Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 2:45 a.m. in "The City."
The fur-children and I took individual sojourns to the front-yard of the PE around 1:45 a.m. They are having to use the front-door to allow the newly stained deck time to dry. Given the weather conditions in West, MI right now, that may be an iffy proposition due to both the high temperature forecast and the actual conditions. The fur-children may want to walk, but I am going to discourage them.
Right now, we have a temperature of 77° under mostly clear skies with 80% relative humidity. Later today, the temperature will rise to 88° with 77% relative humidity. In nearby Rothbury, MI, the NWS, which has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, is concerned for the people attending the annual Electric Forest due to the inland temperature forecast of 95° with an accompanying "Real Feel" of 106° and 77% relative humidity! People with respiratory conditions, young children, and elderly people, like me, are advised to stay indoors and seek air-conditioned conditions. I can follow that advice very easily.
The sun will rise this morning @ 6:08 a.m. and set later tonight @ 9:28 p.m. as people settle into the remodeled and mostly new Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium to watch the Grand Haven Musical Fountain go through its paces. Since the Excessive Heat Warning mentioned earlier will be in effect until late Sunday night, attendees at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain light and music show are encouraged to be cautious.
Baseball news yesterday was not good if you are a Tigers, Red Sox, or White Caps fan. The lone bright spot was a 10 - 6 victory by the 45 - 35, 2nd place in the NL Central Cubs, over the 35 - 43. 2nd place in the AL Central Twins. The Cubs bats were on fire, as Addison Russell belted a Grand Slam, and Jason Heyward, and Ben Zobrist each got two-run home-runs. Kyle Schwarber hit a solo-shot too.
Good news, Kris Bryant is due to come off the 10-day DL on Tuesday and is feeling much better. Sadly, there is also bad news from the DL, as Yu Darvish, the $126 million, 6-year free agent off-season signing by the Cubs, is still on the DL. He will likely receive a cortisone shot in his sore elbow. He had Tommy John surgery in 2016. I hope that there is a clause in that huge contract that limits the Cubs' liability in case of injury. I am betting that Theo Epstein would have insisted on that type of clause in a contract of that magnitude. Darvish does have an opt-out clause in the second year and also possible bonuses for winning the Cy Young Award. Yeah, like that will be happening! Only time will tell who got the better end of this contract. The Cubs and the Twins play again today @ 2:20 p.m.
My beloved, 55 - 28, 2nd place in the AL East Red Sox, dropped a stinker to their arch-rivals, the 53 - 26, now 1st place Yankees, 1 - 8, in Yankee Stadium. Usually reliable Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, who now has a record of 9 - 3, was totally ineffective, while his mound opponent, C.C. Sabathia started for the Yankees and dominated. The Yankees and the Sox are in a virtual tie for the division lead, with the Sox having played four more games than the Yankees in 2018. The Sox and the Yankees meet in Yankee Stadium again tonight @ 7:15 p.m.
The 36 - 47, 3rd in the AL Central Tigers, could not get it going versus the 38 - 43, 4th place in the AL East Blue Jays, as the Tigers lost to the Jays, 2 - 3. Nuff said. The Tigers and the Jays play again today @ 1:07 p.m.
The 5 - 4, tied for 3rd place in the MWL East Caps, looked awful, as they fell to the also 5 - 4 Bowling Green Hot Rods, 2 - 13. The baseball pundits said that the Caps got "Run-Over" by the Hot Rods. A bad pun, but a great description of the outcome. The Caps and the Hot Rods play again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
We got our respective computers on the new to us, cloud-based back-up, Backblaze, service. According to our tech guru, we should now have reliable, all the time back-up. Since, like many people these days, I keep our photos in/on The Cloud, I am much more comfortable.
We didn't get to Muskegon to select our new carpet yesterday, due in part to the heavy traffic that plied Beacon/US Route 31, heading north to the Electric Forest. We will put that off until the following week as the carpet representative will be on vacation next week. No hurry, because the new carpet that will be replacing our nearly-new, less than one-year old carpet, will be replaced at no cost due to a manufacturing defect. Not a big deal until you remember that the last installation took the best part of three days!
We have John coming in today to repaint the master-bathroom and replace the items on the hopefully dry deck. I can't/won't do it, so John will be the main-man.
The new book for indexing is now in and printed. So, I'll be receiving it on my desk for highlighting and commentary very soon. That reminds me, I have to exchange the toner cartridge in the printer to use up what is left of the old one. We exchanged it for a new one to avoid the regular warnings about low-toner that always come about 5,000 copies before the cartridge actually runs out of toner. Ciao.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 7:00 a.m. in "The City." The sun rose today @ 6:08 a.m. and will set later tonight @ 9:28 p.m. We have a current temperature of 64° under clear skies. In between, we'll see a high temperature of 73° under mostly sunny skies. However, the NWS has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for West, MI with temperatures on Saturday forecast to reach 88° under sunny skies. Whew, a stay indoors and don't garden or ride my bike kind of forecast.
Speaking of forecasts, I forecast that Mary won't need to purchase any flowers for her flower room for several more weeks/months. Yesterday, I had to consign her latest flower to that great greenhouse in the sky when I was doing some indoor chores. It was a beautiful red rose that came from the vast gardens of the PE, but like all good things, it had to come to an end. So, as I am won't to do, I just had to go to YouTube™ and get a rendition of the hit recording by Dennis Yost and the Classic's IV, Everyday With You Girl, so here it is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzs6GhmYzT0. This version was supplied to YouTube™ by the Universal Music Group.
Like her red rose, I think that each day, Mary gets sweeter than the day before. In fact, as long as I was at the YouTube™ site, I had to find and include this version of a traditional Irish folk tune that I really like and often play, entitled Red is the Rose. This version features the Irish band The High Kings. Mary was adopted as a baby by a family with German and Polish roots, but we suspect that she may have some Irish roots in her background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl3Ce3XJSD8.
But as is often the case, I digress. Since the previous occupant of the vase in her flower room had expired, Mary went to the vast gardens once again and came back with this arrangement.
I heard the southbound run of the train on the RSTL yesterday morning, but I didn't feel like getting up @ 8:40 a.m., so to paraphrase Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that." What would a visit to YouTube™ be without one more cut from there of Tom Hanks in his Oscar™ winning role as Forrest Gump uttering those words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otm4RusESNU.
Later, @ 12:25 p.m., Ginger and I spotted MMRR locomotive #2019 soloing as it headed north towing one, CHC, one DBTC, and two DWTCs.
Otherwise, we didn't do much yesterday except use up time we will never get back, as our off-site computer guru assisted us with backing up our computers and checking our anti-virus software. She is changing our backup service to one that is more reliable than that which we have been relying on. She'll be rejoining our regularly scheduled day already in progress today to once again attempt to complete more of that task.
Sports news yesterday was interesting, to say the least. The 41 - 36, 2nd in the NL Central Cubs, fell to the 43 - 36, 2nd in the NL West Dodgers, 5 - 7, to stay 2.5 games behind the losing Brewers. The Cubs starting pitcher, Kyle Hendricks, didn't make it out of the 2nd inning, surrendering six runs that were more than the Cubs offense could overcome. The Cubs and the Dodgers play today @ 3:10 p.m. EDT.
My beloved, 54 - 27, 1st in the AL East by .5 games Red Sox, brought the lumber to Fenway yesterday as they pounded the visiting 41 - 40, 4th place in the AL West Angels, 9 - 6. J.D. Martinez hit his 25th home run en route to the win. The Sox and the Angels play again tonight in Fenway @ 7:10 p.m. EDT.
The 38 - 45, 3rd in the AL Central Tigers, dropped another game as they fell to the 43 - 38, 3rd in the AL West Oakland As, 0 - 3. What can I say? The Tigers and the As play this afternoon @ 1:10 p.m. EDT.
The 41 - 36, 3rd in the MWL East Caps completed their sweep of the South Bend Cubs with a 5 - 2 victory. The Caps welcome the Blwling Green Hot Rods to the Fifth/Third Ballpark tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
Mary made a great-tasting dinner of spaghetti last night. I told her the truth, that between tomato soup and pasta, I don't need anything else. Somewhat of a fib, but near the truth. I believe that this was one of her best efforts to date, which after nearly 45 years, is a saying a lot. Of course, she is the one who taught me to like macaroni and cheese and mushrooms too.
Otherwise, not much is on tap for today. John should be by to finish staining the deck now that the rain is over for a few days and that means that I'll be taking the fur-children out through the front door of the manse to avoid the wet stain. Ciao.
Speaking of forecasts, I forecast that Mary won't need to purchase any flowers for her flower room for several more weeks/months. Yesterday, I had to consign her latest flower to that great greenhouse in the sky when I was doing some indoor chores. It was a beautiful red rose that came from the vast gardens of the PE, but like all good things, it had to come to an end. So, as I am won't to do, I just had to go to YouTube™ and get a rendition of the hit recording by Dennis Yost and the Classic's IV, Everyday With You Girl, so here it is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzs6GhmYzT0. This version was supplied to YouTube™ by the Universal Music Group.
Like her red rose, I think that each day, Mary gets sweeter than the day before. In fact, as long as I was at the YouTube™ site, I had to find and include this version of a traditional Irish folk tune that I really like and often play, entitled Red is the Rose. This version features the Irish band The High Kings. Mary was adopted as a baby by a family with German and Polish roots, but we suspect that she may have some Irish roots in her background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl3Ce3XJSD8.
But as is often the case, I digress. Since the previous occupant of the vase in her flower room had expired, Mary went to the vast gardens once again and came back with this arrangement.
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| Simple, understated, but perfect. Mary took this picture with her trusty Smart Phone. |
Later, @ 12:25 p.m., Ginger and I spotted MMRR locomotive #2019 soloing as it headed north towing one, CHC, one DBTC, and two DWTCs.
Otherwise, we didn't do much yesterday except use up time we will never get back, as our off-site computer guru assisted us with backing up our computers and checking our anti-virus software. She is changing our backup service to one that is more reliable than that which we have been relying on. She'll be rejoining our regularly scheduled day already in progress today to once again attempt to complete more of that task.
Sports news yesterday was interesting, to say the least. The 41 - 36, 2nd in the NL Central Cubs, fell to the 43 - 36, 2nd in the NL West Dodgers, 5 - 7, to stay 2.5 games behind the losing Brewers. The Cubs starting pitcher, Kyle Hendricks, didn't make it out of the 2nd inning, surrendering six runs that were more than the Cubs offense could overcome. The Cubs and the Dodgers play today @ 3:10 p.m. EDT.
My beloved, 54 - 27, 1st in the AL East by .5 games Red Sox, brought the lumber to Fenway yesterday as they pounded the visiting 41 - 40, 4th place in the AL West Angels, 9 - 6. J.D. Martinez hit his 25th home run en route to the win. The Sox and the Angels play again tonight in Fenway @ 7:10 p.m. EDT.
The 38 - 45, 3rd in the AL Central Tigers, dropped another game as they fell to the 43 - 38, 3rd in the AL West Oakland As, 0 - 3. What can I say? The Tigers and the As play this afternoon @ 1:10 p.m. EDT.
The 41 - 36, 3rd in the MWL East Caps completed their sweep of the South Bend Cubs with a 5 - 2 victory. The Caps welcome the Blwling Green Hot Rods to the Fifth/Third Ballpark tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
Mary made a great-tasting dinner of spaghetti last night. I told her the truth, that between tomato soup and pasta, I don't need anything else. Somewhat of a fib, but near the truth. I believe that this was one of her best efforts to date, which after nearly 45 years, is a saying a lot. Of course, she is the one who taught me to like macaroni and cheese and mushrooms too.
Otherwise, not much is on tap for today. John should be by to finish staining the deck now that the rain is over for a few days and that means that I'll be taking the fur-children out through the front door of the manse to avoid the wet stain. Ciao.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:30 a.m. in "The City."
I hadn't planned to get up, but sometimes, nature calls, and so it did for me and for the fur-children around 2:30 a.m. At any rate, they are good for the night and so am I.
We have a current temperature of 68° under cloudy/rainy skies. The NWS is forecasting a 100% chance for T-storms right now through 6:00 a.m., so it was a good thing that I got the fur-children out. It is raining steady right now, but no thunder, so STWD is much happier. Later this morning, the NWS is forecasting that those T-storms will become showers and then give-way to partly-cloudy skies in the afternoon. The sun will rise @ 6:07 a.m. and set later tonight @ 9:28 p.m. We have John re-staining the deck, but although it is now power-washed, he has to wait for several dry days to finish the job and allow the stain to dry.
We got our estimate for the landscaping of the parkway area yesterday and it was as expected, so we signed the agreement and got on the schedule. We like the look of the design and the plants that are included and we can't wait. The idea was to make the parkway plantings need minimal watering, and Dale at Grand Haven Garden House, delivered.
Baseball news yesterday was mostly positive.
Let me start with the negative and then go from there. The 36 - 44, 3rd place in the AL Central Tigers, are now officially as expected, a rebuilding team. They allowed the 42 - 38, 3rd in the AL West Oakland As to chip away at what had been a six-run lead and go on to win the game, 9 - 7. The Tigers' bullpen once again imploded and defensive lapses led to extended innings which led to that loss. The Tigers and the As play in Comerica Park again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.
Additional bad news, Cubs' 3rd-baseman, Kris Bryant, is on the 10-day DL with that sore shoulder. He believes that he injured his shoulder sliding into a base a few games back. At any rate, the 2nd place in the NL Central, 43 - 34 Cubs, are 2.5 games in back of the Brewers in the NL Central with the Cubs in La La land again tonight to face the 42 - 36, 2nd in the NL West Dodgers, @ 10:10 p.m. A bit of good news, Javier Baez blasted two home-runs, one a grand-slam, to power the Cubs and starting pitcher Jon Lester to win his 9th game en route to a 9 - 4 win and allow the Cubs to snap their five-game losing streak.
My beloved, 53 - 27, 2nd place in the AL East by 1/2 game Red Sox, blew out the 4th in the AL West LA Angels in Fenway last night, 9 - 1. Red-hot Mookie Betts got a dinger, as did resurgent outfielder, Jackie Bradley Jr., who went three for four with four RBIs. Bradley Jr, has been in a slump, but the last few games he had been getting better reads on pitches and spraying the ball all over the field. Christian Vasquez and J.D. Martinez also homered. The Sox and the Angels go at it again tonight in Fenway @ 7:10 p.m.
The 40 - 36 overall, 4 - 2 in the second half of the MWL East season, West Michigan White Caps, who are tied for 2nd with three other teams, pounded the South Bend Cubs, 10 - 3 last night. The Caps and the Cubs play again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
Today, not much is on tap. Mary will read more of my novel, we'll both walk the fur-children, and STWD and I will pick up today's Grand Haven Tribune, and then settle in. I'm tired of having no days off, chuckle-chuckle, but retirement is busier than I thought. Ciao.
I hadn't planned to get up, but sometimes, nature calls, and so it did for me and for the fur-children around 2:30 a.m. At any rate, they are good for the night and so am I.
We have a current temperature of 68° under cloudy/rainy skies. The NWS is forecasting a 100% chance for T-storms right now through 6:00 a.m., so it was a good thing that I got the fur-children out. It is raining steady right now, but no thunder, so STWD is much happier. Later this morning, the NWS is forecasting that those T-storms will become showers and then give-way to partly-cloudy skies in the afternoon. The sun will rise @ 6:07 a.m. and set later tonight @ 9:28 p.m. We have John re-staining the deck, but although it is now power-washed, he has to wait for several dry days to finish the job and allow the stain to dry.
We got our estimate for the landscaping of the parkway area yesterday and it was as expected, so we signed the agreement and got on the schedule. We like the look of the design and the plants that are included and we can't wait. The idea was to make the parkway plantings need minimal watering, and Dale at Grand Haven Garden House, delivered.
Baseball news yesterday was mostly positive.
Let me start with the negative and then go from there. The 36 - 44, 3rd place in the AL Central Tigers, are now officially as expected, a rebuilding team. They allowed the 42 - 38, 3rd in the AL West Oakland As to chip away at what had been a six-run lead and go on to win the game, 9 - 7. The Tigers' bullpen once again imploded and defensive lapses led to extended innings which led to that loss. The Tigers and the As play in Comerica Park again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.
Additional bad news, Cubs' 3rd-baseman, Kris Bryant, is on the 10-day DL with that sore shoulder. He believes that he injured his shoulder sliding into a base a few games back. At any rate, the 2nd place in the NL Central, 43 - 34 Cubs, are 2.5 games in back of the Brewers in the NL Central with the Cubs in La La land again tonight to face the 42 - 36, 2nd in the NL West Dodgers, @ 10:10 p.m. A bit of good news, Javier Baez blasted two home-runs, one a grand-slam, to power the Cubs and starting pitcher Jon Lester to win his 9th game en route to a 9 - 4 win and allow the Cubs to snap their five-game losing streak.
My beloved, 53 - 27, 2nd place in the AL East by 1/2 game Red Sox, blew out the 4th in the AL West LA Angels in Fenway last night, 9 - 1. Red-hot Mookie Betts got a dinger, as did resurgent outfielder, Jackie Bradley Jr., who went three for four with four RBIs. Bradley Jr, has been in a slump, but the last few games he had been getting better reads on pitches and spraying the ball all over the field. Christian Vasquez and J.D. Martinez also homered. The Sox and the Angels go at it again tonight in Fenway @ 7:10 p.m.
The 40 - 36 overall, 4 - 2 in the second half of the MWL East season, West Michigan White Caps, who are tied for 2nd with three other teams, pounded the South Bend Cubs, 10 - 3 last night. The Caps and the Cubs play again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
Today, not much is on tap. Mary will read more of my novel, we'll both walk the fur-children, and STWD and I will pick up today's Grand Haven Tribune, and then settle in. I'm tired of having no days off, chuckle-chuckle, but retirement is busier than I thought. Ciao.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is fast closing on 6:00 a.m. in "The City."
I'm once again going to try following the KISS formula and thus, make an effort to get this blog closed out before sunrise @ 6:06 a.m. and long before the sun sets @ 9:28 p.m. Later this evening, the NWS is forecasting a 60% chance of T-storms as we peak @ 78° after our current overnight low of 59°.
Ginger and I spotted MMRR locomotives #2025 and #2019 as they headed south towing 16 CHCs @ 8:40 a.m. Later, @ 1:02 p.m., we spotted those same locomotives heading north as they towed three CHCs, two DBTCs, one GTC, and one DWTC.
Sports news yesterday was mixed. The 42 - 34 Cubs, behind rookie starting pitcher Duane Underwood Jr., fell to the Dodgers in La La land, 1 - 2. The Cubs are having trouble scoring runs these days, especially with Kris Bryant sidelined with shoulder inflammation. He is day to day at this time. Speaking of starting pitchers, Yu Darvish started a rehab assignment for the South Bend, IN Cubs last night and looked good. However, his efforts were not enough to forestall a loss to the victorious Caps, who won the game, 4 - 2. The Caps and the SB Cubs play again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
My beloved 52 - 27 Red Sox were off yesterday before they welcome the Anaheim Angels to Fenway for a game tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
The 36 - 43 Tigers fell to the Oakland Athletics yesterday afternoon, 4 - 5. They play the As again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.
I got out yesterday and rode my bike for about five miles. I am taking it slow so as not to overextend myself. I also found time to do a few chores around the manse.
Today, I have a short appointment at the chiropractor's office to get more tape on my left-shoulder. I removed the old tape yesterday, but I have to say that my shoulder is feeling better. Mary spent more time editing my novel. She rightly pointed out that I have some continuity issues, but she likes the characters and the story, so far.
Otherwise, that's enough for now. Ciao.
I'm once again going to try following the KISS formula and thus, make an effort to get this blog closed out before sunrise @ 6:06 a.m. and long before the sun sets @ 9:28 p.m. Later this evening, the NWS is forecasting a 60% chance of T-storms as we peak @ 78° after our current overnight low of 59°.
Ginger and I spotted MMRR locomotives #2025 and #2019 as they headed south towing 16 CHCs @ 8:40 a.m. Later, @ 1:02 p.m., we spotted those same locomotives heading north as they towed three CHCs, two DBTCs, one GTC, and one DWTC.
Sports news yesterday was mixed. The 42 - 34 Cubs, behind rookie starting pitcher Duane Underwood Jr., fell to the Dodgers in La La land, 1 - 2. The Cubs are having trouble scoring runs these days, especially with Kris Bryant sidelined with shoulder inflammation. He is day to day at this time. Speaking of starting pitchers, Yu Darvish started a rehab assignment for the South Bend, IN Cubs last night and looked good. However, his efforts were not enough to forestall a loss to the victorious Caps, who won the game, 4 - 2. The Caps and the SB Cubs play again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
My beloved 52 - 27 Red Sox were off yesterday before they welcome the Anaheim Angels to Fenway for a game tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
The 36 - 43 Tigers fell to the Oakland Athletics yesterday afternoon, 4 - 5. They play the As again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.
I got out yesterday and rode my bike for about five miles. I am taking it slow so as not to overextend myself. I also found time to do a few chores around the manse.
Today, I have a short appointment at the chiropractor's office to get more tape on my left-shoulder. I removed the old tape yesterday, but I have to say that my shoulder is feeling better. Mary spent more time editing my novel. She rightly pointed out that I have some continuity issues, but she likes the characters and the story, so far.
Otherwise, that's enough for now. Ciao.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:00 p.m. in "The City."
This is a special Sunday afternoon edition of my regular early morning blog.
We're back! Not that there was ever any doubt, but the southbound trip was made under less than ideal conditions, weather-wise. In fact right now, we have a current temperature of 63° under cloudy skies here in GH. Oddly enough, in Kalamazoo, the current temperature is 73°. We weren't that much farther south, but that's the way it is. As we were driving back from Kalamazoo, we encountered a fog bank that lasted for 30 miles or so. The sun rose this morning @ 6:06 a.m. and it will set tonight @ 9:28 p.m. Tomorrow, the temperature is forecast by the NWS to reach 78° here in GH. The forecast for both Tuesday and Wednesday calls for a 50% to 60% chance of scattered showers/T-storms.
Now on with the blog. In the interest of brevity and also because my baseball teams didn't fare so well the last few days, I'll be skipping over the sports in this blog.
Our first stop on Friday was in Portage, MI to visit the Air Zoo. We were not disappointed, Mary included. I am going to add some pictures here in a mostly random order, that depict our visit. Once again, don't forget to click on any picture that interests you, for an enlarged version.
We took a lot of pictures, so I had to choose some representative samples. We had such a great time, that we plan to go back again next year.
While we were away, the fur-children were in the tender care of Dawn, our pet-sitter. She and the girls get along great, so we didn't have to worry. However, the girls were glad to see us when we got home.
I think that's enough for one blog. I hope you enjoyed our journey to the Air Zoo in Portage an to the Kalamazoo Irish Fest as much as we did. Ciao.
This is a special Sunday afternoon edition of my regular early morning blog.
