Very Good Advice

Aside from the fact I'm not qualified, it's important to understand I normally do not make nor give legal advice. 

But, due to the recent arrest of a former Marine and subsequent incarceration for 'psychiatric' review, I believe the following video very important to any American who exercises their God given right to self-defense. In short, if you own, carry or use a firearm in this country please take a few moments from your very busy life and watch.   

This video has been around the block but its message is timeless.

On YouTube you will find parts two and three. H/T, Survivalblog. 

Stephen

Fire

My friend, That Guy, posted a cool picture of his new Coleman lantern last night. Since I'm on a Coleman equipment kick I made a comment to him I'd post other pictures too. I said I'd post photos taken of my Coleman 502 Single Burner Stove.

I lied.

This is my new/old Coleman Peak Backpack Stove made in Canada by Coleman. It's small enough to fit in the palm of my hand. Burns white gas or Coleman fuel. With an adapter it will also use kerosene.

Notice the orange flame. She's in the warm stage. After about a minute she'll be ready to kick a pot of waters butt.

Now, she's a hot blue beauty. Ready to prepare your meal. It'll boil a pot of water in about three minutes.

I haven't as yet had a chance to unload and fire my Coleman 502. Give me a few days and I'll post pictures of her too. These little cooking gems can still be found on Ebay. Bid carefully and be aware of the shipping cost.

Seems I have a Coleman bug....it's addictive.

Remember, try and live by the rule of three.

Stephen

The Gold Standard

From the Wall Street Journal:

BY SETH LIPSKY

An under-reported development of this campaign season is the Republican Party's decision this week to send Gov. Mitt Romney into the presidential race on a platform effectively calling for a new gold commission. The realization that America's system of fiat money is part of its economic problem is moving from the fringes of political discussion to the center.

It's about time.

Stephen

 

Lost and Found

I think I've mentioned my efforts in reorganizing my ammunition and reloading supplies. It's been awful hot out in the garage even with the door open. So I rush in to sort and stack then rush back out.

During one of my hot dashes I came across this bundle. It had fallen behind some ammo cans. Said to myself, "Self, what have we here...."

Self answered, "Well, you idiot, it's a bag filled with 7.62x39 ammunition loaded on stripper clips." Indeed, a bag of lost gold. One of my AK-47 clones will be very happy when the zombies attack.

I return to my labors. I stretch and tug and move debris from my path and reach down and pull out a plastic bag. Sweat drips into my eyes. I say a few choice words. Slap the bag down and I hear this 'clank.' I ignore it in a mad dash back inside for a tall glass of iced tea.

As I drink and soak in the cool air I remembered that 'clank.' Back in the heat of the demon garage I bend and grab the plastic bag. Self asked, "What have we now."

When the bag was opened, self smiled. Well I'll be damned, eleven (count 'em) AR-15 green follower magazines. Twenty rounders.

I own too much stuff.

Stephen
 

Out of The Blue

The old timer walks in and hands me a canvas sack. Inside I find three boxes of 16 gauge shotgun shells and three loose paper hulled number one buckshot.

I give him a questionable look.

He said, "I don't need 'em anymore. Gave my guns away twenty years ago. Found them in the closet and knew you'd like to have them. Well, you do want them, don't ya?"

"Yes, Sir, and thank you. May I give you a few dollars for the shells?"

He said no and we chatted a while longer. After a few minutes he ambled towards the door. I again said thanks. Just before he left he smiled and said, "Knew you'd like the red box."

You've got to love old timers.

Stephen

Highly Recommended

A couple of nights back I made fajitas. I used a new salsa. I fell in love.

Not the greatest picture in the world. This is a shot of my butcher block where I laid the jar on its side but I think you can read it. The brand is 'Mateo's.' The taste is great. I purchased the jar at Costco. Yes, for you poodle walkers out there it is organic. Trust me, try it.

Stephen

Rainy Day and Rust

The so called hurricane, for my neck of the woods, has proven to be a wuss. Thank the Good Lord. Most of the day we've had a nice steady rain with a periods of gusty wind. Nice day to spend my time with the garage door open at work on one of my current projects.

