Merry Christmas to all.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Short List
Saturday, my son & his fiancé invited the Mrs. & me to attend a “Christmas party” at their house.
I had some sneaking suspicions, as the anniversary of my annual orbit occurs this week, and it’s one of the ones that end in “0”; the 1911 was 40 the year I was born.
Sure enough, when we entered, there were family & friends there, all hollering SURPRISE at me.
You really shouldn’t holler like that at an old guy.
Anyway-
After being immediately outfitted with a mug of beer the size of lake Winnipesaukee, I mingled with the company.
The attendees were the people on my “short list” of friends; you know, the good ones, the ones you can count on when things are bad, the ones you prefer to hang with over all others.
To my complete amazement, every one on MY short list was present.
Logic would indicate that these very same people have ME on their short list.
That is humbling, indeed.
------------------------------------
As one grows older, the short list shortens, as folks come & go. Some are there for life, but you never know which ones that will be, until they are time tested.
I have friends, now, that have been so for so many years, that unless I really piss them off, I believe they will remain so, for the rest of my life.
Thank you, family & friends; the gifts were terrific, the camaraderie just plain fun, but the very best gift from you all was your gift of self, to mark our friendship on the occasion of my birthday.
I had some sneaking suspicions, as the anniversary of my annual orbit occurs this week, and it’s one of the ones that end in “0”; the 1911 was 40 the year I was born.
Sure enough, when we entered, there were family & friends there, all hollering SURPRISE at me.
You really shouldn’t holler like that at an old guy.
Anyway-
After being immediately outfitted with a mug of beer the size of lake Winnipesaukee, I mingled with the company.
The attendees were the people on my “short list” of friends; you know, the good ones, the ones you can count on when things are bad, the ones you prefer to hang with over all others.
To my complete amazement, every one on MY short list was present.
Logic would indicate that these very same people have ME on their short list.
That is humbling, indeed.
------------------------------------
As one grows older, the short list shortens, as folks come & go. Some are there for life, but you never know which ones that will be, until they are time tested.
I have friends, now, that have been so for so many years, that unless I really piss them off, I believe they will remain so, for the rest of my life.
Thank you, family & friends; the gifts were terrific, the camaraderie just plain fun, but the very best gift from you all was your gift of self, to mark our friendship on the occasion of my birthday.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
For Borepatch, et al.
We were at the bastion of political discourse yesterday (aka, the dump), doing the unloading thing, when I noted a pickup with transfer lettering across the back window.
As I was in agreement with the sentiment displayed, I inquired with one of the friendly dump guys (not all are, BTW) as to the owner of said vehicle. He said it was his, so I shook his hand & gave him a “well done”.
A few minutes later, he strolls over & presents me with the very same transfer for application to my truck, which I immediately applied, after appropriate observations of appreciation for his gift.
The message emblazoned thereon immediately brought my buddy Borepatch to mind:
It pays to be nice to the dump guys.
Also, now I have to remove Bruce's sticker, he's an incumbent...
As I was in agreement with the sentiment displayed, I inquired with one of the friendly dump guys (not all are, BTW) as to the owner of said vehicle. He said it was his, so I shook his hand & gave him a “well done”.
A few minutes later, he strolls over & presents me with the very same transfer for application to my truck, which I immediately applied, after appropriate observations of appreciation for his gift.
The message emblazoned thereon immediately brought my buddy Borepatch to mind:
Vote 'em all out
It pays to be nice to the dump guys.
Also, now I have to remove Bruce's sticker, he's an incumbent...
Monday, November 28, 2011
Understanding Economics
Conditions in Europe are causing itchy underwear for their leaders:
DJIA drops 900 points.
A bunch of people go shopping for three days:
DJIA rises 300.
Now, I understand...
DJIA drops 900 points.
A bunch of people go shopping for three days:
DJIA rises 300.
Now, I understand...
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
This Weekend (Updated)
Mrs. DT takes another "shot" at the patch:
Yep, Appleseed again.
Wish her a steady hand & good luck...
-------------------------
UPDATE: *sigh*... well there's always next time.
She shot in the high 190s, but that and $2 will get you a cup of coffee.
Interestingly, when the group moved back to 100 yards, she was putting 5 for 5 into the center bull (~5" diameter), after she got the trajectory doped.
She also said to thank the folks who rooted for her, here.
Yep, Appleseed again.Wish her a steady hand & good luck...
