Lambeau Field - Green Bay, Wisconsin

March 31, 2021 - Wednesday morning

20 degrees/cloudy/windy

Pentoga Road

I knew the temperature was going to drop, but this is harsh. Stepping in back of the woodshed this morning reminded me that winter isn't surrendering willingly. That being said, this Easter weekend's forecast calls for highs to be in the mid to upper 60's with plenty of sunshine.

Yesterday's jaunt to Green Bay was pleasantly uneventful. We left mid morning and enjoyed a burger at the halfway point, fuel to power us through the day.

Stops were made at all the usual big box stores. Thankfully, I didn't find too many things that I couldn't live without. I even made a quick trip to Harbor Freight and left without buying anything. 

We arrived home late last evening with enough time to go to town and get the Kia from Dave. Once the air conditioning pump and sway bar bushings arrive, he'll install those and we can call that part of the Kia's yearly revitalization project finished. Next week will see the purchase of new front tires and a front end alignment. 

I need to begin grinding and sanding away the rust that is quickly spreading over the car. As I told Sargie, I can make it look passable for the summer and into next winter, but the metal cancer is bad enough that making the car look decent will be an every six month job from now until it's eventual demise. We'll drive it until it dies, then kick it a few times just to make sure there's still not a mile or two left in the old compact car. It's served us well.

I'm going for my walk at first light this morning. I heard rumors that Yooper Brother Mark's daughter and granddaughter, Sarah and Isabella, are stopping by for a visit. It'll be good to see my former student and the munchkin.

I told Sargie I have to get out to the shop to finish the Easter project I've been working on. It's a busy time in which we live.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

On a shopping mission in Green Bay. 

Hold on Sargie, I can't keep up!

That's Grady, earning the title of Tractor Boy, helping Pawpaw on Monday afternoon. Daddy was assistant Tractor Boy.

March 30, 2021 - Tuesday morning

50 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

There's something about a young boy and a tractor that is like the north end of a bar magnet attracting the south pole of another. 

I learned yesterday that the attraction of a video game to a young boy is just as strong. What to do was questionable for a few minutes, but Hambone soon came to his senses and opted to help Pawpaw with the tractor.

I was changing the hydraulic fluid in the Ford tractor yesterday and needed hands to hold a funnel while I poured new oil from a five gallon pail. 

I can't blame Hambone for being hesitant to leave his game. He's a town kid and other than his time spent with us, has little exposure to the outdoors, gardening, working up firewood, mechanics, simple carpentry, or anything that occurs outside of school.

The boy's a whiz at video games though.

I have so much I want to teach him, skills that require common sense to be used later in life, skills that I was often too busy to teach my sons. Thankfully, all are quick studies and have gone on to far surpass me in the common sense ways of everyday living. Still, they occasionally call and ask for Dad's advice. 

I like that. I like that alot.

My dad was a super hero with the exception of three categories, cooking, mechanics, and wood working. Oh, and he didn't know how to use the wash machine, but he could pop popcorn and was a master pancake flipper. (Of course, Mom made the batter.)

The man couldn't boil water. I well recall on a father/son campout when it came time to fix eggs. Dad told me I had to fry them. He didn't know how. The man REALLY didn't know how.

My lakeside fried eggs soon became scrambled, but he pronounced them the best he'd ever eaten. 

Mom taught me the very next week the basics of frying eggs, the same basics I still use to this day.

Dad couldn't turn a wrench or hold a hammer to save his soul. I swear, up to the day he died, if he wanted to tighten or loosen a nut, he mentally went through the "lefty/loosy, righty/tighty," ditty in his mind. 

Dad may have been deficient in a some areas, but like most super heroes, excelled in others. Even Superman was vulnerable to kryptonite. 

Dad was smart enough to know his weaknesses and ask for help, but brilliant enough to volunteer and help others learn to read and write and if asked, freely help with anything he could, even if it meant being a "gofer" while working on a volunteer building project. 

Macrea has urged me to teach Grady all I know and freely admits that, like Dad, his strengths are in other, less hands-on, areas. I told him I'll teach the boy what I can.

Yesterday, Hambone earned the title of Tractor Boy by learning how to change the hydraulic fluid in an old tractor. It was just another rung up the learning ladder of life.

Here to pick up Sadie, Mel, Macrea, Hambone, and Cheeks, surprised Grandma Sargie by bringing a video game from the 80's, one she often played with her four sons and has talked about often. Something called, Toejammin' Earl.

Hmmm.

