Good early morning GH. Wow, the current temperature is 67 or 68 degrees, depending on which source you consult. Of course one of  those same sources is saying that we may get to 79 or 81 for a high. That one can't even agree with itself. The precipitation that they predicted for Friday turned out to be a few drops and nothing more. Now it looks like Sunday, our 40th anniversary, before we have another chance of T-storms. Sugar the Weather Dog will be happy. It is nearly 5:00 AM.

Friday turned out to be a great day and I had a terrific birthday. Lots of well wishes from friends and family. Mary worked indoors, and I worked outdoors on the estate. I swept, I mowed, I watered and got the Weber ready for the barbecue. I had a great time. Then, that rain prediction made us change our plans and we ended up at our favorite watering hole for dinner. Not a bad option, but I would have just stayed home if I had known. Mary probably thought I was working too hard on my birthday, but I was in heaven. Oh well, what's that they say about the best laid plans etc? I got in some guitar playing and some crosswords before that, and then the day became a blur. What's not to like?

Today, I have plans for college football and that's about it. I may get in some snacks and more guitar playing and reading and then the postponed dinner plans should reach fruition. Better late than never. Before you know it, it will be Sunday and time for our 40th. Mary will continue to work.

When last I left you, I was describing the early days of our life together, among other things. Adam was now an integral part of our lives. He is a great person and best of all, his wife, Stephany, truly is his better half. We have now have been the proud caretakers for several different dogs, each with their own personality. Scrappy, a mix of a springer spaniel and a golden retriever was not the smartest dog, but he was probably the sweetest dog you could ever meet. If you wanted him to do it, he would, without question.

Stay-C was a typical lab mix, no trouble and about as even tempered as you could expect. Her dog sitter/walker felt guilty because Stay-C didn't need a leash and never needed a walk. She was content to just wander around the backyard during her one-half hour visit three time per day. When we first brought Stay-C home from the shelter, I took her out in the back for a get acquainted visit with her new yard. I was walking and she seemed to be digging in her heels. I thought she was being stubborn. But, she had decided to lay down and I was taking her for a drag, not a walk. She never needed a leash

And then there is Sugar the Weather Dog. She may well be the cutest and smartest dog we have ever had the privilege to care for. Maybe the most expensive too. When you mix a Corgi and a beagle, you get cute you get smart, and you get skittish. Oh, you also get very territorial too. She herds and she hunts, both at the same time. For me, it was love at first sight. As Mary said, "If you had ever looked at another woman the way you looked at her," etc.

Shortly after Stay-C passed, we took a trip to New Orleans over the holidays. We were looking at all the dogs in town and each of us knew for sure that we would be getting another dog in our lives when we got back to the Chicago area. In fact, unbeknownst to each other, we were perusing the various shelter sites on the sly. We made a plan to visit several shelters the Sunday after we got home from our trip, starting with the farthest away and coincidentally, the one that opened the earliest on a Sunday.

We got there just as the shelter opened and flipped through their book of guest dogs. Sugar caught our eye and we asked to meet her. Mary decided it was time to make a trip to the restroom when Sugar was to make her first appearance, so when Sugar came out to the day room, I was the first person Sugar saw. I knew right away and so apparently did she, and the rest is history. We "road tested" her outside the shelter and as she bounced around in the snow Mary asked, "Are you sure?" I was. There was a man there saying to his children, "Looks like Sugar is going home with someone else." First dog, first shelter.

I paid the fee and we were off. Our goal had been to get a smaller dog in our later years, one that we could pick up if necessary. Sugar is smaller than the others we've had, but she is very high maintenance. If she doesn't get to walk one or both of us at least twice per day, she is very impatient. She has her own peculiarities in many ways. She can't ever be off a leash, because she would chase every other dog in town. I couldn't bear if anything ever happened to her, so I am content to keep her on a leash.

When I had to go to hospital a few years ago, Sugar was lost. Even now, when I go out for a long day trip, she waits at the door expecting me to return at any moment. I like to think that she feels as though I am hard to protect when I'm not here. In short, no man ever had a better dog. I am sure others feel the same about their canine companions, but that's one man's opinion.

Oh well, I've rambled on long enough this time. So it must be time for sports.

The boys in blue, lost to Ryne Sandburg's Phillies 5 - 6. I heard a radio host suggesting that the boys in blue should trade their shortstop and move on in spite of his considerable skills. He is skilled, but he has too many mental lapses in the field etc. The Tigers crushed the Tribe 7 - 2, to open a 7.5 game lead over the Tribe. My beloved Red Sox beat that other team from Chicago 3 - 2, to open a 3.5 game lead  over the Rays. The Caps fell to the Fort Wayne TinCaps 1 - 5. I know that the TinCaps name looks weird, but that's how they spell it. Next time I'll be able to tell you how the Spartans and the Wolverines fared in college football.

I just have to mention, that at about 8:30 last night, a train rumbled through "The City." An odd time to say the least. The lead locomotive was sporting the newest livery of the line and it looked great. Mary and I stood and watched because it was such an odd time. I think it had to do with the upcoming holiday. Mary thinks that it was a needed load. Maybe the same thing, I dunno.

Ciao.

Good morning GH. It is just past 2:00 AM in "The City," and the current temperature is 69 degrees heading for a high of 84. If the Weather Channel app. is right, the chance of scattered T-storms is 50% starting around 9:00 AM. I await the prediction of Sugar the Weather Dog for a more accurate forecast.

On Thursday, Sugar and I went for a long walk and then we came home to read the paper. After that, I played some on the guitar and then did more reading in Drinking With Men: A Memoir  by Rosie Schaap. I also found time to vacuum, so I am done for the week with my chores.

It is now officially my birthday. I am now in my 63rd year of life. When I was younger, I never thought about how I would get this far, I was just sure that somehow I would, and here I am. Which led me to reflect on what my day will be like. I tried to think about what I might have for my birthday meal, and Mary suggested that a thick pork chop was in order, grilled ever so slowly on the Weber grill in the back forty. I think I like her idea. Other than that, I don't have any plans and that's the way I like it too. Too many plans spoil the pot or something like that.

Since I have been reflecting on the early years of our life together, I think it is appropriate to add to what I have already written. As I recall in our last episode, I wondered why Adam was a car guy. I suspect that the fact that I was into Austin Healeys when I was just a lad may have had some effect. The guy across the street was kind enough to lift me up and place me on the fender of his Austin Healey 3000 engine compartment when I was just big enough to see. I seem to remember that he and his family had something to do with the Leinenkugel Brewery, but I am not clear on what it was. I just knew that I loved his car, even if it was British and had that Lucas electrical system that consisted of four circuits and two fuses.

But I digress. I owned a motorcycle for a short period of time, and the settlement from an accident provided the down payment on our first condo.  I went on from there to own and operate a few cars and to work as an auto mechanic, manage a gas station for Mobil, own that same station for a short time, and teach that subject in a trade school for a few years after earning my certification. I also directed that same school for a few years when Adam was younger. But I thought it was time to get on with my life, so I went back to college, earned a degree in history, which Mary encouraged, and then I taught for 16 years. Mary's advice was that if I did nothing, I would still be four years older, so why not go for it?

One thing of which I am certain, cars, and for that matter anything with wheels, have played a big part in my life. If it wasn't for Mary's broken Fiat taillights, we never would have met and all the wonderful things that came after would never have happened. There was an old beer commercial that had a tag line "It doesn't get any better than this," and I am certain that it doesn't.

So now I am in retirement and enjoying it immensely. Mary and Sugar make life infinitely more interesting and sometimes more challenging. But that's okay with me. Stephany and Adam are self sufficient and that means that the question that I once asked Mary about whether I could stop worrying about Adam has been answered in the affirmative. You never really stop worrying, but the worries can take a back seat to other things most of the time. If I could just make my knitting work out better, my life would be infinitely more satisfying. But that's a story for another day.

So, when next you hear from me, it will be one day post birthday and life will be normal again, whatever that is. I will be awaiting the start of our 41st year together, something that seemed a long way off when I met a certain young lady over 40 years ago. I still see that girl in the woman that I am celebrating 40 years with. Some people are surprised that we got married without a long engagement, but the truth is, when you know, you  know. Why put it off?

