tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635390139892945252012-02-01T23:35:01.635-05:00xBrigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.comBlogger11151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-39997363602012950832012-02-01T17:55:00.003-05:002012-02-01T19:02:30.637-05:00

It's that time again, back to work. The five days off went much too fast, but I got to visit three of my best friends so it was a great time all the way around.

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-777242050388368412012-01-31T10:11:00.013-05:002012-01-31T19:20:29.961-05:00

I'm always surprised when I go to the outdoor range during the winter months and it's totally deserted.Certainly, I don't want to go with 30 knot gusting winds and a snow squall. But there are a lot of fairly clear days in the winter, where there may be some snow on the ground but the visibility is good and the wind is manageable. You will have to dress for it, but then again, I rarely get hot

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-36887868258923011762012-01-30T07:57:00.007-05:002012-01-30T20:04:00.360-05:00

It was a long weekend of good company, tools, 1911's, antique shops, music and board games. I arrived near Chicagoland with books, homemade bread and fudge in hand. HOTR White Chocolate Fudge. Mix 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk and 2 packages (six squares each) of white baking chocolate. Cook at 50% power in the microwave for 2 1/2 minutes. Remove and stir until chocolate is melted. Add in 1/2

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-27505790042396523522012-01-29T09:42:00.001-05:002012-01-29T11:12:29.290-05:00

A heavy snowstorm hits the eastern half of the country and cities grind to a halt. Flood and snow hit the west, catching many off guard. I pay attention to weather, the forecasts, the chances for a really bad day. I've learned first hand how nature is more than happy to cut off your breath with a choking whisper of disregard.Few do. Hollywood actors return from the political fundraisers to their

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-79399508089882231252012-01-28T18:11:00.009-05:002012-01-30T17:39:18.374-05:00

Blogger, and a friend to many, Stephen is in the hospital with a bad infection. I just heard the news from a couple of mutual blog buddies. Those of you who can, say a little prayer for him and his family. He's good people.UPDATE: Both Matt at Troublesome Times and Duke at Down Range have been keeping everyone posted, having talked with and/or visited Stephen. He is still quaranteed but he got to

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-29453419092103360822012-01-27T18:12:00.006-05:002012-01-27T19:08:52.594-05:00

The morning was busy, doc appointment, ortho surgeon follow up, followed by the yearly. . . knock, knock. . . mammogram! (I'm not a glutten for punishment, but all the visits were in the same medical facility which is a fair drive north for me).When I was done with all that, I was ready for company, so the truck was loaded up and off I went to meet Midwest Chick and Mr. B. for a bit.We each

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-70292992736678737482012-01-26T19:46:00.005-05:002012-01-27T16:14:32.231-05:00

She works late, hunched over a table, narrow, spread fingers splaying out thoughts while the last of the light straps around the strong beat of her heart. Outside lies a world forgotten as the words fly, sullen leaves and dead ashes swirling, branches stirring like water, drowning in the fading light.He works late, bent over a shop table, hands scarred and toughened by work, stitching, molding,

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-3695186605639952532012-01-26T00:01:00.002-05:002012-01-26T12:45:14.215-05:00

As you all know, I spend a lot of time traveling. I take as little as I can get away with, plus gear for varying temperatures as I don't always finish my trip where I started. The wardrobe is easy as I'm either in something that looks like Joe Friday wear, or resembles bio hazard gear.Both easy to wash and wear (or simply incinerate).At least I smell good.Still, I'm sometimes looking around my

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-68615398996167053172012-01-25T18:31:00.000-05:002012-01-25T06:49:45.874-05:00

Quiet.I've enjoyed getting back to work, the routine that's anything but, the noise, the activity, the lines of reasoning and questions. The "Hey B!", "Doc!" or simply, "I need your help". But on a daily basis I need just a little bit of quiet time, just to myself, no cell phones, no TV, no schedule. Just the secret, strong murmur of silence.Some people have a real hard time with the quiet though

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-11259018901403042742012-01-24T08:00:00.003-05:002012-01-24T09:09:26.930-05:00

Tam - For all the adventures, cat hair, Barkley care, books, bikes and boomsticks.For IPA hoisted with cheers and tears. For the Mongolian Hordes, for Gargoyles, for the poor hippies that probably won't ever try Farmer's Market Roast Pig in Broad Ripple.For never asking if we've run out of ways to cook bacon.Happy Birthday my friend

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-89818744985963671162012-01-23T18:59:00.005-05:002012-01-23T22:07:15.128-05:00

It's Monday, you're bone tired and wanting something nourishing with a bit of a kick for dinner. Something to satisfy you after a long day or two in the field, zombie attacks or a list of weekend honey do's and chores, which may have included tree stump removal (note to self, C4 may work better than in-laws bush hog), scraping wallpaper in the guest room and finally, escaping to do more important

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-60747864642846584672012-01-22T11:05:00.012-05:002012-01-22T18:34:43.331-05:00

Snowfall.We've had our first big snow and spray of freezing rain. I am glad to be in safe and warm for now for I remember too many nights traveling as winter shook its fist at the forecast. I remembered the snow as I traveled from the field to my hotel, hesitant to leave, yet physically more than ready for warmth, food and rest. As someone drove me the miles in, there was nothing else braving

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-44594622998102303842012-01-21T09:22:00.032-05:002012-01-21T11:08:46.500-05:00

Several of us own things, in our shop, in our homes, that strangers would only politely say if they saw them, "well that has character", even as they went on to exclaim as to the beauty of some other trinket without real use or function.It's man's nature. Beauty awakens the souls natural response to living. Man acts on it as we know it is rare, and yet , it is usually a fleeting gift, sometimes

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-78594637730687095812012-01-20T17:52:00.003-05:002012-01-20T18:53:13.396-05:00

Bark Bark Bark!The day dawned clear and really cold and I'd overslept past when I normally get up and let Barkley out. My day off, I still needed to get up and hop over to the Physical Therapist's.Barkley really wanted a walk, but I can't for some weeks yet, so he went out on the zip line to take care of business, then grudgingly came in for breakfast. He seems to understand I'm not moving

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-2658125822191577862012-01-19T19:06:00.017-05:002012-01-20T11:07:27.070-05:00

Words fall softlylighting on myskin like snowA rhythmic whisperdrifting downthat melts in warmthlike rainWords with meaningthey've never hadand never would againUnique as flakesthat live for nowbetween the frost and flame -BrigidThe night is cold. And it is raw.Wind blows off the plains, the low moving east, pulling the chill deep out of the ground and throwing it in your face, daring you to

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-1243908622424611242012-01-18T20:51:00.005-05:002012-01-19T08:21:47.251-05:00

Knees by Curad Camp Camo. Knee surgery with just three bandaids. Pretty cool.I'm back to work full time, and let's just say it's been pretty wearing, even if assigned to desk duty. After whacking my leg really good in the kitchen the other night, it was quite swollen and I went to put the ice pack on it, the knee brace by itself not really doing anything more than putting creases in my leg. The

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-69274084653087841182012-01-17T18:46:00.003-05:002012-01-17T21:04:05.965-05:00

I seldom watch TV at home. Sometimes when traveling for work, I arrive back at the hotel, peruse the room service menu, and too tired to post anything of worth, consider TV. But not for long. If I watch, I do like the History Channel, NCIS, Red Green, Firefly, Top Gear and some old shows and movies, especially westerns and old classics. I get the most basic and cheapest of cable service and only

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-71168722883028664272012-01-16T10:54:00.009-05:002012-01-16T22:58:24.775-05:00

As the moon first knocks at the window she slices bread into thick pages to be placed in the toaster, cracking eggs into a bowl, dinner a simple omelet and tea.The house is quiet, her man far away working for a few days.Outside, the world is quiet, the four walls around her corralling her in, even as she is free to leave. There is still much to do, clothes fresh from the drier to be hung up, the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-37522931589698598842012-01-15T19:50:00.009-05:002012-01-16T08:57:17.277-05:00

You're taking me, aren't you? - BarkleyIt was a great weekend with friends, both far and near, gathering. Saturday was my first day out of the house in three weeks, other than short hops for physical therapy, a couple car pools in to the office and a stop at a store on the way back from the Doctor's in another little town. I couldn't drive, but boy, did it feel good to get out for a day.Lunch

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-75171751405848884082012-01-15T12:04:00.021-05:002012-01-15T13:00:18.585-05:00

More weekend adventures coming up later, as there's company at the Range and more knee friendly outings planned with friends.Last night was a simple dinner at the Range with my favorite engineer. We started with two pounds of rolled pork loin.It was seared on all sides straight on a cast iron skillet with just a smidge of olive oil (using less oil for the sear gives better color). Then it was

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-63487560539524462352012-01-14T18:14:00.007-05:002012-01-15T22:12:29.300-05:00

Coming up later, a Range report of a Saturday outing with friends. Thai-ing one on, barns and ballistics and how I was attacked by Tribbles. Sunday, there's a blog meet if I'm up to getting myself there.Cheers.

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-50825859497831285212012-01-13T17:48:00.017-05:002012-01-13T19:08:00.539-05:00

I think over again my small adventuresMy fears, those small ones that seemed so bigFor all the vital things I had to get and reachAnd yet there is only one great thingThe only thingTo live to see the great day that dawnsAnd the light that fills the world.- Unknown InuitHow often have you missed that one great thing because you just weren't looking closely?My Dad still owns the same house I grew

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-11350758188921022572012-01-12T18:40:00.010-05:002012-01-12T20:03:59.782-05:00

Warning: Be Prepared to Defend the Last Piece of ThisChocolate Guinness Cake

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-63676211443951455532012-01-11T19:03:00.011-05:002012-01-20T17:52:08.616-05:00

Books have been an essential part of my life for as long as I can remember. I loved hearing my mother's voice as she read to me. Although she fought cancer much of my childhood, she made our home one of joy and wonder, and even in the darkest of times, one of quiet and calm. I was blessed to have two parents raised in the depression, both of whom were college educated, very unusual in its day.

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-80827295993132295702012-01-10T18:18:00.006-05:002012-01-22T20:03:46.826-05:00

Folks - I had two drafts of this up, same story, different pictures, one I published, the other still in draft. I went to delete the one I thought I did NOT use, and deleted the one with your kind comments. Sorry about that. - BSomewhere far away - and years long past. Overhead, a sound passing by, the somnolent gnashing crunch of tires meeting gravel, the sound moving away, dying away, not to

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-54832836098175299132012-01-09T20:16:00.003-05:002012-01-09T22:56:58.913-05:00

I was chatting with one of the newer female gun bloggers, and she commented on how welcoming the whole gun blog community was. I had to agree. Certainly I've had a rare jealous sea donkey and a couple anti gunners leave "anonymous" nasty comments, but overall, a fraction of a percent of the total comments, overwhelmingly kind, thoughtful, fun and educated.I do recall one comment when the blog

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-17944798760561106772012-01-08T08:57:00.007-05:002012-01-09T22:21:58.805-05:00

"Have you come with your chosen weapon?""I have.""What is your weapon?"This was the teacher's advantage, his chance to adjust his plan of battle to the sling or spear or bah or bow."My weapon is David."- The Dark Tower - The GunslingerThe weather has been unusually mild, for January, temperatures in the upper 40's and low 50's, with calm winds and skies. Still I prepare for a storm as it is

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-4946812853174021332012-01-07T00:09:00.011-05:002012-01-08T19:43:04.573-05:00

So Miss D., what say you and I buy this (in perfect barn fresh condition), paint it flourscent orange with Lucas painted on the side and let mechanics pay us to shoot it. As your husband would say, we'd "make a bloody fortune!"My gal friends aren't typical. We don't watch girlyvision, we have more tools than shoes, and we love our guns, our firearms and our men (not necessarily in that order).I

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-5384793113087885652012-01-06T19:41:00.005-05:002012-01-10T20:00:02.705-05:00

One of my team has called me about every day to check on me (I'm the leader of our little bunch) The other day one said "do you need anything?" I said "I'll be cooking a roast tomorrow but I could use some beer for medicinal purposes". Just teasing. Today, late afternoon, I got a call, to inform me that the "delivery from the pharmacy" was on its way, being dropped off before those that come in

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-86328691230673828152012-01-05T19:05:00.006-05:002012-01-05T23:03:28.662-05:00

If you spend any time at all outdoors, you are eventually going to come across a wild animal. In that case you have three things you can do, like in any threatening situation. Flee, fight or do absolutely nothing.Case in Point - there was a hike one time, up in the Rockies with my brother in law, the liberal attorney from California. Suddenly, rushing at us from out of no where, came this HUGE

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-89565675617332368672012-01-04T18:47:00.006-05:002012-01-05T21:10:23.221-05:00

The small house stood on an even smaller lot, among a cluster of homes that went up when the War ended and so many young men came home to settle down. There were dozens just like it, neat and ordered, awaiting those that survived to light their rooms with freedom. The house stood there, 60 years later, most of its kind gone. The small, aging homes sold as generations moved away. It was now

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-41220805374067160752012-01-03T08:33:00.036-05:002012-01-03T18:36:02.415-05:00

There was a best selling book a long while back called "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus", attempting to sum up the differences between the sexes.Certainly there are differences, but communication, not books, is the key. For example, consider this actual conversation not all that long back at the Range.Venetian (fresh out of the shower and eying perfume and body sprays). "What would you

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-11500151111121372482012-01-02T12:47:00.015-05:002012-01-02T16:28:23.890-05:00

Hygge. It's a Danish word that roughly means "eating and drinking and being together with friends". We don't have any such word in the English language, and life for many people seems to rarely accommodate such a ritual.I can be insular (which is a kind way of saying "loner", unlike the word "pensive" which is often a kind way of saying "clueless"). There are days I just want to turn over the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-14775970756260754372012-01-01T08:54:00.007-05:002012-01-01T11:25:57.445-05:00

My New Years Eve was pretty quiet. The movie 3:10 to Yuma, followed by Wallace and Gromit. My next door neighbor, the police officer, took a moment from his young family and stopped in to check on the Range household, offering New Years Greetings and a cold beer. That was a appreciated though I wasn't up for much more than one Guinness, then sleep. Then a real shower (I've a plastic lawn chair

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-80853680267847223382011-12-31T05:16:00.007-05:002011-12-31T19:58:56.854-05:00

Everyone asks about the knee and it's hard to admit that I took it out walking Barkley. OK, ice, the wrong angles between leash, knee and canine were involved but still. . . .You never know what trouble the furry one will get into. Officer, I was just fetching my toy. Ship? What ship? I didn't see any ship, we're just playing with a ball. Chasing it was more fun than catching it. Hey, I always

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-8346559568296727052011-12-29T14:21:00.001-05:002011-12-30T17:22:12.461-05:00

I've been getting my share of knee jokes, "old age" jokes, and scooter jokes with the knee injury. When I hit age 40, I started getting the AARP cards in the mail. Those folks just don't give up. Given the liberal policies that AARP has supported, we will all be 70 before we can retire so I find that a bit ironic. I saved the last one I got, to send back to them in a personal manner. Even worse,

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-76155703818841749362011-12-29T13:24:00.004-05:002011-12-29T19:16:46.699-05:00

12/29/2011The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I'm not sure where the phrase came from, but in looking at our children, those we love, it stands to reason. When we hold them for the first time, we move with such caution, speaking in hushed tones, recognizing something within us that had always slumbered, sightly alive, just waiting to be born.I didn't meet Brigid Jr. until she was in

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-91938812048874222722011-12-28T21:26:00.003-05:002011-12-28T21:36:49.111-05:00

Brigid asked that I let everyone know the surgery went well. She is home and safe (all office chairs have been limited to linear motion only.) Between the Morphine, Demerol, and Hydrocodone she is not up to posting, but all is well.Midwest Chick and Mr. B are on standby, Barkley is fed, and I'll make sure she doesn't start doing fancy footwork on the crutches at 2AM. (It might scare the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-72692009722813097892011-12-28T07:26:00.001-05:002011-12-28T09:18:23.428-05:00

I had surgery less than 12 months ago. So, when am I officially Borg?They are going to have to remove a portion of the meniscus, as it is torn beyond repair. That may bring some arthritis problems as I get older, but the doc said he'd do what he could, to save what he could,. The dislocated knee? They will adjust and I start PT on Friday for that.Just a word of advice. If you've spent 30

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-65508157496363891702011-12-27T18:11:00.009-05:002011-12-27T22:44:26.731-05:00

I saw somewhere that the Vatican added hurting the environment to the list of the seven deadly sins.The current list:LustGluttony (does bacon count?)GreedSloth (three toed or the other kind?)WrathEnvy (but it's the XDM .45 in green and stainless)PrideWell, with all due respect to the church, if they can add "damaging the environment" to the list, I'm going to add a few of my own.The Home on the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-49455921164672743702011-12-26T09:45:00.005-05:002011-12-26T10:13:32.198-05:00

Those hallowed and pure motions of the senseWhich seem, in their simplicity, to ownAn intellectual charm; that calm delightWhich, if I err not, surely must belongTo those first-born affinities that fitOur new existence to existing things William WordsworthMost of us get the little things around us, from simple to sublime, some posting them cursively on paper, others capturing them in photos, some

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-35580510402835330852011-12-25T12:29:00.004-05:002011-12-25T14:19:17.825-05:00

As most of you have already read, Christmas didn't turn out in the least as I planned, being pretty much immobile and in a lot of discomfort with the blown out knee, not able to visit family or friends out of town. But with the warm thoughts of friends, and a couple of companions who refuse to leave my side, it turned out just fine.To all of you who sent cards and packages, thank you. I'm sitting

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-74627949748412545402011-12-24T15:51:00.004-05:002011-12-24T16:19:27.875-05:00

In every family there is usually one child that has that deep seated curiosity that sets him or her apart from the others. Sometimes it's as subtle as a lot of "why" questions, sometimes it's finding out your child asked for new stock components for the AR15 from Santa. But for you new parents (Brigid Jr., already has her own AR15 to play with) here are some helpful hints to recognize if your

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-84219588635434282772011-12-24T10:18:00.007-05:002011-12-24T10:55:25.874-05:00

It's easier to post than to send out 50 emails. Sorry.The MRI last night shows a definite tear through the medial miniscus (between the medial condyle of the femur and the medial condyle of the tibia) and some significant bone bruising. My family doc took a look at it and got me off immediately to the doc that works on the local football team, one of the best ortho guys in the area. That doc said

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-22338023062554753402011-12-23T14:15:00.001-05:002011-12-23T14:21:58.582-05:00

I posted a shorter version of this last winter. After seeing in the news yesterday about a young woman who got her car stuck and survived for 9 days on two candy bars and melted snow, I thought I should repost it, and add to it. Please have your family members read this, or talk with them about it. It could save a life.Think about your drive home today. The sun might be shining, but what will the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-2372376669565517722011-12-22T17:46:00.004-05:002011-12-22T17:48:39.521-05:00

Every man who runs a traction engine ought to know something of the magnitude of the force he is working with. He ought to know something about the strength of materials in his boiler and engine. He ought to know the exact construction of every part of his machine. He ought to know how to make all the necessary repairs and make all necessary adjustments and he ought to be familiar with the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-82741706127454441132011-12-21T17:30:00.012-05:002011-12-22T18:01:47.140-05:00

I am home from Illinois to see my Doc for a referral to "ortho guy". I'm not used to being a passenger in the bat truck but there was no way I could flex the right foot and knee to handle the land barge.So I got to "front seat drive" while my friend ferried me the 150+ miles home for my doctor appointment tomorrow. I was pretty good with the whole "keep your foot elevated for 48 hours", though

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-44620539053130042542011-12-20T15:45:00.021-05:002011-12-20T21:13:21.817-05:00

It seems you can't turn on the TV without sports, channels devoted to sports, channels of discussions about channels with sports and always, sports related references on every show out there, including even my favorite shows.Linda: And in sports, Yankees fifth-blurnsman William Wu is out with an injured kneeMorbo: So, humans have easily injured knees. My race will find this information very

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-66669740843187989202011-12-19T12:16:00.014-05:002011-12-20T08:55:50.534-05:00

If you could only take what you could load in your arms, in your car, in the event of a disaster what would it be?I'm settled in at my friends house, knee bandaged and up, a jug of fresh water, a sandwich already made up for me for lunch. I also have the most necessary of guardian angels, with extra magazines, all within reach. I was able to get through the night without the hydrocodone, though

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-84744513742531948982011-12-18T20:12:00.010-05:002011-12-28T09:20:08.224-05:00

I woke to a bit of snow and ice on the ground, a perfect, crisp weekend for a gathering with friends up north.A little Christmas cheer, with music, snacks and desserts and drinks, for about a dozen friends, mostly of the non blogger variety, all fans of trains, planes and automobiles.EJ was hosting and I arrived at Party War Room for planning (OK, where is the tiny pie crust recipe?) We both love

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-42250490973004042972011-12-17T10:48:00.000-05:002011-12-17T12:11:33.237-05:00

Most of the time I'm lucky and can get ammo like this for my various older pieces that is non corrosive. Unfortunately, you need to check what you buy as most surplus ammo IS corrosive. On cleaning weapons fired with corrosive ammunition, it's the salts used in the primers that is the actual culprit. It made them fairly stable and surefire, but left behind a salt residue that is hygroscopic.

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-76007575190391257582011-12-16T17:32:00.000-05:002011-12-16T18:10:36.478-05:00

It's all about location, location, location.

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-58062556575298042412011-12-15T19:29:00.005-05:002011-12-15T19:58:16.210-05:00

Yesterday did not seem like winter, temperatures almost 60 degrees clear, cloudless, with just enough breeze to kick up a little whitecap on the lake. A good day to be out in a Triumph with the top down, or a boat, if most of the boats weren't put up for the winter that will soon be tapping at the door, with portents of the coming cold, a Jehovah's Witness of chilly repentance for summer

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-87455094984999703042011-12-14T23:58:00.000-05:002011-12-15T19:34:53.428-05:00

We all have family recipes that turn up during birthdays or a holiday. This one is requested at most family gatherings. Though, for the longest time, it never had a name. It was just "that dessert thing". It was requested regularly when I was a youngster; something that could be put together quickly and without a lot of grown up cooking skill. But one day, it got a name.I remembered that, just

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-91314473989082740762011-12-14T19:23:00.002-05:002011-12-14T19:34:23.416-05:00

If I have any readers in the N.W. Chicago area (Mt. Prospect area) I'd like to point out Mina, a little gem of a Mediterranean restaurant in a small strip mall. I had a stay in the city recently on business and my friend from the city picked out three restaurants, three different cuisines, all within 30 minutes of where my hotel was, and let me pick for a late night dinner. He had reviews, and

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-66147829321969480842011-12-13T18:33:00.010-05:002011-12-13T21:06:49.089-05:00

It was once said in an age-old axiom, that an object cannot occupy two positions at the same time. Yet now, with today's technology, it may be argued that it is just possible to do that. The number of places science can go is far greater than I ever believed, even growing up reading Clarke and Asimov at every turn. Most physicists today trying to unite Einstein’s theory of gravity with quantum

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-75018734136256885392011-12-12T20:00:00.011-05:002011-12-13T07:31:30.725-05:00

click to enlarge, from XKCDWith nice days being fewer and far between I went up today in an airplane for some currency.As pilots, back in the day, we had numerous evaluations by senior officers and check pilots with the organization. I still have a few of the old forms, just for nostalgia. One was from a little passenger carrying operation with turboprops I flew for while I finished my education

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-60677510219170157712011-12-11T03:12:00.012-05:002011-12-11T19:21:26.448-05:00

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and atwo-edged sword in their hand.Psalm 149:6 (KJV) After a fun day and a late evening yesterday, I'm getting some Christmas things done around the homestead while listening to Christmas music. Nothing involving Santa's and Grinches and Red Nosed anything, but traditional Christmas music as we sang in church. There are still a couple of them I can

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-26084023191353479552011-12-10T21:43:00.047-05:002011-12-12T20:32:59.499-05:00

When the day starts with a frozen chicken pot pie with a candle in it, it can only improve.Today was the IND blog meet, organized by our beautiful and talented friend Roberta X. We had two guests coming in from out of town, one whom I picked up at the airport. As my regulars know, I met Old NFO years ago when he was in the Navy and I hauled him someplace in a Sherpa (actually several times). We

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-79088868979924398852011-12-09T22:11:00.010-05:002011-12-09T22:48:02.022-05:00

He plays a song of intricate soundlaced with plucks and scarsof love that is both lost and foundspun webs of silver stars.Composed of wood and fragile stringthat echo in still airhe plays its song, the notes that clingto what he can't declare.Amongst the shadow of silver stringshe plays a song so truethat of a hearts soft, sad regretsand joys for what he knewNotes sweeter than a word confessedlet

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-49626523344946102802011-12-08T23:40:00.001-05:002011-12-10T08:39:47.770-05:00

Hopefully, by the time you read this, my little eebook and I will be packing up to head on home. Coming up after travels and the blog meet, a post about cleaning firearms that use corrosive ammo.Cheers!

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-37147738329722984572011-12-08T19:26:00.001-05:002011-12-08T20:30:52.450-05:00

People ask, since I'm in D.C. on occassion, if I've ever taken photos of things "happening on the hill" there.Why yes. Yes I have.

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-34328207707629621172011-12-07T20:21:00.003-05:002011-12-09T21:26:28.778-05:00

Office building occupants, whether they are law enforcement or CPA firms, run drills throughout the year, to test evacuation and security. I've been in a building where the fire alarm was going off and people were saying "OK, just let me finish downloading this. . . ". That's not the way to get people to move quickly from their desks.Simply have someone get on the intercom and say "there are

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-22618206555166471292011-12-06T18:13:00.009-05:002011-12-06T21:39:57.707-05:00

Like the Mossberg 500, the first time I saw the Remington 870, and saw what it could do, all I could think of was "why didn't I get one of these before?" They are well priced, totally reliable and very adaptable for many uses, the Remington being used by both civilian and military. Whether you want one for self defense for the home, hunting or just sport shooting, you'll quickly find out that

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-12197490565877803882011-12-05T18:50:00.007-05:002011-12-05T19:54:38.140-05:00

There is only one date on a child's calender, and that is the first day of summer, that taste of hope and freedom long awaited.My hometown has changed some in the last 30 years, becoming a bedroom community for a much larger city 50 minutes away, the population growing. When I go back I often wander around the places I played as a child, finding only bits and pieces that are still the same. I get

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-38111839177656442312011-12-04T14:19:00.013-05:002011-12-04T18:12:44.448-05:00

When you are cooking for special guests, there are normally three schools of thought on what to do.(1). Make something intensively elaborate to impress.For example, a truly elaborate meal might be to uncork a bottle of 2005 Rosenblum Cellars Petite Sirah and serve alongside a Crown Roast of Lamb. The paper (or foil) keeps the end of the bones from getting burnt, and the dish is usually the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-8210364624487459722011-12-03T14:34:00.001-05:002011-12-03T14:43:42.000-05:00

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. - C.S. Lewis

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-11671116483507281442011-12-02T19:26:00.000-05:002011-12-02T19:50:02.612-05:00

It was one of those flawless winter afternoons, the sky crisp and heavy with thought. Coming back from work, I was hurrying to get home. Even though the day wasn't late, it had started very early and I wanted to get home to my black lab before he was doing the Barkley Bladder Boogie. So I took the shorter route on the freeway to get towards home, anticipating the glare of the setting sun when the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-51307898076328285392011-12-01T19:10:00.003-05:002011-12-01T19:31:56.602-05:00

This morning, the everything outside was covered with frost, with temps down in the 20's and a moist air mass stalking the area. Not a good way to start the day. But the day, thankfully, is ending with home and a good meal, even if it was not what I'd planned on. I'm home early, due to a headcold set to stun, someone else taking over my work for a couple of days. I knew I shouldn't have worn the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-57762346473687374622011-11-30T18:12:00.010-05:002011-11-30T23:41:54.732-05:00

The hum of the tires on the pavement is soothing, mile markers going past me like years.I don't have to drive in to "work" every day, like many in offices do. Often I fly out, and am gone for days, sometimes weeks. But I enjoy the drives in when I make them, often in the dark, before the roads are busy.I've made most of my vacation drives by myself though a friend from college and I recently

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-54532785028286571972011-11-29T18:31:00.016-05:002011-11-30T20:02:23.475-05:00

The batphone rang in the wee hours, so while I'm busy, I'll have a few short posts over the next couple of days. . .When I decided to downsize it felt great to get rid of old furniture, beat up lamps and knick knacks I didn't need. But getting the closests organized in a smaller home took a litle more work. Over the Thanksgiving holiday my favorite engineer helped me get the last of the stuff

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-69063861066918607442011-11-28T14:01:00.010-05:002011-11-28T20:35:00.938-05:00

I feel like a zombie, and more so than the typical Monday. Barkley, now forever known as "GastroDog", is happily sleeping on the floor with his toy after a couple of interesting evenings of "guess what I ate!"It started out Saturday with the thought "I'm changing Barkley's name to Hoover".He's always been a good dog about staying out of the kitchen until recently, when, with guests, dinners for

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-32822091072145210442011-11-27T11:45:00.010-05:002011-11-27T12:27:13.638-05:00

My Dad has all his financial stuff tied up in a trust. His means are modest, but he didn't want the family to have to fuss with a lot of detail when the day comes that he is not here. We hate to think about it, but he's 91. I'm the "baby", a post Air Force retirement adoption in the family. We all sat as a family and went over details, but one thing Dad said was "decide on who wants what now,

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-51418870315073678692011-11-26T16:56:00.005-05:002011-11-27T11:27:48.149-05:00

Whoopie Pies The whoopie pie is a dessert that is not quite cookie, not quite cake, It is made of two round mound-shaped pieces of cake (sometimes chocolate, sometimes pumpkin) with a sweet, creamy filling or frosting sandwiched between them.Considered by many to be a Pennsylvania Amish tradition, likely made up from leftover cake batter, they are popping up all over the states, including a

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-18863709261201395212011-11-25T05:06:00.017-05:002011-11-25T18:27:44.035-05:00

No, I'm not up early for shopping (unless it's Black Rifle Friday at Brownells).Thanksgiving is over. I had a very nice dinner at the family home of one of the IND blog gang, Scout26, who invited me to eat with them and share the fun. I came home from good food and company for a quiet night with a mug of tea and early sleep.I have no plans to set foot in a store today. It's too early to put up

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-53626532665899280082011-11-24T11:07:00.000-05:002011-11-24T11:20:31.695-05:00

My family has often gathered in different homes in different years. Some years we would have Thanksgiving and Christmas at Dad's. Sometimes they would go to my step mom's sister's house with an invite for us. With the children all in military or squirrel service of some sort, getting together each holiday was not always possible, but there was always a home to go to. This year is different. With

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-67991819792025024012011-11-23T19:28:00.012-05:002011-11-23T20:58:21.503-05:00

When the day starts with homemade Pumpkin Roll, it's going to be good.I have had several guests drop by in the last few days, a gal friend from college coming through town for a quick hello with her spouse, before heading on East, and later, my favorite engineer, also on his way through to visit family, and able to stay a bit. The Range was readied and lots of things baked.Breakfast was intended

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-73721106240850244482011-11-22T17:02:00.002-05:002011-11-22T18:22:23.474-05:00

Where's Chewie? Hoosier edition.A day hanging out with Tam is never ordinary. There were Mongol Hordes, guns, knives, Artisano's spices and Chewie the Purse Wookie riding shotgun in the front of the truck (if you squeeze him, he makes loud Wookie noises).You never know WHERE he is going to turn up when I'm out with my favorite people. I have company visiting from out of town, so more pictures

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-8936061069935431512011-11-21T15:29:00.006-05:002011-11-21T15:49:25.760-05:00

I choose many things by the scent of them. Scent is the key part of taste. People that lose their sense of smell often lose their enjoyment of food. Smell is transport or torment, as simple as hunger, as complex as love. Scent is memory, simply the whiff of something takes us back. The smell of Charlie perfume, six months I spent in London on an assignment years ago where I bought some in an

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-84555337301429983102011-11-20T10:22:00.018-05:002011-11-20T18:39:39.949-05:00

Blogger greg commented yesterday when I mentioned in the snickerdoodle comments about having to go to a chick flick with a gal friend, that "if it was the Twilight movie he'd make the cookies with margarine (instead of pork lard) just out of spite."greg - with a tip of my coffee mug I have to say - get out your Walmart buttery spread.A gal friend and I go to movie each month, alternating as to

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-65527136937904599712011-11-19T14:29:00.006-05:002011-11-20T12:44:43.324-05:00

Since it appears Venison Flambe is out today (still raining) how about some cookies?! If the way to a man's heart is through is his stomach, someone needs a geography lesson, but these should be a hit with your favorite guy or any holiday company you may have.Though I'm wondering just how long it will take for someone to guess what reloading dies these are. (I'm going to a movie with a shooty

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-60056930231969597392011-11-18T17:20:00.010-05:002011-11-18T21:30:00.618-05:00

The last weekend, the wind whipped like a banshee through the trees and the deer were not moving. But still the hunters go back out, not to give up just because of one or two mornings coming home cold, hungry and empty handed.It had been a stormy night, as I headed out that Fall morning. I walked out, alone, Marlin with .357 pistol loads in hand, with an errant thundershower lingering, perhaps

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-47934906207716049052011-11-17T20:00:00.006-05:002011-11-17T20:47:18.900-05:00

My sense of humor gets a little twisted after a very long day working.B.

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-38597494569692134232011-11-16T19:13:00.008-05:002011-11-16T22:10:33.540-05:00

Blueberry Pie! To start - HOTR foolproof pie crust (makes two crusts)4 cups all-purpose flour1 and 3/4 cups shortening1 tablespoon sugar2 teaspoons salt1 tablespoon vinegar1 egg1/2 cup very cold waterAdd flour, shortening, sugar, and salt to a large bowl. Get out your pastry cutter. I was watching this documentary about how the invention of the pastry cutter was what allowed Cro-Magnon man to

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-32967187379388693952011-11-15T18:36:00.017-05:002011-11-16T06:49:24.457-05:00

Over the years, many people have declined to go up in a small airplane with me. I've heard every excuse but the most common is the remarks as to the craft itself. "It's flimsy, it's made of wood and fabric!" "A stiff breeze could topple it over on the ramp". Perhaps true. It's also a symbol of my freedom, the ability to take myself to a dimension where I can truly learn about the person I have

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-44257580495502587262011-11-14T18:33:00.035-05:002011-11-14T21:29:20.699-05:00

Not only do I have more than one bullet I know a good place to eat if you are traveling through Central Indiana.For I was traveling through a little town by the name of Danville IN, located not too far West of Indy on my way back from a country excursion. We'd seen tractors, old barns and a VFW hall that remembers what is important.I loved their flagpole. I've got to bring Tam over to see this.

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-51303793721434111752011-11-13T21:03:00.002-05:002011-11-14T18:05:01.947-05:00

I have more "old" weapons than new. Some of it is simply the comfort of those things that have been proven realiable.Then there is simply the sheer love I have for that which is history, of the acts of courage that defined a persons freedom, of the mechanical workings of objects which support self sufficiency and strength. Planes, trains, steam engines, old tools, and yes, the gun. There's an

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-76206436111204698462011-11-12T16:42:00.002-05:002011-11-12T16:52:02.413-05:00

I support the Second Amendment as it supports what our country was founded on, the means in which as patriots, we can protect and defend. The true measure of the patriot is steadfastness. We all have small moments of wanderlust in us, tearing off on paths that others may not follow, testing limits, testing ourselves. That is the nature of man. Yet when we strive to hold true, to stand firm to

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-10791569731397602152011-11-12T00:06:00.001-05:002011-11-18T22:21:56.046-05:00

A stop at the dentist first. I broke a tooth on some clam chowder (no it wasn't a firm chowder, the tooth apparently had a fracture and the hot temp caused it to fail). Two hours later, I've got a new crown, (what no little balsa wood airplane for being good? What's dentistry coming too?) and I've fetched Barkley from Doggie Day Camp. Friends tend to him if I'm jut gone for a few nights, but for

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-37395710366124805582011-11-11T05:41:00.000-05:002011-11-12T08:34:01.301-05:00

They were high school sweethearts. He did not have the best home life, and found a refuge of laughter and warmth in my Mom's house as a kid. He and my Mom were in the same grade in that small Montana town and he and his brothers and sister would spend many hours there playing or just hanging around to find some spark of what they didn't have in their own home.He and my Mom ended up falling in

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-14285939754899386322011-11-10T12:59:00.007-05:002011-11-11T16:06:04.682-05:00

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot.The wind in the wires made a tattletale soundAnd a wave broke over the railingAnd every man knew, as the Captain did, too,T'was the witch of November come stealing.I've been fascinated by the old sailing ships for years, because of one that's been a part of my memory since childhood, one that fueled my fascination with the archeology of

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-32550272624385470172011-11-09T22:05:00.000-05:002011-11-10T12:57:56.373-05:00

The kitchen was dark but click to enlarge.Yes, this favorite HOTR recipe was breakfast, and yes, that is bacon.BACON Swiss Quiche. It started out as spinach Swiss onion quiche but somewhere in there a package of bacon fell in.I spent the very early morning puttering around in my favorite bathrobe. I got it for about $6 on clearance at a fancy department store. (Gee, I don't know WHY no one bought

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-31051419158747351562011-11-09T08:29:00.008-05:002011-11-09T12:49:06.205-05:00

They come down out of the high forest. Their cry one you will never forget if you hear it. From the darkness, that mournful sound, soon to be stilled.crunch crunch crunch.Next year, big boy, next year. :-)

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-83838073751169230412011-11-09T06:51:00.001-05:002011-12-07T18:46:10.201-05:00

Hopefully, by the time you read this, I will be headed home. Coming up by tomorrow morning, a post about cleaning firearms that use corrosive ammo. I've got friends visiting from out of town tomorrow, so it will be a full weekend of firearm talk, food and (oh look, a case ofYeungling fell into my truck).Cheers!

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-26465994317631103652011-11-08T19:50:00.001-05:002011-11-09T08:46:11.057-05:00

"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity." - Frank Leahy - football coach Notre Dame

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-87869206438570470042011-11-08T09:12:00.019-05:002011-11-09T17:48:22.538-05:00

(click to enlarge)When I come West, I can get to Dad's through Spokane, Portland or Seattle. I usually go through Portland as it allows a stop at a cemetary.The stone is that of my Great Uncle Royal Crown Brown. I'm sure there is a story behind the name, but there is a story to the man.He was my Dad's Mom's brother, born only a few miles from where I live now. He went off to combat in World War I

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-46623552816628348232011-11-07T08:52:00.034-05:002011-11-07T10:13:56.997-05:00

There are a collection of these on the rail of the deck at the family homestead. Can any of you guess what they are?After just a few days here, Dad is looking better. The nasty wound he got on his arm when he fell, is healing. The doctor couldn't find any organic reason for his getting dizzy, but adjusted his meds, which has seemed to help. My brother R. and I put up rails in the tub and in the

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-84248651016872207092011-11-06T07:36:00.003-05:002011-11-06T09:58:15.932-05:00

Dad has quite the collection of videos. All the Lonesome Dove Series, 310 to Yuma, John Wayne and Steve Mcqueen, Bridge on the River Kwai, The African Queen, Dirty Dancing???? (Dad, we need to have a Father Daughter chat)I usually share one he hasn't seen when I visit. This trip I suggested Flyboys.First the planes. Only someone with absolutely no aviation soul wouldn't be moved, all canva s and

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-47642740168662677512011-11-04T19:16:00.002-04:002011-11-05T09:13:48.403-04:00

I was at Lowe's the other day buying some stuff for the Range when the huge assortment of barbecue grills caught my eyes. From the small one, like I have, big enough to cook burgers for four, or some salmon or chicken, to ones that could feed Bolivia with more gauges than that old Boeing I used to wrestle around with.We always had one, though I can't remember where or when the very first one

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563539013989294525.post-73621528110967128182011-11-03T23:57:00.002-04:002011-11-04T11:09:06.856-04:00

I arrived after six and a half hours on planes, and an hour or so in a jeep. Just in time for supper. The lighting in Dad's kitchen isn't the best but here it is. After a long day, I needed something I could make that was quick and easy and not totally "out of a box". I said "we've got potatoes!" Dad said "great!" I said "we've got Pasta!. Dad said "Great". I looked at him "you want both??" Dumb

Brigidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836315423040719919noreply@blogger.com11