It's difficult enough trapping small critters. I don't need a bear coming along and messing up my sets!

October 20, 2012

43 degrees – overcast/calm

Pentoga Road

Mmm, I love coffee makers with timers. Last night, I took a step outside my comfort zone, read the little booklet that came inside the carafe, pushed a few buttons, and awakened this morning to the smell of freshly brewed java.

I’ve taught educational technology on the university level for years, so it’s not that I’m technically challenged. I simply hate to read instructions.  I continually push buttons until something happens… or doesn’t. I much prefer large colored instructional pictures, those that a kindergartener could understand.

Until last night, I’ve operated our new Mr. Coffee manually, but no more. Half the fun of going is getting there and waking up to freshly made coffee is worth the trip!

Friday quickly flew by, but they always do when Sargie’s not working. I checked my traps and discovered a bear had messed with my raccoon trap. I’d thrown a lot of old garden vegetables in the area and set up the trail cam so I could catch any action.

It’s a wonder the bruin didn’t get his tongue caught in the coon cuff, a device that requires the raccoon to poke his arm into a tube. I like that type of trap as its dog proof. Obviously, it’s bear proof too.

He's licking the sweet coon lure I'd poured into the trap.

Sargie and I went to her old home to clean. I think we’re down to the stage where we need her sons to come and divvy up what goods are left. Any remaining treasures will go to storage, or to Goodwill. I’m hesitant to say that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I think there’s a glimmer out there.

We stopped by Walmart and purchased a few groceries, hamburger being among them. Sargie’s going to make a huge pot of chili today, the first batch of the season. That deserves another Mmmm.

Later

I just got back in after crawling around the space under our living room. I thought I heard the telltale gnawing of a porcupine attempting to make a meal from one of the timbers that keeps the floor from falling onto the ground below. Since it’s dark under there and my vision isn’t as keen as it used to be, I had to get down and crawl around to get a really good view. There wasn’t a porky to been found. On the other hand, I didn’t want to get my face too close to any unknown space. I abhor piercings on today’s youth and certainly don’t want to join their ranks.

We enjoyed dinner at a different Chinese restaurant than we normally go to and thought it was very good. They had some different selections we’d never seen or heard of. I think a lot of their fare was more of a traditional Chinese offering, but we’ll go back, of that I’m certain.

Sargie’s home again today making for a rare two days off in a row. I know she’s making chili and later, we’ll no doubt head into town and go for our weekly drive to explore routes we’ve never navigated. Meanwhile, I’ll check the traps and do what I do best… simply fiddle around. Ah, I should have been a violinist.

So are the tales from Pentoga…

A homeowner has made quite the rock arch and wall around their home in the small village of Loretto, just a few miles from Sargie's old home.