Good morning GH. I feel so Robin Williams like when I say that. But once again, I digress. The current temperature here in the Weather Center is 76 degrees, while outside it is 65. We are heading for a high of 75 today, which is much better than the poor souls in Las Vegas and Phoenix are experiencing these days. I heard that there is a recommendation to water everything in a flooding way in order to preserve plant life out there. Ouch!

In other news, I washed the car and watered the gardens on the estate today. I was certain that we would then get rain, but we only got a sprinkling. Still, that's not bad since the end result this year is that the water isn't evaporating so quickly. I was able to use some of Adam's car wash supplies and that in itself was a great gift to me. Sorry, the tire shine spray is all gone, but the tires on the car look great. : - )

In sports, I'll sum it up by saying that most of my favorite teams lost, except for the boys in blue. Now that's a change right there. They tried to give the game away in Seattle, but they must have had a momentary lapse and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Otherwise, not much to report. Sugar and I spent some additional time in the "Bone Zone," and I worked some crosswords and listened to oldies radio. Here in West Michigan, we have a station that actually plays a variety instead of repeating the same 20 songs over and over.

As promised, here are some additional pictures from our recent trip around Lake Michigan.

This was the car we rode at the train museum. It was converted from a car formerly used by the U.S. government to haul missiles.

This is a shot of the cab of the world's largest steam locomotive. They only made a few because they were too hard on the rails due to their tremendous weight.

This is for Angie.

I included this shot from Osh Kosh, although the museum was closed the day we attempted to visit. 

More to follow. Ciao

Good early morning GH. We are fast closing on 3:30 AM here in our fair city and the temperature in the Weather Center is 71 degrees. Outside it is 64. That's a vast difference from Death Valley and other western areas. Sugar the Weather Dog is sound asleep next to the bed, having had a need to repair to her hide-e- hole after our dinner due to a small series of explosions at the  house behind us. More on that in a minute.

I was awakened by a train whistle from what sounded like a lone locomotive traversing the tracks near here at about 2:30 AM.  I can't be certain, but it must have been that "Horn Happy" engineer warning the various inebriated drivers and wait-persons that he was coming in the wee hours. You can't be too careful. Since we have a number of 2:00 AM bars here in GH, it is necessary to warn patrons and servers alike that a large moving object might be crossing their paths.

Mary and I had our first official outdoor grilling session last evening. Mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, corn and tofu rounded out our efforts. Mary was less than satisfied with her tofu marinade, but overall the chance to grill out was just too inviting. That's where Sugar figures into the evening's activities. That's where I came in too, when I fired up the "Barbie" and grilled the veggies. I got to smell like smoke for the first time and it was great.

But I digress. Sugar and I had been out on the deck enjoying some time in the "Bone Zone" and I was playing grill-master for dinner. We had just finished our dinner, Sugar had been the official "Sous Dog" and cleaned up the left-overs when those aforementioned explosions were heard. She was scratching at the door to get in in a fashion that we didn't understand until we put two and two together and realized that she needed to get to her hide-e-hole for cover. Since it was only June 28, I can't imagine how she will make it through the next several days. The state of Michigan recently enacted a law that allowed municipalities to ban private fireworks on either side of the Fourth of July, but in the larger window that has the Fourth occurring on a Thursday this year, the explosions may last for several days.

I had accomplished the lawn and garden maintenance on our vast estate and let myself be talked into stopping due to fatigue. While it was a good idea, I just hate having to stop when there is daylight to spare. However, Mary is right, as usual, that I need to accept the fact that I am getting older and there is always tomorrow for more work; one of the advantages of being retired.

I have to finish my dusting and vacuuming, but I have to decided to wait until the painters are done on Tuesday before I do. Little sense in doing the work twice. Instead, I have some things to do in the man-cave that will allow me to still use my time productively.

In sports, the boys in blue wasted another fine starting pitching effort with yet another bad relief performance in Seattle, losing in the 10th by a score of 4 - 5. However, they have a lead over the hapless Brewers of one full game in a battle for last place in their division. The Tigers beat the Rays 6 - 3 behind Max Scherzer's latest win. Max is 12 - 0 on the season. They Tigers have a slim 2 1/2 game lead over the tribe from Cleveland. My beloved Red Sox conquered the Blue Jays 7 - 5, to go 3 1/2 games up on the Orioles and 5 1/2 games up on the Yankees. The Caps fell to the Dayton Dragons 3 - 5.

