I Want

Just because.

Click to enlarge. Have a great weekend.

Stephen

Get Ready

Go here and read - http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jul/21/beijing-develops-radiation-weapons/, it isn't too late to get ready.

Stephen

Survivalist Library

Before I begin let me state for the record any book I post here is for research purposes only. Do not, I repeat, do not purchase these books (if you can indeed find them) and use the information found within. They are only for reading enjoyment and to further your education.

Many years ago I lived in western Washington state.  One day out of the blue I received a book catalog in the mail from a little publisher in a neighboring coastal town.  Obviously my address came from a subscribers list.  I subscribed to close to a hundred book catalogs. Many of my older readers will remember book catalogs, not so much with you younger folks.  The name on the catalog was Loompanics Unlimited. When I first read the catalog I thought to myself, "Is this stuff legal, and if it isn't, I want these books." I'm weird that way.

One of the authors listed within was Ragnar Benson. This man and I, I came to realize, were kindred souls. The publisher's number was listed on the catalog, I called. Had a brief conversation with the publisher, a nice man, small company, and before long I had not only ordered four books but was given the true name of Ragnar Benson (his pen name, which I'd never reveal as he still writes) and thus so grew another collection of wonderful books and hours of fireside reading.

I own many, but not all, of his books. Many of his early works are out of print and are very difficult to find. Oh, trust me, they are out there, just difficult to track down. Many states, those controlled by Socialist and as such no longer a part of our country, outright ban their sale. This alone is enough reason for me to find and own them. When a state tells me I can't own (or do) something, well, they've just shown their willingness to tinkle all over my/our Constitution.

I have holes in my collection because I'm one of those guys that collects first editions, when possible. If you search hard enough you will find those out of print editions. Most will be found listed on the used market at places like Abebooks.com. There you will find fifteen (15) pages of his books, paperbacks. One used copy, as I write this, is listed at close to $300.00, that's used remember, but most can be had for less than thirty dollars. Some of the very rare works, when they hit the market sell well north of a thousand dollars. Remember, it's the contents for which you're bidding and the prices are high.

Allow me once more to remind you these books and their contents are dangerous. If you have any military background at all you should understand. If you are a novice and have never had experience with weapons, explosives, traps are any of the other subjects on which Ragnar Benson writes, do not try at home. It will hurt you.

Here is a very small sample of my favorites.  Remember, many of these are illegal to sale and own in many states. California comes to mind.

Please excuse my poor photography, I took these picture with my cell phone on my desk.

Any man or woman with a set big enough to try and make C-4 on his kitchen stove will get a handshake from me.

Loompanics Unlimited was finally sold in 2006 to Paladin Press. It was a sad day for me but I thought Paladin would do right by their authors. I was wrong. The government, as is its nature, began to put tons of pressure on Paladin because of law suits filed by those in pink clogs with their sweaters draped over their shoulders with its arms crossed over their skinny little chests. Some fool read one of the books published, used the information and went out and killed a man.
They blamed the publisher.

One day I purchased a Ragnar book at one of our local gunshows. On its cover was a red tag. The red tag stated Paladin Press does not endorse or intend for the contents to be used for criminal purposes, the information inside is for information purposes only. It went on, Paladin Press will cooperate with law enforcement investigations. In other words they'd tell the alphabet agencies you purchased the book from them.
They lost all my respect. I understand why the tag was attached, but sorry, I'll buy on the black market.

Ragnar Benson has written on many subjects. He has a style all his own. Many of the subjects are very current to today's world events and should be on your library shelves. For instance.

A fine read if there ever was one.


Stephen

Weekend Gumbo

I've got hankering for some old fashioned Gumbo. Think I'll use this sweet lady's recipe, http://bywayofthebay.blogspot.com/search/label/dinner. When you reach her page just scroll down until you find her 'Granddaddy's Seafood Gumbo.'

It should look something like the above picture and taste even better.The picture is from Deep South Dish.

I've had Little Bit here at my business for most of the day. Her mom's at the dentist and asked me to 'baby sit.'  Lucky me. Don't tell anyone, really, but we watched a Disney movie using Netflex on my computer. I'm serious, don't tell. If word gets out I might be required to hand in my Dude Membership.

Have a nice evening and I'll see you good folks tomorrow.

Stephen

Google Account

The short of it is, it's easy.  It only requires a user name and password...it's free. It just gives us blog writers a sense of well being knowing we're writing for you special people that take precious time from your busy lives to read our work. Puffs me up, too.

Thanks.

Picture posted just because I like it. Pickled eggs make me smile...and with the handgun, well, what's not to like. I came across the picture on the AR-15 website and would give due credit to its owner if only I knew his or her name. Thanks anyway unknown nice person.

Stephen

Things We Say

 We're on our drive to summer camp. Traffic that morning was bad. The car in front of me is slow, I mean slow, and I can tell the sucker is on his cell phone. I can't move right, I'm stuck. I get, well, mad.

Me, "Mumble, mumble, sorry "bad word" so and so."

I regret my words almost immediately. I look over at Little Bit and she's turned away as if the bloomed lavender Crepe Myrtles were the most important objects in here little life. I felt bad.
We move along at a silent snails pace for a few more minutes.

