Good morning GH.  It is nearly 6:00 AM here in GH and I had to get up.  Sometimes, one of the hazards of going to bed early is getting up early the next day.  Not that I went to bed all that early, it was about 10:00 PM, but that gave me nearly eight hours of sleep and that is a lot for me.  The current desktop temperature is showing 45 degrees with an expected  high in the upper 50s.  I still can't see much out of the Weather Window, and Sugar the Weather Dog is still fast asleep, so I have to rely on the National Weather Service via Weather.com for some additional information.  Tomorrow they are predicting highs in the upper 60s and for Wednesday, the lower 70s.  Of course, this is the same source I used for yesterday's weather, so we shall see. I wanted to take some time to share a few thoughts I have on life in general.  Over the weekend, Steph and Adam were in town for a visit.  I was pleased that I had the chance to enjoy their company and get their input on things, both great and small.  They seem to like it here in GH, and why wouldn't they?  Mary was in the kitchen some of the time, Adam was at the grill some of the time, and I was staying out of the way most of the time.  Mary would say that that may be my biggest contribution to the whole system.  I answered one of the two questions that Steph left for me to answer, and I should be able to get the other answer later today.  Sometimes the chance to ask questions personally is better than the internet.  I think that this will be one of those times.  Overall, it was a fun and relaxing weekend, especially when Mary and I visited one of our favorite watering holes here in GH in the afternoon.  We walked over to the riverfront while enjoying the beautiful weather, and spent a few hours there before walking back.  The place was filling up with motorcycle riders as we getting set to leave, and we found out later that they had been in the Ottawa county area at the Fair Grounds, for a "Blessing of the Bikes" ceremony.  Some of the evening was lost to me. but that is not unexpected.  I still plan to paint Ragus today, but that will be determined by how much time and energy I want to devote to other activities.  Otherwise, not much to do today, except for those other activities of daily living.  So, when Mary gets up, it will be......Tea time.

Good morning GH.   It is coming p on 7:20 AM here is GH.  A check out the Weather Window tells me that the day is gong to be a good one.  The skies are mostly clear and the sun is on the rise.  Current desktop temperature is 31 degrees, and the National Weather Service is predicting a final high of 64 degrees with rain later this evening.  However, they contradict themselves elsewhere on the website with a prediction of 62 degrees and a very limited chance of rain.  That's why I rely on the Weather Window, Sugar the Weather Dog, and the occasional use of the Weather Rock.   Over the last couple of days, Adam has done yeoman's work on setting up our things in the basement "Man Cave."  He has it just the way it should be, mostly by hanging tools and putting things in their place.  More to come, I'm sure, but a great beginning.  Mary and Steph have been hard at work decorating the "Woman Cave, AKA the rest of the house.  Looks great, but as a man, it is less important to me.  I like the final result, but I am not one to make it happen.  It isn't just me, I think.  I have been involved in the process of hanging pictures and things, and somewhat involved in the creation of one of them, but I wish that there was a "picture fairy" who would make it just happen.  One thing I have learned about older homes, expect the unexpected when you try to hang a picture or something.  With plaster walls backed by lath, you never know what you may encounter.  Adam and Steph made sure we had no plans to paint the beautiful woodwork in this house.  We assured them that we had no plans in that regard.  Otherwise, except for the regular walks with Sugar and a visit to the local hobby shop, bakery, and the meat market for Adam and Steph, I didn't leave the house yesterday.  A quick note.  I may have mentioned that the local guitar store is moving from the downtown area of GH.  No signs at that location about the new location, other than that they would be moving.  Much to my delight, they are moving right around the corner from my house.  Life truly is good here in GH.  Otherwise, this is intended to be a slow day.  So, when Mary awakens, it will be...Tea time.

