LOL

I can't even remember where I snagged this picture from, but every time I see it in my photo I laugh. Hope you laugh too. Click to enlarge.

UPDATE: Go here and read more about Birdman weapons systems, I did and laughing even harder than before.

Saturday

Ross and I went up to my folks Saturday with a couple of objectives in mind. One was to convert the electrical system on the old 8N tractor from 6 to 12 volt. That went well; of course I didn’t stop there. I became frustrated at the inconsistent flow of fuel and pulled the tank. Of course it was full of crud, mostly rust flakes, no big surprise the thing is 54 years old. Pressure washing the inside helped, there’s still rust in the tank; the only other solution is to replace it or have a radiator shop acid wash and coat it, both costly. I guess I can live with a little rust in the sediment bowl.

Secondly, I wanted to shoot dad’s new revolver, he hadn’t even shot it yet. What a beautiful weapon! Taurus model 617 total titanium in .357 Mag, he started out 7 rounds of .38 special, after shooting through that we went to .357 Mag, he was impressed to say the least by the difference between the two rounds. This weapon is amazingly accurately, for a 2” barrel, much better than the Ruger SP 101 in .357 Mag that I used to carry. Go here to check out the specs.

Beer snob

Dog days, it’s that time again in Ravenna when anybody who’s anyone in town gathers at the park for an evening out. There’s food, fun, beer, and music at Ravenna’s Dog Day’s.

I must not be anyone or just anti-social because I’ve lived here for 14 years and the other night was the first time I went. The kids always go, its two blocks away and they love playing the games the church always sets up.

The kids had been down there for a while, I thought I would amble down and have a look’ see. Well it was everything I imagined it to be, the kids were engrossed in the games, the band was playing and people were having a great time. I made my way towards what I believed to be the beer stand, it was a token set up so I found a near by booth and bought a $2.50 token which I soon turn into a $2.50 Bud light.

Yes I’m a beer snob, I only bought this beer out civic duty, and it goes to the Lions Club. I can’t remember the last time I had such a tasteless beer. I normally choose to drink draft beer if at all possible, Guinness, Heineken something with taste. I sat at a picnic table watching the kids nursing my can of pilsner, it was soon gone and I had had my fill of dog days. I headed home, packing some of the loot the kids had won.

Turf pest

This is my first ever "hand kill" of my lawn nemesis Scalopus aquaticus AKA "the mole"
I had noted the grass around the pool was getting long and trim. Not wanting to use the weed whacker near the sides of the pool I opted for the traditional hand shears. Bending down to begin the job, I saw movement in the grass and the unmistakable fur of this varmint. With little hesitation I skewered the pest. My aim was true, right thru the center between the shoulders. As I lifted the creature, still run thru on the shears it showed little life and quickly succumbed to its injuries.

This is my 2^nd kill for the year. Walking across the front lawn this morning I saw evidence that there’s been a replacement for my earlier kill. Fortunately these pests are very territorial; one in itself can wreak havoc on your turf.

Interesting flowers

I've yet to try to identify these small flowers, in this picture, if you look closely you should be able to see the bee collecting nectar. Click on picture to enlarge.
Update: After a bit of research it turns out that this a very interesting plant. Monotropa Unflora, the ghost plant, also known as Indian pipe.

Happy 231st Birthday America

As I was hiking this morning I came across the remnants of this birthday celebration. The scale of this mess is not captured by this single photo Not that I was surprised by this total disregard for the environment, just bent me the wrong way.