Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:00 a.m. in "The City."

Since I was just outside with Ginger around 3:15 a.m., it seems like a logical idea to begin with the weather. It is 35° under mostly clear skies. The DTWS display shows 36°, but that is based on the local reading from the FPMS. I like the early morning hours here in GH as the traffic sounds are mostly gone on the highway and the local streets are deserted once the bars and restaurants ae closed. That will all change after Memorial Day once the "Tourist Season" begins in earnest and there is very little downtime. 

But I digress. We are anticipating a high temperature of 41° later today under partly sunny skies. Monday's high is forecast by the NWS to be a more spring-like 51° albeit with showers in the morning. Our temperatures will bounce in and out of the 40s over the next 10 - 12 days. 

The NWS is using their computer models to predict an early start to summer across the south and east, while here in the midwest the summer temperatures will be less predictable but are expected to be above average. The overall prediction is that this will be another anomalous weather pattern like the one that produced the recently departed La Nina. This may be a precursor to cooler than average temperatures in the north and northwest. What does it all mean? No one seems to be certain except that it is likely a result of Global Climate Change.

It could be worse, as these people waiting for an Amtrak train in New York can attest. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJTCqxoQvmI

My Irish Soda Bread was a hit @ the Irish Jam session yesterday. Our turnout was light due to the numerous Irish-themed activities throughout the West Michigan area. Still, a good time was had by all who came, audience included. 

Speaking of kitchen activities, while I was jamming, Mary went to the grocery store and then crafted some of her vegan themed chili-non-carne. She makes it so that anyone can season it to their personal taste. I like mine with jalapeno slices and a bit of extra heat. We also went out again to get some basil for another recipe she wants to try for baked tomatoes. That stop was @ a grocery store on the other side of the bridge, so that necessitated a stop at Stans in Spring Lake.

I nearly forgot to mention the passing of rock and roll legend Chuck Berry @ age 90. His unique style of playing along with his stage presence influenced many other musicians who came after. Here is a video from YouTube that showcases his famous song, Johnny B. Good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVT65M4mRnM

Today is another in the long journey for the Wolverines of Michigan as they attempt to make it to the NCAA Final-Four this game is against the Cardinals of Louisville. Michigan has a winning record @ home, but on the road, they don't fare so well. The game begins @ 12:10 p.m. EDT. Expect the bars throughout Michigan to have larger than usual crowds.

Today is a chance to do as little as possible before the grind of the work week begins anew. Oh wait, I'm retired, so my week is mostly open. I have no appointments and only some small indoor chores to do. I can stretch those out over a week. 

Mary will have some crafting and chatting to do this week. We both have some reading to do for our book club, and on Wednesday afternoon, we'll be off to see Young Frankenstein at the local movie theater. 

The sun will rise today @ 7:49 a.m. and set @ 7:56 p.m. Ciao.