For over five hours on Monday afternoon, Toejammin' Earl was alive and well on our television screen with the normally quiet Grandma Sargie whooping and hollering, her fingers deftly manipulating the controller. 

I'm not a gamer, not even a card player to speak of. Quickly growing bored and missing the beautiful day outside, I quietly stepped out the door and worked on the tractor.

We bid the kids goodbye late in the afternoon. Bone's on spring break and Macrea had taken a vacation day. Mel's still on maternity leave. Unfortunately, Macrea has to return to the real world today.

I enjoyed Sadie's company these past few days, but telling her goodbye wasn't difficult. Dogs, children, and young families, all seem to go together in one, big, loud, rambunctious, ball of loving chaos. 

I have been slowly acquiring those things needed for next year's AT hike. Another pair of Orange Insoles arrived yesterday. I've tried various brands and Orange seems to make my feet and arches the happiest. I still have two more pair to purchase between now and next February. Sargie will send them as needed as I make my way up the trail.

I think we're headed to Green Bay today, but still unsure. It's either today or Wednesday. Sargie's diamonds need to be checked before month's end for the lifetime warranty to remain in effect. 

Okay, it's finally daylight. Time to strap on those hikers and put a quick three to four miles under my feet.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Well, okay, maybe I'll miss her just a little bit.

Ivy's getting ready for Easter
She and Daddy decorated eggs Sunday afternoon

March 29, 2021 - Monday morning
15 degrees/partly cloudy/windy
Pentoga Road

Boy oh boy, there's just nuthin' to write about this morning as Sunday was a nuthin' day. At least Sargie accomplished sumthin'. She made a big ol' pot of clam chowder.

Me? I did nuthin'.

The weather was so lousy yesterday morning that my morning walk was postponed until later in the afternoon. Hiking through several inches of wet glop just didn't sound appealing.

Even Sadie was satisfied to stay inside. When we eventually ventured out, she managed to lose her tennis ball in the snow and seemed happy to return to her spot in front of my chair and sleep the day away.

Sargie and I watched a movie late yesterday afternoon, our excitement for the day. 

I ordered a pair of micro spikes to take on the trail next year. Expecting to encounter ice in the early going, the spikes are mini crampons, human tire chains with sharp picks, to help keep me from slipping while hiking up and down the mountains. 

I'll ship them back home along with my winter wear once I'm out of the Smokies and into warmer climes.

Micro spikes aren't cheap, but what are they worth?

Quite a bit compared to a hike ending injury.

I also purchased a brand new, genuine, knock-off, made-in-China, carburetor for the backhoe at a whopping $12. Easier and less expensive than installing a kit or simply cleaning the old carb, this will the the fourth year in a row I've purchased a new one. Hey, for $12 and ten minutes of my time, why not?

Speaking of all things mechanical, Andy sent a picture of the additions to his four wheeler. I'm told he now has complete surround sound for his stereo system and check out that light bar.

Ivy's two-up seat in the back looks more comfortable than my recliner. Seems both are ready to head out on the trails for the coming summer months.

Andy's heading back down to Louisiana to move an oil rig in the Gulf. He hopes to be back in Maine for a week or two before flying to El Salvador off the coast of Venezuela for another oil rig move. Eventually, once the Covid travel ban is lifted, he'll be working out of Norway. 

Hambone, Cheeks, Mel, and Macrea, arrived back home last night from a weekend vacation to Wisconsin Dells. Hambone told me yesterday on the phone that he mined all kinds of precious stones.

I'd bet good money Cheeks was more interested in her next bottle than finding gems or playing at the indoor water park.

What's on today's agenda? Put it this way, if I even breathe hard, I'll have expended more energy than any of yesterday's efforts. 

Naw, I'm heading out the door fairly soon for my morning hike. Though it's cold and windy right now, today's high is forecast to reach nearly 60 degrees. Should that actually happen, I'd like to drain the hydraulic fluids from the tractor and replace those. There's an Easter puzzle that needs to be finished in the shop at some point this week, and sometime today, the kids will be over to pick up Sadie. It'll be time to tell my fuzzball four-legged girlfriend goodbye.

Time to elevate the heart rate and get the day started.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

One of the local Lutheran churches at the top of Stambaugh Hill

I got out of bed this morning at 4 and looked out the window before promptly climbing back between the sheets and snuggling with Sargie.

March 28, 2021 - Sunday morning
30 degrees/cloudy/breezy
Pentoga Road

Ah, spring was pleasant while it lasted. Snow began falling last night and though the temperature was above freezing, it insisted on sticking. 