-------------------------
UPDATE: *sigh*... well there's always next time.
She shot in the high 190s, but that and $2 will get you a cup of coffee.
Interestingly, when the group moved back to 100 yards, she was putting 5 for 5 into the center bull (~5" diameter), after she got the trajectory doped.
She also said to thank the folks who rooted for her, here.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Because They Can, now.
Here's the link.
At one time in Germany, they had this:
You just know it's gonna happen:
NOTE: This is NOT to infer Hitler=Obama; don't get your panties in a bunch. It's just that folks seem to like their current socialists on stamps for some reason.
At one time in Germany, they had this:
You just know it's gonna happen:
NOTE: This is NOT to infer Hitler=Obama; don't get your panties in a bunch. It's just that folks seem to like their current socialists on stamps for some reason.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
QOTD, Satellite Category
Watching the NASA feeds & such on the UARS (anticipated) crash:
"This thing is like my ex- it keeps making passes on everyone on earth before she'll go down on anyone."
We have a winnah!
"This thing is like my ex- it keeps making passes on everyone on earth before she'll go down on anyone."
We have a winnah!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Going Native
A strange thing happens when we're without utility supplied amenities for a while- I go native. The longer the outage, the more I drift towards thinking about stuff to make life easier under the conditions presented. At some point, I'll be beating the wash down by the pond.
Last time, I started thinking about water delivery, & went out in the garage & made a portable gravity supplied water system for washing hands, rinsing dishes, & such. Good to have a bunch of 1/4" NPT hardware on hand.
This time, I couldn't use the toaster oven to make my English muffins for b'fast, so I used a CI skillet, like when camping. I needed a weight to hold down the bread whilst cooking (used a smaller skillet in years past- it's gone, somewhere), so after eating my "medium-rare" muffins, it's off to the garage.
Found the appropriate amout of steel, fashioned a handle out of oak, & you have the beauty presented here.
Looks like it was made by Chinese peasants while stuck in a prison camp in India with Pakistani advisers, but hey- it works!
Next time I'll work on something more extravagant, like candle holders made from broken tree branches.
The Garagineer never quits....
Last time, I started thinking about water delivery, & went out in the garage & made a portable gravity supplied water system for washing hands, rinsing dishes, & such. Good to have a bunch of 1/4" NPT hardware on hand.
This time, I couldn't use the toaster oven to make my English muffins for b'fast, so I used a CI skillet, like when camping. I needed a weight to hold down the bread whilst cooking (used a smaller skillet in years past- it's gone, somewhere), so after eating my "medium-rare" muffins, it's off to the garage.
Found the appropriate amout of steel, fashioned a handle out of oak, & you have the beauty presented here.
Looks like it was made by Chinese peasants while stuck in a prison camp in India with Pakistani advisers, but hey- it works!
Next time I'll work on something more extravagant, like candle holders made from broken tree branches.
The Garagineer never quits....
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Marketing Fail
Methinks the World's Most Dangerous Librarian might take issue with that assessment...
Friday, August 26, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Before & After
Before:
After:
Yes, that is a gaping hole shot through the backstop.
Boy, these bloggers got a lot of boolits...
I'm sure it will be written up extensively elsewhere, so I & the Mrs. just thank everyone for their generosity in making this the great event it is.
Seriously folks, thanks.
After:
Yes, that is a gaping hole shot through the backstop.
Boy, these bloggers got a lot of boolits...
I'm sure it will be written up extensively elsewhere, so I & the Mrs. just thank everyone for their generosity in making this the great event it is.
Seriously folks, thanks.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Tomatoes Gone Wild
Just like "Girls Gone Wild", except, well...no, it's not the same.
But still- these are big honkin' tomato plants I'm here to tell ya. While the snow-capped beauty isn't as long as Nancy or Tam, these plants are starin' at 7 feet, so far.
I hope that somewhere in the foliage there are some actual tomatoes.
But still- these are big honkin' tomato plants I'm here to tell ya. While the snow-capped beauty isn't as long as Nancy or Tam, these plants are starin' at 7 feet, so far.
I hope that somewhere in the foliage there are some actual tomatoes.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
BEAR! (& Bunny)
My bud Paul wanted to get a little surprise gift for his bride after her return home from a trip. I'm guessing she won't be anticipating anything like this:
He hired a chainsaw wielding carving guy to carve a bear into a monster stump he had in his backyard. Pretty cool, eh?
