Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 4:30 a.m. in "The City."

Let's start out with what is really important. We found an able replacement for Pride and Prejudice after we watched the final episode. This BBC series is entitled Lark Rise to Candleford. Unfortunately, the series has only four seasons in the can as it was abruptly canceled by the BBC for nebulous reasons a few years ago. Oh well, we'll enjoy it whilst we can. 

With the able assistance of my newly promoted Apprentice Trainspotter to journeyman status, (I was sound asleep when the southbound run occurred), I am able to give a mostly complete and accurate trainspotting report for last night and this early morning. 

At 10:55 p.m. last night, I heard the southbound train passing by the manse on the RSTL. I was happily abed, so I ignored it. Fortunately, my newly promoted journeyman trainspotter was on the job and espied MMRR locomotives 2019 and 2025 passing by towing numerous CGCs, more than 20 I am supposing, and six CHCs. 

Earlier this morning, I heard the approach of the train heading north @ 2:56 a.m. Those same locomotives were towing 18 CHCs, and one DWTC. 

I may have to make that journeyman status probationary, as an exact count wasn't provided. Estimates are generally fine, but as I've been schooled in baking, being exact is very important. However, when you are dealing in non-life or death reports, like trainspotting, you generally don't have to be exact, so... 

We have a current temperature of 54° that feels like 51° with 11 mph winds blowing. Those winds will lead to the Small Craft Advisory that goes into effect @ 12:00 p.m. today, when the winds will blow @ 15 - 20 knots, with gusts up to 35 knots, for the lakeshore from St. Joseph to Manistee until 4:00 a.m. tomorrow. In fact, there is a chance that some of those winds will be Gale Force!

We mostly lolled about yesterday in between doing those aforementioned indoor chores. Since the Lions were on their by week, and the Bears had already won last Thursday, I was able to ignore the NFL games yesterday. 

Instead, after reading more and working a crossword puzzle, we took the fur-children for a walkabout in the cemetery. I once again eschewed taking my camera, but our Senior Staff Photographer took hers and got some great pix.

Subject matter and composition go hand in hand.

This marker may look damaged, but it is exactly as it was sculpted in the late 1800s.

This area of the cemetery is one of the oldest. 

As this stone stairway attests to in its neglected state. 

Nearby, is this area of fallen tree limbs.

This stump has been there for decades.

As has this marker, but probably in this case, for over one-century.

And this one too. 

Today, we are finally going to do that which we had planned for yesterday since it will be raining this afternoon. Mary wants to read, as do I. We are sharing a book by Sarah Kendzior entitled Hiding in Plain Sight, another tome about the sad state of our government, our country, and the world, and the man who claims, for now, the title of POTUS.

Otherwise, I have no plans and that's fine with me. I want to do some vegan cooking, but I need to get Mary to assist with some measurement of some very strong vegan broth maker that if not used judiciously, overwhelms the flavor of the finished product. 

The sun will rise this morning @ 7:55 a.m. and set later this evening @ 7:06 p.m. 

That's all folks! Ciao.