Sargie and Andy. Taken at the Vision Center after buying a new dryer on Friday.

November 29, 2014 - Saturday

19 degrees/cloudy/calm

Pentoga Road

That's correct, you read it right... after we bought a new dryer. What the heck?

After drinking coffee and gabbing on Friday, Andy and I decided to switch dryers, the bad one in the basement for Sargie's old, but supposedly good one, in the storage unit.

Out with the old

Our's is a typical old farm house basement. It is narrow with steep steps, features a low ceiling more suited for people who must have been four feet tall back in 1920 when it was first dug, and was originally intended more for storage than convenience.

In with the new... or used.

The broken machine was wrestled up the steps and into the garage with the other dryer installed downstairs. We soon discovered that due to years of sitting in a leaky storage unit, it was badly rusted and many of the moving parts were simply too far gone.

We worked on some of the innards in the shop and soon came to the conclusion that the machine was more suited for scrap metal than to dry clothes.

Andy and I browsed the internet and found Home Depot in Iron Mountain was having a Black Friday sale. In the end, we drove over and I purchased a unit for about 60% of what other stores in town were selling the same thing for.

And so our day went. I was too tired to even snap a picture of the new dryer after we got it installed, but take my word, it's white and looks like every other dryer I've ever owned. Even with the discount, it still cost a few hundred dollars, but hey, it's only money. Between medical bills and breakdowns, any cash I once called my own seems to be flowing in the wrong direction these days.

Andy's modeling his arctic wear coveralls, those he'll be wearing when he's in Alaska working on the Shell Oil rig later this winter. He'll be debuting his new winter wear at the Packers/New England game on Sunday.

Jessica arrived ahead of schedule last night and she and Andy were home by 11 PM. We had a good late evening, but everyone was soon heading upstairs for a good night's sleep.

I'm not sure what today will bring. Sargie's off and sleeping in, as are the kids. Brutus and I are the only ones up and around.

Let me rephrase that. I'm the only one who seems to be moving this morning.

But then, I'm not surprised. A man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Left to Right, The Milligan sisters: Jeanne, Nancy, Holly, Trish, Sargie

November 28, 2014 - Friday

0 degrees/cloudy/calm

Pentoga Road

The roar of Thanksgiving is growing dimmer, but the memories are great. 

I left Sargie, Macrea, and Grady yesterday morning to drive to the airport and pick up Andy. They followed soon after and we all met at Jeanne and Boyd's.

Andy arrived ahead of schedule at the Iron Mountain Airport

The food was plentiful, the conversations abounded, and I enjoyed either playing with the munchkins, catching up on the news from Andy, or traveling from one group to the other to learn what was new in others' worlds. 

The best part of the Mighty Milligan gatherings are all the hugs, kisses, handshakes, pats on the back, and other meaningful gestures. The day flew by.

Sargie's son, Cale

Cale and niece, Ashley

One of the best gardeners I know, brother in law, Boyd. He's a great guy and I really enjoy our conversations, especially when we start trading gardening tips and comparing growing methods.

Nieces Marley, Aubrey, and Brielle

Brielle

Uncle Andy, Grady, and Grandma Sargie

Marley

Uncle Tom and Aubrey

It's been a long day, Macrea

Other than being a Lion's fan, brother in law Ross is one of the truly nice guys of the world.

Nancy doing her JC Penny Catalogue pose. We're going to get that girl a job modeling for a catalogue yet.

Grady, Sasha, and Aubrey Ann

Big people can be soooo boring.

We ended the family gathering by sitting around the dining room table and talking. As much as we hated to admit it, we were tired, full, fat, and happy, but still had an hour drive home. With more hugs and kisses, we headed home.

Andy was in bed early. With the temperature overing between 10 and 15 below zero, I banked the fire and Sargie and I headed upstairs a short time later.

Sargie's working until 5 this afternoon. Andy and I are going to switch out dryers, exchanging the old one in the basement for Sargie's that we've had in the new storage shed. I think we're also going to switch kitchen stoves.

Other than that, we'll ding around the area. Jessica doesn't arrive in Iron Mountain until 10:30 tonight. We're eager to have her here, even if it's just for a couple of short days.

Sargie's gone to work. Andy and I are gabbing, sipping coffee, and it's time to think about getting something for breakfast.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Sargie and Baby Grady

November 27, 2014 - Thursday/Thanksgiving

-4 degrees/clear/calm

Pentoga Road

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Also, Happy Birthday to my little guy, Luke. We love you buddy.

There's a lot I could probably write about, but time's short and there's no need. I was in the kitchen for the majority of Wednesday preparing for the Mighty Milligan Thanksgiving.

The cranberries boiled in water and sugar and are ready for today's meal.

The rutabagas from this past summer's garden. All are very sweet.

Rutabaga filets being cut in preparation to boil and mash

Macrea and Grady arrived late afternoon and spent the night

Grady and his BFF, Brutus. The pup is never far from his little buddy.

Sargie and I ordered a wall mounted fireplace/electric heater for the spare room. It's used only when we have company in the winter months.

Bath time in the sink

Ain't nobody gonna take that puppy's baby away from him.

 As you can see, we have a lot to be thankful for on Pentoga Road this year. Our children are well, our grandchildren are growing and prospering, and we have family who love us and we love them.

Andy will be coming in today on the 12:30 flight. He just sent a text saying he landed at the Minneapolis Airport from Houston. Poor Jessica's flight was cancelled due to the large storm going up the Eastern Seaboard and won't be in until late Friday.

We'll soon be making our way to Jeanne and Boyd's to celebrate this day of Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to surrounding ourselves with family, love, hugs, and kisses, and enjoying this wonderful holiday.

Today I give thanks for Sargie, our families, our sons, our grandchildren... our home and our lives together. 

A man's work may never be done, but you don't hear me complaining. 

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...