We weren't the only ones out, enjoying a beautiful late Sunday afternoon.

August 4, 2014 - Monday
56 degrees/clear/calm
Pentoga Road

For this first time in over two weeks, save for its usual occupants, the house is completely empty. It sure is quiet and is going to take some getting used to.

Grady was up bright and early on Sunday. Honest, the boy asked if he could go hiking with me. Well, he may not have said those exact words, but I could tell he wanted to. Not to deny the little guy, I told him he could come along. Together, we tackled three miles. I opted to use my legs; ol' Grady commandeered his stroller.



Mom and Dad couldn't stay away any longer and arrived well before noon. Sargie and I were disappointed that we had to say goodbye so soon, but Grady will be back for another stay, something we're already looking forward to.



Yooper Brother Mark called, asking if I wanted to pound a nail or two. They'd gotten in from the lake earlier in the day and Sheri was busy with one project or the other leaving Mark to his own devices.



We got the 2x6's affixed to the barn that the rafters fasten to, also the hangers, and Mark made one rafter so I can use it as a pattern and cut the rest. 

By the looks of these muddy raccoon tracks, we're not the only ones hanging around the construction site.

One disappointing bit of construction news; one section of the floor had sagged a bit. I'm not sure why, but then I've not been sure of a lot of things during this building project. What I do know is that I will take out the lag bolts and jack the floor up in that one place, then reattach everything. It's a minor setback that shouldn't take more than half an hour to remedy.



Sargie mowed the lawn while Mark and I worked. She has it looking beautiful once again and thankfully, the grass is growing much slower as the summer marches on. There were several storms that went around us yesterday and we remain dry.

I'm sad to say there probably won't be any giant pumpkins this year. The two 36 degree nights we experienced a couple of weeks ago caused the plants to drop their blossoms and fruit. That's not only for the pumpkins, but any vine plant with blossoms; cucumbers, squash, and cantaloupe. Hopefully, we'll have all the above, but they will be late. Unless it's a very late fall, we'll run out of growing days for the pumpkins to get really large. I can already hear nephew Derek and brother-in-law, Boyd, breathing a sigh of relief, but oh, how disappointed Marley, Aubrey, Brielle, and little Sasha will be.

Ready or not, fall is right around the corner. The leaves are beginning to turn.

I spent a bit of time on Sunday gathering my hiking gear. The hammock has been put away and made ready for the trip.

Sargie loves when I pile my backpacking gear in the middle of the dining room table. Just ask her!

Sargie followed me into town where we dropped off the Man Truck at the plant to be filled with wood and later, took a short ride.

Last evening was a quiet one with both of us in bed shortly after nine. This Grandma/Grandpa business takes some energy!

Sargie works early today. I'm going to take my five mile stroll first thing then begin work on the shed. With Mark's help yesterday, there's enough work to keep me busy for the next several days. It's time to close down this summer's university session and enter grades, then upload next semester's classes and prepare to begin once again.

But first, I need to grab another cup of coffee and listen to the news.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

What's this? Baby clothes hanging over my camping gear?