Good early morning GH. It is just after 2:30 AM here in the big city and the view out the Weather Window is dark when the lights are on in my office. Currently, the outdoor temperature is 46 degrees, and that appears to be the best we will see. In addition, although I don't see any right now, precipitation is a strong possibility in the wee hours before sunrise. That's the one hazard of working in the middle of the night, the view out the Weather Window doesn't help much. However, I was downstairs, and I could see out the auxiliary Weather Window, and no precipitation was happening.

I may have to go to the big box drug store to get an eyeglass repair kit, as the screwdriver I already have is still too big. Plus, without being able to see, the job is immensely more difficult. Surprise! Mary and I wished the "kids" a bon voyage and then went off to enjoy a new car buying experience. We decided it was time, since at some point n the future, we will be taking some longer trips. We "tried on" several cars, and then went to the KIA dealer to try on a Soul. We liked it, and so we bought one. We'll pick it up on Monday. I'll leave it to Mary to tell you more. Suffice it to say, that the "larger" minivans were either too expensive for our tastes, or they were no larger on the inside that the car we current;y have. That's the problem with cars today; even those that look big, aren't.

Otherwise today, I have to clean out the current vehicle of our personal effects and then repair the garage door seal. I may also take the world famous snowblower to the man cave, as I should have no further need of its services this year, I hope.

Well, it is now time for bed, and of course...Tea time shortly later. At least the weather will be in the foties all day so that we can go walk about. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is nearly 5:00 AM here in GH, and the view out the Weather Window is dark. The current temperature is 27 degrees. We are expecting a temperature of 49 degrees when the Easter egg hunt takes place at 11:00 and then a final high of 53. In all cases, precipitation doesn't appear to be relevant until late on Easter Sunday. All good.

Today, Mary and I will start out to watch the hunt, and then I will take the time to repair that garage door seal and enjoy the weather. But first, I have to try to see my new glasses with my old inadequate glasses and replace the silicone nose piece that failed. There is something to be said for getting things of quality at a higher price. But, I think I can uses the nose pieces from my sunglasses as replacements; that is if I can see them. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the world.

Had a nice time with the "kids" at the post on Saturday afternoon. A few too many libations maybe, but a good time none the less. Dinner was a first in a long while for me. Adam made his pan-seared beef steak and it was delicious. Mary accompanied it with her soon to be famous potato salad and her also soon to be famous version of an old favorite, green bean casserole with home made onion rings. Together, they were all delicious. Yes, I fell off the wagon this time, but I doubt if I'd make a habit of it. Unlike most good things, you can get enough of this good thing. So, it is back to that which I have come to love, working for beans.

Speaking of beans, Mary and I have plans to watch the Cubs opener from Pittsburgh on Monday. We have our nachos and cheese with sliced jalapeno peppers for openers, followed by veggie hot dogs with florescent  green relish. We also plan to charge each other $8.00 for a beer, so that we can feel like true in-the-park fans.

As I mentioned, the "kids" will be departing today so that they can get back to home and laundry. Oh the joys of returning from a vacation. Still, they wouldn't have missed it for the world as I've said before. The vacation I mean. I simply must make a mention of the slide show that a friend sent that shows Lake Shore Drive in Chicago in all its magnificent glory. It was accompanied by some appropriate music. Since Chi-Town is our hometown and Steph's adopted hometown, it was great to see.

Now I can go back to bed and rest until it is time for the car talk show that I am weirdly fascinated by. It is locally produced and hosted, and I am totally captivated. Like they say in the opening credits of the show, "If it has an engine and wheels, two wheel or four-wheel drive, a big block, V6 or V8, they are talking about it." Or words to that effect. As I've also noted, the older the vehicle and the higher the mileage, the better.

So, it will soon be...Tea time and time to get my day started. Ciao.

Good early afternoon GH. It is fast closing on 1:00 PM here in our fair city, and the current temperature is 41 sunny degrees. We are anticipating a high of 48 today, and for tomorrows Easter egg hunt in Central Park, 55 is the expectation. I should note, that we are also awaiting a high on Tuesday of 36 degrees, with snow showers. Like I have said many times, "Enough already!"

Adam and Steph came into town yesterday. They just came back from Puerto Rico, so that aren't staying long. Too much laundry and the like await them at home. Both of them profess how great it was to get away for a few days to a place where most people don't know your name. If they could find a way to avoid the cattle car feeling of flying, they would, but alas, Puerto Rico is an island.

Adam brought several parts for his car with him, and they are now ensconced in our basement, awaiting the need and the time. Adam also brought parts for his R/C cars too. They also await time. As we might be in the market for a new car, Adam and Steph promised to help in that endeavor. So, we will await the results of their efforts. No rush, just maybe a need that should be fulfilled.

I have been getting an inordinate number of request for donations from politicians at all levels. I am ignoring them all. In the words of the immortal H.W. Jr. "They want you to send your money to the lord, but they give you their address."  "Cause all of your donations are completely tax free, G-d bless you all but most of all, send your money to me." I am so sad that the American people spoke in the last election, but the pols in D.C. and the state capitols, treat us all with disdain. What ever happened to doing what is right, not what will get you reelected?  Oh well, you can't win em all.

Otherwise, not much is happening. Sugar the Weather Dog and her pack took a walk this AM. Sugar and I kept on walking as the other three members of the pack were going to the local food stores. However, Sugar and I had a good time, and who wouldn't on such a beautiful day here in Western Michigan. As I gaze out the Weather Window, the Sun is high in the azure blue sky, just as it was when I arose this AM. In short there's really not, a more congenial spot, etc. than here in sunny GH. See, when I steal a lyric, I go for a good one.

Already had...Tea time, so for now, Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is just past 2:30 in the AM here in our fair city. Just as yesterday, the view out the Weather Window is limited. It would appear that the skies are clear, and that any precipitation is very limited. Our current temperature is 35 degrees, and we are heading for a high of 38. On Saturday, the big Easter egg hunt in the local park is looking for a high of 50 degrees and a very slight chance of precipitation. This is probably a good chance to fix that garage door seal that is pulling away. However, the week after that shows lower temperatures and winter sticking around.  Sheesh. Mary and I plan to go over and see the Easter festivities, because it always warms us to see the kids enjoying themselves.

