Friday Follies...

Welcome to the end of week (at last).
It looks like the next couple days will be interesting to say the least, what with some actual SNOW moving through tomorrow.
Several inches is predicted (up to 6 inches possible around the Indy area), so if you're headed that way, be mindful of road conditions (and the driving patterns of others).
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us mostly cloudy skies, temps reaching into the mid 30s, and the snow moving into our area by tomorrow morning and through most of the day.

Now, without any further ado, let's get that cup, glass, or mug of Friday Fortitude poured and parked close by, as we see what else has been going on...
*** First out of the tool shed is our "What te hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
JANUARY 11 -
---It's National Arkansas Day

(doesn't apply to us in Indiana)
---It's National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

I'm sure most of us ARE aware of this by now)
---It's National Milk Day

(sure works better than putting beer or tomato juice on corn flakes)
---It's National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day

(good way to lose friends, and the puddles are frozen at the moment)
*** Next, and since week's end has arrived, let's see what we can observe over the following 48 hours:
JANUARY 12 -
---Saturday is Kiss a Ginger Day

(sorry, not happening around our house, unless Karen Gillan stops by)
---It's National Curried Chicken Day

(nope, not being served at our house)
---It's National Marzipan Day

(sugar, honey, almond meal...sounds like a keeper to me)
---It's National Pharmacist Day

(they're not ALL this cute)
---It's National Vision Board Day

(guess the blind don't have to bother?)
JANUARY 13 -
---Sunday is Korean American Day

(sure, why not, right?)
---It's National Peach Melba Day

(not really into peach stuff)
---It's National Rubber Ducky Day

(and Ernie is loving it)
---It's National Sticker Day

(I think I'll pass on this one)
---It's National Sunday Supper Day

(ah,the good old days of family and food)
---It's Stephen Foster Memorial Day

(I'll bet he's being called a racist these days)
There we go then...plenty of things to busy yourselves. Just remember to always observe responsibly.
*** Next up, are these mooks late for last Christmas, or early for NEXT Christmas?

Here's the story:
https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/police-looking-for-suspects-in-jewelry-store-burglary/1695529370

This took place at Will Jewelers on Maysville Road in the Chapel Ridge Shopping Center around 0530 hrs. Thursday.
Police are looking for two men and a van (as per surveillance video).
Also, as per store procedure, all the "big ticket" items had been locked away, so what was taken was "nothing major".
Try staying home and watching a damn movie, you idiots.
*** Next, now HERE'S a deal I wouldn't mind at all:
https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2019/01/10/chick-fil-a-celebrating-new-restaurant-opening-with-free-chick-fil-a-meals-for-a-year/

The new Chik-Fil-A restaurant (right near BJ's in fact) is going to be giving away a YEAR'S worth of meals. The catch is that it's the first 100 adults who show up on 16 January at 0600 hrs.
Good luck (and hope it's not raining or snowing).
*** Next up, Kevin Leininger has another very good column (and one which plays to a certain John Lennon song.

Here's the lowdown:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2019/01/10/what-john-lennon-imagined-america-is-enduring-and-the-result-doesnt-look-like-utopia/
I think fellow blogger, Chris Martin might find this "interesting", and for the same reasons I do.
*** Next, and here's Bill O'Reilly's latest column:
https://www.billoreilly.com/b/The-Cable-News-War/901369017233601976.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=staff_column

Have to agree here. I'm SO tired of what is passing for "news" these days.
Even Fox News has joined in the bashing of our president.
It's little surprise that the (as Bill puts it) "core audience who now have alternatives on radio and the net" is not watching as much as in years past.
It's less news and more "infotainment" (imho).
I'd much rather watch water boil, or some other useful activity...heh.
*** Next up, let's take a minute to drop by our "Kitten Corner"...

The kids did fine yesterday...eating, playing, napping, and then napping some more.
What a life, hmm?

I know I'm a bit envious, but I can't bring myself to ever feel comfortable with using a litter pan...LOL.
*** Next, it's time for our final check-in this week with "Midnight and Whiskers"...

Our furry twosome were around for most of the day.
As usual, Midnight went on patrol while Whiskers held down the patio (from her shelter).

He came back for dinner, and was hungry (then stay for lunch, "Hoss") and he got some back step treats. She too a pass on that.
*** Next up, it didn't take long for Red River to mess up this year.

Last week went very well, but THIS week?
Well, half the job got done. Recycle came through yesterday  before 0900 hrs,  but the trash pickup never came through.
So, we call *311* today and make our displeasure known to the city.
A shame that they can't get any level of CONSISTENCY with their crews.
*** Last back to the barn...you've heard me talk about the struggle I have with things being "better" or "easier".

Our world has become SO complex since I left school that it's not funny.
Where, in times past, we were a lot more comfortable with how things were going (and how we fit in to the mix), we find ourselves a bit confused and at worse, left in the dust.

It's not our fault. We still do the best we can with what we have to work with in life, and that's okay by me.
That's the way things used to be done.
Today, it's all about what's EASY or what's BETTER, and many times, the two are trying to be combined by those who believe they know what's best for US.
The easy way isn't always the better way, but the better way can be less difficult (at times).
And there is definitely no "reset" button for life. You work with what you're given, based on experiences, relationships, and acquired knowledge...all tempered by wisdom.

Is life easy? Nope, not meant to be. That's YOUR challenge which you should always strive to work at.
Is life better? That depends on your happiness (contentment) level.
All of this is little more than common sense, and should be held in higher regard that it is today.
Do have yourselves a good weekend.

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