Good morning GH. As we await the sunrise here in "The City," it is partly cloudy and the temperature outside is 64 degrees. We also have a 40% chance of showers, which given our recent weather history, it is a possibility that we might get some. Here in GH, you just never know. Sugar the Weather Dog isn't stirring, so I have my doubts. However, she was in and out of her hide-e-hole yesterday, so perhaps she was just a bit ahead of the curve.

Speaking of yesterday, I was like that little bunny that advertises batteries, I just kept going, and going, and going. Sugar and I took our walk, we came back and had breakfast, well I had lunch by the time we got the day started. Then I started the laundry, prepared the banana nut bread and put it in the oven while Sugar helped with the cleanup in her role as sous dog. Next I vacuumed, watered the hanging baskets, folded the laundry and that was enough for the day. I also found time to discover that the book I am reading I had already read and so I need a replacement. Just thinking about it, I am worn out again. : - )

I saw Barb's comments regarding acupuncture and she is experiencing great results. I remember my own experience with acupuncture as being positive, and so I may try again with my shoulders. Nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

Today, I don't plan to be as active. I have to help Mary with an edit, and then go to the library for that replacement book. I also plan to spend some time with Bridget or Blue today too. I find that the more time that I can spend in that pursuit, the more I improve. There's a surprise.

Last night was the annual Street Dance from 8:30 - 10:30 PM, and the band was a pleasant diversion. I find that when the hour gets late, I have a need to put my feet up. Mary and I made the journey downtown to see the carnival and the crowds. Mary took some pictures for her blog, but let me just say that the town was full for a Tuesday night.

Tonight we may return to see one of our other local bands composed of local law enforcement personnel. They remind me of many of the garage bands of my youth, only tighter.

Right now, I am listening to the workers across the street remove the siding in preparation for replacement. Looked fine to me. One thing I do know was that when we had our roof replaced last year it was overdue, so perhaps you can't be too careful.

In sports, I'll keep it very short. Boys in blue, lost a double header to the Brew Crew. I was unfortunately right, the Brewer hex is real. The Tigers won 5 - 1. My beloved Red Sox won too, 8 - 2. The Caps eked out another win, 2 - 1 over the Great Lakes Loons. Oh, I should mention that that other Chicago team traded a pitcher to the Red Sox and hopefully he will prove to be a help in their quest for the World Series.

So, it will soon be...Tea time and then on with my day. Oh, I also have to await the pulling of the Power Ball lottery tonight so that Mary and I can become the next instant millionaires. Yeah, right. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is coming up on 1:00 in the AM here in "The City" and I heard a train a'comin just after 12:15. But that's not why I got up. The train must be way off in the distance, so when it gets here, I'll comment. It is currently 70 degrees in the Weather Office according to the digital and analog instruments. According to the Weather Channel app, it is 59. No precipitation on the horizon. I am certain of that, because Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping blissfully.

When I walked with Sugar on Monday in the AM, it was on the chilly side. By the time Mary and I were ready go to the arrival ceremonies for the Coast Guard boats/ships, it was still on the chilly side. Mary was certain that I was overdressed, but when we were standing on the waterfront, I knew I had made a righteous decision, at her urging. I based my decision on my experience with Sugar during our morning walk. Mary was under dressed. I never can determine the difference between the two types of vessels, boats/ships, but one explanation is that a boat can fit into a ship, but not vice versa. Oh well, I'll have to accept that.

That train finally got here and this one was driven by that horn-happy engineer. I know we want the occasional car to be safe on our city streets without crossing gates, but I think this guy just loves to toot his own horn. : - )

I am listening to the program that precedes Mary's favorite overnight radio program and the conversation is about the hum that some people seem to hear. I don't, but then I don't always hear many things anymore.

I finished my dusting on Monday and all that is left is the vacuuming. I also have to let Sugar take me for another morning walk after which she and I will get busy in the kitchen making our now famous banana nut bread. Sugar provides invaluable assistance in her role as the household sous dog. I should do some laundry too. That's about it until Mary and I go to the Street Dance this evening. I'll make her dress warmer since it is at 8:30 in the PM.

In sports, I'll keep it short and simple. Boys in blue 0 -5. That Brewer hex seems to be in ascendancy.  Tigers, day off. Beloved Red Sox, 1 - 2, now .5 games behind the Rays again. Caps, 4 - 3 over the Tin Caps.

Now, back to bed and then...Tea time in about eight hours, followed by a walk with Sugar and then those chores. Meanwhile, more pictures.