Otherwise, those activities in the man-cave await, as does the chance to charge up my helicopter and get ready for the first flight of the summer season. Sugar will take me for a walk unless those explosions get too close. Like thunder, if she hears those, she will be off to the races as we head for the safety of home. I feel sorry for her, but what can I do except let her have her head. Bed awaits and then...Tea time. I hope that Barb is feeling better today. No pictures today. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. Well, here we are again at about 3:00 in the AM and the digital instruments here in the Weather Center show the temperature at 76 degrees. Outdoors the temperature, according to the Weather Channel app, is 66. I am certainly glad that our expected high is to be in the low 70s today, while in the Las Vegas area, they are expecting a high of 113. Of course, that is "dry heat," so I don't really think the two are synonymous. : - ).

In other news, we are expecting a forecast of outside work on the estate's vast gardens and lawns and inside work on the dusting and vacuuming. Collectively Mary and I got the laundry done on Thursday. I would have done more, but I just ran out of steam. Mary has to get back to work on her regular job today, so I am on my own for breakfast and lunch. She does plan to make dinner and it will be great to have a home cooked meal for a change. She cooks great when she has the time, but of late, there hasn't been much of that available. I also hope to wash Silver today, but that also depends on my personal stamina. Fortunately for me, Adam has left some supplies in the garage for my use. : - ).

Here's a first. The train that just passed by was a single locomotive towing a string of box cars, covered hopper cars, and tank cars on the short line that runs near to our house. I have not seen that before. Proof that there is always something new under the sun, or in this case, the moon.

I thought that rather than a sports report, I'd include some pictures from our recent trip through the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan and Wisconsin. Nothing of great import, but a nice little travelogue. I'll add additional pictures in future blogs in addition to those that I am sure that Mary will include in hers.

Our first hotel in Traverse City, MI.

The dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake-shore nearby.

One set of dishes from the collections at the National Railroad Museum in Greenbay, WI, pictured below.

More images from here in future blogs

We got Sugar the Weather Dog back from camp on Thursday and I was just as glad to see her as she was to see me. She was also glad to see Mary too. We also had the electrician visit today to install the new ceiling fans now that the painting is done. However, the painters have to come back and fix the ceiling where the fan in Mary's office hangs, as the hole is not adequately covered by the trim ring from the fan. Nothing that the painters did wrong, just an unanticipated problem that needs to be resolved with some drywall mud and paint. Nothing ever goes quite as planned. We also donated some things to the local thrift stores on Thursday, including some paint that I was supposed to keep. Oh well. I'll have to buy it back and I can have the joy of a "twofer" on the donations. 

We spent way too much time at the big box grocery store on Thursday, as we had let the larder deplete in anticipation of being out of town for a few days. Got all the things that we wanted, but it still is a pain. What is even a bigger pain is the return of the cans that had accumulated over the past few weeks. 120 cans later and I was done. 

Still in all, it is great to be back in our humble abode. I appreciate that Adam left behind some food stuffs and that Steph and Adam left behind a Father's Day gift during their recent visit that I know that I will enjoy once I find the time. Thanks guys. 

So, without further ado, I'll anticipate...Tea time and then a return to bed. I hope that Barb is feeling well, as I haven't seen any recent activity on her behalf. Ciao.

Good morning GH. It is currently 74 degrees here in the Weather Center, while the outside temperature is a comfortable 69 degrees. No real precipitation on the horizon, unless you count the 40% between 4:00 and 7:00 PM. After the gully washer we got here on Tuesday and the rain we recently drove through, that's nothing.

Sugar the Weather Dog comes home from camp today. She likes it there, but she'd rather be @ home. I like it that way too. Much to do today, and that may mean that I'll have to put some things off until tomorrow. Oh well, that's the price you pay for farming on an estate the size of ours. Most of our plantings are doing well, but the cucumbers seem to be growing way too slowly. We'll try moving them into a more sunny location and see how that works out. That is one good thing about container gardening. I will have to do some laundry today.

The house looks great after our recent round of painting. More to do, but that will wait until fall. I have more pictures to share in future blogs, but not in this one. Speaking of houses, we stopped in at Steph and Adam's possible estate and it looks great too. I noticed that they have some lilies that could use some thinning and/or transplantation. I have some horseradish that could use some transplantation too. Hmmm, seems like a nice chance for a trade.

Too much has happened in sports to report it all. However, I can say that the Heat won the NBA championship and the Blackhawks won their second Stanley Cup in four years.

Otherwise, I think it is time for bed and then a leisurely wake-up, plus...Tea time. Ciao

Good morning GH. Wow, it is a very comfortable 74 degrees here in the Weather Center. Outside, the temperature is a bit cooler @ 57. The Weather Channel radar is showing the possibility of some T-storms today with a chance of 30%. If that happens, and I stress if, I won't have to water the gardens. Like I always say, we'll see.

In general news, I finished helping Mary with her work and then got outdoors to do some yard work on the palatial estate. Last year's extended drought didn't help the lawns one bit. They are still in recovery mode at this time. However, I have them looking as good as I can.

