Pawpaw getting a bit of lovin' from Cheeks

May 31, 2021 - Monday/Memorial Day
49 degrees/cloudy/calm winds
Pentoga Road

Thank you to all who have served or are serving to ensure our freedom from those who would take it from us. 

And to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I especially thank you. God bless America.

It's a quick one this morning as I need to get out to the shop and finish a Memorial Day project before the day gets too far along. It's no secret that springtime is the busiest time of year and now it seems the days have slipped away these past couple of weeks. 

It's crunch time.

Yesterday was action packed. Hambone and I spent much of it together, enjoying those alone times that can only be shared between a grandfather and his grandson. I only wish my other grandsons were closer so I could have the same moments with each.

It was Hambone's first ever walk of more than a few blocks. We set out on an ambitious four mile jaunt.

Never having done anything that strenuous or challenging, Grady was initially hesitant. In fact, at one point, he saw a hill and exclaimed, "OH NO! We have to go up THAT?"

I offered to let him wait for me alongside the road, then under my breath, just loud enough for him to hear, mumbled, "I hope a bear doesn't come along."

Hambone quickly ran and caught up.

 

We had a good time along the way, stopping every so often to make a video, and of course, talking. He said at one point that he was never going to take a long walk again, but once back home, with his head held high, exclaimed to his father how much fun it was. 

I like to think that I taught the boy something yesterday, that pride can't be given, but must be earned. 

I'm proud of Bone. He did it.

 

We had several more hours of alone/guy time around the pond and in the garden. I started calling him Hambone - The Tadpole Hunter as he scooped hundreds, if not thousands, from the pond. 

I told him he should take them home, but I think Daddy has other ideas. No doubt, they'll be poured from the bucket back into the pond, there to grow into frogs.

Sargie, Cheeks, and Macrea, spent much of yesterday together, shopping and doing other mother/son/granddaughter activities. I know they had a good time.

With Macrea as my assistant, I fried fish for supper last night. 

If anyone was hungry after, it was his own fault. The platter was full to overflowing with sizzling filets and everyone knows that a fish fry wouldn't be complete without huge bowls of ice cream after for dessert.

Today's the annual Mighty Milligan Memorial Day Celebration high atop Milligan Mountain. We'll leave later today for an afternoon of celebration and family fun. 

The sun is up and there's just enough time to get in my four mile walk before heading to the shop. 

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...