Hambone and Macrea at last Sunday's Packers Game

October 3, 2018 - Wednesday
55 degrees/rain/calm winds
Pentoga Road

The thunder roared and the skies opened wide during the night as 1.1 inches of rain fell. I was awakened two or three times by the chaos playing outside our bedroom windows. 



It must have been bad. Everything with a digital readout was blinking this morning, indicating we'd lost power during the night. Thankfully, the power was back on by the time I crawled out of bed.

Boy, it's been a fast and furious week. I'm thoroughly enjoying substitute teaching. Monday was spent in one or the other band rooms in either the elementary or high school.



I felt right at home being surrounded by the very familiar instruments and was made to feel especially appreciated yesterday when the band director personally thanked me for actually teaching in his absence. 

Tuesday was spent filling in for the PE teacher in the elementary school. 



I love small schools, especially those that have good principals and simple manners are not only taught, but expected. I actually had a sixth grade girl THANK me for teaching yesterday. 

Dang, where'd that come from?

I've not had a lot of interaction in the high school as of yet, but so far, the grade school has earned a two thumbs up in my respect department. Having had a few short conversations with the administration in the secondary school, I wouldn't be surprised if the same will be said about the high school.

Small town America in the north woods of the Midwest, my kind of place.

I arrived home last night around four, changed clothes, and headed to the north side of the barn.



It was time to mix some concrete. I was especially anxious to do so before the forecast rain began to fall. Working so much has really cut into my Pentoga Road time.



It didn't take long before the right consistency was mixed and poured around the posts.



I checked this morning and it seems to have set up just fine. Next will come the framing and later, the roof. 

There is a huge boulder about three feet down under the far post. No big deal. I'll cut both posts to size. There will be two more supporting posts between the pad and barn before the roof is installed.

Using the tractor and front end loader, I hope to actually set the furnace in place next week.

Sargie's off today and so am I. The phone rang at 5:45 this morning, the automated machine asking if I would accept a teaching job today. Spending four days in the schools this week is enough. I didn't hesitate to turn the job down so my bride and I might spend some quality time together. 

It's raining and chilly. I heard rumors that Macrea and Hambone might be heading this way later today. I'd be lying if I didn't say I miss my little shadow following me around. Now that he's a full time preschool student, we don't get to see much of him.

Meanwhile, I have a project or two to finish in the shop. I better get busy before you-know-who arrives. Once he's here, all bets are off.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...