Not Watching The Birdie

I moved the camera this morning, so I am enjoying new photos this evening. This fellow is probably safe this fall. I hope he learns fast so he can make it for a couple more years.

To The Brink And Back

Things have been difficult down on the farm since the late part of August. Pattie Ann developed pneumonia and while she was in the hospital she exhibited symptoms of a heart attack, but she was not diagnosed with one. She was sent home too early, and her antibiotic that was prescribed was not strong enough. She was back in the hospital a few days later with pneumonia in both lungs and fluid around her lungs. The doctor we had that time thought they might have to draw off fluid, so Pat was taken off coumadin, which she has taken since her stroke in '12. Things went downhill fast then. She began showing serious symptoms of heart failure, and having TIA's. Pattie pulled through and came home from the hospital, but recovery has been slow.  She has made big improvements in the last month. She tires out quickly, but she is able to go with us to dog obedience class, for shopping, and has resumed shooting out behind the barn.

Kudos to Susan, who is with her mother 24 hours a day, and many thanks to Jill for spending a week with us to help out.

What started all this? A little bit of taffy. Pattie was eating a piece of taffy and aspirated a bit of it. A few hours later she was coughing up blood. If you ever get to a place in your life when you have difficulty swallowing, remember that. Sugary anything down your windpipe is bad.

October e-Postal Reminder!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the final weekend to shoot the October e-Postal, so head to the range tomorrow and put holes in your targets! Read The Rules HERE, and print your targets. Shoot from any position and get real steady. You get 50 points every time you can connect the eyes.

Weekend Steam: Almost Like A Parade Of Zombies!

Here is the lineup of engines going into the Cavalcade Of Power at Midwest Old Threshers. I can tell you from experience that being in it is even more fun than watching it!



Video by 1957Shep

Tonight the Midwest Central Railroad is running their Haunted Rails special. Here are some good sound effects from previous years.

Not My Victrola: Ragtime Goblin Man

From our Friend Across The Pond, Paul Harrison.

Does Your Car Want You To Have Good Abs?

This warning light came on and I was wondering if I should start doing crunches, but it is much more serious than that. The anti-lock braking system started kicking in and it even caused noise on the AM radio when I touched the brakes. I checked with a mechanic and learned that this can be an indicator of a wheel bearing that is beginning to wobble, so I scheduled maintenance right them. Turns out this was just a faulty sensor, and that is a relief, but don't put off checking your car if one of the warnings lights up. A wheel that decides to lock up at 65 mph could be fatal. 'nuff said.

Sad and Dreary Minnie

Ruger's Auction To Benefit The Light Foundation

Ruger is offering one for the rest of us this week! It is a P85 manufactured in 1990 and returned to the factory for unknown reasons. The collectors are not showing interest in this fine 9mm pistol, so this is one you may be able to pick up for a reasonable price. CLICK HERE to read all about it and to place your bid. 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the Light Foundation. This fine Ruger will sell mid-day, Wednesday, October 28, 2015.

$391.05 A Bargain!

Billll's Ghost Ring Sights For Rugers!

Bill, of Billll's Idle Mind is manufacturing replacement sights for Rugers, and they are a boon for old eyes. I ordered some of these and installed the first one on my Mk III Target that I shoot regularly.

Bill sends concise instructions for removing  the factory sight blade and installing his replacement. Removing the factory blade was difficult. It had a long point that did not clear the slot in the sight base. I persevered and pried it out of there without damaging the base.

 Bill's replacement fit in easily. He suggests using a drill bit to compress the spring; I used a large paper clip. This sight was quicker to sight in than any iron sights I have ever used, and I can shoot small groups easily. That's the factory sight next to one of Bill's Ghost Ring sights for comparison.

I don't have pictures of any targets yet because my time was limited behind the barn, but I will be able to nail varmints with no trouble. Click Over To Billlls Idle Mind and look in the left sidebar for his shopping link. One sight blade is $15, and he gives you a discount for multiple blades.

I will be putting these on my Single-Six and the 22/45 Hunter next, so stay tuned. I may even post a video of changing the parts if I can accomplish it without losing parts.

Tuesday Turbo Boost