Tales from Pentoga

Grady's back in the house

November 3, 2015 - Tuesday
34 degrees/clear/calm winds
Pentoga Road

Strange, I seldom remember other's birthdays and have been known to forget my own, but I always remember November 3rd.

It was 1964. Barry Goldwater, Republican underdog, was running against Lyndon Johnson for President. True to our Conservative nature, we were huge Goldwater fans.

Dad took us to a Goldwater rally where we heard the famous senator extoll the consequences should the nation reelect a liberal politician from Texas. At the end of the rally, the thousands of supporters stood and sang:

"I'm just wild about Barry,

and he's just wild about me,

He's honest, forthright, and courageous,

He fits me to a T!

I'm just sick about Lyndon,

Humphrey, Baker, and boys,

On November 3rd

Out with Lyndon Bird

And ON TO VICTORY!"

I stood with the rest, belting out the words, my fists pumping the air. Barry would fix the nation. He couldn't lose. It was a new day for America.

Most of us remember how that election turned out. Barry Goldwater lost by the biggest landslide in this nation's history. The man faded into obscurity and Lyndon Johnson went on to govern for another four years, giving hard-working people's money away, raising taxes, and escalating the war in Vietnam. Politicians haven't changed much over the past fifty years.

Page Two

It was a bit foggy going to Iron Mountain with Sargie early Monday morning. Thankfully, the sun quickly burned it off.

I arrived home from Iron Mountain Monday morning ready to work on the solar heater. It was warm, mostly sunny, and I was in the mood.

I spent all day measuring, cutting, and experimenting on how best to fasten the polycarbonate sheets onto the frame. I was also worried about how best to cut the sheets. At $22 each, any mistakes would be costly.

In the end, I used a plywood blade turned backwards on the circular saw with a very shallow setting. It sliced through the panels like a hot knife through butter. I measured, I cut, I puttered, and drilled holes. In the end, the panels were fastened to the frame. All that remains is the trim on the top and bottom and the sheeting caulked to that. The solar heater should be finished by mid-morning.

Brother Reverend Dr. Pat called from California Monday afternoon and we spent a goodly time solving the ills of the world. We talked of days gone by, salmon fishing and deer hunting in Sitka, boats, weather, and people. We both admitted we missed it, but were quick to agree that we wouldn't trade our lives as they are now. Time marches on.

Yooper Brother Mark stopped by on his way back from Iron Mountain. The boy had several appointments during the afternoon and took the opportunity to check in.

Sargie and Grady pulled into the drive early last evening. I'm not sure who was happier to see whom, Grady - Brutus, or Grandpa/Grandma - Grady.

At any rate, we had a wonderful evening filled with toys and dancing. Oh yes, not only do we have a future linebacker with the Packers in the family, we also have another John Travolta/Patrick Swayze. Sargie put on a few tunes and Grady kept us entertained by groovin' to the music. His specialty seems to be a one-foot stomp while going around in circles. I definitely see some potential there.

His newest favorite toy... a flashlight

We were all in bed by ten last night. Grandma Sargie and Grady are still sound asleep. I'm going to try to get this uploaded then head outside to finish the trim on the heater before the dancer awakens. Once that happens, anything goes.