Forgot this yesterday, the back of the Westy. Various VW cars.

Wow, a Rat Rod tow truck

A Hudson

An early fifties Buick

More of a boat than a ship I think.

The Cutter Mackinac as she comes around the bend from "The Big Lake." I think she qualifies as a ship.

Here she is cozying up to the dock at Coast Guard Park

She's there

The pictures of the various boats/ships were mostly taken from the Riverview deck.

Good early morning GH. It has just passed midnight here in "The City" and the temperature in the Weather Center is a very comfortable 69. Outdoors it is 64, which is a lot better than it was early Sunday morning. It wasn't raining when Sugar the Weather Dog and I went out in the AM, but it sure was cold, at least by July norms.

As I noted in my blog yesterday, Mary and I had planned to go to the Coast Guard Fest car show, but by the time I had gathered my camera and things, that 50% chance of rain had become 100% reality, sort of like it had late Saturday/early Sunday morning.

Mary decided to get some work done and I sat down to read. I also took a few minutes to help Mary in her work. I took time to apply puzzle saver to the puzzle I recently completed. I am not sure it is dry even now, given the humidity. However, by about 1:00 PM, the rain had stopped, the skies had cleared, and the Sun was shining brightly. However, it was still cold out and that caused me to abandon my usual summer uniform and go with long jeans and a fleece top.

All that being said, we started out for the car show. But no surprise, the number of cars had been reduced by at least 50%. That did allow people who had never won before to win a prize, and one woman in particular was ecstatic. So, even though the day started as a disaster, it turned out to be a boon for some. I did take some pictures and I'll share some of those later in this blog.

Best of all, I still don't have to water today. We may or may not be done with the rain. That remains to be seen. Sugar will get to take me for a walk, I'll get in some additional reading, and the day should progress nicely. I will do some dusting and vacuuming, but that is just the everyday chores of life.

In sports, the boys in blue eked out another win, 2 - 1, to sweep the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants. The team returns home today to face the Brewers who are in worse shape than they. With the loss by the Cardinals last night to the Braves, the boys in blue are only 14.5 games back and just 7 games under 500. Since the Brewers always seem to have the Cubs number, I am not expecting them to improve on their current record. I hope to be surprised. The Tigers started out slow. Miguel Cabrera got tossed out in the third inning for arguing a ball/strike call and he was accompanied by the manager, Jim Leyland. That seemed to light a fire under the team and they went on a tear and crushed the Phillies 12 - 4. My beloved Red Sox, behind Big Papi, cruised to a win over the Orioles, 5 - 0 and they are now once again atop their division by .5 games. The Caps were also victorious over the Tin Caps, 10 - 7 and they are now even with the league.


Otherwise, it is once again time for bed and then it will be...Tea time before I know it. Mary and I plan to walk to the waterfront and watch the Coast Guard boats come in this afternoon. We are expecting two U.S. boats and one Canadian. I'll get some pictures of those too. Ciao.

Now for those pictures.

On a sunny day in July, the street would normally be filled with show cars.  Ouch!

The color is right, the year, 1969 is right, the wheels are right, alas, the top is not. But a very fine example of the Chevrolet Camaro.

For Dave and Lisa

This one too, a beautiful example of a VW Westfalia bus

Good morning GH. We are fast closing on 3:30 AM here in "The City" and the temperature in the Weather Office is a comfortable 68 degrees, while outside it is 58 with a chance of morning showers at 40%. This is the day of our annual Coast Guard Fest Car Show, and if there is even a hint of rain, many people won't bring out their show cars. I was downstairs a few minutes ago, and the 40% chance has become a 100% reality, so all bets are off.  If the show goes on, I'll take some pictures for later consumption.

We didn't accomplish much on Saturday. Adam and Steph stopped in after Mary, Sugar and I took a long walk to the farmer's market. That was about the extent of my ambition/activities for the day. Steph did take time to show me her special pillow case tuck, and now I feel empowered. While we were out we detoured around the kid's parade in downtown because Sugar doesn't do so well in crowds, especially crowds composed of children. She looks cute, but can be very protective when on a leash, something that kids don't understand very well. I did finish my book and it did end in the usual fashion for this author, but I like a bit of predictability in my pulp fiction sometimes.

We walked downtown later in the day too, and the crowds are building for Coast Guard Fest. In Central Park, we came across what I think was a Quinceañera for a young lady of Latin American heritage. We didn't stop and stare, but if memory serves, that's what we saw. It was a bit chilly in the park.

