Autumn

Autumn

Friday, March 8, 2013

Wrens and Wind

This morning I stepped outside to the song of a Carolina Wren. I liked how our windy morning gathered the birds song and stretched it across the yard.

It was perched atop a hedge with its feathers fluffed and when I drew near the tiny bird zeroed its message towards me as if to say, 'This is mine, bub, scram.'  The little boogers about the size of my thumb. I'm willing to bet he'd whip my butt.

Same with certain people. It isn't size that determines the fighter within, its their inner strength, will and determination over obstacles between them and their goals.

She is in great pain. This morning she was pale with an upset stomach. Medication, I think. Anyway she went to work but only after she promised me she'd leave if her condition continued downhill.

Sweet Wife is a fighter.

*****

Please excuse my absence and lack of comments both here and at your nice blogs. My duties extend in several areas and sometimes it's difficult for me to wrap my brain around the written word when I face sickness, business, and home duties. Especially when each overlap and need constant attention.

Tax time is about to reach and slap me square in the face. This tax year will be difficult since my long time accountant and friend, without my prior approval, died. Now I must find another and since I'm not the most trusting of souls the task will be difficult indeed.

I hate taxes.

*****

I have a new camera. Yeah, big deal. Its a tiny thing. Got pixels and everything, a flash even with a small lanyard to wrap around my pinky finger. Auto focus....

I'm sure it'll put me in a balcony chair with the other famous phototogs of the blog world. So, standby and I shall attempt to download a few pictures and place said snaps here (the crowd cheers and waits with baited breath.)


And the crowd, sighs...
Not very good I'm afraid. Hey, at least I tried. I need to correct the date thingy within the camera's guts.

As you can see I've been busy the last few days. I love silver and will snatch any stray bar or round that gets near me. The locals know I buy at twenty percent under spot. No, it isn't a ripoff. They need quick cash and I like silver and they leave with a smile on their faces. I grin...but only after I take my little bottle of acid and test each piece. Well, not every piece. Some I just drop and listen for the ping. Beware shiny pieces of silver.

China now stamps some awful good counterfeit Silver Eagles. I'm a fan of Old Pour bars from long gone American refiners. If you purchase Old Pour bars off the net expect to pay a hefty premium. Notice the small square bar at the bottom of the photograph...its an Old Pour from a Nevada mining company, two (2) ounce piece.

Just above it you will find an art bar from South East Refining late of Panama City, Florida. They also produced rounds. I'm a really big fan of Mexican silver, Libertads (spelling) especially. Their heft pleases me.

*****

Gotta run. My coffee cup is empty and we've a chilly morning and I need to get to work.

Again, thank you for the kind prayers, and God bless. And, hey, I will reply to all comments soon. I promise.

Stephen


 

18 comments:

  1. As I've said before, sir: you go ahead and take care of SW, yourself, and your business, and we'll be around whenever you have a moment for the blog. No worries whatsoever.

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    1. Thanks, my friend. I'm back and will try my best to post, again, everyday.

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  2. Ditto to what Rev. Paul said. Take all the time you need. We'll be here when you get back!

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  3. Sorry about SW's pain. Hope it gets better soon.

    on the silver, Can the everyday buyer who buys from the places that are advertised on TV and places like Gainesville coins rely on the seller to not sell counterfeit coins and bars?

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    1. Thanks, Matt. You can trust Gainesville. Others, I sure are trust worthy but I can't vouch for them. Ebay, not so much. If you purchase off Ebay buy or bid on the older stuff. Silver with 'tone.' As you know silver browns with age...if the seller doesn't post clear pictures...avoid it. Watch for key words like, 'clad.' Not German silver, buffalo silver and be very careful of Engels and and Walking Liberty stamped coins. . .

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  4. I've been visted by fast moving flocks of black-capped chickadees. They are fun to watch and come quite close.

    Take good care of the Sweet one.

    This is my third year where I legally don't even have to file taxes. Yes, it's as free a feeling as you'd imagine.

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    1. Good for you, my friend...I'd just like to break even. I envy you. Thanks, Bubba.

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  5. Please don't you and Sweet Wife overdue! Take your time - stuff will still be there tomorrow. Health is EVERYTHING!
    Don't rush - we will still be here. Snowing hard here again and I just can't wait for the Spring birds to attack the feeders. Soon.....

    Phyllis (N/W Jersey)

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    1. Sweet Phyllis, we'll be fine. (knock wood) Don't wish your life away wishing for Spring....soak and enjoy in the cold while the Good Lord allows us.

      Take care, dear lady.

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  6. I do hope the wife gets better real soon.

    Don't worry about us, my friend. We aren't going anywhere!

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    1. Thank you, Jim. You're a fine man...take care.

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Allen, I received and read your note. Thanks. Yes, I'd indeed like the information. Don't be a stranger. Take care.

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  8. Not to worry, my friend. SW, caregiving and your business come first! Like all have said, we will be here when things get better and slow down a bit for you. Prayers for you both.

    Love the little wrens. I grew up with them around, but now in West Texas, I guess it's too hot for the little guys.

    You done good with your new camera!
    Blessings!

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  9. Do what you gotta Sir, and find a 12 year old, he/she can fix the camera right up for ya! :-D

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  10. Our greatest love in Indiana were the birds we gathered in our back yard with all sorts of nuts, seeds and fruit. What surprised me about Florida was the lack of birds....unless you could blackbirds and vultures. I thought they'd fill the trees down here. . . then I noticed a lack of trees....

    dammit.

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  11. The Bluejays have returned to the back hedge. The mean little territorial bastards have been yelling at everyone in the neighborhood.
    As a bonus, a couple hawks have nested in the area. You can tell when they're around, the Bluejays go silent. Occasionally one of the hawks will perch on my clothesline T-post looking for rabbits or mice. A majestic looking hunter.
    The skunk has moved out of my woodpile, the groundhog moved out from under my neighbors shed and I haven't seen a rabbit in a couple weeks. Ha Ha

    Hope the wife feels better soon.

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