Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be, across the nation and across the world. It is just past 6:30 a.m. in "The City", which means that we are approaching today's sunrise time of 6:51 a.m., but well before tonight's sunset at 8:35 p.m.

Our current temperature is 40°, but it feels more like 35° with a wind out of the northeast @ 7 mph. Coincidentally, we have reached our overnight low with that 40° mark.

Today's weather is not looking so good. While our anticipated high temperature is forecast by the NWS to reach a zenith of 51°, they are also forecasting showers this morning becoming steadier rain by the early afternoon. That comes with an 80% chance. We have no alerts as of this time. While we'll likely see 67° or higher on Saturday with similar temperatures on Sunday, we will once again fall into the forties and fifties early next week until early May. But, this being sprinter here in West Michigan, we know that the cooler temperatures and rain will make for a better growing season this year.

I received an email from an old friend yesterday and he reminded me that I hadn't blogged since April 14, so I thought that since I was up and tending to some things around the manse this early morning, it was a good opportunity to sit down and do another blog. Thanks, Dennis.

On a more somber note, another old friend, and a one-time golfing partner for Mary, Jackie, passed away a couple of days ago. She and her husband had moved to Missouri many years ago, and then to Tennessee upon their retirement. Sadly, we have only had contact with Jackie and Greg through Christmas cards for many years.

I was reminded of the need to stay in touch with friends, both old and new, on a more regular basis before the chance is gone.

On a less somber note, the 6 - 6 West Michigan Whitecaps, AKA, The Caps, fell to Mary's sentimental favorites the 9 - 3 Dayton Dragons in Dayton, OH last night, 2 - 4. The Caps and the Dragons face each other again tonight @ 7:05 p.m.

My beloved 6 - 7 Red Sox fell to the 7 - 6 Toronto Bluejays yesterday, 2 - 3, as RHP Tanner Houck took the loss and saw his 2022 record fall to 0 - 1. The beloved travel to Tampa Bay for a game tonight @ 7:10 p.m. as RHP Michael Wacha gets the start for the Sox.

The 6 - 7 Cubs sent young RHP Ethan Roberts to the mound last night versus the now 6 - 7 Pirates, but  Roberts soon fell apart and took the loss, to fall to 0 - 1. Today's game at The Friendly Confines begins @ 2:20 p.m. EDT as LHP Drew Smiley, 1 - 0, makes the start for the Cubs.

The 5 - 7 Tigers took one from the 8 - 4 Yankees last night, 3 - 0. Miguel "Miggy" Cabrera was thwarted in his quest to reach 3,000 hits for the Tigers and in fact, in his last at-bat, he was intentionally walked. The Tigers welcome another 8 - 4 team to Comerica Park tonight @ 7:10 p.m. when the Colorado Rockies come to town. LHP Tarik Skubal, 0 - 1 will take the hill for the Tigers.

Yesterday was a busy day for everyone here at the manse. Mary was not inclined to walk with Ginger, but we had a nice afternoon listening to the end of our Amish apocalyptic novel. We have not yet chosen a follow-up book. Mary also finished her latest ear read too while I worked on some crossword puzzles before I made vegan burgers which we enjoyed with our dinner.

Today, I plan to make another of my soon-to-be-famous apple pies and that's about it for me. Mary will continue her ear reading and also cross-stitching. Ciao.