The sunrise over Pentoga Lake was beautiful early Saturday morning.

October 22, 2016 - Saturday morning
28 degrees/cloudy/calm winds
Pentoga Road

Brrr, I'm almost sitting on top of the wood stove in an attempt to warm up after being outside. Mom used to tell me to put on a coat before going out and Sargie says the same. There was no time. I didn't want to miss the sunrise. It was beautiful.

I'm not big on church, never have been. Seems as though when too many people become involved in any activity, religion, politics, or public education, a good thing tends to turn into something that's not meant to be. 

I don't have to mention the political parties. Why waste the space talking about either? I like a candidate or two, but the politicians have ruined the parties.

I would never be an educator again with today's "feel good" attitudes in our public schools. I'd diminish some kid's self esteem by expecting too much and they'd run me out of Dodge.

And religion? Let's just say that I attend church and talk with God each and every time I experience a beautiful sight like this morning. There's no one to screw it up, not one soul trying to interpret any meaning from the Bible, and no one's holding a collection plate in front of me, asking for money, or clucking his tongue because I said something he doesn't agree with. It's just God and me, no middle man. I like that.

Friday's walk was beautiful. The five miles flew by and assuming I don't stop to take pictures along the way, I can comfortably complete the route in about an hour and fifteen minutes, hills and all.

I was fascinated when I downloaded Friday's pictures to find those two maple trees in the far distance that still haven't dropped their leaves. The pole in back and to the left of the trees was installed by brother-in-law, Ross, several years ago when MJ Electric was redoing all the high tension lines along the old railroad bed.

For the fifth time this fall, I decided the lawn needed to be mowed "one last time." This time, I really meant it.

Mowing was the easy part, raking the leaves and picking them up in the lawn sweeper required some effort.

I usually dump the leaves in the woods, but since that's still flooded, I decided to simply deposit them in the large ditch across the road. 

By mid afternoon, the main yard was fairly clean. 

There are still plenty of leaves around the wood shed, under the clothes line, and on that side of the drive, but we'll wait until all have dropped before attacking that area of the yard.

Next on the agenda was putting away the basketball standard for the winter months. I didn't get my skills finely honed this summer, so I guess the NBA will have to wait until next year for me to join the league.

The base is filled with water to keep the standard in place. It works well, but must be drained each fall and refilled every spring.

Over two hours were spent in the storage unit, sweeping, putting boxes where they belong, moving the trimmer and push mower in, and installing hooks so much of Sargie's yard goodies could be hung, shepherds hooks, etc. 

Fuel stabilizer was also added to the gas tanks of the two-wheeled trimmer, the push mower, and the wood chipper, and with the gas lines turned to off, each was allowed to run dry. They are ready for winter storage.

The last activity of the day was to let off a bug bomb in the shop. The lady bugs have been running rampant since the new window was installed. I peeked inside this morning and saw dead lady bugs everywhere. Supposedly, the fumes were to penetrate all the cracks, nooks, and crannies. 

Sargie was home early last night and we had a quiet evening together. She has this weekend off and I think today could be pumpkin day. We were going to deliver pumpkins earlier this week, but with the rain, flooding, and much cooler temperatures, delayed it a bit. I think today's the day.

It's time to get busy. I've been designing a two-wheeled cart/table/platform on which to put the electric log splitter. It works wonderfully, but stands only inches above the ground. I'm too old to do all that bending, so my intentions are to bring the splitter up to my level. I have two new wheels that were purchased eight years ago and have been hanging on the barn wall since. Now it's a matter of design and construction which is going to require some deep thought.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

I mean, really, how much more relaxing could a Friday night be, dressed in Packer jammies with a huge bowl of popcorn.
Actually, I like to refer to the popcorn concoction as my Popcorn Casserole. Some of the ingredients are butter, salt, sugar, peanuts, and dried cranberries and can only be made and consumed in huge quantities!