longer speak.
We should  never forget the sacrifice that was made by these soldiers, so that others would not have to live in fear of losing their freedom and liberty...not just HERE, but in every nation set upon by those who sought world domination.

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