February 19, 2018 - Monday evening
20 degrees/cloudy/calm winds
Pentoga Road

The snow that was promised for the past two days fizzled out. I'm not complaining, but honestly, we haven't had a good old-fashioned snow storm in the past two years. It's been an inch here, a couple there, but nothing to speak of. 

We can't say the same of our temperatures. For the most part, they've been averaging far below normal. I recently read that Lake Superior is over 80% frozen, a rare occurrence. 

Monday started with the usual walk. 

Wild turkeys in a local yard

 I received notification today that the brushes for the lathe's motor will arrive via UPS tomorrow. I am so happy. Honestly, if I have to spend many more days making flowers, I'll consider opening a floral shop. 

With that said, I spent most the day making more flowers.



With the snow and freezing rain coming down, I was happy to sit in the living room making and painting several. 



If I have a need for a project that requires flowers in the future, there should be quite a variety.



There are several bowls and vases I've turned over the past month that I plan to decorate. No doubt, the flowers will be used fairly soon.

I learned this afternoon that my oldest grandson, Coleman, is seeded number one in his weight class for a large upcoming New England wrestling tournament.

Coleman placed second in one tournament this past weekend, but ended up pinning his final opponent in another for a victory.

Sargie made it home this evening without any problems. I fixed a huge chicken stew for supper. No one around here went hungry.

Sargie opens the Vision Center Tuesday morning. No doubt, I'll go for my walk then wait for UPS to deliver the brushes. After that, it'll be back to business as usual in the shop.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

After I made a red rose Sunday evening, Senora Sargie couldn't resist tucking it behind her ear.

February 18, 2018 - Sunday evening 

29 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Sargie and I have been binge watching Criminal Minds on Netflix all evening so I thought I'd go ahead and write tonight. She opens the Vision Center in the morning and time will be short before leaving for my walk.

Today's been a nice, lazy, day. We were slow to get around and when we did, were in no hurry.

A few groceries were picked up in town later in the morning, Cokes purchased, and Sargie's car filled with gas. 

After, we took a ride around the area simply enjoying the afternoon. The forecast snow failed to materialize so we were able to take our time.

The rest of today has been spent working on the current bowl and flowers in the living room. 

Sargie has done several loads of laundry, we've enjoyed a big Sunday meal of fried chicken, and of course, there's the binge watching of past episodes of Criminal Minds.  

Sargie opens in the morning. I'll go for my walk and see what the rest of the day brings. There's still snow in the forecast and I have no plans to go anywhere. No doubt, I'll end up in the shop working on one project or the other.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Jerad scored on a huge pike Saturday afternoon

February 18, 2018 - Sunday morning

5 degrees/cloudy/calm winds

Pentoga Road

I'd say Yooper Brother Mark's little guy, Jerad, did well for himself out on the ice yesterday. Other than fishing in the arctic, I've never caught a northern pike that big. Mark said it measured around 36 inches. Nice fish!

I did catch a pike that, had there been an official scale within a hundred miles, would have been an Alaska state record. The two scales Brother Elmer and I had both registered 34 pounds. I'll dig a picture or two out over the next couple of days.

I kept busy Saturday doing a lot of little catch-up jobs. Sargie didn't leave for work until mid morning, so it was close to noon before I arrived home from my walk. The day was warm, in the low twenties, but breezy.

My first task was to find out why Mom's car leaked where the hatchback lifts. The last two times we've gone through the car wash, water has poured inside.

It didn't take long to find the problem. Seems a hex bolt had worked its way loose and was missing. The piece that holds the rubber gasket had pulled away causing a gap between the body and the door.

For once, I was happy that I've kept every nut and bolt that I've come across since the day I was born, jars and jars of them. After some searching, I found the specialized bolt and the problem was soon remedied.

With the possibility of significant snow in the forecast, I filled the fuel tanks on the snowblower and four wheeler and spent a while doing some basic maintenance on both. There's nothing worse than trying to work  barehanded on a piece of snow removal equipment when it's needed, especially if it breaks down outside in a snowstorm. It's one of those better safe than sorry type of things.

