Abigail, fourth from the left, and her middle school softball team, the Strikers.

October 16, 2016 - Sunday
44 degrees/clear skies/calm winds
Pentoga Road

That's right, you don't mess with me or mine or I'll have my oldest granddaughter, Abigail, whomp all over you. 

And should you survive that, then I'll turn loose my oldest grandson, Coleman, who's grade school football team, the Mustangs, are currently undefeated.

#54 - Coleman

If one's lucky enough to survive the onslaught of Abigail and Coleman, then it'll be time to let the dual weapons out of the box, Emerson and Bennet... and believe me when I say, they'll tickle you to death.

Still not enough? You and what army will take on the mighty trio of Cody, Ellie, and Wyatt?

Just as you are battered and bruised, out will come Ivy, unleashing all her mighty fury and loving you to near death.

Still not enough? You asked for it, the near-nuclear explosive energy of our secret weapon, Grady!

You don't mess with Sargie or Pawpaw. Any questions? I didn't think so.

Boy oh boy, is it going to be a nice day! The forecast calls for highs in the 60's with lots of sunshine before rain returns and the temperatures drop to more seasonal norms. 

I worked in the barn first thing on Saturday morning cleaning up pieces of scrap metal siding and wood from the window project. The metal will be disposed of and the wood burned. It feels good to get things picked up and put where they belong.

The needed trapping supplies were also gathered and made ready for opening day. I needed to clean the wax off the triggers, loosen the jaws, and make sure all the tools we'd later need were available. There's nothing worse than getting into the field or woods and finding something was forgotten.

Jerad arrived around 9 and we took both four wheelers to Neighbor Mikes and made several sets.

We're mostly targeting coyotes, but also set traps for raccoons, mink/muskrat, and also a blind water set beneath a culvert.  

It's been a few years since I've made any type of foothold set. Not only is my vision less than perfect, but I'm out of practice. I found the traps that I used to be able to set by hand now require a foot to apply pressure. Oh well, I know enough to get Jerad started and on his way. Next year, he can take me trapping!

Once home, I bade Jerad goodbye and Sargie and I made our way to Iron Mountain where we enjoyed a meal at our favorite Chinese buffet. Grady was at a birthday party so we agreed that we'd come back home and meet halfway later in the evening to get him.

Last night was a quiet one... well, as quiet as it can be with a two-year-old entertaining us. Though Grady didn't want to go to bed, the lights were out by 10 PM.

Jerad will be back in a little while so we can check the traps. Neighbor Mike is excited that we're trapping on his land and wants to ride along with us. Sargie works from noon until five, so Grady and I will do our thing.

Almost-Dr. Katie, her husband, and their little one, will be along early this afternoon to take pictures of the giant pumpkin. I'm looking forward to meeting her young family. She's a sweetheart. 

Of course, the Packers play the Cowboys later this afternoon, so Hambone and I will be donning our jerseys and rooting Green Bay onto victory... we hope.

Grady was sorting through the pumpkins last night on the front porch, trying to decide which one he wants for Halloween. We'll be delivering pumpkins this coming week to all the good little Milligan family girls and boy in Iron Mountain.

Meanwhile, it's time to pour another cup of coffee and think a deep thought. After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Sargie and our newest BFF, Sunny, who works at our favorite Chinese buffet.