Mother and Babe

 

Weekend Steam: Big Boy Returns To The Rails!

Capitol Fourth 2026

Fourth Of July Special At West Point (2019)

Tree ID, Shumard and Swamp Chestnut Oak

 Here are a couple of versatile oaks, both are suitable for planting on a variety of sites. These are both upper bottomland trees that can handle fairly tight soils, but they can also move upslope and still grow well. A pretty good rule of thumb for planting trees is that you can move tree species upslope, but not downslope.

Just In Time For July Evenings!

Wednesday Windage II: Worst Gun In History?

Wednesday Windage: Hopeful News

 

Tuesday Torque: Can Move Continents, Can't Plant A Tree

 Thanks, Merle, for an impressive beast! I wonder how many horsepower the starting motor puts out?!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1340754204593787

Where Am I Going, I Don't Know,

 Where Am I Headin', I Ain't Certain.  All That I Know Is I Am On My Way!

Atlas finally left our pack and headed off to his forever home today. He has been with us for more than two years, and has turned into a great companion. 

Weekend Steam III: Where Is The Big Boy 4014?

 Track the Big Boy 4014 HERE, and follow along as it goes to Philly and then heads west. Union Pacific has all the information you need to get out and see the Big Boy on its journey home.

Weekend Steam II: Southern Pacific 4449

 Thanks, Merle! I had forgotten about the hidden engine on the back end!

Wikipedia Booster Engine Page

Weekend Steam: Spark Show At Mt. Pleasant!

 Thanks for spotting, Merle!

Good Old Summertime! 1903!

 

Pole of Death!

 It bends bumpers and busts bezels. This light pole is in the parking lot of our family practicioner. I always park next to it so I can't back into it.

Wednesday Windage: You Must Let The Bear Eat You!

Tuesday Torque: Evansville Engine Show

Susan and I missed the Evansville engine show this month, but Someplace or Another was there, and posted this nice video. Vicarious vacationing!

Enjoy Summer!

 A few of Susan's daylilies.

Weekend Steam: Jay Leno Visits Ed Dickens On The Big Boy

 

Walking In Memphis!

 The pet transporter on the southern route went from Central Point, Oregon, to western Montana, Mesa, Arizona, Greenbrier, Arkansas, somewhere down in Texas (not our dogs), then on to Shelbyville, Tennessee. He made a stop in Memphis to walk Roxie, our last delivery on that trip. So Roxie got to walk in Memphis. That's special! 

This song immediately popped into my head, even though I hadn't heard it in decades.

Susan, Zeke, and I visited Memphis once. We saw the ducks at the Peabody! We also rode through on Amtrak while going to New Orleans, a long, long time ago!

Catching Some Rays

 This doe was enjoying the warm sunshine, and probably getting a few minutes away from her baby.

This One Was Past My Limits,,,,

 ...but with nothing to lose, I went for it. This tree showed me that my limits make sense, and I partially won, keeping the tree from going straight into the pond. 

Wednesday Windage: Gun Sam, With .45 ACP vs .357 Magnum

This should be interesting. I do know that .357, shot without earplugs will remind you to be more careful for the rest of your life. It makes your ear drums ping!

 

Tuesday Torque: Pushers and Pullers

 

We Have A New Ag Teacher At McLeansboro High School...

 ...and she wants to put Forestry into her curriculum! Busy evenings ahead! Here's the start.

Back To The Old Grind!

Weekend Steam III: 4014 and 2102

 

Weekend Steam II: Rebuilding Locomotive "D" Valves

 You never know when a locomotive may come into your life, so here is some information you might need!

Weekend Steam: Sanding The Flues

 Oil burners require regular cleaning of the flues while they are on the road.  I first saw this in 1966 when I got to ride the Number 9 Shay from West Side Lumber Company. Stan Mathews was operating on the right side, and they sanded the flues while pulling the little grade to the old time village.  Many Thanks to Merle for spotting this.

Big Boy sanding the flues...

The morning ritual that steam people around the World know--cleaning the flues with a brush or spiral spring scraper.

Rescued Schipperkes Being Delivered!

