The brand new hikers I've been waiting for

January 31, 2018 - Wednesday evening

17 degrees/clear skies/windy

Pentoga Road

The temperature has been crashing downwards from this afternoon's high of 38 degrees to the present 17 above. Looking at the ten day forecast, it appears we're in for a spell of below zero temperatures. What is this, the North Woods?

I love my new hiking boots. Keens are regarded as some the best footwear for serious hikers and I've wanted a pair for years. A couple of my sons have given me gift cards over the years and I saved them until I had enough to purchase my dream hiking boots.

The hikers will get a work out daily from now on and hopefully, last for many miles.

A few paltry inches of snow fell during the wee hours of Wednesday morning.



I enjoyed my morning stroll, but had to be extremely careful that my feet stayed under me. Pentoga Road has yet to be plowed and there's no shortage of glare ice under the snow.

I tackled the drive and patio once I arrived home. At first I was going to shovel the drive by hand, but seeing how much snow there was, decided to use the four-wheeler and plow.



The rest of the morning and part of the afternoon was spent plowing both our's and Neighbor Mike's drive.



Though the temperature was almost balmy, the wind made the air feel much colder than it really was. 



I spent most the afternoon just fiddling around outside, filling the bird feeders, working on the snowblower, shoveling snow from in front of the storage container, and whatever else I could think of to keep from going in.

This late afternoon was spent looking at flower pictures and attempting to cut out petals that looked similar. Tomorrow's goal is to make a stem with several small, delicate, white and yellow blooms. I also want to make a jig in which to place a wooden dowel rod that has soaked overnight. It ought to be flexible enough to be bent to fit in the jig and dry and permanently stay that way. 

Sargie closes tonight and won't be home until almost bedtime. I've been binge watching past seasons of Vikings on Hulu. One thing about it, there's no shortage of blood and gore.

I'll go for my walk Thursday morning then plan on spending the rest of the day in the shop. Well, that is unless I get sidetracked by fiddling around outside, filling the bird feeders, playing in the snow, and such. The stress level is mighty high around here this time of the year.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...