In addition, the tomatoes are finally producing some fruit. Not a huge amount, but some is better than none. Mostly it has been a lack of warm weather. Our potato patch is looking great. We've never grown this variety, and the plants are going gangbusters. The Swiss Chard, the Kale, and the carrots are looking good too. However, the cucumbers are not faring all that well. Too little sun, too much sun, I'm not sure. The pepper patch is a mixed bag. One variety is doing well, while the other, not so much. Maybe that sun thing again. The spinach is going well, but the leaf lettuce keeps getting too much water from the rain. I have to give kudos to the celery and cabbage, as they are doing fine. We also have some Brussel sprouts planted too and they also look fine.

I got a surprise in the garden. I had dug up the horseradish from its usual place last fall and replanted it. This year, I've noticed that it is sprouting in a new home of its choosing. This bodes well for Adam as he wanted some for his garden and I should be able to supply it. One thing about horseradish is that it is a low maintenance plant that requires very little human intervention. More like a weed or invasive, that if left alone will take over the garden.

I have some things to attend to today. Wait, a train is about to go by at 2:30 in the AM, an off time for this route. The usual train, twin locomotives and a few box cars and the requisite loud horn. Otherwise, it is once again time for the Irish Jam session at the library and that is always fun. I have heard that we will be having a guest Bodhran player this time. Other than that, not much on the agenda. I have some books to pick up and a copy to make while at the library. It seems like I don't get any books and then I have an overabundance.

In sports, the boys in blue topped the Mets 6 - 3. The Tigers shut out the Twins behind Rick Porcello, 4 - 0. My beloved Red Sox fell 0 - 2 to the Orioles. However, good news, the Tigers and the Red Sox still have a lead in their respective divisions, while the boys in blue are thankful that there is a team in Milwaukee to look down on. The Caps were triumphant 2 - 1. Blackhawks tonight.

To borrow from the Warner Brothers cartoons, "That's all folks." Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is just after 3:00 AM here in our quiet city. Early Fridays here in town are usually quiet as the tourists don't begin to roll in until later today. Not that we mind the tourists. They are fun to watch as they go the wrong direction on one-way streets and in general make each day an adventure. But I digress.


It is currently 74 degrees here in the Weather Center and the outdoor temperature is 57 as we head for a high of 70. No precipitation on the radar and the winds are not doing much of anything. On Wednesday night, the rain came down and the winds blew hard in what was billed as a manifestation of a weather phenomenon known as derecho. That is a line of thunderstorms, high winds, and flash floods that follow a well-defined pattern and generally occur in June and July in the northern hemisphere. Given the way the wind was blowing and the way that the rain came down and drove Sugar the Weather Dog to her hide-e-hole, it seemed to fit the bill. Today should be calm.

I took the car to the dealer Wednesday morning for the wheel alignment and the results were all that I'd hoped. The service writer explained to me about how alignments worked for this car and I listened, but having spent a lot of years in the car business and having being certified in the chassis area, I probably knew more than he. In any event, they got it right and I was on my way home within an hour. I made several stops on the way back in a search for a picnic basket and finally got one at one of the big-box stores. Lots of stops that made me tired by day's end. I know why I don't do that kind of shopping very often.

Yesterday, I tried putting up and taking down our new tent. The up part was easy and probably took only a bit more than the one minute that they promise. However, the fold up took a little longer probably do to the fact that rarely, if ever, do things go back into their packaged state as easily as they come out. I also inflated the air mattress using the built-in foot pump that made the small 12 volt air pump I got with it superfluous. I have to ask Adam if he has a use for it before I return it for a credit. Like the tent, the mattress inflated easily enough, but once I let the air out, it too was tough to get back in the package. Once I find a place and time to use the tent and mattress I will be ready, I hope.

In other news, I got all of my housework done and then I helped Mary more with her work. I appreciate her zeal for explaining, but as I am a hands-on kind of learner, I have to try things and learn as I go along. Until I try something, I don't place the ideas into my long-term memory, they just stay on the periphery of my random access memory and quickly disappear. Of course, since I really don't have much of an interest in the rote kind of activity that much of her work entails, that makes it all that much more difficult.

Today, I'll help her more and then get on with more guitar playing. Those things of course come after...Tea time and allowing time for Sugar to take me for a walk. A very short train just rumbled through blowing its horn. What was that I said about a quiet Friday morning?

In sports, the Blackhawks beat the Bruins in overtime 4 - 3 on Wednesday night. Next game, Saturday. The boys in blue found another way to lose on Wednesday, but won on Thursday in a game that took 14 innings. Given the futility that they exhibit, it must be hard to go out there each day/night. The team's owners are once again making noises about moving the team to the suburbs. That has long been a negotiating ploy as they seek money for their ballpark renovations and overly inflated payroll. Without their iconic ballpark, no one would come to the games as exhibited in many other cities.

