Good friends, Eileen, Andrew, and Uncle Bert, in Fairbanks, Alaska

December 23, 2018 - Sunday morning

23 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Congratulations to my former student, Andrew, for defending his PhD dissertation at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks, last week. As a former professor at UAF, one might think that's where I met Andrew, but it's quite the opposite. I was Andrew's band director in Madawaska, Maine, from the time he was in sixth grade until he graduated. The boy played a mean trumpet.

When I left UAF for Sitka, Andrew transferred from the University of Maine to Fairbanks. Seems we've played catch up  and Ring Around the Rosie ever since. He began his studies as an undergrad and has worked hard to attain his PhD.

Andrew and I took a Maine Guide's course together many years ago. It was during that time that I got to know him as a friend rather than just a student. 

I'd love to tell you that I taught the boy everything he knows, but that would be a lie. He far surpassed his old teacher in knowledge and education long long ago.

It's every high school educator's wish that his students graduate and prosper. Andrew's made that happen and more.

Congratulations, Dr. Cyr! You've made ol' Mr. P. a happy and proud man. 

Saturday was a busy one, alternating time working in the shop and bopping in the house to visit with Mom. She spent much of the day watching tv or listening to Christmas music while reading or working on her puzzles.

I took my usual walk Saturday morning. I thought of Jambo as I trod down the road. His luck this past season was slim to nil when it came to bagging a large Tom. Seems that now, turkeys are everywhere, lots and lots of wild gobblers.

I finished sawing my last piece and now comes the painting. Seems the further I get into this piece, the more work that is involved to get it "just so." I think my expectations are growing as my experience expands. I don't know if that's a good thing, but I enjoy it, none-the-less.

Sargie was home early last night and we enjoyed chicken salad for supper coupled with watching a feel-good Hallmark Christmas movie. Mom and Sargie thought is was wonderful. As for me? Well, let's put it this way, I feel as though I got in touch with my feminine side and became a much more sensitive guy. 

Yeah...

Sargie's off through Christmas. I HAVE to do some work in the shop today or You Know Who won't have one her little boy's presents to open Christmas morning. No doubt, we'll head to town later this afternoon. 

Meanwhile, I think I'll grab another cup of coffee and visit with Mom while the shop is warming up.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Our good friend, Melinda, sent the above. You might recall that Chief spent a few nights here as a puppy. He's grown a bit since.