Good morning GH.  Well, I am back to my "normal" again.  It is early on Thursday morning and I am up and listening to the wind howl and talk radio.  The desktop temperature reading is in the low twenties, 23 actually, but with the wind blowing, it feels much colder out there I'm sure.  The only plus is that the much ballyhooed snow may not happen, but like everything, that remains to be seen.  Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping in the upstairs bathroom, so maybe she knows something that the weather people don't.  Or maybe, she just feels like sleeping in the bathroom. Maybe that book that Mary had sent to our local library about what dogs think, will help.

Now that I have nothing on tap for Thursday until late in the afternoon, I may get a chance to do some personal reading.  I have so many books to read, but I have had only a little time. Sometimes, I feel as though I am soooo busy.

I have to remind myself to ask Adam if he knows where I can print out some television racing schedules.  I like Indycar and Formula I, and occasionally, NASCAR.  I generally like to watch the Daytona 500, just because it is the granddaddy of all NASCAR races.

Special shout-out to my daughter/daughter in law, Stephany on the eve of her new job.  Same company, but new duties and responsibilities.  I know she will do well, but I always like to say, "Break a leg," that old showbiz saw that wishes luck for a new performance.  In the theater, the break a leg saying was/is the way to accomplish the wish without actually saying it.

Otherwise, not much to report.  Oh wait, I was up long enough for another train with two locomotives to go by.  This one wasn't real long, but it did rumble by and make itself known.  So, I'll be signing off until next time.  Tea time will be happening soon, so Ciao.

Good morning GH.  Well, we had an honest to gosh "Gully Washer" last night.  The wind she blew and then the rain fell too.  We had a veritable river of water running down the street and sidewalk. We even managed to get a little extra water in the man-cave, albeit nothing serious that the dehumidifier couldn't handle, and of course, the thunder that drove Sugar the Weather Dog into her upstairs hide-e-hole.  Let's just say that for the short time that I have been living here, it was a serious blow.

When I got up this AM, I took a few pictures that chronicle the glacial recession that we have experienced over the last few days.  I'll just lay them side by side at the end to give the full story. Naturally, no good deed goes unpunished, so the weather forecast is for six to twelve inches of new snow over the next two to three days.  This being GH, anything is possible from 0" to 12" and everything in between.

Currently, the temperature on the desktop measurement device is 37 degrees, heading for an expected high of 41.  The indoor temperature on the very sophisticated digital display is 69 very comfortable degrees.  My professional weather station, that is mounted outside the Weather Window, concurs with the desktop display.

Sugar the Weather Dog is in her downstairs bed, after our foray into the wilds of GH.  We both noticed that the snow has basically disappeared all over town.  There are a few piles in parking lots, but they would have been gone in a few days if more snow was not on the way.

I had a nice hot cup of tea before we left, so I was fortified for the long journey to the downtown. Sugar was actually dragging by the end, so I think she is experiencing fatigue from yesterday's walk.

I got my dusting done, finally, and now I have to put on my editor's hat for the early afternoon.  So, until next time, Ciao.

A few short days ago

Our shared driveway this AM.  My, how times have changed

Three or four days ago

A snow covered menagerie from a few days ago

The same view without the snow this morning

Remember how this used to look?

No  snow

Same idea

My neighbor's garage approach

Snow, what snow?

Lest we forget

Before clearing

Good late evening GH.  I plan on combining my Monday and Tuesday blogs because of the late hour.  Here in our fair city, the current temperature on the the desktop is 31 degrees.  We are expecting a high of 55 degrees tomorrow; the latest information on a predicted high, with rain and thunderstorms likely. Very interesting for late January here in Michigan

Right now, Sugar the Weather Dog is just lying around, but last night she was in her downstairs hide-e-hole, feeling the effects of the oncoming front.  So, I would guess that given her current lack of action, that she isn't anticipating anything at the moment.  However, given how she feels about thunderstorms, all bets are off for Tuesday.

I finally got the grab bar installed in the upstairs bathroom on Sunday.  It took a little careful drilling and a second trip to the big box hardware store, but it is in and secure.  Mary and I compromised on the mounting height.  She told me on Monday, that it was a lot easier to use than the cold water handle in the tub.  I thought that I was the only one.  She did say that it was harder to use the squeegee with the bar in the way, but I have found that with any obstruction, all you have to do is pretend that it isn't there.  Go down to it, then go from below.  Pretty straight forward actually.

With Mary's help, we moved more snow from the shared driveway on Monday.  Then we proceeded downtown, for what is likely to be the last walk for a few days.  Gosh, I sound a bit like Cheech and Chong with that observation.

I am listening to iHeart radio right now, because I wanted to hear talk radio, and the other internet service doesn't offer that option.  With the way things are going, pretty soon we may not have the option of two opinions on the radio.

Otherwise, I haven't much to say.  I am going to add a few pictures so that my progress and that of the warmer weather can be seen.  Then, it is back to bed for me.  Of course, it will be...Tea time in the AM.

As you can see, "It's melting."

Like I said before.

The neighbors are once again visible, but still cold.

Same as above.

Just some left next door.

Crisp and clean, no caffeine, or snow on the road.

Good morning GH.  It is just coming up on 4:00 AM, and I don't plan on staying up for long.  But, I just had to get up for a while and listen to some music.  In this case, I have programmed the internet music service to play traditional Irish music, just because I like it, and because it gives me a chance to hear the music as it should sound.  I enjoy our local jam sessions, but I don't always know what we should sound like.  So far I have heard The Chieftains doing "Brian Boru's March", Gaelic Storm, doing "The Park East Polka", and "Tell Me Ma."  I have also heard The Dubliners doing "Rocky Road to Dublin," and many more bands/songs, including the Irish Experience playing Rocky Road to Dublin/Tam Lin."  I have always liked traditional Irish music, so maybe I have an Irishman in my woodpile somewhere.  As a mutt, you just never know.

