Marian and Mom
We continued to celebrate Mom's birthday by taking her best buddy and Mom out to eat Monday night at one of her favorite restaurants, Red Lobster.

July 3, 2019 - Wednesday

53 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Ah, I'm back in my favorite chair. My favorite Packer's mug is filled with coffee, the hummingbirds are flying around their feeder, and the cool temperature is making for comfortable conditions. 

We're home.

As much as I'd like to whine and moan, yesterday's ten hour-plus drive was fairly painless and time flew by. We opted to drive out and around Chicago and that appears to have been a wise move. 

Sargie and I truly are good traveling companions. We (mostly me) talked the entire way, we sang a song or two, and even managed to include a quick tour of an outlet mall and yet another excursion to a Sam's Club in Appleton, Wisconsin. 

The alarm on Sargie's "clearance rack radar" was almost deafening as we made a quick stop in Johnson Creek, WI, at the local outlet mall.

My bride had been trying to get a hair appointment before the Fourth and Melinda texted yesterday, saying if we wanted to stop by their home in the country, she could see Sargie on our way through. So, our trip included an hour's pause for a quick beautification treatment, whatever that means.

Tom and I sat on their porch talking and playing with my buddy, Chief the rottweiler. 

We had so much fun at Mom's and our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer. Mom and Sargie sure have fun together and as Sargie says, "She's the only Mom I have." 

At our age, she's the only mom any of us have. Thankfully, Mom eagerly adopts any and everyone who wants and needs a mother.

It does my heart good to see the two most important girls in my life so close.

We did some shopping on Monday. Not one to be left behind, Mom joined us as we explored a new store in their local mall, one that is a huge antique store/flea market type of place.

It's in a former big box store and there are booths as far as the eye can see.

The majority of merchandise are antiques and Sargie quipped more than once that it was more like visiting a museum than a flea market.

We found the elementary school desks similar to what we both sat in as children have gotten smaller over the years.

So the day went. Mom was about walked out, so we went back to her complex, ate lunch, left Mom to her own devices, then took off again to do some more shopping. 

The hall to the dining room is decorated for the 4th of July with American flags.

My biggest purchase of the afternoon was a laser level that (hopefully) will be used next week to ensure all sides around the pond are even.

Mom's complex has the most beautiful courtyard and pond. Despite the heat registering in the mid 90's, we took a walk so I could take a closer look.

Mom, Marian, Sargie, and I, went out to eat Monday evening then returned back to our apartment to begin packing.

It was hard saying goodbye to Mom Tuesday morning, but plans are already in the works for her to visit at Christmas. Sargie and I have said repeatedly that it wouldn't be Christmas without Mom sitting by the wood stove in the big recliner, a blanket covering her lap, repeatedly looking out the window enjoying the snow and watching for deer. 

Sigh...

To those who say they are too old for today's technology, I say PHOOEY! Mom and I send emails to each other daily. She and Sargie texted back and forth yesterday, giving her updates on our drive home. Mom does her banking online, pays bills online, and has kept and typed minutes for her committees using her computer. Her arsenal includes a kindle, an Ipad, a smartphone, and of course, a laptop. At 92 years of age, she's today's example of a senior tech guru.

Our home on Pentoga Road was a sight for sore eyes as we pulled in the drive last night. It didn't take long to unload the car before we both were outside with hoses in hand, Sargie watering her flowers, me tending the garden. 

It's dry. Lord, it's bone dry. C'mon rain.

Today brings an entire list of things to do. I'm going to spray for weeds first thing while it's quiet. I've ignored much of the yard and garden this summer as most of my energy has been devoted to digging the pond.

I talked to the grocery yesterday and we'll stop in and pick up ten pounds of chicken quarters to be par boiled for tomorrow's Mighty Milligan Fourth of July Celebration at Leah and Derek's. 

There are strawberries to pick, honey berries to pick, and oh yeah, did I mention I'm digging a garden pond?

Yooper Brother Mark will be coming out after bit to pick up a couple of kayaks to paddle this weekend. They pulled their trailer to a lake just outside of town for the weekend.

It's time to get moving. 

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...