Amounts? Hard telling. We could have received several inches, but it quickly settled as it's more water than snow. With above average temperatures predicted for this coming week, it won't last long.

Before I begin on Saturday's nonstop, action packed, activities. I failed to mention in yesterday's writing the supper Sargie fixed on Friday night. 

Since it's Lent and being a good Irish Catholic girl, Sargie couldn't eat meat. Me, being a Protestant boy who if allowed, would eat meat 24/7, regardless of the day, settled on a New York strip steak grilled to a juicy medium rare.

So we compromised. Sargie happily ate shrimp, marinated in seasoned butter, with a Hawaiin seasoning, also grilled, while I had the steak. Oh, and I might have stolen a goodly portion of her shrimp. 

Surf and turf in the UP! What were the poor people eating for Friday night's supper?

I played the game Let's Install the New Muffler on the Ford Tractor Saturday afternoon. As usual, I could feel the mighty hand of Mom reach down and slap me between the ears a few times as I muttered some naughty words while skinning my knuckles and bumping my head.

The muffler itself was an easy fix. It was loosening the clamp that attaches the new muffler pipe to the manifold that became the challenge. 

I'll guarantee you that the clamp is the original that came with the tractor and probably hadn't been touched since the machine was made in June of 1952, the same month and year I was born.

I squirted all kinds of rust loosener, pounded with a vengeance, and was about to have a major hissy fit when the thing finally moved. 

The first problem was that I couldn't see. Regardless of how much light was shining from the work lamps, I just couldn't make my eyes focus.

I'm not a tool pansy, one of those types of shade tree mechanics who wipes off each individual tool and puts it precisely in place after each use. On the other hand, I have this hang up about sockets. Mine are kept in a tray in exact order according to size. I hate pawing through a pile of random sockets when looking for the needed size. 

Just when my normally pleasant personality was taking a plunge Saturday afternoon, an excited Sadie came along and stepped in the tray scattering umpteen million sockets under the tractor and all over the floor of the barn.

Sadie and I might not have been the best of friends at that exact moment. In fact, I received a triple slap from Mom directly after.

Then there were my hands. They kept getting in the way. I'd raise up to adjust the light or my trifocals and bump my head while skinning a knuckle at the same time. Oh, it was fun, but in the end, with the exception of a small leak between the manifold and connecting pipe, the old Ford 8N is once again a quiet running piece of man machine.

And what am I going to do about the small leak? Well, the tractor's owner occasionally has one himself and he's doing just fine. 

We'll just say both owner and tractor are, as Mississippi Brother Garry says, "good 'nuff."

Next up is a change of oil, filter, plugs, and hydraulic fluid, and my beloved tractor will be ready for another summer of work. 

 

Sadie is enjoying all the attention she's receiving this weekend. Sargie spent some time brushing her curly coat.

Of course, who can resist occasionally reaching down to pet the pooch. Absolutely not allowed onto the furniture, a bed, to counter surf, get into the trash, or putting her paws on a window sill to peer outside, Sadie's become adept at sitting on either Sargie's or my feet until she receives the amount of attention befitting a princess goldendoodle.

 

Sadie's proven my theory about children and dogs these past few days. Each will rise to most expectations and want to learn. It shows love and requires time and attention. Both expect boundaries and consequences and will respond accordingly. Sadie's no different. For the most part, she's a model pup and knows we love her dearly.

Speaking of model pups, ours will be heading home either this afternoon or Monday at some point. I'll admit, I'm going to miss the four-legged fuzzball. She's been my constant companion these past three days and we've had some great heart to heart talks. 

OK, time to get moving. I received this video from Matt. They are at their family condominium in Aruba and it appears the munchkins are having fun in the sun.

Lucky buggers.

Meanwhile, in the real world, it's time to shovel the snow from the back deck.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

  

Thankfully, we had Sadie to protect us from the monster Rumba.

March 27, 2021 - Saturday morning

24 degrees/partly cloudy/calm winds

Pentoga Road

We laughed at Sadie as she made all the pretenses of protecting Sargie and me from the robot Friday afternoon. Funny thing, as soon as the round vacuum emerged from under a bed, couch, or chair, the pup would run and hide around the closest corner. 

That Sadie, she's a brave one. 

Josh sent the munchkins' school pictures yesterday. All three are growing like weeds. In order, it's Ellie, Wyatt, and Cody. I know I'm biased, but dang, aren't they good lookin' kiddies?

