After a long winter, the Crappie Queen is back

June 7, 2019 - Friday morning
53 degrees/clear skies/calm winds
Pentoga Road

Crappies beware! I was fearful the Crappie Queen might have become rusty over the winter months, but she picked right up where she left off during yesterday's fishing trip to our local lake.

Thursday began by riding with Sargie to the dentist's office. While my bride was getting a clean bill of health on her choppers, I gabbed with Brenda, the front office manager, and her four legged buddy.

I was one of Eric's (the dentist) first patients and going to his office is like visiting family. The staff is so friendly and if he weren't so busy, Eric could almost be one of my sons. Seems the time is spent catching up, visiting, and laughing.

Believe me, it's not your typical dentist's office.

We made a swing through Iron River purchasing a few more bedding plants and think we're finished buying any more for the summer. Sargie sure has our yard and home looking nice.

Between hanging loads of laundry outside, my bride spent the rest of the morning and most the afternoon planting.



I saw her zoom past more than once getting a load of dirt with which to fill one pot or another. 

The backhoe was moved to the north side of the pond before I began digging the lower trellis.

Right now, I'm having difficulty moving the dirt. The pond lies between where I'm working and the dirt pile in the woods. Beginning today, I'll have to dig, then move it with the tractor by going completely around the garden, one load at a time. 

The only saving grace is that I'll soon begin on the south side, the final part that requires heavy digging. Afterwards, the rest of the work will be shaping the terraces, bottom, and sides, the old fashioned way, by hand.

Feeling the effects of too much work in way too much sun, Sargie and I headed to the lake later in the afternoon. Mostly, we explored, looking for fishing movement and enjoying the day.

Over the course of the next couple of hours, we caught a smorgasbord of fish, crappies, bluegills, bass, rock bass, and even a northern pike. Fishing season has officially started for the year.

Grady will be coming home with Grandma Sargie late this afternoon as we have a big weekend planned. There's kayaking on the lake tomorrow, the big camp out in the back yard Saturday night, and Sunday will see Macrea and I completing the final packing and preparations for our 42 mile hike beginning Monday. 

Meanwhile, there's a gaping hole in my garden that needs my attention. 

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

An eagle keeping a wary eye on Sargie and me