September 30, 2012 – Sunday morning

33 degrees

Pentoga Road

It was announced on the late news last night that this weekend is probably the peak leaf period for the fall. I’d have to agree. I just don’t see how they can be any more beautiful than now. And to think, in a week or two, they’ll all be gone and the trees will be bare… and time keeps marching on.

The majority of Saturday was spent putting meat on the table. With the temperature approaching 60, the winds calm, and not a cloud in the sky, I launched the Man Yacht on a local lake and set off after the mighty bluegill.

They weren’t biting on worms… hmm, a possible washout? I couldn’t see, but rather, heard, fish smacking the surface. Anyone who has ever fished with a fly rod knows that sound. It reminds me of a baby smacking his lips.

I quickly changed from using worms to a small artificial, one that can jiggle on the surface of the water.

The fishing began.

Enough bluegills were caught for fish fry tonight. If I’d have taken my fly rod, I think I’d have caught quite a few more. Oh well, there’s always the next time.

I dug half a row of potatoes early Saturday morning and though there aren’t a lot, most are fairly good sized. I’m putting them in a box in the basement and hopefully, they’ll last well into the fall and early winter.

Saturday afternoon was spent fiddling around the place. After cleaning the fish, I burned the trash, checked the bear bait, etc. I should have done much more, but the urge to close my eyes kept getting in my way. Oh, and I also took a nap. Plying the big waters in search of meat for the table can be tiring.

Sargie didn’t get home until late and we enjoyed loaded baked potatoes for a late night supper. I adorned mine with fresh chives cut earlier in the day, garden potatoes, bacon, butter, and sour cream. It was delicious. The ice cream smothered with chocolate sauce I enjoyed for dessert didn’t go down too badly either.

Today will be spent moving the outdoor items from Sargie’s old house, the grill, a park bench, chairs, and so forth. There’s also a love seat and a large table. Some or both will go into storage for now.

It will be an adventure. We’re taking the Man Truck. First, I need to use the high pressure washer and remove all the wood bark and small pieces from the truck’s bed. After that, it will be a mind-boggling, thrill-of-the-century ride of 40 mph to Vulcan and back. I’m hoping we’re back home before the Packers play at 3:30.

This young turkey wandered into the yard Saturday morning

Monday? There are a million chores to complete before winter arrives. They’ve changed the weather forecast for this next week to a more seasonal norm, so hopefully, that cold weather mentioned yesterday won’t materialize, at least for now. I might sneak out first thing in the morning to look for a few more bluegills. There won’t be many more opportunities this fall. It’s hard to believe that in two months, I could be ice fishing. I’ll be ready.

So are the the tales from Pentoga Road…

 

That's a VERY content Auntie Sargie who is holding her niece, week-old Brielle, for the first time.

September 29, 2012 – Saturday

39 degrees

Pentoga Road

I’m officially on day one of my re-retirement. It doesn’t feel nearly as euphoric as the first day of my real retirement several months ago, although as Holly and Jeannie, Sargie’s sisters (both retired) said last night, “We don’t want to work. There’s plenty to do.”

Amen, sisters.

My list of things-to-do is a mile long and growing, although the first activity on my agenda this morning is to go fishing. Let’s get our priorities straight.

The intersection of Pennington Boulevard and Pentoga Road. No stoplights needed.

My last day at camp on Friday morning was a busy one. Poor Pastor Tracy… the girl is doing the job that used to be done by three people. It’s a good thing she’s young, smart, and energetic; she’s going to have to be.

I did my usual chores and Tracy asked if I might type out the instruction sheets I’d made earlier on how to operate the software programs. A typical teacher, I’d made a “Camp Software for Dummies,” booklet so this dummy could navigate around the computer.

I also spent a bit of time with the Chit Chat Girls, a group of quilters who come to camp twice a year, rent one of units, gab and quilt for several days. They were having a good time eating, quilting, talking, quilting, eating, quilting, talking, talking… well, you get the idea. I can’t understand why they named themselves the Chit Chat Girls.