The Tigers lost on Wednesday 2 - 3 to the Royals and then got Thursday off. They play again tonight against the Twins. My beloved Red Sox eked out a win on Wednesday against the Rays 2 - 1, but then lost to the Orioles 4 - 5 on Thursday. The Caps beat the Loons 5 - 2 on Thursday. The NBA finals are now tied at 2 - 2 following Thursday night's game. The Heat beat the Spurs 109 - 93 last night after being thoroughly outplayed on Tuesday 77 - 113. Next game, Sunday.

So until I have more to say, ciao.

Good morning GH. It is nearing 12:30 AM here in our fair city and all is well. The current temperature here in the Weather Center is 76 degrees, while outdoors, the Weather Channel is reporting 64 degrees. The chance of significant precipitation looks like it will hold off until around noon time. After that, the percentages increase to 60 or 70 percent. I was going to water today, but I may be able to skip it.

In general, I finished my current batch of work for my boss and that leaves me time to go to the car dealer and then make a one or two stops on the way back. Looks like a big box store stop and one small box store.Then I hope to be done with my activities other than playing guitar. Sugar will need to walk me, but that is always a pleasure. Of course, I have house cleaning to do, but that's on the agenda for Thursday and Friday.

A train went by a little after 12 PM. I heard it, but didn't get up to see it. Seen one train on a short line, seen em all. I got my highlighters this AM at the big box office supply store. That was one stop that I could have lived without. It is close enough to visit on my bike, but that is all it really has to offer.

In sports, the boys in blue got shellacked on Tuesday night 2 - 12 by the Reds. They are now 12 games back and in last place n their division. The Tigers got eleven hits, but only managed to beat the Royals by one run 3 - 2, but they still lead their division by 6 1/2 games. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Rays, 3 - 8, but they too remain in first by 1 1/2 games. The Caps got hammered 6 - 13 by the Loons. The Miami Heat got shellacked too, 77 - 113 by the Spurs, who now lead the best of seven series 2 - 1. The Blackhawks play tonight in game one of their best of seven series.

Best wishes to Barb who is still recovering at home.

So, until it is time to arise and head for the car dealer and those other errands, Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is currently 76 degrees here in the Weather Center according to the digital readouts. Outdoors the Weather Channel is reporting 56 degrees and clear skies. In short, as the day wears on, we should have another beautiful day here in our fair city. Sunrise is @6:05 AM. Wednesday we expect scattered T-storms in the AM hours with a greater chance in the latter hours of the day. I am hoping that they hold off during the morning hours as I have that appointment at the car dealer.

On Monday, I did some work for Mary, but my highlighters ran dry. I have to find a way to get more, because I am out of contrasting colors. I may have to go to the local office supply store on my bicycle when Sugar brings me home after our morning walk. I wish I could let her stay outside the store while I popped in, but my own personal fears for her safety and the effect that it would have on her psyche if I left her makes that impossible. I guess that the effect on my psyche would be even more pronounced.

I didn't accomplish much on Monday. Sugar took me for a walk, I did the laundry, I sealed the edges of the tub and I cooked some spinach. I also typed up a to-do list to ensure that I got everything I needed to get done, done. All of that before I worked for Mary. Later in the day, Mary and I also journeyed to the big box grocery/department store. While they generally have everything that you might want at lower prices, the experience is unnerving. I didn't get the highlighters that I needed, although they surely had them; because they were across the store, literally. That store is a  trade off to be sure.

I got to thinking about something that Adam emailed to his mother on Monday. One of his friends is facing a serious medical diagnosis and that has prompted Adam and Steph to do something that they had been thinking about. I have often thought about the choices I've made, or didn't, sometimes driven by my own fears of the unknown. I may have put off relocation, job changes, or travel to a place for vacation due to uncertainty. I may have held off on a purchase as I planned for the tomorrow that may or may not ever come.

Now, Mary and I will be traveling more because we don't know what life has in store for us. After my own personal health issues of the past couple of years, I have decided that I need to get on with life. I once wrote a song about a decision not made by a colleague of mine due to his having "Feet of clay." I think that I have had my own "Feet of clay," moments more often than I care to admit.  One thing that I have often mused on is that time is a fleeting and finite commodity. If you don't use it, you lose it. Just one man's thoughts on the vagaries of life.

Today, more work for the boss and more housework, along with Sugar taking me for a walk and my getting those aforementioned highlighters. I also want to get in some guitar time that I failed to get to on Monday. Housework will wait for later in the week.