We're back! Not that there was ever any doubt, but the southbound trip was made under less than ideal conditions, weather-wise. In fact right now, we have a current temperature of 63° under cloudy skies here in GH. Oddly enough, in Kalamazoo, the current temperature is 73°. We weren't that much farther south, but that's the way it is. As we were driving back from Kalamazoo, we encountered a fog bank that lasted for 30 miles or so. The sun rose this morning @ 6:06 a.m. and it will set tonight @ 9:28 p.m. Tomorrow, the temperature is forecast by the NWS to reach 78° here in GH. The forecast for both Tuesday and Wednesday calls for a 50% to 60% chance of scattered showers/T-storms.
Now on with the blog. In the interest of brevity and also because my baseball teams didn't fare so well the last few days, I'll be skipping over the sports in this blog.
Our first stop on Friday was in Portage, MI to visit the Air Zoo. We were not disappointed, Mary included. I am going to add some pictures here in a mostly random order, that depict our visit. Once again, don't forget to click on any picture that interests you, for an enlarged version.
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| Everything I'd hoped for, and more. |
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| This is just inside the main exhibit area. |
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| The opening of an animated depiction of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. |
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| Ready to launch. |
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| Near the entrance, is this supersonic SR 71 Blackbird spy plane. |
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| All eras of war-birds are on display. |
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| We felt like we'd been transported back into the 1930s. |
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| A B-25 bomber of the type that General Jimmy Doolittle flew over Tokyo early in WW II. |
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| For Adam, what's a museum without a Jeep. |
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| At the top of the stairs that get you to the overlook of the main exhibit area. |
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| Early incarnation of Blue Angels aircraft, propeller driven. |
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| A jet-powered incarnation |
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| Don't remember where, but a nice collection of beer tappers somewhere |
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| Whiskey Before Breakfast, the opening act on Friday. |
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| Some of the talented Irish dancers from the Quinn School of Irish Dance. |
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| This is a band named Andro. Traditional Irish with a hint of modernity. |
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| After following a more circuitous route on Friday, we learned a better way to get to the fest. This is a turtle exhibit that depicts the Ojibwa tale of the creation of Mackinac Island. |
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| Some of the older Quinn dancers about to go on stage. |
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| Peat in the Creel, a great local band. |
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| Sometimes, the children took over the dance floor. |
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| A terrific band named Crossbow, all students at Grand Valley State University in Allendale. |
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| Kennedy's Kitchen. |
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| Blackthorn, through the trees. |
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| Mary took this picture on our way back to the hotel. I think it is a wheel from one of the belt-drives in an old factory in Kalamazoo. |
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| Mary changed to her macro lens and took this photo of what is an invasive weed, but also a beautiful flower. |
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| Also on our walk back to the hotel, are these homes in Kalamazoo. |
While we were away, the fur-children were in the tender care of Dawn, our pet-sitter. She and the girls get along great, so we didn't have to worry. However, the girls were glad to see us when we got home.
I think that's enough for one blog. I hope you enjoyed our journey to the Air Zoo in Portage an to the Kalamazoo Irish Fest as much as we did. Ciao.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:00 a.m. in "The City."
I was listening to Coast to Coast AM and host George Noory, as George and his guest, former Judge Jame P. Gray, who is also a former Libertarian VP candidate, discussed the need for competition to improve products, such as cell-phones, automobiles, and many other consumer goods. In addition, Judge Gray opined that what is needed to improve public education, which he claims to believe in, is to bring in competition.
For example, Judge Gray says/believes that since there are fewer administrators in parochial schools, the teachers in those schools may get better salaries. they generally don't, and more input into how those schools are run and how children are taught. He believes that public school teachers are interested only in the money from taxpayers and the results are not important or only secondary. He fails to take into account the better results that come in schools with a more concerned/committed parent base, a concerned/committed parent base that demands better outcomes, However, that is only the beginning.
Judge Gray fails to take into account better socioeconomic conditions in the community at large, an often better educated parent base, and the fact that parochial schools often don't or can't provide special education opportunities for their special needs students. More often, do they even have to enroll them. If all things were truly equal, then he might be right about the outcomes being better in parochial schools. However, with politics being what they are, along with the fact that parochial schools are only now starting to provide services to special needs students. We don't have a level playing field. Plus, why would anyone go into the teaching profession, when they can easily become a target for a nut with a semi-automatic weapon.
Most parochial/charter/private schools are not subject to the same oversight that public schools receive. I could go on, but the point is that until all school systems receive the same tax dollars, the same oversight, or are required to have an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for special-needs students, then a valid comparison is not possible.
Too much for me, so I'll return now to my regularly scheduled blog, already in progress.
I made a vegan hammish yesterday in preparation for our trip to Kalamazoo. We'll pair some of that with the Polish rye bread that we picked up on our morning walk with the fur-children. The baking schedule at The Baker's Wife, a companion to the Village Baker store in Spring Lake, has Polish rye bread on their baking schedule three times per week. Thursday is one of those days. I also mowed the vast lawns of the PE.
Earlier this morning, I awoke to find that the Cubs had fallen to the 29 - 45, last place in the NL Central Reds, 2 - 6. I know, the Cubs have pitchers on the DL, and that they have pitchers on bereavement leave, and that they will soon have another pitcher on maternity leave, but good teams find a way to overcome, not succumb. Just saying. The Cubs try to defeat the Reds again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.when Jose Quintana takes the mound.
My beloved, 50 - 26, 2nd in the AL East Red Sox, easily defeated the 3rd place Twins, 9 - 2. Starting pitcher, Rick Porcello dominated and Mookie Betts went 3 for 6 with a home-run, as he paced the 16 hit attack. The Sox and the Twins try again tonight, also @ 7:10 p.m.
The 36 - 39, 2nd in the AL Central Tigers, are in Cleveland tonight to take on the 1st place, 40 - 33 Indians, also @ 7:10 p.m. This is a chance for the Tigers to move up, or down, in this weak division.
The 36 - 34 in the first half of the MWL East season, West, MI White Caps, were postponed for the 8th time this season, this time in Ft. Wayne, IN. They are now faced with a double-header today against the TinCaps starting @ 5:35 p.m. Technically speaking, the Caps are in 5th place and the TinCaps are in 4th, but both teams currently have a record of 0 - 0 in the 2nd half.
When I had the fur-children out earlier, I felt the chill in the air and noted that the skies were hazy/cloudy. Those cloudy conditions are forecast by the NWS to continue through the morning hours and there is up to a 50% chance of rain beginning around 6:00 p.m. today. Do I water? Once again, a game-time decision. We have a current temperature of 63°. The high temperature forecast for today is 72° for GH and 65° with rain for Kalamazoo, where we will be later today. I'd guess that the indoor part of the Kalamazoo Irish Fest may be more packed. The sun will rise @ 6:05 a.m. and set later @ 9:28 p.m.
I got up around 1:15 a.m. and went downstairs to empty the dishwasher and clear up the supper dishes. I forced the fur-children to go out around 1:30 a.m., so they should be good for the balance of this morning. I found Mary asleep in the La-Z-Boy, where she had been watching The Da Vinci Code, followed by MSNBC. I passed by and did not attempt to wake her, as this is never a good thing with Mary. As I previously noted, I had been watching the Cubs playing well, so I went off to bed around 8:00 p.m., where the game was on the radio.
I was sitting here at my keyboard when I heard that lonesome whistle blow. I threw open the blinds on the WW and watched as MMRR locomotives #2019 and #2025 passed by heading south on the RSTL. I seem to remember that the MMRR changes their schedule during the "Tourist Season" to ease traffic congestion. In any even, those locomotives were towing 113 DBTCs, yes, 113, along with one RTC (Red Tank Car) and one GTC (Gray Tank Car). I have never seen that many cars in tow before. What were those Dreaded Black Tank Cars hiding in the dead of night?
Today, we'll try to get an early start and enjoy a visit to the Air Zoo, also in Kalamazoo, before the Irish Fest begins @ 5:00 p.m. The Air Zoo is home to a display of over 50 aircraft and many interactive exhibits. Ciao.
I was listening to Coast to Coast AM and host George Noory, as George and his guest, former Judge Jame P. Gray, who is also a former Libertarian VP candidate, discussed the need for competition to improve products, such as cell-phones, automobiles, and many other consumer goods. In addition, Judge Gray opined that what is needed to improve public education, which he claims to believe in, is to bring in competition.
For example, Judge Gray says/believes that since there are fewer administrators in parochial schools, the teachers in those schools may get better salaries. they generally don't, and more input into how those schools are run and how children are taught. He believes that public school teachers are interested only in the money from taxpayers and the results are not important or only secondary. He fails to take into account the better results that come in schools with a more concerned/committed parent base, a concerned/committed parent base that demands better outcomes, However, that is only the beginning.
Judge Gray fails to take into account better socioeconomic conditions in the community at large, an often better educated parent base, and the fact that parochial schools often don't or can't provide special education opportunities for their special needs students. More often, do they even have to enroll them. If all things were truly equal, then he might be right about the outcomes being better in parochial schools. However, with politics being what they are, along with the fact that parochial schools are only now starting to provide services to special needs students. We don't have a level playing field. Plus, why would anyone go into the teaching profession, when they can easily become a target for a nut with a semi-automatic weapon.
Most parochial/charter/private schools are not subject to the same oversight that public schools receive. I could go on, but the point is that until all school systems receive the same tax dollars, the same oversight, or are required to have an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for special-needs students, then a valid comparison is not possible.
Too much for me, so I'll return now to my regularly scheduled blog, already in progress.
I made a vegan hammish yesterday in preparation for our trip to Kalamazoo. We'll pair some of that with the Polish rye bread that we picked up on our morning walk with the fur-children. The baking schedule at The Baker's Wife, a companion to the Village Baker store in Spring Lake, has Polish rye bread on their baking schedule three times per week. Thursday is one of those days. I also mowed the vast lawns of the PE.
Earlier this morning, I awoke to find that the Cubs had fallen to the 29 - 45, last place in the NL Central Reds, 2 - 6. I know, the Cubs have pitchers on the DL, and that they have pitchers on bereavement leave, and that they will soon have another pitcher on maternity leave, but good teams find a way to overcome, not succumb. Just saying. The Cubs try to defeat the Reds again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.when Jose Quintana takes the mound.
My beloved, 50 - 26, 2nd in the AL East Red Sox, easily defeated the 3rd place Twins, 9 - 2. Starting pitcher, Rick Porcello dominated and Mookie Betts went 3 for 6 with a home-run, as he paced the 16 hit attack. The Sox and the Twins try again tonight, also @ 7:10 p.m.
The 36 - 39, 2nd in the AL Central Tigers, are in Cleveland tonight to take on the 1st place, 40 - 33 Indians, also @ 7:10 p.m. This is a chance for the Tigers to move up, or down, in this weak division.
The 36 - 34 in the first half of the MWL East season, West, MI White Caps, were postponed for the 8th time this season, this time in Ft. Wayne, IN. They are now faced with a double-header today against the TinCaps starting @ 5:35 p.m. Technically speaking, the Caps are in 5th place and the TinCaps are in 4th, but both teams currently have a record of 0 - 0 in the 2nd half.
When I had the fur-children out earlier, I felt the chill in the air and noted that the skies were hazy/cloudy. Those cloudy conditions are forecast by the NWS to continue through the morning hours and there is up to a 50% chance of rain beginning around 6:00 p.m. today. Do I water? Once again, a game-time decision. We have a current temperature of 63°. The high temperature forecast for today is 72° for GH and 65° with rain for Kalamazoo, where we will be later today. I'd guess that the indoor part of the Kalamazoo Irish Fest may be more packed. The sun will rise @ 6:05 a.m. and set later @ 9:28 p.m.
