Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 5:00 a.m. in "The City."

Well, it is now official. I mailed the forms for a pension from an employer that I left over 20 years ago. This pension is one of the few that was vested due to over 13 years of service with that employer. With a little help from the folks at the bank when a notary was required, a few signatures from me, and one from Mary, my pension benefits will begin on September 1, 2016. Coincidentally, that is also our 43rd anniversary. The signature from Mary allows her to receive the same benefits that accrued to me in the very unlikely event of my passing. All good.

Yesterday's weather was sweeter than the day before. Oops, I was channeling Dennis Yost and the Classics IV there for a second. However, when I was out watering, tree trimming, weeding, mowing, and edging, the humidity was high enough, 81%, for me to work up a sweat. We have a current temperature of 67°. Later today, when we are out on safari, the high temperature will reach all the way up to 69° under cloudy skies with 74% relative humidity. What the hey, I think I'll add a link to the song, Everyday With You Girl, in honor of Mary all the friends and lovers out there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANGZ73bUW9s

Baseball time is here again! Well, it actually has been here all along, but all of the Major League™ teams have been off for the All-Star™ break. The Cubs return to action this afternoon against the Texas Rangers. The first pitch at the "Friendly Confines" is set for 2:20 p.m. The Cubs are still in 1st place with their N. L. Central-leading  record of 53 - 35. That's 7.0 full games ahead of the 2nd place Cardinals.

What the hey, why not go for a trifecta of songs. Here is a link to Steve Goodman singing about the Cubs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlRI767lNhA

A side note, I just read a description of the demolition that is now occurring at Addison & Clark adjacent to the ballpark. Eventually, the entire area will be rebuilt to include more parking, apartments, and other amenities. As one Cubs' official noted, the entire character of the "Wrigleyville" area will be transformed. Gone will be the old feel of the area, replaced by attractions that are designed to draw people to the area year-round. As a long suffering Cubs fan, I'm not sure how I feel, but I guess that time marches on. The area was not all that attractive to many of the not so long-suffering fans and millennials. Sigh.

The Tigers host the Royals tonight @ 7:10 p.m. The Tigers are in 2nd place in the A. L. Central with a record of 46 - 43, 6.5 games behind the Indians, but more importantly, 0.5 games ahead of that other team from Chicago.

My beloved Red Sox are @ the Yankees tonight in an A. L. East matchup. The Yankees are a shadow of the powerhouse that they had been, while the Sox are a team once again on the rise, with players like Mookie Betts, and Xander Bogaerts. The Sox have a record of 49 - 38, just 2.0 games in back of the Orioles.

The Caps were once again victorious, 5 - 1 over the Kane County Cougars, to move their Midwest League East record to 10 - 9, good for 4th place. They are in Geneva, IL again tonight, to face the Cougars @ 7:05 tonight.

Today my bride of nearly 43 years has a birthday. Every time I hear Tony Bennett sing Once Upon a Time, I am reminded of how lucky I am. In case you've forgotten, here is a link to Tony's version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmwApZaMNe0

There have been many versions by some very famous artists, but I like Tony Bennett's version the most. He just sells it better than the others.

They say you  can never go back, but the memories are still just as sweet. Happy birthday Mary. I love you.

I have it on good authority that all is well with Adam and Steph. As a parent, you never stop worrying about your children.

Today, not much is on tap. A visit to the Social Security office following the morning safari and probably some additional watering. Mary is hoping to enjoy her birthday after that visit. Since we'll be in Muskegon, we may have to stop at Apple Knits & Purls too. We have to avoid the gathering of the motorcycle enthusiasts that is also happening there.

We should have nice weather for walking and watering. STWD will be happy about the cooler temperatures too. She will be visiting her doctor next Monday for her senior wellness exam to make sure she is staying as healthy as possible.

The sun will rise today @ 6:19 a.m. and set @ 9:21 p.m.l Ciao.