In sports, watch this. Boys in blue, loss. Tigers, likewise. Red Sox, win. Caps, win. No hockey, no NBA and no auto racing.

Tea time in the AM. Ciao.

Good morning GH. Well, we've just passed 2:00 in the AM, and the day is just beginning. The temperature showing on my sophisticated digital weather instruments here in the Weather Center is 76 degrees. Outdoors, the Weather Channel shows that the temperature is 66. Of course, they also forecast that we'd have rain on Sunday afternoon and we did, albeit not enough to even notice. Sugar the Weather Dog felt the change in barometric pressure, so she did her usual retreat to her hide-e-hole. The forecast for the wee hours of this morning is for rain and possible T-storms, so we'll have to wait and see.

I got the chance to walk with Sugar on Sunday, twice, and then I got the chance to ride my bike. It was all good. I also had a chance to play my guitar and do some concrete work on the outdoor entrance to the man-cave and it looks like I am done.

I may have to water again today if that forecast for rain is incorrect. That's the problem with a 50% forecast for rain. That means that rain has a chance of falling over 1/2 of the area, not that it may or may not rain. That's why it can rain one one side of the street and not on the other. Weird I know, but's that's the way it is, to borrow from a famous newscaster.

Today I have to put on my reader's hat to help the boss. I find that when I am reading I learn, so that in itself is a good thing. However, sometimes I learn things that I really didn't want to know, depending on the depth of the work that I am reading. That's the fun I guess. Otherwise, not much is planned for today.

In sports, the boys in blue beat the Pirates 4 - 1. Unfortunately, they trail the division leading Cardinals by 10 1/2 games. The Tigers won by the same score and have a lead in their division over the Tribe of Cleveland of 5 1/2 games. My beloved Red Sox also won 10 - 5 behind a fine pitching performance by former Cub Ryan Dempster and a a homer barrage led by Big Papi and several other players. The Sox have a much smaller 1 1/2 game lead over the Yankees and 3 1/2 over the Orioles. The Caps fell once again to the Lansing Lug Nuts 0 - 2. We have to wait for the clash between the Blackhawks and the Bruins until Wednesday night. For those of you who care, the NBA finals are tied at 1 - 1.

So, before I return to bed and my sleep that was interrupted by Mary on her way to the facilities, I'll mention that...Tea time is just a few hours away. I must also give a shout out to the young woman who left behind some chocolates for me to find. I am enjoying them on a rationed basis.  Ciao.

Good morning GH. It has just passed 3:15 AM here in our fair city and the current temperature on the Weather Center is 71 degrees, while outside, it is only 56. Sugar the Weather Dog isn't expecting anything until later this afternoon when the chance of precipitation increases to 50%.

I didn't get in any guitar playing on Saturday, just too busy. But I hope for some time today. That may depend on my ogre of a boss. She often demands a lot of work for low wages.

I watered the pots and things on the palatial estate yesterday. That should ensure the rain today; or not. Fortunately, it has been cool enough that the water isn't evaporating very quickly. However unfortunately, when you are growing vegetables that require sunlight and warmth, they don't do so well.

I love listening to people walking by on the street in the wee hours. I think that they are on their way home from jobs or patronage in the local bistros. But you can make up any scenario that you like. Either way, they get to enjoy the streets of our city with public safety on the job and protecting them.

Mary and I traveled to one of the many state parks near to us on Saturday. This one has both beaches, and just down the road, a campground where they were holding a vintage camper show this weekend. Mary took some great pictures, so I'll let you look at her blog for more info.

Today, as noted earlier, guitar, work, and maybe some bike riding after Sugar takes me for a walk. She took us on a different route Saturday morning and we met our letter carrier whom she actually likes and wants to meet and greet. However, as she approaches him, she gets her shy on and won't approach him directly. Go figure.

In sports today, I'll keep it short. Boys in blue, 2 - 6 loss. Tigers, 6 - 4. Beloved Red Sox, 7 - 2 behind the 9 - 0 pitching of Bucholz. The Caps. 0 - 2 to the Lansing Lugnuts. The Blackhawks, two overtime periods, but they beat the Kings 4 - 3. On to the Stanley Cup finals against the Boston Bruins.

Time to return to bed and bliss followed by...Tea time. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is currently 73 degrees here in the Weather Center and 52 outdoors as we head for a high of 70 today. Sunrise will happen at 6:06 AM. Sugar the Weather Dog and I like it.

The contractor came as scheduled on Friday and nearly finished the job. One window to go, and his work appears to be excellent. We think that the exterior of the house should be done once he is finished. Of course, there are those things that you can't anticipate, but there isn't anything that appears on the horizon.