 Midwest Schipperke Rescue has been busy since early January with the dogs from a hoarding case in Eagle Point, Oregon. Fifty eight live dogs and thirty dead ones were taken in a raid on home, and Midwest Schipperke was given the task of arranging care and adoption of those dogs. Two pregnant bitches had a total of twelve live pups after the raid and most of those have been placed, some as far east as Wisconsin. Dogs have been adopted along the west coast from Alaska to southern California and also one to Hawaii. The Jackson County Animal Shelter was able to place some of the dogs locally, and that was a big help. We are down to a few more than twenty dogs that still need to be placed, and a major step is happening now. Ground transporters picked up ten dogs today and have begun journeys east. The northern route will be delivering in Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Maine. The second van will be going to Montana, Arizona, Arkansas, and Tennessee. That means lots of miles, and with stops every four hours to check on the dogs. This is all possible because of countless hours donated by volunteers, and generous donations from dog lovers who have been following this case. Take a look at the route to deliver four dogs to adopters! One way is 3600 miles and about 55 hours of driving!

Wednesday Windage: 22 Long Rifle For Self Defense?

 Here are a couple of videos from Gun Sam on the .22 Long Rifle as a possible defensive round. The big problem you will always hear about with .22 Long Rifle is reliability.  Premium cartridges tend to run nearly at 100 percent, but not quite as good as centerfire ammunition. The little micro pistols will malfunction more than larger pistols. They require more fastidious cleaning and lube, plus a firm grip to add mass to the pistol frame in order to function reliably. Elderly arthritic hands are not a good platform to run micro semi-auto .22s. Gun Sam chose round nose Mini Mags as his choice because of penetration.  Hollow points and flat point designs will make a bigger wound channel. Listen to Tim Sundles on stopping dangerous game, and then draw your own conclusions. .22 Long Rifle probably will not penetrate out the other side of a rib cage, so over-penetration is less of a concern than with centerfire ammo. The heart is right behind the ribs, so I tend to think the wound channel is a higher priority than penetration with rimfire ammo.  Avoiding a gunfight is preferable to having to fight...

Big Boy At Irving, New York

Big Boy Parallels Lake Erie Into Cleveland

 

Tuesday Torque: Southern Indiana Antique Machinery Show, Coming Right Up!

 The annual SIAM show is going to happen this next weekend, June 12, 13, and 14!

This is always a good show, with plenty of shade available. It happens south of I-64, just north of Evansville, just off US Hwy 41. Turn west off US Hwy 41 at Boonville-New Harmony Road and go across the railroad tracks. The showgrounds will be on your left. 

There is usually a good selection of Economy engines at this show, because they were made in Evansville.

We Never Stop

 

Back To The Old Grind? We never even paused!

Bonus Saturday Fun:  Ranger gets to go see a vet at Fairview Heights occasionally to do side by side AIs with hopeful Schipperke mothers.  We got to see one of his offspring the other day. They are soft like a plush toy before they grow their guard coat!

Weekend Steam II: Big Boy In Ohio

 

BIG BOY SCHEDULE LINK

From Oregon To Lambert

 Two more Schips started their journey to new homes today. Misha and Mina left Heppner, Oregon early Saturday morning and arrived at St. Louis Saturday evening.  Mina goes to her new home Sunday, in northern Illinois, and Misha goes to Indiana next week. They are safe in Southern Illinois now.

Weekend Steam: Big Boy In Indiana!

 Knox, Indiana

Argos, Indiana

Days Are Long...

 ...and we can come home before sunset, avoiding deer danger on the road. We hadn't shot at the Carmi Rifle Club for nearly a year, and it was a beautiful evening, with a nice breeze to keep the buffalo gnats and skeeters off of us. I shot with iron sights and was making the five hits in the five to six second range most of the time.  No misses on the times, but out of four rounds I had to go back and pick up three plates that I missed on the first shot. Everyone else who shot last night was using a red dot sight, and that makes you faster, but my thinking is, what type of sights are on your carry gun?  I want to practice with what I would use in an emergency. 

Big Boy Crosses The Missippi!

 

Wednesday Windage: Is The 30-06 Still King?

 

I am a bit surprised that 450 Bushmaster and 350 Legend weren't mentioned. Those new cartridges are popular in Illinois and are taking the place of shotgun slugs. There is a new .40 caliber straight wall that looks good, too. 

Big Boy In Iowa

 Courtesy of Chester!

Tuesday Torque: Svoboda Tractor

 Never heard of it before, but I want one!  Many Thanks, Merle ,for the link and giving me engine itch!

Today We Chop!

      Back To The Old Grind!

Chainsaw Kickback And Your Chain Brake

 I saw a video the other day where a fellow was complaining that chain brakes are useless. He was demonstrating how he formed his opinion by doing kickbacks with his saw with his bar vertical. That launches a kickback right at your face, and luckily, he never made a serious kickback, because a bad one is powerful. His brake probably was fine, and he wasn't hitting wood hard enough to make it set. Sometimes when doing a demonstration you may have to hit several times to get the effect you want, but if you do, you must have your saw turned so it launches to your right, not vertically at your head. A strong hit will swing the saw several feet.  Here's instructor Joe Glenn demonstrating a kickback at one of the classes he taught.

