Despite the heat and lack of rain, the wildflowers continue to display their summer colors along Pentoga Road

July 5, 2020 - Sunday morning
61 degrees/clear skies/calm winds
Pentoga Road

I'm sitting in the dark this morning enjoying the cool north woods air that is flowing through the open window just in back of my head. Despite the high temperatures and humidity during the daylight hours, the nighttime lows still dip into the 50's ensuring a good night's sleep. 

The Fourth was a mixed bag of activities. I started my day with the usual early morning stroll. My step was lively at first as I walked in the shadows that still harbored the nighttime air. By the time I'd trekked to Pentoga Village and back, the rising sun had erased any semblance of coolness. My gait had become less energetic as I felt sweat dribbling south between my shirt and chest. 

Time was spent in the garden, mostly thinning carrots and rutabagas.

The garden is finally looking pretty good with the hot, humid, days and nightly irrigation. We'll be picking peas, beets, and baby zucchini squash this coming week. I realize it's not southern Midwest good, but for the cold and wet spring we experienced in the UP, I'll take it.

Tim and Rose stopped by to borrow the kayaks. We were happy to meet their friend... Tim. Hmm, another Tim? What are the chances?

To keep them apart, Sargie and I have assigned each a new moniker, Old Tim and New Tim with the later being our newest friend. 

We had a wonderful visit with all three before bidding them farewell as they made their way to the Mighty Brule.

Rose, Old Tim, New Tim, and ... wait, I thought Sargie was coming with me to the Mighty Milligan gathering, not floating down the river.

In the end, Sargie opted to attend the family get together. The day was filled with fun complimented by food and laughter.

I've hung around the Milligan family for the past decade and as a relative newcomer, it's interesting to observe the natural progression that's taking place, that of the younger generation(s) becoming the majority.

I like to think that after the rest of us are nothing more than fond memories, they'll continue to gather several times each year to keep the Milligan tradition going. 

Enjoy the pictures, hot off the digital camera.

Niece, Sasha, made the almond cake covered with fresh red raspberries and blueberries and a cream cheese frosting.
Upon spotting the cake, I knew my diet was going right out the patriotic door. I called yesterday, "Eating for America!" Rather than protest, loot, or occupy, I opted to eat.

It appears great nephew Grayson and I have some similar traits. It must be genetics by osmosis. Following a great holiday feast, some things are inevitable for both the young and not so young.

Even the hand and arm positions are similar

It was a wonderful afternoon that was capped off with a phone call from son, Andy. He, Josh, and Luke, plus nieces, and nephews, had just emerged from a three day daddy/kiddy camping trip in the Big Woods of northern Maine. No mommies were present. Both Andy and Josh sent multiple pictures that will be featured on Monday's entry.

It was evening before we collected hugs, kisses, and  the all important "I love you's" and headed home. The next big family gathering will be here on Pentoga Road the Sunday before Labor Day.

With a forecast of hot and dry conditions, I'll head out for my walk sooner rather than later this morning. I'm going to try, once again, to work on the garden house trim. When it becomes too hot, I'll retire to the much cooler shop. No doubt, Sargie and I will go for an afternoon drive in the cool air conditioning of the car.

Sounds like a stress-filled day to me, but it's the way I roll.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...