Marcia, the head of the quilting clan brought me a sample of seedless blackberry jelly. I’m going to drop off a jar of my tomato preserves on my way fishing this morning. She’s a northern Yooper. I’m from the south part of Yooperdom and in this case, the South will rise again when it comes to jellying. I’ve a feeling this could be the beginning of some yearly jam/jelly/preserve competitions.

I bade Pastor Tracy goodbye at noon, made my last run to mail out camp correspondence, and stopped by the bank to beg a ride from Tricia, Sargie’s sister, to Iron Mountain later in the afternoon.

The rest of Thursday was spent in the basement and around the house putting away the end of Sargie’s belongings from our last moving expedition. We have the room, but until yesterday, hadn’t had the time.

I began by completely rearranging the main room in the basement. Several hours were spent cleaning, sweeping, throwing away, and making it much nicer. Other than an occasional springtime seep of water, it’s a dry basement, a good place to do the laundry and store out-of-season items.

By afternoon’s end, the last box was stored away, the upstairs straightened and made ready for the final push that should occur on Sunday. It will be good to finally get us both under one roof.

The colors outside our front window on Thursday morning. Friday's view promises to be just as good.

I met Trish at 5 at the township hall and we had a wonderful conversation on our way to Iron Mountain. The leaves were brilliant and even Trishia, a native Yooper, commented on how particularly beautiful they are this year.

Thursday evening was spent with Brielle, her mommy and daddy, and the rest of the family. There were some great conversations held around the table and recipes shared. Holly gave me a new zucchini recipe that promises to be great. I also got her chocolate zucchini cake formula that produces one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Hmm, let’s guess what Tommy P will be doing on the first inclement day that he can’t go outside to play? I’ve got a couple of big squash stored in the basement that should be perfect.

We bade Brielle and the family goodbye and arrived home around 9 PM. Sargie was tired and I wasn’t much better. Bed felt good… what I remember of it.

Sargie has to close tonight which means an extra long day for her. After seeing her off, I hope to go fishing in search of the mighty bluegill. Reading the weather predictions for next week, it appears the open water fishing season could be drawing to a close.

There’s a forecast of up to three inches of snow to fall on Wednesday night and another inch of white stuff promised with a low of 12 degrees and a wind chill of -2 on Friday. Of course, we’ll have Indian summer later in October… won’t we?

And so are the tales from Pentoga Road…

September 28, 2012 – Friday

29 degrees/clear

Pentoga Road

Sargie suggested the temperature be included daily in the morning’s heading. Actually, this morning is a bit warmer than previously.

One triumph was enjoyed on Pentoga Road yesterday morning. After purchasing a new box of Bisquick, I successfully made biscuits and gravy for breakfast. After going down in flames last week and having my self esteem irreparably damaged, I was a bit unsure, but triumphed in the end. Thinking back on yesterday’s culinary victory, it’s pretty hard to screw up a mix if one follows the directions.

It’s going to be a short one today. I overslept this morning. It must have been due to the wild time we had in the UP’s largest city, Marquette, yesterday.

OK, that’s an exaggeration. There was nothing wild about it, but it was an enjoyable trip. The drive up was one real-life video filled with orange and red trees. There were several stretches featuring vivid color as far as the eye could see. Depending on the weather, I’m guessing the fall colors will be at their peak in this weekend. They are quickly turning and the trees will be dropping their leaves shortly after.

We arrived an hour-and-a-half before my meeting and spent most that time shopping for baby gifts for Brielle. I admit, I’m a lousy women’s wear/ baby gift browser, and within minutes of stepping into the first store, I bade Sargie goodbye and headed to Radio Shack, the only real Man Store in the mall.

It's still September and Christmas displays are already popping up in the stores. What are we going to celebrate in December, the 4th of July?