Currently the temperature on the desktop display is twenty-four degrees, and given the temperatures I have been reporting lately, that's downright balmy.  No new snow has fallen, and that is important for my Baking Yak.  A nice little play on words that I once heard in an old joke that went something like this:

A guy is climbing a mountain in Nepal with his buddy.  As they near the top, they are getting really hungry, so the first guy says, "I am so hungry, I could eat a horse, but I haven't anything to eat except these energy bars that taste and smell like sawdust."  Just then, they smell something cooking, and it really smells delicious, but not like anything they are familiar with. So the friend asks, "What's that smell"  The first guy says, "I don't know, let's ask our guide." They ask and the guide says, "Oh that, that's nothing special,."  "I asked my wife to make something tasty for our arrival, and so, what you smell is just my Baking Yak."

Maybe you had to be there.

Mary and I spoke with a young lady who will be traveling to Las Vegas later in the coming week and she was excited because she had found her lucky scarf.  She had this scarf the last time she was there, she won a handsome sum that time, so what the heck, why not try again?  She hadn't seen the scarf in about a year, and she believes that it is an omen that it has resurfaced at this time.  I hope she is right.  I believe that we make our own luck, but it never hurts to have an "Ace in the hole."

Otherwise, not much is happening with us.  We got out late yesterday, after I had cleared the aforementioned snow.  Sugar believes that we need to get out more, there's a surprise.  But I was too tired after all that snow removal to walk much, even though Sugar was raring to go.  Mary had been taken for a short walk earlier, but Sugar didn't think that was enough, so she made me go for another round.  I felt like my shoes were filled with lead.  By the time I got back. I was too pooped to pop, as they say.  So later, when Mary said it was time to go, and suggested that we could walk, which I just didn't have in  me, I made Mary drive.  Am I lazy, possibly.  Am I getting older, probably.  Did my muscles ache when I was walking with Sugar earlier, Oh yeah!  I don't think I have moved this much snow in several years.  But, that is a good thing about being retired, you do it on your schedule, when it is convenient for you.  One of our former neighbors who passed a few years ago used to use that system  He took a whole summer to paint the window on his house one year.  When I was in my 40s I did all of ours in one day.  It is all about time.  Now, I think Marshall was a very wise man.  After he passed, I used to clear the driveway and sidewalks for his widow until she moved.  She too has passed now, but I am still moving the snow for my neighbor. I like to think I am paying it forward.

Anyway, for  a guy who wasn't going to be up for long, I have been up for too long, and speaking of up, UP with Chris Hayes will be on in three hours.  So I'd best get back to bed and get ready for...Tea time and then I'll let Sugar take me for a walk.  Ciao.

Good morning GH.  It actually is morning, and I am at the ready for more blogging.  Except, I have some aches and pains from snow removal.  Yes, I have pictures, both pre and post removal.  I also found that my not so permanent repair to the snow blower failed.  Oh well. it does have a four year warranty, and it is just over one year old.  I'll call them on Monday and get what I need.

Currently the temperature on the desktop is 26 degrees heading towards a high of 29.  We are still anticipating a high on Tuesday of 52 degrees, with rain, but like all things, that is subject to change.  Since it is in the upper 20s today, the salt I had spread on the back deck previously is still working, and the deck outside the door is clean and clear.  I'll caption the pictures accordingly.

Today is the day for the cardboard sled race at Mulligan's Hollow, but we aren't there.  As I and Mary get older, we tend to leave those things for the younger crowd.  Our neighbor has promised that his wife takes a full video record of the events, so we will see the video at a later date.  As predicted, we didn't make it to the Post last night, there was just too much snow for walking or driving.  Fortunately, the band that we had planned to see also appears during the summer, so no problem.

Otherwise, we did see UP with Chris Hayes this AM on MSNBC.  Discussions ranged from concussions, to climate change, to prosecutorial overreach.  Of course, UP was accompanied by...Tea time and breakfast.  Mary had oatmeal with blueberries and bade me to try it.  I did, and I still don't like oatmeal.  I did enjoy my mixed cereals (Rice Krispies and Cheerios) with apple though.  So, too much strain for the day, so now it is time to kick back. Ciao.

The Driveway and deck before being cleared.

As you can see, we have plenty of snow to share.

Our front porch and sidewalk, before I cleared them.  In the background, the end of the driveway post city plowing.

Just another view.

The back deck

From the street, uncleared and unsafe.  Out letter carrier thanks me.

Much better now that it is cleared of snow.

Probably four inches of the white stuff fell last night.

This was our shared driveway before I cleared it.

Although I appreciate their efforts, the city always leaves me with something to do at the end of our shared driveway.

I couldn't resist, our municipal power plant in the background, and one of our municipal parking lots across from Public Safety in the foreground.

