Weekend Steam: Cute, But Not Even Close!

 Funny One, Merle! The comments are good reading on Facebook.

The boiler is: "Peerless Magnarc arc lamp as used in Cinema projectors"

Schipperke Jack, July 25, 2024

 Little Jack has been one of our companions since early 2018. His owner passed away and he was badly in need of a home. He became a permanent foster. Jack was a sensitive dog, and stayed with his owner in his final days. In the last few days we could see that Jack was tired, and had picked up a bit of weight. He went to the doctor today, but nothing unusual was evident, other than his temp was a few degrees below normal. We went out for a while this evening, and Jack passed away in his kennel while we were gone. He was a good dog and he will be missed. 

A Sweet Foster Schip, Out The Door!

 Jewelz was an owner surrender due to sad circumstances. She is one of the rare, perfect little dogs that came in housebroken, crate trained, well mannered, and following commands. A man and wife who had just buried their twenty-year-old Schipperke (adopted through Midwest Schipperke Rescue many years ago) submitted an application at about the same time we took Jewelz in. They made a long trip to meet and greet us and the dog, and she went home with them today. It was a perfect match of people and dog. Having kept Jewelz for just a month, our separation sorrow this time is not worth mentioning, except she is going way up north where there is lake effect snow. Schips can handle that, and the cold weather, too, but these northern adoptions always bring Bob Dylan's song to mind....

Tuesday Torque: Lister Diesels, Better Late Than Never!

 We had company for a couple days, so I must apologize for posting late. Merle sent Lister as a suggestion, and there are several videos available on YouTube. Thank you, Merle!

Stop And Smell The Flowers!

Surprise Lilies are up early this year. Back To The Old Grind!
 

Repairs And Spares

 My Ruger Mk III broke down one week ago. I diagnosed the problem easily when I tore the gun down. Coils had fallen off the firing pin rebound spring. Oscillation within the firing pin channel evidently wore some spots thin on the spring. I called Ruger's factory in Prescott, Arizona Monday afternoon, and the parts arrived Friday. The nice lady who waited on me knew the products well, and took care of me quickly.

The pistol went back together in a few minutes, and I will test it out tomorrow. I need to figure a way to store the spares in the grip of one of the pistols, so I can find them if I have this problem again. 

Weekend Steam II: Adrian, Missouri Steam And Gas Engine Show

 Great video by Someplace Or Another.

Weekend Steam: Shooting An Anvil

Launching an anvil with black powder makes for a great spectacle and noise. It has been done to celebrate Independence Day when no cannon was available to cheer celebrants, or just to wake up the entire community on the Fourth of July. @SomeplaceOrAnother has posted this brief video, and it needs a bit of explanation. 

 One anvil is placed upside down, and is settled in as level as possible. The base of this anvil is charged with black powder. Start small while practicing. Lay a cannon fuse into the powder and leave a long tail so you can back way off before the powder goes off. Caulking compound can be applied around the edge of the anvil to make a good seal for the upright anvil, which you will carefully set down on the first one.  Clear the area around the anvils of spectators, light the fuse, and back off. 

Baby And Mama

 Our mama we watch every year has twins again, and they play regularly in the back yard. The little critters are progressing nicely. 

Possums Are Taking Over!

 Squatters have taken over a groundhog den in the barn! Get rid of one problem, and another always shows up.