We chose not to live together because of Mary's mother as much as anything else. I know that today, many advice givers recommend living together, but if you live, learn, and love together, sometimes it just works out. At least it did for us. Would I recommend this course to others?  I don't know.

Once when we asked Adam what it was like to be an only child, he answered truthfully, "I don't know, because that's what I am and I don't have a basis for comparison." Neither did we. In many ways, we grew up together and that means we don't have anything to compare to either. Would I change anything? Yes, I would change having the need for two surgeries three years ago, but maybe that helped us to go in a new direction. Sometimes you just need a push.

I can remember Stephany asking me what I wanted to happen when I was down with my back, and I knew that it was time to retire. I recovered from the back surgery, only to face the more serious issue with my brain. I got past that too, with a lot of help from Mary. She never felt sorry for me, and pushed me to keep on keeping on. That's part of what makes her so special.

In sports, I am going to keep it short and sweet. Boys in blue, day off. Tigers, win, Red Sox, loss. Caps, win. Bears, loss. Lions, win.

But I have rambled on long enough. When you get on a roll, sometimes you just can't stop. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It should be just after 2:30 AM when I hit the publish button. Our current temperature is 69 degrees and the outlook for the day is 86 humid degrees with only a 10% chance of precipitation. On Friday, my birthday, it is expected to be about the same temperature and humidity wise, but the chance of precipitation goes up to 50%. Sugar the Weather Dog will let us know.

I am not sure where the day went to yesterday. I typed up some music, and then I read more of my latest book, Drinking With Men: A Memoir, by Rosie Schaap and I really like it. I have to be sure that Mary finds time to read it. Sugar and I took the time to go walking twice, so that took some time. Sugar of course had to check her messages and that can take some time in and of itself. Mary of course was working.

Today I may have to finish my housework, but that shouldn't take long. More guitar and more reading are also on tap. For Mary, more work.

Where was I? Oh yes. When I left off, Mary was getting ready for the wedding. I was working at the gas station where she and I met and generally doing what most grooms do, letting the women take care of the wedding plans. I remember Mary had a bridal shower, but what happened there is mostly a blur. I think about the only thing left from that day is one casserole and some pictures. Oh there is me too.

Once our wedding day came, it was time to go to the church and get on with the rest of our lives. I do remember that the route to the church went past Mary's apartment and she was outside when my brother and I went by in my 69 Camaro. Since you are not supposed to see the bride before the wedding, she felt obliged to run back inside, but by then it was too late.

I remember on that day that her mother said something along the lines of, "She's your problem now." If that was an omen, it turned out to be a good one. 40 years later we are still together. I remember the ceremony, a little, and the people who came, but mostly that's all I remember. Even today, we don't have a copy of our marriage certificate to prove we are married. I guess that a piece of paper doesn't really prove a thing. Fortunately for me, what proves that we are married is the fact that when I got sick a few years ago, Mary was there for me. The doctor's accepted the fact without a piece of paper.

After the ceremony, a few pictures outside the church and we were off to our small reception. There too, just a few friends and family present, like the wedding itself. I do remember that the hall is still there, but I don't know if they still do weddings. I also remember that we went to the Hyatt Regency O'Hare for our wedding night. We had put off our actual honeymoon due to Mary's whiplash injury. Maybe this year we can do it right. Too many people don't' get the chance to celebrate 40 years together, so our next big trip should count.

The years have passed quickly really. Adam was born, Mary and I have had a few different jobs, and a few different cars. As I mentioned, Mary's car at the time we got married had been crashed and mine is long gone. That car today would probably bring mucho dinero as it was a 69 Camaro SS 350. Very much like the one at this link. http://www.69pace.com/1969_ss_2009.htm. There weren't that many built and there are very few still running today.

Adam and I set the land speed record for downtown Glenview, IL when he was a baby in that car. Speaking of Adam, the day of his birth was like a lot of others, except for the fact that Mary had a few extra days in the hospital due to Adam being a C-section baby. He was a big boy, nearly 10 pounds and 23 inches long. I don't know where that size came from. I also don't know why he is a car guy either. Well, that's about enough for now. I'll add the final touches to our early life tomorrow.

In sports, the boys in blue are back to normal, losing to the Dodgers 0 - 4. The Tigers were crushed by the A's 4 - 14. They still have a 5.5 game lead over the Tribe. My beloved Red Sox edged the Orioles 4 - 3 to give them a 2.5 game lead over the Rays. The Caps shutout the Fort Wayne Tin Caps 2 - 0. The Lions and the Bears play Buffalo and Cleveland respectively. The MSU Spartans open tomorrow night against the Western Michigan Broncos. The University of Michigan Wolverines open Saturday against the Central Michigan Chippewas. I should be a good weekend in sports.

That's all folks, as Porky Pig would have said. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It has just passed 3:00 AM in "The City" and the weather is calm right now. Currently our temperature is 75 degrees as we head for a high of 84. No rain in sight until Friday. Nothing currently on tap according to Sugar the Weather Dog. We had a good blow last evening, and there were predictions of T-storms, but I don't think they came our way. However Sugar the Weather Dog did repair to her hide-e-hole last evening, so maybe after I went to bed something happened.

On Tuesday, I did some laundry, dusted upstairs and down, and played the guitar along with reading. As Mary remarked later in the day, "You were busy, maybe you should take tomorrow off." So I shall.

Last evening I went to the final Tuesday evening concert for the season  in Central Park. The young man was doing music by one of my favorite performers, so Mary joined me after working for an hour or so. I was there before her and she left before me, but that's okay, I had a good time.

That new book I started reading, Drinking With Men: A Memoir, by Rosie Schaap is very interesting. I think that Mary should read it, but she probably won't have the time. When I am done, I'll give a complete report, just like in middle school.

Speaking of middle school, and I guess schools in general, MI is one of three states that by law do not allow classes before Labor Day. That may change, but for now that's it. Apparently it was signed into law by a previous governor of MI to extend the tourist season.

When I last left you, I was discussing that fateful night right before Mary and I were to be married. The phone rang, and Mary said, "I was in a car accident and I can't get up." As I said before, when you are at work, that's not what you want to hear.

A lot of that evening is a blur to me, but I can remember that Mary and her mother had been driving on Potter Rd. in Niles, IL and they got rear-ended in Mary's 1968 Mustang convertible. The car had a 390 CID engine with mag wheels and similar to this one, except in a beautiful shade of blue. It would be worth abut $17,000 today. The car was about $4,000 new.  It was a nice car before the accident. Afterwards it was a wreck. But I digress. Given the propensity for exploding that Mustangs from that era had, I guess we should all be thankful that her car didn't explode. If you are curious, here is a link to a similar car in red.

http://mustangs.about.com/od/modelyearprofiles/a/1968-profile.htm

Mary spent some days in the hospital where they had her in traction and gave her muscle relaxants. I suspect that her memories of the days following the accident are kind of blurry too. She and her mother had gotten whiplash in that accident. In fact, Mary had to wear one of those neck braces that seem to be prescribed for everyone in that condition. She even wore it on our wedding day, at least before and after the ceremony. I have pictures of her both in and out of that brace. She was also rear-ended a second time while driving with my mother right out in front of the gas station where I worked, but I guess that it was minor by comparison. The trailer hitch on the back of my dad's station wagon took most of the hit. However, Mary wasn't helped by that event.

I think that was about three days before the wedding, but I'm not sure. In any event we're almost there. More next time.

In sports, the boys in blue snatched a rare victory from the Dodgers and their ace pitcher 3 - 2. They can't beat the Brewers, but they can beat the Dodgers and the Cardinals. Go figure. It won't make much of a difference this year, but wait til next year. The Tigers still have a 5.5 game lead over the Tribe, but Justin Verlander is having a hard time finding the strike zone lately. The game was shortened by rain and the A's got the victory, 3 - 6. My beloved Red Sox blasted past the Orioles on the strength of the long ball and solid pitching to open a full 2.5 game lead over the Rays. Final score, Tigers 13, Orioles 3. The Caps once again beat the Cougars, 4 - 1.

So there you have it. The train went by about 45 minutes ago. Mary said that I should amend my previous blog to say that Father Burke asked if we would raise any children in the Christian faith. I can state without reservation that Adam is one of the most christian men I know. His mother did a good job raising him that way. But that's a story for another day. Ciao.

