99 Years Is A Mighty Long Time

 Dwain (Dad) would have been 99 years old today.  He passed away at age 77. Jerry was born 4 1/2 years after dad, and he made it to 87. Their father was gone at age 40 from a perforated ulcer. His father was also dead at 40 from tuberculosis. So, things are getting better. I have to go more than two more years to keep this trend going. Take good care of yourself!  

Speaking of longevity, October 28 is the day my dear Aunt Bessye was born in 1892. She made it to age 94. She is the one that everyone in the family said would not live too long! Bessye is sitting next to Carl in this photo from their wedding day in 1917.

The Babe In Arms on the right side of the photo is a cousin. He took care of Bessye in her final years. A good guy! He handed me boxes of Bessye and Carl's photos and negatives. Dad's mother Orpha is in front of him, ten years before Dad came along. 

Tuesday Torque: Century Old Mack Truck...

 The teardown is not going to be smooth. Sixty years ago when I was more active with old iron, an engine sitting out and rusting wasn't so far gone from its active years. Add sixty years to twenty-five or thirty, and it is a different game. I wish him well and will have to come back and watch for updates. 

Fun, Fun, Fun!

New Pony!

Full Chisel!  Back To The Old Grind!

 

Weekend Steam II:

 I apologize for the delay. Sundays get busy around here... The Silverton train is a great ride this time of year!

Weekend Steam: A Charming Scene!

 I looked up some of the commenters, and this is in France.  Many Thanks, Merle for spotting this nostalgic farm scene!

Did You Miss Your Cuts?

 Don't go nuts trying more cuts to make it right. Make sure they pass each other, then wedge or push with equipment to tear the fibers holding the tree in place.

Gas Powered Threshing At Boonville

 Gas tractors for threshing was part of the evolution to the high-tech combines of today. One man could operate the tractor and you no longer needed a water boy to help keep the steamer operating.

Wednesday Windage II: .38 Wadcutters For Self Defense

 Back in the Eighties, gun writers were talking about loading hollow base swaged wadcutters backwards to have a super-spreading hollow point.  I think that loading would not do well on penetration, especially if multiple layers of clothing had to be traversed. .38 Special is an easy shooter in a full size revolver, and Plus-P ammo is easy, too, in pistols other than lightweight snubbies. Soft, swaged bullets need to be held to standard pressure and speed to prevent stripping lead into your riflings. Hard cast bullets can be pushed faster, and will perform well on up to black bears in a pinch.  Here are Mas Ayoob's thoughts on the subject.

Wednesday Windage: Tim Sundles, Why Carry A .45?

 I am enjoying my .45s, and visitors do pretty well with them, too. I use standard pressure loads. No bears in our neighborhood!

Tuesday Torque: Armstrong Starter Won't Do It!

 Thanks, Merle!  

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Excitement, Then Same Old, Same Old

 

The 66 Mustang has been residing in our barn for fourteen years, and the shirttail relative who owns it is finally ready to start working on it. He came last week and we loaded it up. Barns are not good places to let cars rest. It's MOUSY!  

After all of that excitement, it was back to business. I have two hickories on the ground to split and stack, and a couple of dead black oaks that have to be dropped.

We also take some time to enjoy the wildlife roaming around the yard. Dusty will be out this week, I think, to look for a buck.  Back To The Old Grind!

Weekend Steam III: Valley Hills Antique Power Club...

 ...Morganton, North Carolina. The Charlote-Mecklenburg Fire Department brought their steam pumper to the show. These machines are rare, and always a crowd pleaser. Thanks, Merle, for spotting this one!

Here is another video, with more of this show.