On Tuesday, I watched with Sugar the Weather Dog, as the work crew from the local jail raked up the debris left from the winter snows. Given the way things have been going, they did a remarkable job. However, that tree that Mary and I have been watching lean more everyday is still leaning. Oh well, it is on the schedule of the public works department for later in April. Sugar was none too pleased by the blower that was being used in front of the library to blow away the sawdust from a tree that was taken down in the parkway. She was also not pleased by the dump truck that was proceeding down the street. Come to think of it, she doesn't much like trucks in general.

Mary and I went to one of the big box hardware stores to pick up a few things. Afterwards, we went to one of the highly recommended pizza places in town. In retrospect, it was okay, but would I seek it out? Probably not. As Mary likes to say, pizza is a personal preference, and in this case, we were hungry, so was it outstanding? I don't really think so. There are places that I like better here in town. I think people like it because it has been around a long time. We will have to try one of the other anointed places to see if it is as good as reported by Adam and Steph. One thing I know, when a pizza isn't great as just a pizza made with cheese, there aren't enough toppings to make it great. Oh well, it was worth a try.

Time for bed again, as it is soon to be 3:00 AM. I have nothing on tap for today, but I always seem to find something that needs doing. I have to fix some loose hinges, but that isn't an emergency. Mary says she will help with that knitting aid that I have in the closet, as it is similar to one she is using now. Worth a try, but the last time I tried, I couldn't get the hang of it. I think I'll get it out of the closet now just to make sure that all of the pieces are there.

When last I tried, my brain wasn't running on all cylinders, and the exhaust was slightly blocked. Maybe this time. One thing I can say with certainty, when you have had major brain surgery, it takes a while for things to stick. Plus, even though all of my brain is there, it was pushed aside for awhile. I'm just now getting back some of my guitar playing acumen. However, as compared to many of our veterans and other people who have had traumatic brain injuries in which they actually lost part of their brain, I am very fortunate.

So, it will soon be...Tea time, and that means that I can get up when I want. Sometimes, I really like retirement. Oh, the train went by on schedule last might, about 11:45 PM. Update: The latest train is going by now. Twin locomotives and many more covered hopper cars. I still wonder what they are hiding in those cars in the middle of the night. Just saying. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. When I got up a bit ago, the view out the Weather Window was just the soft glow of street lamps and seemingly every light in the house across the street. Otherwise, not much to see. We are currently at 33 degrees, with an expected high of 39 degrees. It certainly is quiet here in the off season early morning hours.

Ran into an interesting man at our favorite watering hole last night. He raises llamas, sheep, goats, chickens, peacocks, and cats. He lives on about ten acres and commented that feeding that menagerie all this past winter has been markedly more expensive due to the drought conditions last summer and the odd warmth of last spring. Apparently hay is twice the price per bale.

Yesterday, as I mentioned, we saw the movie Chasing Ice, that was a true chronological record of the shrinking of the glaciers and ice packs around the world. It truly was gloom and doom, a photographic record of the devastation caused by man's activities and the devastating effects of the climate deniers in our government. To say the least, it was not uplifting, and Mary and I came away with a renewed felling that it may already be too late. I just hope that the kids who are being squeezed by the sequestration in our government today, somehow find the educational opportunities and the finances to pay for them. Maybe they can solve the problems that too many officials and talk radio types are denying. I'm just not sure it may not already be too late. I should mention that the sequestration is already squeezing the monitoring and enforcement efforts of the EPA, NOAA, and similar agencies. If you are of the type that believes in the rhetoric that government is bad, just consider these words. "It is said that democracy is the worst form of government, except all the others that have been tried." Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, when you are determined, you generally can accomplish anything. Hope springs eternal.

I finally have the appointment for my knees this AM. I never thought I'd look forward to the pain that comes with the treatments, but the stress and strain of snow removal this winter, seems to have taken a toll. (Mary says we are leaving town next winter in February, but the way things are going this year, we would have to leave for March too.) However, the alternative to these treatments is knee replacement, and unless the pain becomes so bad that I can't handle it, I'm not going. Plus, maybe as time goes by, new treatments will be developed that won't require the big time surgery and rehab that comes with knee replacement. Hope springs eternal once again.

So, until it is time to get up for...Tea time and the like, I'll be saying Ciao.

P.S. I had to mention a word that I came up with last night, goofidity. For me, the definition is something that you do that is; goofy and stupid in its outcome. If you had the chance to do it over again, you probably wouldn't. But like an accident, these events are mostly unpredictable and therefore, an act of...goofidity. I dunno, I like it.

Good morning GH. It is fast closing on 8:30 AM here in our fair city and the view out the Weather Window is vastly improved over some previous days. The sun is on the the rise and the sky is mostly cloud free. Currently our temperature is 31 degrees, and we may get to 39 later today. Not bad for "spring." One of those little grammar anomalies; seasons are generally not capitalized, unlike days of the week or months of the year.

Speaking of later today, Mary and I plan to see a documentary movie that deals with the changes in the polar ice caps and the shrinking of the glaciers.  How's that for uplifting? I have to decide between one of those green milkshakes that I enjoy once year, or some popcorn at the movie. Decisions, decisions. For Mary it would be a no-brainer. No choice required; neither would be fine with her. For me, not so much a no-brainer as a choice between a once-a-year "treat" that actually is, once-a-year, and something I can get every time we go to a movie.

We spent quite a bit of time reading the New York Times yesterday, an always enjoyable experience. I got info on some good looking books, and of course reinforcement of some things I already believe. However, it takes several hours of time I could have spent shopping at a big box store. Once again, decisions, decisions. : -  ).

Sugar the Weather Dog is still sound asleep next to the bed. She can be so funny about her sleeping arrangements. We spent a lot of lap time yesterday, both up and downstairs, and let me just say that trying to read the paper around a dog sleeping in your lap can be difficult. But, to borrow another musical lyric, "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

So, time to get on with my day and just enjoy the beauty of the world at large. Temperatures are on the rise, spring may actually spring, and once again, Sugar and I will be able to enjoy the "Bone Zone." All in all, unlike W.C. Fields purportedly said, I wouldn't rather be in Buffalo.

Tea time, Ciao.

