Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just passing 8:00 a.m. and so I want to speed up this blog a wee bit.

The current temperature is 45° under mostly-sunny skies although the NWS says it is mostly-cloudy. What a difference 30 miles inland can make.

Today's high temperature will reach a very pleasant 66° under partly-sunny skies this morning, but the NWS is predicting a 100% chance for rain this afternoon. We shall see, given heir inability to accurately forecast what happens here on the shores of the "Big Lake."

The sun has already risen @ 7:11 this morning and it will set later this evening @ 8:21 p.m., bringing with it an overnight low of 45°.

The 4 - 3 Cubs were off yesterday. Today they have a game @ 6 :35 p.m. EDT against the 1 - 6 Pirates in Pittsburgh when RHP Zach Davies, 1 - 0, goes for the Boys in Blue

Likewise, the 4 - 3 Red Sox were off yesterday. They have a game tonight @ 7:05 p.m. EDT against the 4 - 3 Orioles in Baltimore when RHP Garrett Richards, 0 - 1 makes the start for the beloved.

Sadly, the now 3 - 4 Tigers should have been off yesterday, as the original starting pitcher, RHP Julio Teheran, experienced forearm tightness during pre-game warmups that required manager A. J. Hinch to press three relievers into service. The end result was predictable, as LHP reliever Derek Holland took the loss 1 - 4 against the Indians. Tonight's game features LHP Tarik Skubal, 0 - 0 starting for the Tigers @ 6:10 p.m. EDT.

We made it to the eye doctor in Spring Lake yesterday, where my glasses received the necessary adjustments and additions to make them more comfortable and keep them firmly in place. I love them. 

Since we were out, I took along my camera and got some interesting pix in both Spring Lake and later, in GH. 

Just as bold as he or she could be, this wild turkey crossed the road to get to the other side. 

Mary couldn't see what I was shooting, but I captured what I think was a young bald eagle in flight.

Nearby, this tree caught my eye.

As did this wooden pathway and water feature that was someone's front yard.

We moved on to GH where I snapped this lone daffodil growing near Duck Pond.

Mary suggested this shot of the colorful sky over Lake Michigan, framed by this tree and the #7 sign.

Down near the State Park pavilion, this shot called out to me.

It may look like a very large dune, but it is a small pile of sand near Duck Pond.

Farther down the shores of Lake Michigan by the City Beach.

Where this kite was being flown in the strong winds off the lake.

Today, we have no plans other than indoor chores and reading. I've already been downstairs to do some cleaning and preparation for a day of retirement. I also found time to practice my harmonica and play my 12-string guitar, Ivy.

We'll probably do a crossword puzzle today, do some reading, and that's about it. Ciao.