Monday Morning Report: April 13

There were no squads in action this weekend (hurrumph!), so there's no footie to report.  My weekend was busted by the bad weather on Saturday.  I put all my eggs (chocolate and others) in one basket.  I worked really hard to make this weekend happen; I gambled and I lost, so now I've ruined the next weekend as well.  Instead of watching the FA cups semifinals (Arsenal v. Chelsea), I will be working.  The details of my gamble are not even worth rehashing, but it did get me to thinking what events in the past have been completely busted by the weather.  Or nearly so?

I recall the "Fog Bowl."  I was a junior in college and Jeffy was 9 years old, when the fog rolled in from Lake Michigan and destroyed the playoff game at Soldier Field between the Bears and Eagles.  Phillie was behind at that time, and there was no way they could come back when their strength was Randall Cunningham and the passing game.  One couldn't see more than 10 yards ahead.

But I can't help but think that the biggest event that the weather nearly ruined was the Normandy landing June 6, 1944.  As you may know, the landings had to take place in the period between the end of May and early June because of the tide.  The original D-day was scheduled for June 5, and in fact, the sea-born troops were all loaded, ready to go by then.  The weather had begun to deteriorate as early as June 3, with the temperature going down, and the waves kicking up.  It was puke-fest on those landing crafts (not the Toussaint/Wood kind).  By June 4, the meteorologists told the SAC (best title ever, Supreme Allied Commander, i.e. Eisenhower) that he had to call it off.  There was a little drizzle (just like last Saturday!), but there was no way the seas would support the landing.  On the other end, Rommel left the coast for Berlin and his wife's birthday, because he also thought the weather was prohibitive.

By June 5 evening, it was now or never.  Well, not never, but it would be August before the conditions would be optimum for the joint aerial/amphibious operation, and politically, that would present big problems.  All the troops were once again ready and loaded, and there seemed to be an opening in the weather for overnight June 6. Can you imagine trying to make that decision? Two advisors were against, the navy was for, and Montgomery was for.  In the end, the SAC said, as the windows rattled from the wind and rain, "I am quite positive that the order must be given."  And off they went to Overlord.   

Leaves one to wonder what would have happened if the SAC hesitated.  Leaves me to wonder, what would have happened if the weather on Saturday morning had cooperated.  I didn't have to make a decision, based on the weather, for thousands of troops to fight, but I can't help but feel that the rain robbed me of something that is rightfully mine....especially with the beautiful weather on Sunday.

Oh well.  As they say, "at least you still have your health."  Bummer!  

There are more battles to be fought this upcoming weekend.  Both squads for AC D.C. are in action.  And I will be working.  Onward.  

P.S. Have I told you how cool this keg cooler is?  It's designed specifically for Heineken kegs and it's the BEST toy EVER!  And it gives me BEER!  Aaaaaahhhhhh....