Congratulations to our friend, Eldy, and his new bride, Teresa, who were married high atop Norway Mountain on Saturday afternoon. (Note the pheasant feathers in Teresa's bouquet. Eldy raises pheasants commercially.)

October 9, 2016 - Sunday

28 degrees/clear/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I'm thinking summer must be over as there's definitely frost on the pumpkin this morning.

Saturday was a busy one on Pentoga Road. Sargie worked only half a day as we had Eldy and Teresa's wedding to attend later in the afternoon. I busied myself in the shop by finishing any last minute mechanics on the Homelite saw, then sharpening the chain.

I hate to admit it, but I think the Homelite's day of cutting wood are about over. There's a leaky oil tank, it runs extremely rough, several smaller parts are broken or missing, it needs a new bar, and the list goes on and on. I could take it to the small engine repair shop, but I can't justify spending a hundred-plus dollars on a reconditioned saw that I only paid forty-five dollars for eight years ago. 

I'll take my much larger Husqvarna chain saw to the small engine shop tomorrow and have it tuned up and made ready to cut some fire wood. Meanwhile, I'll start shopping around for another inexpensive, light weight, disposable, saw to trim branches and smaller logs with.

I spent a couple of hours picking squash in the garden. This wasn't a banner year, yet I was pleasantly surprised to find more squash than anticipated under the leaves and vines.

One wheelbarrow was filled and there are probably three or four more to go before the garden is empty.

Sargie arrived home shortly after noon and we soon departed for Iron Mountain. We'd arranged to ride with Holly, Ross, and Jeanne, to the wedding where we later met Nancy.

Four of the six Milligan sisters: Sargie, Nancy, Jeanne, and Holly

It was chilly, in the upper forties, high atop Norway Mountain, yet when one could get out of the wind and into the direct sunlight, it wasn't too bad. Any discomfort was more than made up for by the scenery. 

With over 1,200 invited guests, one knew that this wasn't going to be just any wedding, it was going to be the wedding that everyone would talk about for years to come.

It was obvious upon first arriving that not only would we be witnessing the joining of two very nice people, but we'd also be entertained... and entertained we were throughout the ceremony, afternoon, and evening.

With a large crowd, either sitting on hay bales or standing, Eldy was the first to make an appearance... on a Belgian work horse.

Next came the best man who was riding a very stubborn donkey.

The attendants made their entrance via the chair lifts coming up the mountain.

And finally, after zooming over the crowd, the bride came flying in, literally, in a helicopter.

How would you like to be that guy in the chair lift with the helicopter landing just feet away?

The wedding procession was no less interesting. The men wore suits, while the ladies were adorned in a decorative camouflaged-type outfit, complete with cowboy boots.

Rather than rose petals, the flower girl adorned the path with (what looked to be) popple leaves.

Escorted by her son, Teresa was a beautiful bride.

The ceremony was short, humorous, but in its own way, touching. I guess one has to know Eldy to truly appreciate their vows. He's spent his entire adult life giving to the surrounding communities, both physically and in spirit, and everyone knows him for his humor and kind words. 

In front of hundreds, if not a thousand, witnesses, Eldy and Teresa became husband and wife, just as it should be. 

At the end, rather than white doves, pheasants were turned loose to fly into the heavens... or roost in nearby trees. There'll be some very happy and surprised partridge hunters over the next week or two.

The reception was wonderful with goodies and plenty of libation for those who cared to partake. 

This tent, alone, seated 600 people.

The wedding cake(s) were also quite unique

With the day getting long and the revelers gearing up for an evening of dancing and celebration, we quietly made our exit. It had been a wonderful afternoon filled with laughter and love, and no doubt, we'll see Eldy and Teresa at one of the Mighty Milligan holiday functions to share our best wishes and love. They're just those kind of folks.

Ross had found a good parking place earlier in the day and we didn't have to walk too far.

Jeanne had a chill so Ross and I thought we'd warm her up just a bit.

Yeah, I know, we're silly, but why not? Weddings like the one we attended on Saturday only happen once in a lifetime, at least for us.

Back to her old form, Nancy paused briefly before the ceremony for a JC Penny modeling moment.

Neither Sargie or I had any difficulty going to sleep last night. Sargie has today off. I'm going to play outside, work in the garden, and begin to think of the best way in which to wrestle those giant pumpkins out of the garden. I know I'm going to have to take down part of the fence and use the tractor.

Oh well, it's but another deep thought to ponder while enjoying my next cup of coffee.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Taken early Sunday morning. Frozen solid, this dahlia will quickly wilt when the temperature rises above 32 degrees.