Youngest Milligan decendent, Patrick, chilling out in the pool on a very hot Fourth of July.

July 5, 2018 - Thursday

71 degrees/cloudy/breezy

Pentoga Road

Boom, (no pun intended) we can cross Independence Day off for another year. Sargie and I went to bed last night to the sound of fireworks being set off at the local campground two miles distant. Next holiday on the agenda... Labor Day on Pentoga Road.

I began July 4th like every other morning, in the garden.

I was happy to see the first pumpkin blossom, a female, of the season. Only one problem, there wasn't a male blossom in sight. I talked to the plants, telling them to shape their hormones up and get their boys in line. A female blossom that remains unpollinated is not a happy gal.

Though I'm not growing a giant pumpkin this year, per se, this variety is supposed to have fruits up to 300 pounds. 

If the size of leaves are any indication, I'd say we might have a chance of growing one or two larger ones.

I watered half the garden hoping a rain might come along later in the day and finish the job. Though storms threatened and rain fell just a few miles away, we received only a trace amount.

We'd earlier purchased ten pounds of chicken quarters to take to Wednesday's gathering and had set those out to thaw Tuesday night. Part of Wednesday morning was spent trimming, cutting, and parboiling. 



Derek spends a great amount of time at the grills on the 4th and having the chicken fairly well cooked beforehand saves him quite a bit of time.

Looks like a candidate to become a Chip and Dale dancer to me.

All teasing aside, Derek's a highly respected shaker and a mover in law enforcement, a lieutenant and investigator with the Dickinson County Sheriff's Department. Enjoying a rare day away from fighting the bad guys, Derek and his beautiful bride, Leah, were, as always, the perfect hosts.



Derek's not texting. I think he was controlling the blender using an app on his smartphone. 

Earlier in the day, I decided to hang a new hammock. I've always loved hammocks and straight from China, this low cost gem is a keeper.



I'd purchased another shop light on sale while we were in Rhinelander on Tuesday, but wasn't sure how to hang it over the table in the shop as the ceiling fan turns directly overhead.

Two weeks ago, a set of very inexpensive shoe shelves were purchased online, simply a spur of the moment, impulse buy. The only problem is, Sargie has no room in her closet to put them.

I decided to try to incorporate the shelves with the table and the new ceiling light in the shop.



Dang if everything didn't work. I can now sit at a well lit table and work.

We arrived in Iron Mountain early Wednesday afternoon. The pictures can best describe the rest of the day.

With half purple hair, a cowboy hat, and orange sunglasses, niece Ashley is showing Auntie Sargie something on her phone.

I enjoyed splashing and warring with great nieces Brielle and Aubrey, however, it didn't take long for Uncle Tom to wear out under the hot sun.

Nice apron, Derek, except it's for the wrong team.

Smile, Ross, it's good for you.

Former JC Penney supermodel, Nancy, saw the camera and automatically went into one of her many famous catalogue poses. 

We had to pry Patrick away from Auntie Sargie. The poor girl was disappointed we couldn't keep him and bring the little guy home.

The day ended with hugs, kisses, "I love you's" and full tummies. 

Sargie and I had no trouble sleeping last night. After a day spent in the pool and under a hot sun, we were all done in.



Sargie's off today and has talked about mowing the lawn. No doubt, we'll take a ride later this afternoon. I'm going to head to the garden fairly soon and water the cantaloupes which are beginning to set on melons. After, I'll meander to the shop. I'd like to finish that sign I've been working on for the past month. It's time to get it out of there.

I think first, I'll pour another cup of coffee and listen to the news.

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

Hi Sasha!

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...