Not wanting the bear to feel all lonesome, the guy added the bunny to a shorter stump near Mr. Bear:
That's a cool talent to own. If I tried something like that, I'd have to put up a sign so folks would know what the hell they were looking at.
Sometimes "awesome" is the right word.
He hired a chainsaw wielding carving guy to carve a bear into a monster stump he had in his backyard. Pretty cool, eh?
Not wanting the bear to feel all lonesome, the guy added the bunny to a shorter stump near Mr. Bear: 
That's a cool talent to own. If I tried something like that, I'd have to put up a sign so folks would know what the hell they were looking at.
Sometimes "awesome" is the right word.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Ready, Set...
GROW!
The garden's in- Celebrity tomatoes, bell & jalapeno peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cukes, & about 50 Kentucky Wonder pole beans.
The "auxiliary" garden, installed & maintained by Mrs. DT, holds 16 Brandywine tomatoes (an heirloom variety), leaf lettuce, & butternut squash.
Scattered around are a couple "mini-gardens" holding more butternut, a few zucchini & summer squashes, & one plot of blue Hubbard squash. Turnips are planted in the blackberry patch, & the potato bin is started.
I got a good start this year due to a very cool gift of a greenhouse from the Mrs. last Christmas. It's just about 3x5', but big enough to walk into, with shelving for the plants. Works great if you want to get the plants outside- in March!
Another great gift idea from the very same smart lady was a gravity-fed irrigation system. This thing is specifically designed for use with a water barrel (blue thing on the wall), & allows the first plant on the run to get the same amount of water as the last, providing the runs aren't too long & the head (barrel height) is adequate. This year I'm just running the system for the beans, just to see if it works as advertised.
Now, I'm gonna start sharpening the knife for the first tomato sandwich.
The garden's in- Celebrity tomatoes, bell & jalapeno peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cukes, & about 50 Kentucky Wonder pole beans.
The "auxiliary" garden, installed & maintained by Mrs. DT, holds 16 Brandywine tomatoes (an heirloom variety), leaf lettuce, & butternut squash.
Scattered around are a couple "mini-gardens" holding more butternut, a few zucchini & summer squashes, & one plot of blue Hubbard squash. Turnips are planted in the blackberry patch, & the potato bin is started.I got a good start this year due to a very cool gift of a greenhouse from the Mrs. last Christmas. It's just about 3x5', but big enough to walk into, with shelving for the plants. Works great if you want to get the plants outside- in March!
Another great gift idea from the very same smart lady was a gravity-fed irrigation system. This thing is specifically designed for use with a water barrel (blue thing on the wall), & allows the first plant on the run to get the same amount of water as the last, providing the runs aren't too long & the head (barrel height) is adequate. This year I'm just running the system for the beans, just to see if it works as advertised.
Now, I'm gonna start sharpening the knife for the first tomato sandwich.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
For the Brothers...
I'm not a big fan of the Dixie Chicks' politics, but I love this song.
Vietnam was "my" war; I served during that time, but not in country. I'm still here to talk about it; many are not.
But still...
Welcome home, Brother.
Vietnam was "my" war; I served during that time, but not in country. I'm still here to talk about it; many are not.
But still...
Welcome home, Brother.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Thanks Again, Fed.gov
I’m usually a pretty healthy guy, but the one thing that has been a 20-year pain in my life is occasional flares of gout. Those that have had the opportunity to experience this delightful phenomenon know what kind of pain I’m talking about.
A couple years ago, my Good Doctor told me about colchicine, a relatively cheap medication to alleviate the symptoms of an attack as it begins. I was ecstatic; no more incapacitation due to this foul condition.
Enter the Feds.
My doc advised me yesterday that the generic drug has been pulled from the market due to a FDA ruling. That leaves only the “brand” name version- the price of which is 50X more than the commonly used variety (10 cents vs. $5 per pill).
Ben Franklin was a gout sufferer, & in 1820 or thereabouts he brought back info from Europe on an “autumn crocus extract” which became the drug colchicine. It’s been used since then to lessen the pain for the afflicted.
1820. Do you suppose that predates the FDA?
When your only tool is a hammer…
Sons ‘o bitches.
A couple years ago, my Good Doctor told me about colchicine, a relatively cheap medication to alleviate the symptoms of an attack as it begins. I was ecstatic; no more incapacitation due to this foul condition.
Enter the Feds.
