Two of the four most beautiful granddaughters in the world
My oldest, Abigail and youngest, Ivy

August 14, 2020 - Friday morning

57 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Aren't they beautiful? No amount of pictures, phone calls, or videos, can make up for the fact that I seldom get to see or touch, my grandbabies. Looking at the pictures Andy sent, this is one of those times I wish we lived closer. 

Still, I hope they know their old grandpa loves them dearly, just as much as if he could see them all the time. They are beautiful, wonderful, gems, that live deeply in my heart.

Looks as though Uncles Andy and Luke are playing that age old Pennington game of Toss the Munchkin. All were thrown high into the air in their young years only to splash down in the cold waters of the St. John River in northern Maine.

Speaking of grandbabies, Hambone wasn't exactly idle on Thursday. We went for a treasure hunt following my early morning walk. Careful to follow the map, we tromped all around the front part of the property, from the house to the ice shack, along a back trail to the trail cam, up to the pond, the barn, to the portable garage, and the red wood shed.

Finally, it was discovered, the treasure sitting atop the squirrel trap!

Ah, the box looked like a book until it was opened and inside were such valuables as two Hot Wheel cars, a fistful of change, and even a new tube of Chapstick! Life has never been better.

I've taught Hambone as much as I could during his six years, often at the expense of delaying previously planned projects.

Yesterday was payback time. We needed to spread a huge tarp over the back woodpile. I've climbed on top in years past, but honestly, it's become a chore and somewhat of a hazard as I've aged. The wood is uneven and slides easily. Keeping from falling can be a dicey situation.

When I suggested that Grady might be old enough to help, he agreed. With Grandma Sargie's and my support from below, Hambone climbed the ladder, grabbed hold of the tarp, and began.

I couldn't have done a better job. Young and nimble, he stepped from one uneven chunk of firewood to the other.

In the end, the tarp was evenly spread and secured and will protect the firewood from this fall and winter's rain and coming snow.

It was time to have fun. Grandma Sargie bought me a couple of drones several years ago, a tiny one and a much larger one.

I brought both up from the basement and after charging each, carried them out to the space port, otherwise known as the front meadow.

The Pentoga Launch Pad

After watching me fly each around, I asked Grady if he were ready to give it a try. The boy took the remote and deftly commanded the drones like a seasoned test pilot and astronaut. 

Grady was such a good pilot that he earned the name...
Captain Hambone

Grandma Sargie also earned her wings, but only after receiving very detailed instruction from the captain.

 It was time to put the aircraft away, take showers, and meet Mel and Macrea for the Hambone exchange. Both aircraft were placed back in their hangers (boxes) to be flown at some time in the future.

We enjoyed ice cream last night in Florence while catching up on life. 

We'll be heading to Foster City later today to participate in a 5K walking/running charity event  sponsored by sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Pat. First, will come my usual morning walk, you know, to get warmed up for the big event.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Captain Pawpaw still has to work on his landing skills