Welcome Aboard

Here's a big hello to three new friends. Sarge of Six Stripes and One Loud Voice, along with Annie and my new friend, Marvin Cooper.

My friends, I promise to always reply to your comments. It sometimes takes a few hours, or days, and under rare conditions, months, but trust me I shall answer.

Again, thank you and welcome. You are now among friends.

Stephen

Rain

You should hear it. It pounds the small metal overhang of my shop's back door like lead shot pellets. If given a chance I'd take a long nap.

Such a peaceful sound.

I love rain...

Stephen

Just a Ramble

It's been a long and very hot day. I arrived home late and lazy so whipped out a quick dinner of sauteed porkchops, steamed fresh broccoli in stock with butter, and made simple, but tasty, stovetop stuffing from, all things, a box. 

She cleaned her plate.

*****

You remember those survival packs from last week? I've given away three. You should have seen their smiles.

*****

During the day, in between work, there are several blogs I visit daily. Here are a few I highly recommend.

If for some reason you've missed the return of my old friend, Harry, please amble over and say hello. If there was ever a man to take the mantle of esteemed master survivalist, it's Harry. His blog, Self Sufficient Mountain Living, should be required reading for all novice survivalist. I've personally known Harry for many years and trust me when I say he lives the life. If I ever need a foxhole companion, or a man to watch my six, I'll take Harry.

Then there's my friend, PioneerPreppy. His owns a farm filled with all things good and wonderful. He's witty, intelligent, and makes, I understand, the finest honey in the Midwest. He lives the agrarian lifestyle. He's such a nice guy he even allowed me to steal the following picture. Trust me, one visit and he'll become your new daily read.

Then there's, Jess. His sharp wit and dry sense of humor make for a fine read. While you're there take a close look at his fiction. Jess is good people.

If you live within the gun culture, have a deep appreciation of the Second Amendment, and a love of God and country then you need to bookmark my friend, Rev. Paul. Reverend Paul is my adopted spiritual guide. He writes wonderful prose of his home state of Alaska, his family, and of course, firearms. I believe him, special. Please, ride over and give him your attention and don't miss his Sunday morning notes or his fine header pictures. Never know, you might miss a sighting of a Moose in his yard.

This list wouldn't be complete without mention of one of my very best friends. This man is grumpy, loveable, wise, and far more intelligent than your average bear. He slurps down my coffee, is a fine engineer, rides a Harley, collects fine old firearms, and is a veteran of Desert Storm. His name is, Duke. We're personal friends and shooting partners so I can write anything about him and he'll agree because I've seen him climb from a sleeping bag and he knows I have pictures. (If you're interested send ten dollars cash or silver per copy.)

My only complaint with Duke is he doesn't write and post frequently enough for his fans. Please, check him out. 

*****

I'll see you tomorrow. Happy reading.

Stephen

Lost Treasure

For the last two weeks I've been neck deep in shredded paper as I give our home office a deep clean. In the process I've been pleasantly pleased to stumble upon a few lost treasures, long thought lost.

Example,

Now I ask - how many of my wise and intelligent readers can identify the item, made of leather and brass, in the middle of this picture?

Take your time.

Stephen

Recommended

I've always believed in an agrarian economic system. Much of our younger generation has forgotten America was once an agrarian nation. It was the ability to garden and farm that saved many depression era families, even those located within large population city limits.

Those little backyard gardens not only fed but provided a means of support during the deepest dark days of the Great Depression. It's quite possible the art of the backyard garden or small farm enterprise will once again save us in the very near future.

 I found a very well written essay on the subject last evening during a visit to The Deliberate Agrarian.  Do yourself a favor and click the link and take a few minutes from your busy day and read. I believe you'll find the essay very informative.

Stephen

Welcome Aboard

Two new friends have clicked the little blue follower button and I'd like to say, thanks and welcome. First we have, Dragon, author of the blog Bottom Feeder.

Next in line for a cup of coffee is David the Good.  David writes the blog, Florida Survival Gardening.

Please, take a moment and run over and say hello to each. And, gentlemen, I promise to always reply to your comments. It might take me a few hours,  or days, and in some rare cases, weeks - but trust me, if it's within my power I shall never ignore you.

If in fact a comment has been made on any of my post and I do not respond within a reasonable time, please, bring it to my attention.

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

Stephen

Two Good Days

She's in the kitchen, singing. I like that. She's happy and content after a nice meal. I made her favorite, my sauteed fish with an onion and wine sauce served with rice. Fresh asparagus steamed in olive oil, butter, red wine vinegar with just a tab of butter.

Business at the shop has been good for the last two days, too. Me, all smiles. The rain has given us a brief break. With luck our trench foot will heal.

Now for a quiet evening of soft music and a good book.

If the urge hits I might sneak over to Ebay, or some other site, and try to find a piece of old silver.

I face a ton of yard work tomorrow. After this weeks storms I need to climb back onto the roof and blow the pine straw and leaves and broken limbs back to ground - clean the gutters too. The grass needs to be cut and bailed. If you have need for hay, call me.

I feel so good I might accompany my wife to church in the morning. Really, it's possible. I'll call ahead and give warning. It's unsettling when the candles flicker and dim when I enter the sanctuary. I'd hate for some old lady to faint.

Then I wouldn't feel this good. 

Stephen