What it's all about

The Milligan Labor Day Celebration on Pentoga Road

September 7, 2020 - Labor Day

51 degrees/cloudy/WINDY

Pentoga Road

Other than the wind howling and rattling this hundred year old house, it seems eerily quiet this morning. Just a mere twelve to fourteen hours ago, the rooms were filled with the sounds of talking, children laughing, and delicious food that would give any Southern Baptist Church potluck a run for its money.

There was a blob on the lens for a few on the pictures

Sorry 'bout that

There were thirty-one who gathered on Sunday afternoon, not bad for a day where the weather was forecast to be cold, windy, and rainy. It was obvious that Baby Jesus had heard our fervent prayers and we were delighted when the rain and storms continued to go around us for the entire day. 

In the end, nary a drop fell. Spread out, people gathered in the front, on the porch, the back deck, and inside the house. The pond seemed to be a popular gathering area, especially for the little ones.

My day began much earlier by taking the burgers and brats out of the freezer to thaw. We had plenty and if anyone left hungry last night, it was their own fault.

The youngest generation of Milligan descendants remained busy throughout the day by playing and exploring. It was fun to see the little ones having such a good time. 

Hambone and Braelyn

After staying with us for several lengthy stretches this summer, I was especially proud of Hambone as he showed his cousins "his pond" and happily shared his beach, toys, and butterfly nets... and his frogs which were caught and released multiple times.

Hambone knows that black olives ALWAYS taste better when nibbled from the end the fingertips!

Sargie's sister, Trish, wrapping her hands around one of the Wolf River apples

Of course, no photo op would be complete unless Aria was included.

... and how about Aria's mommy, Sasha, on the far right.

L to R - Super model, Nancy, soon to be bride, Nikki, and Sasha

Nikki and Sargie's nephew and godson, Taylor, will be getting married this coming Saturday. All are looking forward to gathering at Ross and Holly's for their lakeside wedding. 

Braelyn and Pawpaw - We pretty much hung out together all day

The day wound down late in the afternoon. There were goodbye hugs and kisses for all with a promise to see each other this coming weekend.

I think Sargie and I are going to be lazy for the next day or two. Sargie, especially, has really worked so hard these past few weeks to make everything come together for yesterday's gathering and did such a wonderful job. I look at everything she did and does every day in our lives and my heart just swells.

What a sweetheart. Thank you baby.

It's time to wrap this up and think about trekking down the road for a few miles and back in an attempt to wear off two of Holly's apple bars that I just enjoyed for a pre breakfast snack. Well, there were those, plus one of Sheri's melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bars. 

I've already asked Holly if she'd make an apple bar cake for my seventieth birthday when I get back from my AT hike. Made from fresh apples, sandwiched in a light crust, and covered with a to-die-for frosting, and her magic touch, Holly's apple bars are my favorite desert food group.

Well, there're those and Miss Jody's sweet tater pie. I'd hate to have to choose between the two. Hmm, I wonder if there's such a thing as a sweet tater pie cake?

Great Nephew, Grayson, and I, were drumming on the oatmeal box while singing, Pow Wow, the Indian Boy

Darn, I still have half a cup of coffee left. I hate when my coffee and apple bars don't come out even. Guess I might as well have another bar. 

Hey, the Mighty Milligan Labor Day Celebration only happens once every year. Why not continue to enjoy it as long as possible, even if it is in the form of day-after gluttony?

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...