WHAT A NEAT MAILBOX

This is THE coolest mailbox I've ever seen. It's a 45 caliber in Oklahoma.

WE MADE THE NEWS, AGAIN

There is a great vid from BBC on us preppers. I found it at Survival Blog.com, check this!
This fellow is concerned about the grid going down but he has a pellet stove that would require electricity. I'm thinking he might be surprised when something happens.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISSY

Today is my half-sister's birthday and she would have been 72. I can't dwell on this 'cause I can't afford another rifle. (See posting of March 3rd). We weren't raised together, she and her older brother came to live with us as teenagers. Didn't stay long and went to live with their father. I didn't see them again until they were both married with children. Jerry and I got closer as we got older and she was my matron of honor when I got married. She married a guy with one son and they had one son. My nephew is a great guy, loves GTO's, buys, sells, races and shows them. Last count I heard he had seven, but that changes weekly. He's married and has two beautiful daughters.

I can't believe I had the wood stove going last night. It's freakin' cold here today and I need to mow the yard. I'll have to get out my long underwear. Still have more raking to do but it's just too cold. In a few months it'll be too hot. Just can't keep me happy.

I was out this morning with the dogs and two of the cats always go out, Lily and Elijah. I tell them to stay out back and away from the road. The dogs and I came in and a little while later so did Elijah, no sign of Lily. So, before I could set down and enjoy my breakfast I had to find that cat. I walked all over this yard and called and called. No cat. Got to the back door and she was inside looking at me. I SWEAR I don't remember her coming in. I hate it when that happens.

HEADS UP

I just got this email from a friend.
"You may have heard, on the mass media, that ACORN, the organization that raised havoc in the last political election, is closing its offices and disbanding. That can’t be further from the truth. In researching this story you will find that ACORN will appear everywhere, just like they were, but having different names all over the country to confuse the electorate.
Our Totalitarian, Marxist government will continue is dismantling of the Constitution of the United States by passing legislation at a rapid rate before the 2010 elections; cap and trade, immigration amnesty, and other regulations that will complement the economic disaster that just passed known as the Healthcare Bill.
The spin-offs from ACORN will begin their subversive activities to ensure that the 2010 elections go the way they want! We must be vigilant and stop these activities."

RATS

I've been smelling mouse poo. Actually, I think the three dead ones were rats, 'cause their tails were really long. Anyhow, I started cleaning out the laundry room. Found the cause of the smell. Turds everywhere. So, I cleaned out the two cabinets and moved them into the other room off of the kitchen. This gave me a chance to go thru my preps and rotate and check dates. I started last night and again, all day, today. Everything is back in order now and even better. The laundry room smells better but I'm not done. I'll have to move the washer and dryer and freezer also. If these three little rats left this much poop and stink behind, I can't imagine what CONgress smells like. No wonder politicians leave DC in the summer.

Took an hour off and went to get the mail and stopped at Dad's. I was filling out his census, and we were talking about the pedal car I got when I was about 1 or 2. His neighbor just bought one for his kids. Dad was telling him I still have mine. He put back up lights from an old Ford in it for headlights using a 'hot-shot' battery for juice. I was the only kid that could ride up and down the sidewalk after dark.
He told me that some farmers used those kind of batteries to help start the old Fordson tractors. In the winter, some guys would actually build fires under the tractors to heat the oil and thin it out. These tractors were crank started and had 40 or 50 weight oil in them. Thick as molasses when it was cold. He then said, "I've seen Pop, that was his father, crank that tractor until steam came out of his underwear." Well, I laughed so hard, I couldn't write. I haven't laughed that hard in ages. I would expect something like that coming out of my mom's mouth, but not dad's.

DECLUTTER AND DOWNSIZE

I was humbled by Jay G's post over at MArooned when he mentioned this blog. Thanks Jay!

Wow, Brigid, at Home on the Range, has a great post today. Go over and read it, NOW.
Not to steal her thunder, but it's about down-sizing. A lot of people I've been talking to are doing just that. It's like a need to get rid of all of the heavy responsilbility of all of this stuff. A woman I know has her place up for sale, her parents built it years ago. She told me, she came home one day, the pool needed cleaned as did the house, the yard needed to be mowed and she decided right then and there to put it on the market. Then someone told me when her boyfriend moved out she realized what all the guy did that now wasn't being done.

