Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is fast approaching 4:00 a.m. in "The City." The temperature outside the Weather Window is 49° brisk degrees as we head towards a sunrise low of 48° at 7:39 a.m. By the time the sun sets at 7:28 p.m., the temperature will have hit the high for today of 60°. Alas, it looks like my days of wearing my summer clothes may be at an end. Wednesday, the temperature will be 67°, and then Thursday, we maintain that temperature, but we also get a 60% chance of rain. By Friday, the temperature drops to 59° with a 70% chance of rain. Saturday, we're looking at 51 very chilly degrees with a 60% chance of more rain. Mary had wanted to go to an apple fest south of here on Saturday, but that forecast mitigates against her plans.

Speaking of rain, we went to the big box everything store last night, and by the time we got back, it was raining. One of the few times that the National Weather Service got it right for GH. So, the temperature and rain forecasts may have to be taken with a grain of salt.

With regard to that visit to the big box everything store, it was not a pleasant experience. Not many people in the store, but the wait at the deli counter seemed to be, and actually was, interminable. One of the things that we wanted to get in the grocery section was not available. Not an odd item, a staple of the grocery business. If this is the price that you have to pay for low prices, it may not be worth it.

In sports, the large lady sang. For the boys in blue and my beloved Red Sox, the season is over, except for the crying, in spite of what Tom Hanks said about crying and baseball. The Tigers open the playoffs on Thursday at 12:00 p.m. EDT against the Orioles in Baltimore. The Tigers are hoping to get back to the World Series following their fourth division tile in a row. Contrast that with the five losing seasons long-suffering Cubs fans have recently experienced.

In other news, I spent the morning doing floors. Now I am done with housework for a few days. I also sealed the window in the downstairs bedroom after replacing the storm window. It should be a lot warmer in there this winter. We don't use that room much, but like the guy in the beer commercials, when we do, we choose warmth.

If there was a train heading south or north, I didn't hear it.

Today, reading, playing with the girls, and walking with Sugar the Weather Dog, with me in my long pants. Sigh. Walk, newspaper, crossword puzzle, reading, rest, relax, repeat. That's my prescription for the next several days. I finished my highlighting duties yesterday morning.

Well there you have it, that's all folks. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 12:00 a.m. in "The City. Our current temperature outside the Weather Window is a pleasant 57° as we head toward sunrise at 7:37 a.m. By then we'll be down to a low of 54°, but we'll rebound to a high of 68° after that. We will have a 20% chance of showers today. Tuesday promises similar temperatures, but the chance of shower increases to 50%. Wednesday the National Weather Service has predicted that showers are not in the forecast, but by Thursday, an 80% chance of T-storms is expected.

The southbound run of the train is just coming into range. The regular twin locomotives with the latest livery, pulling 21 heavily laden covered hopper cars, one  box car, and  0 of those dreaded black tank cars.

I must put in a reminder for everyone to visit Mary's blog, which as promised, has terrific pictures of Art Walk 2014. http://marygoeswalking.blogspot.com/ I think her pictures show a nice artistic touch. Elsewhere in GH, it was a beautiful day for walking on Sunday. The entire clan, Sugar the Weather Dog, Mary the blogger, and yours truly went walkabout. Sugar went once, Mary and I went twice. In the early part of the afternoon, Sugar and I adjourned to the "Bone Zone" for some music, reading, and of course, chewing. Once Sugar was done with her bone, she was tired and just lounged about in the sun. We finally came in, and I moved to my music room It was after that when Mary and I went for the second walkabout.

Once home, we watched two movies on the Hallmark Channel. Both were romances with happy endings. Mary is finding that she likes the Hallmark Channel, as do I.

In sports, it was a mixed day. The Boys in blue finished out the season with the all too usual losing record, but they did beat the Brewers 5 - 2. My beloved Red Sox once again lost over 90 games, losing to the Yankees, 5 - 9. The Tigers clinched their division by defeating the Twins, 3 - 0. I saved several hours yesterday afternoon by not watching any pro football. That was just as well, as the Bears lost to the Packers, 17 - 38. The Lions moved into sole possession of first place in the Central Division with a win over the Jets, 24 - 17. I didn't watch that game either.

Other than that, not much was happening. The sun will set at 7:30 p.m. tonight after I play with the girls, read some, do more highlighting, and walk with the intrepid weather dog to pick up the newspaper. That should consume most of my day. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:00 a.m. in "The City." The air right outside the Weather Window is 59° as we head down to the overnight low of 56° under dark skies. As the week begins today, the temperature is forecast to be 71° under partly cloudy skies. As the week progresses, the days will all be around the 70° mark. However on Thursday, the National Weather Service has issued a forecast for a 90% chance of T-storms. That's a guess on their part and too far out to put much credence in the forecast.

Yesterday morning, Sugar the Weather Dog, Mary, and I went on safari to the farmer's market. Some eggs, tomatoes, and lettuce came home with us. We picked up the Grand Haven Tribune Saturday/Sunday edition on the way back. Once home, Mary went back to work, and I returned to laundry duty. It is all done and put away. In the afternoon, Mary went walkabout to see the various art displays that are part of Art Walk 2014. She took numerous pictures, and they will be available in a future edition of her blog. When the time comes, I'll let you know where to look.

While I was in the lower level of the palatial estate, I put the storm window in the downstairs bedroom. I used that bedroom during my recuperation last winter, and the screen did not provide much protection from the cold. I just have to seal the window for the winter.

I also spent some time in the kitchen. I finished making the Cajun chickpeas that I started the other night. Since I had also harvested the kale from the garden, I decided to combine it with the potatoes we had in the larder. I found a recipe for a modified version of Irish Colcannon. Interestingly enough, as an aside, the spell check in my word processing program doesn't know the word Colcannon. At any rate, this recipe used kale instead of cabbage. Since I am now bereft of kale, I'll switch to cabbage and add the onions that are usually called for in Colcannon recipes. My culinary skills are growing by leaps and bounds.

Mary came down from working and we shared the Colcannon for lunch. What we didn't eat, Mary packaged up for Sally at the Post. Then Mary went on her Art Walk walkabout while I finished the laundry and that window. I'm up to page 273 in my highlighting duties, so I think I can take today off to spend time in the "Bone Zone" with Abby and the oldies station. Mary will have to work. 

In sports, the boys in blue tried to win their third in a row over the Brewers. Alas, they lost 1 - 2. The Brewers won't make the playoffs this year after getting off to a hot start. My beloved Red Sox lost another to the Yankees, 4 - 10. The Tigers were crushed by the Twins, 3 - 12.

The Wolverines of Michigan were soundly defeated by the Utes of Utah, 10 - 26. The MSU Spartans soundly defeated the Wyoming Cowboys, 56 - 14. Wisconsin soundly defeated South Florida, 27 - 10 to hold on to their Big 10 lead.

That looks like enough for today. The sun will rise at 7:35 a.m.,and set at 7:32 p.m. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:00 a.m. in "The City", where our current temperature outside the Weather Window stands at 66°, as we drop to the overnight/early morning low of 55°. Once the sun rises at 7:35 this morning, we are expecting what could best be described as the perfect fall day. 73°, sunny, and no precipitation in the forecast. Sunday looks like more of the same, and Monday will be similar with a high of 66°. As I've often said here, "What's not to like?"

In other news, the boss gave me the day off to recuperate from our long work day overnight on Thursday and early Friday morning. We didn't get up until noon, and then I thought I was fine. However as I predicted, by shortly after sunset I was like burnt toast. I went to bed shortly after we got back from the Post and was sound asleep while Mary watched Turner and Hooch on one of the movie channels. Like I said, the sun set and so did I.

In sports, the boys in blue defeated the Brewers in Milwaukee, 6 - 4. Hopefully "Next Year" with their newly renovated park, they will win more than they lose. Wrigley Field was constructed n 1914 and has undergone name changes and capacity increases over the years. Currently, the park can hold 41,160 fans. In Boston, my beloved Red Sox, are planning to add seats to historic Fenway Park, the oldest park in either league. It was built in 1912, and has a current seating capacity of 37,493 fans. As long as the don't try to remove the "Green Monster in left field, they can do pretty much what they want. My beloved lost to the Yankees, 2 - 3. In a much newer ballpark the Tigers fell to the Twins, 4 - 11. The Tigers are now just one game ahead of the Royals. There is no joy in Bean-town, but there is trepidation in Detroit, Michigan.

The Wolverines of Michigan play at Minnesota later today. They have a 2 - 2 record. The Spartans of MSU play at Wyoming later today too. Both Michigan and MSU are tied for second in the Big 10. Wisconsin leads the conference. The Northern Illinois Huskies have the day off, after being drubbed in Arkansas last week.