Good morning GH. It is just about 4:30 in the AM, and we have a current temperature of 74 - 76 humid degrees as we head for an even more humid high of 84. That 30% chance of rain on Monday became a 100% reality. We had a gully washer that added to the humidity. There is a similar chance of T-storms today. As I said yesterday, Sugar the Weather Dog will let me know for sure.

Speaking of Sugar the Weather Dog, she was downstairs with us yesterday in the AM awaiting breakfast. Before I could get her to take me for a walk, she did the best impression of a frightened dog as she headed for her upstairs hide-e-hole. I couldn't get her to go out until later in the afternoon. Once she hears a clap of thunder all bets are off. Believe me, she knows her stuff when it comes to the weather.

Yesterday, I went to the local health food store twice. First in the rain and later in the afternoon. I also went to the library after I finished my latest book. I am now set to begin my next book, Drinking With Men: A Memoir, by Rosie Schaap. I read about this book months ago in the NY Times Book Review and I have been waiting for it to be available at our local library. No comments on what it is like yet.

Otherwise, I played some guitar and baked a new loaf of banana nut bread using a totally new recipe. That activity was the only thing that caused Sugar to leave her hide-e-hole long enough to assume her role as household sous dog.

I thought that I might pick up where I left off on the tale of Jack and Mary. I don't want to get too verbose today, but I will write a few words.

As I noted yesterday, our life together would get and is still interesting. We did fall in love, we did get married in September of 1973, but not without some additional adventures. Since we had our first date in May of 1973, getting married just three short months later might qualify as a whirlwind romance. But somehow, I knew it was right. Fortunately for me, Mary thought so too, so it was just a matter of making the arrangements.

After a meeting with Father Burke from Mary's church, and vowing to raise any children in the Catholic faith, we had what we needed; a church in which to get married and a clergy person to marry us. At that time in history, we had to get blood tests at the hospital before getting a marriage license, something that I don't think is done anymore, at least no the blood tests. I think a liense is still a requirement. Amazing that a marriage needs a license from the county in which you reside.

We were on our way to the altar in a few weeks. Back then, I had a great head of curly hair and the requisite 1970s haircut and mutton chop sideburns and mustache. Mary had her hair cut as she mostly did in those days, in a short and very becoming cut that went well with her glasses. We called them Fearless after the cartoon character Fearless Fly. Of course what would a day in our life be without adventure.

One night I was at the gas station when the phone rang and Mary said, "I was in a car accident and I can't get up." Now that's not what I wanted to hear just a few days before our wedding. So it was time to panic.

Oh well, time to move along. I'll write more next time.

Today, more guitar, more reading, and more housecleaning as Mary works. Not much else. What's not to like?

In sports, the boys in blue continued their quest for a losing record, losing to the Dodgers on the coast 2 - 6 to fall further into the abyss. The Tigers fell to the Athletics 6 - 8 and they are down to a 5.5 game lead over the Tribe. Miggy did hit another home run, his 41st. My beloved Red Sox now have a 1.5 game lead over the Rays and the off day allowed them to get ready for the arrival of the Orioles tonight. The Caps once again topped the Cougars, 4 - 1. They are still languishing down the charts in their league, but they have a plus two game record.

So, that's about it for now. The train woke me earlier and that's why I'm here now. Ciao.

Good morning GH. Once again, I have risen to do my part for the edification of others on what's going on in GH. It has just passed 5:00 in the AM and the current temperature is 73 humid degrees. We are anticipating a high of 87 later today and there is a 30% chance of T-storms, though those are expected north of I 96. Sugar the Weather Dog will let me know later what the real chance of precipitation will be. 

On Sunday, Sugar and I took a nice walk in the AM and then as promised, I became mostly inert and did some reading and guitar playing. Oh yes, I did get to that watering. Finally Sugar and I repaired to the "Bone Zone" where I did that reading and Sugar cleaned her teeth.

Today, not much beyond yesterday. I need to do some dusting and that may require a visit to the big box hardware store for some furniture polish. I'd like to get some without lemon scent, but I have been unable to locate any locally. I know that unscented polish exists, but most outlets don't carry it. Both Mary and I are sensitive to just about anything that is scented, so I'll have to give each type the sniff test to find the least scented one. 

I wanted to make good on that promise of the way that Mary and I began our lives together. 

I was fortunate enough to work in a gas station at the corner of Camp McDonald Rd. and Route 12 in Arlington Heights, IL. Up to that point, that was the best paying job I'd ever had and what I learned there was the springboard to many things that followed.

I worked the "Graveyard" shift at that station, and Mary lived just down the street about a block. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for her, she was the proud owner of a Fiat Spyder. That car made our meeting possible. She came in one night to satisfy a cop's "suggestion" that she have her brake lights fixed. Of course, the chances of finding a gas station with anyone who could repair anything in the middle of the night was slim to none and slim had left town before she got to me. However, both she and I were fortunate. I knew what to do to reverse the wiring error that a previous repair person had committed, and that allowed me to ask her out to dinner. 

Now I know what you are thinking. We met, fell in love, and then got married sometime later. Alas that was not what happened. I did not get her phone number, but for one of the few times in her young life, she remembered my dinner invitation. She had gone out of town with her mother to Hawaii right after my invitation. When she got back, she came in and asked if that invitation was still open. She told me later that she was hungry. 

I got her address that time and when I came to pick her up on Saturday night, she had to buzz me in to her apartment building. When she asked "Who's there?" I replied, "Me." She had been hoping that I would supply my name because she had forgotten. Oh well, she had a back up plan. When she came down, she asked to see my driver's license because she needed some "additional information," when I told her my name was Jack. She said that she couldn't "believe" that. I proved it and we were off to dinner at Hackney's in Wheeling, IL. A nice dinner and then a quick ride to Chicago's downtown. She wanted a balloon that a young woman was selling on a corner, and before I could get a price, the salesperson stuffed it in my car and I was in debt for $2.00. 

We drove back to her apartment and we walked slowly to her door. As I leaned in to get the proverbial good night kiss, the balloon popped with a resounding boom in that long, deserted hallway. Her dad opened the door and said, "Oh, it's you," and closed the door. I should have had my first warning that our lives together would be interesting. 

Oh well, I've rambled on long enough for now. More next time. Time now for a quick sports report.

The boys in blue lost to the Padres, 2 - 3. No change in the standings. The Tigers crushed the Mets, 11 - 3, also no change in the standings. My beloved Red Sox handily defeated the Dodgers 8 - 1, behind some great pitching by recent acquisition Jake Peavy. That gives them a one game lead over the Rays. The Caps slipped by the Cougars 4 - 3, giving the Caps a one over 500 record.

So, that's about enough for yesterday and today. Ciao.

Good morning GH. It will be 3:00 AM by the time I hit the publish key. Actual, I just decided to edit, so this blog will be republished at 4:00 AM. The current temperature of 65 degrees is only temporary as we head for a high in the upper 80s today. No precipitation is expected until Monday and Tuesday, which means that watering is back on my list today. Oh well, I can do that after I walk with Sugar the Weather Dog later this AM.

On Saturday, Sugar and I walked Mary over to the local farmer's market at Chinook Pier. Like many towns and cities, we have a twice weekly market that seems to grow in scope with the ongoing growing/harvest season. Mary needed some tomatoes, as ours are nearing the end of their growing season. Sugar pulled her way towards other dogs both going and coming. Like I have said before, it's a dog's life.

I saw a comic in Saturday's newspaper that depicted a dog who was being urged on by his human on their daily walk. But his thought bubble indicated that he had to read and answer his messages before he could move along. If you've had or have dogs, you know what I mean.

Otherwise, Mary worked and I tried to remain inert to keep my headache at bay. I seem to be succeeding, but once these things begin, they just seem to hang on for a long time. We watched as the workmen came and removed the tree that fell. It took about 30 minutes and it was all gone. We also got in an afternoon walk, sans Sugar, and then some TV viewing when we got back.

Today, it looks like "Bone Zone" and reading are in my future as Mary works. That's after I get the watering done. Not much, but I need more down time.

