Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "The City."

I was busy yesterday. I did some chores, I walked with STWD, I played with the girls, and I spent time in online chats about rebates. In addition, I went to the grocery store with Mary. I also did some baking as evidenced below. Another fine example of my banana nut bread, I hope. STSD and I are getting good at these loaves.

I'll give a taste test report in the next blog. 

By the time the day was done, so was I. Even the intrepid weather dog was worn out.

My experience with rebates left me less than satisfied. I spent 30 minutes in an online chat trying to resolve a rebate concern. I think I did it, but I am now awaiting proof of my efforts. We shall see in about two to three weeks. 

I mentioned in yesterday's blog that I was thinking maudlin thoughts. Well, Mary came to the rescue when she reminded me that I have made a difference in the lives of many people throughout the years, those of herself, Adam and the countless students whom I taught a myriad number of skills over the years. She went out of her way to get me the card below. I won't share the sentiments, those are between she and I, but I know that she had work to do, so I appreciate it more than I can express here. Let me just say that I love her.

I nearly forgot. There were trains to spot yesterday. At 11:25 yesterday morning, locomotive #2019, an EMD GP 38 in the regular livery of the Mid-Michigan RR, was soloing once again heading south. In tow were eight CHCs, three DBTCs, and a lone DWTC. At 4:00 p.m., that same locomotive returned heading north, pulling a long line of heavily laden cars that included: 14 CHCs, five DBTCs, some with anhydrous ammonia, that's a fertilizer used by farmers, four DWTCs loaded with HCl acid, three BCs, and two GTCs, contents unknown. I don't know what happened to locomotive #2057, the regular partner to 2019.

Today, I have more chores to do, but I can approach them with a newly invigorated zeal. It is easy to get down when you lose sight of what is important in life. Plus, I will spend some extended time with the girls today. There is pleasure in music that can come from both performing and listening. I have more reading to do too.

The weather today shows a current temperature of 35° that feels like 30°. Later today, we will see a springlike temperature of 52°. We still have a winter storm watch in effect for Wednesday into Thursday. That's why Mary and I went to the grocery store yesterday. We can stay in and not have to worry about anything but the index that is due, STWD, and hanging those pictures. I need to get to the library by Friday to pick up a new book that I requested. 

The sun will rise at 7:44 a.m. and set at 8:00 p.m. Oddly enough, Mary forwarded and article about the 24 time zones in the world and why they were created, primarily for railroad schedules. Given the many reasons for variations in those zones all over the world, it would be better if we just used GMT everywhere. I'm afraid that like the metric system, people in this country would be unable to make the change. Ciao.