Luke, Coleman, and Abigail.
The firefighters who were on duty Father's Day hosted a pancake breakfast at the station for their families.

June 17, 2013 – Monday

54 degrees/rain/calm

Pentoga Road

Of course, today’s supposed to be the big day for paving the drive and barn and it’s raining. We’ve spent the weekend tripping over dump trucks, rollers, trailers, and other paving equipment and tools and now, it appears blacktopping might be delayed.

Then, to add insult to injury, it’s supposed to clear off tonight with a forecasted low of 34 degrees. We’re located in the lowest part of a large valley and will have to cover the garden. Sinking cold air that close to the freezing mark will result in a heavy frost. Thankfully, I have enough frost blankets and old sheets to do the job. Lord this is a hard year to try to raise a garden.

I had a quiet Father’s Day. I heard from all four sons and enjoyed lengthy conversations with each. I sure miss seeing my guys, but all are busy raising families and/or working.

Our Father's Day supper... bluegill filets, shrimp, mushrooms, and sweet tater fries

I was talking with Matt and next year will be the fifth since the Pennington sons and I gathered on the banks of the upper St. John River in northern Maine for a Pennington Man reunion. We agreed the last time that regardless the circumstances, once every five years, we will meet at Seminary Brook, forty miles into the big woods of Maine, for a few days of brother/father/son time and bonding. I’m already looking forward to it.

I managed to pry myself from the recliner and mow the back meadow and trails Sunday afternoon. It was a beautiful day and the wind kept the mosquitoes at bay.

I also ventured into the basement and started cleaning and sorting. It looks much better now and is much more manageable than before. I discovered that we’ve accumulated enough beer and pop to start our own beverage store. People come to visit and bring plenty to drink then leave it when they go home. We’ve purchased beer and pop for the boys and our guests for when they visit, but no one drinks, so we keep accumulating bottles and cans of liquid refreshment. I also had to find a home for our 16 gallons of maple syrup. Right now, our impressive stash is neatly stacked on shelves in the basement.

Sargie was home early last night and we celebrated Father’s Day with deep fried bluegill filets, shrimp, mushrooms, and sweet potato fries. For dessert, we enjoyed Turtle Blue Bunny ice cream… that real expensive kind no one can afford except for special celebrations. Thankfully, since it was Father’s Day, none of the calories counted and we could eat our food without guilt.

Sargie’s working early today. That means she’ll be home early tonight. Hopefully, the rain will cease and the drive and barn will be paved. There are  papers to grade and more treasures in the basement to be cleaned, sorted, or thrown away.

But first, it’s time to pour another cup of coffee and contemplate life. Let me tell you, a man’s work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

Brutus received a new rawhide bone for Father's Day