Good morning GH.  It is now about 4:40 in the afternoon here in our snow covered city.  The snow has finally let up, but for several hours, it fell like crazy.  Oops, to quote Debbie, I think I spoke too soon, the snow has returned   Currently, the temperature on the desktop is 22 degrees.  I have it on good authority, that the snow fell some in Roselle, IL, but only a little and the temperature is about 26 degrees.  In Las Vegas, NV, the current temperature is 63 degrees, and the precipitation is 0.  In Chicago, there is light snow falling, but they have been spared the worst of it, so far.  Here, we are thankful that the lakes will be replenished some by the snow as it melts later this week and next, as well as in the springtime.  We are expecting a high in the low 40s by Tuesday.  That is the beauty of the mid-west, if you don't like the weather, just wait a day or an hour or whatever, you will experience change.  I got the snowblower repaired today, and so it is ready for the next battle. I just hope that I am.

I decided to include some winter pictures today, just because my loyal and faithful readers are wondering what it is like here.  So, I'll add them in at the end.  I have also included an address for Sugar the Weather Dog's blog, just because she doesn't know that I know she even has one.

As for Mary and I, we hope to get out tomorrow, but tonight it is likely that we'll be staying in.  I had to go to the Big Box hardware store earlier, and one road trip was all I had in me.

Tomorrow morning, I plan on watching UP with Chris Hayes on MSNBC, something that I always enjoy, but which I had to forego this past weekend, because I was too busy.  I have other work to do, but it isn't ready for me yet.  So, until it is...Tea time, sit back, relax, and enjoy the pictures of snow because you like snow or because you don't have any.

Sugar's blog address is: http://sugargoeswalking.blogspot.com/ for those who appreciate a different perspective.

Here are the pictures:

Why?  Because Sugar the Weather Dog is the cutest dog on the planet!

Snow on the trees is weighing them down.

As you can see, the snow is building on the rooftops.

Once again, what we are going to have again next summer, Sunny skies, great cars, and like Goldie Locks said, "Everything is just right!"

The men in the leopard skin clothing are now almost totally covered.

Good morning GH.  It is just now passing 12 midnight, and the current desktop temperature is 14 chilly degrees.  But, the good news is that there is only a light wind, so the temperature outdoors is bearable.  Sugar the Weather Dog would agree.

There is between a 70 and 80% chance of additional precipitation starting about 6:00 AM, but the forecast calls for only light snow to fall.  I sure hope that the forecast is right.  Why?  you ask. Well, yesterday while I was clearing the shared driveway, my poor little snow blower had a mishap. The universal joint that is part of the control mechanism for the discharge chute, came apart.  I have to disassemble it and take it into the man-cave for additional repairs.  Since I don't have any tools in the garage, and since the outer door to the man cave is blocked by snow, it will necessitate partial dis-assembly in the garage.  Then, I must go down to the man-cave for tools, do the garage portion for the first part of my task, and then carry the pieces to the man cave, rather than the whole machine.  That's one of the rubs with no tools in the garage.  One more thing on my list of things.

Update on the heat here.  I journeyed to the man-cave bout 1:00 AM, to put the battery for the drill into the charger and pick up the aforementioned tools, and while there, I decided to check the filter in the furnace.  I guess that I pulled a "Frank", because once I pulled it out and inserted a new one, the heat in the house improved dramatically, as the furnace was no longer starved for return air. That is one of the downsides to not visiting the man-cave very often.  I need to put changing the filter in my datebook and on my calendar, so that the filter gets changed monthly.  I did the datebook part so far.  Oh, I also have to get additional filters at the hardware store, be it the little or big box variety.  That's the second rub. When you don't visit the man-cave on a regular basis, you pay the price.

I didn't get much done on Thursday.   By the time I had cleared the snow, it was time for Sugar to walk.  She was insistent, and so Mary brought her out for her morning walk.  Fortunately, Mary came along so that she could go to the library.  When we reached the library, Sugar and I continued to the downtown, and them came home after a longer walk.  Unfortunately for us both, Sugar the Weather Dog stepped into some sidewalk salt on Washington, and her poor pads were "Barking," if you will excuse excuse the pun.  So, I had to carry her part way home.  I love her more than any other dog I've ever been privileged to adopt, as people who know the two of us can attest, but it is at times like this, that I wish a smaller dog had chosen me to be her human.  Still, I wouldn't trade that 35 pound bundle of love for any other dog.  Now, if I can just remember to put her boots on.

So, this morning, I will walk her again, try to avoid anymore salt exposure, and we should have a nice time as the temperatures are expected to moderate some, reaching the upper twenties by early afternoon.  Maybe I'll wait to fix the snow-blower until then.

So until the sun rises, I'll await...Tea time and the warmth that comes from a cup or two of tea in the AM.

P.S.  A short train just went by at 1:30 AM.  Mismatched locomotives and a few covered hopper cars and some box cars.

P.P.S  Yes, my new glasses did arrive, and I can now see like those people in the commercials.  What a delight.  Best of all, the cost was 1/5 of the last pair.

Good morning GH.  Well. it's happened again.  Another day is nearing dawn and I am still here. However unlike many days, it is not 3:00 AM, it is after 6:00 AM.  Currently, the temperature on the desktop is eleven chilly degrees.  This day is mostly mine to use as I wish.  I am supposed to have a doctor's appointment this AM, but with the roads snow covered, I am going to reschedule until later, maybe early next week.  However, that is dependent on the doctor's availability.

Otherwise, speaking of snow covered, the plows went by last night and that box that Mary was worried about that blew into the street; it was thrown back into our front lawn, along with the recycling bin and the roll-around can.  Good thing the waste service already went byt this morning, so, not to worry anymore.  Speaking of snow, now I have to start all over on that removal thing.  My housework seems to take from sun to sun, but my outdoor work is never done.  With regard to my housework, I am planning on: dusting, vacuuming, and mounting a grab bar in the bathroom today, a concession to my advancing age.

