Another inch of snow fell on Monday following the three to four inches we received Sunday night.

January 16, 2018 - Tuesday

-4 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

So far this morning, the skies are free of clouds with the promise of a bright sun rising over the horizon. Carl the Weatherman says it's going to be cloudy with a few snow showers, but Carl's been wrong before. We'll hope he's wrong with today's forecast.

Sargie's home! I didn't realize she had the day off until she told me last night. Bless her heart. What an unexpected surprise!

I headed out the door early Monday morning to clear the drive of snow.

We'd only received a few inches overnight, but there was enough that if driven on, could pack down into a slippery mess.

Since Sargie wasn't due to work until noon, she didn't have to follow her usual early morning routine. 

Sargie had an occasion yesterday morning where she needed a prescription, some antibiotics. She used Doctor on Demand (doctorondemand.com) and as in times past, was very satisfied. 

Amazing, to be able to sit in one's living room and have a doctor's consultation online, be diagnosed with the prescription called into the local pharmacy. Sargie picked it up in Iron Mountain on her way to work. 

I'm also impressed with the bedside manner of the physicians. There are one or two of our local doctors who could take a few lessons.

I've heard others speak just as highly about other telemedicine sites. I wouldn't be surprised in the future if visiting with a doctor online will become more commonplace than seeing one in a conventional office setting. It's certainly less expensive.

Sargie dropped me off several miles down the road Monday morning so I could walk back.

It was a beautiful stroll along the country roads.

Once home, I turned the heat on in the shop and prepared for a day of fun. First, however, came cleaning. After working on the four wheeler last week and hurriedly doing some other tasks, tools and wood were scattered everywhere.

Here's my dilemma. I often have left over bits and pieces of lumber. These in the picture are all about two feet long. What to do with them?

As soon as I chuck them into the wood stove, I'll need a short piece for something or the other. Problem is, I already have a scrap bin that is filled to overflowing. I simply laid these aside to deal with later.

While the shop was warming up, I made a quick trip up to Neighbor Mike's, plowed the drive, started his four wheeler, and checked the camp. Things look good up on the hill.

The rest of the day was spent making a natural vase from maple.

Not wanting to touch the outside of the piece presents some particular challenges, mostly that it's out of round and must be turned that way.

The piece wobbled wildly back and forth, even on very low rpm's. At one point, I felt as though I might be taking my life into my own hands. Naturally, I wore a full face shield should my project come flying off the lathe.

It took almost two hours, but in the end, the wood was hollowed as much as it could be with the outside still intact.

Sanding the interior was almost as challenging, again, caused by the piece wobbling from side to side.

I'm not nearly finished with this new vase, but it's a start. 

I'm going to use Dad's old hand plane today. Except for one occasion, I doubt the plane has been used in over fifty years.

The first chore was to remove the blade so it could be sharpened.

Thankfully, the blade, made of superior steel, (MADE IN AMERICA) was honed to a razor's edge and is ready for work.

The clocks were chiming ten when Sargie walked in the door last night. She said the roads were slippery, but safe, as long as she took her time.

I'm going to head out to the shop fairly soon. Sargie wants to sleep in a bit and I have a few things I want to accomplish. After that, I'll let my bride set today's agenda.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...