Good morning GH. I think I'll keep the time of this blog a deep dark secret, because I don't know that it adds anything to the overall efficacy of my efforts. That being said, I still feel that the weather is an important part of this blog, so that will stay.

We are currently at 58 degrees as we head down towards today's high of 47. That doesn't always happen, but it is that time of year. Showers are still in the forecast, and Sugar the Weather Dog is occasionally rocking her hide-e-hole, so it is very likely that the fronts are on the move. I suppose that the falling temperatures are also a good sign, but I'll take Sugar's forecast as more accurate.

Sunday found Sugar, Mary and me on a walk downtown to get some exercise. One of the great things about having a dog is that they force you up and out. That is unless the weather causes them to not want to leave the house. When we returned, I did what I had promised and nearly finished my book. I still have a few chapters to go, but I'll get those read this AM. I also got the laundry done.

However, I didn't hold fast to my promise to skip the leaf raking. With Mary's help, we got quite a number of bags filled. Plus, Sugar got to be out on her tether as we worked. While out, Mary discovered an entire new use for our trusty ice scraper that we had to fight to get last winter. We had invasive weeds growing in cracks in the driveway and she learned that a little judicious scraping made those pesky weeds go away. I knew we needed something, and she found it. Unfortunately, there are many more bags to be filled; but every little bit helps. I also spent all of three minutes covering up the outdoor A/C unit.

Afterwards, we walked downtown for another thing I had promised not to do, watch a little bit of pro football. We wish we hadn't. Simply put, Lions L. Bears L. Neither game was a defensive struggle and it even cost the Bears their starting QB, at least for this game. I'm betting he is out longer. He's a tough guy, but he isn't superman. On Saturday, Michigan romped over Indiana, and MSU defeated Purdue. A bad day for teams from Indiana, except for Notre Dame. I like this new way of reporting without scores.

Once home, I did more reading and Mary interacted with her computer. A light supper and then I was ready for bed. Mary never seems to need sleep. I think that's because when she does go to bed, she really sleeps, whereas when I go to bed, I am never really sleeping, it just seems that way. Alas, that's been my pattern for years.

Today, I'll finish my reading and then return that book. I have a non-fiction book on the first amendment that I want to get to. I think I'll do that while Mary is working. Tuesday, I have to do a little light house cleaning, as Mary has an out of town friend visiting for a couple of days starting Wednesday. Since I cleaned deeply last week, I won't have to work too hard at it. I also have to go to the pharmacy to pick up a few prescriptions. That's about 20 minutes out of my day.

The best part about that impending visit by Mary's friend, is that I have my meals all planned out. Beefaroni and Tater Tots for dinner. I'd like to take credit for that menu, but I got the idea from a guy in a bar in Key West, FL. His wife was going out of town and he happily announced that he could eat his two favorite foods to his heart's content while she was gone. Mary won't be gone, but since I was the one at the grocery store the other day, I was able to plan my meals. She did tell me that I could accompany she and her girlfriend on their rounds, but I think they need a little girl time without me.

That's about it for my day. I may make that spaghetti squash for tonight's dinner, but that is just riving it and seeding it before it goes in the oven. After the squash is nearly done, I'll heat up the pasta sauce I made and froze last August. Remove the pulp from the squash, pour on the sauce, and I am done. Dinner is served.

Ciao.