Why

The question I ask myself whenever I remember my Remington 760. Why did I sell it. It was a private purchase back about 1976 that brought her into my life. We walked many miles together in Washington State, Idaho and Montana. She dropped deer, elk (once two with crossing shots) and was deadly accurate.

I shall find another but it must be an older model, wood smooth with years of careful handling, the blued metal reflective of its age. I like old. Old is indicative of craftsmanship.  Old will get the job done. Old has class.

She's out there, waiting for me. I just know it.

Stephen

Autumn Mornings

I walked outside this morning to the coolest temperatures we've experienced since last winter. The air held that brambly oak smoke scent of fall and it was 68 degrees, nice. 

Later, as Little Bit climbed from my truck she, silent, glanced up and watched a formation of geese, high in their V formation and turned and threw me a big smile, her all cute. She didn't say a word as the geese honked and pulled air, hard on their way to the river. I smiled along with her.

The best mornings of my life, as a boy, were those first crisp fall November mornings when I was pulled from bed early for the first day of duck season. I'd move into the kitchen where the odors of fresh coffee, bacon and Hoppes Number 9 mingled with the promise of open skies and cold rain with high clouds scudding in waves across the marsh. I miss my youth when we were all so young. So young.

This morning with the cool air and the trace of smoke, geese in flight, and Little Bits' joy, I'm happy.  

Stephen

Sons of Anarchy

I can't help but like this show. Guns and motorcycles....I mean, come on.

Tonight, 10PM.

Stephen

Not to Her Standards

We're at lunch at a local greasy spoon. I can't help myself and take my Blackberry and snap Little Bit's picture. As is her way she asked to see it.

"Papa, no."

I put on my confused face and ask, "No what, little girl?"

She sighs, "Are you going to put this on your blog?"

"Of course, don't I always put your pictures on my blog."

"Yes," She frowns and continues, "And I don't like some of them."

So she sticks out her hand. Wants to scan my photographs of her. I hand her the camera and she flicks through the files. Then, "See, Papa, not this one or that one, and I really don't like this picture."

"Honey, you're beautiful. All these pictures are fine."

Here last words on the subject were, "Papa, if you put them on your internet thing I'll kick you."

So, here are a few samples of forbidden pictures of Little Bit.

Above she's hiding her school logo. She said she was 'ugly.' Women....

Here she is the day the subject of ugly pictures took place. She looked at me (as the photo was snapped) and said, "Guess you're gonna get kicked, Papa."

Guess so.

Stephen

Bits & Pieces

Good morning. Today, the weather in my world is cloudy with rain showers. The squalls are pushed by southeast winds, the remnants of tropical storm Lee. Kinda nice, coffee weather.

I hope of you had a great Labor Day weekend. I worked. Sweet Wife is a slave driver....had me out in the yard mowing grass, trimming shrubs, and pressure washing our walkway. She'd stand behind with her whip; woman's mean I'm telling 'ya.

Above, Sweet Wife's 'Rose of Sharon,' still in bloom. A member of the Hibiscus family.

We have a very large Gardenia in our front yard that requires a heavy trim at least twice a year. I hate to cut the bush back while its blooming but such is life in Florida. Growing conditions here make shrub trimming necessary.  Here's a shot of one of the blooms. I pack all my trim waste in old trash cans, otherwise the waste disposal critters just leave it, lazy bums.

(click)
Sunday afternoon we took a trip to Costco and loaded ourselves down with more food stores. We added another 100 pounds of sugar, 50 extra pounds of rice and cases of assorted canned goods. Seems another session of buckets and Mylar bags are in store for me.

(my coffee high has worn off)
Excuse me while I jerk another cup of coffee. Man walked in this morning and before I could yell hello he begins ranting and raving on world conditions, politics and weather. The jest of which is we're all doomed. It's the end times. Bend over and give yourself a kiss goodbye.
I waited and when he finally paused to catch his breath, said, "Guess it's all Bush's fault."

Blink, blink, blink....."Well, hell yes. How'd you know?" He once wore an Obama t-shirt on a visit to my shop. He was joking of course. But I just wasn't in the mood for silly politics. 
He loves to rub my fur the wrong way and I tolerate his rants in order to put his cash in my pocket. There he stood about to let 'er go again when I step over and smile as hard as I can....used his first name. "Bill, please, go play in the rain."

Normally, he'd take it and smile and walk away. Guess his mood reflected mine. He turned, grabbed the door knob and over his shoulder threw me a, "*#ck you, a$$hole."

Some days are like that around here.

Listen folks, Tuesday mornings are rough here at work and I need to call my lawyer (nothing bad) and business has kicked in a notch or two...gotta run. I shall see you good people later.

Here's a picture Little Bit told me she DID NOT want me to post.....well, I'll show her.

I had asked her to hide her school logo....she bit her lower lip to hide her two missing teeth....she hates this picture. But, I love her.

Stephen

AK 47

Again, this is a schedule post while I'm away for the weekend. Everyone should have a few AK's stashed away, with a train load of ammunition.

See you tomorrow.

Stephen

The M-14

This video is fodder for the weekend while I spend some time with my family. I'll see you Tuesday. Have a great weekend. By the way, this is my 'go to' rifle.

Stephen