Good morning GH. It is fast closing on 3:30 AM here in our fair city and the view out the Weather Window is on the dark side of things. Our current temperature is 28 degrees, heading for a high of 38. Sugar the Weather Dog is fast asleep beside the bed, and therein lies another tale. But I digress.
We are waiting for April to come, because by then we should have consistent temperatures in the mid to upper 40s. Of course, that means the snow will finally be on the wane, unlike what is about to happen to the folks in Indiana and points east. I saw one of the news people on television actually say that although she is a skier, she is so done with winter.

I got up this morning not to blog, but to watch at least some of the Grand Prix from Malaysia. The only problem with liking Grand Prix over NASCAR is the need to get up before the crack of dawn in order to see it live. NASCAR fans usually see their races on a Sunday afternoon because they all occur here in the U.S.  Spoiler alert.  If you taped this race, I am about to give some details, so stop reading now!!! Details at the end.

I hope that Adam stays asleep while on vacation. He usually tapes these events for later viewing, but I thought I could one-up him. Plus, this is so much more like real racing as compared to racing taxi cabs that are all essentially alike. All that is different is the body shape, and even that must conform to the standards of the sanctioning body. In Grand Prix, the team strategy and the skill of the driver matter much more, because there is no drafting possible with open-wheel racing. So the "Get in, push the pedal down, and turn left mentality," is not exhibited in Grand Prix racing.

I know that Mary and I will be going to a NASCAR race later this year, but that one will be held on a road course, where the drafting rules don't apply and the skill of the driver and team strategies actually matter. A driver like Danica Patrick or others with Indy car experience, actually have an advantage.

I plan to go back to bed when the race is over, or at least fall asleep in the chair. Either way, I'll get a shot of racing and that is all good. I know that Mary plans to get up for UP w/ Chris Hayes, and then it will be...Tea time, but if I make it or not for that, either will be okay.

So, until next time, Ciao.

Update on the Grand Prix of Malaysia:

First:  Sebastian Vettel
Second: Mark Webber
Third: Lewis Hamilton

Fernando Alonso, driving for the Ferrari team, was out of the race by lap #2. His team chose not to pit and replace the front spoiler which had been damaged in a collision with the rear of eventual winner's car, Sebastian Vettel, cause in the spoiler to drag. When Alonso didn't pit, his team chose unwisely, as the car became unstable when the spoiler disintegrated and then the car crashed and Alonso was out of the race. Vettel pitted for new non-rain tires early, which may have helped in the end. The track started out very wet, but soon dried. Team Lotus called both cars into the pits at the same time, causing a traffic jam and an extended pit stop for both. One of the drivers, Lewis Hamilton, came in for a pit stop, but entered the McClaren pits instead of his own. That caused a longer than expected pit stop too, and maybe the win. I also learned that the teams must finish with about one liter of fuel for testing post-race. Plus, there was something I couldn't determine, what is on the front of the cars that adjusts the speed for the straights or something. Maybe Adam can tell me.

Now, Ciao for sure.

Good morning GH. Well,since I went to bed so early last might, I decided that I would get up early this morning and do a little writing. Our current temperature is 31 degrees, and we are still on target for the mid-forties by late next week. I sure hope that this time they are right. We have been experiencing a rather protracted winter, and speaking for Sugar the Weather Dog and myself, we are tired of it. We want ice-free sidewalks and mild temperatures when we go out.

Had a great time at the movies on Friday. Mary and I used our time to watch one of our favorite actors, Morgan Freeman, and while it was slam-bang action throughout, we loved it because, well it was slam-bang action throughout.

For no particular reason, other than I like to notice trains, and because as the person writing this blog I can, I'll mention that a mid-length train went through last night about 11:45 PM. That's pretty close to their regular time, although I didn't see it, I just experienced it.

I tried to watch some television last night, but I got tired and just went to bed. One great thing about being retired, although there are many, is that you get to set the hour when you go to bed and arise. No one to question you. The only exception is made for an early appointment,  but even that you can flex if you choose.

Mary made a pasta dish last night using what she calls her down and dirty sauce. That means that she used a lot of prepared spices in the sauce rather than chopping. Sugar the Weather Dog was disappointed, because usually, when Mary chops, Sugar benefits from Mary's "oops!" moments in the kitchen when she is chopping. Not so last evening. Maybe next time. However, I liked the sauce just fine. Sometimes down and dirty works. I discovered that years ago with tuna casserole.

Otherwise, just a few plugs for various activities. Tonight between 8:30 and 9:30 PM EDT, the WWF, that's the World Wildlife Fund, will be once again sponsoring their Earth Hour City Challenge. I have included a link for those of of you who are interested. It is worth watching, especially for those of you who live in a desert, or know someone who does. http://worldwildlife.org/pages/earth-hour-city-challenge

In addition, there is a panel discussion of the movie Bowling for Columbine, Saturday at 9:00 PM EDT, which is likely to be as moving as the movie itself. The movie was made ten years ago, but it is still just as poignant and apropos today. The panel discussion is likely to be even more powerful, gosh I hate the use of that word, if you have watched the movie prior. I know there is a conflict with the previous activity, but sometimes a conflict can't be avoided, just don't turn on all your lights while watching.

Otherwise, it will soon be...Tea time, as well as time for UP w/ Chris Hayes, his next to final UP as host, and I don't want to miss it. Also, I have a need to play guitar today, again, so I don't want to lose any more sleep. However, since there is a a local radio show on at 7:00 AM during which they discuss those way-old cars, I don't know if laying down at this early/late hour is a good idea. Oh well, sometimes you just go with the flow.

Good morning GH. It is a bleak looking sunrise today. Currently, we are at 26 degrees, and expecting a high of only 30. No real relief from the cold is expected until the 28th, that's Thursday of next week, when the temperatures are expected to get to and stay in the low forties. I am so ready.

Today I have an appointment at the library with my students. I hope that all goes well. He has promised that he will make it today, but I have heard that before. Speaking of the library, Mary and I stopped in yesterday and picked up some additional books for our cold weather reading. If I felt that it was going to be warmer sooner, I might not, but as I noted earlier, that isn't likely until the middle of next week.