I recently purchased a sad and rusty Coleman 413G stove and two lanterns off Craigslist, cheap. I've always wanted to try and restore a Coleman stove. But, I'm not a mechanical minded kinda guy. It was the mechanical part of the stove rebuild that held me back.  

Then I remembered one of my best friends is a marine mechanic and has the ability to rebuild any carburetor in his sleep but failed miserably when he tried to can beans and peaches. With him in mind I thought how hard could it be to try my hand at restoration. After all, I can at least can a green bean.

 She's a mess, isn't she...notice the top where the latch is located....awful rust. I begin with disassembly.

Top, my two lanterns. The blue one is a Coleman model sold by Sears. I believe she's dated 1963. The green one is a 1968. They'll be restored after the stove is finished.

Above, I've taken out the burner assemblies. Notice the drip plate. It should be silver but is covered in grease, rust, and baked on carbon. About thirty years worth.

Drip plate and gas assembly removed. I was having my doubts.

I began with the lid. I removed every trace of rust. If you decide to use your Dermal tool make sure you purchase several of those little wire wheels. I wore out two. They work well for the latch and handle and tiny hard to reach areas of the stove body.

The lid finished, I next tackled the drip pan. First, all grease must be removed. I used an old litter box filled with hot water and Dawn liquid. Not sure if you can see the difference between the left side and the right of the pan but it worked like a charm. I then took the dry degreased part over to my bench grinder and used my wire wheel to remove the stubborn carbon deposits and surface rust.

Above, nice. A clean grease and rust free drip pan. Make sure to pay special attention to the folds, edges and underside. Then again I'm kinda anal...

Above, now it's time to begin the hard part...the body of the stove. I first applied a good dose of Simply (or Simple, can't remember) Green. As a matter of fact I sprayed it two hours prior. Let it soak. The grease and any oils must be removed before you use sand paper otherwise it'll just gum the pours of the paper. I used my palm sander and 80 grit black zirconium paper. If you think you'll only need two packs, buy four.

Above, notice the date stamp. 2 - 73, or as you well know, February 1973. If the date isn't stamped on the body look under the gas tank tabs. The tabs are those little ears you slide into the slots on the front of the stove case. The date will always be stamped on both ears.

Progress.

An hour later and she looks much better. The latch and handle required special attention from my Dremil. Please, wear eye protection. I lost count of the number of little wires that struck me on my face.

Almost.

Next I tackled the gas assembly. When I first removed it from the case it was covered in rust.

I next cleaned the gas tank after I first disassembled the gas generator and cleaned the needle and tube. Next I degreased the body with an application of Simply Green. Be gentle. The paint will come off easily and if you do not plan to replant you will remove most of the paint. Notice its pink instead of red. I will paint the tank. Take note of the tube. It was black with carbon before I took it over to my wire wheel.

I love the 'made in the U. S. A.' stamp. I failed to mention these stoves are no longer manufactured. Coleman has been sold. Any item you see with the Coleman logo is now made in China. The man that sold me this stove said, "You know, they use kerosene." I smiled. They actually burn white gas or Coleman fuel. 

With the exception of the grill, which I have soaking in my mixture of Simple Green and Dawn, the stove is ready for paint. You've just experienced about five hours of labor....and fun.

Stephen

Busy Day

We've had a busy day and I just haven't had time to post. Sorry, because this will be quick. I'll try to write  something of worth tomorrow...no promises as I've two projects in mind.

Our hurricane supplies are in place, stocked deep. Went to Costco and dropped a pretty penny or two.

Hey, check out Survivorman this evening. Yes, he's a wimp but he's funny, and after all its a survivor show.

By the way the chicken fajitas were a big hit.

Stephen

Thanks and Welcome

To my new friend and follower, Deb. C. I promise to always answer your comments. Like I've said many times it might take me a few hours (really, I do have a life) or days in rare cases but bet on it I'll shall respond.

Please take a note of my sidebar as there are some wonderful blogs listed and they are all my close friends. You will find many hours of great reads at the click of a mouse.

