We received enough snow that I had to disconnect the lowest strand of wire to prevent it from shorting the rest of the electrified deer fence.

February 1, 2013 – Friday morning

-5 degrees/clear/breezy

Pentoga Road

The downside of retirement is that one doesn’t appreciate Fridays or the weekends like he did during his working years. I used to rejoice towards the end of each week knowing there would be two days to call my own. Now, if it weren’t for Sargie working, I wouldn’t know one day from the next. 

A downy woodpecker making a snack out of a cake of suet

I rode five miles towards Iron Mountain with Sargie on Thursday morning and though it was a bit nippy, enjoyed the walk back. The same people who passed me on Wednesday and offered rides kept going and either waved or honked. I know they think I must be crazy… and I probably am, but who cares? Some people enjoy sitting and watching television. I like to walk.

Neighbors helping each other cleaning their drives of snow

Actually, there’s a method to my madness. I’m hoping in the next year or two, maybe March of 2014, of kicking off on the Appalachian Trail. Now whether that happens or not isn’t really important. It’s the preparation and getting this sixty-year-old body conditioned that’s important.

I know a lot of people simply show up at Springer Mountain, Georgia, and start walking. Some make it the entire 2,000-plus miles, most don’t. Even many of those who are in great shape don’t complete the trek. Between my eyes and my age, the chances are against me. I’m simply trying to align as many odds in my favor as I can.

And, if I never go, or I try and don’t make it, at least I’m enjoying the preparation. As I’ve often said, “Half the fun of going is getting there.” I’m having fun. Whether I actually get there remains to be seen. Stay tuned.

The garden lies buried under the snow. 

I finished cleaning the drive and deck of snow upon returning home. The deer needed to be fed with Jimmy getting his diaper changed, as well as the bird feeders filled, the trash burned, wood carried in, washing a load of clothes, and all those things that seemed to take up the rest of the morning.

Wednesday afternoon was spent reading and grading. The classes are large and so far, I’m staying current. God help me if I get too far behind.

Jimmy the orphan fawn

Sargie had to close and didn’t get home from the Vision Center until later in the evening. She was a tired girl.

I think I’ll ride five or six miles with her towards Iron Mountain this morning and walk back. After, there’ll be more papers to read and grade. I doubt I’ll go ice fishing today as there’s a wind chill warning. Cold temperatures don’t bother me, but as I get older, I notice that unless I’m physically moving, the wind is able to cut through me with little effort. For sure, I’m no longer in arctic shape.

The chickadees weren't very patient while I filled the bird feeder. By the time I was finished, I had two or three perched on my head and shoulders and several others in the branches directly overhead.

I need to paint the flagpole bracket and get it hung, carry in wood, and of course, take that all-important Grandpa Nap. Somehow, I missed yesterday’s. After all, a man’s work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

The snow coming down on Wednesday