A thin band of smoke lies across the lake early Thursday morning

January 11, 2013 – Friday

33 degrees/cloudy/ calm winds

Pentoga Road

I hear the steady drip of rain outside my windows. With a high of 45 degrees forecast, it appears as though we’ll break another high temperature mark. I’d rather the moisture come in the form of snow so the plants are protected, but rain is welcome as long as it doesn’t freeze. It’s been weeks, almost months, since we’ve had any type of measureable precipitation and even then, it wasn’t much. Where's Al Gore when we need him?

I was on the ice before 8 AM on Thursday. The first five minutes produced two medium-sized bluegills. After that, it was a matter of listening to the radio and waiting… and waiting some more. I finally caught a decent crappie and then waited another hour.

Growing impatient, I packed the ATV and moved to the other side of the lake with no better success.

It was noon and time to go home. I loaded the four-wheeler and drove across the lake. Passing by my original hole, I thought I’d try it just one more time. The fish decided to cooperate.

In the end, I caught a nice mess, several crappie and a few decent bluegills; certainly enough for a fish fry.

After cleaning the catch (and the kitchen counters), I strapped on my hiking shoes and walked my daily five miles getting home just before the sun set.

There were chores to do around the house and supper to get started. Sargie’s not a huge fan of venison. I wanted to grill some outside, so I made her one of her favorite meals, an omelet, while I had venison tenderloin slowly cooking on the grill.

So what's inside Sargie's favorite omelet? Well, I start with two or three eggs, then there's zucchini squash, cucumber, tomato (the squash and tomato from last summer's garden), mushrooms, bacon, hash brown potatoes, and cheese. Add some basil, salt and pepper, and you've got a meal.

Jerad texted yesterday and asked if I wanted to go fishing today. We’ll see what it looks like out there when the sun comes up. If there’s too much water on the ice or more rain falling, I think I’ll pass.

Mark and Sheri (and maybe Jerad) are coming over for a fish fry tonight. We’re having deep fried bluegills and crappies, shrimp, and of course, fried taters. It’s Friday night in the UP!

There's no lack of things to do in the house today; three loads of laundry to wash, dry, and fold, the microwave that needs to be scrubbed, the steps to vacuum, and who knows what else. I'll probably be forced to take a nap later this afternoon. After all, a man’s work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

Venison loins on the grill