The wind blew so hard during the storms of the past several days that it whipped our normally calm lake into foam

July 30, 2013 – Tuesday

52 degrees/clear/calm

Pentoga Road

Seems strange, sitting here in the predawn hours, to think that each day is now minutes shorter than the one before. It was just a month ago, at this exact time of the morning, that the sun was peaking over the tops of the trees and we were enjoying the longest days of the year. Winter seemed so far away. Now it seems much closer. One season is hinting of closure, another just beginning. It’s called the cycle of life.

With the recents rains, the wild flowers are brilliant

Brutus and I rode with Sargie a mile and a half towards her work on Monday and walked back home. The knee felt good at the end. It was somewhat weak and I was happy to sit for a few minutes after, but there’s a real glimmer of hope that I might return to the normal regimen of activity sooner rather than later. It’s been a long summer hobbling around with a gimpy knee.

Mom followed me into town Monday morning and I left the Man Truck at Brother Yooper Mark’s plant to be filled with wood. I stopped into the office to see him and Ann, but made my visit brief. Both were very busy. Their work is never done either.

We shopped a bit, did some sight seeing, and I made an appointment to get the Blazer’s driver’s side window and electronic master control panel replaced. It’s going to cost around $400, but the SUV is in good shape mechanically, the body is excellent with no rust, and for the year, ’98, doesn’t have many miles. Unfortunately, I think the years of being housed in Sitka and exposed to the salt in the air, took their toll on the electronics. I’d rather spend the money and keep it in good shape than take a chance on purchasing another used SUV. At least I know what I’m dealing with. That’s worth something. Also, the biggest reason for keeping it in good condition, it’s paid for.

While driving through a local campground, we came across a giant-sized inflatable... Santa Claus. I wonder if Santa accompanies the camper when he's fishing?

Mom and I did laundry throughout the day. The last time I was with her when she hung clothes on the line, I ran through the sheets and got my bottom paddled. Almost sixty years later, I was tempted to do the same, but evidently the smack on the bottom worked. I restrained myself.

We took a break from the day and watched the movie Rudy. Mom had never seen it and as she said after, it was nice to see a good, family film.

I did sneak out of the house later in the afternoon to mow the grass. The lawn looks as full and green now as it did early this spring. The grass isn’t growing as fast and hopefully, the heavy mowing season is slowing down.

Sargie was home early and we had a good evening. She works the early shift today and with any luck, will be home tonight before suppertime.

This is Mom’s last full day in the UP. When I asked if she wanted to do anything special, she mentioned something about spending time packing and asked if I would print off her boarding pass. I think Mom’s ready to head south to assume her usual place as head of a committee or two, play BINGO, Mexican Train dominos, work out in the exercise room, and otherwise live life to the fullest. Judging from the email traffic, I'd say Mom and her good buddy, Phyllis, a retired librarian, will be happy to see each other.

The day lilies and hostas are in full bloom in the perennial bed in front of the house

Other than give Mom a hand preparing to return to Indiana, I’m not sure what is on my agenda for the day. I need to make arrangements to be fingerprinted in anticipation of doing some substitute teaching this coming year. I think I’d like to work a couple of days a week, make some extra money for a few extra things Sargie and I would like around the house… like building on a first-floor bedroom/den so we don’t have to climb the stairs in our old age. I’ll still be teaching my university courses. After forty years, it’s hard to leave the education field completely.

I’m not surprised, because as you well know, a man’s work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

Brutus had never seen foam before. He couldn't bite it, was unable to eat or drink it, so in the end, he simply ignored it.