The next video shows me out in the woods to cut up a black oak, and I show how to check your brake to make sure it operates correctly. 

Weekend Steam: When Steam Was King, J.I. Case, 1950s

 Those engines were still young in the 1950s! Today we see hobbyists putting new boilers on engines to keep them running, so it is still a serious hobby. Life is good!

Milo Matthews monitoring the Prony brake being pulled by a Russell engine at the 1953 Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers reunion. Milo was one of the founders, and his son Stan started the Midwest Central Railroad, bringing engines 2 and 6 from the Southeast, and in 1966 bringing the Number 9 Shay from California. I don't think you will find any Old Settlers or Threshers at the shows nowadays. The young'uns carry on!

Weekend Steam: Big Boy Is On The Move!

Don't Plant Ash

 

Foster Pups Take A Trip!

 Coast to Coast! One Day! Two of Dottie's pups (Born in the Jackson County, Oregon animal shelter, and raised in a foster home.) have their forever homes! A flight nanny came from Ohio to Oregon, then to New York, arriving just before midnight to deliver. This long distance adoption kept us on pins and needles all day, but our nanny communicated with everyone concerned and the trip came off perfectly. More trips are being planned. The adopters very graciously agreed to let us share this photo of the happy moment. These successes are possible because of generous volunteers and donors who are dedicated to Schipperkes. Many Thanks to all of our supporters!

Wednesday Windage II: Ron Spomer On Maximum Point Blank Range

Wednesday Windage: Tim Sundles On The Changes From Old To New Models Of Ruger Single Action Revolvers

 This information is old news to old folks, but younger shooters may not know the history.  Back in 1973, Gun Digest had a lengthy article about the changes, with a history of the dangers associated with the old click-click-click of Colt type single action revolvers.  I was sold immediately and have had only the transfer model Rugers. They are solid guns, and you aren't likely to have life threatening malfunctions with them.  Here's Tim:

Tuesday Torque II: Shades Of Alexandar Botts!

 In the 1950s, Upson offered the following biography of his hero: “Alexander Botts was born in Smedleytown, Iowa, on March 15, 1892, the son of a prosperous farmer. He finished high school there; then embarked on a series of jobs – none of them quite worthy of his mettle. In these early days the largest piece of machinery he sold was the Excelsior Peerless Self-Adjusting Safety Razor Blade Sharpener. He became interested in heavy machinery in 1918 while serving in France as a cook with the motorized field artillery. In March 1920, he was hired as a salesman by the Farmers’ Friend Tractor Company, which later became the Earthworm Tractor Company.  Read The Whole Article!

Tuesday Torque: Wayback Machine To Boonville, 2009

 This video has had just 1000 views since we posted it seventeen years ago. The nickels aren't coming in very fast. It's not a bad video, and there are some good hit-and-miss mechanical views.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great cemetery crawl this weekend, and had some quality time with family and friends.

This marker had the marble spire stolen a few years ago. Maybe a sculptor strapped for funds and needing raw material. Who needs a stranger's grave marker in their home?

Poor George. Went from Bluford, IL down to Tennessee to visit family and was abducted and drafted into the Confederate army. He came home after the war. 

We got to review a lot of history of family and neighbors.

 

Weekend Steam: No Controversy In My Mind!

 The only way you can keep antiques like this original is to never operate them. Steam engines need flues, new grates, new staybolts, new flue sheets, new crown sheets, effective brakes, and on and on. I am glad to see old machinery restored and running for new generations to learn from and enjoy.  Tastes change. Back in the 1960s the gas engine hobby was just taking off and restorers mostly wanted their vintage engines to look like new. Lots of original paint and patina were stripped off for new paint. That changed, and now most want the barn fresh, dull paint, old grease, and rust look. Don't fret over how original the machines are.  Just be thankful that dedicated hobbyists spent the time, effort and money to make these treasure run again. 

Soap Class For Everybody!

 Here's Susan's basic soap making lesson. No rehearsal, one take!

Wednesday Windage: .22 Mag, .22 LR, .380 Auto Comparisons, by Gun Sam

 

Tuesday Torque: Galloping Goose!

 Another great topic from Merle! Thank You, Merle!