I am also supposed to have a tutoring session at the library this evening, but that will depend on the availability of my student.

One of the reasons I got up when I did, was that I heard a train going by, so I jumped up.  Trouble is, it was so short, that I nearly missed it.  One locomotive and three cars.  No traffic tie-up from this one.  I wonder if it will be back in a longer form later.  Gosh, I am starting to sound like the ship writer for the Grand Haven Tribune.  

Not much else to say about this day.  It will soon be time to call the doctor's office and reschedule and time to brave the elements for that snow moving.  It will also be time for Sugar the Weather Dog to get her shortened morning walk.  She was certain that she had been cheated out of the second one yesterday, so she was very insistent that Mary and I go out again in the afternoon for another walk.  If we hadn't, she would not have left us in peace.  Dogs have a way of getting you up and out.  A good thing I think.  Now, I am going to listen to a little internet radio, read some things I printed out late yesterday, and get ready for...Tea time.  Ciao.

Good early morning GH.  No pictures at this time, maybe I'll add some later, but I thought it would be fine to blog right now, because I am awake and I just saw something I have never seen before; two, count them two, Mid-Michigan locomotives pulling a very short train.  What's odd about that you say?  Well, I have seen various trains, some long and some short.  And, I have seen single and double locomotive trains.  I have seen single Mid-Michigan locomotives.  I have seen a Mid-Michigan locomotive teamed with a Grand Rapids Eastern locomotive, and even a Mid-Michigan locomotive teamed with a locomotive that belonged to a railroad, which I forget now.  But never, and I do mean never, have I seen two Mid-Michigan locomotives teamed up.  Be still my beating heart.

But I digress.  Currently the temperature on the desktop and at the Weather Window forecast station is showing seven degrees.  The wall mounted digital display in my office/music room is showing 66 degrees.  I have on my fleece jacket, and I feel fine.  However, the furnace is working overtime trying to keep up with the cold.  Such are the joys and heartbreaks here at the palatial estate.

I will probably have to move more snow in the AM, because the city plows have gone by to clear our street of the lake-effect snow; so that is probably in our shared driveway now.  But, that can wait.  There is tea to be drunk.  I couldn't get enough to warm me up last night.  Mary was afraid it would keep me awake, but as is usually the case with caffeine, the opposite occurred.  Go figure.

Sugar the Weather Dog was sleeping peacefully next to the bed when I got up.  No, she is still not going near any of her upstairs beds.  Like I said before, go figure.

So, until it is...Tea time in the soon to arrive AM, I'll be saying Ciao, as I finish listening to the big bands from the internet radio provider.  I got to page 900 in my work, per Mary's directions, and I stopped.  I am almost there, and I anticipate finishing later today, at least this part of my work.

Good morning GH.  Currently the desktop temperature is a sultry seven degrees.  Take that Chi-town.  The real time view out the traditional Weather Window is cloudy with lake effect snow in the air.  Many of the area schools are closed today, something that never seemed to happen where I used to teach, and something that actually never happened in the district where I matriculated through elementary school as a child.  I guess that times, parents, administrators, or something has changed, at least here in GH and western Michigan. 

I don't have a lot on tap today, just more work for Mary and a need to move some of the already fallen snow.  That won't be a Herculean task, given that the temperature is so low that the snow is very light.  I may just use a broom.  I'll try that first, since that really is the easiest.  Sugar the Weather Dog has already been out, no walk required, to do her daily chores.   Based on her rapid return, it is indeed cold outside.  Mary read something that said that when it gets cold, dogs lose their senses.  I think that the way Sugar has been eschewing the use of any bed upstairs, indicates that she has indeed, lost her sense of direction.

I have included some candid pictures taken from the various Weather Windows of our palatial estate, by way of edification.  We already had...Tea time, so that is one part of my day that is done.  Mary and I watched the inauguration yesterday, and it was a moving experience.  I hope that no matter what your political persuasion, that you came away with a feeling that our nation is fine and the future can indeed be bright if we all work together.

So, without further comment, except for captions, and in no particular order, here are the aforementioned pictures.

The path our letter carrier must follow as he goes on his appointed rounds to get to our mailbox.

A view out the mud room Weather Window into the backyard of our "Palatial Estate."

Sugar the Weather Dog's route to the "Back Forty," as seen from that mud room Weather Window.

A picture of snowbound Ragus and our windblown front shovel

Another view of our "Pre-Cleared" front porch.

Out the rear facing upstairs Weather Window, showing the "Statue Garden" behind us.  Barney looks cold in his leopard print tunic on the far right.

I knew I was right to cover that outdoor furniture under the big blue tarp.

An updated view of the Public Safety building and our neighbor's rooftop.

If you look closely, you can see the end of our shared driveway, where the city plows left a "souvenir of the snowfall.

Good afternoon GH.  Well, it is about 3:30 and I have some additional information about the weather and the views out the Weather Window today.  It is currently snowing, and we are experiencing some windy/whiteout conditions.

As you may often note, my comments from the wee hours of the AM here in GH, state that the view out the Weather Window is, not surprisingly, dark.  In order to change that, I took some pictures out the the Weather Window this afternoon, as well as from several of the auxiliary Weather Windows, just to change it up a bit.  So, without further ado, here they are.  I should also mention, that the current desktop temperature reading is 9 degrees.

A view out the original Weather Window looking north.

Looking west, a view of my neighbor, his rooftop, and his driveway.
 

A deserted view of Columbus Ave., looking north

A similar scene.

