You can't have her. She's mine.

June 25, 2015 - Thursday

61 degrees/rain showers/calm winds

Pentoga Road

And just like that, Mom bounced down the steps from the small commuter jet and into the terminal in Iron Mountain to be with us for the next couple of weeks. I hope I've got Mom's aging gene... the one that allows a person to become younger as the years progress. 

We stopped by the Vision Center to see Sargie and were pleasantly surprised to learn that she'd arranged to take the rest of the day off. Mom and Sargie rode home together. I followed close behind.

Our championship ski jump slide as seen from the runway in Iron Mountain

Mmm, burgers on the grill, sweet corn, watermelon... what better way to begin Mom's visit than to celebrate with a real summer-type meal? Even the rain held off until I took the last hamburger off the grill. 

Brutus was almost beside himself when he saw Mom get out of the car. It was like he couldn't believe his eyes... Grandma came just to see him!

I have to back up a bit and say the day began less than perfect. After enjoying a cup of coffee with Neighbor Mike, I came home, ran the vacuum over the rugs, cleaned the Blazer, and readied myself to go to the airport. 

As I was backing past the trailer, I failed to see a stick of wood hanging out over the side and managed to rip the rearview mirror off the car.

Of all the wood in the trailer, it had to be protruding out at that exact height. Naturally, I didn't see the darn thing.

This is the same mirror that I'd fixed in Sitka four years ago. Uncle Bobby helped me after we'd pulled it into an old airplane hanger on campus, glued, caulked, and clamped it. It's lasted well over the years.

It was past time to leave. I didn't want Mom waiting at the airport, wondering where I was. What to do?

Of course, epoxy and C clamps. I hurriedly mixed a batch, smeared it on the piece holding the mirror, and fastened it in place with two clamps.

Within minutes, I was on the road.

Last evening was spent talking and laughing... and eating. Neighbor Mike called from his home in Marquette and asked if I'd check his newly made electric fence, patterned after my own. I rode up on the four-wheeler between rain storms with my electric meter in hand.  An adjustment here, and tweak there, and soon, I increased the intensity from 3,000 watts to 7,000. I doubt he'll have any more deer intrusions.

Bedtime came early last night. Mom had gotten only three hours of sleep the night before, Sargie had opened Wednesday, and I had ripped the mirror off the car, something that took a great deal of skill and cunning.

I'm not sure what's on the agenda for today. I mentioned a bit ago that there's a trailer full of wood, should Mom want to begin unloading it... you know, see if she got her money's worth from having that heart bypass operation a year ago after helping to unload wood while visiting. She mentioned the fact that it's raining, but I told her I'm sure we have a raincoat that will fit her. 

And so we laugh and continue to be silly and enjoy each other's company... but other than pure love, isn't that what family is all about? It is here on Pentoga Road.

The flowers in the planters made from fireworks launchers continue to bloom and become more full.

Time to get moving and look busy before Sargie and Mom dream up a job or two for me to do. Why would they? Because they know that a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...