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!

Spring Turkey Season Is In

Last weekend was youth season, and I could hear a novice calling just west of us. Continuous calling. He scratched that hen call solid for half an hour. It was hilarious. The gobblers did not fly down to him. This morning is one of the regular seasons, and at sunrise there was one shotgun blast near us, so someone got a gobbler. On a related note, our barred owls were nowhere to be seen or heard yesterday or today, so they have taken off with their fledglings. It has been fun watching them. 

 

John Prine....

 ....passed four years ago today. He wrote this song after visiting his grandfather's grave. The line about the sailors always gets me. John was a good guy.

April 8 Eclipse Cook Out

 Several friends gathered with us for an eclipse party, and we were blessed with a nearly cloud-free sky, light breezes, and perfect temperature to enjoy being outdoors. Y'all should been here!

Tuesday Torque: 1903 Humber Tricycle

 Many Thanks, Merle! I could sure enjoy one of these.