Ford Repair: 1994 Ford Escort LX Wagon Temp Gauge Running Higher Than Usual, ford escort lx, stock radiator

Question
I have a 1994 Ford Escort LX Wagon with 199k (only shows xx,xxx miles so I'm assuming its about to reach 200k) i recently put a new radiator in it due to a cracked stock radiator but in the last several weeks the temp gauge has been running higher than usual but doesn't seem to overheat. it just gets warmer alot quicker and runs a little bit higher. it had usually been running about 1/3 of the way on the temp gauge but now runs between 1/3 and a hair over halfway. i don't have milky oil to suggest a leaky head gasket and it doesn't puff out smoke once warmed up and you get on the gas. just kind of at a loss.

Answer
a hair over half would be considered normal-1/3 of the way should be lower than normal-just watch for coolant loss/milky residue or overheating.at this time if you don't have any of those i wouldn't worry but do keep a watch. let me know if anything shows up.