I have an appointment at the orthopedist for my knees this morning. I hate to have to drive, but when it comes to my knees, I can't walk all that well for a couple of days after the treatments. Overall, they are better, but the treatment can be painful.  Oops, I should have consulted my dare book. I had written the reschedule in there.

Otherwise, I'd best get going. My appointment is at 9:00 AM and I have to get ready to go. Mary can let Sugar the Weather Dog out when she gets up. Sugar can rediscover the snow this morning. For her it's all new.  Ciao.

Good morning GH. Well, all of the alarm about that extra 3 - 6 inches of snow was wrong. Seems as though we are still getting some flakes, but nothing to really notice. Of course, the latest weather report says that the cold will last several more weeks, not days, due to an anomaly in the jet stream or something. Currently the temperature here in our fair city is 23 degrees. Sugar the Weather Dog and I must go for a walk today to return a book at the library, but that is about as far as I want to go. The high temperature for the day has already been reached and they are still showing the possibility of more lake effect snow. At this point, I am not sure they even have a clue. I know that the National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids is the source for these dire predictions, but lake effect should mean that people living near the lake are effected. Once again, go figure.

Mary is still waiting further instructions for the index that she is working on right now. Today is a good day for laundry. So, after I get ready, I'll put that into motion. Since it is nearly 11:00 AM, breakfast will become lunch. A little guitar playing, a little practice on my piloting skills, and then more reading. All in all, a pretty full day.

Otherwise, Sugar will need her breakfast before we brave the outdoors. Speaking of Sugar the Weather Dog, when I let her out this morning, she was so busy tracking the cat that passed through the yard last night, that she got herself wrapped around the tree in the garden. So for the second time this week, I had to go out and rescue her. I wouldn't mind, but if I wanted to be out in the cold, I'd go, I don't need her assistance.

So, it is now time to get ready and then enjoy...Tea time and the balance of my shortened day. Ciao.

Good late evening GH. Well, I did it. I didn't go out today. I heard a train go by, but I didn't even stir from my bed. In fact, I let Sugar the Weather Dog out and she then proceeded to do her duty and then she never asked again. Meanwhile, the snow continued to fall. Although there hasn't been significant accumulation, yet, there is an expectation for an additional accumulation overnight of 3 - 6 inches. However, the Weather Channel site seems to think that there will be only dry conditions while predicting the precipitation to be at 70%. Go figure. Right now, we are at 30 degrees, so that is the kind of weather that produces light, fluffy snow.

Today, with a little help from Sugar the Sous Dog, I made banana bread and squash. Since the oven was on, I used the Mary method of not wasting the preheated oven by making the squash. So tomorrow, I'll be having squash for lunch. Mary was hard at work on an index, so I was left to my own devices. I was planning on making one form of banana bread, but lacking in buttermilk, regular milk and the like, I switched recipes to one I had used before. I think that this loaf is my best so far. Sugar thinks so too.

I took my large helicopter to the man-cave this morning. I figured that since Adam had his transportation department there, I'd add to the collection. I also pulled the charger line off one of the small copters, so that the battery didn't get overcharged. However, I didn't get a chance to fly it yet. I think all will be well.

Mary made some kick-rear pasta for dinner, and used some veggie sausage in the sauce. I like the sausage and the combination was dy-no-mite, to borrow from Jimmy Walker.

So, it is time to go back and watch more TV. Rachel is on, but before that, I watched a real tearjerker of an NCIS episode that both Mary and I really were moved by, especially since one of the "stars" was a way cool black Labrador Retriever. Of course, then Rachel was talking about a charity in FL that was defrauding the veterans. It is interesting, that on AMC, the movie, The Best Years of our Lives was running. Some things never change.

So, until next time, Ciao.

Good afternoon GH. It is just after 1:00 PM here in our fair city, and the current temperature is 30 degrees. We are supposed to get to a high of 37, but if that happens, I'll be very surprised. Sugar the Weather Dog and I went for a nice walk this AM, but the return leg of our journey was an in your face snow shower kind of walk, with the wind blowing at a rather brisk rate. Even Sugar could have stayed home.

I was planning to go out to the local purveyor of those Irish themed shakes, because that is my once a year treat, but I just couldn't bring myself to face driving today. I was also supposed to fill the car with gas, but I decided not to go. I hope that the answers on availability of those shakes until March 31, are true.

Had a nice time at the Irish Jam on Saturday. A large contingent of musicians came, far exceeding the number of musicians that Larry, the public relations director for the library, envisioned in the beginning. He had hoped for maybe 10 - 12 when he conceived the idea/activity one year ago. On Saturday, he said that his email list had over 50 recipients now. In addition, there was a good sized audience in attendance. So all in all, it was way cool.

Mary and I journeyed downtown for a late dinner yesterday after we finished our editing chores, and by the time we looked up, it was closing on 9:00 PM. GH is a different place as the night wears on. But, as that essay says, as long as we hold hands and stick together, we can venture forth in the world and be okay.

Speaking of holding, hands, I think that as Mary has aged, she has improved. She looks better with time and of course, that is to be expected. In spite of the emphasis on youth in our society, age confers dignity and wisdom on us all. In Mary's case, that is very much the case. As I am sure I have mentioned, we will be married for 40 years this fall and Adam will be 39. While is has been a long strange trip, to borrow from The Dead, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.  I borrowed that line too, from an old song by Ronnie Milsap.

So, until I have more to say, I'll just say Ciao.

Good morning GH. Well, it is official, my forecast for snow has been fulfilled. While not a lot, there is enough to be annoying. Typical for March, but still annoying. The current temperature is 30 degrees, with an anticipated high of 33. But, that high comes with a winter weather advisory according to the National Weather Service for hazardous driving and an accumulation of 1 - 3 inches. I still plan to go Jamming, but I may have to walk a bit slower than I would like.

Sugar the Weather Dog will be on cloud nine. As I've mentioned, she loves the snow. For her, the idea of walking is always one that is welcome; the snow is a bonus. Mary went to the grocery store early yesterday, so anything that she needed she got before the snows came. She has more work to do today, and then tomorrow, I will help her edit.

I placed a new battery in my helicopter on Friday afternoon. The old one was just not recharging enough to keep the copter in flight for any length of time. I hope that this is the answer, because I don't have another.