Later, we came home, had some dinner and then I did my usual and fell asleep. A couple of cocktails will do that to you. 

In sports, the boys in blue eked out another win over the Giants, 1 - 0. Still 15.5 games behind the division leading Cardinals, but only 8 games below five hundred. The Tigers hammered the Phillies 10 - 0 as Miguel Cabrera returned to the lineup and contributed three RBIs to the cause. The Tigers have a solid 3 game lead over the Tribe from Cleveland. My beloved Red Sox are still .5 games back in the loss column following a 7 - 3 win over the Orioles. At least they brought their bats which had been asleep the last few games. The Caps fell to the Tin Caps 3 - 4. Oh well, they are still learning. 

So, I haven't any pictures for the blog, but once I have visited the car show this morning, I hope to have plenty for several blogs.  

Time to return to bed, await...Tea time, and listen to Mary's favorite overnight radio program. Ciao.

Good morning GH. Hey, things are once again back to "normal" for me, as it has just passed 2:30 AM here in "The City" Our current temperature is between 66 & 68 degrees as we head for a predicted high of 64. Go figure. We had a steady rain on Friday for the first day of Coast Guard Fest, but the rain didn't get started until about 4:00 PM. By then, Mary and I were on our way home and the rain was welcome for the gardens on our palatial estate. Sugar the Weather Dog occasionally went into her hide-e-hole, but wasn't cowering as she often does. In this case it was a reaction to the changing barometric pressures that she uses to make her predictions.

Mary and I took a couple of walks on Friday. I went to the beauty shop for dogs with Sugar, while Mary went to the quilt show in the AM. While she didn't actually buy any quilts, she found some flyers that gave us some destinations for possible road trips. In the afternoon we walked downtown and then visited Sally and company at the post. Their new front entrance looks great. The afternoon is when the rains really started. The tourists were huddled under any available overhang to avoid getting wet. Fortunately for us, Mary made the decision to take umbrellas on our walk-a-bout which kept us nice and dry. As is usually the case, she was right.

Today, I just need to water the hanging baskets and then do that work for the boss that I didn't get to on Friday. In short, not much on tap unless I go to the farmer's market in the early AM hours. Don't really need anything but eggs, but the walk is good for both Sugar and I.

In sports, the boys in blue having pulled the trigger on that trade for their former left-fielder, eked out a win with help from a Giants error, 3 - 2. The Tigers likewise eked out a win, this time over the Phillies, 2 - 1. They have a 3 game lead over the Tribe. Sadly, my beloved Red Sox fell out of first place as they lost to the Orioles 0 - 6. I knew they needed to right the ship, and now it really is looking serious. They are .5 games back of the Rays, but still 6.5 games ahead of the Yankees.

That aforementioned left-fielder went 0 - 5 in his debut for the Yankees. He also played left field for the Yankees. The boys in blue will have to eat a lot of his remaining salary, nearly $18 million of the $24.5 million he is still owed. But, they got a minor-league pitcher as part of the deal. Here's hoping that the GM for the boys in blue still has the magic touch on choosing what players to trade for. For that left-fielder, what's not to like. He has always been a streaky hitter. The Caps were postponed due to that aforementioned rain here in West Michigan.

Otherwise not much is happening. Back to bed to await my favorite radio program and...Tea time.

Good morning GH. Not bad, it is just past 9:00 AM here in "The City"  Our current temperature is in the low 60s as we head for a high in the lower 70s. In fact this is expected to be a lower than usual temperature weekend. We are expecting some precipitation later today. Sugar the Weather Dog will likely head for her hide-e-hole when that happens. Right now the sky is looking rather ominous.

Speaking of Sugar, I want to take her to get a pawdicure this AM, but if there is even a hint of T-storm or any storm activity, she won't go. Sugar likes the people at the pawdicure place, but when the weather goes south, all bets are off.

Mary wants to attend the quilt show at one of the local churches in town and will accompany Sugar and I part of the way this morning, assuming that we get out the door. The quilt show begins at 10:00 AM and the weather events are scheduled to build about 11:00. Me, I can  live without a quilt show. : - )

Otherwise today, more work for my slave-driving boss and then some reading. I am almost done with one of the books I picked up the other day, and although I know how this author ends stories, I still want to read it through.

In sports, the boys in blue fell to the D-backs 1 - 3 last night. The Tigers lost to that other Chicago team, 4 - 7 behind a not so good outing by Justin Verlander. My beloved Red Sox were postponed due to rain and now have a very slim .5 game lead over the Rays. The Caps eked out a win over the Tin Caps 4 - 3.

