Good early morning GH. It is just past 3:00 AM in "The City" and the current temperature is 40 degrees as we head for a high of 46. We never got that  forecast rain/snow that was predicted on Thursday. Our next chance is 30%, this time on Saturday, when I have to return to Holland to pickup Mary. With luck, I'll be able to avoid it once again.

I got up early on Thursday to get Mary to the train station and then on the way back, I was able to go to the local grocery store, stop for a haircut, and then prepare the mushrooms in the refrigerator before they went over the edge. After that, I was able to walk with Sugar the Weather Dog for an extended trip to "The City."

I made it to the orthopedist on time and that went well, except my knees hurt more this time post treatment. That made me put off my visit to the post. I am going to try that trip again today, after the electricians finish their work. The pain may have had something to do with the cold wind that was blowing yesterday. I did get to play some music and that is always a way to soothe the pain away. That and sitting with Sugar for lunch and dinner.

Today I plan to have some scrambled eggs for breakfast and then some leftover pasta for lunch. My dinner is up in the air at this time. Let's just say that it isn't something that Mary would prepare. That's okay with me, because once a year I get to fend for myself and indulge my own food vices. Much of my plans depend on the amount of time I have to spend here while the electricians are working. They shouldn't have to spend a lot more time. We'll see.

Otherwise, not much on tap today. I was thinking about doing some baking, but I am now down to two bananas, so that plan may go by the board. I guess I could make banana nut bread with two, but that is an alteration that I don't know how to handle. Sometimes my kitchen skills are dependent on following a recipe exactly, especially when baking. Mary improvises better than I. But I doubt that even Mary would alter a recipe for baked goods without a plan. Maybe I could substitute some applesauce since it is like bananas, soft and sweet. I am not in the mood to make something like the pumpkin pie without Mary here to bail me out. Like Clint Eastwood once said in a movie, "A man's got to know his limitations." I know mine.

In sports, the boys in blue have a new manager. The GM, his right hand man, and the owners are also floating the "Wait til 2015 theme" too. The usual themes were offered. There are players in the minor league pipeline who aren't quite ready. Some big league players failed to produce at their expected production numbers. The manager wasn't a good communicator etc. As a long suffering Cubs fan, I have to wonder how my beloved Red Sox reversed their fortunes in one year, why the Tigers are expected to contend again in 2014 with an inexperienced new manager, etc. The list goes on and on.

When the new ownership team took over the team, they said they were committed to winning. What happened? New players, new top management, an improved farm system, and dumping several long term high price player contracts were supposed to solve the problem. Next year is now. One comment I saw from a fan made the case for the Cubs getting to the World Series in his lifetime sound like a maybe. He was in his forties.

On the other hand, the Bears announced that their first string QB is healed from his injury a full week ahead of schedule, just in time to face the Lions on Sunday. Never count out a QB in what looks increasingly like a weak division. My barber and I agreed yesterday that a 9 - 7 record would likely win that division. Since he and I are experts, we both knew whereof we spoke. We also agreed that the Tigers have talent that had been mismanaged, that MSU has suddenly developed an offense etc. Left to manage the sports teams of our interest, there would be perpetual championships from now until forever.

So now it is time for bed before Sunrise at 7:29 this morning. There may be a train soon, but if there is, I'll be fast asleep. Ciao.

Oops, I didn't make it, a short train is passing now.