Today an early walk withe Sugar the Weather Dog, possibly to the farmer's market, and then home for a day of laundry. We have been so busy that it had to be put aside, and now it can no longer wait. Mary will be working, so Sugar and I will be on our own. While we didn't get to the "Bone Zone" yesterday, and I didn't play with the girls much, between loads we should be able to get those activities in.

That's about all for today. The sun will set at 7:34 p.m., which if you do the math, is one minute less than 24 hours. Sigh. Mary and I like it here, and if the weather doesn't' go completely weird, we plan to stay the winter. The tourists are mostly gone for the year, and a quiet small town life will be ours for a few months. We know we need the tourism, but it is nice to be able to walk the streets in peace. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "The City." I have not yet gone to bed, because the boss kept me very busy until just a while ago. But, we are done, at least for now. Our current temperature is 56° as we head down to the overnight low of 53°. Today we should have a high of 72 sunny degrees. Saturday looks about the same, Sunday will be a bit more cloudy.

In sports, the boys in blue will finish the season on the road at Milwaukee. They had Thursday off. My beloved Red Sox played, and hammered the Rays, 11 - 1. It's much too little too late...Oops, there I go again, channeling Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams. The Tigers once again defeated the Twins, 4 - 2. The Tigers have a two game lead over the Royals. Playoffs, here we come.

Here on the palatial estate, I mowed the lawns in the back forty, and then trimmed things up nicely. With the tree gone between our estate and that of our neighbor, there is a lot more sun for our gardens. Incidentally, the lettuce I planted a few days ago has begin to emerge. We should get a nice crop before winter arrives. Mary tells me it is Bibb lettuce, I think. Personally, I don't care. As long as it isn't that bitter tasting leaf lettuce.

During the day on Thursday, while Mary was working, I walked with Sugar the Weather Dog. Later, I finished my latest novel and then I went out by myself to get a loaf of bread and the newspaper. It was weird to be out without our "Fur Child" and to just be able to walk at my own pace. Since it is Artwalk here in GH, I got to see several of the pieces on display downtown. The weather was perfect for walking and enjoying the sights. Once I got home, I did the daily crossword and then got to work highlighting the next book. I also slipped in a few tunes with the girls. This book is not as interesting as the last. Well written, but not my type of book.

I heard the train heading south around 12:15 a.m., with a very heavy load. I have yet to hear the northbound run, and I hope to be in bed by the time it passes.

Once the sun rises today at 7:33 a.m., I plan to play the girls, listen to the radio, and that's about it. I may get out to the "Bone Zone" if Sugar "Demands" it, like I won't like listening to the radio and reading while sitting in the sunshine. I may even take Abaigael out with me. Then it will be time to visit Sally at the Post and have a few short libations. As the sun sinks slowly in the west at 7:36 p.m., I'll probably be ready for bed. I am not as young as I used to be, and these long days take a lot out of me. Ciao.

Good morning or geed evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "The City." We have a current temperature outside the open Weather Window of 50°, which is as low as it is expected to go today. Later, after the sun rises at 7:33 a.m., the temperature is supposed to rise to a very comfortable 71°, before the sun sets at 7:33 this evening. In other words, it is going to be another beautiful fall day.

In train news, I heard both trains, but I saw neither. Mary tells me that there were numerous CSX covered hopper cars, but I wonder if the locomotives were both painted in the newer livery.

In sports news, the boys in blue are up to their old tricks, as they defeated the Cardinals, 3 - 1 in a late season, meaningless game. The sad part for Cub's fans everywhere, is that the Wrigley Field that we all knew and sometimes hated, will be no more. Starting today, the park will begin to undergo renovations for "Next Year." Jumbotrons™, a new clubhouse, new batting cages, new restrooms. and many new restaurant concepts. I have included a couple of links to artist's renderings of what might be happening.

This first link is from the Cubs.

https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=Al3faT8SwKXSCvlZ2i9yfJabvZx4?fr=yfp-t-250-s&toggle=1&fp=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&p=wrigley%20renovations

This second link is from ESPN.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/photos/gallery/_/id/8870086/image/11/wrigley-renderings-fans-cross-section-proposed-wrigley-field-renovations. Alas Wrigley Field, we knew ye well.

In daily news from GH, I never did get to that vacuuming. I was just too busy with walking the intrepid weather dog, and my work for my boss. I feel like Dagwood™, who works for his tyrant of a boss, Mr. Dithers. I even have to make my own sandwiches lately. Of course, I did get to harvest the latest bean crop, slice and cook them, and then have them for lunch with a sandwich that I made myself, just the way I like them. I also had to cook the six ears of corn that we had picked up the other day and then take the kernels from the cobs and then bag them for freezing.

When I put the green peppers into a jar the other day after I prepared them, I  was told I did it wrong, they should have been in plastic bags. When I put the corn in plastic bags today, I was told it should have been in a jar. See what I mean about my boss?

Elsewhere, I printed out the latest project. I believe that I walked about 3/4 of a mile going back and forth to the printer to pick up the pages. Over 500 pages later, I finished. I also had to edit something short and then work on a 67 page document. Slave driver.

Today will be more of the same. I don't mind, but if I wanted Mary's vocation I would have been an indexer. I didn't and I don't. Mary loves it, but as for me, I 'd rather be in Colorado, or at least the "Bone Zone."

That looks like enough news for today. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just before 4:00 a.m. in "The City." We have a current temperature of 50° before the sun rises at 7:33 later this morning. As the day progresses, the temperature is expected to rise to 70° under sunny skies before the sun sets at 7:38 p.m. later this evening. That time span is a scant 12 hours and five minutes of daylight. It seems to be happening so fast now that fall has officially begun, That happened at 10:29 p.m. last night. Sigh. I like the weather and the temperatures of fall, but I can skip the cold and snow of winter. That, and the leaf raking that always comes first.

In sports news. I watched the Tigers surrender a three run lead to that other team from Chicago in the top of the ninth, and then pull it out in the bottom of the frame. With two men on in the bottom of the inning, Miguel Cabrera got a hit to drive in the winning run. Whew! The boys in blue eked out a win over the Cardinals 4 - 3. That won't be much consolation to a fan base that expected so much more. My beloved Red Sox once again fell apart, as they lost to the Rays, 2 - 6.

Yesterday, we walked with Sugar the Weather Dog early and then I transcribed some music, played the girls, read my book, and dusted. Vacuuming is probable for today. Mary spent the day slaving over a hot keyboard. Sugar loafed on her couch.

I went to bed after watching NCIS and NCIS New Orleans between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. I liked both. During the NCIS show, we baked a take and bake pizza, and Mary thinks that it should become a regular Tuesday night thing. I agree. Mary came along some time later, and noted that Sugar doesn't even notice the trains going by anymore. I heard the southbound run at the time, but I wasn't feeling a need to get up. I must have missed the northbound run. Nope, I stayed up just long enough to witness its passage. The regular pair of EMD GP 38 locomotives, both with the newest livery, towing 64 covered hopper cars with CSX livery and the seemingly required amount of graffiti. That 64 cars, all of the same type, may be a record.

Today is editing day for Mary's project. That will happen later this afternoon or early evening. I don't know about the length yet. Sugar and I will take the morning walk together, since Mary will be busy and I don't want to be editing at midnight again.

That's my day yesterday and today. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 12:30 a.m. in "The City." Since I was up to watch the news, I thought I would take time to wrote a short blog post.

In weather news, the current temperature is 50°, which is equivalent to the lowest temperature we expect to experience today. The view out the Weather Window is, wait for it, Dark! We anticipate a high temperature after the sun rises at 7:29 a.m. today of 66° under sunny skies. The balance of the week will be similar. No precipitation is in the forecast from the National Weather Service. Sugar will be pleased.

Elsewhere in GH, I made it to my yak doctors appointment today and I was able to report that my yak is doing great. I don't need to see him unless I have a flare up in the future. I got a renewal on the anti-inflammatory medication, with a caveat that I should take it only once per day to minimize any side effects. I can do that. Along with the yak appointment, I ran several errands while Mary and Sugar were able to take a more speedy walk without me. I am a slow walker, and so the ladies of the house were able to make much better time without me in tow.

My errands consisted of a stop at the bank, the library, the health food store, and the butcher shop/meat market in East Town. I was able to get a fresh supply of bones for the "Bone Zone." Sugar would not rest until she and I spent some time there yesterday afternoon. I read and listened to the oldies station out of GR. Afterwards, I transcribed some music and then I, I'll repeat that, I, made dinner. Mary was hard at work, so I had to follow a recipe for Pad Thai noodles. The kitchen looked like I made macaroni and cheese, but the final product was excellent. There are some leftovers, and so I anticipate they will reappear for lunch today. I cleaned up after dinner while Mary went back to work.