Good early morning GH.  Just yesterday evening I was talking to Steph about not getting up too early, and lo and behold, I have done it.  I should be able to go back to bed, but I decided that since I got up to watch the long freight train go by, I would take some time to blog.  The radio news was reporting the possibility of a freeze in several counties, but here in GH, the desktop reading is currently 42 degrees.  Sugar the  Weather Dog is still sound asleep and therefore no help here at 3:30 AM.  The Weather Window is unable to help because it is so dark this many hours before sunrise.  So, I am going to wing it and go with the forecast from Weather.com and expect rain peaking during the midday hours and cooler temperatures all day.  I've never been so inclined before, but what the heck, sometimes you just  have to throw caution to the winds and use another source.  It will be interesting to see how that works out.  Adam has plans to work on his car, but those temperature predictions will probably throw cold water on his plans to do some painting.  No way to know right now.  I do know that there was no precipitation visible in the train lights as it went rumbling through, so perhaps the forecast is wrong.  Or, since the forecast calls for the peak of shower activity at midday, then this is how it actually will turn out.  What a conundrum.  I don't know why, but that old Otis Redding song "Midnight Hour" just popped into my head; maybe because it is as dark as midnight.  I have an ability, which I am sure many do, to actually hear the horn section and Otis himself in my head.  Or, as I've said before, it is my own singular form of weirdness.  I think Adam would go with that, and perhaps would Mary would too.  Steph, I think she might be okay with that idea.  Anyway, it is time to go back to bed and finish up my night time nap.  Thanks for listening, and I'll see you during UP w/ Chris and of course, at.....Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Well, unlike many of the usual wake up times, I didn't get up until about 7:30 this AM.  I could have, I just didn't.  Sometimes when the lighting in the room is just right and the background noise is just so, I like to sleep in.  The temperature on the desktop is showing 29 degrees.  So, in spite of the beautiful view out of the Weather Window; all sunshine and clear skies, the day will be on the cool side.  Sugar the Weather Dog was asleep and Mary had just gotten up to do some work, so I took time to take a shower and stretch.   When I came out, Sugar joined me in my stretch, and then she went back to bed.  I like her stretches better than mine, but that is just as a casual observer.  Sometimes they say you have to be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.  Well, as you may have noticed I asked the "Candy Fairy" to leave some candies under my pillow.  Wouldn't you know it, my prayers were answered.  I got a whole bag full.  Steph and Adam came up yesterday too.  I don't know if there is a connection between the two events.  Just because A comes before B as Mary often says, doesn't mean that the first one caused the second, but I wished and my wish was granted.  Thanks "Candy Fairy."  Today I hope to play the guitar some, swim some, paint some and read some.  Just like Robert Fulghum says, you have to play some and work some and do many things some, all in moderation.  Is that proof, I don't know, but I like the idea anyway.  Otherwise, not much to do today.  So, I think it is....Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Current temperature on the desktop is showing 46 degrees.  We are expecting mid fifties today along with some high winds.  Tonight,. the National Weather Service is predicting a freeze.  That assumes you live in Grand Rapids and not near the Big Lake as they call it here.  Time will tell.  Sugar the Weather Dog  is once again still abed, so as the harbinger of things to come weather wise  she is predicting no big storms on the horizon.  A quick look out the Weather Window shows that sunrise is nearly here and the street is starting to dry, so I guess that it rained here overnight.   Mary suggested that I was a little off on the pencil lines I had drawn on Ragus for her spots and things, and I probably was.  I have always had a problem with spatial placements.  Fortunately for me, Mary covered them up with additional paint and I get a do over on them all.  This time, I'll let her point, Mary, not Ragus.  Nice day in the pool at the Y yesterday afternoon.  A good thing for me and for the day as a whole.  Yesterday, Mary, Sugar the Weather Dog, and I walked to the dog groomer where we dropped off Sugar the Weather Dog to be washed, brushed and get a pedicure.  According to the groomer, they got a pile of hair from Sugar that was quite large in scale.  I think she was over due.  Best of all, Sugar is once again white and soft.  She came back exhausted from the whole experience and had to take a nap.  Otherwise, not much scheduled for today.  More guitar, some reading, and perhaps I can get some painting done.  Right now, as you may have already guessed, it is.....Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Kind of quiet here in GH this AM.  Current temperature on the desktop is 42 degrees, going up to an expected high of about 55 today.  Weird when you compare that number to the expected high in Minneapolis of 75.  But, the sun is shining and the skies are clear.  Sugar the Weather Dog is still abed, so no storms are on the immediate horizon.  However, predictions for later this afternoon and evening from the National Weather Service are for showers and perhaps thunder storms, and we know how Sugar the Weather Dog feels about those.  Got all my supplies for Ragus yesterday, so now I just have have to get her done.  We already have a spot on the front porch picked out for her, so I need to get rolling.  I was reminded yesterday, while at the big box lumber and hardware store, that I was out of butterscotch drops.  They had them on their candy rack, but I have hopes that the butterscotch fairy will leave some under my pillow before I buy some.  Otherwise, it is a slow day here for us.  So, I think it is ......Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Another day is dawning, and this one holds the promise of more sunshine and cloudless skies; according to my personal observations through the Weather Window.  Current temperature on the desktop weather reporter is 45 degrees.  A short consultation with Sugar the Weather Dog, seems to confirm my personal forecast.  The winds we were expecting yesterday finally arrived about 3:00 PM in the afternoon.  It appears that the same might be true today.  I also noted that the TV/radio weather forecaster is predicting the possibility of snow on Sunday.  Ouch!  Never made it to  Ace yesterday, we just ran out of time.  However, we did make it to the bar stool purveyor in Holland where we discovered a plethora of stools to our liking; one of which came home with us for a very reasonable price of $25.00 plus tax.  We also discovered that one of the people at the stool store (a nice bit of alliteration, I think) had a collection of model cars that was breathtaking to behold.  Mary sent a picture to Adam for his delight.  All in all, a successful trip.  I got to the Y yesterday for some swimming and then we were off for our post-index meal of bean burritos and cheese and onion enchiladas.  Both were enjoyable.  Today, I plan to pay guitar more and also get Mary's map bulletin board mounted.  I got the mounting hardware sent by the manufacturer, but the directions they sent aren't very helpful and I don't like the look.  So, I  will work out my own system.  Otherwise, there is a certain guy I know who has a certain chocolate craving and his supply of chocolate caramels is running low.  So, I wonder if there is anyone out there who can help?  Just asking,  Anyway, it is...Tea time.