It was mid afternoon before I came in. There were still a couple of uploads that needed to be completed to the Wisconsin Dept of Public Instruction for my substitute teaching certificate.

Transcripts from my undergrad years in the early 70's. I thought when it came to teaching, I had all the answers. All you had to do was ask me. Looking back, I now realize I was dumber than a box of dirt.

I THINK I'm safe in saying that all the paperwork has been turned in to the district and the state. Now, it's a waiting game until the license is issued.

The sun was getting long in the sky and it was simply too nice of a day to stay inside. I strapped the hiking boots on for the second time on Saturday and trekked another four miles, making a total of eight for the day. 

I know there's a fine line between getting/staying in shape and wearing out the knee/leg/hip joints that aren't quite as durable as they used to be. Walking and hiking is something I really enjoy. I guess if something wears out, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. It beats sitting on the couch watching television and eating a bag of chips. 

I have several goals associated with this long distance hiking. The nearest is this summer's Pictured Rocks Trail hike along the shores of Lake Superior that is forty-two miles in length. I've done it three times in the past five years. It's a fun and easy trek that takes three, possibly four, days.

My four sons and I have pledged that we'll summit Mt. Washington in New Hampshire when I turn seventy. Unlike the Pictured Rocks hike, it's a very difficult assent and descent to do all in one day and is not for anyone who is the least bit out of shape. 

Andy, Josh, me, Luke, Matt on Mt. Washington, the summer of my 60th birthday. At 6 ft tall, you'll notice I'm the little guy.

We did it on my sixtieth birthday and I walked away in good shape. There's no doubt in my mind that I could do it now. Hopefully, I'll feel the same way four years down the road.

6,289 feet. Up and back all in one day.

And of course, there's the East Coast granddaddy of them all, the Appalachian Trail. I may give myself a seventieth birthday present and attempt to hike the 2,000 plus mile trail that summer. It's doubtful I'd make it, but I have every intention of trying. Few people that age have been successful, but what a wonderful way to celebrate the later years of a wonderful life. Only time will tell.

Okay, it's time to quit dreaming and move along. Sargie's off today and no doubt, we'll go for our usual ride. With snow in the forecast, it's probably better that we go sooner rather than later.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

The skies were red this morning before the clouds moved in. Could it be a harbinger of inclement weather ahead? 

My buddy, John, retired Superintendent of Schools in Sitka, sent this picture of a two-and-a-half pound perch he caught in northern Idaho. The boy sure knows how to rub it in. John lives half the year in Boise, ID, the other in Sitka.

February 17, 2018 - Saturday morning
13 degrees/cloudy/breezy
Pentoga Road

It's quiet around here this morning. My buddy, Chief, has left the building. Melinda arrived yesterday, mid morning, and carted the big puppy back home.

My few days with Chief taught me a few things:

The first is that I'm no longer a strong and husky young man who recovers quite so quickly after a lengthy wrestling match with a large playful pup. 

I've grown spoiled in my old age and have developed set routines that haven't included taking a puppy outside for one reason or the other. 

I learned that I miss having a dog here to talk with  while I'm alone. Even at six months of age, Chief was a great listener. While talking with him, his eyes never broke contact with mine and I felt as though he could empathize with what I was saying.

I discovered how much I miss that fat, old, bulldog, Brutus. He was past the puppy stage when he came to live with us and for whatever reason, he simply fit into our lifestyle. He served as my gatekeeper in and out of the woods and as the best four-legged friend a man and his wife could want. 

I don't know what I'm trying to say. Probably nothing. Just thinking out loud through my fingers.

Well, I've decided to take a leap of faith and try substitute teaching one more time. Call me crazy. I am.

Actually, it's all Mom and Dad's fault. They taught my sister and me that if we wanted something bad enough, we'd work and earn the money to purchase it. 

