Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 3:30 a.m. in "The City." A current temperature outside the Weather Window of 26° punctuates the windy conditions and blowing snow. There is a weather watch in effect until 7:00 a.m. Friday. Right now, we await the sunrise at 7:41 a.m. and the latest forecast, which seems to change hourly. That makes the morning constitutional an unpredictable experience for me. I don't know about the intrepid weather dog. 

I am supposed to go to the doctor this afternoon, but that is going to be a game time decision. I was out yesterday afternoon moving the snow around in the wind and so I have no particular desire to be outdoors. Sugar the Weather dog was with me earlier for the morning constitutional, and she liked the snow. I don't mind, but when you can't see the sidewalks and curbs, walking is difficult. I always come back spent from the activity. 

Once I was done with the snow moving, I walked over to the book store to get the newspaper. I thought I was done, but Mary had an insatiable desire to go out to a restaurant. I decided that if I was going out once again, it would be to the favorite watering hole. We had to stop for fuel, and that wasn't a pleasant experience, as I felt like a refugee from the Wizard of Oz. While there wasn't a "Twister", there was plenty of blowing snow to make the time spent outside less than comfortable. We watched the snow blowing past the actual window and on the virtual  electronic window while we were at the favorite watering hole, and it was good to be inside, away from a door, and out of the wind. 

I did get in some time with the girls and reading the newspaper, but the dusting was replaced by snow removal. Maybe today. 

I watched the northbound run of the nightly train go by a few minutes ago. The regular cast of locomotives was towing 18 covered hopper cars, apparently unladen. As they passed, they picked up speed easily, further proof that they were not loaded. 

I am certain that the sun will set at 5:15 p.m. tonight. About the only thing that is certain is the rotation of the Earth. All in all, unlike W. C. Fields, I'm glad I'm not in Buffalo. Ciao. 

Good morning GH. It is just past 12:00 a.m. in "The City." We have a current temperature outside the Weather Window of 21° as we drop to the overnight low of 14°. Not bad, considering we could be in Buffalo. Later today, after the sun rises at 7:39 a.m., we are expecting a high of 31° with an 80% chance of one to three inches of additional snow. Thursday doesn't look a lot better, as the temperature is not expected to rise above 23°, while the winds will continue to blow as they did today. In addition, there is another 80% chance of snow, this time in the three to five inch range. Some of that is subject to lake effects and other factors, so we'll have to wait and see. I have nowhere to go today, and that suits me just fine.

I started the snow removal process yesterday afternoon, but I decided to stop and let all of the snow come down. Unfortunately, that may be like carrying coals to Newcastle, given the forecast. I took time to wash Sugar the Weather Dog's couch cover after we returned from the morning constitutional. Between the snow shoveling and the walk, that was my entire outdoor activity yesterday. I don't anticipate today being a lot different.

I will get to the dusting, some additional laundry, more snow shoveling, and a short walk with the intrepid weather dog, if possible. More reading, newspaper and book, the crossword, and time with the girls. I found a song I like called Scotland the Brave, that was an offshoot from a song that one of the players at the jam session introduced last Saturday, titled Calling Doon the Line. Not strictly Irish, but enjoyable none the less. In fact, here are some links for both. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1ckK8wiFHA, the link to Calling Doon the Line, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GowMI4wvmU4, the link to Scotland the Brave, both performed by a band called Scocha. I have some work to do on both, but I like them.

When the sun sets today at 5:17 p.m., I'll be ready for more relaxation. I should have my latest novel completed by then, and that will be enough for one day. Mary has a conference call that I'll work around as I dust. Sugar will have to be OK with a short walk, as I don't want to use up too much energy. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is just past 2:00 a.m. in "The City." Our current temperature is 19° as we head down to a wind blown overnight low of 13°. That wind is blowing at a steady speed of 20 MPH and gusting to 30+ MPH or more. That makes for some serious white-out conditions. The street just outside the Weather Window of the Palatial Estate, and coincidentally the location of the analog weather instruments that I use to forecast and report the weather from the Weather Office, is snow covered and deserted.