In sports, the boys in blue managed to eke out a win in San Diego 3 - 2, behind stellar pitching by Jeff Samardzija and a hot bat swung by Darwin Barney. Unfortunately, they are 21 games back in their division. Statistically, they still have a chance at post-season play, assuming that the teams ahead of them lose every game from now until the end of the season. The Tigers and Max Scherzer held the Mets at bay, 3 - 0, which gave Scherzer his 19th win this season. That maintains their six game lead over the Tribe. My beloved Red Sox are still in a statistical tie for first with the Rays, having defeated the Dodgers 4 - 2. The Caps bounced the Lake County Cougars, 6 - 2. Sadly, their season is drawing to a close and they are a sub 500 team.

Congrats to Ellen and Joel on the graduation of their daughter. That's a milestone that all parents hope to see.

Looks like that's about it for yesterday and today. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. I wasn't going to blog this early, but sometimes when you can't sleep it's best to just get up and go. We have a current temperature of 58 degrees as we head for a mostly sunny day and 82. There is slight chance of T-storms on Monday, but that remains to be seen.

The last time we had a storm, the tree in the backyard came down. That is supposed to be removed this morning. We have a man coming over and then Sugar the Weather Dog and I can return to our familiar place in the "Bone Zone."

Otherwise, I haven't been feeling as well as I would like. I think it is related to the weather or some bug that I picked up. Whenever that happens, I get a headache and a backache. So I guess that I will just have to wait it out.

I did get the laundry done yesterday, while Mary was working, so at least I earned my keep. Sugar and I went for a nice long walk in the AM and that was good for both of us. We hope to make another sojourn again this AM. Mary made lunch yesterday and that was tacos with cheese slices. We used to get those at that Mexican food chain that was prominent in the Chicago area for many years. Now they are mostly in the South and Southwest. I miss those tacos when I have had a long night.

Today, not much going on for me. I'll supervise the tree removal and that is about the extent of my involvement. I need to practice the guitar, but I think I'll avoid reading to minimize the strain on my eyes.

In sports, the boys in blue had a great lead in the top of the first, 6 - 0. Then their bats and their defense fell asleep as they once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in San Diego, 6 - 8. I won't even mention their record. The Tigers crushed the Mets 6 - 1 behind homers by Cabrera and Hunter. They have maintained their six game lead over the Tribe. My beloved Red Sox fell into a statistical tie with the Rays losing 0 - 2 because of one bad pitch by Lackey and a lack of run production by the offense. The Caps shutout the team from Bowling Green, 4 - 0.

In preseason football, the Bears were cruising in Oakland, but had to get strong late in the game to beat the Raiders 34 - 26. Jay Cutler had a good game that would have looked statistically better if his receivers could catch.

So that's about all for yesterday and today. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. As we pass 3:00 AM here in "The City" it is 67 degrees as we head for a sunny and less humid high of 79. Mary and I decided to turn on the A/C on Thursday as the humidity had gotten so high. We'll probably turn it off today as soon as the workmen are done clearing the back forty from the storm damage we had on Wednesday night/Thursday morning.

As you may recall in our last episode, I was describing what I thought had been some strange vandals or what might have been storm related as Sugar the Weather Dog had been predicting. Turns out it was the latter. When I got up yesterday, Mary said, "You need to come down and see the tree that has fallen in the backyard." She also said, "It's not the one you think." So down I came to discover that the tree that used to hang over our deck had fallen, not the mostly dead one on our neighbors lot line. Here are the pictures.

This is what I saw from our deck.

Pictures can't do it justice.

Our trash can and that of  our next door neighbor looked like this.

Oops

So what turned out to be a real storm with lightning and thunder and high winds requires some outside assistance. Adam offered his chain saw and my inner/younger self said yes, but my older realistic self said no. Fortunately for me, Mary insisted that we get someone to do the work for us which helped me make a decision. 

Otherwise, I didn't get much accomplished. Sugar and I walked. I played guitar. I read the newspaper and then my book. Not much really.

Today, I hope for more of the same. : - )

In sports, the boys in blue once again fell to the Nationals 4 - 5 to remain firmly planted in last place in their division, 21 games back and 19 games under 500. The Tigers now have only a five game lead over the Tribe as they lost to the Twins by a score of 6 - 7. My beloved Red Sox had the day off following their trashing of the Giants the day before. They still have a one game lead over the Rays and they are 21 games over 500. The Caps fell to the team from Bowling Green, the Hot Rods, 3 - 4. In football, the Lions routed the Patriots in preseason action, 40 - 9. 

So with the exception of the storm early yesterday morning, not much was happening. I hope that today is a bit quieter. Ciao.

Good morning GH. Another day will soon be dawning as it has just passed 4:00 AM in "The City." The digital temperature gauge shows a current temperature of 67 degrees as we head for a high of 83 partly cloudy degrees. I think we had quite a blow last night judging by the overturned garbage cans in the street. Or, we had some strange vandals. Since my analog Weather Instruments were blown out of the partially open window, I am thinking we had a windy weather event. That and the fact that Sugar the Weather Dog desperately needed to get into her hide-e-hole last night, indicates that it was the weather. As I've said in the past, Sugar is a very accurate predictor of severe weather.

Yesterday as I predicted, I finished the highlighting for Mary. All in all, I think I put in about eight hours of manual labor. I also took time to water, which as the proverbial "they" say about hindsight, was 20/20. Mary and I went to the grocery store instead of Mary alone. Fortunately for us, Mary insisted that we eat something before we left so that we didn't over buy.

Otherwise, not much was happening. Unlike some folks, I don't have an unrequited desire to work more at this time. That may change, but somehow I doubt it. I keep busy with work for Mary, my hobbies, housework, and walking with Sugar the Weather Dog. I truly am blessed with an overabundance of good things.

Today not much on tap, just the way I like it. Breakfast, walk with Sugar, newspaper read, guitar practice, book read, relax. With the exception of walking with Sugar, no special order. Even Sugar isn't all that insistent about those walks.

In sports, the boys in blue managed to snatch another defeat from the jaws of victory, losing 6 - 11 to the Nationals. They are now last in their division and a full twenty games back of the front-running Pirates. Is the manager's job on the line? Or, was this the expectation for a team made up of rookies, and journeymen? The Tigers broke open the game with the Twins and won 7 - 1. That makes then 5.5 games ahead of  the Tribe in their division. My beloved Red Sox romped past the Giants 12 - 1. They are now back to a full one game lead over the Rays. The Caps got hammered by the Hot Rods 1 - 9 and they are now a full two games below 500 and 7.5 games behind in their division.

So that's about it. Ciao

Good early morning GH. It has just passed 1:00 AM here in "The City" and the temperature on the desktop is 72 degrees. That's a tad warmer than it has been lately. It's expected that we'll get down to about 68 this early morning and then reach a high in the mid-eighties later today. Not bad all in all.

Yesterday I watered some, walked with Sugar the Weather Dog some, and then read some. I also managed to get in some highlighting for Mary too. It was a busy day. Since we got up so late, we ended up having brunch that Mary put together on Monday and Tuesday. It was a pesto on linguine, and I liked it. Lot's of garlic, just the way that Steph, Adam, Mary and I like it.

This morning since I am up, I plan to do some additional highlighting and internet radio listening. I really like the internet radio, as I can choose the music or talk format that suits my mood or needs. When I am highlighting, I like smooth jazz, because I don't have to think about what I am hearing. As Mary says, it occupies my reptilian brain, whatever that is.

Today Mary wants to go to the grocery store and that means that she will take most of the empty cans back to the redemption center in the store. Here in Michigan, each can and bottle comes with a ten cent deposit, and you can choose to merely place them in the recycling bin at the curb, or redeem them for the cash value. Being the cheapskate that I am, I prefer to redeem them.

Otherwise, more highlighting, more Sugar walking and more reading. Life can be so trying.

In sports, the boys in blue were up to their old ways again, losing 2 - 4 to the Nationals. Good pitching was overcome by a lack of run production. The Tigers fell to the Twins 3 - 6, in spite of Prince's 20th home run. However, they still have a six game lead over the Tribe. My beloved Red Sox dropped a close one to the Giants 2 - 3. Now they are only 1/2 game ahead of the Rays. The Caps, in spite of a 6 - 3 win over the Dragons, are still mired in fifth place in their division, even though they are one game over 500.