Second train in the last 3 - 4 hours.  This one, like the last, is a lot of covered hopper cars being towed by a mixed pair of locomotives. I also saw a taxi cab on my street. At 3:30 AM, it could be a person who drank too much, or a wait person who just wanted to get home. Either way, it sure beats driving on snow covered streets, unless you are the cab driver.

Mary and I tried to get her latest book printed, but the store didn't seem to have a clue. She has decided to print it on our home printer. It just takes a bit longer as the printer only prints at about 10 - 15 CPM. Plus, you need to let it rest between pages sometimes. In addition, the low toner light has been flashing for weeks. That means she will have to keep on eye on the printing in case the toner cartridge runs out in the middle.

Otherwise, not much is going on. I think I'll get set to go back to bed, because Mary told me she plans to get up early to work, and her office is an extension of the bedroom. That means, if she is up and working, I'm up too. I refuse to get up before I hear the guys talk about 15 year old cars with 280,000 miles that don't seem to be running quite right. Like I've said, Michiganders are a hearty lot, and that extends to their cars. One muffler comes on the car when it is built, so why buy another?

So, until tomorrow or whenever, I'll await...Tea time, Sugar walk time, local newspaper reading time, and Irish Jam time. Hope Adam and Steph get off okay. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. Had a great day on Thursday. Took an early afternoon walk with Mary and Sugar, finished my indoor housework, and then worked on my crossword puzzle for awhile. I didn't get in any guitar time, but that may not be all bad, because I have been playing so much lately, that my fingers are a bit sore. On Saturday, I'll hopefully journeying to the library to join in the St. Patrick's Day jam, and that is always fun. It may depend on the snow that has been predicted, but that shouldn't be a real problem.

Speaking of the weather, the view out the Weather Window is on the dark side. Not surprising, since it is closing on 4:00 AM. Currently, the desktop temperature is showing 36 degrees, with an anticipated high of 38. Saturday, they are predicting snow showers, with only a small amount of accumulation, less than one inch, but the expected high will be 31 degrees. That may make me walk more briskly. Looks like the Sun won't be shining much until the end of this coming week. That's after the actual start of spring on Wednesday.

Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping next to the bed, and is doing her best to stay out of the way. I brushed her twice yesterday, in order to hold down the amount of shedding that she leaves behind. I like to think she feels bad about the shedding, or at least the brushing that goes with it, but she can't help it and for me, that's a small price to pay for having her in our lives.

A Mid-Michigan train just went through, and of course, they are required by law to blow their horns at every grade level crossing. Two locomotives can generate a lot of noise, so if people don't notice them at 3:00 or 4:00 AM in the night time, then they are blind and deaf. Oh well, it is what it is.

Adam and Steph will soon be off for a vacation and as Adam says, since they have been to this location many times, they don't have to sight see, they can just sit back and relax and read car magazines or whatever strikes their fancy. Hopefully, Adam's bum back will benefit from the sunshine.

By this time, Steph will need to relax from the frenetic pace of her new job. I can identify with that. As a former teacher, the daily pace is more of a grind than people know. It takes awhile to relax sometimes. Of course, with Spring Break coming up, the delays caused by security screening may be longer. Especially now that they will be allowing people to carry on small knives with a very specific blade dimension. Of course, they will also be allowing hockey sticks and golf clubs too. As we know from watching hockey games, there is a penalty for high sticking because of the damage that a stick can do, but try to carry on an amount of liquid that is too big, and the wrath of the security people will be upon you. Go figure.

I was sad to hear that Up w/ Chris Hayes will be ending it's weekend run soon. Now the cups that Mary and  have for our weekend mornings are collectors items. And pity the poor pastry plate, it may now become homeless.

When Mary and I walked downtown, she found a very nice wooden salad bowl and utensils that she just had to have. I agree, it is way cool, but now I can't get it wet, just like the characters in Gremlins.

Mary has to work today, and I have to take another crack at programming the thermostat. I won't spend a lot of time on that, I can assure you. I will spend some time reading and playing guitar, and all of those things you know I love to do. Sorry John Denver, I had to use your lyric.

So, until it is once again...Tea time, I'll be saying Ciao, or Au Revoir, or just later.

Good early morning GH. It is about 2:45 in the AM, and since I went to bed early, I got up early. But, I don't anticipate being up for all that long. The current temperature on the desktop display is 33 degrees, an we don't anticipate consistent temperatures in the forties until late next week. Maybe one day later this week, but then not again until late next week. Oh well, that's Michigan weather for you.

When I went to bed earlier, the local railroad ran a train by with a couple of locomotives and many boxcars and covered hopper cars. I still wonder what is hidden in those closed cars as they move through the darkened cities and towns of Michigan and other states. I suppose that I could find out, but the chances of changing things are slim to none and slim phoned it in.

Today, I have a scheduled session at the local library with my student as he attempts to learn to read better. He hasn't been feeling well lately, and that has mitigated against our meetings. I hope things get better for him soon. We were supposed to get together yesterday, but he had to cancel because he was feeling tired, a symptom for underlying issues of health. I wish him well.

I got a notification from the acquisitions librarian who buys the books that I like to read, that she is moving out of the area. So, although she ordered my latest book request, she may not be around to notify me that it has come in. I wish her well. It has been a good run. Now I will have to work with a new person in that capacity. I really can't complain, as the non-fiction books that I like have been ordered on a regular basis.

Otherwise, it is time for bed again and and a chance to dream, to paraphrase the bard. So, until the sun rises and it is once again...Tea time, I'll say Ciao.

Good morning GH. Well, I skipped a day just because I really didn't have anything to blog about. So, rather than be a typical blogger, like myself too often, I decided to skip it. Today, the view out the Weather Window at 8:45 in the AM, is partly cloudy and the current temperature is right at the Fahrenheit freezing temperature. I'll leave it to those of you who remember your science lessons from elementary school to fill in the actual temperature.

Sugar the Weather Dog and I had a nice walk yesterday. Now that the sidewalks are all mostly clear, we can walk to our hearts content. Of course, when we get back, Sugar needs a quick wipe down due to her status as a low-slung sports dog, but that's about it. She and I did some serious lap time yesterday afternoon, and it was all good. Then, Mary and I walked downtown to get some pages printed. But the store couldn't get the job done due to computer problems. So, we had dinner only instead.

