Weekend Steam #2: Poor Kid...

...will grow up thinking everybody plays with steam engines.  He will be cast a weirdo about the time he hits junior high.  It's worth it, though!

Weekend Steam #1: A Bit Of Speed

Merle is keeping us buried in choices for steam videos.  This one will give everyone a thrill.  Thank You, Merle!

Another Part Completed!

Sheridan Concrete of Mt. Vernon, Illinois came to close up the jackhammered areas, and they did a great job.

We are dry, and that was a good deal, allowing the cement truck to get close.

                                                           The first wheelbarrow load.

They worked the cement for hours to make it smooth and pretty. We still have a way to go in the basement, but having the plumbing finished and covered up again feels pretty good.

Stratton's Tree Farm Field Day

Gary and Debbie Stratton are hosting a party Saturday, October 20 at their Tree Farm east of Fairfield, Illinois. There will be lots of activities, and you can learn a bit about timber management.  Gary will be discussing Timber Stand Improvement, Prescribed Burning, Invasive Species Control, and more.  There will be a safety trainer from the University of Illinois teaching you the things you need to know if you operate chainsaws.

                                                                  Click To Enlarge.

I have the saws prepped and we have picked out a big storm-damaged white oak to drop.  Come and see if it falls the way I want it to! 

All of those annoying little bright spots have been filed away, so there should be chips and no dust. See you Saturday!

The Problem Is Found

The blower started snorting, missing, losing power, and acting really bad the other day.  I thought it had a batch of bad fuel and the piston was sticking.  I was going to take it to the shop where we bought it, but pulled the plug so I could roll the motor over and check it for a scored piston.  The sparkplug told it all.  I cleaned this baby and the motor runs like new.

Ruger's Auction To Benefit Honored American Veterans Afield

Ruger is offering a special Redhawk this week.  It is New-Old-Stock from 1980, when the Redhawk line was first being produced. I have shot one of these and I can tell you that they shoot like a rifle.  It is good for Moose or Squirrel!  CLICK HERE and read all about it and then place your bid for a special revolver. This gun sells mid-day, Wednesday, October 17, 2018.  $2984.59

Tuesday Torque: Fascinating Magneto Drive

We saw this neat machine over at Evansville a year or two back.  I evidently did not take a photo of the builder's tag, so I don't know the make of this engine.  Someone on YouTube will tell us, I bet.

Chili Weather Requires Cornbread

Back To The Old Grind!

Another Dog Has Come And Gone

Groovy is a Schip-Mix that landed on us nine weeks ago.  Just long enough for us to get really attached to the little guy.  He took a trip today and is now residing somewhere in Chicagoland with his new Mama.  They made up right away when they met, and it appears that he will like his new home. It's an odd feeling of separation when a dog leaves to get on with his life.

Weekend Steam: 16" Railroad At Little Amerricka Amusement Park

We may just have to go to Wisconsin and see this in person!  Thanks to Merle for spotting this great little railroad!