Don't Smash The Hog House! Dropping A Dead School Marm

This red oak over by the old hog lot died a few years ago. I have been putting off cutting it because it wants to fall on an old hog shed. Of course, if I don't cut it, it will eventually come right down on the shed, so I decided "Why Not!" Here's how it goes.

Tuesday Torque: Let's Listen To Some Oil Pulls

 We'll begin with the startup of a 30-60. Folks have been starting big engines with their legs for a long time, and most of the time it works fine. Occasionally the engine will kick back, breaking bones and throwing the operator some distance. Think about that if you buy an Oil Pull!

Snow Belt Solar Secret

The salesman never mentioned snow! We knew snow would shut down the panels and knew that we could blow snow because we have used leaf blowers for fireline construction and snow removal for decades. Your blower can move snow without scratching the panels, and that is an important benefit. Think about and plan for snow removal when you plan your solar panel installation.

There is an important safety issue that you should know when you are using a blower to move snow. Wind blown snow generates static electricity, and if you touch the panel framework while blowing you are going to feel the burn of a constant static discharge. It can make your heart go out of rhythm. I found these facts myself last year when blowing 3-4 inches off the panels. My heart settled down and ran right after a while, but it can be worrisome, maybe worse. Don't belly up to the panels while blowing snow!

Weekend Steam II: This World Needs More Road Locomotives!

 Thanks, Merle! British engines are a joy!

Weekend Steam: Sans Pareil, The Engine That Didn't Make The Cut

 Thanks, Merle! Locomotive  history is always fascinating and educational.

This One Was Easy To Spot

 And you could have chucked a rock at this one!

Wild Turkeys...

...Line Dancing?

 

Changing Your Headlights, Just Like It Was A Century Ago!

 Today it is more like it was in 1923! Back then, headlights had bulbs, and you would carry a few extra under the seat in your Ford. Then headlights modernized and we had sealed beams. Now we are back to bulbs. What's old is new again.

Tuesday Torque: 1917 IHC Mogul 10-20

 I shot this video eleven years ago at Pinckneyville, and it still gets a few views per month. This tractor spent its working life in a feed mill, so there is still factory original paint. It is  a great running original condition machine, and I am always impressed when an old engine fires up as easily as this old girl.

Ready Or Not, You Gotta Do It!

 Back To The Old Grind!

Weekend Steam II: British Road Locomotives and Great War Transport!

 Thank You, Merle!

Excerpt, Passing Of The Year, Robert W. Service

 My favorite poet says things well:

And so from face to face I flit,
     The countless eyes that stare and stare;
Some are with approbation lit,
     And some are shadowed with despair.
Some show a smile and some a frown;
     Some joy and hope, some pain and woe:
Enough! Oh, ring the curtain down!
     Old weary year! it's time to go.

My pipe is out, my glass is dry;
     My fire is almost ashes too;
But once again, before you go,
     And I prepare to meet the New:
Old Year! a parting word that's true,
     For we've been comrades, you and I --
I thank God for each day of you;
     There! bless you now! Old Year, good-bye!