Sargie dropped me off at Marquette High School half an hour early and I spent the time wandering around, talking with teachers (school had let out for the day), and finally found the designated room. It never fails to amaze me that schools are schools regardless if they are at the top of the world or in the UP of Michigan. They have the same feel, odors, and noise. It must have something to do with children and learning, eh. You think?

The meeting was filled with undergraduate education majors from Northern Michigan University who finally had enough college hours to qualify to substitute teach. I was the only old person in attendance.

The scheduled two-hour gathering was finished in an hour, the time it took to fill out a bit of paperwork. Since all the attendees had teacher education training (or had taught it) we skipped that section and called it a day. After I get my fingerprints submitted and a check written to the State of Michigan for a substitute teacher’s license, I’ll be official. I’m told it takes up to three weeks for all the red tape to clear. The way government operates, it will probably be more like three years.

We enjoyed pizza last evening with Macrea, Cale, Sargie’s niece, Sasha, and Garth, Sargie’s nephew, all university students. I later told Sargie I felt old. The kids were talking about some sort of code on Twitter, etc. etc. that neither of us understood. And really, we shouldn’t. That’s why youth is for the young.

Six people, three family sized pizzas. There were't more than a half dozen small pieces placed in a box to take home with them. You think college kids don't have an appetite?

The trip home was just as enjoyable. We talked and gabbed and riding in the copilot’s seat, I attempted to help Sargie watch for deer. Boy, that’s like tippy toeing through a minefield in snow boots.

Lake Superior

Deer are all over this time of the year and seem to have a fondness for the middle of the road. There are a few that seem bent on committing suicide by sprinting out in front of a passing car. Luckily, we missed any and all and arrived home unscathed.

This morning will be my last at work. Later this afternoon, I’ll head over to Iron Mountain and meet Sargie so we can visit with Ashley and Brent and talk baby talk with Brielle.

It’s supposed to be a nice weekend and there’s so much I’m behind on around the ranch that I’m not sure where to start. Maybe I’ll treat all the chores equally and just go fishing.

And so are the tales from Pentoga Road…

 

September 27, 2012

Pentoga Road

I’ve not had the opportunity to personally welcome the newest member of the Milligan cousins, Brielle Susan, to the world. Born on September 19^th, I’m certain Brielle’s mommy, Ashley, was probably the most grateful of anyone when Baby Brielle decided it was time to make an appearance. Due to early complications, Ashley was on complete bed rest for several months, mostly lying flat on her back.

Sargie and I will get to see Brielle for the first time Friday afternoon when she embarks on her first road trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Iron Mountain. Hopefully, it won’t be that long until she’ll be running along the trails, climbing trees, kayaking, and going for four-wheeler rides at Aunt Sargie’s and Uncle Tom’s house on Pentoga Road. As I keep saying, all that’s needed here is a spark of youth. Along with Marley and Aubrey, Brielle’s older cousins, it appears that could happen.

Congratulations, Ashley and Brent. Hang on, your journey has just begun!!

Wednesday was an exact replica of Tuesday. I worked at camp in the morning and cut wood all afternoon. The big maple is now stacked in neat rows in the wood shed just waiting for the cold winter months. For the most part, it’s of very good quality, dry, and not rotten.

I wonder if it is possible to get a bar any more stuck than this? I eventually used a wedge and the other chainsaw to free the thing.

Sargie arrived home early Wednesday evening after a visit with Mr. Milligan. Hungry for meat and potatoes, I fired up the grill on the back deck to cook southern style barbeque ribs. I’m surprised we didn’t have several bears joining us. Sargie made a big salad and along with fresh Pontiac potatoes from the garden, we ate like the little piggies we know how to be. A bowl of Moose Tracks ice cream topped off a near-perfect meal.

I will officially rejoin the ranks of the retired on Friday after working with some wonderful and caring people at the camp.

I’ve learned a couple of things during my brief tenure as an office manager:

1)   I’m not an accountant

2)   Taking off one’s shoes and socks when having to count past ten grows tiresome

3)   Old dogs really do have a hard time learning new tricks, especially when it comes to accounting software

4)   Accepting life’s limitations can be a difficult pill to swallow

5)   I had the opportunity to be in the professional workforce for forty years and there comes a time when it’s okay to let those who are younger enjoy the same privilege.

