Getting ready for Halloween on Pentoga Road

October 13, 2015 - Tuesday

44 degrees/cloudy/rainy/very windy

Pentoga Road

What the heck is this? It was 87 degrees, a record high, on Sunday, and now we've about reached today's high of 45, a difference of over forty degrees. To make matters even more interesting, up to an inch of snow is forecast to fall on Friday. Most of us in the UP were enjoying that global warming thing while it lasted. 

We'll be kissing these leaves goodbye after this morning's wind and rain.

I was completely sidetracked on Monday morning. Walking to the garden armed with a bowl (for seeds) along with a battery-powered reciprocating saw, both were left behind when I decided to attempt moving the giant pumpkin by myself, to make a practice run for moving future pumpkins. 

I wasn't sure if the front end loader on the tractor would lift the thing or even if it could be balanced on the tines that protrude out from the bucket.

But in the end, I used a long pipe as a lever and the pumpkin was balanced, somewhat precariously, and gently taken to a temporary place alongside the drive.

I was surprised that only one small place is rotten on the outside. I'll cut into the top today to retrieve any seeds and if all seems okay, I might try getting it over to Derek and Leah's in Iron Mountain for the girls. Emptied of all it's pumpkin goo, it should be MUCH lighter and hopefully last through Halloween. Stay tuned.

Several cars stopped yesterday with people taking pictures. I should charge a quarter for each so Sargie and I could make some vacation money. One van stopped while I was moving it, the driver asking if they could snap a picture. Of course I said they could, but also got them to give me a hand unloading the pumpkin. It all worked out well.

I went to move the Blazer Monday morning and discovered the battery was low... again. It's barely three years old, but appears to be on the decline. I took this picture, not to impress anyone with my battery charging prowess, but because of the amount of leaves on and around the car. I had to sweep them off, much as we do the snow each winter. There'll be a foot or more covering everything in the next day or two and the trees will soon be bare.

It was sunny and I wanted to take the internal temperature of the solar heater. It showed 74 degrees. I aimed the infrared beam at the side of the barn; 115 degrees. Hmm, something was not right. It was done again with the same results.

Evidently, the double paned, used, patio door that was utilized for the heater is made of energy efficient glass and contains small metal particles to help deflect the sun's rays, keeping the inside of one's house cooler in the summer. Since the date on the original door was 1986, I thought we'd be safe in using it.

To make a long story short, I rode into town with Neighbor Mike yesterday afternoon and ordered two panels of polycarbonate, a very strong and crystal clear covering used on greenhouses. I'm going to attempt to change the glass on Wednesday afternoon leaving the solar heater mounted to the barn wall.

And speaking of barn wall, I installed six brackets Monday afternoon fastening the solar heater permanently to the wall. If it goes anywhere, the barn will go with it. I'm not fearful that it will fall off, but I did permanently place two 4x4s underneath for added insurance.

So that was my day. Nothing exciting, but busy and anything but boring.

I spent some time folding and putting away coverings used in the garden during the summer months. I also found a few more winter squash.

Sargie opens this morning. I should walk my usual three miles first thing to get the blood flowing. After, I think I'll work in the shop and get it cleaned, then empty the pumpkin and see if it contains any seeds. It wouldn't surprise me if there are a thousand nor would I be shocked if there weren't any. Either way, it's going to be a slimey proposition. 

I'm not surprised. After all, a man's work, even when he's up to his elbows in goo, is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...