So that's about it for yesterday and today, so far. Ciao.

Good morning GH. It has just passed 8:30 in the AM, and in "The City" all is well, to borrow from the old English town criers. The temperature showing on the analog readout is 72 degrees as we head for a predicted high of 82. As is usually the case, it is cooler near the lake. The other side of that is that in the Winter months it is generally warmer. In short there's really not, a more congenial spot, for happy ever aftering, than here in... Oops, I fell into a lyric from the musical Camelot.

Sugar the Weather dog is just lying about, so I trust that the precipitation is still a ways off, possibly not until Thursday. That means that more watering is in order today after Sugar and I go walking this morning. Otherwise, more highlighting for Mary and that's about it. I may change the strings on Blue, but that's about the most I"ll do. As the owner of the guitar store noted, there are priorities.

Speaking of those strings, Sugar and I stopped by the local guitar store yesterday on our afternoon walk and picked up two sets of light strings. Sugar was fine with the store owner, but there was a guy there that she didn't like. I think he may have been a smoker, someone, whether male or female, she doesn't like. Mary thinks that Sugar may have had a bad experience before we adopted her. My opinion is that if that's the case, then a smoker tried to drown her in the back of a garbage truck. Just saying.

Yesterday, was mostly highlighting, walking with Mary and Sugar and doing some knitting. A full day. There was a story in one of the advice columns about a guy who was forced into retirement and now his wife thinks he is depressed, has no interest in hobbies, etc. She doesn't know what to do for him. I really can't identify. I was forced into retirement due to illness, but I am enjoying retirement fully. In fact, as I've noted, I don't have enough time in the day for all of my hobbies. I guess that each of us is different.

I was down a bit after my surgeries, but I got past it. In fact, I had to relearn to play my guitars and that made things better. That's one of the reasons that I started playing with the Irish jam group. I needed help. Now I sing and play in public once a month, and that feels great. In fact next month, we will be jamming at the Irish Fest in Muskegon, and that's about as public as it gets.

In sports, the boys in blue romped over the the Nationals yesterday evening 11 - 1, behind solid pitching by Jeff Samardzija and five home runs by the offense. The Tigers had the day off. My beloved Red Sox cruised past the Giants 7 - 0, to maintain their slim one game lead over the Rays. The Caps nicely handled the Dragons 6 - 1.

So that's about it for yesterday and today. For Adam, a little fiberglass mat and resin, or a lot, goes a long way.  Ciao.

Good morning GH. It has just passed 8:00 AM in "The City" and the sun is beginning to rise over the palatial estate. I have noticed that the days are getting shorter as the year drags on, and so sunrise is a few minutes later each day. We have a current temperature of 58 degrees under partly cloudy skies, as we head for our anticipated high of 78. One good thing about blogging after the sun has begun to rise, is that I can use personal observation instead of the Weather Channel app for my forecast. Of course, I can always rely on Sugar the Weather Dog for her usually accurate precipitation predictions when I can't actually see the sky at night.

Speaking of Sugar the Weather Dog, she and I spent some time in the "Bone Zone" yesterday afternoon and she was in hog heaven. From a dog's perspective, she must believe that it doesn't get any better than that, unless she is discovering new scents around "The City." Since the Sun was at its zenith while we were out there, she insisted that she chew while in the ivy patch. That meant that she was swarmed by the bugs as she chewed and that led to her scratching. Oh well, it's a dog's life.

Otherwise, I repaired the microwave light in Mary's kitchen after the bulb burned out. That necessitated a ride to the big box hardware/home-center for a replacement bulb. Here's the kicker, I had to ride my bike. It was a dirty job, but somebody had to do it. Mary was hard at work on what she assures me is a very boring, but necessary part of her job.

Sugar and I held down the fort as Mary worked and I am pretty certain that we had the better part of the duties. I read and finished my latest book, Sugar chewed, and the rest is history.

Mary finished up working in the late afternoon and then made a tuna and noodle dish based on a recipe that she found in one of her cookbooks. I liked it.

Today, I have to put my nose to the proverbial grindstone and do some highlighting for Mary. Talk about boring. However, this book is about the constitution and laws, so I am pretty certain that it won't be so bad.

In sports, the boys in blue fell to the Cardinals 1 - 6. The Tigers cruised past the Royals 6 - 3 on the strength of Max Scherzer's 18 and 1 winning record. My beloved Red Sox were involved in a controversial game with the Yankees, which they lost 6 - 9. Ryan Dempster appeared to throw at A-Rod and that induced the umpire to warn the benches. When Yankee's manager Joe Girardi complained, he was tossed out. The Caps fell to the Dragons 2 - 4.

So that's about it for now. I have to get to breakfast, walk Sugar, and then get to work. Ciao.

Good morning GH. It is fast closing on 8:30 AM in "The City" and the sun is on the rise. Our current temperature is 59 cool degrees, as we head for a 0% precipitation high of 81 sunny degrees. No rain expected until Thursday, so I'll be watering more this week. Sugar is quite content with that part of the forecast.

Speaking of Sugar, we'll be heading out for a walk this morning and then retiring to the "Bone Zone" later in the day. She wanted the bone yesterday, but I think she will appreciate it more a day later. I think that, but I doubt that she would see it that way.

Other than that walk and the "Bone Zone" activity, I don't plan to do much. It is time to slow down a bit. Of course I always say that, but I have been active enough for a while. While Mary works, I'll read and listen to oldies. Tomorrow, I have to get to work for the boss and earn my keep.

Yesterday in the AM, we walked with Sugar and then went to the church for the car show and rummage sale. I got pictures of the cars and Mary got something she always scopes for, another cookbook. I'll share those pictures at the end. I went to the Irish Jam session in the PM while Mary visited the Art on the Waterfront show. Afterwards, we stopped to see Dave at one of the local watering holes. Then it was time for the Grand Haven Channel. However, Mary decided that it would be a good idea to get some up close and personal time with the band on the stage last night rather than listening from there, so we walked two blocks for that.

In sports, the boys in blue had their previous shutout performance returned by the Cardinals, 0 - 4. The Tigers took extra innings, but they bounced back from that double header loss to the Royals on Friday with a walk off home run by Miguel Cabrera in the ninth. That brought chants of MVP for Cabrera. My beloved Red Sox trounced the Yankees 6 - 1 as the Yankees left fielder committed base running and fielding gaffes reminiscent of his days with the boys in blue. The Caps eked out a win over the Dayton Dragons 2 - 1.

So, that;s about it for yesterday and today, so on to those pictures. Ciao.

The Man Cave outer doors.

First car in the show, a 1959 Corvette

A vintage Porsche Speedster

A fine example of a 1972 DeTomaso Pantera

You can't tell from the picture, but this vehicle was exquisite. An early 1950s Chevrolet.

I just thought that this captured several genres and eras.

Automotive excess, circa 1970s

One of the rows, featuring a Road Runner, a Chevelle SS, a 1968 Z28  with the factory installed headers, etc.

More automotive excess circa 1960s

Good early morning GH. It is just past 2:00 AM here in "The City." That's one of the things about being a late night blogger. You get to blogging and the next thing you know an hour or more has passed. Not that it takes that long to actually write the blog itself, it is just that I get to doing several things at once and then the time gets away. But I digress.

The digital thermometer here in the Weather Center is flashing 75 degrees for the room. Outdoors the temperature is either 60 or 63 depending on the source. In either case, there is no precipitation on the horizon until Thursday or Friday of the week ahead. That's fine with Sugar the Weather Dog, I'm sure.

As I sat listening to the late night internet radio service, the song "Cherish" came on. That was one of the songs that Mary and I chose for our wedding day nearly forty years ago. On September 1, we will be celebrating our fortieth anniversary. To borrow liberally from the Grateful Dead, "What a long strange trip it's been."

As the next couple of weeks pass, I'll add to the facts and fiction about our last forty years. There are some things that I would repeat, and some that I might avoid, but I doubt that my changes would have been any better than the reality. That's one of the great things about living, you get the good with the bad and each either strengthens or pleases you.

