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A week ago, I was using a rod and reel to catch large lake trout. Now, joining them in the back of the Blazer, are used skis that will be put on the bottom of the fish shack. There's also a tackle box, a snow rake, and a life preserver, all articles I've used in the past few days; a mix for all seasons.

November 15, 2014 - Saturday 

-12 degrees/clear/calm

Pentoga Road

According the stats listed by the National Weather Service, we set another all time low temperature record during the night. I heard the furnace kick on early this morning and came downstairs to coax the fire to life in the wood stove. No matter how one cuts it, it's just plain cold. Looking at the extended forecast, I think we could realistically be ice fishing in another week... at least a month, almost six weeks, earlier than normal.

Today's the opener for deer season. Though there are plenty of hunters, the deer are smart enough to stay under the thick boughs of the spruce trees on these bitterly cold mornings. I've not heard one rifle shot yet this morning. Generally, opening morning sounds like WW III unleashed.

Neighbor Mike was over early on Friday morning to pick up the remaining pumpkins from last year's crop. He uses them to attract deer.

We talked a bit and saw him stop in the middle of the road and look towards the south. 

What he saw would make any deer hunter's heart race. A nice doe was standing in the road watching him cross.

I went into town later in the morning and purchased the skis to put on the bottom of ice shack. The way the weather has turned, it appears I might be using it sooner rather than later. 

A person can't beat the price of used skis at the thrift shop... $3 a pair. Hopefully, once attached, they'll provide smooth gliding as I pull the shack across the ice prior to setting it up in search of meat for the table.

The doctor's office called and said they'd had a cancellation; that my physician's assistant, Katie, had an opening at 4 PM. Could I make it?

I was soon showered and on the road. I really like Katie. Probably in her late 20's, possibly early 30's, she's very professional, yet falls into the "sweetheart" category. Words to describe her: kind, gentle, professional, personable, thorough. I think I'll just stay with Katie as my doctor. I trust her enough to believe that if there is a question or symptom she's not capable of handling, she'll pass me along to a specialist or MD. 

Katie poked and prodded and said that I'm where I should be in my recovery. Evidently, I really had a galloping infection with bacteria running rampant through my body. The strong antibiotics I'm taking seem to be working and though there are twinges of pain every now and then, she said to have patience and let the medicine work. 

I visited with the boys up at Mike's camp last night for half an hour or so. You could cut the testosterone in the air with a knife and all were enjoying the fellowship one experiences when in the company of other hunters. I chugged a quick ginger ale and returned home to enjoy supper with Sargie, who'd just arrived after a long day of work.

I'm not sure what's on today's agenda. We've talked about going to Green Bay and doing some shopping. We've thought of heading over to Rhinelander. Heck, we might even stay home. Who knows? One thing is certain, I'm not going to be remodeling the ice fishing shack in below zero weather!

Time for coffee and to think a few deep thoughts. After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Off to save the eyeballs of America on Friday morning.