A west looking view, showing my neighbor's roof and the Public Safety building.

Sugar the Weather Dog is still not sleeping in her bed, and although I have tried laying in it to get her to try it, nothing doing.  Go figure.

Had a short walk with Sugar this AM, and by short, I mean 1/2 mile.  I didn't mind the cold, but handling a dog that loves the snow, but not the cold, was more than I wanted this AM.  Plus, I had to get back to my job as a low-paid editor.  Yes, I hyphenated the words low and paid, just to make a point.  In spite of Mary's comments that language evolves, I think it is "Generation Text", that is driving the changes.  Yes, I also coined a new phrase, that I should copyright, but instead, I'll make it available to any and all users.

No trains today, they are hiding from the weather too, I think.  I tried my banana nut bread this AM, and it was as I'd hoped, much improved over my last effort.  Mary tried to take it away before I was done, but I stopped her.

Speaking of Mary, she made a great lunch of cauliflower and tofu, which she started last night, and true to her cooking style, changed the recipe somewhat for use in a future meal.  But nonetheless, it was delicious and a keeper, unlike that yogurt, cayenne and banana breakfast thing I forced down the other day.  Mary always says that I should let her know if I don't like something, and in this case, I let her know that I liked it about as much as something made with mushrooms.  So, while that one was a non-keeper, (there's that pesky hyphen again) today's lunch more than made up for it.

Of course, we had...Tea time this AM, and then it was off to the races with Sugar.  When new snow is present, Sugar likes to go full tilt.  I like to go slow, because I don't want to lose my footing.  So, we are at crossed purposes on a morning walk.  So until next time, when I will probably have more pictures, Ciao.

Good afternoon GH.  Well, I made it.  I didn't get up until after 8:00 AM, and then I had a fine breakfast of French toast with maple syrup.  Mary had control of the kitchen at that point in the day, and so I just stayed out of the way.  Of course, Sugar was there to perform clean up duties, a role which she reprised ( this word is unrecognized  by Windows, but it is the past participle of reprise) later in the morning, but more on that later.

Sugar and I took a short walk this AM, because it was windy and colder today than it has been all winter.  We are expecting a significant snowfall this evening into tomorrow morning, but that remains to be seen.  Currently, the temperature on the desktop is a very brisk sixteen degrees. For those of you who live in a desert, that is cold, but it is a dry cold.  

Once Sugar and I returned, it was my turn in the kitchen, with my intrepid Sous Chef, Sugar the Weather Dog.  As I said, she reprised her role as clean up specialist during my tenure in the kitchen.  I made banana nut bread, and of course, Sugar had to help clean up the bowls from that activity   I think this loaf turned out better than my last effort, but I haven't tried it yet.  So like the snow forecast, that remains to be seen.  Then, I turned my attention to a large batch of squash/kale soup.  Lots of chopping, something that Mary loves, but which I endure.  Since I love to eat soup, Mary says I should know how to make it.  I do love to eat it, and I do know how to make it, but as I said, Mary is more into chopping than I.  We had some of the soup for lunch, but there is still a significant amount for future meals.  By the by, it was excellent.  Lots of garlic, cayenne pepper, and onions to go with the chopped tomatoes, squash, and kale.

I cleaned as I cooked, something that I learned in the gas station business, and something that I didn't always do so well in my Palatine workshop.  Here, Adam and I share the "Man Cave," so I try to keep it up.  I enjoyed my time at the Irish jam yesterday afternoon.  Good music, nice people, what's not to like?  

Mary and I journeyed downtown late yesterday to enjoy the last of our warm winter days for a while.  We have a lot of foodstuffs in our larders, so we have no real need to go out, except for doctor's appointments and tutoring sessions.  I will have to remove the snow for us and our neighbor, but that is something for which I have lots of time, tomorrow.  Otherwise, I am behind on my recreational reading, so that is on the agenda for today before I get back to work, tomorrow.

So until, tomorrow, that's about all.  Oh, I should mention that we had two trains yesterday, one at 10:00 AM, rather unusual, but it was a shorty.  And, Sugar still won't use her bed, so I don't get it. So there, that really is all for now, Ciao.

Good way too early morning GH.  It is just now turning 4:00 AM here in our fair city, and I have been up for about two hours working.  The work is still a booger, but I am up to page 591, so I am making progress.

The temperature on the desktop is showing a balmy 43 degrees, and as for the wind, I have only the information from Weather.com to add that we are at their predicted high for today.  While I can't see anything out the Weather Window, according to Weather.com, we will have high winds today, with gusts if 29 MPH.  Sugar the Weather Dog is sound asleep, but in her hide-e-hole, so there is likely a front approaching.  Her ability to forecast fronts is amazing.

I will likely forego UP with Chris Hayes this AM, because I have so much work to do before I go to the Irish jam session this afternoon at 1:00.  As I have said before, this work is a booger.

Not much else to say, as I am very tired now, however, I tried to find soothing music to work by earlier, and the next thing I knew I was listening to some Avante-garde jazz, (this explanation comes from Wikipedia).  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avant-garde_jazz  (As you can see, I figured out how to create a live link.)  (A former colleague of mine would be proud.)  I quickly switched to some classical music.  Thus, I was allowed to work much more peacefully.  I am still listening to it now.

So, before I lose my mind anymore, and I don't have far to go for that, I think it is time to plan for...Tea time and say Ciao.

Good morning GH.  It it just after midnight here in our fair city, and I am only up long enough to blog a bit, and then it's back to bed for me.  I got up when Mary did, although it is likely that she wasn't really awake.  But Sugar the Weather Dog and I sure were.  Sugar had to be asked to leave the bathroom and then, she was back in her hide-e-hole.