Out Of Retirement

 Susan has made a lot of soap in years past, both basic and fancy. With lard, tallow, various vegetable oils, and she taught a lot of people how to do it, too. Soap making used to be a basic skill for a homemaker. Her tools and supplies have been sitting idle for many years, but she got a call to teach a class for Home Extension. The lye in that container was some we bought more than twenty years ago!  She will be making a batch Monday to have samples to hand out. 

                                   Back To The Old Grind!

Weekend Steam V: Another Place To Visit! Steamtown!

 Thanks, Merle!

Weekend Steam IV: Who Needs A Quiet Saturday?

 Another great link from our spotter friend Merle.  Many Thanks, Merle!

Weekend Steam III: A Bit Of Railroading History

 Brief, but great info! Thanks, Merle!

Weekend Steam II: West Somerset Railway

 Real Beauty! Thanks, Merle!

Weekend Steam: The Last Shay!

 Merle sent some good ones for us this week! The last Shay out of the shop is one of the engines at Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia.  Many Thanks, Merle!

Fox Kits Playing At The Back Door!

 One of our blog friends sent us this video, with permission to post it! This fox family lives in a major eastern city. Foxes and coyotes have adapted to urban settings, but it still seems unusual to see wildlife in developed areas. Foxes in rural areas have a tough time because coyotes prey on them. That drives foxes to live up close to humans, where coyotes traditionally have feared to tread. MANY THANKS TO JOHN for sharing this happy video!

Slo-Mo Recap Of Snag Hinge Failure

 

Here's the hinge failure video slowed down to 1/4 for us to examine. You can see the one that failed swinging toward the camera as it pulls the other stem over. It comes through the mulberry tree that was growing in the fencerow. Note the stump at the end. The left side was punched down when the master snag was pulled over. The branches coming down are impressive! Hinge failure AAR: https://youtu.be/sixSbZ5SRDo

Wednesday Windage: Tim Sundles On 10 mm vs. 45 ACP For Bear Protection

 

Tuesday Torque: Buffalo Springfield 1928 Road Roller

 

This beauty sold recently at Aumann Auctions.  It brought $77,000!

Thanks for spotting, Merle!

Rollag Gas Engine Area

Back To The Old Grind!

 

Hinge Failure After Action Review

 I am in the process of cutting up this snag now, and it is a disappointment. Pin oaks standing dead rot much faster than other oaks, and this one is really punky. I am going to load it out into the woods and dump it because it will not make good firewood. It is too soft and too light. Oh Well, or words to that effect. Take your pin oaks down early while they are solid. 

Weekend Steam II: Big Boy Eastern Schedule

 

May 25: Depart Cheyenne for Eastern Leg.

May 30: Public Display: Omaha, Nebraska.

June 3: Public Display: West Chicago, Illinois.

June 10: Public Display: Buffalo, New York.

June 15–16: Public Display: Scranton, Pennsylvania (Steamtown).

July 4–5: Public Display: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

July 9–10: Public Display: Altoona, Pennsylvania.

July 14: Public Display: Fostoria, Ohio.

July 19: Public Display: St. Louis, Missouri.

July 29: Return to Cheyenne, WY

Weekend Steam: Take A Ride On The Cass Scenic Railroad!

 This little engine is a Climax geared logging locomotive. Ingenious design, fascinating to watch.  Thanks, Merle!

HINGE FAILURE! Snags Write Their Own Ending!

 I am glad I have this recorded! I had it set up the way I wanted, but while I was working away on the backstrap of the in-leaning tree, the hinge failed on the out-leaner! I did not see that because the tree I was working on blocked the view. The chain swung it over to our side of the boundary fence, and then the in-leaner dropped on top of it. You can watch both hinges fail, going sideways. Snags always have extra risks. The wood had lost some strength on these stems and I am lucky the hinge on the out-leaner held until the other one was able to go.

One of the things to do when making your falling plan is to figure out where the tree will go if the hinge fails. You can tell that within a 90 degree quadrant. That is the worst place to be during your cutting. These trees fell almost 90 degrees from where I intended because of the first hinge failure, and knowing where NOT to be turned out to be vital to me remaining vertical when it was all over.

Don't Lose Your Marbles!

Wednesday Windage: Ruger .44 Magnum Hunter, A Hickok 45 Oldie But Goodie

Tuesday Torque: Some Oldies But Goodies!

 Many thanks for the picks, Merle!

NRA Women On Target Day

 We had rain and cold temps at the Carmi Rifle Club, and a small turnout, but we had a good time anyway.  Half of the day was indoors on the rimfire pistol range, then we had some great cheeseburgers off the grill, and shooting all afternoon.  The sun came out to take off the chill, finally!

Potato salad, Big Thick Cheeseburgers, chips, cookies!