Last night, Mary made cucumber salad when she was done working. Will it be as good as mine? We'll find out tomorrow. I have yet to hear the train, so it is only a matter of time. It's here, and heading south.

In sports the boys in blue fell to the Cardinals, 0 - 8. Even they know the season is over, and that next year is here. They don't need to hear the lady sing. My beloved Red Sox had the day off as they stagger to the end of the season. The Tigers lost to that other team from Chicago, 0 - 2. The Tigers are back to a statistical tie with the Royals in their division of the A. L. The Bears handily defeated the Jets in NYC, 27 - 19. Next Sunday, they face the Packers. As usual, I didn;t feel a need to watch the game, so I watched the Hallmark Channel instead.

Otherwise, not much is happening. I did some laundry yesterday, and today a I may get to some dusting and vacuuming. I like that I have no further doctor appointments. For a while there, I felt like I was at the doctors, the P/T office, or something all the time. I prefer not having anything specific on my schedule.

Once the sun sets at 7:40 p.m., I plan to sit down and watch the season opener of NCIS. I erred when I thought that the NCIS spin off, NCIS New Orleans, was last night. It follows the regular NCIS tonight.

So that is about enough for one day. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "The City", where our current temperature outside the Weather Window is 49 brisk degrees under dark skies. We are headed for an overnight low of 45° before we rebound to a high of 61° under sunny skies. The balance of the week will see steadily rising temperatures and sunny skies too. Sugar the Weather Dog will like that forecast.

Speaking of the intrepid Weather Dog, I got her to go out early yesterday morning before the storms set in. Mary and I fooled her, gave her a treat and Sugar and I set out around 9:00 a.m. That was before her breakfast, and it was a good thing, because shortly after we got back the skies opened up. The day cleared after lunch time, but by then Sugar was glad to stay inside. Me too.

I have a short sports report today. Adam reminded me that I forgot to mention that the Bears are on tonight. I mentioned that they were on TV, but not that they were a Monday night game against the Jets. The Lions played against the Packers yesterday, and beat them 19 - 7. The boys in blue are winding down the 2014 baseball season with another loss to the Dodgers, 5 - 8. My beloved Red Sox defeated the Orioles 3 - 2. I read an article on the Internet that indicated that since the Sox traded away most of their quality pitching at the trading deadline, they were now going to be in the market for a lot of pitching. In fact, they may want to talk to Cole Hamels of the Phillies, but he could cost the Sox their rookie sensation, Mookie Betts. One of the pitchers that the Sox traded away, Jon Lester, will be a free agent at season's end.

Since Betts was recalled from the Sox' Pawtucket, RI team in mid-August, he has hit .294, going 35 for 199 with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and five stolen bases. He could be the keystone for the outfield for many years. But without pitching, the Sox haven't a chance of winning. I hope that my beloved Red Sox don't give away the bank in an effort to return to the post-season. Theo Epstein who is now the GM with the boys in blue knows what happens when you do. Oh, the Tigers lost to the Royals, 2 - 5. The Tigers have become my newest cardiac kids.

Today I have an appointment at the yak doctor this morning. I am feeling fine, but I need to get a refill on the anti-inflammatory medication that he prescribed. I tried to call his office on Friday to avoid this visit, expense, and waste of our time, but I guess it wasn't to be. I guess that it can't hurt to find out if I can continue the anti-inflammatory on an ongoing basis. If so, I can get a prescription for three months and save some money. Still, if I could have done it over the phone, it would have saved a lot of time and expense.

I heard the train going south about 12:30 a.m. I haven't heard nor seen the northbound run yet.

I am done with the highlighting. It was an interesting book and I learned a lot. Our nation has a long way to go.

Otherwise, I spent some time with the girls and paid scant attention to the TV and pro football. Like I used to do, I saved several hours on a Sunday afternoon. Tonight, I'd like to try the opening episode of the latest NCIS spin-off,  NCIS New Orleans. At the minimum, there were great scenes of the "Big Easy" and Bourbon St. in particular in the pilot for the show that ran on NCIS last season.

The sun will rise at 7:29 a.m. and set at 7:42 p.m. as the days get shorter. Ciao.

Wow! It is just past 4:30 a.m. in "The City." I had planned to get up earlier, but sometimes the best laid plans and the like often go awry. Our current temperature is 63° as we head towards an overnight low of 45°. In addition, there is an alert for severe T-storms. I wondered why Sugar the Weather Dog was sleeping next to the bed, but she must be sensing a disturbance in the force, to borrow a phrase. However, the alert from the National Weather Service for frequent cloud to ground lightning and heavy downpours at 2:45 a.m. seems to have missed us and been canceled. I never heard a storm nor thunder. So I'll have to rely on Sugar for her forecasting skills. As of now, the storms are expected around noon today.

In sports news, the boys in blue are having their usual end of season resurgence. Well not really. They are 14.5 games out of the lead in their division and officially eliminated from the post-season. But they won over the Dodgers, by a score of 8 - 7. The Dodgers are the division winners in the N.L. West™. My beloved Red Sox are also officially out of the playoffs too. They lost to the Orioles 2 - 7 and their sub .500 record ensured their missing the post-season in their division. The Tigers are officially in the playoffs in the A.L. Central™, and once again have a 2.5 game lead over the Royals whom they defeated 3 - 2. Miguel Cabrera is having a great September after having a sub-par, for Miguel, regular season. He has lower numbers of home runs and RBIs than past years, but is still a dominant force for the division leading Tigers.

In other sports news, the MSU Spartans defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles by a lopsided score of 73 - 14. They are 2 - 1 in the Big 10 East, good for second place. The Michigan Wolverines fell to the Utah Utes 10 - 26. They are all too mediocre. A two hour delay in the game caused by lightning strikes wasn't enough to give them a chance to win. The Wolverines are 2 - 2 in the Big 10 East. A bowl game is still possible, but that is true for teams that are sub .500 sometimes. The Northern Illinois Huskies fell to the Arkansas Razorbacks 14 - 52. While the Huskies are in second place in the MAC 10, they epitomized the superior force concept. The Bears and the Lions play later today. The Bears are 1 - 1 and in the lead of their division, the N.F.C. North™. Need I say more? The Lions are also at 1 - 1 in the N.F.C. North™, which is third. Go figure.

In other news, I had a great time at the Irish Jam session, but then I always do. My surgically rebuilt shoulder held up just fine. I came home to do more highlighting, just missing the storms that hit the area in the afternoon. Sugar was at my feet until the first clap of thunder and then she was off to her hide-e-hole. I am nearly done with the highlighting. Mary says that she is behind me, but I like to get things off my desk, so I'll finish the final 32 pages later this morning before subjecting myself to pro football.

That's the news for now. The sun will rise at 7:26 a.m. and set at 7:45 p.m. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "The City." Our current temperature is 65° as we drop to the overnight low of 60°. The predicted T-storms are expected to begin at 50% around 8:00 a.m. and then continue throughout the day and into Sunday. Unfortunately, the peak of activity is showing as 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. today, just in time for thee Irish Jam. In addition, if the forecast is accurate, Sugar the Weather Dog will once again refuse to go out.

Sugar the "Family Dog" had a trip to the "Bone Zone" late yesterday afternoon. That being the case, she will need to go out. But unless I want to drag her, it won't be happening. Plus, one clap of thunder and she'll be pulling for home so hard that I won't be able to keep up. Being the parent of a "Fur Child" can be so difficult sometimes.

Mary made her world famous Spaghetti Role Casserole for dinner, given its name in Adam's youth. As is always the case for Mary, a recipe is just a suggestion. I guess that's like Adam's insistence that speed limits are just suggestions too. But I digress. What she lacked in raw materials allowed her to improvise and use the things she had on hand. Cheddar cheese in the recipe morphed into chopped American cheese. Green peppers were changed to hot chili pepper flakes. Onions stayed as did the textured vegetable protein. The diced tomatoes were replaced by some  packaged tomatoes that she keeps around for emergencies and regular use. I may or may not turn the extra tomato stuff into salsa later today. All in all, the end result was great and there were no leftovers.

Otherwise, Mary Sugar and I went out for the morning constitutional yesterday. Mary went to the library to discover that one of the books I thought I had ordered was not the one I thought it was. So, I ended up with a book with a matching title, but the wrong author. I requested the correct book later. I also got a book by Hannah Arendt, a philosopher about whom we recently indexed a book. The print is so tiny that I'll likely read only small excerpts. Mary got a book for herself, but I don't remember the title.