Then I say, "Sorry, Honey."

Her, "Papa."

"What, Honey?"

"It's okay, Papa, he can't help it."  I glance over with one of those questioning looks we all give children. She continues, "He's only a Democrat." 

Silence. Then, "Little Bit."

"What, Papa."

"Why did you call him that?" She's still looking out the window, hasn't moved.

Her, "Papa, I love you more than orange juice,"  in a rapid little voice, quick.

My heart broke. She now thinks she's in trouble for something I said and she feels her response has placed the blame on herself.

This is all my fault and it began many months ago. It's all due to my big mouth and my impatience with others. Allow me to explain, please.

We were driving down a busy city street, and like above, a driver had cut me off. Little Bit was with me, of course, and without thinking I yelled, "Damn Democrat." She heard and remembered and had seen the person in the car.

Thirty minutes later we're standing in a checkout line at our local Publix grocery store. We're second in line. The lady in front of us is swiping one plastic card after another. Each swipe the cashier would say, "Sorry, it's rejected."
I began to mumble. Little Bit looks up at me, takes my hand and in a crystal clear very loud voice said, "It's okay, Papa, she's just a Democrat."

Now, I'm a fairly large man, I fear no human. I have a great deal of respect for others but I know my limitations and have long outgrown the need to pick fights, so when I say I wish I had had a place to hide at that moment, I mean it.

If looks could kill they would have that day. Yet, it was my fault.

Back to the ride.

I turn to Little Bit after she said she loved me more than orange juice and reached over and took her hand. Said, "Sweet heart, Papa isn't mad at you. It's okay. Please look at me." She looked over and I continued, "I love you, you're not in trouble. Papa is mad at himself and I'm sorry I said those words. Do you understand?"

Silence. We're close to her school and I feel the need to heal my habit and heal her hurt feelings.

"Little Bit."

In a small voice, "What, Papa."

"Sometimes I use words I shouldn't. Words that can hurt other people's feelings and I will try real hard not to say those words again." She's locked her little brown eyes on mine. "Please, Honey, don't repeat bad words you hear Papa use, okay."

I pull into the driveway. She sips the last of her morning orange juice. Then, "Okay, Papa, I won't."

I helped her from my truck and she reaches for my hand, "I still love you more than orange juice, how much do you love me?"

"More than the whole world, Little Bit."

A kiss and she's gone.  

Stephen

An Answer for Rose

Good morning, my friends.  Rose from Simple Everyday Living, http://simpleeverydayliving.blogspot.com/, asked me for the recipe for my Cajun Irish stew I built last Monday morning.

Rose, the simple fact is I seldom use a given recipe for this stew as I've been making it for well over thirty years. Guess you could say I just kinda throw the sucker together. It takes a bit of time since I almost always make a Roux when cooking stews. I love Cajun and Creole cooking methods. So, with that said, let's get 'er done.

Now, please understand I will not give set amounts, I cook by feel unless I'm using a recipe for a dish new to me.

Take a good cast iron pot, a large one. I favor Le Cresuet, but any good cast iron pot or heavy stainless steel (if the pot can't inflect bodily damage throw it away) will work. Add about two tablespoons of bacon grease and set the flame to medium high.

I use about a three pound pork roast but beef will suffice. Season to taste, and I mean season. I like to sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Any brand name will work.
Then coat with flour, and brown all surfaces of the roast. A good pecan brown, and don't forget the ends. Set aside to rest.
In the drippings of the pot add four or five tablespoons of the flour you used to coat the roast, watch your heat and adjust as necessary. Stir the Roux continually until it reaches the color of a light chocolate or a pecan, the deeper the color, the better the flavor. WATCH the heat, do not burn the Roux. Remember, stir....
A good heat resistant spatula works best for this operation.

 
Click this link for professional instructions on making a great Roux. http://www.deepsouthdish.com/  

Take two large onions (I use Georgia sweet onions) and cut fine, add three to four large cloves of garlic, and put the onions and garlic into the Roux, when it's reached the color you prefer, stir until soft.
Our next step involves stock, your choice, but I prefer chicken stock. Slowly, while stirring the Roux and onion mixture, pour small amounts of stock into the pot....stir, stir, stir.  It will thicken. (And Rose, I know you know how to do all this. Just trying to help the novices.)
When the Roux mixture has reached a little boil, reduce heat and add the following in no special order.

The pork roast, keep it whole for now.
2-3 lbs of little red potatoes
2 38oz (or 34, forget what size they come in) cans of tomatoes, crushed.
Chopped carrots, any amount you prefer, just watch the level of the pot.
Adjust seasonings.

I like my stews to simmer for at least six (6) hours. I have a gas range so I just add a simmer plate beneath. Allow the stew to just form tiny bubbles, a long slow simmer. Near the end, take a utensil and gently separate the pork roast into three or four sections, adjust seasonings to your taste. This stew is good served over rice, but I like it best served in a bowl with some classic Southern Corn Bread.

As you can see I'm not a food writer. I'm sure the sweet lady at http://bywayofthebay.blogspot.com/, written by The Kitchen Witch can treat this recipe much better than I. By the way, try her site. This sweet lady can cook.



Hope this helped, Rose. Enjoy

Stephen