Monday Musings...

(And, a history-making one)

With all the rain we've been having, it looks like it will very soon become a season I'm starting to hate...LAWN-CARE season.
The grass is growing too fast and I'm getting too old to push a mower up hills. Flat lawns (like the back yard) are no problem.
And, it looks like a bit more rain today (like we really need it?).
Our Hoosierland weather brings us (what else?)...RAIN, which could be heavy at times, temps reaching to around 55 degrees, and (as can be expected) no sunshine to speak of.

(aged for 1000 years)

So, let's greet today (and the week) with a comforting beverage, as we see what else has been going on...
*** First off of the umbrella stand is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
APRIL 29 -
---It's National Peace Rose Day

(we can always use some peace)
---It's National Shrimp Scampi Day

(one of my favorites)
---It's National Zipper Day

(a godsend in many ways)
*** Next up... just as I had thought (and predicted), Avengers: Endgame did what it set out to do...and deservedly so:
https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4507&p=.htm

Definitely one for the record books.
And, just for context's sake, the MCU's 22 (first) films have grossed $19.8 BILLION worldwide!
If there is a "fault" to be found in any of this, how about a cup of "How do you top THAT"?
It will be very difficult to do so, from any studio for any genre.
*** Next, let's do a proper recap of my nephew's visit (all the way from the commonwealth of Virginia)...
Erik and Thomas arrived here a little after 1830 hrs Tuesday, and we made them dinner...after a bit of an "Easter Egg Hunt" for Thomas. Then, we all took it easy and had some chit chat time, catching up on lots of things..

The following morning, after breakfast, we saddled up and drove out to the 122nd ANG where they have the planes on display.

The weather was behaving itself, although it was a bit on the cloudy side.

Near the Lincoln cabin replica

After that, we took a drive over to Foster Park...or should I say "Foster Lakes"? The river had overflowed it's banks and well, let's just say there was NO way to get close to the river at all.

There were some geese that were on an island amid the high water. The running paths were washed out, so we walked over to the gazebo.

They had some flowers blooming, but aside from that (and the playground), not much else to look at. Thomas wanted to watch The Longest Day (one of his favorite movies...and for a 10-yr old at that).
The following day, we all went downtown to visit the FWFD MUSEUM (never been there myself).

A manual hand pumper (10 men).

That was pretty cool and well worth a trip.

International (Harvester) pumper.

We spent well over an hour roaming about, and the woman working there was giving us a good start as she explained much of the various apparatus and other gear used from the beginning.
After that, we shooed away a panhandler (lol...they're everywhere), and then drove over to CONEY DOG for lunch.

Erik is taking it all in.

I must say, they do a land office business (another first for me).
When we got back we checked out what Thomas calls "The Bob Room" (our mini toy museum upstairs) and I showed him my (90s era) G.I. Joe collection (small s it is), and then I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.

Looks like I've got a new home.

The following morning (and after an early breakfast), it was time to bid farewell and give Thomas a belated birthday gift - a 6 inch Captain America action figure.
(we like "parting gifts" at the "Fortress")
All of us had a fantastic time, and it sure seemed to fly by SO fast. They got back to VA by 1845 hrs that evening.
*** Next up, time to stop by our "Kitten Corner"...
Okay, so the kids were fine until Erik and Thomas arrived.

"I iz not miffed...just tired."

Then they both went into "hide and seek" mode and stayed that way for most of the visit. I will say that Violet was a braver of the two, as she came out and spent time getting to know these "strangers". Gallifrey was a "scaredy-cat" and would come out to hit the litterpan or grab a bite to eat (I fed them early on before everyone got up).

"I can haz the house back now?"

After my nephew and his son headed back, it was like nothing happened, and both cats were back in "we love you" mode...lol.
What a pair. I guess we know who's the bravest of them now...lol.
*** Next, let's check in with "Midnight and Whiskers"...

Right, so here's where the story takes a crazy-ass turn. Tuesday went fine with both cats here when I went to feed them. They both made all three meals.
It was Wednesday when both made ONLY breakfast. They got REAL shy when we took Erik and Thomas out on the patio. They left the property, in fact.
After that, we only saw Whiskers sneak out for her meals.

"I miss my patio buddy."

Midnight went M.I.A. for the remainder of the week, and naturally, I thought the worst. After the visit, it was STILL no Midnight and I got to praying for his safety. I was getting depressed as well, because he wouldn't stay away that long.
Yesterday, Wifey was by the back gate and heard some meowing. She thought Midnight was coming back, but the meows were not getting closer.

540 E. Maple Grove garage

So, she calls me out and sure enough, I hear the same sounds, which seemed to be coming from a garage behind us (vacant rental).
I unlock our gate and go over to the garage door, and see a BLACK paw sticking out one corner.
I used my foot to force the opposite corner in and sure enough, out comes Midnight.

"You heard me and let me out. Thank you."

And yes, he did follow us back into our yard, and went right up on the patio table (where I had his food dish). He sure seemed hungry, too. And fed him we did.
Now I don't know HOW he got trapped in that garage, but after all this, I can say ONE thing that is certain:
GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS...!

"I iz back where I belong...home"

So, we got the band back together and we're one happy cat-loving family once again.
*** Last back to the cat shelter...family is what should matter to every one of us.

When we have the opportunity to spend time together, we need to do so, and with the spirit that God intends.
Often, we're separated by many miles, but that should not act as an impediment. We can always call or write (or send an email).

Keeping in touch helps keep us grounded in the type of love HE shows to us each and every day.
I know such things seem a bit on the "old-fashioned" side in our hurry-up world, but there comes that time when we DO need some of that old-fashion,
Perhaps if we all took such things to heart, our world wouldn't be in the state we find it today.
And...I could honestly live with that.

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