We've gone Irish. Sargie Milligan has her shamrock hung on the front porch.

April 12, 2015 - Sunday evening
63 degrees/clear/calm
Pentoga Road

I figured I would write tonight as Sargie works early in the morning and I'll be riding with her five miles down the road and walking home.

Today was almost picture perfect. It was windy, but after weeks of enduring melting snow and rain, often a mixture of each, and usually wading in ankle-deep mud, the strong wind is needed to help dry the ground. 

It was October that we last saw open water.        Photo by Sargie

I was out in the shop early this morning to put the finishing touches on assembling the lawn sweeper. At first glance, the assembly seemed daunting, but I discovered if I followed the pictures to the letter, the process went fairly quickly.



 I had the machine fully assembled within two hours.



The next order of business was to wash and put away all the maple equipment, also to disassemble the cement blocks and grates used in the boiler. 





Most of the lighter equipment, buckets, and barrels were placed overhead on boards spanning the rafters in the barn. The blocks were stacked and later will be moved onto a pallet for easy access early next spring.



Sargie and I went into town fairly early this afternoon, grabbed our Cokes, then spent the next couple of hours ambling around the area, just driving, looking at houses, the ice receding from various lakes, and anything else deemed worthwhile. The warm wind blew in the windows, the sun was warm, and we were in no hurry to get anywhere. 

I'm not sure I'd want to follow these old tracks out onto the lake

Later Sunday afternoon was spent outside. Sargie tried out the new lawn sweeper then raked around the rocks and more difficult places.

With Sargie's help, I hung her shamrock on the front porch. She told me it's the Irish equivalent to mistletoe. Hey, that works for me!

We've had a quiet evening and both of us are about to head upstairs to bed. All the fresh air has tired us both out.

I'm thinking of purchasing a gasoline power washer. I've worn out the small electric model I purchased several years ago. For the really big chores, I borrow Yooper Brother Mark's, but with all the equipment we own, plus all the chores and projects coming this summer, I have no problem justifying getting my own. Obtaining one might be this week's project.

Sargie works early on Monday morning. I hope to walk, then after that, who knows? There's a 90% chance of rain so it could be a perfect opportunity to remain inside and grade final papers.

Taken Sunday evening at Neighbor Mike's during a four-wheeler ride.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...