The intrepid weather dog and I went to the newspaper box and then stopped in at the bank to get some quarters and a treat. The quarters were for us, the treat was for Sugar. Then it was time to get back home and continue to play with the girls and do more highlighting. I am up to page 215. That leaves me 100 pages to go. I have to get it done so that Mary can work her magic on the index in preparation for the final product and editing on Monday.

In sports the MLB™ season is mercifully drawing to a close for the boys in blue, as they were pounded by the Dodgers 5 - 14. My beloved Red Sox were long ago eliminated from post-season play too, although they defeated the Orioles, 5 - 3. The Tigers had a field day, pun intended, as they handily topped the team just below them in the standings, the Royals, 10 - 1. That gives the Tigers a 1.5 game lead over those same Royals. College football is later today.

That about sums things up. Irish Jam, highlighting, and T-storms. No trains this morning and the sun will rise at 7:26 a.m. and set at 7:47 p.m. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. We've just passed 3:30 a.m.in "The City." As the temperature continues to drop from our current 50° to our overnight low of 49°, we have a 0% chance of showers today. Saturday, the National Weather Service is still predicting an 80% chance of T-storms and a high of 70°. Sunday's temperature is expected to drop to 64° with a 50% chance of morning T-storms. The view out the Weather Window is dark, with more dark to follow, until the sun rises at 7:26 this morning. Sugar the Weather Dog is safely ensconced on her couch.

Yesterday, I got up early and played the girls. Abaigael is sounding better than ever with her new strings. I stayed behind after breakfast as Mary and Sugar took the morning walk. I did the dishes, pulled out the old herb garden, and planted the fall crop of lettuce. It may get too cold too soon, but we will see.

In sports, the boys in blue lost to the Dodgers 4 - 8. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Pirates 2 - 3. The Tigers had the day off, and so they remained .5 games ahead of the Royals in the A.L. Central. This weekend should be interesting in baseball. The boys are still going nowhere, although they are rumored to be changing "A" level affiliation from the Kane County Cougars to South Bend, IN, where the team will become the Cubs. As of now, the Daily Herald says the minor league team is on the move for better facilities.

Elsewhere in sports, the college football season begins anew for my favorite teams. The 3 - 0 Northern Illinois Huskies take the road to Arkansas for a meeting with the Razorbacks. The Michigan Wolverines welcome the Utah Utes as they try to prove they are a good team. The Michigan State Spartans return to play against the Eastern Michigan Eagles, following the Spartans loss to Oregon.

Today, I'll do more highlighting after I walk with the intrepid weather dog. I finished my latest book and I liked it as I always do the books in this series. Any book which takes the dog's perspective is OK with me. I now have to pick up two books at the library, so I'll have to convince Mary to go with me this morning. If she can't, I'll have to drop Sugar off, and then return. Then more highlighting. My hands are testimony to the colors I am using.

I heard an earlier train heading south, and the northbound run is just now passing. The usual contingent  of locomotives followed by 16 covered hopper cars with graffiti for livery, one lone black tank car, and then an additional covered hopper car bringing up the rear.  .

Otherwise, not much is happening. We stopped in and saw Sally at the Post, but as things were slow, so she was planning to head home after we left. As a volunteer, she can set some of her working hours. One and done for Mary and me. The sun will set at 7:47 p.m. and that is only 12 hours and 11 minutes after sunrise. Short fall/winter days are part of life in the Midwest, as is changeable weather. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:30 a.m. in "The City. Currently it is 47° just outside the Weather Window, and the sun will be rising at 7:26 this morning. When it does, the prognostication is for a high 65° under mostly sunny skies. Friday promises a still warmer temperature of 69° with a still 0% chance of rain. Saturday, the National Weather Service is still showing an 80% chance of severe T-storms with a high temperature of 72°. Mary tells me it is time to let things die back in the gardens of the palatial estate, so no watering is needed. Sigh.

I did get the lawns mowed in the back forty of the estate, along with pulling some weeds, and trimming back the vines that were encroaching on the patio. It felt good to get out in the sunshine and do some manual labor while wearing my John Deere™ branded gardening hat. Then I put out the trash and recycling for today's pickups. Before I got back to work on the highlighting, I put new strings on Abaigael and she sounds 100% better. You don't know how old the strings are until you replace them. In this case, I didn't have any idea on the age of the strings, because Abaigael came to me from the local guitar store, after living to someone else for 28 plus years of her life.

We had an odd experience on the train board of life. The southbound train went by about 12:30 p.m. with the locomotives split at either end of the train. About an hour later, the same train configuration with now empty open hopper cars went by. The locomotives still in their same places, just reversed in their employment. What a delight for yours truly.

Right now, the northbound run is happening. The usual contingent of locomotives are in their regular places, now towing eight covered hopper cars. In all cases, the horn happy engineer was at the throttle. Somehow I missed the southbound run. That's because I stayed up and watched a romance called The Garden's Edge on The Hallmark Channel with Mary. Actually, she was downstairs in the kitchen and I called her to come and watch. I am a sucker for a good romance.

In sports, the boys in blue defeated the Reds, 3 - 1. If they aren't' careful, they'll overtake the  Reds for fourth place in the N.L. Central. My beloved Red Sox returned to their losing ways, as they dropped another to the Pirates, 1 - 9. Unfortunately, the Tigers also lost, to the Twins in their case, 4 - 8. The Tigers now have a slim .5 game lead over the Royals, who escaped the "Buzzsaw in Boston", and moved on to defeat that other team from Chicago, by taking two out of three from them at home in Kansas City.

Today, I plan to walk with Sugar the Weather Dog and then get back to work. Well, I'll get back to work after I play with the girls a bit more. Now that Abby is sounding so good, she is calling out for me to play with her, so what can I do? Then I'll get back to the highlighting. There are priorities, aren't there?

That about completes my daily activities. The sun will set to day at 7:49 as the threat of less than 12 hours of sunlight is upon us. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:00 a.m. in "The City", where our current temperature is today's low of 45°. I know that we have reached mid-September, but I am not ready for these low temperatures yet. Our high today should reach 63° under sunny skies. Same for tomorrow. Friday the temperature goes up still more. Saturday the National Weather Service is predicting a high of 71° with a 60% chance of severe T-storms. Just in time for my afternoon Irish Jam session. I suppose I can drive, but I'd rather not, since it is a long block. But carrying an umbrella with all of the other things that I need to carry would be a bit tough.

In other news, Mary finally gave me my highlighting assignment. I now have three colors of highlighter ink on my hands. But the book is interesting and I am generating numerous comments. However, as the day progressed, Mary's computer needed to be defragged, so she had to stop working. That caused an impromptu trip to the Post. When we arrived there after a quick stop at the bread store, it was just us, Wendy, and John, the club manager and Wendy's husband. Since we arrived, he decided it was time to go home and do some things. Our arrival caused still others to come in and that was all good. We had an official Post hot dog, and that was dinner.

In sports, the boys in blue dispatched the Reds, 7 - 0. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Pirates, 0 - 4. The Tigers also lost, to the Twins in their case, 3 - 4. However, the Tigers still maintained a 1.5 game lead over the Royals in their division of the A.L. That's all I have to say about that.

The southbound train run already happened. I didn't hear it. The northbound run has yet to occur.

Today I have to get the lawn mowed in our newly sunny back forty. Since the tree was removed, Mary's garden plans have changed for next year. Lots more sunlight means lots more tomatoes, peppers, and my personal favorite, green beans. I think Mary has plans for several types of tomatoes, but mostly regular green peppers. Plus, the flowers that we plant in the back of the yard will have to be more sun than shade tolerant next year. Our shade garden next to the garage is still very shady, so nothing changes there. It should be fun.

I am not looking forward to leaf raking. But like Marshall, I'll do it a little at a time and spread it out over many days. I just have to target the weekly recycling pick up.

That looks like enough for today and the future. The sun will rise at 7:24 a.m., and set at 7:49 p.m. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:30 a.m. in "The City." Currently the temperature just outside the Weather Window is 47°, which is as low as we'll get tonight. In addition, the predicted fog is starting to form out there. Today we should get to 61° under mostly sunny skies. Temperatures will continue to rise throughout the week, peaking on Saturday at 71°, albeit with windy conditions and T-storms in the forecast.

I just watched the northbound run of the train go by. It was a long one. The usual twin locomotives, this time with the newer liveried one in the lead and under the direction of the horn happy engineer. There were 54 covered hopper cars, many with graffiti, rust and other problems. In fact, there were two of those cars with Conrail livery, very rare. In addition, one lone box car was surrounded by a single black tank car, four white tank cars, and two white with black strip tankers. I was downstairs at the time of its passage, so it was like having a front row seat on a train board.