I got up around 1:15 a.m. and went downstairs to empty the dishwasher and clear up the supper dishes. I forced the fur-children to go out around 1:30 a.m., so they should be good for the balance of this morning. I found Mary asleep in the La-Z-Boy, where she had been watching The Da Vinci Code, followed by MSNBC. I passed by and did not attempt to wake her, as this is never a good thing with Mary. As I previously noted, I had been watching the Cubs playing well, so I went off to bed around 8:00 p.m., where the game was on the radio.
I was sitting here at my keyboard when I heard that lonesome whistle blow. I threw open the blinds on the WW and watched as MMRR locomotives #2019 and #2025 passed by heading south on the RSTL. I seem to remember that the MMRR changes their schedule during the "Tourist Season" to ease traffic congestion. In any even, those locomotives were towing 113 DBTCs, yes, 113, along with one RTC (Red Tank Car) and one GTC (Gray Tank Car). I have never seen that many cars in tow before. What were those Dreaded Black Tank Cars hiding in the dead of night?
Today, we'll try to get an early start and enjoy a visit to the Air Zoo, also in Kalamazoo, before the Irish Fest begins @ 5:00 p.m. The Air Zoo is home to a display of over 50 aircraft and many interactive exhibits. Ciao.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:30 a.m. in "The City."
According to the NWS, we have a current temperature of 63° under partly cloudy skies. I can affirm that part of the forecast, as I was just downstairs and looked out the WW on the lower level of the manse to see another of what has now become a regular feature of life on the RSTL, the passage of a train after midnight. More on that in just a bit. The high today is forecast to reach 80°, also under partly cloudy skies. That high temperature is approximately 10° warmer than the high we experienced yesterday. The sun will rise @ 6:05 a.m. and set later this evening @ 9:28 p.m.
We ran some errands to Holland yesterday and then stopped @ JWs for some adult libations before heading home to feed the fur-children. This weekend is the first week of the annual Electric Forest Festival north of here @ the Double-J Ranch. Last year, we got caught in the traffic backup on Rte. 31, when the festival ended. We won't make that mistake again this year. I should note, that this festival is repeated again next weekend with the similar traffic backups.
Now back to trainspotting. As I noted in my previous blog, I anticipated a northbound run of MMRR EMD GP-38-2 locomotives 2025 and 2019 yesterday morning and I was not disappointed. At 9:15 a.m., I espied those locomotives heading north towing 41 DBTCs and one GTC. Shortly thereafter, I spotted a track inspection truck and several railroad workers checking the rails.
I waited until 10:44 p.m. last night to see those locomotives heading south, as the dead-headed towards the rail yards near Holland. I waited, watched some TV earlier, and then @ 12:40 a.m. this morning, I heard that lonesome whistle blow and sprang to the front window to see the northbound passage of locomotives 2019 and 2025 as they traveled at a high rate of speed towing 48 DBTCs and one RTC, that's a red tank car. I don't know what has caused the shift in the schedule, but there you have it.
I was hoping to see the my beloved 49 - 26, 2nd place in the AL East Red Sox, return to their winning ways, but they dropped the second game in their series against the 33 - 37 Twins, 1 - 4. What can I say, the Sox were on fire early in the season, but now it looks like someone has sprayed them with water. The Sox and the Twins play this afternoon @ 1:10 p.m. EDT.
The 42 - 29 , tied for 1st place with the 43 - 30 Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, defeated the 38 - 35, 2nd place in the NL West Dodgers, 4 - 0 yesterday. Javier Baez was a one-man highlight film as he sprayed hits all over the field, ran the bases with abandon, and sparkled on defense He actually completed a one-player double-play @ 2nd base by spearing a ball that was ticketed for right-field and then scrambled back to 2nd base to catch a Dodgers' runner who had sprinted too far towards third and couldn't get back before Baez got there. The Cubs don't have any time off, as they head to Cincinnati for a game tonight against the 28 - 45, last in the NL Central Reds @ 7:10 p.m. EDT.
A perfect segue to the 36 - 39, 2nd place in the AL Central Tigers, who lost another to the Reds yesterday afternoon, 3 - 5. Like my beloved Red Sox, the Tigers can't seem to beat weaker teams. The Tigers are off today before taking on the 1st place, 40 - 33 Indians, @ 7:10 p.m. EDT Friday night in Cleveland.
The Caps return to the field tonight against the Ft. Wayne, IN TinCaps in Ft. Wayne @ 7:05 p.m. tonight.
We have a lot to do today in preparation for our weekend trip to the 18th annual Kalamazoo Irish Fest @ the Old Dog Tavern. Being retired takes too much planning/work. We have our regular sitter lined up for the fur-children, so they should be just fine. However, Ginger doesn't like being separated from Mary for any length of time. STWD misses me, but she is also happy to rest on her laurels, so to speak. Otherwise, we have an appointment at the chiropractor this afternoon. Ciao.
According to the NWS, we have a current temperature of 63° under partly cloudy skies. I can affirm that part of the forecast, as I was just downstairs and looked out the WW on the lower level of the manse to see another of what has now become a regular feature of life on the RSTL, the passage of a train after midnight. More on that in just a bit. The high today is forecast to reach 80°, also under partly cloudy skies. That high temperature is approximately 10° warmer than the high we experienced yesterday. The sun will rise @ 6:05 a.m. and set later this evening @ 9:28 p.m.
We ran some errands to Holland yesterday and then stopped @ JWs for some adult libations before heading home to feed the fur-children. This weekend is the first week of the annual Electric Forest Festival north of here @ the Double-J Ranch. Last year, we got caught in the traffic backup on Rte. 31, when the festival ended. We won't make that mistake again this year. I should note, that this festival is repeated again next weekend with the similar traffic backups.
Now back to trainspotting. As I noted in my previous blog, I anticipated a northbound run of MMRR EMD GP-38-2 locomotives 2025 and 2019 yesterday morning and I was not disappointed. At 9:15 a.m., I espied those locomotives heading north towing 41 DBTCs and one GTC. Shortly thereafter, I spotted a track inspection truck and several railroad workers checking the rails.
I waited until 10:44 p.m. last night to see those locomotives heading south, as the dead-headed towards the rail yards near Holland. I waited, watched some TV earlier, and then @ 12:40 a.m. this morning, I heard that lonesome whistle blow and sprang to the front window to see the northbound passage of locomotives 2019 and 2025 as they traveled at a high rate of speed towing 48 DBTCs and one RTC, that's a red tank car. I don't know what has caused the shift in the schedule, but there you have it.
I was hoping to see the my beloved 49 - 26, 2nd place in the AL East Red Sox, return to their winning ways, but they dropped the second game in their series against the 33 - 37 Twins, 1 - 4. What can I say, the Sox were on fire early in the season, but now it looks like someone has sprayed them with water. The Sox and the Twins play this afternoon @ 1:10 p.m. EDT.
The 42 - 29 , tied for 1st place with the 43 - 30 Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, defeated the 38 - 35, 2nd place in the NL West Dodgers, 4 - 0 yesterday. Javier Baez was a one-man highlight film as he sprayed hits all over the field, ran the bases with abandon, and sparkled on defense He actually completed a one-player double-play @ 2nd base by spearing a ball that was ticketed for right-field and then scrambled back to 2nd base to catch a Dodgers' runner who had sprinted too far towards third and couldn't get back before Baez got there. The Cubs don't have any time off, as they head to Cincinnati for a game tonight against the 28 - 45, last in the NL Central Reds @ 7:10 p.m. EDT.
A perfect segue to the 36 - 39, 2nd place in the AL Central Tigers, who lost another to the Reds yesterday afternoon, 3 - 5. Like my beloved Red Sox, the Tigers can't seem to beat weaker teams. The Tigers are off today before taking on the 1st place, 40 - 33 Indians, @ 7:10 p.m. EDT Friday night in Cleveland.
The Caps return to the field tonight against the Ft. Wayne, IN TinCaps in Ft. Wayne @ 7:05 p.m. tonight.
We have a lot to do today in preparation for our weekend trip to the 18th annual Kalamazoo Irish Fest @ the Old Dog Tavern. Being retired takes too much planning/work. We have our regular sitter lined up for the fur-children, so they should be just fine. However, Ginger doesn't like being separated from Mary for any length of time. STWD misses me, but she is also happy to rest on her laurels, so to speak. Otherwise, we have an appointment at the chiropractor this afternoon. Ciao.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "The City."
Let me start out by saying that I really like my Father's Day gift from my children, Stephany and Adam. At first, I didn't know I received it, because Mary was busily opening the mail on Saturday and didn't notice that the package was addressed to me. Be that as it may, there are many great recipes in the Field Roast: 101 Artisan Meat Recipes to Cook, Share, and Savor. I can't wait to try some of them. Thanks kids. : - )
We have a current temperature of 64° under cloudy skies. In fact, I wouldn't be up now, but @ 2:44 a.m., I heard that lonesome whistle blow and sprang to the WW to see something I have not seen in a long time, the passage of MMRR locomotives #2019 and #2025 as they towed 14 CHCs, and one lone DBTC heading south. I assume that there will be a return, northbound run, later this morning.
Oddly enough, on Monday, I heard the passage of those locomotives heading south @ around 9:31 a.m., But, I had to wait until 12:45 p.m. to see the northbound run of those same locomotives towing 24 CHCs, seven DBTCs, and one DWTC. Later, I saw those two locomotives dead-heading southward and that was the last I saw of them. I thought at first that it was a work-truck passing by, but no, it was those locomotives. When they headed north, I don't know. Go figure.
While most of my teams were off on Monday, the Cubs were supposed to play the Dodgers that night. However, inclement weather caused their game against the Dodgers to be postponed until yesterday when the 41 - 29, 2nd in the NL Central Cubs, lost to the 38 - 34, 2nd in the NL West Dodgers in the rescheduled game, 3 - 4. The Cubs came back to win the second game, 2 - 1. So, they stayed even with the division, .5 games behind the 43 - 30, 1st place Brewers. The Cubs and the Dodgers play today @ 2:20 p.m. EDT.
My beloved, 49 - 25, 2nd in the AL East Red Sox, fell to the 32 - 37, 3rd in the AL Central Twins last night, 2 - 6. The Sox are one-game in back of the division leading, 48 - 22 Yankees. In spite of 11 Ks by starting pitcher Chris Sale, a home-run by Rafael Devers, and a Major-League highlight-reel throw from left-center field by Jackie Bradley Jr. Bradley's throw traveled 290 feet @ 103.4 mph, to start a double-play. However, the Sox once again fell to a team with a sub -.500 record. The Sox and the Twins play tonight @ 8:10 p.m. EDT.
What can I say about the rebuilding 36 - 38 Tigers. They should have beaten the 27 - 45, 5th place in the NL Central Cincinnati Reds, but alas, the Tigers lost to the Reds, 5 - 9. The Tigers had the chance to go even with the division, but that, as the proverbial they say, is the way the ball bounces. The Tigers play the Reds later today @ 12:35 p.m. EDT.
The 36 - 34, 3rd in the MWL East Caps, are off until tomorrow when they play the 32 - 37 Ft. Wayne, IN TinCaps @ 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Here's where I depart from the regular format a bit and report on the pictures that Mary took over the last couple of days. I was outside with the fur-children on Monday morning, when I noticed that the heavy rains that we had overnight Sunday, had caused several mushrooms to sprout in Mary's rose garden. I told her she needed to get out there and record them with her macro lens, and so she did. Here are some of the photos she took. She also had to take a couple of pictures of Ginger, just because. Don't forget, you can click on any picture to enlarge it.