Again, thank you and welcome to my humble little blog. You are now among friends.

Stephen

Snippets

It's very quiet here at home. My lovely wife is off to her hair lady and since I don't watch much television I hear every little sound. So very soothing.

My doctor requested I take today off. When I mentioned this to Sweet Wife she reinforced his request. I did as ordered. Let me tell 'ya, prescription sleep medication works. The doctor, a nice younger man, gave me a bag full of sleep medication. Has little butterflies on the package. Nice stuff.

My head hit the pillow and the next thing I knew it was 0900. I felt true guilt. I bet when my shop next opens I'll never hear the end of it.

*****

I recently bid and won a neat little Coleman Peak 1 backpack stove. It arrived yesterday. My lovely friend DFW had just dropped by for a visit. I unpacked the little booger as we chatted. The little one burner stove should come in very handy. My friend and I spoke of many things. Estate sales (she's a junky for them) books, and her big weakness, primitive kitchen and decorative items. She's a nice and lovely lady. Her husband owns a business just down the street from my shop. He's cool too, he's a gun freak like me.

*****

As soon as Sweet Wife gets back from the hair butcher we'll head out for a little per-hurricane shopping. I need to restock batteries and a few other staples. Even though I have hundreds of gallons of water set aside in blue barrels I like to have a few cases of bottled water on hand. This next week should prove to be very interesting. I worry about all the trees we have around our home, and pray to the good Lord the trees remain in place and upright.

I shall also top off our vehicles gasoline tanks. There again, I have a barrel of gasoline stored and treated but why tap into it when it isn't necessary. I keep the stored gas on reserve for my generator. Which leads me to another chore...filling my five gallon fuel containers, a task made easier when rain isn't pouring down my collar.

*****

Chicken fajitas are on the menu tonight.

If you can make it over for dinner give me a yell.

Stephen

 

I Want

Just because. The older Kaiser owned Jeep Wagoneer had class.

If by chance I stumble across a nice one I'll buy it in a heartbeat.

Stephen  

Respite

I slept last night. Took a while but rest finally came to me. For those of you with concerns of my coffee consumption please try and understand the caffeine isn't the problem. I do though thank you for the kind comments, and please beg your pardon for my lack of swift reply to the same. I shall make an effort this afternoon to answer. At present I'm just too busy and kind of shell shocked on this cloudy day.

A sawbones will examine and probe my weaknesses tomorrow.

Not much news to pass along. Did just take a call from 'the pimp.' He wanted to know if I knew of an underground market for a big flat screen television. Told him no. He then said he has a couple of handguns he wants to show me. I really need to find a better class of customer.

I took this picture of my coffee station for my sweet friend kymber. Kymber, please note my coffee cup and its placement. It stands empty and forlorn. I've taken your advice.

Later.

Stephen

Think About It

Are you ready?

More than 600 banking executives have resigned from their positions over the past 12 months, and I have been personally told that a substantial number of Wall Street bankers have been shopping for "prepper properties" this summer. But now even more evidence has emerged that quiet preparations are being made for an imminent financial collapse, says Michael Snyder in this article, Startling Evidence That Central Banks And Wall Street Insiders Are Rapidly Preparing For Something BIG, at The Economic Collapse.

Big hat tip to, Ol Remus. 

Stephen

Morning Coffee

You've got to love the first cup of morning coffee. I'm on my third or is it fourth pot. Not sure as I've lost count. I've been awake for over forty-eight hours. I have a cough. My throat is tender.

But what the heck at least I'm alive.

*****

Recently I answered an ad on Craigslist.  The fella had ammo cans for sale, several sizes. Informed the guy I'd take five of his 20mm cans. He responded and said he'd drop them at my shop, last Friday. He arrived yesterday afternoon.

Five big cans to fill. These are really too big to load with small arms ammunition. If one were to do so it would take five grown men and a boy scout troop to move them. Instead I'd suggest you utilize the big suckers for storage of sensitive electronics gear and or valuables. They are water proof but as a precaution apply a lubricate to the rubber seals. Vaseline works quite well. They're prefect for things like - night vision, rifle scopes, binoculars, and small amounts of ammunition topped with spare clothing. In the past I've even packed a spare pair of boots atop six boxes of shotgun shells. Think of them as portable vaults.

