Not only is Jimmy back for the winter, but he brought a friend.

November 4, 2017 - Saturday

30 degrees/snow/calm winds

Pentoga Road

You know winter's right around the corner when Jimmy and all his buddies show up. I'm told chickadees head into the deep woods during the summer months to rear their young, but believe me, they know where to come for a free handout when the temperatures begin to drop.

Back from Alaska on Christmas break several years ago, I stood for hours in the back yard trying to get one or two to eat from my hand. I considered it a total victory when the brave one, Jimmy, finally landed on my hand.

The next year, two or three approached for a free meal. Now entire flocks remember who carries sunflower seeds in his pocket. Friday, I had eight or ten follow me around.

Being best friends with chickadees is not without it's trials and tribulations. I've had them land on my shoulder just as I was walking in the house and brought them in with me. 

Another time, one was in my coat pocket looking for seeds. Unaware, he, too, gained entrance.

Meanwhile...

Friday morning began in the dentist's chair where Melonie cleaned my teeth and later, I had a full checkup.

Brenda the receptionist/office manager

Eric the Dentist said the piece of tooth that I lost was shallow and didn't really need any work. There were no cavities, so I consider Friday's check up a complete success.  

Once home, I remembered I hadn't emptied the water barrel that is used in the garden.

Had I waited, I'd have been dumping a huge ice cube. I don't believe I'll be hand watering or fertilizing any garden vegetables for the next few months.

The majority of the afternoon was spent cleaning and rearranging the barn so the Equinox, Blazer, and four wheeler would all fit inside and the door close.

It took some doing, but it happened with a bit of room to spare.

I truly hoped there would be enough room to get the four wheeler out without having to back the Blazer from the barn, but that didn't happen. Oh well, as long as they are under cover, that's all that counts.

It took a while to get the blade mounted onto the ATV and I was grateful I didn't wait until the last minute. I had to redo the undercarriage, the frame of the plow, this past summer, so everything didn't necessarily line up the first time around. 

In the end, the plow is mounted and ready to go.

What was left of the afternoon was spent in the shop working on the Pilgrim bowl. I'm not overly happy the way it turned out, but for the first attempt, it'll do. I still have some outlining and touch up to complete, but he should be completely finished today and ready for Thanksgiving.

Sargie didn't arrive home until later in the evening last night. She was supposed to be done early, but it didn't work out that way.

Sargie's opening this morning, but has tomorrow off. I'm going to head to town and run some errands then plan to spend the rest of the day in the shop. Every Pilgrim man needs a Pilgrim lady, so there's some turning to do.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...