The song "Like to Get to Know You" by Spanky & Our Gang also played followed up by The Dave Clark Five and "Because." Both eerily prophetic and meaningful to my generation. If you remember the lyrics, then you know why. Oh, that station also aired Bread and their song Make It With You. That was another of our wedding day songs. Now we have the Beach Boys and "Wouldn't It Be Nice." Not a wedding song, but I like the theme. I could go on and on.

On Friday I spent some time doing chores and housework, sandwiched by a couple of walks with Sugar in the lead. We also went to the big box grocery/department store in the PM. We got some grocery items, but that was about all. They were out of the tomato juice that we like. Afterwards, we journeyed to the sidewalk sales downtown. Nothing we wanted there, so we stopped for dinner at our favorite watering hole.

Last night, we watched a special by Chris Hayes about global warming and it was like they were preaching to the choir. Nothing that we didn't already know, but the news seems to be of an accelerating disaster timeline. That prompted Mary to want to watch  The Day After Tomorrow, one of her favorite disaster movies. Me, I got tired and went to bed. That's probably why I am up now.

In sports, the boys in blue defeated the Cardinals 7 - 0. The Cardinals are a contending team that the boys have defeated several times in the past few weeks. On the other hand, they can't seem to beat the Brewers who trail them in the standings. Go figure. The Tigers fell 1 - 2 and 0 - 3 in a double header loss to the Royals. Ouch. However, the Tribe is still six games back. My beloved Red Sox fell hard to the Yankees 3 - 10 and now are clinging to a slim one game lead over the Rays. The Caps were hammered by the Lugnuts, 5 - 14. Way ouch.

Today, not much on tap. A little watering and a visit to the car show at the church for me and a visit to the rummage sale there by Mary while I am at the Irish jam session in the afternoon. In the evening, we will probably sit on the Grand Haven channel and listen to the band from that same church, which is only about two blocks away. We love this town. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is nearing 2:00 AM here in "The City" and the current temperature in the Weather Center is 73 digitally measured degrees. The temperature on the desktop is 59 as we head for a high of 78 with no precipitation in sight. That's according to both Sugar the Weather Dog and the Weather Chanel app, so I think I"ll go with that.

On Thursday, I took Sugar for a couple of nice walks and got my haircut. I also found time to take a bike ride towards and through Spring Lake. As always, Mary was working and that allowed me time to finish my latest book and play my guitar too. I don't envy her work schedule, but being retired has its advantages.

Just because I was curious, I went to the website for my old school and noted that their first day is next Wednesday for a full day. Wow, time flies when you are having fun. Here in GH, the first day for students is September 3.

Today, I have a bit of housework to do and then more reading and more guitar playing. I sense a theme here. Mary is waiting for her latest job to come in, so that may alter my schedule a bit. When she is working on a job, I try to to be a bit more quiet so that she can concentrate.

In sports, the boys in blue had the day off in preparation for their next series with the Cardinals.The Tigers got a nice win over the Royals 4 - 1, and now have a 6 1/2 game lead over the Tribe. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Blue Jays 1 - 2, and now have a slim two game lead over the Rays. The Caps eked out a win over the Lugnuts by that same score, 2 - 1. Just for those who care, in preseason action the Bears pulled out a win over the Chargers, 33 - 28, while the Lions were thoroughly trounced by the Browns, 6 - 24. Not to worry, it will soon be college football time and that means Spartans and Wolverines, as well as Buccaneers and Lakers.

So, that's about enough for today. When further news breaks, don't look here for up to the minute details. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It has just passed 5:00 AM in "The City" and the temperature on the desktop display is either 50 or 56 depending on which source you consult. I'll go with the anecdotal evidence of the temperature here on the Weather Center, where it feels like 50. We are heading for a high of 73 if the Weather Channel app is to be believed. Sugar the Weather Dog is predicting no precipitation.

On Wednesday, we actually put those tickets for the train ride to use. We figured that we could get a twofer, since there was also a quilt show in the town of Coopersville. Mary took pictures of both the show and the train ride, so I'll let her share those with you. We also figured there wouldn't be too many people going an a train ride on a Wednesday afternoon in August. Were we ever wrong. Still, I enjoyed the ride as did most of the people. The exception being the "bored" children in our car whose parents gave them video games to play. Another case of no innate curiosity coupled with a very short attention span. When Adam was that age, he was always fascinated by a train trip of any type.

The quilt show was excellent. While not a quilter myself, I can appreciate the detail and care that went into the making of the quilts. The town of Coopersville is a sleepy little town that time seems to have passed by. Small towns with no railroad stop are often like that. The last active train in Coopersville was the Interurban Rail that ran from Grand Rapids, to Grand Haven, with stops in between, back in the 1920s. Coopersville has an excellent farm museum, where the quilt show is being held, and a very nice railroad museum.

The claim to fame for Coopersville these days is that it once was the home to 50s idol Del Shannon, whose life they celebrate with an annual car show and celebration. Beyond that not much happens, unless you count the train rides and the tiny amount of foot traffic on the main street in Coopersville, which not surprisingly, is called Main Street.

Today, not much on tap, as I think I have done everything that needs doing around the estate. Maybe a little watering, and that haircut that I have been needing, but that's about it. Mostly guitar playing and reading, while Mary works.

In sports, the boys in blue continue to find new ways to lose, as they dropped another shutout to the Reds 0 - 5. In spite of what has been termed a "quality effort" by Chris Rusin. Unfortunately, no matter how well he pitches, the boys in blue have to score at least one run to win. The Tigers defeated the other team from Chicago 6 - 4, behind another monster jack by Miguel Cabrera. That's his 38th to go with 114 RBIs. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Blue Jays 3 - 4, but still have a three game lead in their division. The Caps fell to the Lansing Lugnuts 2 - 6.

That looks like it for yesterday and today, Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It has just passed 2:30 AM here in "The City" and the current temperature is 53 chilly degrees. We are theoretically heading for a high of 69 under clear skies. No precipitation is expected until Sunday, and that's only 10%. Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping soundly, so I"m a believer. My apologies to the Monkees.

On Tuesday, I did more than I expected. I mowed two lawns, one on the palatial estate and one next door, and then I pulled some weeds. After that, I painted the outer doors to the man cave and then came in and hung the puzzle and move the washboard. I also found time to hang the new wind chimes with Mary's help. All of that was just before lunch or just after. Finally, Sugar and I spent some time in the "Bone Zone" where I read and drank wine while Sugar chewed. Oh did I mention, I even found time to knit some and play the guitar.

I should mention that Mary was hard at work, so I was in charge of getting dinner on the table, and since I had made the spaghetti sauce a few days ago, it was a lot easier. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Today, I think it's time to slow down a bit. I should remind myself that I am not getting any younger. I will get some laundry done, and perhaps some additional reading and guitar playing. The latter two are pursuits of pleasure, the former a necessity. I need to get over to Coopersville for that train ride too. They only run on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. I hope the tickets are still good. I'll check later.

In sports the boys in blue fell to the Reds 4 - 6. They are now only 18.5 games back. The Tigers also fell to that other team from Chicago, 3 - 4. Now they only have a six game lead over the Tribe. That other team can't regularly win a game and yet, they have beaten the Tigers two straight games. I hope the Tigers can at least salvage the rubber game this afternoon. My beloved Red Sox triumphed over the Blue Jays 4 - 2 and have a comfortable four game lead over the Rays. The Caps had the day off.

So, that's about it for the day. I hope that my former colleagues had a nice lunch on Tuesday. I just had so much to get done around the estate, that I couldn't fit the trip into my schedule. I also haven't heard any news from Barb lately, so I hope that everything is well with her. Since I am not much of an active participant in social media, I don't get much in the way of info. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. We have just passed 1:30 AM in "The City" and the current air coming in the window is 66 degrees. Well, as I've noted before, the heat from the house is actually moving out the window. But why muck things up with science?  We re expecting a clear day today, with a sunny but cool high of  69. Brrrr!

On Monday, Mary and I started at the the big box tool store. As you can imagine, that part of the trip was for me. For the princely sum of $1.68, after all discounts and freebies were applied, I got an additional brush for our garage and a digital multimeter. One more in my long line of cheap or free things.

