Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just before 5:00 a.m. in "The City."

The current temperature is 53° under clear skies. Winds of 9 mph make it feel like 50°. Today's high-temperature forecast from the NWS calls for a high of 57º, under mostly sunny skies. There is no chance. for precipitation today.

The sun will rise today @ 6:34 a.m. and set later @ 8:48 p.m.

In local news, the City of Grand Haven and State Park officials will close parking lots at Grand Haven State Park due to overwhelming crowds ignoring physical distancing requirements on Saturday, May 2, 2020. Parking lots will be closed on Sunday, May 3 and visitors are reminded to maintain at least 6-feet of separation from others and avoid congregating in groups.

For the first time ever, Grand Haven officials are asking visitors to stay away, "We look forward to seeing crowds again after the COVID 19 threat passes." Officials said. Yesterday, the crowds were so large that the lots were jammed and people were not observing the recommendations for Social Distancing. I've included a photo courtesy of mlive.com, to illustrate the crowds that descended as people swarmed and overwhelmed the lots and beaches. City officials said the closure was due to “Overwhelming crowds ignoring physical distancing requirements on Saturday, May 2.”

It was a beautiful day, but are these crowds the harbinger of more COVID-19 cases and deaths to come?

In addition, the lines for a local Grand Haven icon, Pronto Pup, were reportedly long and the people were not observing social-distancing guidelines there either.

This image is from another day, but a similar line apparently formed yesterday.

We avoided all of that craziness by staying in our own backyard and sitting on our deck with the fur-children. A good book, some brews, and life was good in the partly-sunny conditions.

Last night, I prevailed upon Mary to craft that No Bull Beefaroni that I'd wanted previously. As always, I liked the combination of elbow macaroni, tomato soup, herbs, spices, and TVP. It brings out the kid in me. Our Senior Staff Photographer took a photo, but she forgot to send it to me for inclusion in this edition of my blog.

We moved one of my girls, Abigael, from my studio to the dining room for the warm months. Unfortunately, while I am now ready for some outdoor entertainment, that won't be happening in the near future according to the 10-day forecast from the NWS.

We also moved two of our planters to locations that were easier to view and which also afforded an opportunity for more sunlight to reach one of Mary's rose bushes in the vast gardens.

Today, the indoor chores are done and the weather promises to be cooperative. So we should once again be able to spend some time on the deck with the fur-children and away from the maddening crowds on the waterfront. Any outdoor activities will not be near people who just don't get it.

More reading, more music, more writing, etc. are in order. Ciao.