It's a happy 9th birthday that goes out to my little buddy, Evan, aka "Monkey Boy." Evan's in the middle front row.

July 24, 2019 - Wednesday morning 

55 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

You may ask, how does a boy, whose real name is Evan, get the name of Monkey Boy? Four or five years ago, while visiting Mississippi Brother Garry and Miss Jody, Garry's youngest grandson, Monkey Boy, displayed his prowess at wedging himself between two walls in a hall and/or a door jam, and climbing clear to the ceiling. American Ninja Warrior, the popular television show, has a similar obstacle that many contestants fail. Monkey Boy could have completed that at age five. No doubt, he still could.

Monkey Boy and his lifelong best friend, Presley

Happy Birthday, buddy! Aunt Sargie and I love you!

I was out the door early Tuesday morning, laying more carpet in the pond before leaving for town to pick up another piece. After, I went to the plant to meet the truck driver and pick up the flex pipe. I waited and gabbed with Yooper Brother Mark, Ann, and Dave, and finally, called the trucker and found he was running behind schedule. I'll pick up the pipe today.

Hambone, Grandma Sargie, and I, went to Rhinelander for groceries Wednesday afternoon, but not before stopping at the park in nearby Gaastra for a bit of slide and swing time.

It's been Grady's favorite place to visit since he could barely walk. 

We were barreling down the highway when two Bambi's popped out in front of us. Thankfully, there wasn't a car coming from the opposite direction.

Hambone was particularly fascinated with this former active duty helicopter mounted atop a pole in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The wind was blowing the rotor around and the mannequin sitting in the pilot's seat made it surreal. 

Once home, Grady and I delivered some groceries to our neighbor, Sue. While there, Hambone met Sue's cat, Mr. BB.

Needless to say, they became instant best friends.



With the boy's love of animals, I think he could have a real future as a veterinarian. He has no fear of any four-legged critter, big or little.

The boys, Hambone and Chief, spent last evening playing outside. Both will be going home in the next twenty four hours and as usual, we'll go from nonstop chaos, laughing, giggling, barking, and running, to a very quiet house. 

Steve, Sargie's younger brother, dropped off some mill felt early this morning to put in the bottom of the pond. I didn't realize it will float, so I'll be experimenting with it before laying any large pieces. I may have to go on the radio later today and advertise for more old rugs and carpeting. 

With what Steve gave us, plus what I'm supposed to pick up tonight in Crystal Falls, I may have enough to cover the bottom.

 I'm unsure of what lies ahead today. It's supposed to be hot, so we'll play it by ear. I may have Hambone help me for a while and we'll begin picking up rocks around the pond. Paying a penny a rock, the boy could make some serious money. (He can count to a hundred, so I could be in trouble.) At some point this afternoon, we'll have a Hambone exchange and he'll be heading back to Iron Mountain.

I'll play with that felt liner this morning and see how that works for underlayment, but otherwise, I'll let Grandma Sargie make the agenda.

Sunset on Patten Pond in northern Maine
Thanks Eileen!

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

They're going to miss each other when both have to go home.