We ran a few errands yesterday while Ginger was at daycare. We didn't get everything that we wanted, but we did get some things that we needed. I think there is a song lyric in there somewhere. Yes there is, from the Rolling Stones song, You Can't Always Get What You Want. That being said, I'll include that song here courtesy of YouTube™. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DKhG6NA1Qc
I also made it to my podiatrist's appointment where all went well.
As I noted, I was roused by the southbound train run, so I let Ginger out and felt a few drops of rain falling on our heads. Fortunately, Ginger didn't seem to notice and went about her business. Say, there is another lyric in there, so I'll add a link, courtesy once again from YouTube™, to that song from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid starring the late Paul Newman and Robert Redford, sung by B.J. Thomas and written by Burt Bacharach. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouxJ4GfC6JA
We have a current temperature of 64° under those aforementioned cloudy/rainy skies. Today's high, after the sun rises into cloudy skies @ 6:05 a.m. and well before it sets @ 9:27 p.m., will be 75°.
We have nothing planned for today, other than trying one more time to get that sink-skirt made for the mud-room, and that's fine with me. Ciao.
Let me start out by saying that I really like my Father's Day gift from my children, Stephany and Adam. At first, I didn't know I received it, because Mary was busily opening the mail on Saturday and didn't notice that the package was addressed to me. Be that as it may, there are many great recipes in the Field Roast: 101 Artisan Meat Recipes to Cook, Share, and Savor. I can't wait to try some of them. Thanks kids. : - )
We have a current temperature of 64° under cloudy skies. In fact, I wouldn't be up now, but @ 2:44 a.m., I heard that lonesome whistle blow and sprang to the WW to see something I have not seen in a long time, the passage of MMRR locomotives #2019 and #2025 as they towed 14 CHCs, and one lone DBTC heading south. I assume that there will be a return, northbound run, later this morning.
Oddly enough, on Monday, I heard the passage of those locomotives heading south @ around 9:31 a.m., But, I had to wait until 12:45 p.m. to see the northbound run of those same locomotives towing 24 CHCs, seven DBTCs, and one DWTC. Later, I saw those two locomotives dead-heading southward and that was the last I saw of them. I thought at first that it was a work-truck passing by, but no, it was those locomotives. When they headed north, I don't know. Go figure.
While most of my teams were off on Monday, the Cubs were supposed to play the Dodgers that night. However, inclement weather caused their game against the Dodgers to be postponed until yesterday when the 41 - 29, 2nd in the NL Central Cubs, lost to the 38 - 34, 2nd in the NL West Dodgers in the rescheduled game, 3 - 4. The Cubs came back to win the second game, 2 - 1. So, they stayed even with the division, .5 games behind the 43 - 30, 1st place Brewers. The Cubs and the Dodgers play today @ 2:20 p.m. EDT.
My beloved, 49 - 25, 2nd in the AL East Red Sox, fell to the 32 - 37, 3rd in the AL Central Twins last night, 2 - 6. The Sox are one-game in back of the division leading, 48 - 22 Yankees. In spite of 11 Ks by starting pitcher Chris Sale, a home-run by Rafael Devers, and a Major-League highlight-reel throw from left-center field by Jackie Bradley Jr. Bradley's throw traveled 290 feet @ 103.4 mph, to start a double-play. However, the Sox once again fell to a team with a sub -.500 record. The Sox and the Twins play tonight @ 8:10 p.m. EDT.
What can I say about the rebuilding 36 - 38 Tigers. They should have beaten the 27 - 45, 5th place in the NL Central Cincinnati Reds, but alas, the Tigers lost to the Reds, 5 - 9. The Tigers had the chance to go even with the division, but that, as the proverbial they say, is the way the ball bounces. The Tigers play the Reds later today @ 12:35 p.m. EDT.
The 36 - 34, 3rd in the MWL East Caps, are off until tomorrow when they play the 32 - 37 Ft. Wayne, IN TinCaps @ 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Here's where I depart from the regular format a bit and report on the pictures that Mary took over the last couple of days. I was outside with the fur-children on Monday morning, when I noticed that the heavy rains that we had overnight Sunday, had caused several mushrooms to sprout in Mary's rose garden. I told her she needed to get out there and record them with her macro lens, and so she did. Here are some of the photos she took. She also had to take a couple of pictures of Ginger, just because. Don't forget, you can click on any picture to enlarge it.
 |
| I don't know the varietals, but I know that they should not be eaten. |
 |
| A great close-up. |
 |
| When Mary focused on the mushroom in the back, the front-most mushroom got blurry. |
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| Buried in the back of the vast gardens is this flowering perennial. |
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| Nice. |
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| Unlike her sister, STWD, Ginger is not camera-shy. |
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| She will stare right into the lens. |
I also made it to my podiatrist's appointment where all went well.
As I noted, I was roused by the southbound train run, so I let Ginger out and felt a few drops of rain falling on our heads. Fortunately, Ginger didn't seem to notice and went about her business. Say, there is another lyric in there, so I'll add a link, courtesy once again from YouTube™, to that song from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid starring the late Paul Newman and Robert Redford, sung by B.J. Thomas and written by Burt Bacharach. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouxJ4GfC6JA
We have a current temperature of 64° under those aforementioned cloudy/rainy skies. Today's high, after the sun rises into cloudy skies @ 6:05 a.m. and well before it sets @ 9:27 p.m., will be 75°.
We have nothing planned for today, other than trying one more time to get that sink-skirt made for the mud-room, and that's fine with me. Ciao.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:30 a.m. in "The City."
Silly me, I stayed up and watched the 40 - 28, 2nd in the NL Central Cubs, drop one to the 37 - 32, 3rd place Cardinals, 0 - 5. Starting pitcher, Jose Quintana, was pitching great until the wheels came off and he and his relievers allowed home runs and base-hits to give the Cardinals the win, 5 - 0. Both the Cubs and the Cardinals had some great throws from the outfield, and some serious gaffes from the infielders. The Cubs get no rest today as they will be playing the 37 - 33, 2nd place in the NL West Dodgers tonight @ 8:05 p.m. in the Friendly Confines.
My beloved, 49 - 24, most wins in the Major Leagues™, and still 2nd place in the AL East Red Sox, took it to the 46 - 26, 2nd place in the AL West Mariners, 9 - 3, on the strength of great pitching by 9 - 1 starting pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez got great support from the hitters, as Rafael Devers got a three RBI home-run, Jackie Bradley Jr. got a solo home-run, and the X-man, Xander Bogaerts, nailed a two RBI home-run.
In addition, J.D. Martinez forced Mariners starting pitcher, Mike Leake, into a nine-pitch walk that started a two-out rally in the top of the 3rd, when with the bases loaded, Mitch Moreland got a two-run single. The Sox are off until Tuesday, when they travel to Minnesota to face the 31 - 37 Twins. It should be a chance to increase the number of Major League™ leading wins for the Sox @ 8:10 p.m.
The 36 - 37, 2nd in the AL Central Tigers, swept that other team from Chicago with a win over that team and their 24 - 46, 4th place in the AL Central record. The Tigers too are off until Tuesday, when they are in Cincinnati to play the 26 - 45, last in the Central NL Central Reds @ 7:10 p.m. One more win and the Tigers will be even up in the AL Central.
The 36 - 34, 3rd in the MWL East White Caps, defeated Mary's sentimental favorites, the 31 - 37, Dayton Dragons yesterday, 8 - 0. We were going to go to the game, but the weather forecast from the NWS of a high-temperature in GR, where the Caps play at the Fifth/Third Ballpark, was 88°, also with high humidity. So, we opted to stay home and out of the heat.
I went through three rolls of nickels earlier, 120 coins, and added six more coins to my book. I have only five more nickels to get to fill my book. Then I guess I'm back to trying to complete my National Park Quarters book through 2017.
We have a current temperature of 75° under cloudy skies and the NWS is forecasting scattered T-storms starting around 4:00 a.m., and extending off and on until late tonight and into tomorrow. We will be cooler than Sunday with a high temperature of 83° and somewhat lower relative humidity after the sin rises @ 6:04 a.m. and long before it sets @ 9:27 p.m.
In between, I'll be reading and staying cool, not that I'm not "Cool" on a regular basis. Mary will be knitting, sewing, reading, and other sundry things. John may be back today or tomorrow to finish the painting too. Ciao.
Silly me, I stayed up and watched the 40 - 28, 2nd in the NL Central Cubs, drop one to the 37 - 32, 3rd place Cardinals, 0 - 5. Starting pitcher, Jose Quintana, was pitching great until the wheels came off and he and his relievers allowed home runs and base-hits to give the Cardinals the win, 5 - 0. Both the Cubs and the Cardinals had some great throws from the outfield, and some serious gaffes from the infielders. The Cubs get no rest today as they will be playing the 37 - 33, 2nd place in the NL West Dodgers tonight @ 8:05 p.m. in the Friendly Confines.
My beloved, 49 - 24, most wins in the Major Leagues™, and still 2nd place in the AL East Red Sox, took it to the 46 - 26, 2nd place in the AL West Mariners, 9 - 3, on the strength of great pitching by 9 - 1 starting pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez got great support from the hitters, as Rafael Devers got a three RBI home-run, Jackie Bradley Jr. got a solo home-run, and the X-man, Xander Bogaerts, nailed a two RBI home-run.
In addition, J.D. Martinez forced Mariners starting pitcher, Mike Leake, into a nine-pitch walk that started a two-out rally in the top of the 3rd, when with the bases loaded, Mitch Moreland got a two-run single. The Sox are off until Tuesday, when they travel to Minnesota to face the 31 - 37 Twins. It should be a chance to increase the number of Major League™ leading wins for the Sox @ 8:10 p.m.
The 36 - 37, 2nd in the AL Central Tigers, swept that other team from Chicago with a win over that team and their 24 - 46, 4th place in the AL Central record. The Tigers too are off until Tuesday, when they are in Cincinnati to play the 26 - 45, last in the Central NL Central Reds @ 7:10 p.m. One more win and the Tigers will be even up in the AL Central.
The 36 - 34, 3rd in the MWL East White Caps, defeated Mary's sentimental favorites, the 31 - 37, Dayton Dragons yesterday, 8 - 0. We were going to go to the game, but the weather forecast from the NWS of a high-temperature in GR, where the Caps play at the Fifth/Third Ballpark, was 88°, also with high humidity. So, we opted to stay home and out of the heat.
I went through three rolls of nickels earlier, 120 coins, and added six more coins to my book. I have only five more nickels to get to fill my book. Then I guess I'm back to trying to complete my National Park Quarters book through 2017.
We have a current temperature of 75° under cloudy skies and the NWS is forecasting scattered T-storms starting around 4:00 a.m., and extending off and on until late tonight and into tomorrow. We will be cooler than Sunday with a high temperature of 83° and somewhat lower relative humidity after the sin rises @ 6:04 a.m. and long before it sets @ 9:27 p.m.
In between, I'll be reading and staying cool, not that I'm not "Cool" on a regular basis. Mary will be knitting, sewing, reading, and other sundry things. John may be back today or tomorrow to finish the painting too. Ciao.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 7:30 a.m. in "The CIty."
Well, I decided that I could just stay in bed last night/this morning rather than get up and blog, so that's just what I did. The sun already rose @ 6:04 a.m. and will set later tonight @ 9:27 p.m. Is this blog a late or early edition? You decide! We have a current temperature of 72° as we head for today's forecast high of 83° with 74% relative humidity. Mary and I had talked about going to a White Caps game today, but the inland temperature and humidity in GR today is supposed to be 95° albeit with a lower 58% relative humidity, so... Is this rally a game day decision?
Since I am on the topic of sports, specifically baseball, and the 35 - 34, 3rd place in the MWL East West Michigan White Caps. They defeated today's 2:00 p.m. opponent, the 31 - 36, 5th in the MWL East Dayton Dragons yesterday, 9 - 4. Today's Father's Day game will be a hot-one. So...
