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Saturday, August 30, 2014

Obama = Dickhead

Tried my best to ignore all news programs this last week, but did happen to see a short clip of Obama.  He said he didn't have a strategy regarding the ISIS/ISIL situation.  What a dickhead he is.

Construction Issues

We got back from our little getaway late Thursday afternoon. 

I worked on the deck framing all day Friday.  I've personally built 3 decks before, and this is by far the hardest, partially because of what I'm trying to accomplish, the damn hot weather and mostly because of the material supplier.  Instead of multiple trips with my little truck, I paid extra for all the raw material to be delivered at the same time.

The first issue is that the railing and spindles showed up gray, when the Boss wanted red.  While the son and I sweated, she took the stuff back, argued with the supplier and got the correct color ordered.

Then yesterday I was at the point where I could start installing the flooring.  When I cut open the plastic wrap, the color was correct but the type was wrong.  It was the cheaper hollow core when I wanted the solid material.

The Boss got on the phone and talked to a manager.  The new railing and floor boards will be delivered in about a week.  The trucker will take the other back with him.  Between now and then, I should be able to frame out the ramp entrance to the deck.
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The horse we bought is at her new home.  Took the Boss, granddaughter and one of her friends there this afternoon.  I enjoyed watching the girls and their horse.  The Boss picket out a saddle while we were gone, and it seemed to fit the horse just fine.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Still Here, Very Busy

Took the last of my vacation days starting last Wednesday through next week.  Use it or lose it time.

Last Wednesday through Saturday was spent constructing a base and assembling a yard shed for yard tools, and also starting the framing for a deck for the front of the house.  All that between the rain and in the high humidity and heat.  Been working in soggy clothes from the rain and sweat to the point of feeling like I have diaper rash.  I hate it when stepping brings a sloshing sound from my shoes due to sweat.

Took the day off to rest, but went with the Boss to look at a horse for the third time.  The pretty little Arabian mare dances a little when climbing aboard.  The Boss hasn't been on a horse in decades, but gave it a good try.  That's the first time I saw someone fall off a horse, before actually getting in the saddle.  We bought that horse anyway.  The second time up went well, and the Arabian settles right down. Compared to a quarter horse, she's like riding a cloud, so I'm told.

I got on a little Walker that was so responsive that I had to be careful about the signals I gave, whether intentional or not.  It was a strange feeling.  The last time I rode was years ago in the Rocky Mountains on a wilderness elk hunt.

Tomorrow we're off to a cabin for a few days of relaxation.  Then this coming weekend, I'll be working on the deck again.  Hopefully the weather won't be so hot.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Crap

Took the new toy to the range Sunday.  Brought along some 454 ammo loaded just shy of 1600 F/S out of my revolver with 300 grain Hornady XTP-Mag bullets.  My first shot at a weed on the 100 yard bank was a direct hit.  Fired maybe half a dozen while standing there and began falling in love with the Rossi lever action.

I then set up the chronograph.  Three rounds ran about 2250 F/S with the 300 grain bullet.  That's right there with 300 grain 45-70 factory ammo.

Just to see if it will function with 45 Colt, I loaded 3 rounds and fired those with no problem at all.

I then loaded 2more 454 cartridges in the magazine and fired the first one, but not the second.  The action locked up.  The lever moved a little, but the bolt was, and still is, locked tight.  According to the Hornady manual, that load is not maximum, and my chronograph verifies that.

After I got home, examination revealed a round hole in the right side of the receiver where it appears a pin used to be.  It appears a pin broke.  So why?  My ammo is not loaded to maximum pressure.  Could the slightly shorter 45 Colt have left something that caused the 454 pressure to increase?  Could it be a faulty part?  Or will this rifle only tolerate much lighter loads?

Damn.  A brand new shiny toy and I broke it.