Tuesday was a picture perfect day. Taken from the four-wheeler trail between home and Iron River.

June 12, 2013 – Wednesday

43 degrees/clear/calm

Pentoga Road

Well, darn it, I was planning on today being the one when the drive and barn would be paved. The owner called yesterday saying the blacktop plant in town is broken down, has been for a few days, and it now looks like next Monday will be the magic day. Oh well, it will all happen in good time.

Tuesday started with me climbing into the old Man Truck, rumbling to town, and pitching in a load of fire wood for next winter. It was sunny and hot and by the time the bed was full, my shirt was drenched.

I spent a while gabbing with Yooper Brother Mark and Ann in the office before heading back home.

Luck was on my side as the large maple that stands beside both woodsheds was casting long and cool shadows. I took my time unloading the pickup. I estimate another six truckloads and I’ll be ready for next winter’s cold weather. Since wood heat will most likely be used in the new shop, I’ll probably try to get an extra couple of truckloads to burn in there.

I tried working out in the garden, but between the biting deer flies, the mosquitoes, and the sweat running into my eyes, I abandoned any chore there and came back to the house thinking I’d grade papers.

The internet was down. Surprise, surprise.

I’ve not been into town yet this summer on the four-wheeler. I loaded it into the Man Truck, drove the truck back to Yooper Brother Mark’s plant and left it to be loaded over the next few days. There’s always been an offer to leave the truck and the guys will cut the log ends directly into the bed. One of the workers made a good natured remark about the rack on the back of the four wheeler and the Man Truck. I just smiled knowing that when it comes to my modern vehicles and equipment, simply EVERYONE wants to be me. It's a cross I must bear in life. 

Tuesday was a good day to be out on the ATV trail. I was coming back from Iron River.

Honestly, I kind of enjoy picking the chunks of wood off the ground, stacking the truck full while getting the exercise, but hey, the offer is there and I’m not using the truck. The four-wheeler ride home was cool, refreshing, and very enjoyable.

With the temperatures cooling a bit, I spent Tuesday evening in the garden removing the last of the Walls of Water from around the egg plant and peppers. This year’s garden is proving to be a bit more of a challenge as we’ve had such cool temperatures. Oh well, I learned long ago that some years are great gardening years, others aren’t. It’s too early to tell how this one shapes up.

Sargie had to close last night and wasn’t home until 9:30. She opens this morning so her evening was quite short. At least she’ll be home early tonight.

I’m going to work a bit in the barn this morning constructing a brace to place under a set of cabinets that, though they are attached to the wall, have always been supported by a workbench. The bench has to be moved when the pavers finally come and though the wall will hold it, I’ll feel better if it’s also supported by a brace. I’d hate to see the pavers bump the cabinets and have the entire thing fall from the wall.

I am going to drag out the boat and trailer and put new lights on the trailer. Both need to be cleaned, scrubbed, and made ready for another season of championship fishing… or catching a nice mess of bluegills. I’ve turned into a bobber and worm fisherman and after years of chasing and catching huge Alaskan fish, am happy to bring home basketfuls of pan fish.

There’s always weeding to be done in the garden and after scrubbing the dirt off the Walls of Water and laying them out to dry, I’ll be putting those away for another year.

After all, a man’s work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…