Thoughts For Thursday...

We'll be starting today with something we've seen little to nothing OF so far this year...THE SUN!
That's right, kids...that bright ball in the sky is slated to make a return..loose the pigeons.
And, it won't be AS cold outside.
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us sunny skies, temps reaching to around the 40 degree mark, and no precipitation.
Yes, a welcome relief, but never let your guard down so much as to have anything come long and catch you unaware.

Now, let's get that comforting morning drink in us, as we see what else has been going on...
*** First out of the microwave is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been." 
This was spoken by Rainer Maria Rilke  (4 December 1875 – 29 December 1926) who was a Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist.
((He is "widely recognized as one of the most lyrically intense German-language poets". He wrote both verse and highly lyrical prose. Several critics have described Rilke's work as inherently "mystical".))
And here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainer_Maria_Rilke
((Here is the U.S. Rilke is frequently quoted or referenced in television programs, motion pictures, music and other works when these works discuss the subject of love or angels.))

It's not that long a read, and gives us a look into the life of someone who supported the Russian Revolution of 1917, and also looked at fascism as a "healing agent".  No one's perfect...right?
*** Next up, time to the "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
JANUARY 3 -
---It's National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

(not a personal favorite, but it IS chocolate)
---It's National Drinking Straw Day

(be careful, the loons are going after single-use utensils now)
---It's National Fruitcake Toss Day

(I'd bet most of them HAVE already been tossed)
*** Next , an update to the last homicide of 2018:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/20190103/coroner-rules-teens-slaying-a-homicide

Lafayette and Williams - scene of the shooting.

They still say it was 44 (for the year) and what the hell, I'll go with that...for now.
ANY bets we reach at least 40 again THIS year?
*** Next up,  from the "Land of Fruits and Nuts" comes this story:

(Warning - try NOT to snot your morning drink out of your nostrils)
https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2019/01/02/california-womens-march-postponed-over-concerns-its-too-white/

Too WHITE?  That means NOT diverse enough...for whom, exactly?
Wonder what's next? Too STRAIGHT? Too FEMININE?
Good Lord, there has GOT to be better things to concern ourselves with in today's world than crap like this.
On the bright side, it proves they are "eating their own".
*** Next, time to drop by our "Kitten Corner"...

Our kids had another good day, and spent some of it playing with some fuzzy glitter balls we got them for Christmas.

There is also this "catnip fish" they like, and anything that makes a jungle sound works for them.
Naturally, all this play requires some nap time...doesn't it always?
*** Next up, let's check in with "Midnight and Whiskers"...

"I want a leg to rub against."

Our furry duo spent most all day near the house, and considering we had some drizle early that was surprising.
However, both of them came late for lunch. Not to worry, as dinner had both there, as did a couple back step treat sessions.

"Something trying to interrupt my meal?"

Whenever Wifey comes home, she gets greeted and I give them some treats for their diligence.
That works out well for everyone.
*** Last back to the entertainment center, we're starting the year off with the usual "threesome" fo celebrity deaths.

AKA "Super Dave" Osborne

We lost writer, actor, and comedian Bob Einstein at the age of 76.  Here's his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Einstein

We also lost musician and song writer Daryl Dragon, better known as "Captain" of Captain and Tenille fame...at the age of 76.
Here's his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daryl_Dragon

And finally, to those who follow the WWF, we lost "Mean Gene" Okerlund - the deadpan commentator who interviewed wrestlers.
He was also...76 years old. Here's his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Okerlund
If I didn't know better, I'd think there's a pattern here. Guess that age doesn't do well for some.

---But we've another "death in the family", so to speak...

Today the democrats take over the House of Representatives(again ((...yawn...)), and that means a crapload of gridlock in the D.C. vicinity (especially around the Capitol).
Granted, there are a few good (moderate) democrats out there, but they invariably tend to side with the FAR left (to preserve their own status) and rarely go "against the grain".
Ben Franklin once said: "Everything in moderation", and by that, he must have also meant the reach of government as well as any agenda from ANY political party.
In this, I believe we're due for some change, as long as good people choose to step up, push back, and make their voice (and case) heard, so we can get on with running this nation as it was intended (and as some in D.C. are still TRYING to do).
Many view death not as an end, but as a beginning, or a "stepping off point"...just another facet of life.
And yet, there is always a level of fear attached to the "unknown".

Fear needs to be supplanted by courage. Trepidation needs to be transposed by steadfastness, and hate should be met head on with compassion.
Think of what our country could do IF such things occurred and were embraced.

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