It is currently 23 degrees on the desktop readout, and the view out the Weather Window is dark, as usual.  The household thermostat was giving me fits last night, but it was just me, not the fault of the thermostat.  Right now, it is on hold for 67 degrees, why I don't know, but it is.  While the setback thermostats save energy, when they don't work as expected, they can drive you nuts.

I heard a train go by just after midnight, and it made the whole house shake, as usual.  Maybe that's why Sugar the Weather Dog was hiding out, or maybe not.  Wow, another train is about to go by.  I hear its whistle, so the little train that could, is.  Two locomotives and a large number of cars.  It isn't often that I get to actually feel and hear a train up close and personal.

I guess that I am like Dick Fox, the volunteer who writes the ship column for the Grand Haven Tribune.  By the by, in a column on Wednesday, he noted the passing of another shipping season in the Grand River Channel.  The last ship, the self unloading Wilfred Sykes, visited on January 9, according to his most recent column.  Mr. Fox writes about the coming and goings of shipping in the channel, and has done so for the last eleven years or so.  I enjoy his work each time it appears.  His most recent column, is by necessity, his last for this season, because shipping is done until spring.  He did remark in his column, that the January 9 date was late, since shipping is usually done by December.  But, as faithful readers of my blog know, the winter is once again being different here.

Once again, the work I am doing for Mary is driving me crazy, just like that thermostat.  The work is still a booger.

I am listening to a talk radio station from Denver right now, and it is always fascinating what people want to talk about.  These are repeats of shows from earlier in the day, but I am still amazed each night.  The topics are usually politics/elections, medical care, immigration, education, and of course, the never ending debate over the second amendment.  I have no opinion on the amendment, just a sincere wish that we can get past debating about what the amendment means and what the future holds for our country.  Times and circumstances change, and as a nation, we need to change too.  Just one man's opinion.

It will soon be 4:00 AM, and so I am off to bed to gird myself for another day of guitar, work, and walking.  I anticipate that...Tea time will be around 8:00 AM today.  I want to get an early start on my day, so that it doesn't drag on interminably.  I wanted to use the word interminably, so there, I did.  How often do you get to use the words gird and interminable in the same paragraph of writing? So until next time, Ciao.

Good morning GH.  Just a quickie today.  The current desktop temperature reading is 30 degrees, and the skies are partly cloudy.  Since it is after 9:00 AM, I can see that the sun is shining and the day isn't too windy, yet.

I have more work to do for Mary today, but it is still a booger.  Mary suggested that I stop occasionally, but when you have as much to do as I, it is hard to take a break, considering I have a deadline.

Sugar the Weather Dog was peacefully lying next to the bed this morning; that after nearly being locked out of the room last night when Mary came to bed.  Fortunately for Sugar, I asked if she was there, and so she was let in.  Sugar and I had a three great walks yesterday, although the last one came during our very abbreviated snow shower.  Sugar must have had her weather radar on, because when she came back, she was hiding in the downstairs bathroom.

Had a short train this AM, about 3:30 or so, but it was not long and I only stayed awake long enough to hear it go by.  Nothing yet today.

I may or may not have a session at the library this evening, it will depend on whether I get a call from my student.  Only time will tell.

Otherwise, just walks, work, and guitar on tap for the day.  So, now it is...Tea time.  Ciao.

Good morning GH.  Far out; it is after 7:00 AM and I am just now getting to today's blog.  That's a lot better.  Currently, the view out the Weather Window is dark, and the temperature on the desktop and according to the Weather Window forecast station is about 31 degrees.   Not bad for January 16.  Update, now that I have been up for awhile, the view out the Weather Window has changed.  The day is dawning clear and the wind is blowing rather briskly.  We are expecting to peak, temperature wise, on Saturday; according to the local forecast.  Then, the temperatures are expected to plummet on Sunday.  Still no real snow has fallen, so either we are waiting for the other shoe to fall, or it is just never going to happen. In this case, only time will tell.

Yesterday morning, we had a long train just after 6:00 AM, which is unusual.  Then yesterday afternoon, we had another train; this one using only one locomotive, also unusual.  Later in the evening, or was that earlier this morning, we had another train.  We have been busy.  You may have noticed, I am experimenting with various forms of punctuation following my recent foray into the idea of spacing. One of the great things about writing your own blog, is that you are free to experiment all the time.

Last evening I went to the library for a meeting of the R.E.A.D. program.  I gained some additional ideas, reinforced some things I have always known and used, and I came away still feeling good about the program.  However, I am saddened that the young man with whom I am working has many issues that limit our time together.  The goal is to get the student to a G.E.D. or whatever their personal goal is, and not to work with them forever.  I also noticed that because the program works with both E.S.L. students as well as those with learning disabilities, that it is difficult to always share ideas and methods.  You can probably reason out why.

Today, I need to do more work at my job for Mary.  I don't remember where the phrase, "It's a cute little number, but a booger to iron came from," but this is similar.  A valuable thing, but a booger to work on.

So, I'd best get on with my life.  Much to do, guitar to be played, and dog bones to be chewed by Sugar the Weather Dog.  So, I'll be off to...Tea time shortly, and then a walk and back to work. Ciao.

Good morning GH.  Well I made it, for at least one night.  Still, it is nearly 4:30 AM, which is better than 2:00 AM, I think.  Currently, Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping next to the bed, which is an improvement over sleeping in the bathroom, in my opinion.  The desktop temperature is a brisk twenty-seven degrees and the view out the Weather Window is, of necessity for this hour, dark. For the benefit of Adam, the deck is mostly clear of snow, but then, so is the yard on our palatial estate.