The 40 - 27, 2nd in the NL Central Cubs, took advantage of some great pitching by Kyle Hendricks and some clutch hitting by Jason Heyward, and others to win yesterday's game 6 - 3. The Cubs finally pulled ahead on Heyward's home run in the 8th. That home-run, along with an earlier home-run off the bat of Addison Russell, who had a three-hit night, coupled with those clutch hits from Ian Happ, Kyle Schwarber, and Willson Contreras cemented the win over the 36 - 32, 3rd place Cardinals, Those two teams play again tonight @ 8:05 p.m. EDT as the Cubs attempt the sweep..
My beloved, 2nd place in the AL East, 48 - 24 Red Sox, had no clutch hits and no runs, as they fell to the Mariners last night, 0 - 1. In this case, there is no joy in Bean-Town. The Sox and the Mariners play again today @ 4:10 p.m. EDT.
The 35 - 37, 2nd place in the AL Central Tigers, took one from that other team from Chicago, 7 - 5 yesterday. While still two-games below.500, and 2.5 games behind the 36 - 33 1st place Indians, the Tigers are on a roll when facing weaker teams. The Tigers and that other team play again today @ 2:10 p.m. EDT.
I went to my Irish Jam session yesterday afternoon along with Mary and her brother, Ed. We had a nice final turnout of players, and an appreciative audience as we played and sang, something that I even did as I contributed my rendition of The City of Chicago. That's a tune that I first heard when Dave Curley and One for the Foxes performed along with Larry's band, Uneven Ground on June 6th. I liked my rendition and I plan to keep it in my rotation. Mary brought along our camera and snapped this picture of our session.
We returned home for an hour or so and then headed over to our favorite watering hole, the "World Famous Tip-a-Few Tavern", for a nice dinner. We were all tired, well at least I was, so Ed and I headed up to the media-room to watch some inane TV, and the Cubs victory over the Cardinals.
Ed finally got tired too, and so he went off to bed as I drifted in and out.
Today, we'll be ending our weekend with a Bon-Voyage to Ed as he heads back to Illinois before he jets off to TX and his new home. We had a nice time, but somehow, I don't think the fur-children will miss Ed as much as we do. They just don't like strangers in their home. Otherwise, all is well here in GH on Father's Day. Ciao.
Well, I decided that I could just stay in bed last night/this morning rather than get up and blog, so that's just what I did. The sun already rose @ 6:04 a.m. and will set later tonight @ 9:27 p.m. Is this blog a late or early edition? You decide! We have a current temperature of 72° as we head for today's forecast high of 83° with 74% relative humidity. Mary and I had talked about going to a White Caps game today, but the inland temperature and humidity in GR today is supposed to be 95° albeit with a lower 58% relative humidity, so... Is this rally a game day decision?
Since I am on the topic of sports, specifically baseball, and the 35 - 34, 3rd place in the MWL East West Michigan White Caps. They defeated today's 2:00 p.m. opponent, the 31 - 36, 5th in the MWL East Dayton Dragons yesterday, 9 - 4. Today's Father's Day game will be a hot-one. So...
The 40 - 27, 2nd in the NL Central Cubs, took advantage of some great pitching by Kyle Hendricks and some clutch hitting by Jason Heyward, and others to win yesterday's game 6 - 3. The Cubs finally pulled ahead on Heyward's home run in the 8th. That home-run, along with an earlier home-run off the bat of Addison Russell, who had a three-hit night, coupled with those clutch hits from Ian Happ, Kyle Schwarber, and Willson Contreras cemented the win over the 36 - 32, 3rd place Cardinals, Those two teams play again tonight @ 8:05 p.m. EDT as the Cubs attempt the sweep..
My beloved, 2nd place in the AL East, 48 - 24 Red Sox, had no clutch hits and no runs, as they fell to the Mariners last night, 0 - 1. In this case, there is no joy in Bean-Town. The Sox and the Mariners play again today @ 4:10 p.m. EDT.
The 35 - 37, 2nd place in the AL Central Tigers, took one from that other team from Chicago, 7 - 5 yesterday. While still two-games below.500, and 2.5 games behind the 36 - 33 1st place Indians, the Tigers are on a roll when facing weaker teams. The Tigers and that other team play again today @ 2:10 p.m. EDT.
I went to my Irish Jam session yesterday afternoon along with Mary and her brother, Ed. We had a nice final turnout of players, and an appreciative audience as we played and sang, something that I even did as I contributed my rendition of The City of Chicago. That's a tune that I first heard when Dave Curley and One for the Foxes performed along with Larry's band, Uneven Ground on June 6th. I liked my rendition and I plan to keep it in my rotation. Mary brought along our camera and snapped this picture of our session.
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| At this point, I was strumming on Susanna, my six-string banjitar or ganjo, depending on your personal preference.. |
Ed finally got tired too, and so he went off to bed as I drifted in and out.
Today, we'll be ending our weekend with a Bon-Voyage to Ed as he heads back to Illinois before he jets off to TX and his new home. We had a nice time, but somehow, I don't think the fur-children will miss Ed as much as we do. They just don't like strangers in their home. Otherwise, all is well here in GH on Father's Day. Ciao.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:30 a.m. in "The City."
Well. I don't know if anyone will read this blog, but that doesn't really matter to me, as I can get my thoughts and ideas out in public and no one can stop me.Bwahahaha!
We have a current temperature of 68° as we approach the dawn that will happen @ 6:04 a.m. today, before we see the sunset @ 9:26 p.m. In between, we have a 90% chance for T-storms between now and 5:00 a.m. We got the rain, precluding watering today, but the thunder never occurred, as of yet.
I guess it's a good thing that I awoke in my media-room La-Z-Boy and let Ginger out before any real storm action. Mary's brother Ed, and yours truly, had been watching the 2nd place in the NL Central Cubs soundly defeat the 3rd place Cardinals last night 13 - 5 last night, while Mary was downstairs getting her knitting project "On the needles."
But once again, I digress. Ed got tired when the Cubs were up 8 - 1, so he went downstairs to go to bed. Me, not yet being tired, or so I thought, stayed and fell asleep before the end of the game. Oh well, the end result was positive if you are not a Cardinals fan. I can't begin to describe all of the action, but 8 - 2 starting pitcher Jon Lester was on his game and handcuffed the Cardinals hitters as the Cubs' hitters chased Cardinals' starting pitcher, Michael Wacha with three home-runs and multiple hits and strange base-running.
In addition, the Cardinals' Gold-Glove defense looked like a sieve as the Cardinals' launched many errant throws, missed many easy chances to get the Cubs out, and looked all too mortal. Cubs' hitters Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Ian Happ all launched home-runs and Jon Lester got a terrific sacrifice bunt that turned into a Cub's run and a two-base error that put Lester on second and scored a run. Like I said, there is just too much to describe before the 39 - 27 Cubs and the 36 - 31 Cardinals take the field again tonight @ 8:15 p.m.
My beloved 48 - 23, 2nd in the AL East Red Sox, fell to the 45 - 25, 2nd in the AL West Mariners late last night, 6 - 7. The Sox got what should have been the winning runs in a six-run 3rd inning, but alas, the Mariners came roaring back for the win. The Sox' starting pitcher, Rick Porcello had good enough "Stuff" for the win, bu the Sox relievers could not hold on and the rest as they say is history. The Sox and the Mariners play again tonight @ 8:15 p.m. EDT.
The 34 - 37, 2nd in the AL Central Tigers, eked out a win over that other team from Chicago, with their 24 - 44, 4th in the AL Central record. This was not a battle of two great teams to say the least. They play again today @ 2:10 p.m. EDT.
The 34 - 34, 4th in the MWL East Caps, eked out their own win over the visiting 5th place Dayton Dragons, 5 - 4. The Caps and the Dragons play again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
In trainspotting news, @ 8:49 a.m., I observed the southbound passage of MMRR locomotives 2025 and 2019 as they towed 19 fully-loaded CHCs. Later, @ 12:45 p.m., I watched as those same locomotives were heading north towing 24 CHCs, seven DBTCs, and one DWTC.
Shortly thereafter, Ed arrived and we talked for a few minutes before heading north to Muskegon to visit the Muskegon Heritage Museum, a showcase of the industrial history of the City of Muskegon, MI, that is housed in a former boarding house there. I took numerous pictures on several floors of the museum, so I'll include some of them here. Don't forget to click on any of interest for a larger version.
We learned that at one point, Muskegon had a brewery industry that for one year, bottled Guinness beer. Who knew?
Today, I have my Irish Jam session, after which we will play it by ear. Ciao.
Well. I don't know if anyone will read this blog, but that doesn't really matter to me, as I can get my thoughts and ideas out in public and no one can stop me.Bwahahaha!
We have a current temperature of 68° as we approach the dawn that will happen @ 6:04 a.m. today, before we see the sunset @ 9:26 p.m. In between, we have a 90% chance for T-storms between now and 5:00 a.m. We got the rain, precluding watering today, but the thunder never occurred, as of yet.
I guess it's a good thing that I awoke in my media-room La-Z-Boy and let Ginger out before any real storm action. Mary's brother Ed, and yours truly, had been watching the 2nd place in the NL Central Cubs soundly defeat the 3rd place Cardinals last night 13 - 5 last night, while Mary was downstairs getting her knitting project "On the needles."
But once again, I digress. Ed got tired when the Cubs were up 8 - 1, so he went downstairs to go to bed. Me, not yet being tired, or so I thought, stayed and fell asleep before the end of the game. Oh well, the end result was positive if you are not a Cardinals fan. I can't begin to describe all of the action, but 8 - 2 starting pitcher Jon Lester was on his game and handcuffed the Cardinals hitters as the Cubs' hitters chased Cardinals' starting pitcher, Michael Wacha with three home-runs and multiple hits and strange base-running.
In addition, the Cardinals' Gold-Glove defense looked like a sieve as the Cardinals' launched many errant throws, missed many easy chances to get the Cubs out, and looked all too mortal. Cubs' hitters Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Ian Happ all launched home-runs and Jon Lester got a terrific sacrifice bunt that turned into a Cub's run and a two-base error that put Lester on second and scored a run. Like I said, there is just too much to describe before the 39 - 27 Cubs and the 36 - 31 Cardinals take the field again tonight @ 8:15 p.m.
My beloved 48 - 23, 2nd in the AL East Red Sox, fell to the 45 - 25, 2nd in the AL West Mariners late last night, 6 - 7. The Sox got what should have been the winning runs in a six-run 3rd inning, but alas, the Mariners came roaring back for the win. The Sox' starting pitcher, Rick Porcello had good enough "Stuff" for the win, bu the Sox relievers could not hold on and the rest as they say is history. The Sox and the Mariners play again tonight @ 8:15 p.m. EDT.
The 34 - 37, 2nd in the AL Central Tigers, eked out a win over that other team from Chicago, with their 24 - 44, 4th in the AL Central record. This was not a battle of two great teams to say the least. They play again today @ 2:10 p.m. EDT.
The 34 - 34, 4th in the MWL East Caps, eked out their own win over the visiting 5th place Dayton Dragons, 5 - 4. The Caps and the Dragons play again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.
In trainspotting news, @ 8:49 a.m., I observed the southbound passage of MMRR locomotives 2025 and 2019 as they towed 19 fully-loaded CHCs. Later, @ 12:45 p.m., I watched as those same locomotives were heading north towing 24 CHCs, seven DBTCs, and one DWTC.
