Poppy Weather

Poppies have a hard time.  The weather likes to be disagreeable when they pop out.  Last night we had heavy rain; 1.7 inches with lots of thunder and lightning.  Tonight we've had a couple of storms blow through along with a half minute of hail.  Enjoy them quick! They're calling for frost Saturday morning, and we are thinking of building a fire to maybe keep frost off the garden.

Tuesday Torque: 25 HP Otto and 3 HP Backus

Chris Epping has some amazing engines. I wish he told a bit about them, but watching is still good.

Addition to Blog List

I just added Minuteman Review to the blog list. It's a pretty good site, and the trouble was deciding if it is a blog, forum and reference, or a place to shop.  It is all three, so you will find it under each of those headings on the left side of this page.  Thank You, Jay, for bringing your site to my attention!

Low Life

Susan was out doing yard work today and found this, a not-yet-stale remnant of a beer on the pond bank.  We are guessing that the trespass occurred yesterday when we were both gone for part of the day, and our return caused a hurried exit-stage-left.  It's a bother that we can do without.  We have had more than our share of trespassers and we make a good effort to nip it in the bud every time we catch one.  Every one is unique.

This one, during a deer season last year was wearing a hat with the Illinois State Police logo on it.  I don't know if he was in ill-mannered State Cop, or just managed to cop a hat from one, but it didn't gain any points for him with me. 

It looks like we will be doing some things to tighten up security a bit more.  Back To The Old Grind!  And carry at home!

The Towering Potato

We saw a potato tower at a friend's house and Susan had to try it. She built it all herself, except for pounding in the fence post uprights.  Life is an adventure!

Weekend Steam: Visit The Illinois Railway Museum...

...at Union, Illinois!  The museum is 55 northwest of Chicago, so Southern Illinois residents have a long drive to get there, but it is definitely on our list.  This is a good one, Merle!  Many Thanks!  Click on the YouTube icon in the lower right of the video to watch on YouTube, where you can read the description and comments.

Foster Schipperke Update

Sisko and Betty Boop are still living downstairs.  Sisko is going to need a strong, energetic human who can do walks, obedience training, run, and play.  Betty is more subdued than Sisko and loves to sit on your lap and cuddle, but she does like to run and play, too.

Godiva has moved upstairs and is fitting in with our pack of dogs.  She was pretty shy at first, but in a couple days she figured out the routine and today even kenneled on command when we had to  go out for a while.  Every one of the dogs we've had is special.

Godiva passes the toenail clipping test with flying colors.   I wish all of our own dogs behaved so well.

Tuesday Torque: Rustons

I first heard of Ruston-Hornsby engines more than fifty years ago when Rev. Elmer Ritzman began publishing the Gas Engine Magazine in 1966. An early article in that magazine was about the Ruston Hornsby oil engines.  Finally, at Rollag last year, I saw some fine examples of Ruston engines.  Be sure to watch closely and note the broken frame and the torch-welded repair.

Picking Up Sticks

No days off when you are retired!  We've been dropping trees, busting them down and moving them.  This redbud was getting tight with the 220 line that goes to the garage, so I cut off the power at the pole before whacking.  Flipped the power back on, but it didn't come on.  The breaker between the meter and the house is having problems, and we were able to get it back on, but now we are going to get a new meter loop and a new pole (The original is 60 years old!).  Back To The Old Grind!

Weekend Steam Part 3! How Do You Build A New, High Speed Locomotive?

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust built the Tornado, and now they are going to build a new Mikado, The Prince Of Wales.  Here is a detailed discussion of the planning that goes into the process.  Thank You Merle for sending this on in!

More Weekend Steam!; Rebuilding The Sumpter Valley Steam Engine

Zeke sent the link for this one.  If you ever wondered how old locomotives are brought back to life, this video shows how it is done.  Thank You, Zeke!

Weekend Steam: Where Do Model Engines Come From?

Here is a great example of a home workshop where magic is made and steam engines come out.  The Stuart Triple Expansion is a classic kit, and I first saw it in steam catalogs more than fifty years ago. Thank You, Merle, for locating this great video!