I am making progress on my work, but it can be tedious.  I guess that it goes with the territory.  I'd love to say that I knew the job was tough when I took it, but I was drafted.  This is not an all volunteer activity.  Like most things I do, I'll make it through.  I still need my new glasses, but they should be here any day.  I have to remind myself that as Mary says, "We are all entitled to our own opinion, just not our own set of facts."

I sent a series of car related articles from The New York Times to Adam yesterday.  He should be receiving them by Wednesday.  I hope he likes them.  I had also sent him a link to some info about the 2014 Corvette.  My only comment was. "WOW!"  GM is finally getting in some serious competition for the super cars of the world, but they still haven't given up on that front engine concept.  Adam and I agree that they have taken that about as far as they can at this point in history.

Overall, Sugar and I had a nice day of walking on Monday.  We went downtown, but it was too early for the local newspaper.  We did espy (this word means to catch sight of or glimpse something previously unknown) a stray dog loose in  Central Park, but although Sugar wanted to "rescue" it, we couldn't get that to happen.  We were just too slow.  I have to remind myself to contact the city about that tree that is leaning in Central Park.  Mary and I agree that it seems to be leaning more each day and threatening the monument to the veterans on the east side of the park, not to mention people just walking through and not paying attention.

Oh well, time for more R & R.  So, I'll be heading back to dreamland and I won't get up until the sun is up.  Tea time awaits in about four hours.  Ciao.

Good morning GH.  I did it!  I didn't get up to blog during the night.  I guess you need to stay up till after midnight to accomplish something as simple as that.  Currently, the view out the Weather Window shows that a light, and I do mean light, amount of snow fell overnight.  There is just enough to notice, but not enough to inconvenience.  Not bad for mid January in Michigan.  The current temperature on the desktop is a brisk twenty-two degrees.  We expect to bounce back to the mid-thirties by mid-week, (wow, I got to use the hyphen a lot in this blog), with only a slight chance of precipitation.  There are both advantages and disadvantages to that lake effect thing. Sugar the Weather Dog is down with Mary right now, which generally means that she actually had to go out.  Otherwise, she won't leave the bedroom until I go down.  She too supports the forecast of light snow.

Today is a good day for staying in.  I will have to walk Sugar the Weather Dog, but that is about the height of my ambition. Sugar will demand it, and I need to do it for my own health.  I have more work to do for Mary, and I must play my guitar some, but those are both indoor activities.

I had a great email conversation with a friend about the idea of spacing after sentences.  As a retired teacher of English and writing, she agrees with me.  However, if Mary is right, then I will have to go through my writing to change the spacing for a publisher.  Of course, that requires that I finish my novel first, but with all I have on my plate right now, that is on the back burner.

Otherwise, not much on tap for the day.  I got an update from Barb about one of her grandchildren and the child's abilities in gymnastics.  Per Barb, the young lady, and she is young by my standards probably not her own, has her mother's gymnastics abilities, and her father's drive for success.  The two together could take her to the Olympics.  The cost of training for that could be huge.  But, and here is the best part, she is on the cusp of that age where young women become Olympic stars.  I would actually be able to see someone perform whom I knew.  Sort of like winning the lottery, but without a personal investment.  Also like some people say about having grandchildren, you can enjoy them, but then they go home.

So, until I get on with my day and...Tea time and my "job", I'll go make the bed, and relax for a bit. Ciao.

Good morning GH.  I started this blog many months ago, and I intend to keep on writing it, but I will also be using two spaces after a period, in spite of warnings from my editorial staff that I am in conflict with what are the stylistic norms for writers.  Some habits and views are hard to break.  For further information, go to the following web address:

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2011/01/space_invaders.html

Anyway, I digress.  The current view out the Weather Window is dark and wet.  Snow has not yet begun to fall, in spite of the forecast for our area.  Currently, the temperature on the desktop is 34 cool degrees.  We can use all the precipitation we can get, but Mary and I have enjoyed the past several days of above average temperatures.  Now, this will force us to stay in and work instead of goofing off.

Sugar the Weather Dog is sound asleep, so she has nothing to add this morning.  It is nearly 3:30, and I am up only because I went to bed too early.  I'll have to stay awake in order to break this bad habit.  Still, I like being able to work undisturbed.  There are indeed trade offs in life.

As I noted earlier in this blog, no more goofing off.  I have to get busy on my work for Mary and I also have to find time to gloat.  While the Broncos lost, the Packers also lost.  For a transplanted Bears fan, and in support of other ex-pat fans, I am happy that the Packers were sent packing.  Sorry Ellen, but them's the breaks.  Besides, since I now live where I do, I am supposed to be a Lion's fan.  Go Cubs!

I think it is time for bed now, because I am starting to get sleepy.  I will be getting UP for Chris Hayes on MSNBC in few hours, and I look forward to that.  It is an informative two hours and of course, I get inside info on new books that are coming into the publishing world.  What's not to like.

So, until something else comes up, I'll end my listening to Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, etc., and say, Ciao.  Oh yeah, it will soon be...Tea time too.

Good morning GH.  A shorter blog than last time.  Currently the temperature on the desktop is 51 degrees.  A tad windy and some rain, but who's complaining on January 12.  Sugar the Weather Dog is still next to the bed, so that in itself is a commentary on the weather.

