That's grandson, Coleman, standing high stop the winner's platform following this past weekend's wrestling tournament.

February 6, 2017 - Monday

10 degrees/cloudy skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I'm sitting here suffering from a food hangover following yesterday's Mighty Milligan Super Bowl gathering. Holly fixed a smorgasbord of goodies that stretched as far as the eye could see. Well, maybe that was an exaggeration, but there was a table, a counter, and a kitchen island full of delectable food. Thanks, Holly, it was all delicious.

We weren't without our own pre Super Bowl delights on Pentoga Road. Sargie whipped up a batch of my favorite cookies, oatmeal/raisin, Sunday morning.

I've never known a cookie, or, as Grady says, a "tookie," I didn't like, but Sargie's oatmeal raisin variety is the best. I've already eaten one this morning to take the edge off of yesterday's food hangover and to get my day started on the right foot.

OK, sit down and hang on. It's Grandpa time. 

How about that Coleman, the fourth-grade wrestling maniac... or since he lives in Maine, should I say Maineiac?

This is his first year on the mat and I believe wrestling earlier this season in his first tournament, he won third, then second in the next tournament, and this past weekend, he won his weight class. Good job, little buddy!

Coleman's on the right in black

Speaking of grandbabies, Ivy is growing like a weed. Andy sent this picture yesterday. 

Ivy has the eyes and personality that simply makes me smile. Check this out. Her mother is teaching her to sign.

It was grandson, Bennet's, first birthday this past weekend, but for some reason, he wasn't the happiest of campers.

Then there's our Isabella who was busy making snow angels in Wyoming. No wonder Yooper Brother Mark and Sheri smile so much. We're looking forward to seeing Isabella when she comes to visit this coming June.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch...

I cleared the drive and patio of snow first thing Sunday morning. There were two, maybe three, inches and it didn't take long to scrape it down to the pavement.

The rest of the morning was spent in the shop where I finished the miniature tea cup.

Fashioned from wild cherry, I ran into a bit of a problem with a knot, but managed to turn through it. The next challenge was carving a handle by hand. It took two or three attempts and some direction from Sargie, but in the end, I carved one I could live with.

Sargie and I were talking last night coming home. I don't know what my fascination is with making miniatures. I think they are easier for me to feel when turning, but I don't believe that's the reason. I'm simply fascinated with the thought that I can take a piece of wood bound for the wood stove and make something so tiny. 

The miniature goblet on the left was turned from maple some time ago. 

Possibly it's just a phase I'm going through and someday when I grow up, I'll make big people-sized stuff. Oh well, it's fun and I'm enjoying learning.

It was mid-afternoon before we headed to Holly and Ross's for all the Super Bowl festivities. As always, the food was good, the company the best.

As is the norm, some gathered around the island in the kitchen while other's sat at the large dining room table. It was a gab and love fest for sure.

At one point, I discovered Sargie was missing. A trip down the hall found her playing with Aubrey. They were having some quality girl time.

Later in the evening, Aubrey sat down beside me on the couch and said, "Tom, I have some good news for you."

"What's that, Aubrey?" I asked.

"Well, Tom, you have more hair than Baby Piper."

With that tidbit of news, she got up and skipped away.

I'm certain year-old Baby Piper will soon have much more hair than her Great Uncle Tom.

Oh, yeah, there was a Super Bowl game. In the end, Atlanta just ran out of steam.

Personally, I was hoping the Falcons might win, but after blowing a huge lead, they were no match for New England. 

I lucked out and won the grand prize, $50, in the family pool.

Ross and I decided to make it look official while handing over the fifty dollar bill. I told Ross I wanted to practice for the day when Publisher's Clearing House shows up on our front door step with their million dollar check.

It's back to work for Sargie this morning. I'm going for my walk then will spend the rest of the day doing whatever comes my way. 

My next goal in the shop is to turn a simple saucer to pair with the tea cup. Mentally, it doesn't seem as though it should be too difficult, but knowing me, I'll blow through six or eight pieces of wood before I finally get one turned.

Time for another cup of coffee and maybe a tookie... oops, I mean cookie.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...