6)   That 99.9% of anyone who I’ve ever dealt with are really nice people. It’s that .01 % who will always be a pain in my backside.

7)   That educators and clergy are very similar. The teacher answers to a superintendent who toils away somewhere in a district office surrounded by trusty secretaries and bookkeepers. Clergy answers to a Higher Power who works in us all surrounded by disciples and believers.

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Speaking of retired, I received my official retirement papers from Alaska in yesterday’s mail. Over three months late, they informed me that I can go ahead and retire with benefits.

Sargie and I head north to Marquette later today where I’ll get to attend a two-hour meeting about how to be a substitute. I completed the last of the required learning modules last night and even received (I had to print it off for today’s meeting) a Certificate of Completion. I doubt that will be framed and hung on the living room wall. We're also looking forward to having supper with Cale and Macrea and find out what's new in their lives.

I’m already thinking about next week’s tasks. I need to dig the remaining potatoes and put the garden to bed for the winter. The barn badly needs cleaning in preparation of the trapping season that begins next month. And then I have to boil, dye, and wax, my traps. There are saplings to chip for mulch and bluegills to catch for weekly fish fries. I’ve got to keep that Yooper woman of mine in fresh fish.

As I repeatedly say, a man’s work is never done.

And so are the tales from Pentoga Road…

That's all folks!

September 26, 2012

Pentoga Road

Happy Birthday, Dad. Passing away eleven years ago today, he would have been 84. I love you, Dad.

It is 27 degrees outside this morning and I’ll bet it’s not over 50 inside. The fire went out last night before we went to bed and I was too tired (or lazy) to rebuild it.

Mistake!

I didn’t want to turn the oil furnace on this morning, but hated shivering like a little school girl. Sargie will be up in a bit and she dislikes waking up to a cold house more than I do.

I’ve become soft. While living at Hilltop, it was common to awaken to an inside temperature of twenty to thirty below zero. I’d make a fire and hover directly over the stove while a pan of ice melted and eventually brush my teeth, eat breakfast, and sip coffee, soaking up what little heat there was, waiting for the rest of the cabin to become livable.

I checked the trail cam last night and discovered we’ve been feeding a big ol’ bear and a fat and sassy raccoon who won’t share a meal with a poor hungry fox. It still amazes me what animals roam these woods after the sun goes down.

Tuesday consisted of work in the morning and cutting more firewood in the afternoon. I drove the Man Truck to the camp and I think Paster Tracy and Chris were secretly envious of my four-wheel-drive chariot. One let me know he especially loved the sheet metal riveted on the side and front quarter panel. It’s not always easy owning a Man Truck.

I started cutting a large maple that was lying on the ground shortly after noon and finished with half of it three hours later. Rather than just cutting the wood into chunks and splitting it here at home, I decided to work it up as I went.

The tree is quite large and hopefully, I’ll finish this afternoon. I estimate there’ll be close to a month’s worth of heat in all that wood. For that, I’m grateful.

The Kingdom of Yooper is brilliant now and I find I snap the same pictures over and over. The trees that frame our little home are gorgeous even if they do tend to clash with the red roof. It’s a wonderful time of the year to be alive.

Someone inquired the other day how I take such gorgeous pictures. I’m chuckling here to myself. I don’t take gorgeous pictures, they take themselves. I simply take a lot of them. It’s a number’s process.

Often, I can’t really tell how a picture will turn out until I get it downloaded on the computer and magnified. I simply use the best of what I have on any given day. For every one used, there may be twenty or more that are discarded. Thanks for the compliment, but it’s simply a process of elimination and what you see is what made the grade. And if you notice, on any given day, there are few pictures.