In sports, the boys in blue welcomed back Anthony Rizzo, who hit a bottom of the ninth walk-off home run. As is too often the case, starting pitcher Travis Wood didn't get any run support, and so the relief staff got the victory, 1 - 0, over the Reds. My beloved Red Sox had the day off before beginning a series against the Pirates tonight. The Tigers were victorious over the Twins, 8 - 6. The Tigers still hold a one and one half game lead over the Royals in the A.L. Central.

The day unfolded with a whimper rather than a bang. We got up, took the intrepid weather dog for her morning walk, and then settled in. We were supposed to do work all day, but I was never tasked with my end of the effort, so I bet that I'll have to work very hard today. I understand that I have to use three different colors of highlighters. I don't know on what yet, but I was told that I will be commenting on this book in great detail.

I did get some music transcribed, and that is always a good thing. However, I did that without benefit of the girls. I finished three crossword puzzles and never read any of my book.

So that looks like enough after the sun rises at 7:22 a.m. It should be enough before the sun sets at 7:51 p.m. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is now past 3:30 a.m. on a chilly Monday morning in "The City."  Our current temperature of 50°, is as low as it will get. Later today, the temperature will top out at 59°. Then the showers are scheduled to begin after 9:00 a.m. The balance of the week promises temperatures in the 60s and mostly sunny skies. The SW winds are blowing at 10 - 15 MPH. I could be more certain if I had the World's Largest Weather Vane on the "Palatial Estate. Mary says I can have a weather vane, but the size of the one in this picture is of the "Not gonna happen" variety. So I'll have to use info from the National Weather Service.

This is the "World's Largest Weather Vane, located in Montague, MI

I just liked the angle in this picture of the vane.

In other news, Mary and I traveled to the Michigan Irish Music Fest on Saturday, We had a terrific time, and saw many terrific bands. Mary has additional pictures of the fest and the weather vane at her blog,

http://marygoeswalking.blogspot.com/. She is better at photography than me. But I got what I wanted. Those pictures are below.

This is the band Kennedy's Kitchen. We ran into John Kennedy (second from the left) at the hotel later. 

Nolan of Kennedy's Kitchen. Vocals, guitar, whistle. He does it all beautifully. He also sings and plays with another band,  Soltré. We liked their performance too. 

One picture from a performance called Tionól.  The word Tionól, translates to mean a gathering or celebration. Musicians from many different bands performed in this venue.

A view of the Muskegon lake shore skyline.

Muskegon is making a comeback, but it's tough.

Muskegon Harbor

I especially liked this picture of the skyline, and Mary, in her new sweater.

In sports, the boys in blue will have Anthony Rizzo back today. They need him, because they lost once again to the Pirates, 3 - 7. My beloved Red Sox continue to help the Tigers, They once again defeated the Royals, this time by a score of 8 - 4. That gives the Tigers a 1.5 game lead in the A.L. Central after their defeat of the Indians, 6 - 4. Football was a mixed bag. The Lions lost big time to the Panthers, 7 - 24. to go to 1 - 1 on the young season. The Bears are also 1 - 1, after they squeaked past the Forty-Niners, 28 - 20. The Northern Illinois Huskies got past UNLV on Saturdayby a score of 48 - 34. The Michigan Wolverines easily defeated Miami of Ohio, 34 - 10. 

I hear the northbound train coming. I can tell by experience that the horn happy engineer is at the throttle. The usual contingent of locomotives, #s 3885 and 2819 respectively, followed by a lone box car. 

Elsewhere, Sugar the Weather Dog was glad to get home from camp. We surprised her because although she can tell the passage of time by sunrises, she knows when we are coming to get her when she gets bathed. This time she didn't get a bath, so she was surprised to see us. When we got home, she got a second surprise, as her food bowl had also been filled. Then it was time for her to get to couch. We went out to dinner.

Today, Mary and I have to get to work. She has to get to the actual indexing, and I have to get to highlighting. It looks like the girls will have to wait. So much to do, so little time. Sigh.

The sun will rise at 7:22 a.m., and set at 7:53 p.m. The days are indeed getting shorter. Sigh. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "The City" and the current temperature is 50° as we continue our free-fall towards the low of 48°. Strangely enough, the low won't happen until after the sun rises at 7:20 a.m. Unfortunately, to get to today's high of 57°, we'll have to endure a 40% chance of morning showers, which are forecast to give way to partly cloudy skies around 1:00 p.m. By that time, Mary and I will be at the annual Michigan Irish Fest in Muskegon. We can dress for the cool weather and the cloudy skies, but too much rain will make life a little more difficult to endure.

Speaking of Mary, I encourage each of you to visit her blog at http://marygoeswalking.blogspot.com/. There you will find her pictures of the recent waves on the shore of the "Big Lake" as well as some pictures courtesy of the Grand Haven Tribune. Plus, there are pictures of the recent tree removal process that scared Sugar the Weather Dog when she was out the other day. I'll let Mary's blog tell you the rest of the story.

In sports, the boys in blue put another loss in the record books, as they lost to the Pirates, 3 - 7. My beloved Red Sox are on a roll, helping the Tigers by beating the Royals 4 - 2. As the Red Sox were winning, so too were the Tigers, 7- 2 over the Indians. That gives the Tigers a one-half game lead over the Royals in the A. L. Central. Today's college football games include tonight's appearance by the Northern Illinois Huskies at Las Vegas at 7:00 p.m. The Spartans have the week off following their loss to Oregon, while the 1 - 1 Michigan Wolverines host the Miami of Ohio Red Hawks this afternoon. Michigan is hoping that their 0 - 31 loss to Notre Dame was just a fluke.

Otherwise, not much is happening today. We'll take the morning walk with the intrepid weather dog if the prediction for rain turns out to be wrong. If not, Sugar will have to go out on her tether. Then Mary and I will be off to the Irish Fest. So many bands, so little time. Several favorites will be performing, including personal favorites, Blackthorn from the Detroit area, Kennedy's Kitchen, a band from Indiana, Seamus Kennedy, originally from Belfast, and Gaelic Storm, a band from Southern California. For those of you who are fans of the movie Titanic, Gaelic Storm can be seen as the "steerage band" who entertained the third class passengers on that ill-fated voyage. Here is a link to a performance by Kennedy's Kitchen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAOS3TNkv28, followed by this link to a performance by Gaelic Storm. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNzKueMsfCQ. I hope you like/liked their traditional Irish instrumentation and sound.

That looks like enough for one morning. The sun will set on our day at 7:57 this evening. I stayed up last night to watch a move on the Hallmark Movie Channel. I managed to convince Mary to stay up with me to watch this fantasy or romance or whatever genre/name Mary assigned to the movie. In any case, the story had a happy ending, as girls meets boy, they have a squabble, and then in the end come to love each other. A traditional romance to me. Mary told me there is a name for this genre, but I can't remember. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is only slightly past 4:00 a.m. in "The City."  We have a nightly low of 48° as we approach dawn at 7:18 a.m. Our peak temperature is anticipated to be 60° today with a 40% chance of showers. Tomorrow, the temperature will be about the same, but the chance of morning showers increases to 50%. No watering required, but I had to break out my long pants late yesterday. Too early for that in my world.

Since Sugar the Weather Dog was loathe to go out on Wednesday, she was ready to go out early on Thursday. Mary came along on our walk, but she stopped off at the local health food store as Sugar and I continued on our way. We weren't gone long. Since Sugar was feeling a it off the last few days, I decided she should go to her doctor yesterday afternoon. I know that I am a worry wart when it comes to our fur child, but that's me. Mary started out to walk with us towards the doctors, but the rain was threatening. Mary didn't have her hat to ward off pneumonia, so she peeled off again and Sugar and I continued on. Everything was normal at the doctor, so Sugar and I returned home.

When we left, the tree surgeons were cutting down the tree next door, the building materials store was delivering a load of materials to the house under reconstruction, and the garbage trucks were roaring. That was too much for the intrepid weather dog. To say the least, we made haste on our departure from the palatial estate. There was a lull in the action when Sugar and I returned, so we made it back into the house without incident.

In sports, there was not much happening, to borrow an old phrase. The only team of consequence that I follow, my beloved Red Sox. defeated the Royals, 6 - 3. The other teams had the day off. However, that victory by the Red Sox over the Royals, moved the Tigers to within one-half game of the Royals. All good.

Today, I plan to get to the laundry after I walk with Sugar. I know that I'll need my long pants, a warm hat, and a heavier fleece on that walk. The people who are braving the elements at the Irish Fest in Muskegon tonight will need that much and more. Mary and I anticipate that we'll plan accordingly. I will find time to play with the girls too. Since the laundry will be running, I'll have to be downstairs a lot of the time. That's another reason for having a few books in the Que. Mary will be working, so I'll be in charge of the laundry activities. I'll start out with Sugar's couch cover, and then go from there.