I have a few additional pictures to share on this, the first day of our annual Coast Guard Fest. Then it is...Tea time and on with the day's activities. Ciao.

Last winter, we had a huge leak in a nearly 100 year old water main near the local YMCA.

A small section of that water main. Incidentally, the leak took out one of our dunes and the cost of repairs exceeded $250,000.

Side one

Side two of that same sign. I have never noticed before, but cemetery is misspelled as cemetry. Not accurate by today's standards, but maybe it was accurate for the time.  I don't know.  Spellings evolve.

One of the reasons that Central Park is a popular place for weddings.

By way of explanation.

Good morning GH. It just after 3:00 AM here in "The City" and the temperature outdoors is a cool 57 degrees. No T-storms until Friday. Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping blissfully, so I know there is nothing imminent.

Speaking of Sugar, we took her to the local dog park on Wednesday afternoon. She loved it, ran her little legs off, and then came home for some rest. We like letting her get the chance to go crazy for a short while.

Also yesterday, we chanced upon some previous owners of our home. Mary and they talked, and I sort of listened, since my unidirectional hearing didn't allow me to hear much. They exchanged email addresses, so I'm sure there will be more info exchanged. I'll let Mary deal with that.

I only got a few things done on Wednesday, but like I always say, there is always tomorrow, well I guess today. I did make some soup and Mary canned that for future consumption. I harvested and used my kale crop and that felt good. Now I can find out if kale really does regrow.

Speaking of today, I have to water again, get to that painting and finish placing those screws on the doorknobs. I felt like Aunt Clara the other day when one came off in my hand.

In sports, the boys in blue eked out a win over the D-backs 7 - 6 in extra innings. Now they are only 9 games below 500 and 16.5 games back. The Tigers beat that other team from Chicago, 6 - 2 and now have a 3.5 game lead over the Tribe. By beloved Red Sox lost to the Rays, 1 - 5. Somehow they maintained a divisional lead over the Rays of .5 games and are still at nine games over 500. They need to right the ship and soon. The Caps fell hard, 2 - 9, to the Fort Wayne Tin Caps.

So, since the train has now come and gone and since the morning will be breaking all too soon with...Tea time, it is to say ciao, return to bed, and leave you with more pictures.

The old Story and Clark piano factory is now condos and they anchor the local downtown residential area.

Chinook Pier is home to the charter boats, many local shops and one of  the stops for our trolley. The turists love that trolley.

This is our City clock which is mounted atop a local church.

The source for many of much of my local information.

Good morning GH. It has just passed 5:00 AM here in "The City," and I just decided that it was easier to get up and look at some emails and listen to some music than to lie there and toss and turn. Right now the digital instruments in the Weather Center show the temperature at 70 degrees. However, judging by the air moving out the window to the cooler outside, the reading on the weather app of 55 is more in line with reality. You just can't trust those digital devices sometimes.

Yesterday, I finished helping Mary on her current project and that leaves me today free. I also picked up a sun tea jar and some things at the big box outlet store north of here. I was nearby because I just had to go to the tool store that is nearly next door.

Speaking of today, a bit of soup making, a bit of puttering in the man-cave and some power tools are likely in my future. I also want to get in some bike riding too. I can paint outdoors because Mary never worries much about outdoors as long as it matches and doesn't look weird. Indoors she is more particular and wants a professional job. I understand. I have been waiting for the weather to be more accommodating for the painting. Otherwise, that about fills my day.

In sports, the boys in blue fell badly to the D-backs 4 - 10. The Tigers on the other hand whooped on that other Chicago team, 6 - 2. My beloved Red Sox moved to 1.5 games ahead of the Rays and 7 games ahead of the Yankees as they beat the Rays 6 - 2. The Caps once again fell to the Peoria Chiefs, this time by a score of 3 - 7.

So, before I return to bed to await...Tea time, I'll put in a few more pictures. Ciao.

A remnant of the railroading past of our city.

An explanation of the previous picture

While we don't have a hydroelectric dam, we do have our own municipal power source.

For those who wonder, this is our Central Park and the picturesque scene of many a nuptial.

Good early morning GH. It is just past 1:00 AM her in "The City" and the breeze coming in the window of the Weather Center feels great. While my sophisticated digital instruments here in the center show the temperature at 82, the equally sophisticated weather application on my PC shows it to be 75 with a possibility of isolated T-storms. I'll wait for the more accurate Sugar the Weather Dog to tell me what is really going to happen.