My first major purchase was in 1960 when our local hardware store had a Schwinn bicycle displayed in their front window. It was the Cadillac of bikes at the time, but came with the hefty price tag of $67. 

I asked Mom and Dad if they would buy it for me. Both said if I wanted it, I'd have to earn the money. I doubt Dad was bringing home much more than that amount per week. 

So I became a salesman. I signed up with the Springfield Christmas Card Company and sold cards to the entire neighborhood. By late fall, I'd earned $80 in commissions, enough to buy the bike, a lock, and side baskets.

The hardware store owner agreed to hold the bike until spring and it was a proud boy who peddled his hard-earned prize home once the snow and ice had melted. The Schwinn and I became best friends and countless sets of tires were replaced right into my college years. 

Forward the clock to the present day. Our living room needs new windows and to be thoroughly insulated with a central heating duct piped into the area. The wood stove works well, but as the years pass, the wood seems to be getting heavier. There's also a riding mower that's on it's last wheels, a shop addition, a desired new lathe, etc. 

Are they necessities? Absolutely not. 

Are they worth working for? You bet.

".... if you want something bad enough, work for it."

So, I'm going to try substitute teaching one more time. Seems Florence, Wisconsin, needs subs and the pay's not bad. A couple of days a week? Why not.

I talked at length with the principal before starting the application process and was assured that he ran a tight ship. I hope he's more than just talk. If this doesn't work, I'll kiss the modern education process goodbye permanently. Life's too short.

As I told Sargie, I need to keep my mouth shut and remember that I'm not the classroom teacher or an administrator, simply a temporary replacement. Just as importantly, I need to keep my eye on the prize, new windows and insulation for the living room and all the other goodies mentioned above.

So, I've been going through all the legalities of becoming a certified sub in the State of Wisconsin. Yesterday saw me being finger printed, the day before scanning and sending a pile of university transcripts. I think I'm ready.

Yooper Brother Mark and Sheri picked me up last evening and we met Sargie in Florence for a Friday night fish fry. Since it's on her way home from Iron Mountain, it worked out perfectly. The meal was delicious, the company even better. After, Mark and Sheri stopped by the house for an hour of gabbing and catching up.

Sargie closes tonight. I'll go for my usual walk then see what the rest of the day has in store. It's windy, not a great day for playing outside. Oh well, there's plenty indoors to do.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Bye, Chief. See 'ya next time.

The oscillating spindle sander Sargie gave me for Valentine's Day

February 15, 2018 - Thursday evening

21 degrees/cloudy skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

Thursday was a lazy day on Pentoga Road. Since it was our Valentine's Day due to Sargie's working on Wednesday, we were slow in getting around. 

It was mid morning before we exchanged gifts and cards. I was really surprised when Sargie gave me an oscillating spindle sander.

It will be most helpful when I'm sanding the inside curves of any project. Up until now, I've always sanded them by hand or with a Dremel. This will save a lot of time and do a much better job.

Sargie and I took our usual drive today. The weather had turned cold and at one point, the wipers were clearing mist off the windshield.

Late afternoon and evening saw us playing with Chief, watching television, and gabbing. Like I said, a lazy day.

Sargie opens the Vision Center Friday morning. I'll ride with her a few miles down the road and walk back.

Chief will be heading home Friday. It'll be awfully quiet around here without my active four legged buddy. I've got some paperwork to complete then plan to finish the chalice/bowl. 

It's time to make breakfast and get Sargie's lunch packed. 

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Chief sporting his cold weather boots

Grady (middle) and his friends celebrated Valentine's Day in style!

February 15, 2018 - Thursday

24 degrees/clear skies/windy

Pentoga Road

Let me wish you a happy Valentine's Day a day late. Since Sargie had to work yesterday, we agreed to celebrate the day of love today. I'm not certain what that means, but we'll be exchanging gifts later and of course, take our usual drive and go out to eat. 