Good morning GH.  If a simple look out the Weather Window is enough for you, then I can say we have the portent of a beautiful day afoot.  The temperature on the desktop readout is 39 degrees at 7:22 AM and the National Weather Service says we should get to right around 50 degrees today, although it will be a bit in the windy side.  No evidence of the wind yet, but supposedly, there will be.  Sugar, the Weather Dog is still abed, so that is a sign that no storms are on the horizon.  If you look at the weather reports on the television, the Northeastern part of the U.S. is being socked by some late season snow storms.  I know that Global Warming is "junk science", and that climate and weather are not the same, but the trends are showing a change in the overall planetary climate.   So, if we wait, then we can find out who is right.  Of course, there is the risk that climate change is real, and we will all pay the price as the oceans rise and the sun beats on us mercilessly, but as long as there is SPF 100 or higher sun block, the people of the future should be fine.  And best of all, that vacation or regular property you bought, plan to buy, or expect to inherit will do nothing but go up in value.  What's not to like about that.  But, that's just one man's opinion.  Felt good with the guitar in my hands yesterday.  It is coming back, albeit slowly.  I have to remind Mary to contact the painter about the outdoor work.  We need to get in his datebook.  Mary, and to a smaller extent me, completed our latest index late last night.  I had a small part, but at least I earned my pay for the day.  Otherwise, I will be going to Ace Hardware today for some paint and things.  I have to get going on Ragus.  I also plan to return the colander by mail today.  It is being replaced by the nice folks who manufactured it, due to a flaw.  It is always nice when someone says, "We'll replace it if you send it back to us."  A good way to do business, I think.  Otherwise, it is, as you may have guessed....Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Well. I can say that as I look out the Weather Window, that it appears to truly be a good morning.  The sun is shining, and the day looks so inviting.  Of course, the National Weather Service, has reported that the current temperature, according to the desktop reading, is 33 degrees.  Sugar the Weather Dog hasn't given us her findings yet, but I think she will concur that it will be a beautiful day with a high in the lower fifties.  I think it is a nice follow-up to Earth Day, which was yesterday.  Of course, the bartender at one of our favorite watering holes didn't know that it was Earth Day, but unless you pay attention to that sort of thing, which we do around here, then you probably wouldn't know.  Mary and I walked over to the Earth Day activities at the Community Center yesterday afternoon, and as we passed the Firebarn Art Gallery, we stopped in to view the display of art they labeled The Art of the Background.  The exhibit included many eclectic pieces from artists and organizations around GH, and it was meant to showcase both the artists and the art that is often ignored because it is in the background of daily life.  We both really liked it.  The activities at the Community Center were interesting, but they really weren't anything new to either if us, especially Mary.  From there we continued to the downtown and once again affirmed what we have thought all along, that it was great that Adam and Steph first got us thinking GH.  It is a fabulous place to live.  Side note on life, as we listened this morning to the lawyer on the radio who specializes in elder law, we learned that her parents might have qualified for additional benefits under the VA disability programs, if they had applied.  But, that assumed that they had applied and that her dad would have let the care givers in the house.  It also assumed that the VA, which has a huge backlog of cases, about 900,000 at this time, would have gotten their application processed.  Even after her dad had passed, her mom would have qualified after her health deteriorated enough to need assistance.  Lots of red tape, but they probably would have qualified.  Oh well, what is it that they say, "If wishes were fishes, we would all have a creel full."  Otherwise, Mary has an index to finish, I have an index to edit, later, and a NY Times to read.   Mary went down to turn on the kettle, so as you know by now, that means.....Tea Time.

Good morning GH.  Well, it is only about 6:40 in the AM.  That means, that the usual look out the Weather Window is pointless.  Still, I can say that the temperature being reported by the National Weather Service on the desktop readout is 36 degrees.  We are supposed to see a high near 60 today and no rain.  Sugar, the Weather Dog, is still asleep, so no help there either.  If I have any luck, I may be able to go back to bed.  I have good news to report.  The estimate came in for the deck refinishing and the other outdoor work, and we were pleasantly surprised.  The price seems reasonable.  Looks like we may be able to do the other work too.  We will make a final decision this weekend.  I sat down yesterday to relearn playing the guitar.  I used to love to play, but with the medical issues I have had over the last few years, I haven't had the desire.  I hope I can get it back.  Mary made a great rice salad last night for dinner.  Along with the veggie burgers, I liked it a lot.  Today, I need to work more on the guitar playing and also do some reading.  I may also go to the hardware store for some paint for Sugar's Doppelganger.  I may also go to the grocery store.   We got our new shelf yesterday, and it looks fabulous.  Quarter sawn oak and perfectly finished.  It was exactly what we wanted.  As Mary said, now we will find one in one of the local antique stores.  It is sort of like adopting a baby and then discovering that you are expecting a child in the regular way.  Not really any different, just the way things often work. Go figure.  Otherwise, it is time to go back to bed.  Tea time will wait until I get closer to 8:00 AM.

Good morning GH.  A quick look out the Weather Window confirms what the Weather Rock and Sugar the Weather Dog have already told me, it is raining out.  Current outdoor temperature, according to the desktop, is 46 degrees.  Of course, the skies are cloudy too.  Here in GH, this day is not very different from many others.  Tomorrow, is the Earth Day celebration in GH.  A parade, a mini marathon, and the like are scheduled.  We expect the day to be cool, but dry.  From what I understand, the worst of the rain storms have passed to the north of our fair city.  That's okay with me.  As much as I like walking in the rain, Sugar is not so inclined.   She could go all day without going out in this weather.  Snow good; rain bad, as far as Sugar is concerned.  We got the estimate from the landscape designer yesterday.  Not stratospheric, but not inexpensive either.  We are awaiting the painter's estimate on the deck job, and then we can decide how we want to proceed.  After paying income taxes earlier this week and as we are anticipating the arrival of the real estate tax bill, that tends to temper our thinking just a bit.  The real estate taxes will be lower than they were in our old home, but they are still an expenditure.  Mostly, though we are thinking that we should take it slow and then go from there.  Since we may also need a roof next year, we have to anticipate that expense too.  Otherwise, I have been watching the Morning Joe show, live from Fenway Park in Boston, and they were rerunning all of the famous and infamous events associated with Fenway and my beloved Red Sox.   Hard to believe, but there have been many, but at this point, I think the Cubs have them by a bit.  Who knows for sure.  Otherwise, it is.....Tea time.