I apologize for no blog yesterday, but sometimes when you get up and go walk abut with your Weather Dog, and then you get busy helping Mary, the day just gets away. However, since Sugar and I were out anyway, I decided to take some pictures of "The City" as a way of further acquainting my readers with my newly adopted home. I 'll include those at the end.

Today, more help for Mary and a trip to the pharmacy for my regular prescriptions. Otherwise, not much on the agenda. In fact, I will be doing some work for Mary right after I complete this blog so that I can get a head start.

I couldn't let the railroad situation pass without mentioning that the signals rang for nearly one hour yesterday morning, but no train appeared. Like I've been known to say, "Go figure."

A quickie sports report and then pictures. The boys in blue finally pulled the pin on pitcher Matt Garza, sending him to the Texas Rangers for three minor league players. They also edged the D'backs 4 - 2 to stay close at 15.5 games behind the Cardinals. The Tigers got past the other Chicago team 7 - 3 behind another fine performance by the now 14 - 1 Max Scherzer. They also moved 2.5 games ahead of the Tribe. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Rays 0 - 3 and now have a very slim lead over those same Rays of 0.5 games. However, they are a full 7 games ahead of the Yankees, so some things are going good. The Caps fell to the Chiefs of Peoria. IL, a former Cubs farm team and now an A level affiliate of the division leading St. Louis Cardinals 7 - 3. Ouch. Wow, that didn't come out so quick.

Now, on to the pictures, of which I have chosen four to get me started. More later, and then work for Mary, before bed and then...Tea Time.

I've included two shots of this scene that helps explain why "The City" can support so many restaurants and bars and which causes our population to swell to 10 times its regular size every year. The crowds the fest brings to town are part of that love/hated thing I mentioned the other day.

However, the local economy benefits from the presence of the tourists, as the price for available housing doubles during Coast Guard Fest.

This is the office of the folks who will be extremely busy over the next two weeks making our Coast Guard Fest successful.

This plaque is located in Central Park as are several others throughout the city. I'll include more of Central Park next time.

Good early morning GH. We are fast closing on 3:00 AM here in "The City" and that means that I fell asleep early and then woke up early. However, that allowed me to do some work for Mary and write this blog. Currently here in the Weather Center, it is 79 degrees. Outdoors, the Weather Channel is reporting 65. It may be time to turn off that A/C for a few days. I'll have to convince Mary. I may just open the window here to take advantage of the cooler outdoor temps. There, I did it.

Saturday was a fine example of why people live here in "The City." Temperatures were comfortable and the humidity was much lower. When I let Sugar the Weather Dog take me for a walk in the AM and PM, I was happy. I spent two hours in the afternoon in the company of some "Irish Jammers" and we had a good time playing some songs that we all knew and some that it seemed only a few knew. I learn each time, although I sometimes lose track when a switch in verses or even songs occurs. Oh well, that's okay as long as I am learning.

We had a player who brought a set of Irish bagpipes known as uillean pipes that use a bellows to provide the air for the instrument instead of the players lungs. A very fascinating instrument and one that I had never seen before. We had two younger whistle players who were very good. I was amazed and I loved their efforts.

Sugar and I spent some time in the "Bone Zone" when I got back. I listened to some oldies radio and read one of the books that I picked up at the library while I was there for the jam session. With the library so close, I take advantage whenever I can.

We went downtown for dinner. Fortunately we were just ahead of the tourists and in our usual love/hate way, we found it amusing. I think of the quote from that long ago comic strip Pogo scripted and drawn by the late Walt Kelly every time we encounter the throngs, "I have seen the enemy, and he is us." We were they just a few short years ago. I learned that this phrase was first used on Earth Day in 1970 and then later in the Pogo strip itself. A similar phrase was coined during the War of 1812 by Admiral Oliver Hazard Perry in a message to General William Henry Harrison, the man who would become our ninth president. It read: " We have met the enemy, and they are ours..." There, a bit of history for you.

Today, well actually just a few minutes ago, I did that work for Mary. It was not as easy as I'd hoped. Of course it could be that fact that my eyes aren't what they used to be. I may never know. : - ) Otherwise, I have to water again as that recent rain didn't amount to much. I also plan to harvest Mary's potato crop. The vines have died back and that means they are ready for picking. I don't expect a huge crop, but it is always great to harvest from you own fields. Then, I may have to do more work for Mary. That's okay, because I have time.

