Good early morning GH. We have a current temperature of 42 degrees here in our currently non-rainy city, but that is about to change if my weather reports are accurate. According to the National Weather Service,  we expect to peak out at 45 degrees today and the rain is supposed to begin in earnest again by 4:00 AM with T-storms and more significant amounts of rain. No complaints, we can use it. Sugar the Weather Dog likes the snow much better, but I like the rain for obvious reasons. In spite of the amount of rain we received on Tuesday, the local lakes and bayous are still distressingly low, as is the "Big Lake."

Mary and I ventured out yesterday for some shopping. I needed a couple of muffin tins for beading as I mentioned before, and some light bulbs and cleaning supplies. Got them all. We then headed for home and after a quick stop at our favorite watering hole, we made it.

I finished my last book on Monday, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, by Ayana Mathis. I liked it, but I have to agree with some of the reviews that said she ended abruptly. But, as a first time author, I think she did well. People need to recognize that this author is a young African-American woman writing from her own memories and perspective. They always say, "wait for the next book", so I will and then make a firm judgement. I have seen this author on TV, and she is obviously intelligent and well spoken, so her next is likely to be more even and more in depth. I can't speak to her portrayal of African American men or women, because I am not of those groups. Still in all, I'd recommend this book.

Prior to that book, I read The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough. It was a typical McCullough book, a fine example of his ability to weave facts with a narrative in a non-fiction book. Of course, he has had a lot of experience and his subject matter is tried and true. So again I say, "wait for the next book" by Ms. Mathis.

I am currently reading Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson. Good pulp fiction and so far, better than some of his collaborative efforts. Too often, publishers want more books and so authors recruit collaborators to assist. Trouble is, the collaborators are not the author of record, and they just don't write the same.

I have  Black Irish by Stephan Talty, The Night Ranger, by Alex Berenson, and Bear is Broken, by Lachlan Smith on the shelf and waiting. Sometimes I like to read fast fiction instead of non-fiction.

A quick sports report. The Cubs won, but they are still a sub-500 team. The Tigers won, and are currently second in their division, the American League Central, and leading the White Sox. The Red Sox are still leading their division, the American League East, ahead of those annoying Yankees. Our local team, The West Michigan Whitecaps, were rained out by those same showers we had here yesterday.

All in all, a good day. I made it to my various medical appointments, all before 10:00 AM, without incident. Here's hoping that the cortisone provides relief to my aching shoulder.

So, it is time for bed and then...Tea time. Ciao.

P.S. If you care about animals, go to this site www.animalhouseshelter.com, and vote so that they can get in on a block grant to help their charges. Thanks.