Good morning GH.  It is still a bit dark out to give an accurate forecast by looking out the Weather Window, but the day is supposed to be warmer than it was yesterday.  Rain is still in the forecast from the National Weather Service, in fact, they are predicting between one and two inches between this afternoon and tomorrow.  I find it interesting that snow "accumulates" while rain just falls.  Is there a difference?  Must be in the fact that snow impedes your activities and has to be shoveled, while rain just falls and gets things wet.  The weekend is expected to be clear and dry, but cooler.  Currently the desktop temperature is showing as 47 degrees.  Train went by the AM, but I couldn't see it in the dark.  I swept the driveway after Mary mowed the lawn, (how's that for a division of labor?) and that was about enough yard work for both of us.  It is amazing that as you get older, you have lot's of great ideas, but not enough energy to carry them out.  It seems as though that is one of life's little secrets that the talking heads don't seem to discuss.  I don't know why they would, since the world is made for the younger set, but it is still a fascinating thing to behold.  Here is a surprise, the fish in the Gulf of Mexico are having some serious health issues, mostly where the oil accumulated the heaviest, but scientists can't say that just because A came before B, that the oil is the cause.  Hmmmmmm.  We have an appointment to see the landscaper today, and with luck, we won't be sent into orbit by the cost of the yard improvements.  Speaking of orbit, how about those pictures of the Space Shuttle overflying Washington D.C.?  Still one more chance to see a shuttle overflying the East Coast, as later this month, they send a second one to New York for the display there.  I think the program was a good idea, even if many do not.  It instilled national pride, not national disgrace.  Oh well, that was then and this is now.   Otherwise, it is.....Tea time.

Good afternoon GH.  Here in my little corner of the world, it is now 12:25 PM.  The Weather Window is showing partly cloudy skies now, and the National Weather Service is predicting showers late this afternoon or early evening.  Current temperature on the desktop is 53 degrees.  We have chosen a name for our "Plywood Puppy."  She will be called Ragus.  Why is that, you ask?  It is obvious if you look closely at the name.  Went for two walks today, with Sugar the Weather Dog.  Morning walk went great; the train going by for the afternoon walk wasn't to her liking.  Only one locomotive from the Mid Michigan Rail Road, with two or three cars, but the ground still shook, and Sugar didn't like it.  Is that a surprise?   Not really.  Speaking of Ragus, I finished the second coat of white paint this morning, and now I am waiting for that to dry before I add the extra colors to finish her off.  I think she will look great when she is complete.  Had a nice visit with the painter about the deck and the front porch yesterday.  He will be sending us an estimate by e-mail very soon.  Tomorrow, we visit the garden center for an estimate on the back patio.  Wonder how shocked we will be?  Otherwise, not much is happening.  Tea time is done for the day.  See you in the morning.

Good morning GH.  Well, I made it to nearly 7:00 AM before I got out of bed.  It helps to go to bed after midnight.  I stayed up late to finish the book I was reading, and I enjoyed it immensely.  The story was the second in a series by the American Indian author, David Walks-as-Bear, a Michigan native.  I enjoy the cadence with which he writes and I also enjoy that he has chosen to write in a genre with which I am familiar and which I enjoy.  This story is set mostly in Hawaii, and of course, there are references to Magnum, T.C. etc.  There is even a fictional police lieutenant, who drives a hot Mustang, who turns out to be the nephew of the actor who portrayed the Lieutenant Tanaka character on Magnum.  Mark Twain references abound, blond jokes, the Civil War and the like, along with car chases and old muscle cars.  What's not to like?  The book is entitled Old Money and for me it was worth the read.   Not a full review, I know, but I would recommend the book to others.  I'll have to e-mail the author with my thanks and compliments.  For those who recall, this was the author that I listened to at the local library.  Otherwise, we have an appointment with the painter about the back deck and the front porch, regarding an estimate for the costs of cleaning and refinishing.  As I gaze out the Weather Window, the sky looks somewhat cloudy and the temperature on the desktop is showing 38 degrees.  Sugar, the Weather Dog, was beside the bed this AM, so she thinks something is up.  We'll have to wait to see.   Otherwise, I was feeling less than spectacular yesterday in the afternoon, but I feel much better this AM.  Maybe it was just because it was Tax Day.  Anyway, it is, as you might have anticipated, ....Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Well, the Weather Window and I are predicting a nice morning here in GH.  Sugar the Weather Dog seems to agree. After last night, when Sugar was predicating storms with a side of thunder and lightning, it looks like today her predictions are a bit less dire, at least for the first part of the day.  The desktop temperature is showing 56 degrees, so the outdoors are more inviting than they were last night.  We spent part of yesterday afternoon on the front porch, with Sugar guarding the world from all who walked by.  At the time, it was so sunny, that Mary ordered a glare screen for her computer.  I was reminded of my own computer ignorance last year, when I wanted to do the same.  Fortunately for me, Steph was able to show me how to turn up the brightness and I was good to go.  I couldn't explain how she did it, but she had taught me that it was possible, so with a little bit of searching, Mary was able to find the right combination of keys and, Voila, a brighter screen and a cancelled order for a glare screen.  So, next time Steph is here, Mary owes her.  I have noted that the mother of invention is usually a need or desire.  In this case, it was my own cheap nature.  So Adam, sometimes it pays to not throw money at the problem, just ask Steph.  Otherwise, as the sun comes full up her in GH, it looks like a beautiful day.  I think for me, it is now....Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Well, I have done it again.  I have managed to wipe out my blog attempt this AM in one swipe of an errant finger.  I found out where it went to, but I had already retyped it this morning.  Maybe it wasn't that good anyway.  I was noting that I really didn't need the Weather Window this AM, because at 4:00 AM, I found Sugar the Weather Dog sleeping next to the bed, a sure sign that we had storms overnight.  This morning, the view out the Weather Window, is rainy and overcast, so the National Weather Service was right, we got the predicted storms.  Not as sever as what they got in the Great Plains, but we got a fair share of rain.  This morning, the temperature on the desktop thermometer is showing 59 degrees, and that temperature, for those who don't know, comes from the state facility at the the Grand Haven beach area, but that's about all I know.  Me, I rely on the Weather Window, the weather deck, etc.  Maybe not as predictive, but the end results are very clear as to what type of weather we are having or have had recently.  Otherwise, we got our version of the arf Walk dog yesterday, so now all that remains is to assemble it and paint it to match Sugar the Weather Dog.  I still love walking in GH, and on a rainy, but warm day, it will be even better.  However, I don't know if Sugar the Weather Dog will be so inclined.  If she is predicting more inclement weather, then she won't go.  Otherwise, I have to go downstairs for the UP with Chris Hayes show.  And of course, it will be......Tea time.

