Yooper Brother Santa Claus to the Rescue

Mark heard about a little boy in the community, five years old, who was unconsolable that he'd missed seeing Santa this year. In Green Bay, after hearing the news, Mark and Sheri arrived back home in time to ensure the little guy got to sit on Santa's lap.

December 20, 2020 - Sunday morning

24 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Isn't that the nicest story? Mark has made more children's dreams of Santa and Christmas come true over the years. I'm proud of ol' Yooper Brother Santa. He's truly one of the good guys.

Only one problem. In looking at that picture above, if Santa gets any skinnier, Mrs. Claus is going to have to buy a pillow or two to make his belly bigger. 

Saturday morning's walk was a good one. I took the time to play with the new iPhone along the way, snapping an occasional picture or making a video.

The only problem I'm having is coordinating the iPhone with my Macbook Pro. The pictures transfer, but appear as black rectangles. I'll get it figured out sooner or later.

A whoppin' inch and a half of snow had fallen overnight. I didn't let the opportunity pass to use the new (purchased late last spring) snowblower.

We bought the largest, most powerful, machine we could find late last year anticipating our usual snowfall. So far, it's been started twice this year, both times to remove a mere dusting.

The electric power shovel was put into service to clear the back patio. Honestly, a push broom would have done the job just as easily.

When I wasn't playing with the snow removal equipment or learning about the new iPhone, I was wrapping Sargie's presents. All attempts to get my bride to vacate the house were to no avail, so I told the girl she'd been naughty. Securing a blind fold over her eyes before wrapping her tightly with duct tape, she was placed facing away in the furthest corner of the house.

Yeah, that's a big, fat, lie. I value my life.

Sargie Pants promised to stay in the living room while I stood at the table in the dining room wrapping her gifts.

I wish God would have given either Sargie or me a daughter, one that would have said, "Here, Daddy, let me wrap Mama's gifts for you. You work so hard and are so busy, it's the least I can do to help out."

Yeah, boys don't volunteer to do such things, but as I say over and over, a guy can dream, can't he?

Yesterday's ride around the area showed that despite the lack of snow, winter activities are continuing on as usual. Two little ones found a small mound on which to play.

We also noticed ice fishermen dotting the area lakes. I'll start fishing after Christmas. As the years go by, I like a bit thicker ice. 

Wisdom or old age? 

I don't care what you call it, it's more enjoyable when I don't have to worry about falling through thin ice. I did that enough while crossing seemingly safe rivers during my arctic Alaska years.

We met Mel and Macrea late yesterday afternoon for a Hambone exchange. He'll be with us for a couple of days since his school is out on Christmas break.

I'm beginning to wonder if children even go to school anymore.

Grandma Sargie let Hambone open one gift last night.

A pair of high top shoes/boots. Looks like the boy is going to have to learn to tie his shoes. 

Ah, there's a method to Grandma Sargie's madness.

Appears the raccoons on Pentoga Road are doing well. These two were out the night before last, just poking around, seeing what Christmas goodies might be available.  

Today is dawning clear and mild. If the wind stays down, Hambone and I may try to set the large brush pile on fire. With snow covering the bows of the spruce trees and the ground, fire danger is minimal. 

We're planning to drive around the area this evening looking at Christmas lights and drink hot chocolate when we arrive back home. Other than that, the world's the limit.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...