Stopping to let the deer pass while on our ride Sunday afternoon, we thought the smallest one was going to walk up to my outstretched hand.

January 15, 2018 - Monday

12 degrees/snow/calm winds

Pentoga Road 

I'm sitting comfortably by the fire early this morning pondering why, during the dark winter months, my get-up-and-go seems to have got-up-and-left. Seems anything I think about doing later in the day gets nixed, to the point that I sometimes end up doing very little or nothing.

I've read it could be seasonal depression caused by cold and lack of daylight or any one of those other shrink-invented maladies. 

What do I know? I'm just a retired school teacher, but in my day, my condition was called laziness. 

I'm not depressed and being that guy who lived north of the arctic circle, am aware of the consequences of light deprived days. There's little doubt that some do suffer, but that's not me. I simply tend to be more inactive this time of the year. 

Many mammals hibernate during the winter months. 

So let's think about this. It's wintertime:

Humans = mammals=hibernation.

Nope, no depression or seasonal disorder for me. As a retired, formerly deep-thinking, university professor, I'm going to label this particular non life threatening condition as SSL, Seasonal Senior Laziness.

My disease isn't unique to just me. In talking with Mississippi Brother Garry, Neighbor Mike, and when he's not working, Yooper Brother Mark, I've found all three occasionally suffer from the same malady. 

Other than forcing oneself into action and thinking happy thoughts, an afternoon nap can help alleviate the pain and suffering of SSL. Enough days go by with daily naps and before you know it, spring is at hand and the symptoms of SSL completely disappear.

I'm going to quit talking about SSL now before more deep thoughts surface. In my more senior years, I only have so many floating around between my ears and I don't want to use them up all at once.  

Meanwhile, back on the ranch:

Since Sargie didn't have to work Sunday, we weren't overly fast getting around. Sargie cleaned house and I ... well, I was suffering from SSL. 

We took a wonderful ride Sunday afternoon.

Driving into Amasa, Michigan. The Methodist church is on the right, the Amasa Historical Museum on the left.

We like Amasa. Full of history, there are still reminders from the boom town days of logging.

What's left of downtown is somewhat reminiscent of the old cowboy days, wooden buildings with large storefronts.

Unfortunately, not many remain.

Turning a corner, we noticed an approaching weather front, one that was forecast to drop several inches of snow.

It was time to head home.

We were driving by a small beaver pond when an otter was spotted on the ice. By the time I turned around, the otter had slipped into the water. We could see two of them playing, but the distance was too great for my small camera to be effective.

We enjoyed a quiet evening last night, dining on grilled pork chops and pork steak along with the remainder of last summer's winter squash.

Two to three inches of snow fell overnight. Thankfully, Sargie begins her work day at noon giving the plows a chance to clear the roads.

I'm going to go for my walk then clear the drive and deck. I need to check Neighbor Mike's camp and see if I can start his four wheeler. Ol' Jambo and Germaine will be coming down from Marquette later this week and we want to play.

Later today? I think I'll head to the shop. There are a couple of projects to work on before my SSL kicks in. After that, I'll, no doubt, be forced into my recliner and close my eyes for a bit.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...