Breakfast

Usually my breakfast consist of a cup of coffee, and if I'm lucky, a Kashi bar. Early this morning before sunrise Sweet Wife rose from bed and eased into the kitchen and made pancakes. I wasn't aware of her labors.

After my morning routine I walked out to find her and a stack of beautiful blueberry pancakes. She smiled and said, "Sit down."

"Can't, I'm late."

Without further insistence she gathered a few and placed them on  a paper plate and covered the bundle in foil. In the meantime I laced my boots. She placed the package in my bag and with a goodbye kiss I was off.

Let me tell 'ya...those pancakes smelled, well, great. I smiled all the way to work. I chanted, pancakes for breakfast, pancakes for breakfast, and they're hot.

What are pancakes without syrup - a rounded stack of bread. So I was careful to grab a small bottle of maple syrup from the freezer, you know, those little bottles given when you order pancakes from Cracker Barrel...I always take mine home and store them in our freezer for just such an emergency.

My truck closes in on my shop and the anticipation of hot blueberry pancakes and maple syrup is about to kill me. I'm ready for a fine morning meal.

I arrive to find three trucks in my drive. Early bird customers in wait. Three.

I leave my truck with satchel, keys, and my wonderful bundle of homemade pancakes as the three men wait in line behind....I wanted to scream.

Are you aware it's awful handy to have a miniature microwave located in your office.

 (Thank you, Sweetheart.)

Stephen

Sonofabit*h, Updated

The state of Florida in all its wisdom has shut down any access from the street to my business. For all intent and purposes I'm out of business for two days, or longer.

Damn near came to blows with the construction foreman a few minutes ago. He insisted it wasn't against state law to block commerce. I believe he's wrong. We'll see.

I shall now begin the process (fight) with the state for business loss compensation. Wish me luck.

I'm in such a good mood.

*I was correct. After a call to the city they sent representatives and the police and made the crew open egress and ingress to my parking lot. Their actions were illegal.Still with all this huge equipment and activity I doubt I'll do much business today or tomorrow.

Stephen

Are You Aware

That disgusting show known as American Idol is back on the boob tube? Well, trust me, I do.

Sweet Wife has it on as I write. My ears hurt.

Now get this: I complained. Asked her to please lower the volume on the screen. She said, are you ready for this....leave the room.

To me.

I can't escape it. Surely God has decided I need punishment for past sins.

Stephen

Schrade

I have this thing about knives. I own more than I'll ever need, yet I still make excuses to collect one more example when the urge hits me.

I cannot pass on any fine example of an American made Schrade Old Timer. I like the early Old Timer Walden models. If you're interested, Google it, as I'll not take the time to explain the history of Schrade knives. The company went out of business in 2004. Any current knife with the Schrade logos are now made in China. If you find USA or USA NY stamped at the base of the blade it's fine, and should never have stainless blades.

Anyhow, found this baby late last evening.

She's a Muskrat model 787 with nickle/silver bolsters. Rare. I hope to own her very soon. Silver....
can you believe it, they actually used silver in her bolsters. She isn't from the Old Timer line but that's fine with me. She'll look nice in my collection.

Hey, I know. Boring stuff. I'm just excited.

Stephen

Lest Ye Forget

You really didn't think I'd allow you to forget your weekly obligation in your fight for our rights, did you.

Remember the couple down the street with the dog on the chain that barks all night...yeah, them. I'm sure you've sent a letter in their names, haven't you. Your old liberal professors from junior college...them too.

I'll send another letter today for my cat, Patches. Check your cell phone and any email addresses listed should, by now, have had a letter sent in their names. It's easy. Do it, please.

Click, here.

They, are organized. They, mean business. Fight back.

I'd like to once again thank the good people of Ruger for providing us this wonderful and easy service. Well done.

Later.

Stephen

Just An Old Foot Stool

I rest my weary feet upon an antique. Just an old foot stool we purchased about thirty years ago; a aged piece of furniture with its history reflected in scratches and torn fabric. After a very expensive trip to the local upholsterer, it and its matching chair are now my boon companions.

When the newly recovered stool was delivered I discovered it had a nice storage space beneath its cap. It collects my bits and pieces, or junk, as described by the wife.

Over the years I've stashed odd knives, pipes, various magazines, whetstones, diamond sharpeners, long unused Zippo lighters, a single chamber adapter loaded with a single .45 round, a coil of 550 cord, two laser sights, and various amounts of random caliber ammunition. There's even two cans of mink oil and an emergency candle. There is a small Beretta tucked inside just in case some critter decides to commit suicide.

All this to say - I need to organize my stuff. Sweet Wife should arrive home soon and I'm worried. She gave me instructions to sort and discard the excess as its too heavy for her to move around when she cleans. She further instructed the job should be completed before she arrives home. She did so as she tapped her toe....that's, serious.

Stephen

Confessional

I walk into the confessional. The priest slides the shutter aside, then, "Please, Father, hear my confession."

"Yes, my child, pray continue."

"I must confess Father, I have sinned."

"What are your sins, my child?"

"I'm so sorry, Father, but during a weak moment this morning,  I watched the Presidential Inauguration of  President Obama."

Silence.

I broke into a hard sweat.

Then, "I'm so sorry child but I cannot help you."

"What will happen to me Father?"

"Like the rest of the poor sinners of the world, you shall burn in hell. Please, leave now."


Stephen