I have to water the hanging baskets and pots today, as the rain that is coming on Sunday won't be soon enough. One of the reasons that I am up is that it got warm in the bedroom, since we had forgotten that the windows were closed as the contractor worked earlier.

I was tasked with working for my ogre of a boss today, and she is a slave driver. However, I was rewarded with my usual salary at day's end. I'd complain, but she wouldn't listen.

I had two walks with Sugar on Friday. After the first one, I made two kinds of salsa, one green and one red. While the green salsa followed our traditional recipe, the red followed a recipe that I found in one of the cookbooks from Mary's collection. Since Mary usually wings the red one and puts in this and that, she didn't have a recipe in her book of favorites. I've not tried either, but if you can judge by looks, they look great. I may have overdone the garlic in the red, but as Adam often says, "You never have too much garlic." I hope he is right.

Today, more nose to the grindstone and more chances to walk with Sugar, possibly to the farmer's market. I used up all of the fresh tomatoes that Mary bought the other day when I made the red salsa, so they need to be replaced. I had planned to do some bike riding yesterday, but I was so engrossed on my work that I didn't get to it; maybe today. There is also a camper show by real people at one of the state parks near here that I'd like to see. The newspaper says it should have vintage campers which would be interesting. One of our own local fests is occurring today too, so there is much to be done.

I have to take time to listen to Auto Talk this morning. One can  never get enough of 200,000 mile 1992 trucks and cars you know.

I have an appointment at the car dealer on Wednesday to have the alignment checked on our new car. Mary insists that the car drives straight, but if the spoke on the steering wheel isn't straight, then the alignment isn't right. A new car should be right in spite of her protestations.

In sports on Friday, the boys in blue lost to the Pirates 0 - 2. The Tigers beat the Tribe of Cleveland 7 - 5 and they play again this afternoon. My beloved Red Sox were postponed due to the rain and wind caused by Tropical Storm Andrea on the East Coast. They should be fine today. The Caps fell hard to the Loons of the Great Lakes, 4 - 10. The Blackhawks play again tonight and they hope to close out the series and move on to the finals against the Bruins of Boston. The next NBA game is on Sunday with the Heat trailing the Spurs by one game.

That all being said, not much to be done today other than...Tea time. Ciao.

Good morning GH. We have a current temperature here in the Weather Center of 70 degrees. Outside, according to the sophisticated readout from my personal weather station and the Weather Channel app, it is 52 with a minimal chance of precipitation.

Speaking of minimal chances of precipitation we have the contractor coming over today to begin fixing those windows. He came by yesterday, told us what we needed to hear, and then called to say he could start the job today. He may have to finish later, but it is not a crisis, so that's fine with us.

Speaking of house related things, my plans for the duct didn't work. That's because, as it turns out, the duct wasn't blocked by a piece of wood, but a huge amount of soft insulation. I know this because the epoxy didn't stick to anything and when I stuck the hose of my shop vac down the duct, I got a full reservoir and the duct wasn't even empty. So, plan B is to do nothing further. What's that they say about the best laid plans of mice and men?

In general news, Mary and I went to the farmer's market in Spring Lake yesterday. We picked up a few ready to eat vegetables and also some vegetable plants that I was tasked to plant in the garden. That didn't take long, and now we'll have some celery and parsley. When we got back, Mary made a lunch of sandwiches and fried green tomatoes. Excellent fare for a late lunch.

Not much on tap for the day. A walk with Sugar the Weather Dog, the contractor and more guitar. Mary has to work, and I have to watch. A nice trade off I think.

In sports, the boys in blue had the day off, but they drafted a power hitting third baseman 2nd in the annual draft. They take on the Pirates today at Wrigley. The Tigers beat the Rays 5 - 2 behind a great pitching performance by Max Scherzer, and great all around baseball by Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and the rest of the team. They play the Tribe of Cleveland today as Justin Verlander takes the mound. My beloved Red Sox defeated the Rangers with the help of a walk off homer by none other than "Big Papi," 6 - 3. Today, they take on the Angels of Anaheim. The Caps got their lunch handed to them by the Great Lakes Loons, 1 - 4. Better luck tonight guys.

In other sports, the Blackhawks defeated the Kings in LA, 3 - 2. The next game is in Chicago on Saturday. The Hawks lead the series 3 - 1. Their likely final round opponent, the Boston Bruins, lead their series 3 - 0. I like the idea of a final composed of two of the original six teams.

It was all good in basketball, as the Heat lost to the Spurs, by four points. Not a huge margin, but a win for the Spurs and a loss for the Heat.