Along with a dozen red roses, I made this for Sargie. Since it's our first year of marriage, it seemed to best express my feelings for her during this Valentine's season.

Happy Valentine's Day, Sargie. I love you.

We enjoyed a one day February thaw on Wednesday. At one point, the thermometer was registering 54 degrees. Today's high is to be a relatively balmy 33, then tomorrow's peak is forecast to reach 17. It's back to winter.

It may have been warm on the surface, but the township waterline froze and needed to be thawed. This was one time that I was grateful we have our own well.

I spent some time in the shop and applied epoxy to a crack in the bowl, did some sanding, but really didn't accomplish too much. I didn't mind. It was much too nice of a day to be inside.

Chief and I played for several hours. Well, he played. I spent most the afternoon sitting in a lawn chair in front of the barn soaking up the sun while he ran from one tree to the other, no doubt battling imaginary fire-breathing squirrels.

His favorite activity was helping to bring in the firewood. When a piece would drop out of the wheel barrow, he'd pick it up and take it BACK to the wood shed.

No amount of coaxing could get him to carry it the other way. Tiring of waiting for a piece to hit the ground, he soon learned that he could just reach into the wheel barrow and grab a small chunk. 

Good news on Sargie's car. Seems a weight had fallen off a tire and a front wheel was out of balance. We went in last night after Sargie got home to pick up the Kia. The wobble has completely disappeared. It was the least expensive mechanic's bill I've had in years.

It's time to end, get this uploaded, and begin our delayed Valentine's Day. Chief's been outside and done his thing and I'm going to sip another cup of coffee while I wait for my Valentine to get out of the shower so we can celebrate together.

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

While we bask in wintertime temperatures, our friends and Chief's owners, Tom and Melinda, are soaking up the sun in Mexico.

February 13, 2018 - Tuesday evening

24 degrees/cloudy skies/breezy

Pentoga Road

We just arrived home from dropping the Kia off at the mechanic's. I was hoping the shimmy that developed yesterday was caused by a build up of ice and snow in the wheel well, but that's not the cause. We'll find out tomorrow what's causing it to wobble all over the road.

Today flew by. After taking Chief outside early this morning, he was returned to his kennel while I took my morning stroll.

Once home, Chief and I took some time to play and work on tricks while the shop warmed up. 

The next couple of hours were spent salvaging the bowl, a chalice really, I began turning yesterday. 

The top had to be turned down, the inside rounded, but in the end, I think it's salvageable. 

Made from spalted maple, I left the tenon on the bottom so it can be mounted back on the lathe to finish sanding and polishing. There's also a small crack into which I injected epoxy mixed with sawdust. That will be sanded smooth.

There was a small emergency in the shop this afternoon. The lathe was working perfectly when suddenly the motor stopped. Everything came to a grinding halt. 

After doing some inspections, I discovered the carbon brushes which conduct the electricity from the coil to the moving parts in the motor were worn down.

A quick temporary fix was performed by utilizing a small piece of wadded sand paper wedged against the top part of one brush to cause it to once again conduct the current.

I'll order a set of new brushes tomorrow. At $2.50 a pair, I'll order two or three sets.

I was asked the other day what ever happened to the goldfish that called the garden pond home last summer. I'm happy to report that they are alive and well, merrily swimming in a fifty gallon tote downstairs in the basement.

It shouldn't be more than another six weeks to two months and they'll be back in the pond for the spring, summer, and fall, months.

Sargie was home early tonight then followed me into town so we could leave the Kia at the mechanic's. After a quick stop for a burger, we came back home.

Tomorrow's Valentine's Day. Since Sargie closes tomorrow night, we decided to celebrate this coming Thursday, her day off. 

Chief likes me, but he LOVES Sargie. 

I think Chief and I will celebrate Valentine's Day by playing fetch, practicing new tricks, and when he takes one of his daily naps, I'll sneak out to the shop and try to finish the chalice.

Some friends Tom and Melinda are... sending us a picture like this one in the middle of February. 

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

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...