We also made a stop at two big box arts and crafts stores. At the first, we left unrequited. But at the second, we scored, and I got the letters to trace for my man cave outer doors, which I can then use in the man cave itself. I also got a new knitting loom. Next we returned to GH, where Mary got two new wind chimes for the GH channel. These will replace the hanging baskets that never seem to grow well. Mary thinks that this might be due to the lack of sunlight in that location, and I have to agree. In any event, these chimes will never need watering.

Finally we went to our favorite watering hole and had an early dinner with libations. When we got home, Sugar the Weather Dog was glad to see us, as she got fed a bit early as I read on the deck. In short, the day was a success. 

In sports, the boys in blue fell to the Reds, 0 - 2. The Tigers fell to the other team from Chicago, 2 - 6. Tonight, the Tigers will send Max Scherzer to the mound to halt this brief slide and win his 18th game. My beloved Red Sox fell 3 - 4 to the Royals, but they still maintained their divisional lead of three games over the Rays. The Caps returned the favor and dumped the Silver Hawks 10 - 4. 

So, that's about it for yesterday and today. If all goes well, more guitar is in store for me and perhaps, a little "Bone Zone" for Sugar, although I may be less inclined to sit outside in those colder temperatures predicted for today. All I have to do now is hang those chimes and go to the library to pick up and drop off some books. The lettering on the man cave outer doors will likely wait for a warmer day. Ciao.

Good morning GH. It is just past 10:00 AM here in "The City." We have a current temperature on the desktop of 70 degrees and there is evidence that the rain event that was predicted overnight came to pass. We are heading for a high of 74 degrees under partly cloudy skies and the chance of more rain/t-storms is 70%.

Yesterday we walked into town, first with Sugar the Weather Dog and later without. Mary worked and I read. I also did some serious cleaning, but that goes without saying. In short, we had a good day.

Today, I think we may go north to do a bit of shopping and then do what I do best, read and think about things to be done. That's how I ended up cleaning the kitchen cabinets yesterday. When we came in from that early walk yesterday, the sunlight revealed that the faces of the cabinets could use a good cleaning. So, before it could get added to my to do list, I put it on my to done list. A little planning goes a long way.

In sports, the boys in blue fell 4 - 8 to the Cardinals. The Tigers came back to tie the Yankees, but ended up losing 4 - 5 on a walk off homer. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Royals 3 - 4, but they still have a three game lead over the Rays. The Caps were thoroughly hammered by the South Bend Silver Hawks, 1 - 12.

So, that's about it for yesterday and today. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. We made it, another day will soon be dawning and the current temperature is 62 degrees under starry skies. We are expecting a high today of 76 with a slight chance of scattered showers. We have a greater chance on Monday.

Saturday was a great day. Mary worked, Sugar and I walked, and then I read and played some, all before Mary and I went out to a movie. What's not to like? We discovered a new old "Biker Bar" near the movie theater and that made the day complete. Of course, I had popcorn at the movie, but that is almost a given. Mary says that's the real reason that I go to movies, and guess what, the secret is out, I do. However, there is the ancillary benefit of seeing a movie too.

Otherwise, not much was happening. Mary and I stopped at the big box hardware store for that exchange before we traveled to the movie. I was afraid that I would have to go to the butcher shop for Sugar's "Bone Zone" fix, but I was able to get that done at our regular grocers on Friday.

Today, no watering, no real agenda, and no need for plans. I think I like it that way. I may get to installing those door stops, or maybe not. No hurry.

In sports, the boys in blue were once again triumphant as they defeated the Cardinals 6 - 5 with a late inning comeback. Now they are only 18 games back of the front running Pirates. The Tigers crushed the Yankees, 9 - 3 behind a great performance by Anibal Sanchez and home runs from Miguel and Austin. That gives the Tigers an eight game lead in their division over the fading Tribe. My beloved Red Sox beat out the Royals 5 - 3 and they now own a three game lead over the Rays and 11 games over the Yankees. The Caps unfortunately fell to the South Bend Silver Hawks, 0 - 2. We'll get them next time.

So until next time, it has been a joy sharing this ride. Ciao.

Good morning GH. Surprise, it is nearly 11:30 AM in "The City," and the current temperature is 68 sunny degrees as we head for a high of 75. As I said to Sugar the Weather Dog when she took me walking this AM, "It doesn't get any better than this."

Yesterday was my day for basic chores. But today, I actually did some work outdoors. Not bad considering that when I got up I was feeling like doing nothing. I finished the painting on the outer doors to the man-cave. When I write that, I feel like I am the skipper of a nuclear submarine that is getting set to launch missiles or torpedoes, "Make ready men, open the outer doors on tubes three and four, standby for launch." Just dreaming.

Today, Mary and I will be going to the movies to see "Fruitvale Station," the story of the young man who was killed on the rapid transit in California. Before that, we will be stopping at the big box hardware store to make an exchange. Of course, there is popcorn in my future too. Otherwise, a bit more reading, a bit more guitar playing and then the day will be complete. What's not to like?

In sports, the boys in blue defeated the Cardinals 3 - 0 behind a sparkling outing by Chris Rusin, a 27 year old Detroit native. They are still 19 games behind the surprising Pittsburgh Pirates. Is Chris Rusin the future? We'll have to wait and see. The Tigers finally lost a game, to the Yankees, 3 - 4. However, they still have a seven game lead over the Tribe from Cleveland. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Royals 6 - 9, but they still have a two game lead over the Rays. The Caps fell to the Lansing Lugnuts 5 - 7, but they are only 4 1/2 games back of the division leading Bowling Green Hot Rods. Unfortunately, the Lugnuts are like Kryptonite is to Superman, or the Brewers are to the boys in blue. When it comes to the Caps, the Lugnuts, in spite of their inferior record, seem to have their number.

So that's about it for the day. I have more reading to do and more picking in my immediate future. Ciao.

Good morning GH. We show a current temperature of 59 degrees here in "The City." In the Weather Office it shows 74 on the digital display. In any event, it is very comfortable. The Weather Channel app claims a high of 78 today and no significant precipitation until Monday. More watering I guess.

On Thursday, we took that aforementioned road trip to pick up our framed puzzle. It looks great. Now all I will have to do is carry it around until Mary decides on which wall to hang it and where on that wall to place it. I can do the actual hanging.

We stopped in a couple of places in South Haven on our trip. Yeah I know, it was a long trip. One place had a great view of the drawbridge, while the other gives the appearance of being a dive biker bar. The second place has excellent food. Go figure. I also finished most of my outdoor painting on the entrance to the man-cave. I still have to get some paint to match the sides, but that requires some chips to check for a color match. That just requires ambition on my part.

I may have to pick up some new chew bones for Sugar the Weather Dog while I am out. She has used them all up and she "needs" more. In fact, when Mary and I were on our way out yesterday, Sugar planted herself against the back door in an effort to go out and chew more. It was pretty good communication on her part and way cute. Since I may go to the big box hardware store for some door stops and those paint chips that would also allow me to get Sugar her "needed" bones as they come from a store near the big box store.

Otherwise, not much on tap for the day. Mary has to work and I have to read and play more guitar. A reasonable division of labor. I also have to check on someone to re-glaze a couple of our windows. Adam is right, there are things that require a professional's touch. I've done it in the past and it can be a pain. I think the windows can wait for a few weeks. Oh, I need to call the accountant too.

Just an observation, but we must have the cleanest streets in the state judging by the number of times per week I heart the street sweeper go by.

In sports, the boys in blue were crushed by the Phillies 1 - 12. The Tigers continued their dominance over the Tribe 10 - 3, and that gives them a seven game lead over the Indians. Max Scherzer got his major league leading 17th win as the Tigers won their 12th straight. I am becoming a Tigers junkie. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Royals 1 - 5, but they still maintained a two game lead over the Rays. The Caps eked out a win over the Lugnuts 5 - 4.

So, time to return to bed and then get ready for...Tea time. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is currently 65 degrees here in "The City." We are heading for a high of 77 with a 20% chance of showers and a breezy day. What's not to like? Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping soundly and I will be soon.

Yesterday, I got to that guitar playing, read more of the book on Tesla, and then cleaned up my music folder a bit. Sugar got to spend more time in the "Bone Zone" as she relocated her bone from the day before. She also got to take me for two walks and that was good for both of us. Again, what's not to like?

