Big Bird News!

 The past day has been an exciting bird day for us. Last night one of the baby barred owls stuck its head up out of the den in the hollow hickory tree! We quickly set up an emergency fence across the dog yard just in case the little bird gets on the ground. We sure don't want a dog to get it.

One of our nesting pairs of geese now have four goslings that they are walking around the yard and taking out in the pond. The pair under our sycamore tree is still sitting on eggs.

One of our hunting friends came over this morning and nailed a Jake turkey. He called once and waited 1/2 hour before the turkey showed itself. 

Weekend Steam: Strasburg Railroad #89

 Summer travel opportunities will soon be here, and Merle reminded us that Strasburg Railroad is a must for steam enthusiasts. Click the photo of Number 89 to watch Strasburg's video on YouTube.

Click Here for Strasburg's website.

Early Arbor Day

 Hamilton County IL Soil and Water Conservation District organized another tree planting project for the third graders this year, and we had perfect weather mid-day to show the kids how to plant trees. Good times! The kids all know how to plant a potted tree properly now, and will probably remember it for the rest of their lives.

Prowlers Again

 The bums you will always have with you. We recently noticed that fuel had been stolen from our utility vehicle, and found strange footprints in the barn. The perps also pulled the wires off the ignition switch on the log splitter. Bad pennies they are.

A Good Tree In The Wrong Place

 Here's a typical weekend job for Susan and me. This black walnut is a volunteer, and a pretty nice tree, but it is too close to this cottage, so it will go into the barn as firewood. The crown was going to reach over the roof this year, and that is far enough. We use the open face and bore cut method to take the tree down.

Tuesday Torque: De La Vergne Oil Engine

 Merle ran across a Facebook Reel of the BIG De La Vergne engine at Rollag, Minnesota. Hey, I have  a video of that engine, so I am going to post mine! It is really big. 26 " bore and 38" stroke, 20,175 cubic inches! Built in New York in 1903. Thanks, Merle!

Weekend Steam II: Another Quick Look At The Mt. Washington Cog Railway,

 ...Thanks to Merle for spotting! ClickThisLink

Even The Dogs Gotta Grind!

 

                                       Back To The Old Grind!

Bore Cut Challenge

 This is easy if you have practiced, but those who are new to bore cutting often blow out their hinge or back strap. When the cut is through, let off your throttle and let the chain stop before pulling the saw out. A successful cut can be ruined by pulling back with the chain running. 

Follow the same rules we use for big trees when you cut the little ones. Look for safety hazards. Measure your diameter, height, and space to drop the tree. Design your front and back cuts, your trigger, and know your escape route. Small trees can be challenging because there is not much room to work in the stem with your saw, so plan accordingly. Thank You for visiting and watching!

Weekend Steam: Valley Railroad Company, Essex, Connecticut

 Merle spotted another railroad that we had never heard of, and I found  a video of more than an hour, shot last fall. Grab a cup of coffee! Thank You, Merle!