I got in some guitar playing yesterday afternoon before we went out, so that was all good. More today. I find the daily improvement in my skills to be both fun and uplifting. Of course, Saturday, the 16th, is the day of our Irish Jam and the day that most folks celebrate St. Patrick's Day. We will be jamming from 1- 3 PM at the library. The event sponsor, creator, etc. reminded us all, that it has been one year since we started these little sessions. Not bad for a small and mighty group.

Otherwise, I got in some additional piloting practice yesterday. I still have most of my skills, but an occasional crash reminds me how quickly those skills erode. Fortunately, no one died in my crashes, just pretend people.

So, it is now back to bed and then...Tea time. Ciao.  Oh, the usual train went by about 3:00 AM. Based on my hearing, which we all know to be excellent, it was heading south. Now Ciao.

Good morning GH. Well, the dawn is broken. By that I mean that it is officially daylight savings time here in GH and the skies are gray and the rain is falling. But, I didn't get up until shortly after 8:00 AM. But, that's okay with me, since I can still go back to bed and not miss a beat. I originally got up to let Sugar the Weather Dog out for her morning constitutional. She didn't really want to go, and I doubt if a walk is on her schedule for the day, given how little she likes the rain. The current temperature on the desktop is 44 degrees, but as I mentioned, the view out the Weather Window is on the gray side. According to the National Weather Service, the rain is expected to continue until early Monday morning. At least most of the snow will be gone.

I also arose to check if my watch had changed for daylight savings time. It hadn't, but a little internet searching showed me that the watch has no way of knowing what time zone it inhabits, so I had to produce a change manually. Good news for my daughter in law, Steph, I made the change without any problems and it looks as though I finally got the date set right after many abortive attempts too. Chalk up a victory for me. I know that the people at the jewelry store assured me that it would change itself, but I somehow knew that that was unlikely. It wasn't a deal breaker for me, but I guess I wanted it to happen. Now all I have to figure out is how to use the chronograph function to time a race. I will, by hook or by crook.

Speaking of Staph, she is now over one-month into her new job. I hear from Adam that things are going well, but Steph has been a bit on the busy side. Good and bad I guess.

I had planned to go to the library to hear the local high school fiddle group, but the rain is discouraging to me just as much as it is to Sugar the Weather Dog. I think that her title is appropriate since she is just like a Weather Rock. If it's raining out, she knows enough that she doesn't want to go out and get wet.

Side not on the kitchen here. I was in the man-cave working on my helicopters, and getting them all flight ready and Mary was in the kitchen whipping up some killer salad dressing to go with the Boston bib lettuce she had gotten the day before. Turned out great! Plus, she created a potato salad from the same cookbook, I think, and it was great in spite of the fact that she noted that she had made the sauce too thin. Personally, I liked it better that way. Chalk one up for luck overcoming skill once again. Oh, by the by, lately the eggs she has been cracking have all had double yolks. Chalk up another one for not over processing.

I road tested my helicopters while in the man-cave and the simple act of changing one screw during my pre-flight checks brought the rotors back into balance on my original copter, and then both small ones flew great. I haven't flown the biggest one yet, but that has to wait for the outdoors. Indoors would not be a good thing, especially from Sugar's perspective.

Otherwise, I am about to head down for...Tea time and TV. so Ciao.

Good morning GH. Well, its happened again. A train went by a short while ago and woke me up. No real complaints, but I just wish that I could stay asleep through what are really not loud noises. Of course, I do remember when I awoke, that I was having a dream in which we were looking out the window of a large building when a huge thunderbolt sounded and blew out the windows and through some of us into the hallway. Of course, my first concern wasn't for myself, it was for Sugar the Weather Dog. I had to search for her, find and then free her. Adam is right, as is Mary, Sugar and I are co-dependent.

Currently, the temperature on the sophisticated weather display is 28 degrees and the skies are not cloudy all night. Forgive me for that slight song reference. Of course, I can't really see anything outside the Weather Window except dark, but according to the National Weather Service, we will be seeing partly cloudy skies later today and a high temperature of 43 degrees. No precipitation until Sunday, when the chance will be 90% with a high temperature of 47 degrees.

I received my raw material for my new insoles, so I'll get to work on that later today. At the same time, I'll unpack my new wet/dry vacuum. Yes, I ended up at the big box hardware store, because once I receive the $20.00 rebate, I can spend that on anther pot for our container vegetable garden instead of just spending the extra $20.00 to make a point. Also, Mary and I were able to go to another big box retailer to pick up some needed toiletries and kitchen gadgets. So, it wasn't a wasted trip. I also went to the grocery story with Mary, and my job was to redeem all of the cans that she hates to take when she goes. Turns out that I fed in 156 cans. I kept the money for myself, sort of like doing laundry when someone leaves money in their pocket, you get to keep it.

Otherwise, I received another piece of Irish music from the Irish Jam coordinator, that I printed out and will practice today. I do like getting useful things in my email. IN about five hours, it will be time for UP w/ Chris Hayes on MSNBC. Then it will also be...Tea time prior to letting Sugar take me for a walk. I also have to go back to the grocery store to exchange some onions that Mary picked up. She went organic, but one of the onions shows some rot, so I have been asked to exchange them for regular California onions, with the hope that those will be better. A man's work is never done. So until next time, Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is just past 2:30 AM here is our fair city and not surprisingly, the view out the Weather Window is dark. But there is good news on the horizon. While the current temperature on my sophisticated and very scientific weather station is a brisk 23 degrees, the temperature expected by lunchtime today, I almost said tomorrow, is anticipated to be 41 degrees. On Saturday, and Sunday, 45 is the expected high, although on Sunday, the National Weather Service is predicting an 80% chance of precipitation. Usually when the percentage is that high, they are on target. So, if Sugar the Weather Dog and I are going to walk to East Town, hopefully with Mary so we can go to the bakery, Saturday is our best bet.

Speaking of Sugar the Weather Dog, she is now sleeping blissfully in her upstairs bed. Why you ask? Danged if I know. It was Mary's idea just to put her bed back in its place the other day and so I did. Sugar sniffed it one day, and then that night slept next to the bed on the floor. But, by the next morning, she was sleeping in her bed and has spent every night there since. Go figure.

