Good morning GH. It is just past 6:30 a.m. in "The City" and that is obviously later, or earlier, than I usually sit down at the keyboard. I was out late last night to attend a concert by a Beatles™ tribute band called Toppermost at the waterfront stadium. I'll tell you more you about that later, along with a few pictures. Currently our temperature is 61°. Sunrise occurred at 6:33 a.m. Sunset will happen at 9:04 p.m., one forecast that is scientifically accurate. Today's high of 71° with sunny skies and a 10% or less chance of rain is pretty much forecast to continue through the Coast Guard Festival™ Grand Parade tomorrow and on into Sunday.

We know what that means don't we? In the category of Jack's daily activities, this is the appropriate question. Alex, what is watering the gardens on the palatial estate? Before I water, I'll stick my fingers into the soil to assess the moisture level, and then I may be able to put that activity off until Saturday. That will conflict with the parade activities, but I should be able to do both.

I slept so well last night/this morning, that I never heard the train go by in either direction. That's okay with me.

But let me get back to yesterday's activities. I did get in my final orthopedic appointment for my knees. That's done for another six to seven months. I'll have the doctor give my shoulder the requisite one year check at the same time I return for my next knee treatment. I skipped the P/T appointment due to circumstances beyond my control. While I was out, Mary went to the big-box everything store. I heard that the trip went well overall, except for some minor impediments. She is getting the lay of the store and parking lot more with each visit. Soon, she may be able to get out of there in less than one hour.

Later in the day, I transcribed a song I wanted to learn and played on Abaigael at the same time. Two days into her new home and she still sounds great. As the afternoon progressed, I read a bit from Profiles in Courage, by President John F. Kennedy, written first in 1955. Much of what I have read so far is eerily parallel to today's governmental activities. I'm hoping that the stories and essays that I haven't read in many years become more upbeat as the pages turn.

As the afternoon turned into evening, we sallied forth to the Post to see Sally and the fine people there. A pair of bratwurst sandwiches that included Cole slaw and French fries, accompanied by a few Red Solo™ cups filled with adult beverages, and Mary and I were fortified for the appearance by Toppermost. We did stroll the waterfront for a short time before that concert, but then it was time to settle into the waterfront stadium. What a great time. The band was loose and the concertgoers all had a great time dancing and singing along for nearly two non-stop hours of music. At the end of the blog, I'll add those pictures.

In sports, the boys in blue are moving on up, defeating the Rockies 3 - 1. My beloved Red Sox did not play, but they did trade another starting pitcher, this time to the Cardinals, following another member of their starting pitching staff to Oakland earlier. The Tigers fell 4 - 7 to that other team from Chicago. I am officially worried now. However, their general manager did complete a trade that sent the Tiger's starting center fielder, Austin Jackson to Tampa Bay for the Ray's ace, David Price. The Tiger's also had to give up promising left handed pitcher, Drew Smyly. The Caps defeated Lake County's Captains, 5 - 4.

Today, not much on tap other than walking with Sugar the Weather Dog and watching Mary prepare some deviled eggs for Saturday's parade gathering. I''ll also watch as my neighbor works to tear down a crumbling wall that separates his back yard from the palatial estate. I like to watch other people work. Because of the layout of both yards, it is a very labor intensive activity that won't allow for the use of power equipment. I guess that's what is meant by "Sweat Equity." That's about the extent of my activities for today. Now on to the pictures of last night's concert. Ciao.

A solid interpretation

This band is based in Michigan, near Detroit.

A pretty good John. I think he played and sang well.

This is their George. He was quite good.

This is why we have the Coat Guard Festival™

As darkness fell, the lights took over the effects on stage.

He sang like Paul, but played right handed. I don't think it made any difference. I hope they come back next year..