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.