Time for a return to bed before an early wake up call and then...Tea time etc. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. I decided that I had stayed in bed long enough this AM, and so I got up to write the blog that I skipped over yesterday. It is currently 70 degrees here in the Weather Center, but outdoors, it is 56, and according to the Weather Channel app, we might be getting T-storms this AM. Sure we will, just like the 10 drops we got on Wednesday. I even took time to water the gardens yesterday because I didn't believe the forecast. Good thing, because while it rained more to the north of us, here in GH it was like the desert.

We just had our second train this AM. I only heard the first one, but I can bet it was heading south as this one was heading north. Same two locomotives as always.

Around here, we have the contractor coming today to assess our window needs. We had some issues pointed out when we had the roof done, so we thought it best to get them looked at. The windows themselves are fine, it is the area around them. Hope it isn't too much or too serious.

Otherwise, I am hoping to remove that blockage in the duct in my office today. I glued a block tied to a strong piece of twine in the duct on Tuesday, so it should be ready to go today. It all depends on how tightly that block is jammed in the duct.

Otherwise, not much is happening around the old estate today. Sugar and I will spend some time outdoors walking and just doing as little as possible. I am certain that a guitar looms large in those plans too.

In sports, the boys in blue lost 3 - 4 to the Angels on Tuesday and then turned around and beat them on Wednesday in extra innings 8 - 6. The Tigers too had a mixed bag, triumphing over the Rays 10 - 1 on Tueday and then losing the rebound game 0 - 3. My beloved Red Sox hammered the Rangers 17 - 5 on Tuesday and then they too turned around on Wednesday and lost to those same Rangers 2 - 3. However, they maintained a lead over the Yankees in the American League East by 2 full games. The Caps dumped the Great Lakes Loons 8 - 3. No results for Tuesday.

Speaking of Tuesday, the Blackhawks fell to the LA Kings on the King's home ice Tuesday night, by a score  of 1 - 3. The Hawks never seemed to be in the game that night. Next game is tonight, hopefully with better results.

In word game news, Mary pulled into the lead with the most words in a single game, while I took the lead in most points Actually, I simply moved the bar higher. Mary also found out something we were wondering about. There is nothing extra for clearing the board of all the letters.

Otherwise, time for bed again and then...Tea time before the contractor comes. Ciao.

Good morning GH. Surprise, it really is morning, albeit just slightly before sunrise. Our current temperature is 48 degrees as we head for a high of 70 today. We should have a sunny day, but tomorrow we are anticipating another chance of precipitation at 50%. Nothing like the weather those poor folks in OK and MO are experiencing, but that's one of the reasons that I like it here. Sugar the Weather Dog is appreciative too.

Today I have a few phone calls to make because I waited until the less busy day of the week, Tuesday, to make at least one of them. Since I'll have to be on hold, I figured that it would wait.

Otherwise on Monday, Sugar and I walked to the beauty salon and had her nails trimmed and had her ears checked. Nails fine, ears clean and clear. So along with giving her her monthly heart worm and flea meds, it was an uneventful day. Our painter came by to leave some samples and give a consultation, but that was more for Mary than I.

Today I plan to play more guitar, let Sugar take me for a walk, and in general be lazy. Mary has to work, but I don't and I plan to take advantage. Mary is giving away her yogurt maker, but is having difficulty finding a taker. I need to go to the man-cave to pull out the rug maker and assemble it so that Mary can check it for fit somewhere in our crowded house. We have more room than ever, and yet we feel as though we are getting crowded. Go figure.

In sports, the Miami Heat finished off the Pacers, 99 - 76, to move on to the NBA finals against the Spurs. The boys in blue mercifully had the day off. The Tigers also had the day off and play again tonight against the Rays of Tampa Bay. My beloved Red Sox had the day off on Monday and they will play against the Rangers of Texas tonight too. The Caps should have had the day off, since they lost 0 - 2 to the Fort Wayne TinCups.

The Blackhawks having beaten the LA Kings over the weekend in two games, play again tonight in LA as they attempt to maintain their domination over the Kings. By way of information, if the Hawks and the Boston Bruins prevail in the semis, two teams from the original six will face off in the Stanley Cup finals. The Bruins have had the number of the Penguins, once again winning rather handily 6 - 1 last night.

So, since there were no trains last night that I was aware of, it is time to return to bed and rest up for the day. Then, I'll arise for...Tea time and get on with the rest of my busy day. I hear that Barb is making progress and that's all good. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. Here in the Weather Center, it is a very comfortable 65 degrees. Unfortunately, outdoors it is a much chillier 44. However, no real precipitation appears on the National Weather Service map as interpreted by the Weather Channel site until Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. In the northern part of the state, there is a risk of a frost this early morning. Feels just like an early morning in the desert. So for those of you who live in one of those, you know what we are feeling.

