Good early morning GH. It is just past 3:00 a.m. in "The City." Our temperature is a slightly cool 43°, but we are supposed to reach a high of 60° today. Sunday we drop into the 50s, and by Monday, we fall all the way into the 40s. Friday was a beautiful day here in GH. The temperature got into the 60s and the walking was wonderful. Today we will experience cloudy skies and a 60% chance of showers in the afternoon. It will likely be a tad windier too. Sunday when the temperatures continue their free-fall, the showers become T-storms and their chance grows to 90% both Sunday and Monday as the winds increase.

We were supposed to experience the Lubbers Cup boat race this weekend. The race has been held on Spring Lake for many years, but the ice was being stubborn this year on Spring Lake. The city of GH offered to host this year so that the rowers could use the Grand River channel for a shortened course. Now that the ice has receded on Spring Lake, the original longer course is once again available, so the race has been moved back to the original venue. Sigh, I was looking forward to seeing the race for the first time. I took some pictures of the prospective course during our morning walk. But, now the open waters of the channel will remain just that, open waters this weekend. On the plus side, the increased chance of T-storms would make our attending the race highly unlikely.

Sugar the Weather Dog, Mary, and I took a long walk on Friday morning. We found out about the race returning to Spring Lake when we picked up the morning newspaper. We returned home, and Mary and I did a bit more work in the yard. Things are slowly melting, just like the wicked witch. I took some additional pictures of the nearly gone snow for comparison. We had a good breakfast of bagels and cream cheese before we left for our walk. Sugar the Sous Dog and I baked our famous banana nut bread in the afternoon. I baked, Sugar and Mary handled the clean up duties. I think this loaf is my best yet. While the bread was baking, I finished the laundry. After the banana nut bread came out of the oven, Mary made grilled cheese and a salad for lunch.

 I let a bit of doing nothing occupy my time while Mary did some work related things, and then we decided to go to the Post to see Sally. We took a piece of the banana nut bread for her. It turns out that Friday was Sally's birthday. Most people knew, but it was not part of our collective memory. We wished her well, had a few drinks, and then set out for home. Mary decided that take out sandwiches were better than anything she could or would cook for dinner.

Like often happens, I got tired and went up to watch the TV in the "Media Room." I lasted until 10:00 p.m., and then I was off to bed. Sugar was with me for awhile, but once I fell asleep, she left me for her couch. Mary stayed downstairs to knit and rug hook. She is still there.

I have no plans for today. That's fine with me.

In sports, the boys in blue beat the Cardinals in 11 innings, after blowing a lead to them in regulation innings. A three run homer produced a 6 - 3 victory. As usual, the bullpen fueled the flames of defeat before the boys used that homer to win the game. They are now at 4 - 6. The Tigers dropped an 0 - 6 game to the Padres. My beloved Red Sox defeated the Yankees once again, this a time by a score of 4 - 2. They are now at 5 - 6 on the season, just like the Yankees. Both teams are now one game behind the league leading Blue Jays and Rays. The Caps beat the Beloit Snappers 2 - 1, and the Caps are now 4 - 4 for the year.

So without any more to add, here are those pictures I took today and over the winter. Ciao.

This was just a few days ago on March 30

My neighbor took down his "Let it Snow sign, and the pile is gone as of Friday

Our outdoor garden is now snow free and sprouting.

Alas, the empty channel where the Lubbers Cup was to be held.

Our back forty a few short weeks ago.

And me in my winter duds.

And Friday, what is left of that pile I am standing by earlier this winter

Remember this?

All gone.