Good morning GH.  A quick look out the weather window tells me that the day has the portent of being a bit more stormy than yesterday.  I also note that the desktop weather temperature is showing 53 degrees.  The National Weather Service is still predicting rain over the next few days, but so far I haven't seen the evidence.  Had a long train last evening, early, and then later the two engines headed back north, this time without any cars.  I also noticed that although one engine was the typical MMRR the other was a brand that I didn't recognize.  I'll have to pay closer attention next time it goes by.  I have no real plans for today, just being lazy, if that is a plan that is extraordinary.  Mary has other plans, but I don't, and I want to keep it that way.  My lovable losers, the Cubs,  actually won yesterday, but I think they still tried to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.  They had a nine run lead and managed to only win by four, when the starting pitcher ran out of gas.  There had been a lengthy rain delay in St. Louis, so that didn't help.  My other lovable losers, the Red Sox, are struggling too.  Their record is not setting the league on fire and there are rumors of dissension in the clubhouse.  It seems like you just can't please millionaires all the time.  Who would have thought; the Washington Nationals are leading their division this year.  I think the addition of good pitchers and a solid manager have made significant contributions to their winning record.  We finally got to see the arf walk dog, and it looks a lot like Sugar.  When we get one and get it painted like her, it should be a hit on the front porch.  Otherwise,  it looks like it is......Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Once again, dawn in GH looks mighty good.  Looking out the weather window and what I see is a sunny day beginning.  However, the temperature on the desktop is showing a chilly 30 degrees.  It is supposed to get up near 60 later, but right now, the only appropriate comment seems to be Brrrr.   The National Weather Service is predicting a bunch of rain this weekend, so I may want to pull the cushions off of the deck furniture and keep them safe and dry in the garage.  Mary may agree or disagree, but it takes just a few minutes and then they are out of harms way, so to speak.  I have to get some routine tests done at the lab this AM.  Nothing of note, just the regular things that a man of my age is supposes to get once a year.  That allows the doctor to have a baseline for comparison.  My BP is doing well, so the doctor wants to cut down on some of my meds, which is all good.  That way. I can hopefully save some money and improve my health, a win-win for me and the insurance company.  There are benefits to losing those extra pounds that I wanted to lose anyway.  I'll be off to the Y this afternoon, assuming that I can figure which roads are now open for entrance.  I like the idea of infrastructure improvements, but it does get confusing sometimes.  I want to get downtown today to buy one of the small arf walk dogs being offered for sale.  They are this year's answer to the sharks of last year, and they look cute.  All I need to do now is to get Sugar to go past Central Park without freaking out.  Yesterday, we got to the park for our afternoon walk, and she freaked and couldn't wait to get home.  I don't get it.  I think I need a dog whisperer.  Otherwise, the day is ripe for the picking.  Tea time will have to wait for later, as I am fasting for the tests.

Good morning GH.  Well. I slept in the AM.  Took time for a shower and then I sat down here to do the morning blog.  A quick glance out the weather window tells me we are going to start out bright and sunny until the evening when the weather service is predicting rain, for the next several days.  Current temperature is 33 degrees on the desktop readout.  One of thee days, I'll figure out how to use the degree symbol.  If Mary or Steph can show me how, I will be most appreciative.  Yesterday, Sugar the weather dog went for a walk with me, and then all of a sudden, about 3/4 of the way through the walk, she wanted to get home in the worst way.  I don't know what set her off, but that's the way it was, my apologies to Walter Cronkite for the paraphrase of his famous closing line.  Today, I have appointments at two different doctors, starting at about 9:00 AM.  Sugar and I will have to start out earlier today.  Otherwise, not much planned for the day.  I finished my work on Mary's indexing project, at least the preliminary part, so the balance of the day is mine after the doctors.  That being said, I won't be doing tea time this AM, because the kind of tea I like, strong with lots of caffeine, isn't good for accurate BP readings.  So, later for now.