I walked to the doctor's office at the local hospital yesterday, a distance of about one mile.  Mary and Sugar walked with me on the way, and then they turned back for home with a final comment of, "We'll see you when you get home."  Apparently, they arrived back home just before me, as they got lost in Duncan Woods.  As Mary noted, "Lot's of fallen branches in there."  Those fallen branches are the basis for the recent spate of problems concerning the woods, as she knew all too well.  Apparently, Sugar was okay with being lost, but when I returned, she was sound asleep, and didn't have a hankering for a walk in the PM.  Both Mary and I took umbrellas, but I eschewed the use of mine, as I had my rain-proof coat on.  In fact, I had also worn my sweatshirt, and I was overdressed for the warm weather.  Mary used her umbrella on the way home, and she was glad to have it.  I never much like umbrellas, because they tend to get in my way.  Oh well, that's life sometimes.

We went to see a movie about an environmental concern yesterday afternoon.  I liked the movie, and of course, I loved the popcorn.  The movie is just an excuse for eating popcorn.  Speaking, of eating, I have to get some additional butterscotch drops, because I just ate the last one.  I love them, and that's all good.  Sally at the Post likes the creme filled candies by  the same company. I also like the chocolate crunch variety too.  I am after all, a many of varied and diverse tastes.

A short train went by a while ago.  As compared to the latest offerings, this was a very short train.  I had just been thinking that maybe they didn't run on Fridays or Saturdays, but I was proven wrong. So, until it is time for UP with Chris and naturally...Tea time, I'll say Ciao.

Good early morning GH.  Wow, what a night!  This was our first experience with a power outage in GH.  The power went off about 11:00 last night and returned sometime this AM.  I'm really not sure when, because digital clocks just blink they don't tell you how many hours you are behind.  So, there are a lot of benefits to modern life, but there are a few drawbacks too.  I'll be curious about the cause and resolution provided by our local newspaper, The Grand Haven Tribune.

Currently, Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping in her hide-e-hole, still afraid of the strange noises and things that go bump in the night.  My apologies for not knowing the derivation or genesis of that line, but the Internet offers up some some tantalizing possibilities when you Google search the line.

Currently, the desktop temperature is showing 41 degrees, and the view out the Weather Window is "A dark and stormy night."  Once again my apologies for that hackneyed phrase that is often used by aspiring mystery writers, but I just couldn't resist.  Well, it is dark and it is stormy, so I think that the phrase is appropriate.

I got bogged down working on Mary's assignment yesterday.  I am still experiencing eye strain headaches, (a side note, the purveyors of my new glasses sent an update on the progress they are or are not making, and we are close), but the real cause was the odd phraseology used in the text.  So, when Mary gets up this morning, I'll ask and I hope I shall receive.  Once again, I am descending into the pits of triteness.  One of the dangers of having a keyboard and time.

I have a doctor's appointment this AM.  That should take less than one hour.  Then I will get back to work on my "assignment."  I am making progress, but good work takes time and effort.  Another one of those phrases like "The outcome is proportional to the input of effort" etc.  It must be the early morning hour.

We heard a train go by a little after midnight last evening, when there were no warning lights working, and again this AM when the power was back on.  It was interesting to hear all of the cars exiting our fair city once the power was off.  All else was quiet.  Mary commented that it was a good kind of quiet, since all of our appliances and buzzing transformers were silent.  It is amazing how accepting we have become of the constant background noise that electricity provides/creates.

So, until the morning dawns, "I'd best be on my way, in the early morning rain."  My thanks to singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot for providing that apropos line.  So, until it is...Tea time, Ciao.

A side of dark and very quiet.  What is early Thursday morning in GH?  Twenty eight to thirty degrees.  What is the current temperature on both the desktop and Weather.com right now? That's right Jack.  Albuquerque talk radio.  What is Jack listening to right now?  Mid-fifties and rainy. What is the forecast for the weekend?  A popular television game show.  What is the format for my blog today?  What hasn't gone past my window this morning?  Any size train.

As you may be able to tell, last evening I was a participant in the screening process for a popular television game show.  I doubt that anything will come of it, but it was fun to participate.  Mary says that she isn't able to think that quickly, but that if she has more time, she can answer most of the questions. Unfortunately for both of us, that seems to be the case.  I work better on paper and I have gaps in my knowledge that Mary can fill, but for which I wouldn't get a lifeline.  Oops, that's another show altogether.

I got some of my work for Mary done on Wednesday.  Unfortunately, that means that I have to skip my housework.  It bothers me more than Mary, but that probably stems from my childhood. Kind of like my early resistance to eating vegetables and salads, which today, with the exception of mushrooms, I actually enjoy and look forward to.  I think it is likely that Mary's cooking is better that that which I experienced in my childhood.  I can cook too. But for me, it is more of a limited endeavor than a real study in ability.  I don't know why, but Mary actually enjoys cooking, while mostly, I endure it.

I hope my new glasses come soon.  As I am working for Mary, I find that the current pair isn't getting the job done anymore.  Like I said yesterday, the changes have been fast in the past year. Mary assures me that I am a relative neophyte when it comes to wearing glasses, so I am not used to the changes that come with wearing them.  I guess, but it still gives me headaches, literally.

Otherwise, I have additional work to do for Mary today, and I will work as much as my eyestrain headaches allow. Mary tells me that I have to stay ahead of her pace, and I will endeavor to do just that.  So, until I get ready to go back to bed and greet Sugar the Weather Dog, who is both the cutest dog on the planet and who is still sleeping next to the bed, I'll await...Tea time and say Ciao.