After unloading and stacking the maple last night, I finished splitting and stacking the spruce that was left from Monday. I was happy to feed the bears, bring in and fold the laundry that Sargie had hung out before she went to work earlier in the day, and finally, take a shower. It had been a good day.

I spent last evening grading assignments and watching required training segments concerning substitute teaching on the internet. Oh yes, a new sub must watch seven cartoon-like videos to become a real certified substitute teacher in Michigan. At the end of each, one must pass a multiple choice/true/false exam. So far, I’m batting 100%, even after falling sound asleep during one.

Since Sargie had to work late, I enjoyed cooked rice with milk, sugar, raisins, and cinnamon last night for supper. I couldn’t get the water and rice to come out even so kept adding a bit of one or the other as it cooked. In the end, I probably ate a serving meant for six people.

Poor Sargie… she didn’t get home until almost 10 last night. It seems the girl just gets in the door, grabs a bite to eat, lays her head down for the night, and it’s time to go back to work. Saving the eyeballs of America is not for the weak.

I received the lost retirement check, the one the State of Alaska has cancelled, in the mail yesterday. It only took a month to make the journey from Juneau to  Michigan. The retirement folks promise a newly issued check will arrive early this next week. Hmmm.

Today should be a repeat of yesterday; working at the camp in the morning and cutting firewood in the afternoon. Sargie’s off early so I should try to fix a decent supper for us tonight. Something with meat in it sounds good.

Tomorrow we go to Marquette for the day. We’ll see Sargie’s sons, do a bit of shopping, and I’ll attend a two-hour class on how to be a substitute teacher. After that, I need to get my fingerprints recorded and finally, will be qualified to reenter the world of education.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

Monday afternoon was spent cutting firewood

September 25, 2012 – Monday

Pentoga Road

I guess I am officially retired now. FINALLY, the first monthly electronic retirement check reached the bank during the night. One thing for sure, I don’t want to spend it all in one place!

I’m still smarting over the fact that Green Bay was robbed several times of Monday Night’s football game. I stayed up late watching the outcome only to go to bed upset. Whew, that was some ugly!

Monday morning was spent at the camp processing anything left over from the big weekend retreat. In talking with Pastor Tracy, the camp director, we both felt it went quite well, especially since neither of us had experienced one previously and really didn’t know what to expect.

It was a very windy day, with gusts up to forty mph, but since the temperatures were mild, I decided to cut up two old spruce trees that have been on the ground for a couple of years.

I don’t care to burn any type of conifer tree as the sap content is so heavy, but these are fairly dry and available. Burning them this fall means I’ll have to scrub the chimney sooner rather than later, but it also saves the hard wood for the cold winter months.

Monday afternoon and early evening was spent working up the wood and other than ten or fifteen pieces left to split, that chore is finished. A new stack is being made outside and will be covered with a tarp. Other than the hardwood shed, I’m out of room for any more wood.

It was a tired boy who took a shower and settled in for a night of football Monday evening. Sargie finished work at 6 and stopped at her old house to pack the contents of the bathrooms into several boxes and totes. She arrived home much later after a long and full day.

I took the opportunity last night to make my fall trapping supply order. It was bigger than normal as I needed many of the basics, stretcher boards, dye, wax, etc. Sunday night, I purchased a half dozen coon cuff traps, those that are very simple to use and are dog proof. It appears my target species this year will be raccoon, although I’m set up for coyote, fox, mink, and most any other critter. I enjoy trapping much more than hunting and presents a good excuse to be in the boonies trying to outsmart the wildlife.

I’m taking the Man Truck to work today and will cut up a dead fallen maple tree this afternoon. That wood will be brought home, worked up, and put in the hardwood shed. I have room for one, possibly two, pickup truck loads and that will be it for the year.

Sargie closes tonight. It’s going to be a long day for her as it will be past 9:30 before she gets home. I guess the people who run the lottery haven’t yet heard it’s our turn to win a few million.

It’s clear, cold, and the sun is rising. Time to greet the day.

And so are the tales from Pentoga Road…