Joanne at the Curious Pig Restaurant in Crystal Falls

August 23, 2018 - Thursday

52 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I was awake entirely too early this morning, but that's okay. It gives me a chance to collect my thoughts and do my thing before the day begins. Why my eyes popped open at 4 AM is beyond me, but it seems to be the way I roll these days. I think, perhaps, it's because I'm not able to go for my extended walks and burn off excess energy due to the foot. Hopefully, that'll change after my doctor's appointment the first week of September. 

We were busy on Pentoga Road yesterday. Joanne was up early, but after driving a thousand miles on Tuesday, declined going to Iron Mountain with Sargie and me first thing in the morning. 

Taking a tour of the garden

While Sargie was at her appointment, I busied myself by going to the recycle center, filling the car's tank with gas, and doing a bit of window shopping. Timing was almost perfect as Sargie was just finishing when I arrived to pick her up.

We stopped at Florence High School on our way home where I finished filling out the paperwork for subbing. The staff was really nice and I left feeling somewhat excited at the thought of getting back into a classroom, even on a limited basis.

I do like their automated system for calling substitute teachers. A computer calls and lists the openings for the day. I then have the option of choosing which one I want or merely hanging up the phone, declining all, and staying home. 

Having hung around schools my entire life (Mom was an elementary school secretary for years) I well know how desperate secretaries are experts at using the guilt factor on a potential substitute teacher during an early morning phone call. It's much easier to decline the request when dealing with a machine. 

We took a pleasant afternoon ride on Wednesday, ending in Crystal Falls for an early supper. The food was delicious with plenty to bring home for another meal.

Yooper Brother Mark called last night saying their new hot tub was ready to hoist onto the deck. I made a quick dash to town to help him, Jerad, and Sheri, get the large tub into place. It was backordered early this summer, but I know they'll enjoy it this fall and as late into the season as possible.

Last evening was a quiet one. I'm not sure what's in store for today other than tonight's fish fry. Mark and Sheri are coming, possibly Jerad, maybe Jenna, and Hambone and his parents have been invited. It's a good thing I'm married to Mama Bass Milligan who has ensured we ample filets in the freezer. 

Coffee's done and it's time to get the day started. 

An automatic solar charged strobe light with a high frequency pitch and electric eye to deter deer from eating everything in our front and back yards. Will it work? I have my doubts but we'll see. If it does, I'll order two more.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...