Happy Thanksgiving!

November 23, 2017 - Thursday

25 degrees/partly cloudy/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Here we are, another Thanksgiving has arrived, the start of the holiday season. 

I used to try to list all the things I'm thankful for, but it became almost a chore. I'd upload the blog, then ten minutes later would remember something else, run back to the computer, add that to the list, and walk away only to have it happen again. 

Maybe I'll list just a few this year and not try to cover all the bases.

First, I am blessed to have the most beautiful, caring, and loving wife. Sargie makes me laugh and has taught me what a loving partnership really is. At a time when I was bitter and no longer wanted anyone in my life, Sargie came along and gently taught me how to trust and what true love really is.  

For Sargie, who is my life, I'm most grateful.

At age 90, Mom's still going strong. She wrote in yesterday's email that she walked her daily mile on an exercise machine, had her hair done, went to physical therapy for an arthritic ankle, and was waiting for my sister so she might go to their house to enjoy Thanksgiving. I've said it before. Mom's my hero.

For Mom, I'm most grateful.

For family and friends. 

Though I don't often see my sons, their wives, and grandchildren, they keep in touch in some manner or the other. God couldn't have blessed a man with sons who are any better.

Add Sargie's sons, Hambone, and the Mighty Milligan's in the mix and I'm family rich, each loving, kind, and thoughtful.

If that weren't enough, he also blessed me with good friends, most of whom I call my brothers. Garry and I have emailed or communicated in some way on a daily basis going on forty years. He's my big brother, my go-to guy that I look to for advice. Garry's the guy in whom I can confide, tell my deepest secrets to. He and I may very well know more about each other than our wives.

Aunt Joanne's been in my life for almost as long. She helped me gain sobriety many many years ago in a very dark period of my life and we've kept in touch on a daily basis since. She calls me her baby brother and I try to live up to the reputation. 

Regardless how busy he is, Mark and I talk daily. Though we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like, we both know we're there for each other, day or night. We're both counting the years until he can retire so we can get together and play on a daily basis.

Neighbor Mike, well, they don't get any more loving than Mike. Though he's a couple of years older, he's like the baby brother I always wished I had. You think I have projects? Try following Mike around for a day or two!

Then there's Pat and Ross, Uncle Bobby... and the list goes on. How lucky am I?

For my family and friends, I'm grateful.

One special thing for which I'm most appreciative this year is the return of much of my sight. It appears, with God's help, the near infrared light treatment has not only halted the macular degeneration that has infected my eyes, but reversed much of the damage as well. As I tell those close to me, it's a God thing.

For the scientists and doctors who have been so instrumental, I'm grateful and I truly thank God.

I was in the shop all day Wednesday.

The turkey pieces needed sanding, then the real work began, painting.

One piece or the other would be painted, then propped in front of the heater to dry. It was a process that would be repeated over and over throughout the day.

At Sargie's suggestion, I used freezer paper on which to make a pattern of each piece. Everything was drawn freehand for this first bird. Any that are made from now on can be traced saving time and trouble.

Neighbor Mike stopped by on his way to camp and gave me a wonderful present, a HUGE burl from which I can turn multiple bowls or platters.

It's so large that one person can barely lift it. I'll wait until I get my new (and much larger) lathe before attempting working with this monster. I'll also be in close contact with Mississippi Brother Garry for some detailed instruction. He's the master.

The turkey was finally assembled last night just minutes before Sargie pulled into the drive. Rather than using glue, I fastened each piece with screws. Only one shows and it's recessed, covered with wood putty, sanded, and painted. Somehow, it's not hard to imagine that little hands may get hold of the turkey in the future and I wanted to make it as solid and kiddy-proof as possible.

It's time to end and get this Thanksgiving show on the road. There are three pans of rutabagas boiling on the stove that are almost ready to be mashed.

The cranberries are boiled and we'll be departing for Ross and Holly's to celebrate one of my most favorite days of the year.

After all, a man's work (and joys) are never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...