Friday Follies...

Okay, so now we've TWO days of sunshine in a row? Something seems odd with that...LOL.
Welcome to the first weekend of the new year, and with it lots of stuff.
(hopefully, a majority of it will be related to the GOOD aspects of life)
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us mostly sunny  (or partly cloudy - your choice) skies, temps climbing to about 43 degrees and no precipitation on the immediate horizon.

Now, let's gt that cup, glass or mug of Friday Fortitude poured and parked close by, as we see what else is going on...
*** First off of the dinette table is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
JANUARY 4 -
---it's National Missouri Day

(really? Show me...heh)
---It's National Spaghetti Day

(we like to do this on one Sunday a month)
---It's National Trivia Day

(never dismiss the trivial)
*** Next, and since we have finally arrived at the end of the week, let's take a look at what we can observe over the following 48 hours...
JANUARY 5 -
---Saturday is National Bird Day

(fill the feeder back up)
---It's National Keto Day

(getting sick of all the keto SPAM from the Ukraine and Netherlands!)
---It's National Screenwriters Day

(good for them)
---It's National Whipped Cream Day

(does that include Cool Whip?)
JANUARY 6 -
---Sunday is National Bean Day

(and there's a lot of 'em to choose from)
---It's National Cuddle Up Day

(aww...isn't that sweet?)
---It's National Shortbread Day

(wonder what TALL bread looks like?
---It's National Technology Day

(wake me when it's over)
And there we have it...plenty to do and keep you out of trouble.
Just remember to always observe responsibly.
*** Next up, GM is still having problems. Here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/courts/20190104/gm-sued-by-uaw-over-hires

This is one of the (very) few times I side with the unions because workers were laid off or let go, an then GM brings in "temp" workers rather than keep or transfer UAW workers.
Almost smells like a "scab" tactic, and the UAW ia right to file a lawsuit.
(now, all we need is for GM to get back making CARS instead of all the damn trucks...)
*** Next  Fort Wayne has had at least one house fire per day this year, and here's a story about this:
https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2019/01/03/why-so-many-house-fires-so-far-this-year/

While there's good advice in the story, it does not mention OTHER factors that can easily contribute to the possibility of fires.
People cooking at 3 AM for example seems to be at the top of my stupid-ass list. Grease fires in kitchens for some reason (in minority areas) happen every year, and no one seems to give a rip about safety that early in the morning.

Who's watching the stove?

(try laying OFF all the damn grease)
Next on my list would be houses that have been converted into apartments.

A converted house in FTW

During such conversions, who is inspecting the electrical contracting being done  or is it even done at all? I tend to believe there is no oversight or accountability when it comes to who is rewiring these houses (which were never designed for MULTIPLE families.
(that why they call them SINGLE-family houses)

That WILL leave a mark.

Last on my short list, I'd have to say the careless use of kerosene heaters is another big deal here, because even if they get knocked over, they might not shut off as designed and start a fire. Electric radiant heaters are not nearly as bad as kerosene, but they also can cause a fire IF not used properly.
*** Next up, time to drop by our "Kitten Corner"...

You're NOT "working on your tan".

The kids were wonderfully well-behaved yesterday.
Didn't even know they were around for much of the day.

She's working on her dreamscape.

Watching birds was on their list, as was watching each other watch the birds.
They both came in later in the evening when I was watching some television, and took turns in my chair.
(that's fine, I still have the sofa).
*** Next up, let's do our check-in with "Midnight and Whiskers"...

Chowing down before the patrol.

Our furry twosome, spent most all day close by the house (with one exception for lunch...yeah, he was "on patrol" again).

Watching for him to come back for lunch.

She was there every time I went out (every couple hours to check on them and make sure they have some grub and water.
We did get in some hand-held treats after their dinner, and were there to greet Wifey when she came home. It;'s becoming a ritual of sorts for them (and us).
*** Last back to the kitchen...got a call yesterday from my nephew (Erik) out in Virginia (fire captain), and that's a very nice way to start the year (for me).

Photo from 2009

He spoke about reaching his 40th birthday, and I was like "WHOA...FORTY?"

When the hell did that happen? Where did all the damn time go?
We used to play with his Legos at his parents house in Falls Church, and it doesn;t seem that long ago.
Crazy how time passes...linear as it seems.
(it actually is a lot more complicated...ask the Doctor...lol)

I saw him run track and field in high school. Now, he's a family man.
He has a life full of contrasts.

At home, he sees the up side of humanity and much of it comes from he and his wife raising their children with distinct values and principles...the parts of society much of it lacks today.
On the job, he sees much of the down side of mankind...people who don;t care, are irresponsible, and wouldn't know what self-reliant and self-sufficient were if it came up and bit them in the ass.
As we chatted yesterday, we both came to the conclusion that we will never have a perfect world. We will always have evil in it.
The best we can hope to do is keep it from affecting us - disallow it's entrance into our lives, and make sure it is dealt with in the manner for which our laws were created.

I'm a bit biased here, but my nephew has a good head on his shoulders.
And he is a good parent, a good husband and most of all...a good person.
The world could use a lot more like him.
Do have yourselves a good weekend.

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