I spotted this beautiful wood nymph while shopping for shrubbery Friday in Escanaba. 

March 14, 2016 - Saturday

29 degrees/partly cloudy/very windy

Pentoga Road

It's a happy birthday that goes out to my little buddy, Grady, this morning.

Ol' Hambone turns two today. I well remember the day he was born. Premature and having all kinds of problems, it was questionable whether he'd live to see his first birthday. Thankfully, Grady went on to grow out of all those problems and the rest is history.

Grady, upper left, along with his homies at daycare, celebrated his birthday on Friday.

Speaking of little buddies and big days, today brings Coleman's first to go turkey hunting with his dad. I'm so excited for him and anxious to hear how they do. I think this is Coleman, I can't tell. Luke sent it, so I'm assuming it must be. All I really see is a patch of woods in the middle of their kitchen!

Matt sent along a new picture of Bennet. For a baby that was fairly sickly to begin with, he's now growing like a weed and doing great.

Here's the newest picture of Ivy by way of Andy. Golly, she always seems so happy. As I told Sargie yesterday, I just want to blow bubbles on her tummy and nibble on those cheeks.

We may not get to see our grandbabies very often, but, thank God, we have sons who are thoughtful enough to send pictures our way so we can share in their lives. Thanks, boys, on both sides of the family.

Page Two:

Our road trip to Escanaba was a complete success on Friday. It was approaching noon when Sargie's phone rang. Macrea was visiting one of the branch banks that he supervises and asked if we wanted to meet for lunch. We had a good visit and our bellies were full when we began our day of shopping.

The first stop was at the bike shop where I discussed at length the prospect of acquiring a tadpole trike. At one point, I even took a demo for a ride around the block.

I don't know, I've always been fairly frugal with my money. I well remember the days of making less than $6,000 a year teaching school. Now, I'm looking at a toy that costs almost half that amount and having a hard time justifying spending that kind of money for a tricycle, even if it has a million gears and promises to transport me to the moon and back. 

The owner of the bike shop is preparing a full estimate of a trike, all decked out and ready to ride. Right now, I'm leaning away from getting a tadpole, at least a new one. I can purchase many pairs of hiking boots for what a trike costs.

Page Three:

We drove from one place to another in Escanaba, visited the shores of Lake Michigan, and enjoyed our time together.

There's one wholesale grocery we especially like where prices are significantly lower than any in this area. 

Of course, most of the items are only offered in large amounts, but that's okay. That's what freezers and pantries are for.

Another stop was made at a nursery where they had thousands and millions of plants and shrubs. 

I enjoyed looking at their pond, the pumps, waterfalls, etc. and priced some of the components needed to make a similar one in the garden area. 

I'll put the pond on my wish list, right alongside of the tricycle.

Page Four:

Yooper Brother Mark sent along a picture or two of visitors he had at the plant yesterday. My friend, Theresa and her father, stopped by for some wood shavings for their garden.

I initially met Theresa and her husband several years ago when I purchased some maple syrup-making supplies from them. They were gracious enough to invite me into their home where we sat around the table sipping coffee and enjoying some great conversation. The folks have a gorgeous home several miles out of town on the banks of the Paint River. 

Page Five:

Speaking of Yooper Brother Mark, he asked if Sargie and I wanted to go "bumming" with him and Sheri today. 

Heck yeah. 

I believe we're heading south, down to Antigo, Wisconsin, where we'll do a lot of window shopping and not much buying. I managed to get out of Escanaba yesterday with my undershorts intact, but not by much. 

Meanwhile, it's time to wake Sargie and get ready for the day ahead.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

So much for global warming. We seemed to have skipped summer and went from spring right back into winter. Put it this way, we won't be mowing the grass today.