Makenna just turned four months old and she's a happy girl!

October 7, 2020 - Wednesday morning

45 degrees/clear skies/breezy

Pentoga Road

Nothing makes a person smile, even an old, crusty, guy like me, like a happy baby. She's sure a cutie pie.

Tuesday was a busy day on Pentoga Road. Arriving home from my early morning walk and waiting for Jambo to go fishing, I decided to begin vacuuming the leaves around the side of the garage and back deck to use as mulch in the garden.

Our very inexpensive electric leaf blower also converts into a vacuum that will chop leaves and blow them into an attached bag. I discovered several years ago that it's perfect for making mulch.

I was on a roll when Jambo texted, saying he was standing me up and going fishing with Dr. Paul, his son. That was fine as the weather was perfect and I wanted to get as many leaves as possible blown, sucked, raked, or moved from the yard.

It wasn't long before the garden was covered with several inches of chopped leaves. I'll till each bed yet this week, mixing the mulch and soil. Other than where the rutabagas are growing, the garden is ready for a long winter's nap.

Sargie was busy doing laundry and other housework, so I returned back outside after breakfast and attacked the leaves in a more conventional manner, with either the blower or a good old fashioned rake.

Weighing very little, I raked huge piles onto a large tarp to drag off into the woods. 

I was almost finished when I saw Sargie carrying yard ornaments and summer furniture to the storage container. The girl was on a roll. Not wanting to discourage her, I thought I'd better roll right alongside her.

Before anything large could go into the storage container, the snowmobile had to come out. Putting the machine on dollies, we rolled it to the front of the building and outside. The Tundra started with one pull and before I knew it, I was enjoying a snowless ride on the grass around the front meadow.

Sargie and I were a team of shakers and movers that couldn't be stopped. Everything from Grady's tractor (that wouldn't start) along with the lawn and garden equipment, to the large chipper/shredder, was started, given a dose of gas stabilizer, shut off, and put away for the year.

Ending Sargie the Stilt's season, even the basketball standard was drained of water and readied for the winter. 

Storm clouds were quickly gathering on the horizon. I was about to store the two wheeled weed trimmer when Sargie reminded me the hostas and hollyhocks needed cutting.

I raced from one bed to the other and had just put the machine under cover when the torrential rain arrived. The day was done and what a busy day it had been!

We enjoyed fried fish for supper last night. Aunt Joanne called and later, Brother Doctor Reverend Pat called from California. We had the most wonderful chat while catching up on each other's lives. Pat and I talked of possibly meeting in Sitka next year with our brides for a week of visiting, fishing, and camaraderie. 

On today's agenda: Beats me. I need to purchase electrical supplies to run electricity in the garden shed. We'd talked of doing some shopping, somewhere. I'm guessing Rhinelander, but who knows? That's one of the fun things about being retired. 

Hmm, sounds like a road trip to me. We'll get the songs going, turn up the volume, and sing our way to where ever our destination might be.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Monday was a beautiful, warm, but very windy, day

October 6, 2020 - Tuesday morning

44 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

It's a slow news morning on Pentoga Road this AM. Monday reminded me of a late spring day. Warm temperatures accompanied by a wind blowing in excess of twenty mph with much higher gusts blasted us throughout the day. Though the thermometer registered into the upper 50's, the gale that blew made it feel colder.

Put it this way, I had no desire to strip down and take a dip in the garden pond. I'm fearful I'd have come out with less than I went in with.

Yesterday morning's walk was beautiful. I'm saddened to see the majority of our colors blown to the ground. It'll be just a matter of time before the landscape will feature the hues of winter, gray, black, and white.

Arriving home, Sargie and I went to town so I could get the electrical components needed to complete the illuminated pumpkin and make it come to life.

Of course, we took our time and enjoyed a ride through one of our state parks. The falling leaves looked almost like snow as the wind blew them from the branches.

Back on Pentoga Road, I busied myself making a box on which to mount the pumpkin, then assembled the electrical components for the light.

Not everything fit exactly right, so with Sargie's help, I manufactured a wooden washer to make it all come together.

In the end, it all worked and I could check a wooden Jack-O-Lantern off my project list.

While in the shop, Rose stopped with a load of mahogany wood sent by her son-in-law, Kyle. We didn't even hear her and were surprised to find the new stack of wood in the barn. 

We're going to start calling Rose the Wood Fairy.

Sargie and I, both, needed to get away a bit, go somewhere, do something, so I asked her out on a date. 

Our first stop was at Hambone's to deliver the Jack-O-Lantern and one of this year's pumpkins grown in the garden.

We had a short, but good time, catching up on the news.

A full five months into her pregnancy, Mel's doing well. We're looking forward to welcoming our fourteenth grandbaby, a girl, into the world this coming February.

I told you it was a date night, right? I kind of thought maybe Sargie and I would go parking. You know, keep the spice and pizazz in the marriage... a bit of action to elevate the old heart rate.

Well, we did just that. With indoor dining closed due to the Covid virus, we had a very romantic dinner sitting in a dark parking lot facing highway US 2, chomping burgers, chicken strips, and French fries, while watching the traffic go zooming by. 

We're so wild and crazy, party animals, completely out of control. No wonder Sargie and I smile so much.

Our date night over, we were back home where I fell asleep in my chair well before bedtime. Honestly, I don't remember going to bed, so either Sargie carried me up the steps or I walked in my sleep the entire way. 

Today looks to be a busy one. I'm going for my walk at first light. Jambo stopped by yesterday and we talked about a quick jaunt onto the lake in search of giant crappies, but that's only if it's not too windy. He has a couple of pieces of metal roofing that have blown loose on the roof of his barn. I told him I'd lend a hand to nail those back down. 

Then there are the leaves, leaves, and more leaves, to get rid of, but again, it all depends on the wind.

Hmm, maybe I'll try to get Sargie to go parking one more time. I think sitting in a dark parking lot along a busy highway with an offer of her favorite ice cream cone or hot fudge sundae might do it. If she's still hesitant, I'm willing to throw in a Coke.

She's not easy, you know. No one ever accused Sargie of being that kind of girl.

Time to go for a walk.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Our flag blew straight out all day Monday

With the exception of the youngest and oldest, it appears the Pennington grandbabies were having a good time this past weekend. 

October 5, 2020 - Monday morning

28 degrees/partly cloudy skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

There are times when I'd like to kick myself for living so far away from my family. This past weekend was one of them. The sons and all met at Matt's for a family gathering in New Hampshire and the word I received was that they all had a good time. 

Originally, Sargie and I were planning on making a fall drive to see the family and eventually meeting up with Mississippi Brother Garry and Miss Jody. As with everything else in life, this Covid thing put a damper on that. We were planning on going anyway, but decided to heed the advice given and remain at home. With all the quarantines and crazy idiots that are roaming around during these strange times, we're better off staying in place. 

Sunday was a good day. I skipped my morning walk in favor of working in the shop where I sawed and painted a simple Jack-O-Lantern. I ordered a flickering bulb that mounts into a box (still to be made) behind the carved pumpkin and hopefully, when the project is finished, the Jack-O-Lantern will resemble the real thing.

Sargie and I took a nice ride into town. One of our stops was at Yooper Brother Mark and Sheri's where we had a great catch-up visit. We made another at Jerad and Jenna's before using the drive-through at McDonalds for Sargie's Coke.

We stopped at the local lake and found Jambo's daughter, Amelia, her husband, Pierre, and of course, Elise, who was particularly delighted at throwing rocks into the water.

The rest of the afternoon was spent finishing installing insulation in the garden house. I also sprayed a can of foam around any places where the insulation board was used to eliminate any potential cold air leakage. 

It was chilly, but pleasant. I asked Sargie if she wanted to go fishing, but my favorite fishing partner declined, citing cold temperatures as the reason. With temperatures in the mid 40's, I decided to go on ahead. 

It didn't seem quite right as there's something/someone missing in this picture.

Sargie was correct. It was a bit nippy on the water, especially later, when the wind began to blow. The Crappie Queen must have sent her master angler charm with me in spirit as I managed to catch a nice mess of fish before shivering my way back home.

I'm not certain what was colder, sitting on the water without wearing the proper clothing or cleaning my catch, my hands constantly in cold water while rinsing each filet. 

A hot shower and donning clean clothes finally warmed my body and with a full belly, sleep was very easy to come by last night.

I'm not certain what today will bring, but I'm fairly certain that if the wind stays down, it will involve leaves. There are feet and feet of them sitting in the side yard and on the drive. Jambo's at his camp and we talked about going fishing at some point. I'd like to go to Home Depot in Iron Mountain and purchase enough wire, outlets, switches, etc. to run electricity in the garden house, and the list goes on and on.

Meanwhile, it's time to go for my morning walk.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road... 

October 3, 2020 - Saturday evening
41 degrees/cloudy skies/calm winds
Pentoga Road

Today's been a chilly one. Going for my walk early, I enjoyed abundant sunshine for over three miles. Unfortunately, the clouds rolled in midmorning and remained for the rest of the day.

I was busy tying up a few loose ends today, none of which required any huge amount of time.

I finished hanging insulation on the ceiling and all but one wall. 

Another hour should see that job finished. Next will be installing electricity, running wire and outlets throughout the garden house.

Sargie and I enjoyed a long Saturday afternoon drive. We stopped at one store and found a strange driver in the car next to ours.

Back home, a few moments were taken to sing karaoke. We laughed as we warbled, often in an animated manner. I'm glad none of our sons were around as I'm fairly certain they'd have had us committed.

Last winter's heavy snow and wind played havoc with the outside television antenna. I crawled up the ladder, then onto a step stool to be high enough that I could do what was needed.

With the antenna straightened and pointing in the right direction, I turned my attentions to installing a cap on the flue of the outdoor wood furnace. Once again, last winter's heavy snow falling off the roof of the barn destroyed the old one. The stove is ready for this coming winter.