Shortly thereafter, Ed arrived and we talked for a few minutes before heading north to Muskegon to visit the Muskegon Heritage Museum, a showcase of the industrial history of the City of Muskegon, MI, that is housed in a former boarding house there. I took numerous pictures on several floors of the museum, so I'll include some of them here. Don't forget to click on any of interest for a larger version.
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| Mary near a mock-up of a Shell Oil Company™ service station, pictured below. |
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| The front of that mock-up. |
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| This is part of the machine-shop that is run by the gigantic Corliss Steam Engine that used to power a factory elsewhere in Muskegon. At one point, this engine, through huge leather belts, powered everything in that factory, including the ceiling fans. |
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| Here is that third-floor view of the Corliss engine. It is so massive and heavy, that it needs to be placed on solid footings in the basement. |
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| The museum includes examples of the Spacelander Bicycle, designed by English inventor, Benjamin G. Bowden, in 1946, that was manufactured in our own GH and also in Muskegon. Only about 700 of these futuristic, fiberglass clad bikes, were ever made and today can fetch prices of several thousand dollars. |
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| Truly, many manufacturers used to call Muskegon home. |
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| Part of a general store on the museum's third floor. |
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| There is even a tie-in to Raggedy Ann, 90,000 of which were hand-stitched in Muskegon between 1918 and 1926. |
Today, I have my Irish Jam session, after which we will play it by ear. Ciao.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 5:45 a.m. in "The City."
I'm going to once again follow the KISS formula and try my best to get this blog done in record time.
We have a current temperature of 61° under partly-cloudy skies. Those skies will prevail today as we reach a high temperature of 81° with slightly lower humidity. The sun will rise @ 6:04 a.m. and set later tonight @ 9:26 p.m.
Baseball news yesterday was all good.
The Cubs were off until tonight, when they travel to St. Louis for a game against their division rivals, the Cardinals @ 8:15 p.m. on national TV.
My beloved Red Sox are still in 2nd place, but they won their game yesterday as David Price had great stuff and with some help off the bat of the X-man, Xander Bogaerts, they won over the Mariners, 2 - 1. The Sox and the Mariners play again tonight @ 10:10 p.m. EDT.
The Tigers were also victorious as they defeated the Twins, 3 - 1, with JaCoby Jones getting a dinger to seal the win. The Tigers will be in Chicago to meet that other team tonight @ 8:10 p.m.
Even the WhiteCaps managed to halt their losing streak with a win over the Loons, 9 - 6. The Caps are home tonight to play Mary's sentimental favorites, the Dayton Dragons @ 7:05 p.m.
The landscape designer came by yesterday morning and he will have a a design ready in about one week.
John was here late yesterday and the master suite looks terrific.
We traveled to Newaygo yesterday just because that's the location of Mary's favorite yarn shop, The New Ewe. Mary purchased some yarn for a project for herself and me, but could not get mine, "On the needles", because surprisingly, she doesn't have that size of circular needle in her collection. It must be the only size she is missing, that is until the next time.
We swung past The Camera Store in Muskegon on our way home where I got a longer cord for attaching our camera to my computer for downloading of pictures. In addition, we had Justin at the store download that Jack on the bench picture for printing. We picked up a frame for the picture @ Love in Action, the resale store in Spring Lake.
Today, we await the arrival of Mary's brother, Ed, before he travels to TX for his new home near his daughter. It will be nice to see him before he goes.
Otherwise, not much is happening @ the PE and that's fine by me. Ciao.
I'm going to once again follow the KISS formula and try my best to get this blog done in record time.
We have a current temperature of 61° under partly-cloudy skies. Those skies will prevail today as we reach a high temperature of 81° with slightly lower humidity. The sun will rise @ 6:04 a.m. and set later tonight @ 9:26 p.m.
Baseball news yesterday was all good.
The Cubs were off until tonight, when they travel to St. Louis for a game against their division rivals, the Cardinals @ 8:15 p.m. on national TV.
My beloved Red Sox are still in 2nd place, but they won their game yesterday as David Price had great stuff and with some help off the bat of the X-man, Xander Bogaerts, they won over the Mariners, 2 - 1. The Sox and the Mariners play again tonight @ 10:10 p.m. EDT.
The Tigers were also victorious as they defeated the Twins, 3 - 1, with JaCoby Jones getting a dinger to seal the win. The Tigers will be in Chicago to meet that other team tonight @ 8:10 p.m.
Even the WhiteCaps managed to halt their losing streak with a win over the Loons, 9 - 6. The Caps are home tonight to play Mary's sentimental favorites, the Dayton Dragons @ 7:05 p.m.
The landscape designer came by yesterday morning and he will have a a design ready in about one week.
John was here late yesterday and the master suite looks terrific.
We traveled to Newaygo yesterday just because that's the location of Mary's favorite yarn shop, The New Ewe. Mary purchased some yarn for a project for herself and me, but could not get mine, "On the needles", because surprisingly, she doesn't have that size of circular needle in her collection. It must be the only size she is missing, that is until the next time.
We swung past The Camera Store in Muskegon on our way home where I got a longer cord for attaching our camera to my computer for downloading of pictures. In addition, we had Justin at the store download that Jack on the bench picture for printing. We picked up a frame for the picture @ Love in Action, the resale store in Spring Lake.
Today, we await the arrival of Mary's brother, Ed, before he travels to TX for his new home near his daughter. It will be nice to see him before he goes.
Otherwise, not much is happening @ the PE and that's fine by me. Ciao.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:45 a.m. in "The City."
Well, yesterday was as strange day. Like Mary said, when you fall off your horse/bicycle, you have to get right back on or you'll never get on again. I waited a few days, but I did get back on yesterday, rode to my orthopedists' appointment at the hospital, and I didn't crash. That's all good, and what's also good, is that I got basically good news regarding my aching left shoulder.
X-rays confirmed that I don't have anything like the problems I had with my right shoulder several years ago, when my labrum was torn, my rotator cuff was frayed, and the joint was damaged from a bike crash many years ago. All of those things required surgical intervention and also several months of recovery/rehab. In the case of my left shoulder, I just have some tiny bone-spurs that are irritating the muscles and nerves in the joint area. So, I just need to do some exercise, takes some Ibuprofen for the pain, and see the doctor again in six weeks when everything should be right again. Whew, I dodged a bullet this time.
With the assistance of my apprentice train-spotter, I have a complete trainspotting report from yesterday. At 11:53 a.m., she and Ginger spotted the southbound run of MMRR locomotives 2019 and 2025 as they towed 16 CHCs, four DWTCs, 27 DBTCs, one GTC, and one car that was possibly white, but so rusty, that its color was nearly obscured. My apprentice may be getting her journeyman's card soon.
We were @ JWs @ 4:36 p.m. when I heard that lonesome whistle blow and rushed out to see the northbound passage of the same locomotives towing 15 CHCs, two DBTCs, and one DWTC. At the corner of 7th and Washington, the location of JWs, the trains passes even closer than it does when passing the PE, so you might say I had a close encounter of the trainspotting kind.
Speaking of close encounters, the 38 - 27, 2nd place in the NL Central Chicago Cubs, fell to the 42 - 27, 1st place in the NL Central Milwaukee Brewers, 0 - 1. Starting pitcher Mike Montgomery, tossed a masterful game, but the Cubs bats must have stayed home in Chicago, because the Cubs lost the game, 0 - 1. The only thing worthy of note in the game for the Cubs, was the multiple switch of pitchers by Cubs' manager, Joe Maddon.
In the bottom of the 8th inning, Maddon heard the announcement of a pinch-hitter for the Brewers and grabbed his lineup card and went to the mound and sent relief-pitcher, Steve Cishek to left field, and inserted another reliever, Brian Duensing. He pitched to one Brewer and then Maddon switched Duensing and Cishek's places, moving Duensing to left-field and putting Cishek back on the mound.
It got weirder after Cishek got that Brewer out and Maddon made another switch, sending starting-catcher, Willson Contreras to left-field and putting Duensing back on the mound. Duensing got the out and the switch worked without a problem, but the Cubs still lost. Oh well, the Cubs are off today before they travel to St. Louis to play the 36 - 30, 3rd place Cardinals Friday night @ 8:15 p.m. EDT.
I better endeavor to keep the balance of this blog short or I'll be here later today and still be typing.
My beloved, 47 - 22, 2nd place in the AL East Red Sox, defeated the last place, 19 - 48 Orioles, 5 - 1 to sweep their three-game series. In addition, Mookie Betts was back in the outfield and contributed his 18th home-run and went 2 - 9 in the series. No rest for the Sox though, as they are off to Seattle to face the 41 - 24, 1st place in the AL West Mariners tonight @ 10:10 EDT.
The 32 -37, once again 2nd place in the AL Central Tigers took a game from the 29 - 35, 3rd place Twins, 5 - 2. The Tigers also get no rest as they play the Twins again today @ 1:10 p.m. EDT.
Sadly the 32 - 34, 4th in the MWL East, Caps lost their 4th straight as they dropped another to the last-place in the division Loons, 5 - 10. The Caps really are in free-fall and they need something or someone to spark them and get them back on top. I know they are an "A" level team, but they have been more competitive in recent seasons. The Caps and the Loons go at it again tonight @ 7:05 p.m. EDT.
I also went to the library last night to see a multi-media presentation about the Beatles White Album, entitled Carte Blanche. Beatles aficionados know that the White Album was the band's most stylistically diverse album and the only double album they ever produced and it's actual title was simply, The Beatles. Where Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band was more of collaborative effort in many ways, the White Albumhad no Beatles songs on it, instead all the songs on the two-record set all had Ringo Starr on drums, the other band members didn't play together. It was during the recording of this album that Ringo got frustrated and planned to quit the group. However, all the other band members felt that they were more of a band than during the recording of Sgt. Peppers, which was less stylistically diverse than the White Album. Go figure.
So, that's enough for one blog. John will finish painting today, we'll get a visit from the landscape designer and the fur-children will get their lives back to normal. STWD is spending her nights here in my office and Ginger is moving her bed around the media room trying to get some feeling of normal in their disrupted lives. Me too.
A current temperature of 60° will lead to an overnight low of 57° under clear skies. Later today, the NWS is forecasting a high-temperature of 77° under sunny skies and with much lower humidity. The sun will rise this morning @ 6:04 a.m. and set later @ 9:25 p.m. Ciao.
Well, yesterday was as strange day. Like Mary said, when you fall off your horse/bicycle, you have to get right back on or you'll never get on again. I waited a few days, but I did get back on yesterday, rode to my orthopedists' appointment at the hospital, and I didn't crash. That's all good, and what's also good, is that I got basically good news regarding my aching left shoulder.
X-rays confirmed that I don't have anything like the problems I had with my right shoulder several years ago, when my labrum was torn, my rotator cuff was frayed, and the joint was damaged from a bike crash many years ago. All of those things required surgical intervention and also several months of recovery/rehab. In the case of my left shoulder, I just have some tiny bone-spurs that are irritating the muscles and nerves in the joint area. So, I just need to do some exercise, takes some Ibuprofen for the pain, and see the doctor again in six weeks when everything should be right again. Whew, I dodged a bullet this time.
With the assistance of my apprentice train-spotter, I have a complete trainspotting report from yesterday. At 11:53 a.m., she and Ginger spotted the southbound run of MMRR locomotives 2019 and 2025 as they towed 16 CHCs, four DWTCs, 27 DBTCs, one GTC, and one car that was possibly white, but so rusty, that its color was nearly obscured. My apprentice may be getting her journeyman's card soon.
We were @ JWs @ 4:36 p.m. when I heard that lonesome whistle blow and rushed out to see the northbound passage of the same locomotives towing 15 CHCs, two DBTCs, and one DWTC. At the corner of 7th and Washington, the location of JWs, the trains passes even closer than it does when passing the PE, so you might say I had a close encounter of the trainspotting kind.