In the words of that old song, Baby It's Cold Outside, originally popularized by the late Dean Martin and the vivacious Doris Day, and since covered by many artists over the ensuing decades, "Baby It's Cold Outside." The digital instruments in the Weather Office show that the temperature inside is a climate controlled 64°. Later today, after the sun rises at 7:39 a.m., the outdoor temperature is forecast to rise all the way to 23°, as the snow continues to fall to a level of four to seven additional inches. The winds will continue to blow. Wednesday, the forecast calls for 31° and more snow, with a 70% chance of one to three additional inches. Yes, the wind will continue to blow. Much the same for Thursday. with a high of 25°. Do I sound weather obsessed? Probably, but that's what happens when it is snowing and blowing and cold.

I just watched the southbound train roll by. The usual twin EMD GP 38 locomotives, #s 2057 and 2019, towing a single box car, followed by 14 covered hopper cars, two of those dreaded black tank cars, and then seven more of the covered hopper cars brought up the rear. The train was shaking the ground as it made its way through our snow covered city, so I know that it was heavily laden.

On Monday, Sugar the Weather Dog and I took the morning constitutional as Mary went to the bank to complete her work transaction. As Sugar and I walked east, the winds were in our faces and we got cold, at least I did. Sugar seemed not to mind. We turned back at the newspaper office and headed home. We detoured through snow-covered Central Park, and then came home. Sugar thought that the weather was just fine as she sniffed her way along. There will be no walk this morning, in spite of Sugar's desires, and she will have to bear with using her tether.

I finished part of the laundry, and in the afternoon Mary and I went to get her new glasses adjusted after she finished her conference call. In addition, we went to the favorite watering hole on our side of the bridge, but we didn't stay long, as the view out the door and on the "Electronic Window" was a picture of, you guessed it, blowing snow. Home James, er Mary.

We watched some reruns of NCIS and then it was time for me to go to the Media Room and fall asleep. I woke up long enough to go to bed and climb under the newly added blanket that I had placed there earlier. I'll be back there soon.

Tonight after the sun sets at 5:17 p.m., we'll watch more of NCIS, first run this time, and then stay out of the cold. Sometime during the day, I'll play with the girls, and read. I won't be going outside. Ciao.

Good early morning GH. It is just past 1:00 a.m. in "The City." I show a current temperature outside the Weather Window on my analog weather instrument of 32°, as we drop to an overnight low of 22°. That's according to the National Weather Service, whose forecast calls for a high today of 26°. In addition, they are forecasting a 70% chance of one inch of additional snow. By Tuesday, an 80% chance of snow may bring us three to five inches more, with a high temperature of 25°. Wednesday, another 80% chance of snow, no amount predicted. Oh well, the sun will still rise today at 7:37 a.m. and set at 5:19 p.m.

We had a good day. We got up late, I walked with Sugar the Weather Dog, and then I settled in and finished the crossword. I also finished my latest non-fiction book and pulled a fiction book off the shelf. It's by Jack Higgins, The Death Trade, and it features Higgins' character, former IRA member Sean Dillon. I haven't started it yet, but should like it, as I usually do.

Later in the day, Mary did some work related things and then we walked to the Post to share some of my chocolate chip cookies and have a Bloody Mary. Naturally, my cookies were a hit. Going to the Post was a slow slog in the ice and snow. However, the return trip was somewhat easier as we took advantage of the ice-free sidewalks that are a part of Washington Avenue downtown.

Later this morning, Mary has a conference call related to her work and I have to take the morning constitutional. Before her conference call, Mary has to go to the bank for some additional information for her latest work project. Then I'll be settling in to read the newspaper, do the crossword, and then read my novel. What's not to like?