Over the last two days, we have seen a swing of about 30 degrees in the temperatures, much like the price of gasoline here in our state. The latest prices place regular gasoline at $4.16/gallon. Fortunately, we don't drive all that much. I bike ride or we walk, and that mitigates the cost for transportation quite a bit.

Over the last couple of days we have had help with the lawn mowing from our neighbors. We planted some vegetables to replace our fading tulip patch and have spent some time in the "Bone Zone." As the day wore on yesterday, we even spent some time on the deck. In short, another couple of days in paradise, to paraphrase both the Eagles and Jimmy Buffett.

Over the last two days in sports, there have been some dramatic turns on events. The boys in blue, who were looking like they had turned a corner, dropped two to the D'Backs 4 - 12 and 4 - 8. What is there to say? The Tigers handily beat the Orioles on Saturday, by a score of 10 - 3 and then fell to those same birds, 2 -4 on Sunday. However, they remain in first place in their division. My beloved Red Sox crushed the Yankees 11 - 1 on Saturday and then won a rain shortened game on Sunday night 3 - 0. That puts them firmly in first place in the American League East over those same Yankees by a full three games and two and one half over the Orioles. The Caps didn't fare so well. But that's why there are minor leagues where players learn their craft.

In hockey news, the Blackhawks beat the Kings twice over the weekend, 2 - 1 and 4 - 2. The latter game wasn't as close as it seemed. Someone on the sports talk show after the game said that the Kings goaltender would have to be spectacular while the Hawks goalie just needed to get the job done. Well he did.

In auto racing, local driver Brad Keselowski failed his second inspection for having the front of his car too low by NASCAR standards. In spite of his failure, he still managed to finish fifth. Simon Pagenaud won the Detroit Grand Prix over the weekend,

Otherwise not much is happening. Barb is doing well and Adam and Steph just returned from a VW show in Wisconsin. If the show was as good as the pictures, then I am certain that they had a good time. Me, with no lawn to mow and only...Tea time to distract me, there only remains letting Sugar the Weather Dog take me for a nice long walk. A visit on Saturday to the farmer's market and a trip to the art show on Sunday, both with Sugar, made the weekend very pleasant. However, yesterday once again called for long pants and windbreakers instead of the shorts and t-shirt that I wore on Saturday. Oh well, that's Michigan for you.  Oh, by the by, I have to take Sugar for a Pawdicure today, but that's about it. Ciao.

Good morning GH. What a wonderful night/morning. The indoor temperature is in the mid 70s and the outdoor temperature is 69. The chance of showers, about 30%. In other words, perfect. Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping happily next to the bed and all is right in her world too, I guess.

On Friday, Sugar the Weather Dog took me for a walk to the park and beyond. Then I got the chance to take a nice bike ride while Mary worked and that means that my Friday was perfect. I got the Sharpies that I wanted, I got the epoxy that I hope will resolve my duct blockage and I replaced my supply of Super Glue. I stopped at the Chicago style hot dog/beef stand for lunch and although I didn't have a Chicago style beef sandwich, what I did have was wonderful. Adam was right. Then off to the local butcher for a fresh supply of bones for Sugar and finally home to work on the item we got for Adam and Steph. I got most of my reading done before Mary wanted to go out, but I finished it when we got back while sitting on the deck. Mary wants to read it too, but when she'll find the time I don't know, because she got offered a nice job of indexing earlier in the day. I liked the book/story by Dan Brown, Inferno, the fourth in the Robert Langdon series, and I can see it making a good movie.

Today being Saturday, I plan to start my day with the local auto repair show and...Tea time before Mary and I journey to the farmer's market here in town. That means that Sugar gets to take me and maybe Mary for another walk in the park as we go. I then have to mow the lawn and water the gardens on our palatial estate. Once those things are done, I don't have any real plans. More puzzle, more guitar and that should be a good way to spend the day.

In sports, the boys in blue had their homer hats on with three, including a grand slam to handily beat the D'Backs 7 - 2 behind a strong pitching performance by Matt Garza. While still under 500, things may be looking up. The Tigers fell to the Orioles 5 - 7, but still hung on to first place in their division of the American league. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Yankees, and are now clinging to a slim one game lead in their division, just ahead of those Yankees.

The Caps game was suspended in the top of the 11th due to rain as they were leading the home team, the Fort Wayne TinCaps, by three runs. The game will be resumed tonight at 6:35 PM right before they once again take on those same TinCaps in the regular game at 7:35 PM. Don't think that I don't know that the Fort Wayne TinCaps name seems run together, that's how they do it.

Of course for hockey fans, the Blackhawks face off against the Kings of L.A. tonight at 5:00 PM EDT. For Mary, this is the conference final series which comes before the Stanley Cup finals.

So, until I hear more people walking the streets of our fair city n the wee hours of the morning and since there are no trains in the offing, ciao.