November 15, 2016 - Tuesday
40 degrees/partly cloudy/calm winds
Pentoga Road

Today's the first day of deer season. Though it's still pitch black, I know there are men in the area who are dressed in hunter orange, those who have taken a few precious vacation days from work in hopes of putting meat on the table. 

My friend, Dennis, has set up a portable blind on one side of our property. He bagged a beautiful buck last year and hopes to be as successful this season. 

After yesterday morning's walk, I strolled around the perimeter of the property stapling No Trespassing signs onto several trees. I never did find the back property line nor the northeast corner. Public land surrounds us on two sides and I like to put out a gentle reminder that someone lives in the vicinity. 

The area where Dennis shot his buck last year. Unfortunately, there's still a lot of water in the woods.

I used a GPS tracking device to find my way back to the house. Brutus used to be better than any compass, but he's so afraid of wolves that most of his time was spent looking around and cowering rather than guiding me. Oh well, we made it in good shape and I'll wait until someone with better eyes comes along to help me find the back boundary line. I know it's there somewhere.

The rest of the morning and part of the afternoon was spent finishing the fish shack. It has neither grace, poise, or beauty, but Pentoga Road's version of Trump Tower weighs very little and is extremely functional. 



The hunters began arriving at Neighbor Mike's yesterday afternoon. I went up and sat around the table with the boys for a bit while we laughed and made a few boar hog grunting sounds... you know, guy talk. Coupled with excitement, testosterone filled the air as the guys engaged in an age-old hunting tradition, that of participating in deer camp. I hope to be able to take some pictures of their hunting successes later today.

Sargie and Grady arrived home last night around 7:30. Poor Grady has a cold and doesn't feel the best. None-the-less, he played with his toys, but ended the evening snuggling with Grandma Sargie. Sometimes a grandma's touch has more healing power than all the antibiotics in the world. For sure, little Hambone was sound asleep before his head hit the pillow last night.

Sargie's off today. I'm not sure what's on the agenda. Since it's opening day of hunting season, I can tell you we won't be walking through the woods picking violets or any such thing. 

It's almost daylight. No doubt I'll hear the report of a rifle fairly soon, a sure sign the season has begun.

Until then, I think I'll pour another cup of coffee and listen to the news.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Sometimes, when a little guy is tired and doesn't feel well, the best thing he can do is to sit on Grandma Sargie's lap and snuggle. It works for me every time.