Mary and I went to one of the big box hardware stores and planned to pick up some pots and soil for spring planting along with a small wet/dry vac they had on a rebate special for $9.99 after rebate. But, I failed to see that the sale didn't begin until today, so we couldn't get the rebate. Now of course, all of the items featured in their sale flyer were prominently featured on their end-cap display, but the non-customer service people said, "Sorry,the sale starts tomorrow." So, we returned the vacuum after we had checked out and we probably should have insisted that they find a manager who could have flexed the rebate issue, but we didn't. Now, I may go back to the big box, but I may not. I wanted this item, but I can live without it. If that turns out to be the case, the inability of their, "customer service" people to actually do "customer service" will be a contributing factor. Now I know that this non-sale will not impact their bottom line in any noticeable way, but it is just one more nail in the coffin when it comes to Mary hating big box hardware stores and the experience of shopping there.

No one needs those big box stores. But sometimes, the things that they put on sale are just too tempting. So, if I decide I really need the vacuum, I'll be forced to go back. But, their rebates always take the form of a store credit, so I would have to go back, again to use it. Maybe I should just spend the money locally and save myself the drive if I decide I want the vacuum. There, I just saved myself a trip and kept the money local.  Not bad for a morning's work.

So, it is nearing 3:00 AM and I am getting sleepy, so I think it is time to sign off and go back to slumber land. I have ranted long enough and do what comes naturally. Tea time is just around the bend, but with our lazy risings in the AM lately, that may not be until nearly 11:00 AM. So for now, Ciao.

Good morning, oops, make that good afternoon GH. I was just sitting around killing time, and next thing I knew, it was 1:00 PM. My tutoring session isn't until tomorrow afternoon, so I did some laundry and then just sat and stared. Sometimes, that's all you have the ambition to do.

Currently, the view out the Weather Window is mostly cloudy and the skies are gray. But, here is the important part, there is no snow like they got in Chicago and Washington, D.C. For once, the goddess smiled on us. The current temperature on the weather station located just outside the Weather Window is showing a temperature of 36 degrees.  But, having been outside with Sugar the Weather Dog, the wind makes it feel a tad cooler. However, by this weekend, we are supposed to be in the lower forties with no precipitation scheduled until Monday, when the temperature will be dropping to the upper thirties. Still, not bad, but this is only the beginning of March.

I just noticed, glancing at my wall mounted car-themed calendar, that daylight savings time begins this coming Sunday at 2:00 AM. Now, I''ll have to see of my new watch really does adjust for the change in time.  I am having enough trouble getting it to display the correct date.

Mary went to the dentist today, and following a good report, at least for her, she wants to do lunch at our favorite watering hole downtown, just as soon as she finishes her noontime chat with her indexing group. Now that's what I call exciting.

Since Mary went out this AM, I had a bagel with peanut butter for breakfast, rather than the cream cheese that she favors.  Sort of like how I like my French Toast with powdered sugar, rather than maple syrup. I am pretty certain that my likes stem from my somewhat impoverished childhood, when we weren't able to afford maple syrup, and peanut butter came in large and inexpensive containers. A lot less expensive when compared to cream cheese. You go with what you learned to like. That's also likely the reason I like soup over most other foods, because we always had cans of soup around.

Adam wonders why I am so cheap. It isn't so much cheap, as it is forced frugality. He probably never realized it, but I tended to deny myself things when he was young so that he had what he needed. It may have been less necessary as time went by, but old habits die hard.

My parents never went anywhere on vacation, mostly because my dad was a seasonal worker who got most of his jobs during the summer months. So, when we were off school, he was working. In the winter months, we had very little income, and so no vacations then either. As time passed, Mary, Adam, and I could afford some vacations, so that became more normal. This summer when Steph is here and checking out the picture box, I am pretty certain that she will find that a lot of the pictures show us in relatively inexpensive venues.

Speaking of Sugar the Weather Dog, she surprised us this AM by sleeping in/on her upstairs bed for awhile.  I don't try to figure her out anymore.

I didn't have my usual...Tea time this AM.  Since I was feeling lazy, a glass of orange juice was all I opted for. So, until tomorrow, I'll just say Ciao and get on with my day.

Good morning GH.  Wow, it actually is morning.  It is now about 8:45 AM here in our fair city, and I can actually see the view out the Weather Window. It is partly cloudy and the current temperature is 21 degrees.  Not bad for early March, and much better than the folks in the Chicago and Minneapolis areas are either experiencing or soon to experience. For at least today, I am glad to be on the good side of the "Big Lake."

Today, I plan on some guitar playing, letting Sugar the Weather Dog take me for a walk, and some reading. Sugar and I have to go to the post office sometime in the next couple of days to mail a return, but that isn't an emergency.

I have been making progress, with some help from Mary, on the Michigan puzzle that Mary and I have been working on. It has a lot of pieces, as do most puzzles, and so the progress is slow until you get the edge pieces organized and in place. Mary and I have found most of those edge pieces, but not all. As Mary says, "There are a lot of pieces in this puzzle, and it is meant to take time."

We received our tickets to Road America yesterday. I am excited about our trip to the racetrack. We have rented a golf cart, and that will be a blessing for my old knees and back.  I walk just fine, but in the "hills" of Wisconsin, it is easy to overdo. More about that trip in future blogs.

Sugar and I will be walking to the downtown area today. She likes it down on Washington, where the sidewalks and the street are heated and snow free. Like myself, the city and some of the churches and businesses, are running out of places to pile the snow. Hopefully, much of it will disappear as the temperatures rise, although the large mounds will take a while to go away. This winter has been much different from the last. Still, the kids in town are out in their hoodies and open jackets. They have been Michiganders for much longer than I. Overall, the only problem I have is with the icy sidewalks. Sugar doesn't seem to have a problem, but she has four paw drive and she is slung low like a sports car.

Otherwise, not much on tap for the day. So, I am ready to get on with...Tea time and the balance of my day. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. I took the day off yesterday because I really didn't have much to say. Plus with UP w/ Chris Hayes to watch for the first two waking hours and then the N.Y. Times to be read, there just wasn't enough day left. Of course, those activities were coupled with going to see a nice little movie at our local movie house called Safe Haven,starring Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel. I didn't know it, but Julianne Hough is an accomplished ballroom dancer and a country singer with a nice list of film credits at her young age. For Mary, and I must admit myself a bit, it was a real tear jerker.  The movie had an interesting twist, but I won't do a spoiler. Instead, I recommend seeing this movie. I think you'll like it if you are into romances.