Not much else to report. I have no desire to go out, so other than Sugar's morning constitutional, I plan to stay in. The sun will set at 7:57 tonight. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 12:30 a.m. in "The City." Our current temperature is 55° which is the lowest it will get this morning. Yesterday, we had a lot of strong winds and some showers, but the heavy storms passed us by. Mary and I took some pictures down at the state park and I'll include some of mine now. I believe that my pictures do a nice job of showing the 10 foot wave heights on the Big Lake. Mary may include her photos on a future blog. If she does, I'll let you know. Later today, we have a forecast high of 59°, but only a 20% chance of additional showers. Friday there is a 40% chance of showers in the afternoon with a high of 61° predicted. Saturday the temperature will be the same, but the chance of showers is reduced to 20% while we will be attending the Irish Fest in Muskegon.

By the time Mary and I got down to the beach, the sun was shining, but the waves were still crashing. As we approached the Big Lake, the waves in the channel were noticeable. 

The beach was nearly deserted, but the smell of the water was sweet.

There were two young men willing to go into the water.  Brave or foolhardy? You tell me.

In sports, the boys in blue crashed and burned as they lost to the Blue Jays, 1 - 11. My beloved Red Sox still can't get it done, as they lost to the Orioles, again, 6 - 10. In what was billed as a do or die game for the Royals, the Tigers died, losing to the Royals 0 - 3, to fall one game back in their division. 

Elsewhere, the southbound train went by about 30 minutes ago. Two EMD GP 38 locomotives with #3885 in the lead, were pulling 21 covered hopper cars of various ages. There were even two older cars, one from the Seaboard Coast Line, and another from the Chessie System. Graffiti was also in abundance on some of the cars. 

I finished that book I had been reading. I was right, it was not a great ending. The author was new to me, and this book did nothing to make me read another of his works. I started a new book titled Paw and Order, by Spencer Quinn. It really is young adult fiction, but it is one I can read quickly and enjoy without having to think too much. I'll probably have to get started on that highlighting today. 

As predicted, Sugar the Weather Dog was not in a going out mood. Mary tricked her into going out on her tether early, but that was it until the storms had passed through the area. Then it was a quick out, dinner, and then in for the night. 

Today, more playing the girls, more crosswords, and possibly some highlighting. That is if Mary has decided what she wants me to highlight. Once the sun rises at 7:16 a.m., and I have girded my loins to face the cooler temperatures with the intrepid weather dog, I'll get down to the day's business. The sun will set at 8:02 p.m. tonight. In between, I'll find time to do all of the things that I want to get done today. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "The City. Just outside the Weather Window, the temperature is a very comfortable 68°. We are expecting an overnight low of 67° and then the skies are expected to open up shortly after the sun rises at 7:16 a.m. The chance of very heavy T-storms increases to 100% after 7:00 a.m. according to the National Weather Service. Since the view outside the Weather Window is dark, I have to rely on a forecast that has often been inaccurate.

In sports the boys in blue are starting to look like the AAA team that they have become. Since  large numbers of the Iowa Cubs are now on the team, they are playing like they are still in AAA. But I digress. The boys lost to the Blue Jays, 2 - 9. My beloved Red Sox once again lost to the Orioles 1 - 4. The Tigers have overtaken the Royals in their division with a 4 - 2 win. They are now dead even. They are not making excuses, they are going about their business.

In other news, Tuesday was sunny and clear with temperatures in the lower 70s. While there are still tourists in town, there are fewer each day. Soon in GH, it will be the laid back life that lets us enjoy things. We await the next tourist season after Memorial Day 2015 arrives. Restaurants are not crowded, stores are beginning to close early and open late, and the pace of life is slower.

I am almost done with my latest book. I still don't know if I like it. Is that a ringing endorsement? Somehow I doubt it. That's why Mary picked up some books for me at the library. But before I can get to them, I have to begin highlighting my next assignment. Turns out that this next one is just over 300 pages. The one after that is the 400 pages plus book.

I heard the train heading south about 12:30 a.m. I doubt that I'll be awake for the next one heading north.

Today I'll finish my book, and take Sugar the Weather Dog for her morning constitutional. That is I will, if she will go out. If that weather forecast is accurate, it is unlikely that she will. Other than that, a couple of crosswords are waiting for my attention. One thing about puzzles, they are very patient, just like books.

Once the sun sets at 8:04 p.m., I'll be ready to relax for the day. Actually I'll be ready long before that. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is approaching 4:30 a.m. in "The City." Our current temperature is 64° and that is as low as we will get before the sun rises at 7:16 a.m. Tonight as I gaze out the Weather Window, there is a full moon, what some call a Super Harvest Moon. Orange in color and the third of the lunar season. The orange orb is a very common feature of an autumnal sky. Today will be sunny and 74 beautiful walking degrees. Wednesday, the chance of heavy T-storms and high winds will be 100%. Looks like I won't have to water today. Saturday during Irish Fest, the temperatures may not get to 60° with a 60% chance of showers in the morning. The entertainment is always in a tent and the crowds will be thinner. All good for Mary and me.

In sports, the boys in blue were thoroughly drubbed by the Toronto Blue Jays, 0 - 8. My beloved Red Sox were outplayed by the Orioles, 0 - 4. The Tigers took another one, this time from the Royals, 9 - 5. They are now one game behind the Royals. The Lions are now 1 - 0, after beating the N. Y. football Giants, 35 -14. A great return to MNF.

In other news, the day was filled with picking up Sugar the Weather Dog from camp, reading more of that book I am working on, and donning my editor's hat for the final effort on the latest work for Wendt Indexing™. We finished up about 9:30 p.m. last night.

Speaking of the intrepid Weather Dog, she came back from camp tired, as always. I don't know what happens, but I think she stands guard while we are not there, ever anticipating our imminent return. She had a bath for her return, and with her pink bow, she looks great. In addition, she had a full pawdicure and now she doesn't click when she walks. We have her nails done on a regular basis, but even with her regular walks on concrete, she seems to need a pawdicure every six weeks.

Elsewhere in the news, the trains have been going by regularly, well as regularly as they do , but I have been sleeping through their noise. Mary tells me that one came by earlier this morning, but I didn't hear it. I did view the late train yesterday, but that was after I was awakened by the noise around 4:00 a.m. I think that another is due shortly, but so far nothing.

Today looks like a chance for more reading, more crossword solving, and more walking with Sugar the Weather Dog. Since it is post my editing duties, it may be time for me to get paid too. I'll have to check with the boss. I know that we have another couple of things in the pipeline, one that is over 400, or is it 500 pages in length. I have been assured that I will only need one color of highlighter to read this one.

So before the sun sets today at 8:04 p.m., I thin it is time for me to return to bed. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "The City." Our current temperature, 57 degrees, matches the overnight low. Today after the sun rises at 7:14, the skies will be sunny as we reach our high of 72° with no chance of precipitation. Tuesday will be about the same. Wednesday, ditto. Thursday, batten down the hatches. The chance for severe T-storms rises to 80%. What does that mean to us? Watering on Tuesday, mowing on Wednesday, and soothing Sugar the Weather Dog on Thursday.

Saturday we had a great time visiting with Adam and Stephany. It was Adam''s 40th birthday and Stephany put on a terrific celebration. Adam's friends joined the party, and Stephany outdid herself with the food and libations. The festivities started about 12:00 p.m., and continued until nearly 12:00 a.m. Many stories were swapped, lots of laughter, good music, some of which I helped provide. The food was so good, that we came home with some that we had for lunch and dinner yesterday. Odds are that we will have more again today. All of this is my way of saying happy birthday Adam. Your mother and I loved the kid that you were, the man  you have become, and the husband that you are. It has been nearly 10 years since Adam and Stephany got married. Wow, time flies when you are having fun. Here's to at least 40 more years for Adam.

In sports, the boys in blue fell to the Pirates, 4 - 10. My beloved Red Sox also lost, to the Blue Jays of Toronto, 1 - 3. The Tigers eased past the S.F.Giants, 5 - 1. Pro football was as expected. The Bears fell to the Buffalo Bills in O.T., 20 23. The Lions open tonight, their first Monday night game in over 40 years. Their opponent will also be named the Giants, this team from New York. NCAA football was a mixed bag. The MSU Spartans were thoroughly outplayed by the Oregon Ducks, 27 - 46 on Saturday. The UM Wolverines were crushed by the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, 0 - 31. The Northern Illinois huskies easily handled the Northwestern Wildcats, 23 - 15.

