Thoughts For Thursday...

(Spent last 2 days of January in Ft. Wayne)

The bad news is that the cold continues - the good news is that it won;t be AS cold.
We're actually expecting to rise ABOVE zero degrees by midday...still too cold to loose the pigeons and sound the trumpets, though...heh.
Once again, schools are CLOSED, and local government offices will be likewise until noon.
Trash pickup won't happen today, so OUR pickup has been shoved back to Saturday (we hope).
Also, no USPS delivery again (never remember that happening before).

Yep, still got it.

Travel is not really advised unless NECESSARY. Some places have become "warming shelters" for those needing it.
I can honestly say it's brutal outside, and I'm damn glad I cleared our steps, patio and sidewalk before all this cold happened.
Our Hoosierland weather for today brings us mostly sunny skies (too cold for even reflective melting), temps climbing to a balmy 2 degrees, and some snow ( a few inches) coming within the next 24 hours, so be aware of that.

Now, let's grab a nice hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, as we see what else has been going on...
*** First out of the polar vortex is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"Hold fast to dreams. For when dreams go, life is a barren field, frozen with snow." 

This was spoken by one Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) who was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. And here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langston_Hughes

((Hughes, like many black writers and artists of his time, was drawn to the promise of Communism as an alternative to a segregated America.))
Oh, how easily some are deceived.
It's not a bad read, but is a bit long.
I thought I'd get a jump on Black History Month anyway.

When asked why he never joined the Communist party, he wrote, "it was based on strict discipline and the acceptance of directives that I, as a writer, did not wish to accept."
Well, no one's perfect, but they often are excellent observers of life and humanity.  He DID receive a fair number of awards and accolades.
*** Next, is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
JANUARY 31 -
---It's National Backward Day

(who thinks some of this crap up, anyway?)
---It's National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

(if they mean cooking, music or reading, that's fine.)
*** Next up, there are more than a few dangers associated with frigid weather
https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/investigators-house-fire-caused-by-space-heaters/1738625684

The fire occurred at a house located at 4438 Winter St (irony with the name), and it's believed that overloading the electrical system caused the fire.
I thought we had things such as circuit breakers (or even antiquated fuses) that prevented that stuff from happening. Something's weird here  Very strange.
*** Next, one police department has a tongue-in-cheek take on crime and weather:
https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2019/01/30/noblesville-police-department-bans-crime-and-illegal-activities-due-to-cold/
A "ban on crime" due to cold weather...cute.
Some idiots just might follow it.

Others will not, like the idiot who committed an armed robbery at the E. State Blvd Arby's last evening. Is this crap REALLY worth it?
*** Next up, from the "If at first you dn't succeed" Department comes THIS:
www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/20190131/bill-to-end-gun-fees-is-revived
The best case for this is what state rep Jim Lucas said:

“I don't think a citizen should have to pay to exercise a constitutional right,”
Sounds about right to me.
*** Next up, and along those lines, another good column by Bob Aldridge:
www.journalgazette.net/opinion/columns/20190131/mental-not-mechanical

He not only makes the case for Constitutional Carry, but once again provides the rules for gun SAFETY.
He concludes by stating that the REAL reason we (in Indiana) have to PAY for a carry permit...MONEY.
(the truth will surface)
*** Next, let's stop on by our "Kitten Corner"...
Our kids had a good day, as far as feline lifestyles go.

Good day, your eminence.

I had filled the bird feeder and we had some activity (but not much).
Too cold for most birds, but one brave cardinal chose to stop by.

I see birds at the feeder

That kept one of our cats occupied.

I'm just being cute, that's all.

The other just napped most of the day way.
Other than that, things went without incident, and that made for happy cats and happy humans.
*** Next up, let's check in with "Midnight and Whiskers"...

He should stay here and get warm wet food.

Our furry (but not frozen) twosome were both here yesterday, just not at the same time. Whiskers came from the shelter, and was here for breakfast and dinner. I was worried about Midnight being MIA.

I'll finish her food, too.

He finally DID show up near midday and got some eats, but I couldn't put out any wet food for him, as it would freeze if he didn't show right up. I saved it for today, whenever he comes by.
And I thawed the water dish several times, and when I pout the water out, it was "steaming", and it wasn't even warm...THAT'S how cold it was.
*** Last back to the glacial plain...I can honestly say I formally detest the COLD.

I can deal with snow, and I don't mind layering clothes to shovel, but when it gets SO damn cold that it hurts to breathe, and your skin starts to sting after a couple minutes...that's enough for this old guy.
Even if this weather came around Christmas. it would cease being seasonally fun, and I;m sure many of you would agree.
It's time like this that I'm happy I watched those Frozen Alaska shows and documentaries on the polar explorers...lol.
Survival mode becomes the job of the day as long as this cold persists.
Self-reliance and self-sufficiency are to be embraced, as long as a modicum of safety is practiced.
And that you can believe.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE (and warm) out there, America.
(we'll see you next month) ☺