Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:00 a.m. in "The City."

I was just outside with GTWD and the current temperature of 38° that is supposed to feel like 33° was not a factor in the back-forty. I once again assume that this is because of the way that the yard is mostly enclosed. Today's high is forecast to reach a zenith of 41°, just like tomorrow. However, the chance of precipitation for today is only 10% while tomorrow that rises to 80%, just in time for my trip to the orthopedist. The sun will rise today @ 8:07 a.m. and set @ 5:47 p.m.

Ginger and I once again engaged in some trainspotting yesterday. However, we only spotted the southbound run of locomotives 2057 and 2019 as they passed by on the RSTL. In tow were 29 CHCs, and that's all. Mary and I must have been out when the northbound run passed through. Or, that run may be later today. However, since yesterday's run happened @ 11:21 a.m., that seems unlikely.

We were out running some errands after about 2:00 p.m., so the chances of our missing the train are probably good. Those errands included stops at Home Depot, Chow Hound, Harbor Freight, along with stops @ Orchard Market, the Love Inc. Resale Store and Stan's Tavern in Spring Lake.

Prior to our departure and following our late rising, Mary made the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) version of Beefaroni™ that uses a plant-based substitute for meat, in this case, Mary's perfectly extraordinary beest, elbow macaroni, low-sodium tomato soup, onions, and garlic. I think this version tastes fine and it is far healthier for both us and the cattle that didn't have to die.

I know that many people are moved by the saving of dogs from slaughter in many foreign countries, but they never seem to be moved by the plight of animals here or in other countries. A seemingly hypocritical and revisionist version of eating habits. We went vegan over two years ago for both the health benefits and the realization that animals are not here for our consumption. Just saying.

Dinner was cottage tofu and Mary's famous sauerkraut and faux Swiss cheese sandwiches topped with her version of thousand islands dressing all on San Francisco style sourdough bread. The bread was the reason for our stop @ Orchard Market in Spring Lake. I am still working on my own bread baking as previously noted.

We have an appointment today for the fur-children @ Paw Pros for baths, and pawdicures. We are doing that today since the weather forecast for tomorrow is more of the stay inside variety.

While we were running errands yesterday, we picked up a toy for GTWD to keep her occupied while we go out. This one had a squeaker that can be used or not at the discretion of the pet-parent. We opted to leave it out. However, our plans for Ginger's entertainment were thwarted by STWD when she grabbed the toy and chewed happily away, and in fact kept GTWD away from the toy. Sugar hasn't played with toys in many years. Who knew that she would want this one? Her desire to chew a toy may stem from Ginger's presence, but that is something that we'll have to address while we are out today for the grooming appointments by purchasing another toy.

I anticipate that the day today will be quiet once we have completed the dropoff and pickup of the fur-children at the groomers along with our purchase of another toy for Ginger.

Mary has plans to get to some of her craft projects and I have plans to read and work puzzles, both crossword and jigsaw. Ciao.