Good morning GH.  As always, the old weather window is proving to be a useful tool.   Looking out, I am certain that the day will be beautiful.  Currently at 7:55 AM, the temperature is 37 degrees.  Yesterday, the day started out kind on on the dicey side.  Leaden skies, cooler temperatures, and by the time Sugar and I went for our morning walk, it was snowing, just as the weather rock would have predicted.  Of course, I had Sugar the weather dog on the end of the leash, and by the time we were about halfway through our walk, the snow was coming fast and furious and Sugar was bound for home.  I bet the next time we go in the direction of the courthouse, she will be more reluctant than ever, since the last two times she has experienced adverse weather conditions.   Same result, she got home, and tore up the stairs for her hide-e-hole.  She wouldn't come out until, she knew it was safe.  I don't know how she knew, but she knew.  Otherwise, things were kind of slow here in the afternoon.  Read the papers, read some book, and then did some work for Mary's business.  According to my calculations, I worked for three hours yesterday; just highlighting, but it was necessary, and I felt like I had made a significant contribution to the business.  Now, if I can just learn to knit.  Nah, not likely; when it comes to knitting I am all thumbs.  But, one never knows.  Otherwise, the day today calls for more pool time at the Y, more reading, more writing, and more highlighting, not necessarily in that order.  For now it is.....Tea time.

Good Morning GH.  As I look out the weather window this morning, I don't get quite the same sense of elation that I got yesterday.  The skies are leaden in color and the wind is blowing at a fair clip.  Also, the temperature on the desktop is showing 37 degrees.  As I was contemplating the view, I was reminded of something that I saw in Bermuda when Mary, Adam, and I visited many years ago.  They have something called a weather rock.  It is a large stone suspended from a tripod made of wood, that they claim is 100 % accurate when used to predict the weather.  Essentially. it works like this.  When you are looking at the rock, if it is wet, it is raining.  If it is cold to the touch, it is cold out.  If it is hot to the touch, then it is hot out.  If it has snow on top, highly unlikely given the climate in Bermuda, then it is both cold and snowing.  If the rock is gently swaying, then it is windy.  If the rock is swinging erratically, an earthquake is occurring.  I guess you could call that 100% accuracy.  Just like my weather window; it is all in the interpretation of your observations.   Given the wind, Sugar and I will likely take an abbreviated walk.  We had plans to go to two possible stores for biscuits, but the distances in these colder temperatures and with the wind blowing make it less likely.  The farm store is about 1.1 miles one-way, the other store, about .6 miles.  Given a choice, I guess I would choose the other store.  But, I doubt if either is in the cards.  Had a great visit to the Y yesterday.  It felt good to get back in the pool.  Adam and Steph departed yesterday AM.  Sorry to see them go, but they will be back soon.  We had a slight mishap with the disposal while they were here, nothing that they did, but with the small hands of Mary and the deft flick of the switch by Steph, it was finally resolved the next day when I anticipated a visit from the plumber and I turned it on.  Out flew a chunk of plastic and the disposer was up and running.  Go figure.  Otherwise, not much is happening, so it is......Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Well, this morning as I look out the weather window, the appearance is slightly less inviting.  There are scattered clouds in the sky, but the current temperature on the desktop is showing as 46 degrees.  According to the National Weather Service, rain is expected later tonight and the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday is similar.  We have had a great weekend with Adam and Steph.  Grilled out more, sat out more, and played games more.  Sugar is, of course, exhausted.  Too much activity for her.  She loves having the extra people around, but it does tire her out since she doesn't get her regular 22 hours of beauty sleep.  It makes her grumpy.  I got to see my new helicopter fly yesterday.  Of course, Adam was at the controls and when it crashed into the bushes, I thought it was history, but it survived the crash and Adam has vowed to add some additional nose weight too give it more control.  I'm glad I didn't take the first test flight, because I would have attributed the crash to my limited number of helicopter hours, not the need for additional weight in the nose of the copter.  Adam and Steph are slowly moving in, and since we have a spare room, everything has been fine with us.  Yesterday, the Tigers beat the Red Sox for the third consecutive time.  The
Tigers are now 3-0 and the Sox 0-3.  Ouch!  The Cubs managed to win one of three from the Nationals, but they almost gave it away.  I dunno, I guess I still have to wait for next year.  Otherwise, not much is happening. Adam and Steph leave today and they will be back near the end of May, just in time for tourist season.  Oh well, it is once again,         Tea time.

