It's amazing. These are the countries where this past week's readers live. 

February 3, 2013 – Sunday morning

1 above zero/windy/cloudy/snow flurries

Pentoga Road

I’ve been sitting and watching Jimmy root around in the snow in search of corn. The poor little guy has been wandering all over looking for food, up the drive, around the wood sheds, by the barn, and even walking across the back deck. I put out a bowl of corn on the steps, but he hasn’t found it yet. Unfortunately, the bigger deer kick him away from where I scatter the feed in the yard, so if/when he finds his special stash, he’ll have it all to himself.

Those are Jimmy's tracks across the deck

I’ve seen wolf tracks in the yard so I don’t know what the future has in store for my little buddy. I’ve followed his tracks and he’s staying in the deepest spruce trees and is well hidden under the bows that touch the ground.  He has a chance. The longer he stays hidden and/or close to the house, the better his odds. After all, he’s made it this far. Six more weeks and he should live to complete his first full year of life. Meanwhile, I’ll keep pouring corn into the little guy.

The past two days can best be summed up in one word; COLD. With the thermometer reaching well below zero, it appears winter has settled in with a vengeance, yet, one can tell that spring is on it’s way. The days are getting noticeably longer, the sky is a bit bluer, and every now and then, one catches an unmistakable whiff from climes further south that promises eventual warm weather, leafy trees, and green grass.

What does one do when the thermometer is registering -16 degrees on the outside? I’ve been walking and doing small chores, there’s always wood to carry in, vehicles to start, and the animals to feed. Inside, there are papers to read, music to listen to, and of course, an occasional nap to take.

I drove to Iron River on Friday morning to get more sunflower seeds for my feathered friends and to see Yooper Brother Mark. He was hard at work doing whatever it is one does when he is Vice President of a company. I also got to see the REAL boss, Ann, Mark’s administrative assistant.

Too bad the guy who was visiting wouldn't shut his mouth so Mark could hear.

Mark was excited about Casino Night at his church on Saturday evening. We were invited, but after Sargie arrived from work and we had supper, combined with the cold temperatures and my general laziness, we were happy to stay home sitting on the floor in front of the wood stove and play cards.

With the weather being frigid on Thursday, I drove over to Iron Mountain to meet Sargie, accompany her to see Mr. Milligan at the VA, and ride home with her. I went over early yesterday morning and brought the Blazer back. It was nice to have that extra time together and as Sargie says, it makes the drive go so much faster when there’s someone to talk with. Thankfully, there was little traffic so I didn’t make too many people mad driving home.

I went fishing Saturday afternoon and though they started slowly, seven crappies and four bluegills were brought through a hole in the ice. None were huge, but all will "eat."

With all the snow on the lake, I wasn’t sure I could make it out to my regular spot on my two-wheel-drive ATV, but I got up a head of steam and plowed straight ahead with little problem. Now the track is made, barring a large snowfall, I ought to be able to drive out for the remainder of the season.

Today will be a lazy one. Sargie’s all done in from a week of work and long hours. I did laundry and cleaned the house earlier so she wouldn’t feel as though she needed to do domestic chores today. No doubt, she'll bustle around getting the places I missed, and later, we’ll take our Sunday afternoon drive and be back home in time to watch the Super Bowl. I really don’t care who wins, but after the 49er’s beat the Packers, I’m leaning towards them.

It’s getting to be daylight and time for another cup of coffee. Since there’s no one here to wait on me, I guess I’ll have to do it myself. Oh, if only you had my life. After all, a man’s work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…