Today we have more work to do, Mary in her office, and me outdoors. Then a road trip to Holland to pick up our puzzle. That should about finish the day off nicely. I won't have to water until tomorrow unless the hanging baskets feel dry. That won't take long.

In sports, the boys in blue beat the Phillies 5 - 2 in their usual style with a three run homer in the bottom of the ninth. But alas, they are still a full 19 games back in their division. The Tigers took 14 innings, but they defeated the Tribe 6 - 5 to push their winning streak to eleven games and their lead over the Tribe to six full games. My beloved Red Sox beat Houston 7 -5, and now have a 2.5 game lead over the Rays. The Caps were crushed by the Lansing Lugnuts 3 - 9. Ouch!

So, that's about all for now. The train has already come through and the night is dark until it isn't. Ciao.

Good afternoon GH. It has become a beautiful day here in "The City." Currently the temperature is 72 sunny degrees as we head for a high of 78. The showers we had early this AM have given way to sunny skies and a nice breeze. Tomorrow looks like more of the same.

Yesterday I rode my bike for about 15 miles. Once I got to riding, I just couldn't stop. I am sure that I will pay for it later in life; but for now it felt great. Otherwise, I didn't do much except play my guitar, spend some time in the "Bone Zone," and do a bit of watering which probably ensured the rain. I also got started on a book about Nikola Tesla, by W. Bernard Carlson. Like other books of this genre, it is long on technical jargon, but also includes a great deal of explanation about the man himself. So far, I like it.

I have found that we have a local public radio station that plays oldies from the 50s, 60s, and a little 70s. Being a public radio station, they don't have commercials and they have an extensive collection of songs that are seldom if ever heard on commercial radio. Best of all, it is an AM station where I live, and when listened to on a one speaker transistor radio, it is just perfect.

Today, I already walked twice with Sugar the Weather Dog and now I don't anticipate doing much of anything else. I did do the dishes, ate the soup that I made last week for lunch and organized the drawer where we keep some of the candy, crackers, and baking supplies that have no other home. I like the result of my efforts.

In sports, the boys in blue fell to the Phillies by a score of 8 - 9. The Tigers improved to a 5.0 game lead over the Tribe as they beat that team by a score of 5 - 1 to give Justin Verlander his 12th win of the year. My beloved Red Sox had a real slug fest, beating the Astros 15 - 10. That gives them a 1.5 game lead over the Rays. The Caps beat the Dragons 6 - 3.

So that being said, I should note that the trains early this morning were about three hours apart as they moved slowly down our short line. I just wish they came by during the day so that I could get some pictures However, that is unlikely due to traffic concerns.

Speaking of traffic concerns, the Tribune is reporting that the state is studying widening Beacon, route 31, as it goes through GH. In order to do that, they would have to take out the boulevard and the trees that occupy it. I don't think it is a good plan, especially since the money involved could be put to better use repairing the existing streets and roads. However, that is less appealing to the politicians.

So, time for more guitar, more reading, and more of whatever I want to do. Ciao Barb.

Good morning GH. This is a sharp change from yesterday morning when the temperature dropped to 52 degrees about this time.  Today at 2:00 AM in "The City," it is 66 degrees and we are once again enjoying life in our little slice of paradise. Sugar the Weather Dog is sound asleep and that means that the front that was supposed to come through didn't produce any rain. I've also decide that if Sugar is a dog who is sensitive to the fronts, then I am Jack the Weather Guy who is also sensitive to those same fronts. Every time a front is moving through, I get a sinus headache. Our next chance of meaningful precipitation is Wednesday.

On Monday, Sugar and I went for a walk in the AM, and Sugar and Mary went for a walk to the waterfront in the PM. In between Mary and I traveled to the library for some additional reading material. I got a book about Tesla the engineer along with some spy type thrillers. Mary got a couple of books too.

At home I elected to do very little and that was enough for me. I did get in some guitar playing, but other than that, I was basically inert. Sometimes that's enough. Oh well, that's one of the things about being retired. However, being up at this hour has also allowed me to listen to the WGN host reminisce with Jack Brickhouse's widow about the legendary broadcaster on the 15th anniversary of Jack's passing. For those of you like me who also remember the late broadcaster, let me say that it is has been a pleasure

Today, I don't have any real plans. I often plan and then put things off. I think that the days when I get up around 11:00 AM and then let the day follow its own course are the best. I used to think that each day needed a plan, but now I think that the days that write their own script are the best. No deadlines, no schedules, no appointments. Oh well, I'm rambling.

In sports the boys in blue fell to 18 games back and they didn't even play. Somehow Jack Brickhouse would have found a way to make us feel good about what became an all too familiar outcome for the boys in blue for too many years. Listening to Jack call the 500th home run for Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, and the no-hitter for Milt Pappas was bittersweet. In fact, Jack could make a rain delay exciting as it seemed that he knew just about everyone in baseball and could call them into the booth for some great moments in history. Jack was a three sports announcer as well as doing man on the street segments and doing the news.  Before there was Harry Caray and his "Holy Cow," there was Jack Brickhouse and his "Hey-Hey, whee." He was truly one of the greats in sports and deserved his place in Baseball's Hall of Fame. I still measure the first day of spring as the day that pitchers and catchers report in February.

The Tigers looked like they might lose a game and then when it looked bad, a ninth inning home run snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as they defeated the Tribe 4 - 2 and moved to four games ahead of that same team. Unfortunately, they lost their shortstop to a 50 game suspension. My beloved Red Sox were blanked by the Astros 0 - 2 resulting in a .5 game lead over the Rays. The Caps after a resounding win over the Dayton Dragons the day before, fell to those same guys 4 - 5.

So, that's about it for today and yesterday. Soon it will be...Tea time and that means that a little more sleep is on order. Ciao.

P.S. Be sure to check out Mary's blog for some great pictures of Saturday's parade and the fireworks that closed out our Coast Guard celebration.

Good early morning GH. Here in "The City" it is just past 3:00 AM and the temperature is 54 brisk degrees. The chance for showers has been increased to 50% by day's end. It should rain, since I took time to water on Sunday.

Speaking of Sunday, I was a busy bee. Basically, all of the things that were on my to-do list are now on my to-done list. I oiled the hinges on the garage door, I put the first coat of paint on the outer doors to the man-cave, after which I mowed the lawn on the palatial estate. Next, I folded the laundry I had washed, followed by emptying the dishwasher, and all of that by 1:30 PM. Not bad for a man of my advanced years. : - )

I even found time to walk with Sugar the Weather Dog and visit our now quiet city. Now that the Coast Guard Fest is over for another year, we have our city back. As Mary often says, we couldn't enjoy our city the rest of the year if it wasn't for the various cultural activities that bring in the tourists during the summer months. I think it's a fair trade.

Later in the day Mary and I walked to our favorite watering hole and got a table, something that was near impossible during the fest. On the way back, we visited the newly opened bread purveyor and picked up a loaf of Polish rye. Another of those perks we get because of the tourists. When we got home, Sugar and I spent some time in the "Bone Zone."

Today, not much to do that can't wait, especially if it rains as predicted. In fact, nothing but some guitar practice. What's not to like?

In sports, the boys in blue continued down the path to oblivion, losing to the Dodgers, 0 - 1. The Tigers took 12 innings, but they defeated that other team from Chicago, 3 - 2. My beloved Red Sox once again sent the D-backs to their rightful place, in a 4 - 0 win. They maintained their one game lead over the Rays. The Caps trounced the Dragons from Dayton, 10 - 3. All in all, mostly a good day in baseball.

Now for some additional pictures from the parade.

We're glad they came. The Red Flannel Festival is held in Cedar Springs, MI to honor their lumbering history. Cedar Springs is about 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids.

Who knew that the CG had an official lawn mower?

A float from the festival which is held in Hart, near Shelby.

What's a parade without marching bands? Of course, this band is from our fair city.

Shelby, MI is about 40 miles north, near Hart.

The band from Shelby.

This band always closes out the parade. Scottville is about 70 miles north.

A special shout out to Debbie. Our condolences on the passing of your mother. Mere words cannot mend, but you'll always have the memories, they never pass away.