So, not much else is happening, to borrow a phrase. It will soon be...Tea Time and then time for me to help Mary in any way I can. Until then, back to bed. Ciao.

Good early morning GH, It is just passing 4:00 AM here in "The City" and the temperature in the Weather Office is 80 degrees, while outside it is 74. We were supposed to get rain, but I don't think that one clap of thunder on Friday afternoon and a few drops of water count. It was all over the TV to be on the lookout, but the only genuine prediction/reaction came from Sugar the Weather Dog when she hightailed it to the hide-e-hole to escape.  She didn't stay long.

I mostly didn't accomplish much on Friday. The heat kept me indoors except for the two abbreviated walks that Sugar took me for in the early morning and the early afternoon. I watered the gardens, read the newspaper, worked the crossword and had lunch after...Tea time. But that was about the extent of my ambition. Mary was hard at work, so I was left to my own devices. Oh, I did the laundry too, but that is just part of life like everything else.

Today, I started my morning by reading the story about Schoep and his owner. Schoep the arthritic Sheperd mix was 20 years old when he died on June 15. If you look up the story on You Tube, Schoep wsa named for the iconic Wisconsin ice cream company and you'll find that the bond between he and his human was strong and unbreakable. His human thinks that when he adopted Schoep at six months, Schoep had been abused by a previous human. A lot of love and a lot of play and Schoep was a wonderful companion for 20 years. My favorite quote from Schoep's human was: "I breathe, but I can't catch my breath," uttered by Schoeps human following Schoeps passing. I understand how he feels.

Otherwise, today is Irish jam and the requisite walk(s) by Sugar of me. I think if it wasn't for Sugar, I wouldn't get out much. In truth, it is all about her.

In sports, the baseball season has resumed and the boys in blue were victorious over the Rockies 3 - 1. They are only 15 games back and eight games under. Hope springs eternal in the hearts of Cub fans everywhere. The Tigers maintained their slim 1.5 game lead over the Tribe after losing to the Royals 0 - 1. My beloved Red Sox topped the Yankees 4 - 2, and continue to cling to their tenuous lead over the Rays by 2.5 games. The Caps fell to the Bees of Burlington, IA 0 - 3. Now they are a game under 500, but still only 5.5 games behind Bowling Green, just like the Lake County Cougars.

So, until...Tea time happens in a few hours, I have to get back to the serious business of sleeping the day away and awaiting my program about car repair. You can never get enough about 20 year old cars with 250,000 miles on them and the owners that love them. Ciao.

Good morning GH. To borrow from the Grateful Dead, "What a long strange trip it was." I had a great time @ lunch yesterday with my former colleagues. However, that lengthy trip on the national rail service and then the commuter line in Chicago made for a long day. That being said, it was great to catch up with the happenings. But I digress. Here in the Editorial Office located in "The City" it is 80 degrees, same as outdoors. However indoors we don't have the high humidity thanks to the air conditioning. We are expecting T-storms later which may mitigate against watering on the estate. Somehow, I doubt it.

Back to yesterday. I can tell you that the trip to Holland at 6:30 AM was interesting. Since I hardly ever get up at that hour, it was informative to see other people on their way to work. The train ride itself was uneventful. I had my book and the three hours passed quickly. Once in Chicago, I walked over to the commuter station and took the ride out to the suburbs. That too went fine. Lunch was great and the people were just as I remembered them. Lots of good stories, reminiscences and catching up on what has been happening in each other's lives. I may have to do it again sometime soon, as long as the luncheons are near to the train lines.

Here in GH, Mary tells me that Sugar the Weather Dog was downstairs all day awaiting my return. She finally gave up about 10:00 PM and went upstairs. However when I got home around 10:30, all bets were off. She was glad to see me, I was glad to see her and all was forgiven. I think I'll share a picture of Sugar just because.

Today, not much planned for outdoors, too hot. Sugar will be taking me for a walk and that will be about the extent of any outdoor activities. I know that she wants to spend some time in the "Bone Zone," but it will have to wait for tomorrow when it is a bit more comfortable and safe to be outdoors.

I also have an Irish Jam session tomorrow afternoon, so chances are that the "Bone Zone" will have to wait until I get back.

Sports resumes in the nest blog.

A few more pictures and then...Tea time.  Ciao

The cutest D.O.G on the planet

One thousand pieces later, I'm done.

Last year, but it never gets old.

