November 26, 2013 – Tuesday

18 degrees/snowy/windy

Pentoga Road

Monday was baking day and for whatever reason, I’ve been in the mood to create culinary delicacies. I think I’ve become infected with the holiday spirit. Mom’s coming for Christmas, as is Andy. Hopefully, we’ll play host to Sargie’s boys during the holidays, and then there’s always the big Milligan Doin’s. Thanksgiving’s at Holly and Ross’s, Christmas at Jeanne’s and Boyd’s. Nick is hosting the Christmas Eve family gathering this season. He has a new home and is anxious to show it off.

           

There’ll be plenty to eat and drink, hugs, kisses, and well wishes for all. Yup, it’s getting to be that time of year.

By day’s end on Monday, I’d made and baked three pumpkin pies using Grandma Reinhardt’s recipe. It’s filled with few spices, but rather contains large amounts of milk, eggs, and sugar, with a pinch or two of cinnamon thrown in. It’s the only recipe we ate when I was growing up and in my adult years, it’s been the makings of my pie of choice.

I was feeling sassy yesterday and decided to push the envelope by making sweet rolls. These contained white Nestle morsels and dried cranberries, all covered with a thick white glaze. I think I’ll keep that recipe. Our local paper prints a holiday recipe booklet of the best concoctions submitted by readers and when I spotted the sweet roll recipe, I had to try it. I’m going to attempt to make another batch to bring with us on Thursday.

Sargie had a long day on Monday, so I wanted the house to smell really good when she walked in the door last night. I had a couple of loaves of frozen bread dough and had let those thaw and rise during the day. When Sargie called last night saying she was finally on her way home, I timed baking those with her arrival. It worked. The fragrance of baking bread greeted her as she walked in the door. Oven hot, it didn’t take long to cut a few slices and enjoy each, slathered in butter.

In fact, last night’s meal probably wouldn’t be considered too wholesome or well rounded. Sweet rolls, bread, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Ah, what the heck, you have to color outside the lines once in a while.

I spent three hours yesterday grading final projects and weekly assignments. So far, so good. My kids are outstanding this semester and extremely responsible. I wish I could carry them for the rest of the year... and next... and the one after.

Last night was spent watching Dancing With the Stars. I hate to see my favorite television show end for the season. I enjoy any kind of talent venue.

Sargie works late today. I’m going to take my walk then grade papers. With another cold front coming through, the lake ice should be approaching a safe thickness. I guess it’s time to drag out all the ice fishing gear, change line, get the tip ups ready for another season of use, and crank up the gas auger.

But first, it’s time for another cup of coffee, listen to the news, and think deep thoughts.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…