Speaking of close encounters, the 38 - 27, 2nd place in the NL Central Chicago Cubs, fell to the 42 - 27, 1st place in the NL Central Milwaukee Brewers, 0 - 1. Starting pitcher Mike Montgomery, tossed a masterful game, but the Cubs bats must have stayed home in Chicago, because the Cubs lost the game, 0 - 1. The only thing worthy of note in the game for the Cubs, was the multiple switch of pitchers by Cubs' manager, Joe Maddon.
In the bottom of the 8th inning, Maddon heard the announcement of a pinch-hitter for the Brewers and grabbed his lineup card and went to the mound and sent relief-pitcher, Steve Cishek to left field, and inserted another reliever, Brian Duensing. He pitched to one Brewer and then Maddon switched Duensing and Cishek's places, moving Duensing to left-field and putting Cishek back on the mound.
It got weirder after Cishek got that Brewer out and Maddon made another switch, sending starting-catcher, Willson Contreras to left-field and putting Duensing back on the mound. Duensing got the out and the switch worked without a problem, but the Cubs still lost. Oh well, the Cubs are off today before they travel to St. Louis to play the 36 - 30, 3rd place Cardinals Friday night @ 8:15 p.m. EDT.
I better endeavor to keep the balance of this blog short or I'll be here later today and still be typing.
My beloved, 47 - 22, 2nd place in the AL East Red Sox, defeated the last place, 19 - 48 Orioles, 5 - 1 to sweep their three-game series. In addition, Mookie Betts was back in the outfield and contributed his 18th home-run and went 2 - 9 in the series. No rest for the Sox though, as they are off to Seattle to face the 41 - 24, 1st place in the AL West Mariners tonight @ 10:10 EDT.
The 32 -37, once again 2nd place in the AL Central Tigers took a game from the 29 - 35, 3rd place Twins, 5 - 2. The Tigers also get no rest as they play the Twins again today @ 1:10 p.m. EDT.
Sadly the 32 - 34, 4th in the MWL East, Caps lost their 4th straight as they dropped another to the last-place in the division Loons, 5 - 10. The Caps really are in free-fall and they need something or someone to spark them and get them back on top. I know they are an "A" level team, but they have been more competitive in recent seasons. The Caps and the Loons go at it again tonight @ 7:05 p.m. EDT.
I also went to the library last night to see a multi-media presentation about the Beatles White Album, entitled Carte Blanche. Beatles aficionados know that the White Album was the band's most stylistically diverse album and the only double album they ever produced and it's actual title was simply, The Beatles. Where Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band was more of collaborative effort in many ways, the White Albumhad no Beatles songs on it, instead all the songs on the two-record set all had Ringo Starr on drums, the other band members didn't play together. It was during the recording of this album that Ringo got frustrated and planned to quit the group. However, all the other band members felt that they were more of a band than during the recording of Sgt. Peppers, which was less stylistically diverse than the White Album. Go figure.
So, that's enough for one blog. John will finish painting today, we'll get a visit from the landscape designer and the fur-children will get their lives back to normal. STWD is spending her nights here in my office and Ginger is moving her bed around the media room trying to get some feeling of normal in their disrupted lives. Me too.
A current temperature of 60° will lead to an overnight low of 57° under clear skies. Later today, the NWS is forecasting a high-temperature of 77° under sunny skies and with much lower humidity. The sun will rise this morning @ 6:04 a.m. and set later @ 9:25 p.m. Ciao.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 1:30 a.m. in "The City."
We show a current temperature of 64° under cloudy skies, which coincidentally, is the same as the high temperature forecast by the NWS for later today. The bureau has also forecast a 30% to 45% chance for scattered/isolated T-storms for the early morning hours today, peaking around 6:00 a.m. I may be able to skip watering today if that forecast comes to pass. In addition, the high temperature will be about 10° cooler than yesterday's high. Go figure, this is MI. The sun will rise later this morning @ 6:04 a.m. and set later tonight @ 9:25 p.m.
I did water yesterday morning to give my newly planted grass seeds a chance to grow and prosper. I watered both the lawns and the vast gardens of the PE yesterday morning because the various plantings were looking a bit parched.
We are spending a couple of nights in the downstairs bedroom while John completes the painting upstairs in the master suite. The fur-children, especially STWD, are having a hard time with the change of venues. Sugar does not deal well with a changes in her environment and living conditions. I'm reminded of that old song by Simon and Garfunkel, At the Zoo, wherein, they intoned the line, "Orangutans are skeptical of changes in their cages." So, I think I'll include that song here, courtesy of YouTube™. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xKLBne1CoI
Mary and I walked the fur-children yesterday after I watered and after I had returned from picking up my new orthotics at the chiropractor's office. Those new orthotics helped me make the long walk to the waterfront and our favorite watering hole. I was spent by the time we made it home, and I retired to the media room for some baseball, popcorn, courtesy of Mary, and car shows.
While we were out, we took some pictures of the channel and other things.
Don't forget, that you can enlarge any picture by clicking on the desired photo.
Baseball news yesterday was only 1/4 good. The 38 - 26, once again 2nd place in the NL Central Cubs, couldn't wake up their bats and fell to the once again 1st place, 40 - 27 Brewers, 0 - 4. Starting pitcher, Tyler Chatwood, gave up all the runs the Brewers would need to win in the bottom of the1st, but he also gave up two more in the bottom of the 3rd. The good news for the Cubs is that Yu Darvish may be coming off the DL in the near future, having thrown 30 pain-free pitches before the game. We could sure use some quality starts from the pitching staff. The Cubs and the Brewers play again today @ 2:10 p.m. EDT.
The now 3rd place in the AL Central, 31 - 37 Tigers, dropped another game to the now 2nd place in the division, 29 - 34 Twins, with the Twins getting the win, 6 - 4. In another bit of bad news, 1st baseman Miguel, "Miggy" Cabrera is done for the season. He ruptured his biceps swinging the bat early in the game and will need surgery to fix his latest injury. He will be replaced at 1st by John Hicks who subbed for Miggy when Miggy was on the DL earlier in the season. The Tigers and the Twins play again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.
There was one bright spot yesterday, as the 46 - 22, 2nd in the AL East beloved Red Sox, took one from the last place in the division, 19 - 47 Orioles, 6 - 4. Mookie Betts is now off the DL and will play again in today's series finale @ 3:05 p.m. EDT. Both Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers got home runs in the win.
I said yesterday that the West, MI White Caps, aka the Caps were in free-fall, and I was proven right, as the now 32 - 33, 4th in the MWL East Caps fell to the 8th place, that's last in the division, Great Lakes Loons, 2 - 3. We'll have to wait until tonight @ 7:05 p.m. to see if the Caps are still falling.
Today, I have an appointment to see the orthopedist about my aching left shoulder, The pain is similar to that which I was experiencing in my now surgically repaired right shoulder several years ago. I don't want another round of surgery and rehab unless the pain will only get worse. Maybe, just maybe, a shot of cortisone and some physical therapy will be the recommended course of treatment.
Mary won't be joining me, as this appointment could take some extra time. I will be soloing at the hospital salad-bar. Mary will be staying back with the fur-children, Ciao.
We show a current temperature of 64° under cloudy skies, which coincidentally, is the same as the high temperature forecast by the NWS for later today. The bureau has also forecast a 30% to 45% chance for scattered/isolated T-storms for the early morning hours today, peaking around 6:00 a.m. I may be able to skip watering today if that forecast comes to pass. In addition, the high temperature will be about 10° cooler than yesterday's high. Go figure, this is MI. The sun will rise later this morning @ 6:04 a.m. and set later tonight @ 9:25 p.m.
I did water yesterday morning to give my newly planted grass seeds a chance to grow and prosper. I watered both the lawns and the vast gardens of the PE yesterday morning because the various plantings were looking a bit parched.
We are spending a couple of nights in the downstairs bedroom while John completes the painting upstairs in the master suite. The fur-children, especially STWD, are having a hard time with the change of venues. Sugar does not deal well with a changes in her environment and living conditions. I'm reminded of that old song by Simon and Garfunkel, At the Zoo, wherein, they intoned the line, "Orangutans are skeptical of changes in their cages." So, I think I'll include that song here, courtesy of YouTube™. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xKLBne1CoI
Mary and I walked the fur-children yesterday after I watered and after I had returned from picking up my new orthotics at the chiropractor's office. Those new orthotics helped me make the long walk to the waterfront and our favorite watering hole. I was spent by the time we made it home, and I retired to the media room for some baseball, popcorn, courtesy of Mary, and car shows.
While we were out, we took some pictures of the channel and other things.
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| Mary took this picture of the latest addition to the sidewalk sculptures in downtown GH. |
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| I had her take this picture of a display in the window of the Tri-Cities Historical Museum downtown. |
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| This shot was taken by yours truly looking south down the channel. My telephoto lens was able to capture the inner lighthouse in the foreground on the north pier, barely visible to the naked eye. Amazing! |
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| Same lens, a great shot of Dewey Hill, the high point in GH. |
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| We took this picture near the favorite watering hole since we have the landscape designer coming tomorrow to give us an estimate on replanting the parkway in front of the manse, just to give him an idea of what we'd like to achieve. However, we also know enough to recognize that he is the expert in landscape design. |
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| We were nearly home, but I was tired and asked to stop and rest in Central Park, where Mary captured one of my better Jack on the Bench photos overlooking the fountain in the park.=. |
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| This was what I was gazing at when she took my picture. |
Baseball news yesterday was only 1/4 good. The 38 - 26, once again 2nd place in the NL Central Cubs, couldn't wake up their bats and fell to the once again 1st place, 40 - 27 Brewers, 0 - 4. Starting pitcher, Tyler Chatwood, gave up all the runs the Brewers would need to win in the bottom of the1st, but he also gave up two more in the bottom of the 3rd. The good news for the Cubs is that Yu Darvish may be coming off the DL in the near future, having thrown 30 pain-free pitches before the game. We could sure use some quality starts from the pitching staff. The Cubs and the Brewers play again today @ 2:10 p.m. EDT.
The now 3rd place in the AL Central, 31 - 37 Tigers, dropped another game to the now 2nd place in the division, 29 - 34 Twins, with the Twins getting the win, 6 - 4. In another bit of bad news, 1st baseman Miguel, "Miggy" Cabrera is done for the season. He ruptured his biceps swinging the bat early in the game and will need surgery to fix his latest injury. He will be replaced at 1st by John Hicks who subbed for Miggy when Miggy was on the DL earlier in the season. The Tigers and the Twins play again tonight @ 7:10 p.m.
There was one bright spot yesterday, as the 46 - 22, 2nd in the AL East beloved Red Sox, took one from the last place in the division, 19 - 47 Orioles, 6 - 4. Mookie Betts is now off the DL and will play again in today's series finale @ 3:05 p.m. EDT. Both Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers got home runs in the win.
I said yesterday that the West, MI White Caps, aka the Caps were in free-fall, and I was proven right, as the now 32 - 33, 4th in the MWL East Caps fell to the 8th place, that's last in the division, Great Lakes Loons, 2 - 3. We'll have to wait until tonight @ 7:05 p.m. to see if the Caps are still falling.
Today, I have an appointment to see the orthopedist about my aching left shoulder, The pain is similar to that which I was experiencing in my now surgically repaired right shoulder several years ago. I don't want another round of surgery and rehab unless the pain will only get worse. Maybe, just maybe, a shot of cortisone and some physical therapy will be the recommended course of treatment.
Mary won't be joining me, as this appointment could take some extra time. I will be soloing at the hospital salad-bar. Mary will be staying back with the fur-children, Ciao.
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