Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:30 a.m. in "The City."

Trainspotting yesterday was a mixed bag. The southbound run took place at 9:32 a.m., as EMD GP 38 locomotive #2057 traveled swiftly through our fair city, solo. In tow were five CHCs, two BCs, two DBTCs, two DWTCs, and bringing up the rear were three additional DBTCs. We didn't have to wait long to heat the sound of the train's whistle as it headed back north. What to my wondering eyes should appear? Just old #2057, with no Jolly Old Elf, no reindeer, and no cars in tow at 11:55 a.m.

I spent some time on the phone yesterday trying to reclaim some expired e-vouchers from a large national passenger railroad. It turned out to be an easier experience than I had anticipated. The people at the the other end of the call were very helpful and friendly, and fully accommodated my request. Mission accomplished.

We took the morning walk with STWD into the face of  a strong wind out of the west. We made it all the way to the newspaper box, then we turned around and hurried home. The intrepid weather dog wanted to dawdle, but we urged her onward in both directions.

Once home, Mary served up her latest creation garnered from her recently purchased cookbook. Marinated carrots that simulated hot dogs, and the Coleslaw that I had prepared before we left for the morning safari. I think it was my best Coleslaw to date. I also liked the marinated "hot dogs." Who knew?

I did get in a short amount of time with the girls and some time reading the newspaper and working the crossword. Both of those things occurred while I made my call to the national railroad and cleaned out the four pie pumpkins that I then placed in the oven. I tried the convection oven setting of the new oven and it does cook quickly. I ended up with about four cups of pumpkin, enough for a pie and enough for Sugar to share for breakfast for a few days. I also saved some seeds for roasting, which may or may not happen.

We stopped in to see Sally at the Post later in the afternoon.

Today, the regular morning walk, a visit to the indoor farmer's market in Muskegon, and some additional reading of the Grand Haven Tribune and the N. Y. Times from last Sunday. I also hope to get to that fitting of the felt on my puzzle table. If I keep trying, I might actually get it done.

Otherwise not much on tap other than a couple of college football games and some household chores. I don't plan to get up again until about 9:00 a.m. That's after the sun rises at 7:26 a.m. and long before it sets at 5:29 p.m. Right now the temperature outside the WW is reported as 47° as it drops to the overnight low of 35°. Later today, according to the NWS, the high temperature is supposed to get to 49°. At this point, I am in serious doubt about that current temperature. With the sun set to rise in about three hours, the temperature would have to fall an additional 12 degrees. I suppose anything is possible. Ciao.