Despite the low temperatures at night, winter is finally loosening it's grip on the Upper Peninsula.

March 11, 2018 - Sunday morning

9 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Indeed, the temperatures are making huge daily swings. I just received a text from Yooper Brother Mark saying it was -2 at his house earlier this morning. Yesterday at this time, we were recording a mere +1.

It was a busy day on Pentoga Road on Saturday. Sargie left me off five miles down the road on her way to work. 

Walking home was more than enjoyable, it was a privilege. I began the stroll with my hood up, my heavy coat zipped to the chin, and fingers tucked securely into my heavy mittens.

By the time I arrived home, the hood was down, coat halfway unzipped, and mittens exchanged for lightweight gloves.

While the shop was warming, I made my way to the storage container and retrieved the four pans used for boiling sap to make maple syrup. I'll clean those thoroughly in the next day or two and have them ready to begin making syrup as soon as we arrive home from vacation later next week.

Most of the day was spent in the shop working on one Easter project or the other.

I finished one and began cutting a new design that I think I like even more than the first.

Chuckie, the Easter Bunny, sat on the desk alongside watching my every move.

I'm still uncertain of Chuckie's fate, whether to paint, sand, or stain him, use him for kindling, or include the hare in a pot of rabbit stew. Right now, I'm content to just let the bunny sit and observe. I have a feeling he'll probably still be in the same place a year from now.

Sargie was home early Saturday afternoon. She asked if I would help to move our bed so she could clean underneath.

 She's asked before and I've put her off, but there comes a time when a guy has to take one for the team.

An hour later, our bed was back in place and hopefully, we won't have to clean underneath for a while.

That's Uni, the Unicorn, who guards our bed while we're not there.

Yooper Brother Mark sent a group picture following their annual Boy Scout Pinewood Derby. The Girl Scouts also take part and this year saw a brother pitted against his sister in the finale with the sister being the winner.

Our friend and Sargie's co-worker, Michelle, recently became a first time grandma.

Just a couple of weeks old, he's a little guy, but definitely too big to throw back! 

Sargie surprised me last night by making an "Easter Delight" with a left over candy cane from Christmas. 

Sprinkled over chocolate revel ice cream, it made for the best, if not the healthiest, before-bed snack.

Sargie's off today. I'm thinking we may go for an early ride then return home so I can torch the huge burn pile alongside the front meadow. There's no wind and as wet as it is, fire danger should be at a minimum.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

My good friend from Maine, Eileen, sent this.
I agree with the caption completely.