Good morning, or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 12:30 a.m. in the "The City."

Whew, once again there is a Gale Warning coming up for the "Big Lake" from 7:00 a.m. today until 1:00 a.m. Wednesday. Southwest wind speeds of 15 - 25 knots are expected to occur by sunrise today, increasing up to over 40 knots by late morning today! Gale Force winds are possible as high as 47 knots! Wave heights will build from a low of two to four feet early today until they culminate in seven to ten foot heights late this evening! However, the sun will still rise today @ 7:25 a.m. and set later @ 5:30 p.m.

 A reminder, that operating a vessel in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions. A Small Craft Advisory that goes with a Gale Warning, means that winds or waves are expected to produce hazardous conditions to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.


I had plans to go to the library for a drawing class this morning, but if that forecast from the NWS is correct, I won't be venturing out except to vote. Neither will the fur-children for a walk or any other activity. We had a tough time getting them out late last night and STWD was not going at all after about 11:00 p.m. What that forecast will do to voter turnout is unknown as of this writing.

Mary volunteered to make calls or canvass for congressional candidate, Dr, Rob Davidson yesterday. She ended up canvassing with another person after meeting Dr. Davidson personally at his GH headquarters before departing to canvass. Davidson, a Democratic candidate, is hoping to unseat our current 2nd district congressman, Bill Huizenga, a Republican. Ironically, while she was out, Mary received a call from a person soliciting votes for Dr. Davidson. She naturally assured the man calling that Davidson had her vote and mine too.

While she was out, I was on the phone with part of our government trying to resolve a pension issue. I came away unrequited, necessitating a trip to a bricks and mortar office in an attempt to get some straight answers. Wish me luck, because who you get to answer your questions may or may not give you the right answer.

Also while she was out, I did some indoor chores and made some vegan meatballs following a different recipe than the one that Mary prefers for the vegan Italian meatballs that I make. Each version has its merits.

Late yesterday, the new dishwasher was installed. After some initial concern by the installer about the location of the water line, the actual installation went quite smoothly. This new machine is so quiet, that it was running and we didn't even hear it. Amazing what new technology can do.

As you may recall, I was going to apply for a rebate of $15.00 from our local electric utility, GHBLP. Surprise Adam, as much as I like to get free stuff, applying for the rebate was just too much work, so I am giving up. Hard to believe, I know.

Baseball news is in short supply right now, but Cubs infielder, Javier Baez, is a finalist for the NL MVP award. His competition comes from the Brewers Christian Yelich and the Rockies Nolan Arenado. Each of the finalists had great years, including a career year for Baez.

Also in Cubs' news, the team announced that they won't negotiate an extension for field manager, Joe Maddon, preferring to wait and see what happens next season. Another "Wait til next year", I guess. Further, Anthony Rizzo won his second Gold-Glove Award too.

Today is election day throughout the U.S. Turnout is expected to be high for an off-year election and that bodes well for some candidates, while not so well for others. Mary will be glued to her TV awaiting results all night. I will join her until I can't keep my eyes open any longer. Ciao.