August 11, 2013 – Sunday morning

44 degrees/sunny/calm

Pentoga Road

I’m amazed how short the days are becoming. It was just a few weeks ago that I’d awaken at 4 AM to bright skies. Now, it’s more like 6 and growing later each day. Like it or not, summer is drawing to a close.

Sunday was a fun day on Pentoga Road. After writing, I spent a couple of hours unloading the Man Truck and working up the firewood. The shed is about two truckloads away from being full. After, I’ll load firewood into the large chest on the porch. I’m also going to stockpile wood under a tarp this year in anticipation of possibly heating the future shop in the barn. If the current weather trend stays the same, we’re in for an early, long, cold, and snowy winter.

I changed the tire on the band saw. A band saw tire is the black, rubber, belt that hugs the wheels of the machine and keeps the blade (band) from slipping.  Since the saw was manufactured in the United States back in the 70’s and the company has gone out of business, I was unsure of what brand to purchase and from what company. I found one on the internet that advertised their tires were generic and fit most 14 inch band saws, so I thought I’d take a chance. Luck was with me. After a few minutes of stretching and gently working the tire onto the wheel, the new one fit as well as the old. I’m back in business.

Sargie and I fastened the cooler onto the four-wheeler and took off for Iron River, ten miles away. 

We made several stops, did a bit of shopping, enjoyed an ice cream cone, and naturally, got a Coke from McDonalds. The day was sunny and mild, yet not too hot; perfect for a twenty-mile ATV ride.

We’d packed an old sheet inside the cooler for padding. I purchased a case of jelly jars and they made it home without a nick or crack. Groceries and our Cokes (packed upright) rode without spilling a drop.

Our newest BFF (I can't remember his name!) at the ice cream and fudge shop in Iron River

It was time to tackle the maple tree. Sargie climbed aboard the Ford Tractor and operated the front-end loader while I fired up first one chain saw, then the other, as we got the tree cut into stove-length chunks.

I began by using my small Homelite chain saw. I purchased it several years ago over the internet. A company was selling reconditioned units for $40, shipping included. I wanted something for trimming and cutting small shrubs and trees and figured if it lasted a summer or two, I’d be happy. The saw wasn’t made to cut hard maples, yet it does a decent job. About halfway through the tree, it began getting hot and the chain was quickly becoming dull. I shut it down and got out the Man Saw, my big Husqvarna, one that is made for cutting big trees.

I’ve had motorcycles with smaller engines than the Husky. With a sharp chain, the machine made quick work out of the rest of the tree.

We enjoyed watching a two-hour program on our local PBS station about the girl singers and female groups of the early 1960's last night. I remembered all and often, Sargie and I found ourselves singing along. Sargie started researching the singers on the internet while watching the old black and white videos. Most faded into oblivion after getting their fifteen seconds of fame and have passed away.

Sargie works from noon to five today. I’m going to work up and stack the green maple. It will have to set a year before being used in the stove. 

I’ve put off mowing the yard about as long as possible. The mower needs a new deck belt and I know that’s why I’m procrastinating. Initially I was hoping to finish out  this summer with the old belt and begin with a new one next spring. It’s not going to happen. This one slips off each time I cut the grass making the chore exasperating. I guess I’ll have to bite the bullet and purchase a new belt, then spend an hour or two installing it.

But first, I want to put up several more jars of blueberry jam first thing this morning and get that mess out of the way… right after I pour myself another cup of coffee, listen to the news, and think deep thoughts.

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

C'mon, Sargie, show me some attitude.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

That's my biker chick