Today editing duties call. I also have to pick up Sugar the Weather Dog from day camp. She will be freshly bathed and totally exhausted. It will take her several days to recover, just in time for those severe T-storms.

The jury is still out on that book I started reading a few days ago. It has a ring of truth to the fiction, but I don't know how much I am liking the read.  A few more chapters may help to decide.

Not much else is happening. The sun will set at 8:08 p.m. tonight. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:30 a.m. in "The City." Currently the skies are mostly clear and they are expected to stay that way for several days. Yesterday the skies had an ominous appearance and the rains threatened several times. Most of the storm activity went south of us. We got just enough rain to let me avoid watering the gardens of the palatial estate today. The current temperature of 65° will drop to the overnight low of 59° before the sun rises at 7:12 a.m. and the temperature rebounds to a sunny 73°.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Mary's blog has some interesting pictures that she took using some of the techniques we learned the other evening. Her blog address is: http://marygoeswalking.blogspot.com/. She is so stoked from that presentation, that she has plans to retake some of her earlier pictures to get a fresh perspective. 

Other than walking with Sugar the Weather Dog yesterday, I stayed in and did some cooking. Sugar the Sous Dog was an able assistant. The cucumber salad was made with cucumbers from our garden. Both the cucumber salad and Cole Slaw were the result of our efforts. The cucumber salad was part of our lunch, and the Cole Slaw awaits another meal. Mary's opinion which I share, is that the the cucumber salad would spoil and the Cole Slaw will keep under refrigeration for several days.

After lunch, I spent the day in my music room/office and learned more about using the word processing program than I ever wanted to know. The results were good, but the execution was a long slog. Interspersed in there was time with the girls. 

Right now I am up against the clock. That program or app or whatever Mary helped me download is set to get me out of my chair every 20 minutes. My yak doesn't ache when I pay attention. So in another three minutes, I'll be taking a walk about break. 

In sports, the boys in blue were tied with the Pirates at 3 - 3 when the game was suspended due to rain. The game will resume this afternoon before the regularly scheduled game takes place. My beloved Red Sox lost in 10 innings to the Blue Jays, 6 - 8. The Tigers were drubbed by the Giants, 2 - 8. Sadly, it's all over for the Caps as they lost to Fort Wayne, 2 - 6. As their website says, "See you next year." The Michigan State Spartans travel to meet Oregon tonight and the Northern Illinois Huskies will travel to Evanston, Illinois to take on the Northwestern Wildcats at 3:30 this afternoon. Therefore, my future reports will include college football.

Today we are going to see Adam and Steph to celebrate Adam's 40th birthday. It will be fun to reminisce about things that he may or may not remember. I'll be taking Abaigael for entertainment purposes only. Good times are expected with miles of smiles. For those of you who know my playing and singing, just remember, "The more you drink, the better I sound!"

The sun will be rising in a few hours, and so I'd best get back to bed. Otherwise, the sun will set before I get there. That happens at 8:10 pm. Ciao. 

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:00 a. m. in "The City." Currently there is no precipitation outside the Weather Window and Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping soundly next to the bed. The current temperature is 74°. All good. However by 8:00 a.m. this morning, shortly after the sun rises at 7:09 a.m., there is a 40% chance of scattered T-storms. That threat continues until 2:00 p.m. No big deal you say?

Well by way of information, Sugar the Weather Dog was sleeping soundly next to the bed yesterday morning too. Then the wind it blew, the thunder rattled the windows too, and the rain came down in buckets. Guess what? Sugar headed to her hide-e-hole and she was not going out until later in the day. That left me to my own devices for the morning. Mary and I had a light breakfast and as we sat at the dining room table, the lights flickered a few times. But undeterred, I set out for the barber shop.

When I got there, Joe asked if we had power. I said yes, do you? If I had looked up, I would have been able to answer my own question, as his lights were on. He had asked, because only he and the store next to him had power. Across the street, the best kept secret in GH had no power, the health food store kitty-corner from Joe's had no power. In fact most of the area had no power. The traffic lights at Joe's corner were working, But the independent book store and the restaurant and a good stretch of Washington were out of power. At least this time, we had power when most around us did not. When we lived in the Chicago area, just the opposite was usually the case. Go figure.

I came home and after some playing with  the girls, I sat down to do some typing. By the time I looked up, it was 4:00 p.m. Mary decided it was time to go to the big box everything store, and I was "recruited" to do can return duty. Surprise, by the time we hit the road, the skies opened up again, and the rain and thunder returned to GH and its environs. We arrived at the store with the rain pouring, and so I jumped out at the door and headed for the return area. I was surprised to find that someone was actually mopping the floor in this usually decrepit area of the store. Like I've said before, even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

Mary had to park the car, one of the downsides for her wanting to drive all the time. Her hat and shoes were soaked by the time I found her in the store. I was nice and dry. Best of all, by the time we departed, the sun was shining and the rain had stopped. What a great day. We zipped home, I threw some additional Sally's Pasta Salad down my throat, and we set out for the library to pick up some books and attend a super presentation by a local photographer. The presentation was about the best way to frame a picture and use lighting and perspective with any camera. Both Mary and I came away with a whole new way to take pictures. I had read of this free presentation in the Grand Haven Tribune.

After we were done, my lack of eating had finally caught up to me. Rather than walk downtown, I suggested we try the best kept secret in GH. They had power by then, so we arrived and I had a baked potato with the trimmings for my dinner. Mary had a veggie burger, but she said that she likes the perch better. However, as always, the Cole Slaw was pronounced excellent. Speaking of Cole Slaw, I have to make that today along with some cucumber salad. We now have some home grown vegetables and some store bought items, so that should be easy.

Home to bed for me. Mary watched some TV. Sugar stayed with me upstairs.

In sports, the boys in blue had the day off. My beloved Red Sox fell to the Yankees, 4 - 5. The Tigers cruised past the Indians, 11 - 4. The Tigers caused the Indians to fall to six games back, but the Royals were off too, so the Tigers moved to just one game back in their division. The Caps slipped by the Tin Caps 2 - 1, to tie their playoff series at one game apiece. The next game is this evening at 7:00 p.m. shortly before the sun sets at 8:14. Incidentally, the photographer gave us a nice tip. Use the "Magic Light" just before or after a sunrise or sunset to get great pictures. Having seen samples of her work, I understand. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:30 a.m. in "The City." Our current temperature outside the Weather Window is 70° as we head up to our low of 73°. All of the readings are from the National Weather Service station located at Muskegon Airport. One exception is the current temperature. That came from my own analog thermometer located in the Weather Office official Weather Station, located right outside the Weather Window. We may or may not see T-storms today. One source has them as a 40% possibility this morning, That's after sunrise at 7:09. Sugar the Weather Dog is sleeping soundly on the couch, so I'll go with her forecast. My plan to do very little today will probably include watering after the morning walk with Sugar.

I encourage my readers to visit Mary's blog at http://marygoeswalking.blogspot.com/. It stars yours truly, a guest cast, and several of the local gardens here in GH, including one of our own Flower Children. Hint, she's the pink one in the first photo.

I got the lawn mowed on the palatial estate yesterday. It took a while to double cut and get that golf course like look, but it was worth it. If I don't water today, that look may vanish and the vegetables will wilt. Farming a large parcel of land can be so time consuming. Maybe I need a head groundskeeper. Oh yeah I have one, me.

In sports, the boys in blue haven't fallen back to earth, yet, as they once again beat the Brewers, this time by a score of 6 - 2. My beloved Red Sox lost to the Yankees, 1 - 5. The Tigers really fell hard, losing to the Indians, 0 - 7. Now they are 1.5 games behind the Royals, and 5.5 games ahead of those same Indians. The Caps fell on hard times too, as they also lost their first playoff game to the Fort Wayne Tin Caps 5 - 7. It's a best of five series, so we still have hope.

Elsewhere in the world, the Post is still there. Sally is the same. Sally was kind enough to offer me some pasta salad that she made earlier in the week. It includes lots of vegetates and elbow macaroni, swimming in a Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. Lunch is now made for the day. We had gone downtown for some things and Sally called and invited us to the Post to pick up that salad. Before we left home, I reminded Mary to take her camera so that she could complete her blog. I hope you like it. I did.

Today will require a trip to the library to pick up a couple of books I have on hold. If I am unable to go when I am walking with Sugar, I'll journey back later in the day. If Mary joins us on the morning safari, I can Otherwise I'll go after the barber. It is supposed to be warm and humid today if it doesn't rain. If it's raining, there are always umbrellas.

