Don't dump your deer carcass here!

April 22, 2013 – Monday

35 degrees/cloudy/calm/drizzle

Pentoga Road

I stepped from the house earlier this morning to gather a few sticks of dry kindling. The unmistakable smell of spring assaulted my senses. For the first time this year, I could smell mud, water, unseen pollen, and any other ingredient that works in the magic combination of change. Lord Almighty, I think winter might actually be on the wane.

Sand Hill Cranes back for the summer

With all that said, we’re under a winter weather advisory for the second day in a row, with our area being on the rain/snow fringe. We dodged the white bullet during the wee hours of this morning and received all rain. Hopefully, the same will happen again tonight.

There’s not a lot of action happening on Pentoga Road these days. I spent Saturday working on papers and the bathroom. The later has become a project and much more than merely slapping a coat of paint onto the walls.

As I sanded, I noticed more rotten places where previous water damage had destroyed the drywall. All the caulking around the tub had to be removed and I even discovered a new hole previously missed.

Saturday was also spent putting away the maple equipment in the basement. Both hydrometers were packed and placed high on a shelf as were the other delicate instruments and glassware used in processing.

Sargie was off Sunday. I graded papers in lieu of writing a morning log. There’s only so much quality eye power and since the end of the semester is quickly drawing upon us, I thought the university would appreciate the projects being graded more than reading my log. With the paperwork temporarily finished, I strapped on my hiking boots and clicked off five quick miles around the lakes. Though I could see none, I could hear flock upon flock of geese rising from the Brule River continuing their migration towards the north. It was a beautiful morning.

By noon, the skies were cloudy and a stiff breeze was blowing. While Sargie cleaned the dining room, I continued sanding and swearing in the upstairs bath.

I needed more caulk… how about that door? Were we going to get it or not? New flooring! Oops, faucets for the new sink. What? A new light fixture? Yuck, I needed a new mask. The fine drywall power had clogged my old one. I suggested we make the journey to Home Depot in Iron Mountain and purchase what we needed to finish the bathroom. One doesn’t have to make a suggestion more than once to Sargie when it comes to a road trip.

We bought, we browsed, we purchased, we broke the bank, but in the end, all the above, and much much more was purchased in the name of a remodeled bathroom. Unless I sincerely screw something up, with the exception of trim to go around the new door, all the materials should be purchased.

We took the time to tour the Quinnesec Hydro Dam located between Kingsford and Iron Mountain. It’s a huge structure located just on the edge of town.

Last night was spent munching popcorn and watching television. I continued reading more projects and so far, am keeping up with the flow. The final exam for one course will be posted at week’s end.

Sargie’s working early today. I’m going to take my walk first thing this morning then continue to alternate my activities by working in the bathroom and grading papers. Hopefully, both will be finished by week’s end. After all, a man’s work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

Some people paint lightening or racing stripes on their vehicles. We sport racing icicles on the Blazer. Somehow, it seems more... Yooperish.