Today's weather promises to be a mixed bag. A high of about 35 degrees, going up from our current temperature of 11 degrees. Brrrr! By Tuesday, we are expecting anywhere from one to four inches of snow. Like I commented to Mary, and in general, "Enough already!" Mary seems to think that that with the temperatures rising to the mid-forties by Wednesday, that I won't have to move any of it, but with Sugar wanting to take me for a walk, it does complicate things a bit. Currently the view out the Weather Window is dark. There's a surprise for 4:30 AM. Sugar the Weather Dog wouldn't come to bed last night when I did, because Mary was still downstairs and I was upstairs, and so Sugar had to stand guard for us both. Life as a dog can be tough. I am her pawferred human, but when it comes to taking care of the two of us, Sugar knows what she must do.

I forgot to mention that we stopped by the Post on Saturday afternoon, and the place filled up with people as we neared 5:00 PM. It was amazing to see.

I have a book or two to pick up at the library, and I am hoping to get Mary to go with Sugar and I on our morning sojourn so that I can accomplish that task. I have a couple of books out now, but I don't know how much I really want to read them. Sometimes I get lazy and just want some pulp to go with my reading.

Mary and I are currently working on our Michigan jigsaw puzzle.  But, Mary has a job to finish, so I will make as much progress as I can. Sometimes it is nice to have a second set of eyes. I will have to get out my tape measure to see what size I am approaching in order to judge my progress. I know that's a bit like cheating, but sometimes you do what you gotta do.

So, until it is...Tea time and I am ready for my morning walk with Sugar, I'll just end by saying, Ciao.

Good early morning GH. Although I shouldn't, I got up early to get a start on my day. Well, not really. I got up because I was restless and didn't want to disturb Mary, like that's possible.  Even when you think she is awake she may not be.  I wish I could sleep like that. Sugar the Weather Dog sleeps like, well like a dog.  Sound asleep one second, wide awake the next. However, she has been known to be half asleep and in need of a good stretch and scratch when she rises.

Our current temperature is somewhere between 21 and 23 degrees, depending on the source you consult. My personal weather station has the temperature at 23, so I'll rely on that one.  I often wish that there would be agreement from the various sources, but where's the fun in that?

Mary and I journeyed to Holland Friday for some kitchen items.  There is a great store there that Mary likes, so it's not too far to go. Plus, after pouring some fuel injector cleaner in the old buggy, it was a good opportunity to get in some auto exercise.  Adam would likely approve.

Prior to our trip, I installed the new towel bars in the upstairs bathroom. Now, Mary has decided to get another because the last of the old ones now doesn't look as good. I must say, that the easy "DIY" directions that call for two different sizes of drill bits, a drill motor, a hammer, a level, and a Phillips head screwdriver, aren't all that user friendly. Fortunately for me, those tools are some of the things that I kept when we moved.

Otherwise, Sugar took me for a long walk on Friday morning, which was good for both of us. Saturday morning, I plan to listen to some of the mountain music show after listening to a show about auto repair that is locally produced and which I find interesting. No real reason, but you don't have to work on cars on a regular basis to appreciate the people who call in and want to know what to do to keep their 19... car run better at 200 thousand miles plus an which has had the check engine light on for the last year and a half etc. Amusing in most cases, if not very informative. I also plan to let Sugar take me for another walk.  A dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do.

So, until next time, I'll be awaiting...Tea time and going back to bed.  Ciao.

Good early morning GH.  Well, it's happened again.  I woke up and I couldn't get right back to sleep.  I don't think that this is a long lived phenomenon, but sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.  Currently, my desktop and Weather Window weather stations are in agreement. The temperature is 30 degrees, and according to the view out the Weather Window, there is no precipitation.  We will have to wait until Monday to get above freezing, but then we are home free. By Saturday, the highs will be in the mid-forties and for those of us who are newly minted Michiganders, that is a heat wave. Plus, that means any precipitation will come in the form of rain, which will begin the process of melting the snow. I may even be able to find space for the trash can at the currently invisible curb.  One can only hope.

Mary and I went to the big box hardware store on Thursday for some replacement/additional towel bars for the upstairs bathroom.  Now I have the joy of installing them.  Since I don't have any additional snow to move, I have time and that is all good.  It will be a joy.

My plan for my book didn't work.  I owe 15 cents as a fine, and that isn't a technicality.  Dang. Still, they have been so good to me that I can't complain. I just wish that everything worked that smoothly. As I mentioned previously, there is joy in getting the replacement parts for the snowblower too.

On Thursday, I got the bulk material for my insoles.  Unfortunately, it isn't wide enough for my needs, so I put in a call to the supplier. They have promised to work with me, so I'll be returning what I got for some material that is wider. It will take a few additional days, but since I didn't have it before, I can wait.  The hazards of big feet that most people never face.

Otherwise, not much is happening. I got bad news at our local watering hole.  Apparently, our favorite Internet radio service will be charging for their services. We don't have official notification, yet, but if it isn't too expensive, Mary and I think we can afford it. Truth is, we spend more money than the anticipated $5.00 per month at that same watering hole, so it isn't necessarily a bad thing.

So, until it is...Tea time and time for Sugar the Weather Dog to take me for a morning walk, I'll be on my way. Ciao.

Time for an update on my reality scale railroad.  A twin locomotive train just went through.  One Mid-Michigan and one Grand Rapids Eastern locomotive, followed by 10 tank cars, 11 box cars, and 19 covered hopper cars.  I know that this is the most efficient and cost effective way to move freight, but did anyone ever wonder what is in those cars?  Occasionally I do, and I think that while it is very important to worry about what is in a pipeline, I think given the state of the rails and their associated beds, we should be thinking about those trains too. They are part of that infrastructure that we all say needs work.  That only comes through regulations, which are driven by public opinion, since the railroads are a private entity in this country. If I were the railroad, I'd weigh the cost of improvements against the costs of a cleanup for a spill and make my decision too. Just one man's opinion.  Once again, Ciao.