My doc advised me yesterday that the generic drug has been pulled from the market due to a FDA ruling. That leaves only the “brand” name version- the price of which is 50X more than the commonly used variety (10 cents vs. $5 per pill).
Ben Franklin was a gout sufferer, & in 1820 or thereabouts he brought back info from Europe on an “autumn crocus extract” which became the drug colchicine. It’s been used since then to lessen the pain for the afflicted.
1820. Do you suppose that predates the FDA?
When your only tool is a hammer…
Sons ‘o bitches.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Gift (Part II)
He said to them, “Do not be terrified. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him.”
Mark 16:6
Happy Easter!
Mark 16:6
Happy Easter!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
19 April
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those spirits dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
-R.W. Emerson
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those spirits dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
-R.W. Emerson
Monday, April 11, 2011
April 12, 1861...
...marks the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the start of the bloodiest war in American history.
At 0430 in the morning of April 12, 1861, Ft. Sumter in South Carolina saw the first artillery fire in the
War Between the States,
Civil War,
War of Succession,
War for Southern Independence,
War of the Rebellion, or
War of Northern Aggression.
The name will vary depending on where you live, or your political proclivity.
The 1858 Napoleon will be wheeled out & fired tomorrow to commemorate the occasion.
For those who can't attend the ceremony:
At 0430 in the morning of April 12, 1861, Ft. Sumter in South Carolina saw the first artillery fire in the
War Between the States,
Civil War,
War of Succession,
War for Southern Independence,
War of the Rebellion, or
War of Northern Aggression.
The name will vary depending on where you live, or your political proclivity.
The 1858 Napoleon will be wheeled out & fired tomorrow to commemorate the occasion.
For those who can't attend the ceremony:
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
"I'll Eat Like a King"
Moment of turkey realization:
(make big to check out turkey "expression")
I gotta give it to lil' Couger, he's got balls- those turkeys outweigh him 2:1.
(make big to check out turkey "expression")I gotta give it to lil' Couger, he's got balls- those turkeys outweigh him 2:1.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Somethin's Bruin
The Mrs. almost got apoplexy when she walked within 20 feet or so of this critter raiding our bird feeder last night.
He looks to be about the same size as the guy I saw last fall. Sorry about the crappy picture- I had too long an exposure & I couldn't hold the stoopid camera solidly enough.
You can bearly make out his size...
He looks to be about the same size as the guy I saw last fall. Sorry about the crappy picture- I had too long an exposure & I couldn't hold the stoopid camera solidly enough.You can bearly make out his size...
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Stove Went Out,
that means it's spring!
I hope.
The fire in the wood stove in the living room was started somewhere between Halloween & Thanksgiving, & has been running ever since.
Tonight, I had to rekindle the bugger to get some heat.
It's a milestone here in the north woods...
I hope.
The fire in the wood stove in the living room was started somewhere between Halloween & Thanksgiving, & has been running ever since.
Tonight, I had to rekindle the bugger to get some heat.
It's a milestone here in the north woods...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Nukes Are Bad, M'kay?
Wait for it...
The lefties will start singing the "turn it off, energy is bad" tune soon, & you'll be the one expected to give it all up. Well made point by Adam Brodsky, here.
The lefties will start singing the "turn it off, energy is bad" tune soon, & you'll be the one expected to give it all up. Well made point by Adam Brodsky, here.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Coming to New Hampshire...
...Constitutional Carry!
The house passed HB330 yesterday; let's hope the rest of the road is clear.
The house passed HB330 yesterday; let's hope the rest of the road is clear.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
OMG!!! MELTDOWN!!!11!
Before your hair catches fire & you go screaming off into the wilderness, go read this.
While it isn't exactly a picnic over there, remember, as usual, to be wary of the reporting.
While it isn't exactly a picnic over there, remember, as usual, to be wary of the reporting.
Monday, March 14, 2011
1000 Words
Every event has its' own defining picture; this one did it for me.
(Click for big- this one NEEDS to be seen)
God help them.
(Click for big- this one NEEDS to be seen)God help them.
Friday, March 11, 2011
US Government Complicity in Killing of Captain
"...but pressure from the White House...is having an effect..."
Fair winds Cap'n, good sailin' with ye.
Fair winds Cap'n, good sailin' with ye.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
1-1-11
...just wanted to see what it looked like...
A happy, healthy, & prosperous New Year to all three of ya.
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