Good morning GH.  As I look out the weather window this morning, I am certain that this day will be similar to yesterday, albeit somewhat cooler.  Currently, the temperature reading showing on my desktop is 46 degrees.  Had a great day yesterday.  Adam and Steph did in fact take their desired cruise, with the Targa top out, and they pronounced the day excellent.  Mary and I walked nearly six miles yesterday and we came away not tired, but feeling more fit.  Sugar walked part of that, and she seemed to feel better too.  In the afternoon, I listened to the Cubs relief staff, pour gasoline on the fire and light the fuse.  When you lose at home, to the Washington Nationals, you aren't ready for prime time.  Once again, they managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.  Unfortunately, so did my other group of lost souls, the Boston Red Sox.  I am glad that they were beaten by the Tigers, if had to happen,  but I would prefer that they not do it so convincingly.    Otherwise, not much is happening in GH for us today.  Mary has been kind enough to make the tea this AM, after crafting a fine dinner last evening.  I had black bean burgers custom made by Mary along with her pasta salad creation. Adam grilled on the new grill, and all came came out great.  Best of all, I didn't have to do anything.  However, I am in charge of making my breakfast of veggie hash this AM for everyone.  More on that tomorrow.

Good morning GH.  Probably just a short post this AM.  I am not feeling very energetic today.  Since I have nothing specific on the agenda for today, I think I am going to take it as it comes,  As I gaze out the weather window, much like yesterday, I see a nearly cloudless sky and what looks like the beginnings of a beautiful day.    Current temperatures are hovering around 32 degrees, but the National Weather Service says we should reach the mid 60s today.  Adam and Steph plan a cruise in the sunshine today, and I cant't blame them.  I wonder if I have the energy to write a few more pages on my novel today.  Somehow, I doubt it, but as time goes by, I should have more energy.  Otherwise, I plan to lay about today.  So, as soon as Mary gets up and the pot is hot, it will be....Tea time.

Good morning GH.  I can tell by looking out the weather window, that the day is dawning bright and clear.  I can tell without looking, that the day is also dawning on the cool side.  I promised Steph that she could help me learn how to add pictures to the blog, but I figured that since all of my readers are in my house this weekend, that I could get up and blog this AM without any concerns.  I can experiment later with the picture thing and still have time for other pursuits today.  I was asked last night about why I hadn't commented in my blog about the opening of the 2012 baseball season.  One of the reasons, I can now admit, is that like many baseball fans, especially those with a bit of the Windy City in their blood, I am very superstitious,  In Chicago, we have that goat thing still hanging over what is the most storied bunch of losers in baseball history.  Indeed, the Cubs didn't disappoint me, yet again.  They managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory once again.  Ryan Dempster pitched a masterful game, recording 10 strikeouts during his 8 and 2/3 innings of work.  The Cubs, true to form, staked him to a terrific lead, 1-0, and he had no choice but to perform like that.  However, his replacements treated the baseball like it was something they couldn't wait to get away from, treating it like it was a flaming orb that had to get out of their hands and then only if they could either miss the plate or something, which led to a Washington lead of 2-1, I knew.  Even on a day when a guy I've never heard of was playing third base and hitting as though he and the baseball were never to meet, got a triple, and then a pinch runner, I knew not to get too hopeful.  I was right.  The next hitter hit a weak grounder and the guy coaching at third sent the runner into a sure out at the plate.  I think he was channeling "Waving Wendell."  So much for victory.  Oh well, wait til next year.  Meanwhile, the Tigers and the Red Sox saw a masterful pitching duel of their own.  But, as much as I liked the look of the game and Comerica Park, the Tigers managed to beat my beloved Red Sox in the home opener for the Tigers.  I call that being an omen.  So, if you ask how my day was, I'd say I haven't heard how the White Sox did.  If they lost, that would have been a good omen of things to come.  Otherwise, I don't know what will come of this baseball season.  Here's hoping that the White Caps have a good year.  Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Well, this is a welcome change.  Instead of blogging in the middle of the night, I am blogging at 7:22 in the AM.  Since the sun has nearly risen, I can look out the weather window and see that the day, which is dawning on the cool side, holds the promise of being sunny and bright.  I don't mind the temperatures being cool, in fact I generally prefer them that way.  I have some dusting and vacuuming to do this AM, and then the balance of the day is open to suggestion.  Our tulips opened yesterday, and of course, they are looking good.  Our new Sugar food can is now in residence in the kitchen, and at the price we paid (free) it looks marvelous.  As is often the case, I had Mary's favorite radio station on last might.  The topic that I tuned into was remote viewing.  Apparently, the people calling in believe strongly, but I think the guest was making the point that with the power of suggestion, you can cause people to believe in your ability to see what isn't in your immediate view.  I think he was being half serious and half mocking, but I couldn't really tell.  I guess that my ESP wasn't working so well.  The guest has published a book about the studies done at a prestigious western university during the cold war.  Apparently, people who visited their lab would come away with new found abilities, but if it was that easy, everybody would be doing it.  What worries me, is that the military paid for these experiments.  Otherwise, the day looks bright and clear, as of now.  Going down for, you guessed it, Tea time.