I watched the Bears defeat the Vikings, and then watched the Lions fall to the Arizona Cardinals. Sometimes football viewing uses all the energy you can muster. It did for me, and so I decided it was time for bed, until an hour ago. I typed some music and now this blog.

That looks like enough for one day's activities. Ciao.

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. It is just past 4:30 a.m. in "The City", where we have a current temperature of 33°, as we drop down to the overnight low of 25°. As of now, the forecast from the National Weather Service calls for a high today, after sunrise at 7:37 a.m., of 34° with a 30% chance of snow. Monday a high of 28° is anticipated with a 70% chance of one to three inches of new snow, along with windy conditions. Tuesday, the chance of new snow drops to 60%, albeit with an additional accumulation of four to eight inches. Given the season, this is a perfect opportunity to say, "Take that with a grain of salt."

Saturday was a busy day. We listened to the morning radio programs, cars, pets, and flowers, and then got up to have breakfast. Sugar the Weather Dog had already come up for her morning treats. We finally made it downstairs, and it was almost time to go for my Irish Jam session and to take the intrepid weather dog for her morning constitutional. Mary and Sugar walked with me to the library and then peeled off to the bank and points west.

As I understand it, while I was having a great time playing music, Mary decided to drop Sugar off at home, go to the community center for her wreath, and then go to the medium-box grocery store for some things. By the time I got home, she and Sugar were spent, as was I, so we never made it to the Post for karaoke. We may make it there today for Bloody Mary Sunday, or not.

One reason to go to the Post is that I did get ambitious enough yesterday afternoon to bake chocolate chip cookies with Mary. I should have made half the requisite amount specified in the recipe, but since I didn't, I must share. There are so many cookies, that I must offer some to the people at the Post or eat them myself. While I love chocolate chip cookies, I don't need to eat them all. So like many foodstuffs, I'll share.

The MSU Spartans defeated the Maryland Terrapins yesterday afternoon by a score of 37 - 15. The Wolverines of Michigan had the day off. The Northern Illinois Huskies don't play until Tuesday night. I must mention that I thought that the defeat of the Northwestern Wildcats by the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame was a done deal. However, miraculously, the Wildcats pulled out a victory over the Irish, 43 - 40.

 I thought it was just me, but the topic of baseball came up at our jam session yesterday. I guess that comes when it is cold and snowy. As we all know, "Baseball is life!" As an aside, the boys in blue open against their rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, in a nationally televised game on Sunday, April 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Some pundits think that this is a sign that the boys are ready for a prominent position in next year's playoffs. We'll see. As a long suffering fan, I've been disappointed for nearly 60 years.

Last night Mary and I got sucked down the wormhole that is the Hallmark Channel™. A twin spin of holiday romances and it was time for bed. I slept great up until about an hour ago. I could have gone back to bed, but my blog called out to me.

As I said, a short trip to the Post and then a return trip home for more Hallmark Channel or the NFL, as the Detroit Lions play in the late game today. Detroit is on the upswing while the Bears are treading water or losing ground.

The sun will set at 5:19 p.m. and then it will be time to repair to the media room for more TV viewing. Ciao.

Good evening GH. It is just past 10:30 p.m. on this wintry night. We had a bit of snow today, and more is likely due on Sunday. In fact, there is a chance that the snow will start on Saturday night and continue into Sunday. We have a current temperature of 29° which will drop to a low of 24° just before the sun rises at 7:35 a.m. tomorrow. Before the sun sets again at 5:21 in the evening, we should rise up to 32° with a fair amount of wind. That will be just warm enough to walk with Mary and Sugar the Weather Dog and get to my Irish Jam session in the afternoon. Today, I had to shovel the snow off the deck and the front porch of the palatial estate, again.

There is a Christmas Craft Fair at the community center tomorrow. Mary plans to walk there after she returns with the intrepid weather dog and purchase a wreath for the front door. That has become Mary's holiday tradition here in GH. Mine has become listening to holiday music. She'll be doing her thing while I am playing Irish music. All good by me, because I can take or leave craft fairs.

