Friday, October 23, 2026

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!

Thursday, October 22, 2026

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.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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!

Monday, October 19, 2026

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!


Sunday, October 18, 2026

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.

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Weekend Steam II: Last Week...

 Boonville, Indiana...


This Weekend, go to Pinckneyville. The Fall Festival is still going Sunday!

Friday, October 16, 2026

Weekend Steam: Sentinel Steam Lorrie

 1931 Model, a real young'un!  Many Thanks, Merle!

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Another Foster Schipperke!

 


Buddy is our newest foster Schipperke, coming to us from quarantine at a veterinarian's office.  Buddy was surrendered because of life changes in the owner's life, and he is a sweet dog. He appears to be housebroken and he likes to cuddle up to us on the couch. We will be learning more about him in the days to come. He should be an easy one to place in a new home. 

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Necessary Task Every Fall

 Don't get too excited, this is a boring video! This is a necessary task we do before we light up in the Fall and again about halfway through Winter. A dirty chimney will catch fire, and possibly burn your house to the ground, so, pre-empt trouble and clean that chimney before you fire up in the Fall. Do not wait until the flue is not drawing well; that is inviting trouble! If you do let your chimney choke, it's a sure thing that smoke will be belching into your living room every time you open the stove, and an inch of ice will be on your roof so you can't go up there!