Well, look at that pretty new window!

October 15, 2016 - Saturday

56 degrees/cloudy/windy

Pentoga Road

I'm still dragging a bit this morning after an action packed day of window installation on Friday. 

The first chore was to remove the old pumpkin vines from around the barn and planters.

Okay, I lied, it wasn't action packed at all, but rather, slow and methodical, taking each step as it came, and often, becoming somewhat inventive.

After seeing Sargie off to work, it was time to begin.

There are only so many ways to describe the way I felt before cutting a hole in the exterior steel wall of the shop. I measured, then measured again. The talking tape measure reassured me I was correct, but still, the area was measured a third time. The blade of the circular saw was turned around to cut through the metal and after outlining the measurements of the new window, I began.

It's too late now to turn back. The two braces running horizontally reminded me I was installing the window in a pole barn and not in a house with conventional construction.

I framed here, cut there, and before long, the hole was clean and ready for the window.

It's a bit tricky installing a large pane of glass by one's self, especially on a windy day. Thankfully, I managed to set the window in the opening and hold it with one hand while fastening it with a screw. After that, I could wiggle the window around enough to get it straight and level and from there on, it was a matter of insulating, caulking, and trimming.

While working on the window, I took a break and melted wax, dipping the traps and hanging them back outside to dry. Trapping season begins as soon as Jerad arrives this morning.

Yooper Brother Mark stopped by for an inspection. He'd just left work and as he said, "wanted to check on me." I don't care what anyone says, that Mark is a good baby brother.

It was late in the evening before I finished boxing the window on the inside and hanging the trim. I didn't want to walk into a big mess this morning, so I decided to clean and sweep and get everything put away.

The shop is now ready for the winter months and I'm planning on spending lots of time out there doing whatever it is I do. 

Sargie had to close and wasn't home until late. We had a short evening together and I was sound asleep by the time she climbed the stairs to the bedroom. 

Jerad's to come out this morning and assuming it's not raining, we'll set out a few traps. Sargie and I need to go to Iron Mountain later to run a few errands and at some point, either this afternoon or tomorrow morning, we'll do a Grady exchange and have ol' Hambone for the next day or two.

Meanwhile, it's time to pour another cup of coffee and think deep thoughts. I've quit listening to the news as it's more like reading a National Enquirer in a check out lane than learning what's happening in the world. 

Time to get this show on the road.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

A spruce tree by the barn looks as though it's decorated for Christmas with red, orange, and yellow, leaves caught in the branches.