Slow But Improving Fall Colors

The fall colors in Southern Illinois are coming on very slowly this year, but I think there will be a great weekend or two.  Right now you have to know your species and be happy with little bits of beauty.  The red maple has improved in the last week, and it should have a great week when it peaks.

This sugar maple in Wayne City is pretty, but muted.  I will keep an eye on it and see if it brightens.

Sumac bushes are still the money shot if you need to see bright colors.  They are on edges and in fence rows.  The I-64 corridor has quite a bit of this, and...

...sassafras, which always colors up for us.  It may be red, yellow, or orange.

Black gum should be showing lots of deep scarlet in the next week.  Once it changes, it hangs onto its leaves for a short time, so be on the lookout for this species every time you go out.

Ruger's Auction To Benefit The Light Foundation

Ruger is offering an exciting revolver this week, and you just might pick up a good deal while doing a good deed.  This is a .44 Magnum Bisley Vaquero Engraved Sample from 1998, and it was engraved in 1999.  It has resided in Ruger's safe ever since.  Click Here to read the full description and to place your winning bid.  100% of the proceeds of this sale will go to benefit the Light Foundation.  This fine firearm will sell mid-day, Wednesday, October 12, 2016.  $903

Tuesday Torque: Model Rumely Oil Pull At Rollag

Gary Bahre shot this video over the Labor Day weekend.  This model was built during the 1970's, and it is absolutely correct in every detail.  The old boy that built it was accused of having a salesman's sample from Rumely, but there is no such thing.  This is not a cobhoused lookalike, it is made just like the real thing.

Thinning, A Firewood Bonus

We planted this little patch of mixed oaks back in '93, and then added black locust the next year to add nitrogen to the soil. It worked, and the oaks shot up.  The place is too crowded now, and the locusts are up over the oaks, so we are working on them.  They make good firewood, and black locust dries fast as long as you split it.  The big trouble you have with pole timber is that nearly every tree will hang in another one when you cut them.  You get good at disassembling them without getting smashed.

Compare And Contrast

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Delightful Rural Skies

The Belt of Venus is the pink border you see above Earth's shadow at sunrise and sunset. We see it frequently out here in the country, but city dwellers often do not know to watch for this visual treat.  Our neighbor was probably too busy piloting his big green land yacht to enjoy it tonight. 

Problems Are Best Solved While They Are Small

Take A Lesson.  Back To The Old Grind.

Mike Rowe: Good Story From Mike's Mother

Be Vigilant, Be Ready. There Is A War Going On Out There!

You can look up more of Colin Flaherty's videos, and read his books.  The news hacks have been covering up the extent of violence, and it is noticeable to anyone who wants to know the truth.  St. Louis is close to home for us, and we spend quite a bit of time there.  Listen, learn, and carry your protection.

Weekend Steam: Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad