Vacation Report

Several days ago the Boss, our 2 dogs and I arrived at a secluded cabin in the woods.  A day later our youngest son, wife and dog joined us.  So far it's been 5 days away from home and the normal routine.  We've had a great time so far.

Yesterday we were in a tourist shop called "Men's Toy Store"..No, it wasn't full of guns.  It did have cigars, pipes & tobacco and a bunch of politically incorrect and conservative clothing.  I acquired 2 new T-shirts there.  The sales lady told me that occasionally a potential customer would complain about the T-shirt messages.  As usual it seems that the 'left' are the ones that complain about someone voicing their opinion, while saying that voicing an opinion is their right. 

Today the 7 of us (4 adults & 3 dogs) took a hike of almost 3 miles.  Besides being totally soaked with sweat, I think we all enjoyed the trek.  It's been almost 2 years since my hip was replaced, but the muscles have not quite fully recovered.  Today I was pleased that I could go that distance with nothing more than a little fatigue from these 61 year old legs.

Make It Count

Way back in the dark ages, the middle 1970s, I graduated from college with an engineering degree during a recession.  Having a wife and 2 young boys I took the first job I could get.  This meant moving to Indianapolis and living in the inner city.

Most of our neighbors had issues with thieves.  Thinking that the bad guys were mostly young and lived in the area, I let it be known that I had a shotgun that would be used should the Boss or sons be thought to be in danger.  Back then the armory consisted of a 22 rifle, 410 and 20 gauge.  It has grown since then.  Anyway, One neighbor lady said she had her shotgun loaded with salt.  I thought, and still think, that's a bad idea.  He has the same opinion.

BTW, have anyone noticed that owning 2 guns is like having a pair of hamsters?  If you're not careful, they multiply.

Drool . . Carbine . . Drool

Oleg was getting 1745 f/s with 240gr bullets out of a 44Mag carbine.

I get 1800 f/s with 240gr bullets out of my 454 Ruger Super Redhawk (7-1/2" barrel).  My skill with the 2-6X scope mounted on the revolver is not sufficient enough to match his accuracy.  I've been drooling over the thought of a 454 carbine for a few years now.  I wonder what kind of velocity I would get out of that longer barrel?  It would be a blast to find out.

The Sound of Freedom

Tonight at dinner time, we were serenaded with the sound of distant gun fire.  More than one household in the area practices on their property.  Makes me a little jealous, because I don't have enough property or a decent back stop.

Smile

The Boss just watched several video clips on the 'net.  In each case there was a baby laughing, and she was smiling.  I swear it's automatic.  When a baby laughs, the Boss smiles or even laughs along.

Disturbing

Looks like the Feds are gearing up for internal conflict.  Maybe we should do the same.

Homeland Security buys 450 million rounds of .40-caliber hollow points

The DHS is also planning to purchase a further 750 million rounds of different types of ammo

The DHS recently put out an order for riot gear  . . . The U.S. Army is also busy buying similar equipment.

The DHS also recently purchased a number of bullet-proof checkpoint booths
 . . . the National Weather Service . . . putting out a solicitation for 46,000 rounds of hollow point bullets.

Stupid Voters

The subject of "stupid voters" came up recently.  I believe it was Carl Marks that said people are not smart enough to choose their own leaders.  I've also heard it said that we get the government we deserve.  Our present government seems proof of the above.

Damn Cowboys

Great weather this weekend.  Partly sunny with highs at 80F or a little less.  Saturday the Boss and I were once again at the "big house", this time digging a truck load of flowers for transfer, then back home.  We planted most of them Saturday evening.

Then Sunday.  Headed to the range.  First chance, actually finally took the time away from all the chores, with good weather to fling some lead.  Or so I thought.  The range was closed to us 'normal' shooters for an event call "Days of August".  The cowboys had it all locked up.

Oh well.  Back home and physical labor for the Boss.  Flowers & stuff just doesn't seem worth the effort to me.  But my sweat is worth it to her.

Here's Hoping

A few years back I picked up an Auto-Ordnance 30 Cal carbine for a song.  After running several mags of fun, the magazine blew apart.  The gas piston deformed the stop which then kept the return mechanism from from fully closing the bolt.  It still fired, but the case split.  I tried several methods of repair, but none really worked.  I came to the conclusion that the barrel is a bit too soft, so the only fix is a new barrel.

Kahr Arms now owns Auto-Ordnance and is once again producing the carbine.  Today I sent the customer service department the serial number and place of manufacture. 

Here's hoping I can get a new barrel installed.  That little rifle is a blast to shoot, and would be perfect for the Boss.  The military versions and the new AO rifles are a bit pricy for me.  The price range is near that of a new AR.

Too Damn Hot . . For Me

Yesterday we were at the 'big house' getting it ready for an open house today.  The Boss, granddaughter and I worked 9 hours, mostly in the 90 degree heat.  We all ended up filthy and smelly.

This morning I went out into the garage shop to straighten things up. With all the other needed work, that's been rather low on the priority list. I did manage to get it into good enough shape to walk into the door wothout tripping over something.  I intended to spend several hours on the task, but quit after about an hour.  Despite being just 9AM, I was dripping sweat.  Enough is enough.

My normal body temperature is actually higher than what's generally considered normal.  And as I've gotten older I've become more sensitive to heat.  80 degree temperatures, especially with our humidity, is near my tolerance level.  I become soggy just walking.

My 91 year old father-in-law is just the opposite.  At any temperature below 80, he wears a jacket.

Maybe Too Late

Iran is developing nuclear weapons, and anybody with a brain doesn't believe their program is only for national energy.

Iran has, on many occasions, threatened Isreal and the US.

It's only a matter of time before we hear of a nuclear attack on Isreal and US bases in that part of the world.  Talking did not work prior to WWII and it's not working now.

I'm amazed that Isreal hasn't struck Iran before now.  I believe that's a mistake on their part.  They may have waited too long.

Stupid Governemnt

Sorry about the stutter.

I see on the news that our olympic athletes will be taxed for winning medals.  The IRS wants $3500 for a brone.  There is a move to exempt those that represent our country from being punished for doing well.

Those serving our country in the military are also income taxed for, in some cases, risking their lives for our country.  So why not exempt them?

Then we have millions, I assume, that get federal pay checks.  They also pay federal income tax. 

All this seems to be very stupid to me, especially those getting paid by the federal government.  The government pays for a service, then takes some of it back?  That's stupid!  Pay a little less and forget the taxation.  Just think of the IRS and accounting hours that would be saved.  I'd bet the government would actually be ahead financially. 

Naturally this will never happen.  Just think of the government jobs that would be lost, and the money that would stay in citizen pockets and kick the economy.  We'd never want that to happen would we?