Good morning GH. Well as usual, it is fast closing on 4:00 AM here in our fair and relatively cool city. Indoors the temperature being displayed by the sophisticated digital equipment located in the Weather Office of our Broadcast Center is 77 degrees. I also have an analog readout available. Since it is exposed to the elements at all times, it concurs with the Weather Channel app that is showing 61 degrees. We are cruising towards a high of 78. Once again, our temperatures here make me glad that I chose to live in this city versus Portland @ 91 or Las Vegas @ 113 after a low of  66/90 respectively.

I am sad to report the deaths of at least 19 firefighters who were engaged in battling a wildfire in Arizona. We need to all give thanks that these brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect our own lives and property. Without these selfless people, many lives and beau-coup property would be lost.

In other news, I flew my helicopter for the first time this year. Unfortunately, I crashed and destroyed one of the main rotor links. I lived through the crash. New parts have been ordered, but the copter will be out of service for a few days. I also got the chance to go to the new mega tool store nearby earlier in the day. I don't plan to visit often, but I have been wanting a vise for a couple of years, so I took advantage of a coupon offer to get one at 20% off. Then I went to one of the big-box department stores, no not that one, and got some things that both Mary and I needed.

When I got back, I had to tell Mary that I need to drive more often, even if she has a hard time being a passenger, because my driving skills are quickly eroding due to lack of practice. I also did some dusting and puzzle solving in the afternoon after making another attempt at home-made salsa. Like Eleanor, I am so busy in retirement.

In sports, the Tigers fell to the Rays 1 - 3 despite a good pitching performance by Rick Porcello, but a lack-luster run production effort by the rest of the team. The boys in blue once again beat the Mariners in Seattle 7 - 6. Maybe those pundits who wrote off Edwin Jackson were a bit premature. My beloved Red Sox dispatched the Blue Jays on a walk off error in the ninth, 5 - 4. I'll take it. The Caps got hammered by the Hot Rods of Bowling Green 1 - 8.

Otherwise, I have some editing scheduled for today after another walk with Sugar the Weather Dog in the cool AM hours. Perhaps I'll get in some music making, knitting, puzzle solving and bike riding along with the editing. Wow, I really am busy, except that most of my pursuits are pleasurable. I will be returning to bed and soon...Tea time after I leave you with a few additional pictures from our recent trip. Ciao.

A med-evac helicopter, much like mine, at rest and unnecessary at the race track.

One of the Arca cars at rest

Another at nearly full speed on the track heading for the Canada corner, I think.