Good morning GH. it is just after 10:00 a.m. in "The City." contrary to beliefs or hopes, winter has not gone away and been forgotten. In fact, "It's Back." Here are some fast pictures I took a few minutes ago to illustrate my point.

But to borrow from Leslie Nielsen's character in the movie Airplane!, that's not important right now. Our current temperature is a brisk 26°. The forecast from the National Weather Service calls for a high today of 32°. Yes, that means until we climb back into the forties for the next several days, the snow will be with us for at least one more day. By Monday of next week, we get back tot he fifties and then finally, Thursday of next week, we are forecast to see our next 60° day. Enough already! 

Mary and I traveled to Chicago over the weekend to attend the celebration of life for Barb, our recently passed friend, sister in law, and all around great to know person. She and Ed, Mary's brother and Barb's husband of 41 years, along with friends Debbie and John, last visited us here in GH in the fall of 2012. We showed them the sights and together we attended the Irish Fest in Muskegon. As someone who plays regularly with our local Irish Music Jam session at the library, just having a real South-side Irishwoman along for that trip made me feel just a bit more Irish for that day. Both Mary and I will sorely miss Barb. If I may, I'd like to quote an old Irish blessing in Barb's honor.

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

and rains fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm of His hand

After that, I don't have much to say. My thanks to Stephany and Adam for their chauffeur services during our visit to Chicago. They were kind enough to take us to one of their "Favorite watering holes," during our visit. When we parted, I did get a chance to hug Stephany, but not Adam due to the cold and rain. Thinking of Barb, I'd like to suggest to all, that they find the time to give a hug to all of those you hold dear each and every day. You never know when that hug may be your last. 

Today, Mary and I are off on the annual "Yarn Quest." Mary will have more to say about that in a future blog. We started the quest yesterday afternoon on our way home from Chicago. Mary allowed me to choose a pattern and some yarn for a hat that I liked at the store. Ciao.