Good morning GH. It is just past 2:00 AM here in "The City," and the temperature in the Editorial Office is 80 degrees. After how warm and humid it was on Wednesday, that is a relief. Outdoors, it is also 80, but the humidity is much higher. We expect relief by early Friday morning.

I got to thinking about something that Adam said one day about the unpredictability of life. You never really know what life will throw at you. As Mary has often been quoted saying, "Man plans and G-oddess laughs," or words to that effect. Given the nature of my various illnesses over the last few years and the fact that too many people I know have had a brush with their own set of health issues, I have to agree. That's one of the reasons that I applied for pension benefits as soon as I became eligible.

When I was at the barber the other day, he was telling me about all of the recent trips he has taken and some that he has on his personal horizon. I am glad that he is living his life as fully as he can. There is a commercial on television occasionally that depicts a man stepping in front of a bus while talking on his cell phone. I think that this is a commercial for life insurance and what his family would do if he was suddenly gone.

An old 60s era band, The Grass Roots, had a song titled Let's Live For Today that goes something like this; "When I think of all the worries that people seem to find, and how they're in a hurry to complicate their mind, by chasing after money and dreams that can't come true, I'm glad that we are different, we've better things to do, may others plan their future, I'm busy lovin' you (1-2-3-4) "Sha La La La La La, live for today," etc. If you want to hear it again, go to one of the internet web sites that has a performance on video. I think you will enjoy a little blast from the past.

Speaking of "passed," the lead singer for The Grass Roots passed away in 2011 from an accident. That's why we should all take our trips, buy the things that we really want and never ever forget to love as long and as hard as we can. Life can be so short. So Barb, plan on taking that cruise, you owe it to yourself.

Congrats to our nephew and his wife on the sale of their home. Having lived through that experience a few years back, I know how trying that can be. That should give Barb a reason to travel to the Midwest more often.

In sports, still All-star break.

Today, a little traveling while Mary works, so not much else will get done. I did my time at the big box store on Wednesday, so that was my penance. Sugar and I walked in the AM and then I watered, again, so the plants in the gardens should be good until I can water them again on Friday. Speaking of the gardens, Mary's potato crop is just about ready for harvest. Now she will have to decide on her late summer/fall crop in their old home. Decisions, decisions.

Now for a few pictures, not all cars.

One of the current incarnations of the Nickey Camaros. They sound as good as they look. Turbo charged, and all muscle.

This in on the wall in the "Editorial Office" A man has to have his dreams. Thanks to Mary and Adam.

The first year for the Camaro, 1969. I once owned a variation on this car. How I wish I could own this one or one much like it.

This is Sugar's carrot in the park in Center Town. I keep trying to tell her that she is being stereotypical when she stops, but she doesn't seem to mind.

Good morning GH. Thank heavens for trains. Without them I wouldn't get up and stare at the ceiling. However, that being said, the current temperature here in the Weather Office is 81 degrees and outdoors, it is a sticky 79. We are heading for a high of 87 today and about 70% humidity. We should start to see lower temperatures and lower humidity by Thursday or Friday when we should get some relief, but with a chance of T-storms increasing to 60%. I guess I had better water again soon.

I think that was about the high point of my day on Tuesday. I let Sugar take me for an early walk, I came back with her and watered the gardens on the estate, ate breakfast, and then got my monthly haircut. All of that before lunch. In the afternoon, I played some on the guitar and then added more pieces to the puzzle. Mary thinks it is getting easier, but the truth is, when I run out of recognizable pieces with writing and the like, it will be shape sorting. That's about it.

Today, I have that doctor's appointment in the afternoon for my aching shoulder, the one that needs to have a periodic shot of cortisone. According to the doctor, I have some tears in my rotator cuff. He says that at my age surgery might or might not help. For me, that's an I don't think so kind of diagnosis. Then, according to Mary, I'm going to the grocery store.

Otherwise, not much on tap for the day. A morning walk with Sugar the Weather Dog and then more puzzle solving. Of course, there will be...Tea time and watching the grass grow too. So, time for a few more pictures from the car show. Ciao.

Yes, that is an engine right in the very front of this "Bug Eyed" Sprite

This may redefine the term "Rat Rod." 

This is for Dave and Lisa

This is a Crosley. My dad used to talk about these as his version of a donor car for a lawn tractor he'd always wanted to build. Four cylinders and a four speed manual transmission and the car itself is as small as you think it is. He never got that tractor built. But this is part of why I became a "Car Guy." This and the Austin Healy 3000 Mark II that "lived" across the street.

