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

I was wakened from my slumber around 12:30 a.m. by the all that rat-race noise, out in the street. Since I brought up that rat-race noise out in the street, I thought this was a great opportunity to slide in a tune from YouTube™, written by Carole King, and recorded by artists such as The Drifters, James Taylor, Neil Diamond, Carole King and James Taylor, together, and many others. I've always liked this version recorded by The Drifters the most, so here is their version of Up on the Roof.

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

Meanwhile, after I got up, I took some time to watch Perry Mason on the TV in the media room before I sat down here to blog. I like old B & W TV shows, because they are totally divorced from the current reality.

We have a current temperature of 63° under clear-skies, before we hit the morning low of 62°. Later today, the NWS is forecasting a high temperature of 89° under sunny-skies. By the time the Coast Guard Fest Parade steps off @ 11:45 a.m., the high temperature will mean that I'll remember past parades while I am avoiding the parade today. I was planning to go down to the waterfront during the parade to take a tour of the USCGC Escanaba while the crowds are otherwise occupied, but if it gets that hot, I may just follow that old adage, "Let's not, and say we did."

At any rate the sun will rise in a few hours @ 6:38 a.m. and set tonight @ 9:02 p.m. Shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard Fest for 2018 will conclude with the fireworks that attract tens of thousands of people from all over MI and nearby states. I've seen reports that the fireworks have attracted over 150,000 people to our little city of 11,000, in years past!

I know for certain that STWD will need to be in her Thundershirt™ as she hides in the bathroom during the fireworks. I feel so bad for her, but once these fireworks are over, she'll be free and clear until the 4th of July in 2019.

Baseball news yesterday and early this morning was very good. Well, mostly good, as the Tigers and the As were still playing early this morning with the score tied @ 0 - 0, when the As scored the winning run in the bottom of the 13th to win the game, 1 - 0. The Tigers and the As go at it again tonight @ 9:05 p.m. EDT.

The 63 - 46, 1st place in the NL Central Cubs, took a game from the 5th place, 43 - 69 in the NL West Padres, 5 - 4. That win gives the Cubs a one-game lead over the 2nd place Brewers. As usual, Javier Baez played extremely well as he bids to be the MVP in the National League. He hit a home-run that ties his career high, 22, and also gives him a National League leading 84 RBIs, while sparkling in the field. Along with Baez, Anthony Rizzo got a home-run of his own, as starting pitcher, Jose Quintana recorded six Ks and got the win, The Cubs and the Padres play this afternoon @ 2:20 p.m.

My beloved, 1st place in the AL East, 77 - 34 Red Sox, took another game from their division rivals, the Yankees, 4 - 1. That gives the Sox a commanding lead over the Yankees of 7 1/2 games! The Sox and the Yankees play this afternoon @ 4:05 p.m.

The 56 - 54 Caps, were also victorious over their MWL East Rivals, the 39 - 79 Great Lakes Loons, 2 - 0. The Caps welcome Mary's sentimental favorites, the Dayton Dragons to the Fifth/Third Ballpark tonight @ 7:05 p.m.

We ran a few errands yesterday, spanning the globe, well the globe of W. MI, as we traveled north to Muskegon to see Justin at The Camera Shop and also to make the deposit for our replacement carpet at the carpet store. Then we motored south to Holland to get some kitchen supplies, and then back north to go to Spring Lake. It was a busy, busy day while Ginger was at daycare and STWD was resting at home. Since I like to include videos from YouTube™, I'll insert this one from ABC television's Wide World of Sports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7frGJf77AA

While we were out, we made a stop at The Bell for lunch, where Mary took some nice photos of the flora on the edge of the parking lot. I especially liked this one she took with her macro lens.

We both agree, that taking pictures makes us both more aware of our surroundings. This pic incorporated both man-made and natural elements, including the vertical slats of the white-picket fence.

While we were in Holland, I put my zoom lens on the camera and took many pix. I tried to capture different things that were of interest to both Mary and me. Here are some in no particular order.

Just a series of fascinating shapes, shops, and people.

Just because.

What's a blog without a dog picture?

Some might say that this man is a simple street-busker. I like to think that he is a retired guy living the dream, playing his ukulele, singing Beatles songs, and having fun while collecting tips.

Mary pointed out this shot from across the street, a seemingly out of place 19th-century bay window alongside lots of 20th-century windows.

Very industrial/commercial, with natural elements for interest.

An over the treetops shot of the top of the church @ Hope College in Holland.

Same subject matter, but through instead of over those same trees.

Today, Mary plans to go to the Craft Fair in Central Park and in the GH Community Center, while I go to the waterfront during the parade. I am still deciding on the trip to the waterfront with the heat and the crowds. Otherwise, more watering of the vast gardens and walking with STWD. We can't go far, as the crowds will be too much for Sugar. I'd also like to bake a blueberry pie today too, as we picked up some fresh berries during our errands. Ciao.