My best friend Joanie died last November. When the niece and her husband cleaned the place out and sold all the stuff, they got $3100. The house hasn't sold yet either. Your whole lifetime boils down to a Saturday auction. Why accumulate all this stuff that just drags you down. If I had to leave in a hurry, I sure couldn't take it all with me. And it would stress me out to leave it behind for some turd to get. Sell it now or give it away. Mamma had a saying, "Do your givin' while your livin', then you're knowin' where its goin'"

I'm gathering up different items this summer and taking them to a flea market. It's a really cool place, in the woods and a lot of tourist $$$$ traffic. I've somewhat de-cluttered the 'bird room' and I can't believe how much nicer it looks. The only thing I'm buying now is maybe another gun or an occasional book.

FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

What a georgous day it was. Spent the better part of this day with my two best friends, Sue and Sarah. We met for breakfast at the same restaurant I have my catfish on Thurday night. Boy, was it packed. Had to wait for a table. We then strolled across the street to the little used book store and got goodies. After that we drove to another small town that has an Outback store, with a sale going on! Sue is going to Arizona with a friend in a few months and spending a week on a ranch. She needed new boots, jeans and had to get a hat. I love hats. She doesn't even like to try them on. I found the perfect one but she wanted one that was crushable. From there we went to another book store and got more goodies. Then to a Pizza Hut for lunch. That was our day. I had to stop and get milk for Dad and take it over to him. His neighbor came up and said the bank had been robbed this morning. It was just a couple of blocks from where we had breakfast. Come to find out, the robber didn't even make it into the bank. The teller told him she didn't have the key to the vault, so he hit her and ran off.

I had a long talk on Wednesday with the four cats. I explained to them that it is going to be mighty cold this winter when they are out in the barn. So someone better get busy and catch this mouse or its curtains for all of them. Last night, Lucy got one, she was torturing it in the tub, I told her to handle it. Later I threw out what was left. This afternoon, when I got home. Lucy and Charlie had one in the tub. I later through out its remains. I still hear another one, but, they've tasted blood now, only a matter of time, it's death is imminent.

ADDENDUM:
Later in the night, I heard a ruckus and #3 bit the dust. I guess that little talk must've helped.

LITTLE RICHARD

I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Richard, the 11 year old who lives down the road, and asked him to come over. His mother said his bedroom looks like Mission Control.

Richard clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?"

He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, ID ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again."

Richard grinned. "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?"

"No," I replied.

"Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."


So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T

I used to like the little shit....

WHAT A DAY

Yesterday, I went over to Dad's to help him fix the driving light on his GMC. He went to a sale a couple of weeks ago, had to park in a field, driving over what he thought was a pile of snow turned out to be ice. Took out his right driving light. When I went to the dealer to make an appointment for his LOF, he asked me to price a new bracket. I told him, "You'll have to buy the whole light" 'Nah, all I need is the bracket' Uh huh, right. I asked the parts guy, new assembly....$130. Told Dad....'Ha, I'll make one out of tin, that's what the truck is made of!' So, for the last two days, thats what we've been doing. But, its back on, and it works. It was the principle of the thing, I guess.
So, back to the first part....I went over to Dads to help him with this project and we determined we needed longer bolts, mm, fine threads, two nuts. I put Archie in the truck and headed for the hardware store. As I'm pulling out of Dad's driveway, onto the road, getting ready to hit the gas, the neighbor's boxer comes running towards the road. Next thing I see is Archie, leash and all, flying out the window. I slam on the brakes, jam on the e-brake, jump out of the truck expecting to find him laying under it. NO, he's down in the yard smelling Reese's butt. I yell for him, that spooked the boxer, he takes off with Archie on his tail, barking and snipping. The only way I was able to get him was because he stopped to pee. I smacked his ass, picked him up, hit my head on a tree limb. I'm seeing stars, the dog is squirming, the truck is in the middle of the road and, sitting behind it, very patiently is a guy in a van. Probably killing himself laughing at this stupid woman trying to get this dog.

THE CENSUS

I fail to see what all the hoopla is about with this census. As a genealogist, the census is invaluable. There are not any questions on it that should concern the average American citizen, and, by filling it out you are not going to be telling the PTB anymore than they can already find out elsewhere. I put down more stuff about me when I started this blog than I did on the census that I filled in and mailed yesterday. I agonized over getting another computer a few years ago. My first one had died at Y2K. I said something about it to Dad, he said, "You might as well get a new one, if they need to find anything out, all they have to do is push a button." And he's right.

CAN'T TAKE A JOKE

I took a Cadillac Escalade out for a test drive just to drive that sucker before they become extinct.
The salesman sat in the back seat describing the vehicle and all its wonderful options.
The seats were of particular interest. He explained that the seats directed warm air to your butt in the winter and cool air to your butt in the summer. I stated the car must be a Republican car. Looking a bit angry, he asked why I thought it was a Republican car.
I explained that if it were a Democratic car, the seats would blow smoke up your ass all year-round.

I had to walk back to the dealership, but it was worth it...

