Grandson, Wyatt, takes in some air while mountain biking

May 29, 2020 - Friday morning

47 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I can't exactly say I'm going to miss the heat and humidity of the past few days. The warmth we'll take, but you who live in the south can keep your humidity. 

It was getting so bad these past few days that I began to talk with a southern Mississippi accent and had the urge to walk barefoot, a la Mississippi Brother Garry. 

Now that's when you KNOW it's hot and humid.

Today's upload has a few family pictures. Having ten grandchildren, it's a grandfather's duty to post some every now and then. Neither Sargie or I are into social media, but the sons are really good about sending a few photos our way.

Josh's kids are into outdoor sports and activities. Though the munchkins have their electronics, I'm proud of Josh that he's ensured they have other interests.

I always assumed that it would be one of the grandsons that made the NFL and played for the Packers, thus ensuring Yooper Brother Mark and I lifetime season tickets. It appears Ellie has potential to be first female punter in the NFL. Check out this spiral punt she kicks high in the sky.

I'm thinking that it may be awhile before the much younger Cody Bear auditions for the men's division of Roller Derby.

Matt and Jessica just bought a new (to them) home in Stratham, New Hampshire. 

Located on over an acre of ground, it's big enough for their three munchkins to live, run, and play.

The family has survived the stay at home restrictions, but Matt and Jessica have decided it's easier to simply keep Emerson, Bennet, and Wes, in a box until they can either return to school or are old enough to attend.

They look abused, don't they?

Thursday was pretty much a non event day. With light rain falling, I spent much of the morning in the shop working on a new bowl.

I'm still learning the ins and outs of this new lathe. It's like going from a Volkswagen Beetle to a Ferrari in one giant leap and sometimes, there's more power than I realize. It's certainly not the mini lathe that I learned on.

The wood was eventually hollowed and I think I like what I'm seeing. The piece is spalted, somewhat punky, and has some natural pits, all that, if turned correctly, will contribute to the beauty of the bowl once it's finished.

Problem is, I'm so inexperienced that the final outcome is a crap shoot. I've learned when it comes to woodworking, especially turning, to never count my chickens before they hatch... or at least until the bowl is finished.

We loaded Hambone into the car mid afternoon and took off for Iron Mountain. It sure seemed quiet around here last evening, but was nice viewing television programs designed for big people. 

We enjoyed World of Dance. Sargie and I, both, agree that we need to hone our wedding reception dance skills before entering the world wide competition.

Like I said, last night was much quieter on Pentoga Road

 Sargie discovered a new bramble at the edge of the woods while mowing the day before yesterday. I was fairly certain it was a wild blackberry bush, but I sent pictures to and called my friend, Rose, for confirmation.

Wild blackberry bushes can be bitter sweet. They can easily take over an area and though not classified as invasive, present a challenge to keep contained.

On the other hand, Sargie and I love our berries and fruit and blackberries are one of our favorites.

What to do. What to do.

We'll let these bear fruit and see how large and flavorful the berries really are. If they are worthwhile, then I'll make a plan to contain them in that area. If the bushes fail to produce, they'll go away.  

Decisions, decisions. If only you had my life, you'd understand.

I'm heading out the door fairly shortly for my morning walk. After, I'll take the trailer to town for a load of gravel to finish the walk around the far side of the pond and garden house. I just need to remember to take my time and not unload it all at once.

I thought I tore a pectoral muscle last week while unloading top soil that gave me pause to think I was ailing from one of the following:

a) heart attack 

b) suffering from stage four lung cancer 

c) a galloping case of pleurisy

d) angina

e) a torn muscle

f) none of the above

g) letters a and b

h) some of the above

i) all the above

Becoming an instant MD after perusing the internet and with the pain now gone, I've come to the conclusion I simply strained a few chest muscles by lifting too many shovels filled with heavy soil too many times. The top soil was already chest high in the trailer as I stood at ground level shoveling dirt into the wheel barrow. All the strain was on my upper body, mostly my arms and chest.

Okay, it's time to strap on the hikers and put a few miles under these old feet.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Today's random Alaska picture:
Sundown in the arctic