A boy and his dog. Some pictures need no words.

December 16, 2019 - Monday morning

10 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

Pentoga Road

The boy and his dog must have tired old Pawpaw out yesterday as the grandfather clock was chiming seven bells by the time I got out of bed this morning. Had I not woken earlier thinking how far behind I am in the shop making Christmas presents, I'd have probably slept even longer. 

Sunday was a beautiful day. My only outside activity was to plow the inch or two of light fluffy snow that had fallen over the past couple of days.

Hambone hung around with Grandma Sargie and opted to stay inside playing a math game on the computer.

The two of them also spent no small amount of time putting the finishing touches on decorating the house for Christmas. Hambone loved placing the small figurines on each of the end tables. When he went to decorate the one by where I sit, I told him there was no room as all the television remotes, etc. are kept there. 

He informed me there'd be plenty of room if I'd just straighten everything up.

Yep, he's definitely related to his grandmother.

While the two of them were making our home look even more Christmasy, I did some serious work by coaching the Packers to a narrow victory over the visiting Chicago Bears.

I can't take all the credit. I wasn't coaching alone. John in Sitka, Alaska, Andy in northern Maine, and Yooper Brother Mark, helped. We were in constant contact, via text, during the entire game.

The biggest excitement on Pentoga Road was when Grandma Sargie spotted three deer standing in our drive.

Not one to miss any action, Hambone secured a front row seat.

Macrea arrived later in the afternoon. After a quick trip to town, Grandma Sargie got busy and performed some kitchen magic, making a huge pot of seafood Alfredo.

Sargie includes, literally, pounds of shrimp and crab meat in her Alfredo.

I'll brag. My bride's seafood Alfredo is sinfully delicious, the best I've ever eaten. Filled with noodles, garden broccoli, and meat (seafood) there's nothing better. Thankfully, there was plenty left over to enjoy in the days ahead.

Meanwhile, Sadie, the labradoodle, kept us entertained. She became quite spooked by the six foot Santa standing in the dining room. All it took was a push of the button and Santa to begin singing and dancing to send Sadie into the attack mode. 

It was hilarious watching a twelve week old pup jump, bark, and feint one way or the other, in her efforts to protect us from Santa.

Sadie was on the nice list for most the evening until she pulled one of Grandma Sargie's floor plants out by the roots and began eating it. The pooch was immediately reassigned to the naughty list. She's got some amends to make before Santa comes or she's liable to be in the... ahem.... dog house. (Sorry, it was there for free. I couldn't resist.)

We bade the boys and Sadie goodnight later in the evening.

Sargie and I are headed to Rhinelander, Wisconsin, this morning to buy holiday groceries. We're hosting an early Christmas for her sons, Macrea, Shea, Cale, and their families this coming Saturday. It'll be a busy, fun, time.

Tomorrow brings my annual physical with Dr. Katie, followed by Hambone's kindergarten Christmas program at noon. I'm going to skedaddle home immediately after and work in the shop. Thursday evening I trade places with Yooper Brother Mark and play Santa for the local scout troop and their siblings. 

It's a busy week ahead.

Time's getting short and this Santa is going to have to burn the midnight oil between now and Christmas.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...