CAN'T TAKE IT

It raining pitchforks and hammerhandles. Suppose to be worse tomorrow. Yesterday, I got all 'springy' and took the kindling box and the wood rik out to the wood shed. Tonight, I had to bring back in a handful of wood.
Still have a lot of yard to finish raking, but, it'll have to wait until next week now. The crocus', iris and tulips are up. When I came home tonight from having supper with Bob and Judy, the kneedeeps were chirping, or singing or cheeping. Whatever kneedeeps do, I guess in some places they are called chicadas, I think. Anyhow, its a sure sign of spring.
I really like this computer now. Maybe the new modem is making the difference. I just discovered it has a web cam. LOL, don't know what good that'll do. I know what I look like.

LIFE IS GOOD!

Had trouble with the computer again yesterday. Called Texas and got the same fellow as before. Turns out my modem took a shit. He tried for 40 minutes but I could not get on line. He said, "Someone will be there on Tuesday with a new one." I came home today and there it was. Plugged it in, and ta-da!!! I am up, and running, and wireless, and faster.
Just got a call from the framers and my little sampler is done. Going to pick it up tomorrow. Wish I hadn't broken my camera, I'd take a picture. Maybe I shouldn't of bought that Henry rifle. Lets see, rifle....camera, rifle....camera, rifle...nah, I needed the rifle, I just want another camera. Mamma always said, "If you got what you need, your wants won't hurt ya." My mom's name was Betty and my friend Sarah calls those little tidbits.....'Bettyisms'. Mother had a lot of them and once in a while, they'll creep into my vocabulary. They are always good for a laugh. GOD, I miss her. She would be livid at what's happening today with this country, and vocal, VERY vocal. And, I know what she'd do to Bam-Bam....

HAD TO FIRE THAT HENRY

Well, I finally just had to shoot that Henry. What a sweet little gun. Now I must go back to the gun shop and get a cleaning kit, cause I'm going to do that again and again. I also ordered a 2-rifle hard case from Plano on Wednesday. It came on Saturday! Talk about service! It is perfect for the Henry and my 410 Savage. Keep them safe and clean.
It's going to hit 50 today, the snow is just about gone. I don't know what happen to the blizzard we were all talking about 2 weeks ago. It was suppose to be today, they were calling it the 'granddaddy of all snow storms'. All we're getting is a blizzard of sunshine and warmth.
Finally got fed up with not be able to get this wireless to work. So, I called my provider, who is in Texas, and spoke English!!! In about 20 minutes, he patiently walked me thru it and now....I'm wireless!! Woo-Hoo. I can sit on the porch and blog!! Of course, then I'm telling everyone I have a computer. But with 2 satellite dishes in the side yard, and a 60' tower at the south end of the house, I figure everyone probably knows we are electronic literate. I'll be alright, those same people can also hear the gun shots when I target practice. It was really cool when my friend Matt came down to sight in his bear gun. Sounded like a canon, the village probably thought the revolution had started.
Still plugging away at the living room. I keep staring at the one wall that's done, when I need inspiration. I think I'll work at it this afternoon.

HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF?

Just got this 1934 cartoon from a friend.
Scary thought that we can't learn from our past mistakes.
Have not fired the new baby yet, not sure if I have enuf cleaning stuff.
Short and unfocused posting today, sorry.
Hope everyone can read the cartoon.

A HENRY LEVER ACTION IT IS!

Well, well, well, I am now the proud owner of a Henry Lever Action .22 and it's a beautiful rifle. Walnut stock, smooth action, can't wait for a sunny day so I can take it out back and shoot it. I'm not taking it out in the rain and snow, not this baby. Made in the USA, that's two things I've bought that were American made. Got a pair of LL Bean boots last week.
The best thing about this trip to the gun shop was meeting 'Soaring Hawk' a Native American. What a gentle soul. He stood there and talked to me like we were neighbors. Such an impressive human being. He was born on the reservation. Indian children are not named at birth, but after they develop a persona. His grandmother told him "as you were being born in the hogan, a hawk was circling above, being very vocal, almost like it was announcing your birth. I named you 'Soaring Hawk'." I will remember him for a long time and I hope I run into him again.

A SOLUTION?

Still got the blues, thinking about all the friends and family I've lost. Just when I get to the age of retirement where I could go to lunch with buddies and sit around and talk in the middle of the day, there's no one left. Pisses me off. Think I'll go buy another gun. Haven't been to the gun shop in months. Might cheer me up. Stay tuned.

TIRED OF WINTER BLUES

It started to rain about 3:30. I guess it's suppose to turn to snow later tonight. Went to the pet store and got more litter and cat food. Not much to post today, kinda in a blue funk thinking about the past. Later......