*****

I have far too many projects underway. There are the two AR builds. I have two Coleman stoves and two lanterns to restore with more on the way, and last weekend I decided to finally take stock of my ammunition supplies. I bounce from one to the other and never completely finish any one project due to my fickle nature. With our current summer heat and relentless rain it's just flat out uncomfortable to work in the garage. This is the excuse I gave Sweet Wife when she asked why in the world is all that stuff stacked in the garage. I need help. Think I'll ride downtown today and hire an urban camper. That is if any of them want employment and can rip their lips from the governments tit.

*****

I arrived at the shop early this morning and sat and paid bills. It was quiet, very quiet, for most of the first hour. Out front there was little to no traffic.

About an hour into my labors I heard a faint yell. At first I didn't recognize the sound so stood and opened the back door of my shop. Then again, a very faint scream. A child. Then it hit me. Somewhere back in this neighborhood a little boy or girl was under attack from his or her parent. It was the distinctive screams of a young child being whipped. I walked towards the street, not sure why, but I felt it necessary to try and locate the child. I reasoned if I could hear the child's screams, cushioned by the walls and windows of a house, then how terrible must be this little ones pain. I had not given a moments thought as to my actions if I were to indeed find this child. It was pure instinct, I wanted the screams to stop. 

Then nothing.

I turned and walked back inside. With another cup of coffee I returned to my work. The morning hasn't been the same since.

Sometimes I hate this city.

Stephen

  
 

Stolen From Matt

I just stole this picture from my best friend, Matt. Even warned him I'd take it. Now its mine.....

I'm keeping it. He can't have it back. It's mine now...evil laugh....

Stephen

The Answer

For those that need a copy of Unintended Consequences came via a comment from a friend.

xtexanwannabe (http://xtexanwannabe.wordpress.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Bored To Tears":

One can download Unintended Consequences for free at Survival Monkey dot com. One will have to sign up on their site. If unable, I have it as pdf also.

Thanks, Texan....

Stephen

Thanks & Welcome

To my new friend and follower, Dave Hennesey. I promise, Dave, to always answer your comments. It often takes me a few hours and once in a while days but you can bet your last dollar I will reply.

Dave writes a nice blog, The Diabetic Camper. Please take a moment and ride over and tell him Stephen sent you.

Again, thanks and welcome, my new friend. You are now among friends.

Stephen

By Lamplight

How I finished dinner. 

I was worried I'd not have cornbread for my stew but the power came back online just in time. Guess I'll look into one of those old Coleman ovens for future blackouts. Cornbread is important don't 'ya know.

Stephen

The Irish In Me

wanted an Irish stew for dinner. Ran to the market for the ingredients and now the house smells great. If you are one without patience, never mind. It takes time to build a proper Irish stew. It isn't complicated but it will burn an hour of your time.

I use a two or three pound beef roast, thinly sliced, instead of stew meat. Aside from the fact I'm frugal I believe the roast gives the best flavor.

A proper Irish stew consist of four basic parts - the beef, potatoes, onion, and carrots. If you insist dump in a few mushrooms and garlic, it won't hurt.

Coat the beef in flour and brown. Now for those of you in California you might want to find another blog because here comes the scary part....brown in bacon drippings. During the process I also use a half pound of butter, real butter. For New York City residents, that's two sticks. Brown in batches. Don't crowd the pot or you'll just steam the meat, not good. Like I said it takes time.

Above, the beef after its been browned. When you're finished with this process drop in the onions and cook until translucent. Add a touch of butter and beef stock and deglaze the pan. Season to taste. I also like a bit of Cajun seasoning, but that's just me.

Above, all the parts happily mingled. Easy on the beef stock. You want a stew, thick, not a soup. Now, bring to a gentle boil, reduce the fire and simmer for at least six hours. Serve with a good cornbread.

Enjoy.

Stephen