January 12, 2014 – Sunday

22 degrees/cloudy/calm

Pentoga Road

It’s an almost ideal setting from where I write this morning. A fire in the stove, a hot cup of coffee beside me, the only light is from a small desk lamp, and a Mozart symphony playing softly in the background accompanying my thoughts. I’m grateful I realized my surroundings so that I might enjoy all to the maximum.

I have talked with Sargie and it sounds as though she and her sisters are having a ball. Saturday was spent watching movies, snacking, and enjoying each other's company. Freezing rain had fallen in the area Friday night and I think the Milligan sisters decided that was sufficient reason to stay in their suite and laze the day away. For certain, there was a lot of talking and laughing in the background during the phone call. I'm glad Sargie's having fun and getting some rest. Working the hours she does, she sure deserves it.

Saturday was a busy one here on Pentoga Road, but I’m not sure where the time went. Part of the morning was utilized grading university assignments. So far/so good.

I spent a bit of time clearing the snow that had fallen Friday night. I’ve developed a system where I plow most of it into windrows, then blow those into the yard using the snow blower. It works well, takes very little time, and I don’t have to worry about running out of room for newly fallen snow later this spring due to large snow banks along the drive.

To go ice fishing or not? Having little luck on Friday, I had difficulty motivating myself, yet it was too warm and pleasant to stay inside. In the end, I put the leash on Brutus and we hiked five miles through some, often, deep snow.

The pup had a ball. At one point, he dove headfirst into the snow then using his head as a snowplow, enjoyed tunneling through the deepest places.

I’m teaching him to carry his own leash and he does quite well with that until he forgets and opens his mouth letting the entire thing drop to the ground. As long as he has a leash on his collar, he walks alongside me perfectly. 

Once the leash is off, he wants to lead… go ahead about ten feet, stop and wait for me, then proceed another ten. 

That’s fine in the woods, but on the road with traffic, I prefer he be at my right side. We’re a good team when walking alongside the busy road. He’s quick to shove me to one side during oncoming traffic.

We were both tired when we arrived back home. I took a hot shower and changed into my usual formal evening attire, some old sweat pants and t-shirt. Brutus snuggled up to the stove and was soon sound asleep.

I threw one of the New York Strip steaks on the grill that Sargie had bought for me. Along with a baked potato, it was a happy, full, and much fatter, man who sat in this recliner last evening. I enjoyed large bowl of ice cream smothered in caramel topping after. It will be worked off once maple season arrives.

I was in bed shortly before ten and sound asleep soon after.

I’m not sure what today’s going to bring. The foldable chair that came with my Clam ice fishing tent has ripped and needs to be sewn. That’s the first chore on today’s list. After, I think I’ll load the sled into the Blazer and make my way to a small lake on the other side of town. I’ve about given up on the one at the end of the road and suspect the other lake won’t be much better. I’m beginning to get the notion that the next large fish fry we’ll enjoy will be this spring after ice-out. This winter’s sure been a bust.

One thing for certain, with the newest snowfall, unless the path has been plowed, the days of traveling unfettered across the ice are quickly coming to an end. Until now, I’ve gone anywhere I’ve wanted. From here out, I’ll be walking and pulling the sled.

But first, I’m going to pour 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…