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 

Thanks & Welcome

To my two new friends, David and Darcy Cobb. I promise to always answer your comments. At times it can take me a few hours, days, and in rare cases longer, but rest assured I shall answer. If, for some odd reason I miss your comment let me know and I will correct my oversight.

I ask my other fine friends to please jump over and visit their blog, The Little Acre God Gave Us. I'm sure they'd appreciate the visit. 

.

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

Stephen