My newest BFF's, Don Waltee, from Montana, and his daughter, Teresa, from Boise, Idaho. They stopped in Saturday afternoon for a short visit. I was soon to learn that Don was born in our house on Pentoga Road.

July 20, 2014 - Sunday

68 degrees/partly cloudy/calm

Pentoga Road

As mentioned above, I had the best surprise Saturday afternoon. I heard Brutus bark and went around to the drive to find out who had stopped by. Don and Teresa are back attending a family reunion and as mentioned above, I quickly learned that Don was born in our house.

He was small when he left, but shared a few insights how the house has changed over the years. We also talked about a few previous occupants.

We had a wonderful conversation and I learned that Don is quite the artist. He shared some wildlife pictures he'd painted in oil and watercolor and it wasn't long before I discovered I was in the presence of quite the artistic personality. More importantly, I'd met two wonderful people. Before they left, I gave both jar of maple syrup and told Don he could have a taste of the trees that were here when he was born. 

Saturday was a busy day on Pentoga Road. After walking my usual five miles, I began working up the wood in the truck. 

Sandhill Cranes in a field alongside the road

This particular batch was huge and a few pieces required I bring out the big guns... the wedge.

Mom was right there beside me, carrying the smaller pieces and supervising. It took us four to five hours to finish, but in the end, the truck was swept clean of sawdust and returned to the plant to be filled again. 

With rain in the forecast, Mom helped and we covered the floor of the storage unit. It will have to be covered every time it rains until I can get the roof on.

Honestly, it felt wonderful to NOT work on the shed yesterday. I've let several things slip around here the past couple of weeks during this latest project and ignoring it was a real treat.

I finished the day by playing on the backhoe for an hour or so. Last night was spent burying an old foundation, I think from a barn. Two days of heavy work should see the side yard finished.

Sargie was home early last night. The poor girl doesn't enjoy much social life when the other two people in this house are so tired from working all day they can barely keep awake. Still, we made it until bedtime. Sargie worked in the kitchen making macaroni salad to take for today's meal after Grady's baptism. 

I need to get going. The service begins in Marquette at 9:30 and it's a two hour drive. I hear Mom moving around upstairs and Sargie just got out of the shower. There's the cooler to pack and no doubt, other preparations I don't even know about, that will happen before we leave.

But then, I'm not surprised. After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...