Luke and Coleman on a 17 mile hike over three days in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

June 28, 2018 - Thursday
72 degrees/clear skies/calm winds
Pentoga Road

Today's been a warm and humid one. After arriving home this morning from walking four and a half miles, I broke down and installed the window air conditioner. It's been a couple of years since we've used it, but today was well worth the effort. Friday and Saturday are forecast to be even hotter and more humid.

Luke sent some great pictures from his and Coleman's mini vacation and hike in the White Mountains.

I'm proud of my four sons. All are active with their babies and spend lots of family time outdoors. 

I'm especially proud of Coleman for hiking seventeen miles of tough trail. Most sixth graders wouldn't bother to expend that much effort, let alone with their fathers.

The water is eight feet deep, though it's so clear it doesn't look over six inches.

Thursday was a busy one on Pentoga Road. 



Home from my usual walk, Mom and I went to Crystal Falls to pick up one of her prescriptions.

The rest of the morning was spent cleaning the house from top to bottom. I later went to the shop where I finished the letters for the sign. Mom kept me company and we spent a couple of quality mother/son hours together.

Mom and I both hibernated in front of the air conditioner after. I later made my way outside and trimmed the lawn using the push mower. 

Ever feel like you're being watched?

FINALLY! The UPS man backed into the drive and with him came the new motor for the lathe.



I was going to wait until Friday morning to begin installing the motor, but I simply couldn't wait. With Mom reading a book, I grabbed the box and sneaked out to the shop.

There was one problem. The motor is almost twice as big as the old one and naturally, the holes from the lathe didn't line up with those of the motor. It was time to fabricate.



The motor fit... barely. It is much larger than what came with the lathe.



I mounted a hickory blank and flipped the switch.

It felt like a Ferrari engine had been mounted in a Volkswagen Beetle. I couldn't be happier.



Though I'll still be limited to the size of of bowls which can be turned, power shouldn't be a problem.

Sargie had said earlier that she wouldn't mind hopping on the tractor and mowing the lawn when she got home from work. After being stuck inside all day, she was eager to spend time outdoors. I was happy to oblige.

Sargie had to glance at the evening paper first

Sargie opens in the morning. I'll go for my usual walk then I want to spend some time in front of the lathe. It's been a long time since I've turned anything and no doubt, I'll be rusty.

I took a large pork loin out of the freezer this morning to thaw in preparation for smoking it tomorrow. 



Yooper Brother Mark, Sheri, Sarah, and Isabella are coming over for supper tomorrow night. Bluegill filets and smoked loin are on the menu. Mmmm.

All good things come to an end. We'll be leaving early Saturday morning for Indiana to take Mom back home. I'm not sure where this past week and a half has gone.

It's time for bed. Mom and Sargie are headed up the stairs and I'm not far behind them.

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



So are the tales from Pentoga Road...