The way the bags are supposed to look

March 27, 2018 - Tuesday

33 degrees/clouds/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I was awakened several times during the night by rain pounding on the roof. I have no idea how much fell, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't well over an inch.

I dread seeing what the trails winding through the woods look like. I've been using the snowmobile to aid in gathering the sap and the trails were beginning to get a bit bare in a few places. After this rain, who knows? It might be time to trade the snowmobile for the four wheeler. Once the day dawns, I'll know for sure.

After arriving home from my walk Monday morning, I began emptying the dirt from the middle two strawberry planters.

Those will be replaced with one, low lying, sixteen foot, octagonal bed, built in tiers.

What to do with the dirt? In the end, I laid a piece of black landscaping mulch between the two pyramids and simply piled the soil there. The new bed will fit around that area, so I'll just need to spread it out when it is added next month.

Work went well until I hit frozen ground. After last night's rain and with the temperatures forecast to be in the 50's for the next two days, I ought to be able to finish removing both pyramids in short order.

I needed a spade and had to make my way to the garden shed. The snow had melted directly in front and when I opened the doors, the most wonderful whiff of last year's garden escaped, odors of greenery.

I forgot how good a garden smells during the summer months, the dirt, the vegetables and flowers. It was an excellent preview of the season ahead.

Not to throw rain on my parade, but turning around, I was greeted with reality. Less than two feet away from the shed were the raised beds, or I'm assuming they're still there under all that snow.

I did as much as possible with the pyramids and called that job temporarily done. Next came filling a flat's worth of six packs in the greenhouse with potting soil so this year's tomato and pepper seeds could be planted.

I was happy to leave that mess outside rather than dirty the kitchen counter and sink.

Once everything was planted, I placed the flat in the indoor greenhouse to germinate and grow until the temperature is warm enough to transfer them to the garden greenhouse.

I was hungry and a bit tired. After a quick mid afternoon lunch followed by a solid half hour Grandpa nap, it was time to begin emptying the sap bags.

With warmer weather comes more sap. Almost forty gallons has been gathered so far. Translated, that amount should make about one gallon of syrup.

Monday ended by washing the sap pans for the last time before the initial boiling begins. I carried buckets of hot, soapy, water from the sink and scrubbed and rinsed each. They're ready.

I made a big pot of cheddar broccoli potato soup for supper, something that would be ready once Sargie arrived home.

It was 9:30 before she walked through the door. Poor girl, opens this morning. Yep, vacation is definitely over. It was a mighty short night for my Sargie.

I'll go for my usual walk this morning then see what the rest of the day brings. Neighbor Mike called last night and said they are heading in this direction today from Marquette. He wants to help collect sap and with the highs forecast to reach into the 50's, I'd say he'll get his chance.

Me? Well, someone has to supervise Neighbor Mike.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...