Smoke Signals

I wanted to post yesterday but my internet provider decided to take the day off. Sorry.

Just finished reading this article, here's the link, and I find it very disturbing. One thing is for sure, if you believe, as an American, your Constitutional rights still exist, please walk outside and count the number of moons in the universe.

Me, well, I believe I'll practice the old art of smoke signals.

Time for the me to hit the old grindstone....

Stephen

The Dude

This morning it was the same old thing. He's barely inside when he begins with, "Hey, did you know Wal-Mart is filled with those types?"

He hates gay people, or so he claims. His assertions are never ending...always with the hate talk. Like this, "I hate those mother*uckers. They're everywhere. I bet six out of ten men in that park are lip smackers. Know what I mean?"

I change the subject. Ask if he's seen or has knowledge of a box of .32-20. Then, it's back to the subject of gays. I think perhaps he protest far too much...especially since he dresses in muscle shirts, tight trousers, loud colors. He's married with two children.

"I'm telling 'ya, Stephen, those people have ruined our country."

"Okay, Mac."

I again changed the subject. Mentioned the Marine in Mexico. Him, "Boy I bet when he leaves that prison you'd be able to hear a BB rattle in his rear."

See what I mean....

Hey, live and let live.

******

Sweet Wife is home building a beef stew. My phone has only screamed twice, so far. She's a good cook, but the structure, routine of a beef stew is new to her.

Still, I bet it turns out just fine...

Gotta run, later.

Stephen

Let's Ramble

If it were possible to pocket a piece of summer; fold its essence within an envelope, I would. I'd remove this slice of season when needed, or better yet, when my mood suited. Like last night.

I'd just wheeled our garbage container to the street. A nice warm south wind carried the scent of sweet flowers and pushed the Spanish Moss. The moon was bright. The river flat and glassy. Perfect. Warm enough yet not hot. My kind of summer. A slice of summer children remember.

The adult me hates summer. I find its heat uncomfortable. But once in a blue moon I find a taste of my youth in the months of June and July. Seldom August. Yet, late summer nights often make me smile. Now, if I find a way to bag just a few moments of what I experienced last evening think of the possibilities of its use during those long cold and dark winters ahead.

*****

With the children out for summer vacation the street and park seem abandoned. Business has grown to a crawl. It's slow. Believe it or not the basketball courts are empty. Even the Urban Campers have ducked beneath the earth.

So, I clean firearms. My hands smell of gun oil. I should dab a bit beneath my ears. Stuff smells kinda good and has been noted to work out the wrinkles. We'll see.

Sweet Wife has never said but I'm sure she thinks I'm nuts for my weird habit of firearms cleaning during those nights of movies and certain television shows. Me and my little bottle of Break Free, bore-snake and shop rags, two or three handguns....keeps me busy. I've an old Colt Official Police that has been cleaned so often it absolutely sparkles. She sits upright on my mantle with a shotgun shell thru the trigger guard. I have the old girl filled with vintage rounds of .38....just seems right somehow. Old firearm, equally old ammo. She stands guard just above an ancient rabbit eared shotgun. My Colt came into this world before Hitler invaded Poland.

Told you. This is a ramble.

*****

Over at Gander Mountain this weekend I found the shelves filled with ammunition, well, other than what I wanted, but none the less, the place held tons of boom-boom. But, the prices were silly high. I mean, damn. I passed.

This price increase, I believe, is the new normal. Guess it's high time I dusted my loading bench and lubed the press.

*****

Now, if you'll please excuse me I've blogs to read and comments to answer.

Go thump a watermelon and smile.

Stephen


   

.32-20

All I want, at present, is one small box of .32-20, just one. Stuff is rare as hen's teeth. Can't find it. None, and it ticks me off.

See, the thing is I want to shoot. I miss the faint odor of gun powder. The thump of lead (the real stuff) as it slaps a target, and I sorely miss the fine company of my friends.

For far too long I've denied myself the therapy of the gun range and the fellowship of my friends. And, I've a new toy. It requires this most antique cartridge. The load is still manufactured - when component parts are available. Every source is badged back ordered, or out of stock.

Anyway, soon. Soon I'll take the fresh air and sling lead.

*****

As an aside...we're both fine. She's out of pain and the mass the doctors found in my lower body isn't....

Thank the Lord.

To all of you...my sincere thanks. You're good people.

Stephen

Almost

Isn't life wonderful.

I've missed you guys and gals. Not quite ready for the daily grind of the blog just yet, but almost. The last two months have been awful, to say the least. So far all is well.

Next Monday we should cross the bridge, hand in hand, into the light and begin, again, a normal life.

Thank you all for your kind prayers and good thoughts.

Stephen

Andy's Advice

She asked, "Did you bet?" I flipped a spoon into the sink, turned and said, "I'm chicken. I'm a tenderfoot. I need to study, read. Para-mutual betting and the horse races befuddled my tiny brain."

But, you know what...Andy Capp, the old clothe capped cartoon character, had a point....if you don't bet on a horse you'll never win. So, instead I bet on paper, all pretend and chicken like...and won the Preakness. On paper.

She said, "See."

She attended church this Sunday, as is her way. Her mornings are filled with energy and zest. The late day, not so much but she still holds a smile, all grace and dignity. She's much improved after a second and very late night visit to the ER. I hate the place. Two hours into the visit I made an escape and walked outside to find a democritter peeing on our car, the left front wheel. Serious. I didn't give him a chance to zip. Just think...one its kind sits behind the desk in the White House.

*****

Our weather is soft and warm. If she allows I will leave my current post at this laptop and spend the rest of the day with rake and hoe and shovel, and dig in the sunlight. The sea breeze should make an appearance soon and it will make for a plesant afternoon of work. I have a fig tree that begs for a permanent home and I believe I've found a perfect spot. I plant figs for the squirrels and birds...all I ask in return is they leave me one or two juicy bites.

*****

I must apologize, to you, my kind friends, for my lack of visits and comments on each of your blogs. I will try and rectify my lack of attention and focus. Now, if you'll excuse me I think I'll walk outside and dig a can of worms....I understand armadillos love 'em and I need to practice my shooting skills.

Stephen

Thoughts, like Vapor

As soon as my muse and gas like brain return to normal I'll try and set a normal pace for this blog. With her sick and in pain our lives have flipped to the erratic side of life.

As an example yesterday I sat in a local emergency room from zero five hundred until thirteen hundred....with a batch of drunks, druggies, loonies, and democritters.

She's fine. Scheduled for procedures in early June.  Hopefully by then the white shirts will have a diagnosis.

You will now understand my thought process, bad in the best of times, is now fleeting with occasional puffs of vapor.

Please know I have read and do appreciate all of your kind and thoughtful comments and prayers. I have gone days when this computer (or any computer) hasn't crossed my mind. Books, newspapers, and the Kindle have been my chosen escape. I will make every effort, soon I hope, to answer all comments.

Don't worry. With proper medication my Sweet Wife is functional, and at times, very happy. She continually tells me to have faith. She's stays quite busy with her flower beds. I did indeed sneak a few herbs into the mix. She welds the water can with aplomb.

In the  meantime I've decided to study the Daily Racing Form and take a ride on the ponies....busy mind and all that...

Again, thank you.

Stephen