February 14, 2020 - Friday morning

-16 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

It's a tough one this morning. Valentine's Day was a special one for Mom and Dad and as I've written previously, just before he passed away and in keeping with Dad's sixty year tradition, I promised to give Mom a dozen red roses and a box of candy from him every Valentine's Day after he was gone.

I kept my promise, except this year, Mom's not here. 

I've certainly never been accused of being a Mama's boy, but God how I miss her. I miss writing her every morning, calling her two or three times a week, and sharing thoughts and ideas. 

* Five minutes later and a few shed tears

How selfish can I be? It's been almost twenty years since Dad passed away and finally, he and Mom are celebrating together. Dad can give Mom all the roses and candy he wants. 

It's time to come to the realization that my job is finished. I'm turning the Valentine's Day tradition back over to Dad. I was merely a substitute.

S'cuse me, Dad. I know you won't mind.

Happy Valentine's Day, Mama. I love and miss you both. You two kids have fun, okay? Oh, and be in before midnight, you hear?

And of course, it's a happy Valentines Day to my Sargie. The second generation tradition continues with a dozen red roses, candy, and a card. I don't know what I'd do without that beautiful girl of mine. She truly is my life. I surely didn't think when I lost my glasses years ago that I'd meet a true soulmate in the form of a beautiful optician with a strange name.

Happy Valentine's Day, Sargie. I love you with all my heart.

Thursday was a busy one on and off of Pentoga Road. We left bright and early for Iron Mountain so Sargie could babysit for her great nephew Grayson. He's sure a cutie pie and was full of giggles, laughs, and spit up, for his Auntie Sargie.

No, your eyesight isn't going bad. Just a poor quality picture.

I left Sargie to babysit and made my way around town and after a stop or two, ended up at a Jiffy Lube to have the oil and a headlight bulb changed in the Sonata. 

We're taking the car to a Hyundai dealer in Green Bay next Monday to have a recall fix performed, then it will be ready for our spring trip to Mississippi in three weeks.

Sargie and I attended a wake for Grandma Lettie Thursday afternoon. I wish it was under different circumstances, but it was good to see Germaine's family, many of whom I can now put a face to a name that I'd previously heard. 

Sadie, the Goldendoodle, popped into our lives last night. Only three and a half months old, she was hesitant for Mel to leave and clung tightly to her.

We laughed how she wrapped her front legs around Mel and laid her head firmly on Mel's shoulder.

In the end, Sadie was okay with Hambone and Mel's absence and called the base of Sargie's feet her new home.

Weighing around thirty five pounds, Sadie's only half grown. The overstuffed Teddy bear is going to be a monstrous cuddle bug in another few months. One thing is certain, she's sure a lover.

I'm going for my walk in a few minutes. I've purposely been slow this morning to let the outside temperatures warm a bit. Later on today, Sadie and I will take another hike in an effort to get rid of some of that puppy energy. I'd love to turn her loose on her own outside, but the fluff bag has a penchant for following her nose deep into the woods without a thought of coming back.

I'm too darn old to chase a three month old pup through four feet of snow.

We'll be heading to a fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration later this afternoon in the big town of Felch, just down the road from Foster City which is just a hop, skip, and jump, from Hardwood. 

Whee haw, baby, don' 'cha know?

Time to go for a walk.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...