Grandpa Yooper Brother Mark and Isabella

April 5, 2017 - Wednesday

21 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I know one grandpa who is going to miss his granddaughter. Mark and Sheri are leaving Wyoming this morning to return home to the UP. Sheri always becomes misty-eyed when leaving Sarah and Isabella, but I'm not so sure that Mark is any different. Both are M&M's, hard on the outside, but each has a pretty soft interior.

Sargie and I had a good drive to Green Bay and back on Tuesday. The weather was perfect with sunny skies and warm temperatures.

Traffic was stopped just before a curve in Florence, Wisconsin. After a few minutes, we saw a long building crawling towards us.

I'll never know how the driver negotiated the sharp curve, but he eventually inched the building around.

Sargie and I gabbed the entire way. We both agree that it's the road trip we most enjoy, although I'd venture to say she might like shopping as much. 

A train across the highway that stretched to the horizon

We purchased goodies that we didn't even know we needed. Fleet Farm, Sam's, Petsmart, Ulta, and Hobby Lobby, were just a few of the stores where we left our hard-earned money.

I ventured into a pet store while Sargie was elsewhere and spied a female American bulldog, a petite and miniature version of Brutus that the Humane Society was trying to find a home for. Her eyes, set deeply into her bulldog face, pleaded with me to take her home. Brutus loves other dogs. Wouldn't he be happy to have a playmate, a friend, a partner, a canine amigo with which to frolic and play.

I was tempted, but didn't bite. Brutus has a playmate. 

Me.

The day flew by. I don't mind saying, Tommy P was a tired boy and ready to head north by afternoon's end. Sargie's a marathon shopper. I'm more of a sprinter. 

A quick stop at the automatic blood pressure cuff in Sam's Club

Sargie had earlier noticed that DeWalt compressors and air nailers were on sale in a package deal for almost half price. She asked if I would like those for my birthday which isn't until the middle of June. Assuring her it wasn't necessary, she said she'd like to get them for me.

I've got an old Harbor Freight air nailer that's been rebuilt two or three times and the air to power it comes from a large 26 gallon compressor, hardly portable. Though it's unhandy, it certainly works. 

In the end, Sargie sang Happy Birthday to me as we wound our way back to Pentoga Road. 

We arrived home and after putting everything away and playing outside with Brutus, we simply flopped. I can't speak for Sargie, but this guy was shopped down to the nubs. 

Today promises to be a busy one. I am going for my walk first thing then will head to the shop to finish the second bluebird house. The tomato seeds I placed between paper towels three days ago are beginning to sprout and it's time to get them into potting soil. The list is a long one.

We're to meet Macrea late this afternoon for a Hambone exchange. I imagine Grady will be with us for a couple of days. The weather's to be chilly, but nice, so there are lots of things he and Pawpaw can do outside. 

Grady wearing his great grandmother's wig. Sargie finally has her little granddaughter. Doesn't he look delicate and dainty?

I guess I'd better finish and get this day started, make hay while the sun shines.

Oops, the sun's not up yet. Good. There's still time to think at least one deep thought while sipping another cup of coffee.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Talent abounds in our family.
Ivy's demonstrating her athletic prowess.