Other than working with me outside for much of this afternoon, Sargie performed some her best kitchen magic ever by making barbecued baby back ribs. Along with a fresh fruit/cottage cheese salad and sautéed mushrooms, the ribs were absolutely perfect and the best I've ever eaten, bar none.

Other than finish insulating the garden shed, I hope to spend Sunday in the shop. Of course, all that is subject to change on a whim, but for tonight, that's the plan.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

October 3, 2020 - Saturday early morning
33 degrees/clear skies/calm winds
Pentoga Road

My body is so screwed up right now that I don't know whether it's Friday night or Saturday morning. I went to bed a couple of hours ago and after tossing around for a bit, fell into a light sleep. Unfortunately, I awakened when Sargie came upstairs an hour later and having already had a "nap" of an hour, lay in bed wide awake. Rather than toss and turn, I decided to  get up and write the daily blog.

Much of it is my own fault. I had a horrible headache earlier Friday evening and took a couple of Exedrin Migraine pills in which one of the main ingredients is caffeine. Hopefully, it will wear off sooner rather than later.

Friday morning's walk was a chilly one. I've begun wearing a stocking cap and gloves in addition to a flannel shirt and vest each morning. 

Returning home, I noticed the water in our front fountain was flowing rather thickly. Since nightly temperatures are near freezing, it's time to drain, clean, and bring it in for the year.

With Sargie's help, I finally cleaned the garden. There was plenty, enough immature melons, pumpkins, squash, flowers, and vines, to fill the trailer.  Everything was eventually hauled to Jambo's field for the deer to enjoy.

We worked up another batch of apples to dehydrate this afternoon. Sargie recently purchased a new peeler/corer after we'd worn out the previous two. Once we begin working up the giant Wolf River apples, we'll have to slice and core each by hand as they are entirely too large to fit into the machine. Still, it's nice we can do all the Macintosh mechanically.

With the garden beds cleaned, I could finally resume insulating the garden house with a clear conscience.

I'm optimistic that the job might be completed yet this weekend. With lumber/wall covering selling for almost three times its normal price, I'm unsure if any will be purchased yet this fall. Assuming the prices will eventually return to normal, I may wait until next spring.

  

At least the garden house will be insulated and can be used to start and raise next year's bedding plants. It just won't look nearly as nice.

So that's the news from Friday. This weekend looks to be chilly, but rain free. There's the insulation to work on, a new project to begin in the shop, a walk to take, more apples to dehydrate, and no doubt, an afternoon ride or two to enjoy.

The rutabagas, grown for the Milligan Thanksgiving Feast, did well this summer and will remain in the ground until just before the soil freezes solid. Cold temperatures turns the starch to sugar making the "baggies" especially sweet.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Like I've said before, beauty is everywhere, even if you have to get out and clean it off your windshield. 

October 20, 2020 - Friday morning

29 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I just finished building a fire in the stove. Mostly, we've managed to get by with having a fire in the evenings or perhaps, a quick one in the morning to get the chill out of the air. That ended Thursday with a flame burning throughout the day. 

I took advantage of the clear skies first thing Thursday to go for my walk. 

It's a good thing I did as the skies soon became cloudy and the wind increased with rain falling intermittently throughout the day.

The salvage company arrived mid morning to haul the old Man Truck away. 

I sure got my money's worth out of that old beast. Paying $600 for it eleven years ago, the salvage company handed me a check for $225 yesterday. 

Sargie asked after if I was sad to see it go. Lots of memories and fire wood are attached to that truck, but sad? Naw. Like many other vehicles I've owned over the past fifty years, it was a tool, a good one, but just a tool with which to haul whatever needed transporting.

When it comes time that I have to part with the old Ford tractor, well, that's when a tear or two might be shed.

The bread bowl was completed Thursday afternoon. I can't remember learning so much so quickly as I did making it. 

One thing I can tell you is that mahogany has the finest sawdust of any wood with which  I've ever worked. That being said, I spent over two hours cleaning the shop later in the afternoon and am still not completely finished.

With more permanent freezing temperatures forecast, Sargie and I brought in the last of the pumpkins, those that had some orange on them, but were still mostly green.

The large squash have another two to three weeks in which to turn orange. Otherwise, they'll be hauled up to Jambo's field for deer food.

Sargie made her stuffed spaghetti squash yesterday for supper. All I can say is, man oh man, it's delicious and was a perfect dish for a chilly evening, especially after being outside for much of the day.

It's getting to be daylight, almost time to strap on the hikers and put a few miles under these old feet of mine.

I'm hoping to finish cleaning the shop today before doing the same with the garden beds. No rain is forecast to fall, so MAYBE this will be the day. It's time to exchange my summer wear for that of winter. I'm beginning to miss my long sleeved t-shirts. It's that time of year.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

On her way to the mailbox.

Just like a little kid, Sargie can't resist finding where the leaves are the deepest and walking/kicking her way through.