That looks like a busy day for me. The sun will set and so will I at 8:14 p.m. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:30 a.m. in "The City." Currently the temperature outside the Weather Window is 64°, which is our overnight low too. Today, we expect sunny skies and a high of 74°. Tomorrow the temperature tomorrow increases to 79° with a 50% chance of T-storms. Friday, we'll see 71°, but with a 60% chance of showers. Saturday promises to be cool and pleasant.

Speaking of today, this is the perfect opportunity to say that I won't need to water, but I will need to mow the lawns of the palatial estate. A time consuming task, but with our recent rains and the threat of more rain in the forecast, I'd better get to that long grass before it becomes impossible to mow. I've already harvested for the day, so the only outdoor task will be that mowing.

Also today, I get to play with the girls again. I did some yesterday after Mary and I had lunch and dropped off the package at the shipping store. One of yesterday's other tasks was to take Abaigael to the guitar store to have her action adjusted. As usual, the store owner worked his magic, and Abby was home in hours, not days. A few years ago he did his magic on Blue and she has been fine ever since. I like that the store is just around the corner, literally. As the adoption agency for Abaigael, he was the perfect choice for her care. I bought a spare set of strings in order to be ready for the dirt and grime of everyday playing.

Since I finished my highlighting duties early yesterday morning, an interesting book I might add, I have no assigned jobs today. Once I am done with the mowing, I can read more of the book I started before the highlighting. I read more yesterday while Sugar was in the "Bone Zone" and it is getting interesting too. Sugar will of course need her morning walk, but she only needs one walk a day now, not the two she used to need. We'll be able to go to the newspaper store and then come home for that lawn. Sugar will be happy to lay on the couch.

In sports, the boys in blue once again beat the Brewers. The final score, 7 - 1. Unfortunately the boys may have lost two star players for the remainder of the season. Starlin Castro has a leg injury, and Anthony Rizzo has a lower yak injury that he began to notice on 8/26. He thinks it will get better in a week or two. Adam and I can tell him that it doesn't work that way. It would be better to take Castro and him out of the lineup for the season and have them ready for next year. However, if Rizzo needs more than therapy, he needs to get started right away. My beloved Red Sox beat the Yankees 9 - 4. Nuff said. The Tigers were down when I went to to bed, but pulled out another win over the Indians, 4 - 2. However, with the Royals also winning, the Tigers gained no ground in their division. The Caps have their first playoff game tonight.

Mary and I found time to go to the big box tool store and then out to a late lunch at the favorite watering hole on the north side of the bridge. Mary got the necessary change recommendations on her last project and made them, so once they were done, she was free. Me, I was happily in front of my keyboard.

So that sums up today nicely. Yesterday too I guess. The sun will rise at 7:09 this morning and set at 8:14. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:30 a.m. in "The City." The National Weather Service is showing a temperature of 70° as we fall to the overnight low of 66°. Of course, even a stopped clock is right twice a day. I'll take the forecast provided by Sugar the Weather Dog every time. Yesterday, she predicted rain for around noon, and she was right on. We had what has always been described as a "Gully Washer." Our intrepid Weather Dog and I got out before that happened, but it required an intervention by Mary to get Sugar on her leash. At that, our walk was short lived and we hurried home. Today promises to be sunny as does tomorrow. Both days forecast  is for a 0% chance of precipitation. Given the high winds, the heavy rains, and the tornadoes that visited MI on Monday, that's all good.

Today promises to be a much quieter day. Sugar and I will drop off a package at the shipping store and then get the newspaper. I wish that Sugar could fetch the paper, but that isn't one of her many talents. Maybe if the paper was in the shape of a treat or if it smelled like one, that might happen. On the other hand, she would probably chew up the paper on the way back. So, I guess that we'll continue to go to the newspaper office together and pay our fifty cents each day.  Once we get back, I'll take Abaigeal  to the guitar store for new strings. She seems to have a slight buzz in her "B" string, and the owner at the guitar store is said to be a real "Buzz Killer." I just have to make sure that he can get her done by Thursday.

Once I get home again, I'll finish the book I have been highlighting. Mary has been hard at work on her part, but I think that I have the better part of the deal. It is an interesting book, and one which has prompted me to check out some additional books written about the subject. I have about 50 pages of highlighting to go. Elsewhere on the estate, no watering required today. I should be good until Thursday at the least, and then we are expecting additional showers. I'll check with Sugar to be certain.

Speaking of Mary, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that yesterday was our 41st anniversary. I am usually on top of important dates, but I have been distracted of late. Instead, Mary remembered this year. Of course, she still thinks that my birthday is on the 31st of August, so I'll take her memory as a flexible thing. Happy Anniversary Mary. 41 years is not as special as 40 and not nearly as celebrated as 50, but each year is better than the last. But I have no excuse. Next year I'll do better.

Sports was a mixed bag on Monday. The boys in blue took one from the Brewers, 4 - 2. The once front running Brewers are now one game back of the Cardinals. Alas, the boys are 12.5 games back, but they are looking better. My beloved Red Sox took it on the chin again, losing 3 - 4 to the Rays. At 60 - 77, their chance of a playoff appearance is very slim. Every other team, except the one behind the Sox in the standings, would have to become incapacitated. However, there isn't such a team.

The Tigers routed the Indians 12 - 1 to move four games ahead of the Tribe and to within .5 games back of the Royals. If the Tigers could just be more consistent, I'd be more comfortable. But I'm used to it, having been a die hard Cubs fan for so long. The Caps, even though they lost the last game of the second half of their season, 1 - 3 to the Great Lakes Loons, are on their way to the playoffs. They handily won the first half of the season, and now they face the Fort Wayne Tin Caps, ironic don't you think? On Wednesday night they play the first of a three game series.

Otherwise, no trains have been observed or heard. That was true until 4:20 a.m. Then the regular cast of characters appeared heading north. The regular twin pair of EMD GP 38 locomotives followed by 20 covered hopper cars, one odd tank car, three of those dreaded black tank cars, and three box cars.  All of them were under the throttle of that horn happy engineer. The view out the Weather Window is dark, with a side of dark. The sun will rise today at 7:07 a.m. and set at 8:19 p.m. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is fast closing on 4:00 a.m. in "The City." Our current temperature is 71° as we drop to the overnight low of 66°. After the sun rises at 7:07 a.m. the day will begin to cloud up as we approach the afternoon and a 50% chance of T-storms and high winds. We'll wait again until Thursday for another chance of showers. I am hoping for a respite from the watering on the estate. The last time I watered before a predicted storm, we got a real downpour.

Sunday was a sunny day and the weather was perceptibly more agreeable with Sugar the Weather Dog. She was willing to go for a morning walk, and then spent her day lying on the couch. We'll keep an eye on her for an updated forecast as the day wears on. She is always a good barometer for any storm activity.

Mostly Sunday was filled with house cleaning activity and highlighting. I did the highlighting, while our cleaning person did the heavy work. Mary thinks that I can keep it  up now, and I hope she is right. If not, the young lady is just a phone call away. She does have another job, but she is generally ready for any activity that pays. She and Sugar get along fine, because when I was convalescing last winter, she walked Sugar nearly every day.

In sports, the boys in blue lost to the Cardinals, 6 - 9. I had hoped for a two out of three weekend, and I got one, just not in the way I had hoped. My beloved Red Sox did defeat the Rays, 3 - 0. The Tigers once again fell victim to that other team from Chicago, 2 - 6. And alas, the Caps were upended by the Great Lakes Loons, 3 - 4. Now the playoffs are next.

Today calls for another morning walk with the intrepid Weather Dog. As long as we get out the door before 11:00 a.m., we should be fine. After that, I'll do more highlighting on the latest project. I am about 90 pages into a 212 page tome. No newspaper today due to the holiday, so we should be able to walk in any direction that doesn't include the downtown. Yesterday there were too many dogs on the street to make our morning walk a pleasure. Sugar feels a need to meet and greet all the other dogs.

I got a call from Steph and Adam for my birthday. That was nice of them. We'll be seeing them later this week. Adam is fast closing on 40 himself. It seems like only yesterday that he was 39. Given that his mother looks younger every day, I don't know how that can be. My good fortune I guess. I'll have to be sure to regale he and Steph with tales of his youth when we see them.

Speaking of Mary, she was being creative in the kitchen yesterday. She made a macaroni and cheese recipe for dinner that was out of her woman's magazine. It was delicious. The recipe included pimentos, but neither of us felt that the pimentos added anything other than color. Next time she'll leave them out.

If you have any doubt about whether Sugar the Weather Dog lives in and on the Palatial Estate, just watch for the floating hair. I love her, but like all dogs, she sheds when the urge strikes her. In early summer, I have to brush an additional dog off of her. She doesn't like being brushed very much, but I do.

Once the sun sets at 8:19 p.m. it will get dark. Ciao.