Earlier this evening Mary experimented with a new recipe for lentil/walnut loaf. I was told to evaluate her efforts. I proclaim them great. I would suggest that a bit of additional Worcestershire sauce would add some additional spice, but as it was served, it was fine. I'd also put horseradish on my serving, but then I'd put horseradish on just about anything. So Mary, the answer is, it's a keeper. Mary got to chop with Sugar the Sous Dog in attendance. Since the recipe has a large amount of chopped onions and garlic in it, Sugar only got to have some chopped carrots.

No trains are anticipated tonight.

I am listening to Christmas music in spite of Mary's belief that it is too early for that. I'd listen to this music all year long if I could. I might get tired of it, but I would like to try it. Chances are, that I would switch out to Irish music and big band music once in a while. Who knows?

Once I return from the Irish Jam, I plan to stay in  unless I decide that we should go to the Post for Karaoke. If the weather is ideal, in other words, no wind and no precipitation, I may decide to go. If not, I played with the girls a lot today, so I am musically sated. In any event I am ready for the jam session.

That's enough for today. Ciao

Good morning or good evening, wherever you may be. We've just passed 3:30 a.m. in "The City" where in the artificially heated weather office, it is 65 artificially heated degrees. Outside the Weather Window, it is 28° as we drop to a just before sunrise low (7:35 a.m.) of 26°. In addition, there is an alert that expires about one-half hour from now for additional snow. I don't see a thing, so I am guessing that the National Weather Service is wrong once again. Surprise! However, there is a 60% chance of additional snow this morning. Same National Weather Service, same results? Who knows? Saturday, the chance for snow showers drops to 10% with a high of 33°.

Earlier today, I took the morning constitutional with Sugar the Weather Dog while Mary waited for a phone call regarding her software download. It wasn't too bad, but in some areas, the sidewalks were snow covered and I reverted to my slowed winter gait to avoid falling in my winter shoes. Like the snow shovel I brought up from the man-cave, I had taken those winter shoes downstairs the day before. Prescient, kismet, or karma? You be the judge. I was able to use the snow shovel to clear a path on the deck for Sugar and me.

Mary got the request for her latest job assignment yesterday. It looks like an interesting book, for both of us. For me highlighting will be a two color effort of joy, while for Mary it will be an exercise in work, mostly.

I never got to the girls nor the book reading, as we didn't get up until 1:00 p.m. Such are the hazards of retirement. I did finish the laundry, well mostly, as it still needs to be put away. The crossword was an exceptionally tough one for a Thursday puzzle. We also got the call for Mary's glasses, so we journeyed across the bridge to retrieve them. While there, I borrowed a soup cookbook to try some recipes. I'll return it on our next trip to the store. Like I often say, if it's soup, I'm there.

Mary will need an additional adjustment on her glasses, not unlike the one I needed today to get mine fitting just right. Like me, she seems to be seeing better, but it takes a few days to get used to new glasses. In addition, we picked up the requisite rebate receipts to receive a $10.00 rebate for each pair of glasses. As always, if it's free, I'm there. Free being a relative term, given the cost of the glasses. I just put those rebate requests in the mail box.

I just watched the 3:30 a.m. train pass by heading north. Twin locomotives #s 2109 and 2057 in the new livery, were heading north towing 14 covered hopper cars. Judging by the lack of rumble, the cars were empty.

Today, I'll take another constitutional with the intrepid weather dog, pick up the newspaper and then settle in for some play time and reading. That's after I do today's crossword. That may not happen until the early afternoon, since I have no need to get up early. Once again, the hazards of retirement. That leisure time will vanish once the new project comes in, but I have a short respite.

Otherwise, not much is happening. The snow will fall, the walks will freeze, and I'll go to the Irish Jam session tomorrow. Tonight, the sun will set at 5:21 p.m. Ciao.