The area I'm cleaning of scrub popple (aspen) trees. 

October 30, 2012 – Tuesday

32 degrees/cloudy/breezy

Pentoga Road

It’s difficult to believe that this morning’s weather is brought to us by Hurricane Sandy. I mean, come on, the effects of a tropical hurricane felt in the UP of Michigan? But, it’s true. Other than gusts forecast up to 30 mph, we’re to have no other ramifications.

I talked with Luke in southern Maine yesterday afternoon. He said the winds were blowing at a good clip, but everyone was safe and sound. He had ten gallons of gasoline, the generator tuned and ready to go, and like his father, I think he was looking forward to the challenge of the oncoming hurricane as something new and exciting rather than a detriment. I can relate.

If there’s a bad weather event forecast, other than tornadoes or severe thunderstorms, I generally await its arrival with great anticipation and am usually disappointed if it fails to materialize.

I especially love blizzards. This year will be a bit different because of all the driving Sargie is forced to do, but if she’s home, let ‘er rip. I don’t know, maybe there’s a bit of snow-day/stay at home syndrome in all of us.

One of the more memorable times in my life was being trapped several hundred miles north of the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Range when a huge blizzard hit. Alone on snowmobile and trapped in a pass, I chose to dig a snow cave and burrowed in for several days while 75 mph winds pushed heavy snow overhead. The temperatures outside were thirty to fifty below zero, let alone the wind chill. Inside? According to a small thermometer on my coat, they were averaging around forty to fifty degrees. I had to continually clear a hole in the ceiling to keep the condensation from dripping. Though I don’t think I’d care to do it again, I relished the experience and think about it every time a snow storm is forecast.

Yesterday flew by. I cut and chipped millions if not billions of saplings. When I’d take a break, one to be exact, I read assignments and attempted to get my grade book up to date.

The area in back of the yard (that will be future yard) is beginning to look nice. I’m leaving most the big trees and as of now, anticipating building a gazebo among them next summer, having a small pond and fountain.  It should be a great place for Sargie’s park bench that once belonged to an aunt in the family. The gazebo will be screened and should be a wonderful future place for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, to sleep outside should they want to. I’m having fun in this retirement of mine.

I finally stopped around 3 PM, changed shoes, and took my five-mile walk. I was almost too tired, but figured the alternative was sitting inside and it was simply too nice of a day. The walk was wonderful.

I’m in somewhat of a dilemma. The tailgate on the Man Truck is rusting off. At first I thought I’d have the part welded, but there’s nothing to weld to. I think I’ll implement Plan B in the next few days… a wooden gate that will lift in and out! It won’t be pretty which mean it will match the rest of the Man Truck.

Sargie made huge salads last night full of chicken, stuffed with veggies, fruit, and almonds. We both were tired and in bed fairly early. She closes the Vision Center tonight, which means it will be a late evening.

I’m going to read more assignments this morning then begin cutting and chipping again. If I can get that area finished, it will be ready for the bulldozer next spring. I simply want the area between the big trees free of boulders and stumps so I might keep it mowed as an extension of the back yard.

Ah, if it weren’t cloudy, the sun would be coming up. Time to greet the day.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

This is like a deer super-highway crossing in the road