Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:30 a.m. in "The City."

I was outside with Ginger and STWD around 1:15 a.m. and the current temperature of 69° under partly cloudy skies felt very comfortable. In fact, if it were like this all the time it might get boring Or not. I am now old enough that I can do without the ice and snow that is part and parcel to West Michigan, but which is also part of the charm of living in the Midwest. One of those love/hate things I guess.

Later today, the high temperature will return to 69° after dropping into the 50s overnight. Did it rain here yesterday? No, but according to one report, we had a rainbow over the beach @ Grand Haven State Park. I thought you needed rain to have a rainbow so I assume that there must have been some at that location. At any rate, there is only a 10% chance of further precipitation for the foreseeable future. However, I have limited plans for further watering as the gardens are reaching their productive lifespan. So, a few plants will receive more water and I'll be harvesting the potatoes very soon.

We made it to the orthopedist yesterday and I got mostly good news. I don't have a problem with my hip joint. I do have mild arthritis in my hip, but at my age, that isn't surprising. What I actually have is a condition called sacroiliitis, a condition that can mimic the symptoms of lower back pain and manifest itself in the same areas. Surgical treatment is generally not warranted, however ice, some form of anti-inflammatory medication, which the doctor prescribed, and specific therapy from a physical therapist are the best treatments. Fortunately, I have P/T appointments already scheduled. As near as I can tell, sacroiliitis is difficult to diagnose, unless you are a doctor. So much for my online efforts.

Yesterday in baseball was interesting. The Cubs were struggling behind John Lackey and fell behind in Cincinnati early in their game. However, in the bottom of the 7th, the Cubs who were behind 4 - 6 at the time benefitted from several walks, some timely hitting and some terrific base running to pull ahead, 8 - 6 with a four run outburst. They added five more in the top of the 8th to extend their lead, finally winning 13 - 9. Broken bats abounded too. Kris Bryant was hit on the hand, and will likely get today off to rest and get treatment for the resulting confusion.

The Cubs now lead the NL Central with an overall record of 67 - 57, 2.5 games ahead of the Brewers who defeated the Giants late last night in San Francisco, 4 - 3. The 3rd place Cardinals lost to the Padres earlier, 4 - 12 to fall to 4.5 games back. The Cubs and the Reds play again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.

From their lofty, 1st place position atop the AL East, my beloved Red Sox manhandled the Indians last night, 9 - 1 to remain 4.5 games ahead of the Yankees, who also won their game against the Tigers, 13 - 4. The Sox and the Indians play again tonight, also @ 7:10 p.m.

Speaking of the Tigers, they never got it going against the Yankees from their not so lofty 4th position in the AL Central, losing to the Yankees, 4 - 13. The Tigers and the Yankees return to the field tonight @ 7:10 p.m.

The Caps must have used up their supply of momentum on Monday as they lost their MWL East game to the South Bend Cubs last night, 0 - 3. The Caps still have a 2.5 game lead over the Hot Rods, who lost to the Dayton Dragons 0 - 12. The Caps and the South Bend Cubs play again tonight @ 7:00 p.m.

We have more work to do on the index and I'll be getting a head start in the next few minutes. The index is due on Friday, so we have to get cracking. Therefore, once Mary returns from walking STWD to her grooming appointment later this morning, she will join my efforts.

The sun will rise this morning @ 6:59 a.m. and set tonight @ 8:34 p.m. Ciao.