July 30, 2016 - Saturday
49 degrees/clear skies, calm winds
Pentoga Road

Congratulations to Uncle Bert for retiring ... again... after working as a Judicial Marshall in the court system in Bangor, Maine, for the past fifteen years. 

Bert began his post-education career as a County Transport Officer and rose through the ranks from there. 

I taught with Uncle Bert and his beautiful bride, Eileen, for many years in northern Maine. I also taught both their children, Stefanie and Andrew and they, my four sons. 

Bert was a middle school French teacher, Eileen a long-term sub. Together, they formed one of the more important working cogs in the school district and community, always involved with the extra curricular programs, scouting, or any projects that helped our area's youth. When Bert retired from education, they moved two hundred miles south to the Bangor area. Bert went to work in the justice system, Eileen spent years working for the state.

Why do I call him Uncle Bert? It's because his niece, Jenny, whom I also taught with for many years, ALWAYS referred to him as Uncle Bert. Once, I jokingly called him the same and it stuck.

Eileen officially re-retired last year and now Bert can take it easy. Hopefully, they can relax, spread their wings, and go where ever the wind takes them. Again, congratulations, Bert!

What a great way to begin retirement.
Taken last night (Saturday) at a Darius Rucker concert. Eileen won two tickets and away they went. 

Friday was the first fishing trip I've made in the past year and a half where I actually caught enough in one outing for a fish fry. 

I began my day on a large reservoir about half an hour away, but quickly discovered that I have no business being on a larger body of water by myself any more. I went around one cove, then another, and suddenly, it dawned on me that I couldn't make out any landmarks. With the wind blowing the boat around and on a strange lake with many island, peninsulas, and coves, I quickly became confused. Thankfully, I had a compass and simply headed the boat in the right general direction, finally coming out a short distance from the boat landing.

It was too nice of a day to quit. With a lesson learned, I trailered the boat to my favorite fishing pond and put in there. 

I didn't have to worry about losing my way as the lake is completely circular and small.

Fishing was initially quite slow, but after an hour it began to pick up and by morning's end, I'd caught enough fish to make a decent meal for Sargie and me. 

The lake is not real popular in this area. In fact, many don't even know it exists. I think the reason is that it contains few, if any, trophy-sized fish, but rather supports a large population of medium sized bluegills (eaters) with an occasional keeper bass thrown in the mix. 

I was lucky yesterday to catch this 16 inch bass just before heading for home. It capped a great day of fishing, one that restored a bit of mojo to my slightly bruised angling ego.

It was mid afternoon by the time I arrived home and cleaned the fish. Other than do a few chores around the house and garden, nothing more was accomplished. It was a perfect afternnoon to be lazy.

Speaking of garden, the giant pumpkins continue to grow. The first picture below was taken on July 24th, last Sunday.

This next picture was taken on July 28th, just four days later. Note, it's now resting on a pallet.

Every time I go out to the garden, I can definitely tell that the pumpkins have grown. 

Sargie wasn't home until late last night as she had to close the Vision Center. It was almost midnight before we finally went to bed.

Today's a midsummer Mighty Milligan gathering high atop Milligan Mountain. The weather is perfect, the company even more so. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

It's time to pour another cup of coffee and think deep thoughts before I head down to the garden to slop the pumpkins. Those babies aren't going to grow by themselves.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Speaking of babies...
Grandpa Yooper Brother Mark sent this picture yesterday. Appears Isabella is having no trouble demolishing her hamburger and fries!