Good morning GH. Welcome to the warmest night so far this year. We are currently experiencing the temperatures and humidity that haven't visited us until this past weekend. Still, if our A/C continues to function, then we should be fine. We currently have a temperature of 78 degrees and the humidity is headed for 80% today. The temperature is expected to peak @ 86 sunny degrees. Even Sugar the Weather Dog didn't want to go out on Monday. Strangely, the temperatures about one hour south of here in South Haven, were about 15 degrees cooler. Go figure.

I didn't get to the painting nor the guitar on Monday. I did get to the puzzle and that allowed me to remain mostly sedentary and get more pieces in place. Unfortunately, Mary had to spend long hours at the computer working on her latest indexing effort. Like she often says to Sugar, it helps to pay the dog food and vet bills.

Today, things will go pretty much the same. I do have to water the gardens on the palatial estate after I get a haircut, and then put off any additional outdoor activities. Once again, I am channeling my old neighbor, Marshall. : - ) I will also get to the guitar today, I hope. I like playing, but sometimes I lack the basic motivation.

In sports: All-Star break.

Mary heard from her brother on Monday in honor of her birthday. Ed has always been good about calling on her special day. In addition, many birthday wishes came in on her various social media sites.

It was a  train that woke me at 1:30 AM as is often the case.

So, time for a few more pictures from Wheels Over GH. Ciao.

A very fine example of a modified 1957 Chevrolet.

Why? Why not!

A 1977 Wolfsburg VW Beetle next to a Porsche Speedster from the late 50s or early 60s.

Where's Burt Reynolds when you need him?

Just because it is so "Way Cool"

Good morning GH. I actually made it until 1:30 AM and then I decided to get up and do a bit of blogging. Of course, no blog would be complete without a quick recounting of the weather here in "The City." Indoors, it is comfortable thanks to the use of mechanical refrigeration. Outdoors, the temperature is about the same as in, but the much higher humidity makes it not as pleasant. We are expecting a possibility of T-storms on Thursday, but that is always iffy here.

Sunday was the annual Wheels Over GH car show sponsored by the Jaycees. 250 cars were there, and I will endeavor to include some pictures as the days progress. This was a chance to see Steph and Adam, so that in itself was a pleasure above and beyond the cars. Sugar in her role as guardian of all things GH, and especially the palatial estate, had to bark them in. Then everything settled down for the day. Of course, no day would be complete without having to water the vast gardens here on the estate, but that is part of the pleasure of living here. Plus, Sugar and I enjoyed a nice walk in the AM before the day had gotten too hot. I can say with certainty that the main street in town felt a lot like the deserts of the Southwest around 1:00 PM on Sunday.

Today, I plan to do a bit of outdoor painting, weather permitting. If it feels too hot, it can wait. That always worked for my old neighbor Marshall. I should be good on the watering until tomorrow. Instead, it may fall to Sugar and I to go forth and protect the city and its environs while Mary works. Then we'll return and do a little work on the puzzle that is nearing completion. Plus, it never hurts to get in a little guitar practice.

I should mention that I harvested my first crop of the season, Swiss chard. When cooked, it became a bowlful, but since I grew it, it feels great. Now I get the chance to harvest the kale and cook that too. Since both plants regrow after harvest, I expect to get at least another harvest or two.

In sports, the boys in blue were the Sunday night game of the week and succeeded in losing to the Cardinals 6 - 10. The Tigers behind Justin Verlander blanked the Rangers, 5 - 0 and are now holding a slim 1.5 game lead over the Tribe. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Athletics 2 -3 and their division lead is now down to 2.5 games over the Rays. The Caps once again beat the Cougars, 5 - 2 and are now one game over 500 and 2.5 games behind the Loons.

So, without further delay, here are a few pictures from Sunday's car show.

An example of what is often called a "Rat Rod."

A fine example of a California style "Dune Buggy."

A very rare car and a trophy winner once again, a 1957 Ford Sunliner. Incidentally, this car was said to have something like 1,500 parts that a regular 1957 Ford didn't have. It had a very special set of repair manuals and it took less effort to tune this car than to get all of the parts for the top working in unison. Unfortunately, once the entire hardtop was in the trunk, it didn't have room for a bag of golf clubs.

A 1962 VW  Beetle, "Bug" that was actually found here in Western MI. What you are seeing is mostly original according to the current owner, including the paint. This is the type of car that inspired the phrase "Slug Bug," made popular by  the "Hippies" in  Haight Ashbury and other places.

Ciao.