Boy, Friday was a busy day, but a good one. I worked for almost an hour and a half in the shop early in the morning while waiting for Yooper Brother Mark to arrive for our usual Friday morning walk.

Most the time was spent just piddling around, cleaning and putting tools away.

I thought it would be fun to make an Easter puzzle, something other than a bunny rabbit with a basket filled with eggs that a young 'un might play with.

I'm doing this puzzle out of one inch scrap mahogany that was bound for the wood stove. It's hard and thick enough that it should withstand the pressure of little hands attempting to push the pieces in place.

Sadie and I took a walk deep into the woods to retrieve the flash card that's been in the trail cam since January 1st. I'm titling the following as:

Critters that live on Pentoga Road

Fisher

Bunny Rabbit

Deer

Coyote

Fox

Racoon

Sadie the Wild Dog of the North

While Sadie and I were tromping around the woods, Sargie began installing the ceiling fan in the spare room.

The truth be known, I arrived just in time to connect a few wires and assist in hanging it. Sargie did the rest.

The rest of the day was spent in the woods where I dropped five maple trees, three quite large. Naturally, I managed to hang up three out of the five and will need to use the tractor to pull two of those free and onto the ground.

One came loose using the four wheeler.

Sargie and Sadie to the rescue

Whoops. My aim's not nearly as good as it used to be.

I told my sons that I'm losing my tree cutting mojo. I'll use the tractor to pull them to the ground.

There's probably enough wood in those five trees to last us all of next winter, but I'll drop a few more this spring and let them dry so we'll have plenty of firewood by next fall.

We've played many games of fetch with Sadie who is the perfect pup. She's a girly girl dog, yet loves to run and mix it up a bit. Being a goldendoodle, she doesn't shed, hates to get her feet dirty if at all possible, and is perfectly content to lay at my feet. I'm going to hate to see her leave when the kids get back from their mini weekend vacation. 

Mark will be on his way fairly soon for our Saturday morning walk. If it warms up enough today, I'd like to install the new muffler and pipe on the tractor. If not, there's always the shop, plus whatever Sargie has planned. When it comes to springtime projects, she can be a girl out of control.

Meanwhile, Mark just sent a text saying he's on his way out. Time to get the day started.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Saying good night

 

March 26, 2021 - Friday morning

22 degrees/snow flurries/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Our day began almost an hour ago.  Sadie was at the edge of the yard, barely in the woods, doing her thing, when she heard something move, no doubt the boogie dog. If you're not already aware, the boogie dog is the constant companion of Hambone's most dreaded nightmare, the boogie man. 

Sadie cut short her morning constitution and almost knocked me over as she sprinted to the back door, leaving me at the mercy of whatever creature lurks in the deep, dark, early morning hours, eager to devour goldendoodles.

No thanks to my faithful (?) pup, I made it back to the house with nary a scratch or bite mark.

Thursday began with a long walk. Sadie had forgotten who leads whom when we go for our stroll and it took a mile or less before she finally decided that life is more pleasant when we walk my speed and not hers. 

After several miles, I thought I'd worn the pup to a frazzle, but as soon as we arrived home and she was let off the leash, the pup ran around the house and barn fifteen or twenty times before she was ready to come inside.

Part of the day was spent in the shop where I continued work on the life sized bulldog. Initially, I thought this project would be easier than most the smaller segmented/intarsia pieces I've done in the past, but the opposite is proving to be true.

Manhandling some of the giant pieces while sawing has been a challenge. At one point yesterday, I even had to use a handheld sabre saw. When able to utilize the scroll saw, I often had to stand to one side or away from the sawing table and bend way over to guide the wood.

It took quite a while to cut the exterior of the dog's lower half and piece it back together. (The head had been sawed over a month ago.) I'll begin cutting, shaping, and sanding individual pieces today. 

Neighbor Sue came for an afternoon visit and we enjoyed hearing stories of her late husband, the farm in its earlier days, and her family. Sue's a sweetheart.

Sadie and I ended the afternoon with a long game of fetch. Thankfully, I'd found Brutus's old throwing stick or my arm would be worn out. We played for over forty five minutes before the pup finally decided she'd had enough for one day.

Today looks to be much the same as Thursday. Yooper Brother Mark will be out for our usual Friday morning walk. No doubt, Sadie and I will spend time doing whatever it is big people and dogs do, and of course, the shop will be calling my name. 

It will be daylight soon. Time to get the day started.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

All worn out after a hard day of play