Look real close and you'll see a fireplace and chimney tucked back into the woods

January 4, 2021 - Monday

23 degrees/partly cloudy/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Strange how the same road can be traveled hundreds of times, but a day comes when there're no leaves, maybe we're going a different direction or have slowed down for some reason, whatever, when suddenly something that's been there all along comes to light. 

That's the case with the fireplace and chimney in the picture above. It's a mile from our home sitting back in the woods. We've passed it hundreds of times, but to Sargie and me, it's a new discovery. 

An old homestead? A mere deer camp? Maybe someone's grandma and grandpa lived there and children laughed and screamed as they pushed each other on a tire swing suspended from one of the large maples.

Ah, the secrets these north woods keep hidden.

Sunday was near perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk and even found myself humming old marching band tunes to the rhythm of snow crunching under my feet. 

 Most people don't know this, but in my former life, long long ago, I was a marching band instructor. At one time, I directed the largest marching band in Maine, over a hundred-forty strong. From a tiny school in the most northern community east of the Mississippi River, my charges ranged from seventh grade through high school. Though we were considered a powerhouse in Maine and eastern Canada, in the real world of marching, we were pretty average, but we traveled, we learned that hard work pays off, and most of all, we fiercely loved each other. 

I sure miss those kids, most in their forties and even fifties, now, but would I do it over again? Not on your life. 

You try "daddying" around 140 munchkins and see how long you last.

Sargie's and my drive on Sunday was enjoyable. As with most area lakes, ice fishermen can be seen dotting the ice, socializing, and in many cases yesterday, wishing their holiday vacation wasn't about to end.

We stopped at our local lake and talked with one fisherman who was ending his day. He said fishing was lousy and that he didn't know of anyone having luck.

I don't wish bad thoughts on my fellow anglers, but after learning I wasn't the only fisherman coming home empty handed, I felt much better. The fish are down there. I've see them on the sonar, but not even a fancy highfalutin electronic gismo can make them bite.

Sargie and I were taking down the outside decorations when Yooper Brother Mark and Sheri pulled in the drive with Christmas bag of goodies.

The four of us had a great gab session and caught up on the news.

Later, after seeing our friends off, Sargie and I resumed taking down the outside decorations. All were stored away by nightfall.

I completed my purchases last evening of the "big three" for next year's Appalachian Trail thru hike, a Burrow Ultralight quilt. I've been looking at quilts vs sleeping bags for several years and had decided to go that route. Originally, I talked with Rose about making one for me, but I found this one at a very reasonable price with over 350 five star reviews.

Mine is rated as a ten degree quilt, plus I ordered an extra ounce of down for it to be overstuffed. Weighing just 27 ounces, it will help to ensure that I'll keep toasty warm while my final pack weight is as light as possible.

I was asked how the arthritis in my knees is doing?

As Mom used to tell me when I was going through puberty, they must have been growing pains. Both knees are 100%.

Now if my voice would just change, I'd be just like a real grown up.

It's daylight and time to head out for my morning stroll. Sargie and I talked about taking down the inside decorations today. She's hesitant, I'm ready. With every nook and cranny shouting CHRISTMAS in our home, it'll be a gargantuan task just finding a place to put all the new decorations, those "deals," she's added to our collection this season. They include two large signs, various pretties, and two Santas, one three feet tall, the other a towering five feet.

With any luck at all, I may get to sneak out onto the lake and see if my luck improves, but you know what they say,

You can lead a fish to the worm, but you can't make him bite.

Never mind.

After all, man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

As you can see, we're party animals.

Sheri's yawning, Mark's dozing off, and I'm in the reclining position. Who knows what Sargie's doing? It's a wild life we lead on Pentoga Road.