Good morning GH.  It is just about 12:00 AM on Wednesday April 4, 2012.  I am up and blogging because I had my attention drawn to the weather window by the sound of a train whistle/horn.  Being me, I just had to look.  Sure enough, it was the same two engines that I usually see going north, a Grand Rapids Eastern, and a Mid-Michigan Railroad, pulling a string of mostly hopper cars with a few box cars tossed in for good measure.  I think that there may only be two engines on the entire line.  I hope that when Adam and Steph are here this weekend, that they get to experience life on this reality scale train board.  Yesterday morning, I took Sugar for her usual morning walk, and unfortunately, the walk time coincided with the onset of the morning thunderstorm session.  Of course, poor Sugar was scared half to death.  She couldn't wait to get home and I couldn't move fast enough for her.  As we rounded the corner heading for home, there was a huge clap of thunder that scared me and spurred Sugar to close the gap between our house and our location in record time.  I was just holding her back.  Mary tells me that as I went to get a hair cut, Sugar beat a hasty retreat to her upstairs hide away, going so far as to pass up the chance at a special treat that we had gotten the day before.  I felt so sorry for her.   My hair looks great and so does my beard.  Otherwise, I spent a little time outdoors, modifying the landscaping per my marching orders.  I was all set to put the trash out at the curb when I remembered that it was Tuesday, and trash doesn't go out until Wednesday evening.  Oh well, can't fault a guy for being proactive.  I swept out the garage and I have vowed that Wednesday is my day for no extra work.  On this warm afternoon, I finished the book I was reading, and it turned out great.  A bit wordy in some places, but that is the right of the author.  Otherwise, not much is happening here in GH this AM.  Tea time is still several hours away, but now it is bedtime.

Good morning GH.  I can truly say that it is morning, since it is about 3:10 AM.  The weather window isn't much help this morning, because as you can guess, it is still too dark out.  However, the radio reports indicate a partly sunny day is afoot with a chance of showers and a high of about 62 degrees.  The rest of the week calls for temperatures in the lower 60s and that isn't bad for this time of year.  In fact, you can say that that is more like the normal temperatures here in GH.  In Holland, they are already warning that people should get out and see the tulips before they are gone.  So, in spite of the fact that the tulips that were planted are late bloomers, they will be done before the annual tulip fest in early May.   Mary and I are still waiting for the tulips to bloom in our tulip pot, but they are close and may come yet this weekend.  I got all of the patio furniture assembled yesterday, and then spent some time enjoying a new perspective.  As Mary pointed out, when you sit at the back of the yard, you get a different perspective on the house and yard, and not an unpleasant one.  It took Mary about 20 minutes to mow the lawn with the push mower, which for a first effort with a new machine was great.  Mary and I both raked some and pronounced the effort rewarding enough for our desires.  Who says you need a bigger yard, not me.  While we were out, working, Sugar enjoyed a new bone.  With fresh meat and flavor, she was in dog heaven.  When Sugar doesn't notice that dinner hour has come and gone, you know she is engrossed.  I should note that the previous evening, Mary created the new valance for the front door.  Looks great and best of all, it is one more thing off her list.  She also found time to fix my scrubs and my night shirt, so she was most productive.  Otherwise, that's all that is happening here in the middle of a GH night.  I think I'll read some and then go back to bed.  Tea time will come, just a bit later.  Hope this blog posts, cause I am having difficulty getting that to happen.

Good morning GH.  It is about 7:05 this AM and Sugar ad I just got up.  I went to be around midnight last night,m after reading a portion of a good book called The Technologists.   It is essentially the story of the founding of MIT, and so far, I like the format.  That's an easy segue to the fact that Mary and I went to the library yesterday and I checked out some additional books for when I am done with that one.  I picked out Easy Money, the second book in the increasingly misnamed trilogy of Ely Stone books by David Walks-As-Bear.  I liked the first, The Murmurings, so after listening to Mr. Walks-As-Bear the other evening, I thought I would read the next book in the series.  His wife, a former librarian, recommends that they be read in order, so that's what I will do.  As I usually do, I am looking out the weather window this morning, and if what I see is any indicator of the way the day will go, then it looks pretty good so far.  I am hoping to assemble the furniture for the deck and of course, walk with Sugar this morning and perhaps this afternoon.  Truly, it doesn't get any better than that.  More reading today, less thinking and the day should be complete.  Lost a second neighbor yesterday.  Both were renters, so the first of the month came and they obviously had waited for their leases to expire.  Oh well, not much else to say today, except, I bet you know that it is.... Tea time.

Good morning GH.  Well, I still don't know what caused the computer problem that I had, but I took the advice of the tech services people and used the services off one of Mary's business associates who does know and she fixed the problem.  She feels as though it was something I did with the mouse, but in any event, she was able to resolve the problem and also repair some other problems in a remote controlled fashion,  It is weird to watch your computer being manipulated from afar.  Whatever, though, it is alive and kicking.  As is always the case, I am looking out the weather window, and I predict that the sun will rise this AM and that the day will be filled with a healthy dose of auto racing.  Whether you are in to taxi cab racing, or real racing where the drivers climb in from the top instead of through the window, it should be a good day.  Sugar and I too a nice long walk yesterday morning and we visited the Boardwalk and called Mary to let her know she could view us on the webcam.  That came after Sugar and I had visited the local purveyor of dog treats which always  gets Sugar's attention.  Sometimes, she even ignores other dogs, but that isn't often.  I highly recommend the webcam for views of GH and Harbor Drive and the river and lake areas.  A good choice every time.   Mary had a concern that our neighbors across the street would have the truck they parked near the railroad tracks nipped by the train, but as I look out the window, they should be okay, I think.  See, my weather window just became a window into the future.  What more can I ask.  A side note, one of the local radio stations broadcasts shows on Sunday morning that deal with financial advice and legal advice.  After listening to them, I feel a renewed sense of hope.  How can I not, since they both assured me that having a future is fraught with peril if we don't have a huge retirement fund set aside and a durable power of attorney.  Fortunately, Mary and I have both.   Today, we will go to the library and check out some books to read and return one before Mary accrues any more fines on her overdue book.  What a concept.  Anyway, that's all for today.........Tea time.