Update

It's been a long day and I'm tired but I've a big smile on my face. Here's a couple of pictures that should explain my silence.

Above, my finished Coleman 425E. I completed this project about twenty minutes ago. Her tank is all tucked (nestled) in her bed of newspaper. After all the work I've put into her I'm not about to scratch the finish.

Here's proof she works. This is her secondary burner with a beautiful blue flame. I said a long prayer when I lit her as I had to completely rebuild her tank. This is the stove rescued from the flood.

Okay, enough.

I promise to answer all your kind comments tomorrow morning. All I want now is a nice hot shower, a cup of coffee then a nice long nights sleep.

I'll write a long post tomorrow, too. I've a few pictures from our groups work day out at our bug out location.

Until then, good night.

Stephen

I Want

Some good meat loaf. I've had this craving since yesterday. I don't know why, but there it is, my weakness laid bare.

It's busy here today so this short post must suffice until after our group gathers tomorrow. We'll have a full day of work, and hopefully, a bit of fun.

Ah, ketchup too. I seldom use the condiment but meat loaf would not be the same without it.

*****

Just received a call from Sweet Wife. She and Glock Mom have a girls day planned tomorrow. They're taking a long ride to a huge flea market. God bless anyone that gets between them and a deal. They both pack handguns....and know how to use them. Maybe, just maybe, Sweet Wife will find me a good deal on a Coleman.

Hey, gotta run.

Stephen

Mellow

I stepped outside this morning to a nice stiff breeze off the river and turned to face it and loved the cool of it and how it pushed the scent of the marsh into my senses. It felt good, and mellow, which made me feel ripe with age, subdued.

The wind held steady and I noticed the tails of the Spanish Moss drifted east with the help of the westerly breeze as the palm fronds rattled. Rain is near.

The shell has cracked and I like it.

Last evening I worked late out in the garage, tinkering. I've repainted the gas tank of my current project three times. Never satisfied with the last result. It must be perfect. I'd allow the paint to dry then like a man obsessed apply fine steel wool to the finish and repeat.

Then, "Sweetheart, leave it alone. It's beautiful," she'd say.

I caught myself smiling, as did she.

She's perceptive, that way.

*****

jambaloney, the grapefruit are almost in season. Standby.

*****

Our group meets Saturday. It'll be nice to once again see all my friends. We've much to do, and clean

I just remembered the flood also took away my air mattress. It was one of those 'self-inflating' expensive suckers. Another item to replace. Perhaps, instead, I'll just make do with the cheap foam pad I used prior to the nice on my back air mattress. Man-up, if you will.

I expect to see both Senior, and Duke out there. And, I expect them to pack me a lunch and drink as I'll drive out straight  from work. Don't forget....

And, make sure it's hot.

*****

My coffee awaits. Think I'll take a stroll around the building. I can hear the crows scream my name.

Take care,

Stephen

Lawyers

I've just spent the last thirty-five minutes at my attorney's office. He's a well paid hack and half of his office lights don't work. He smells of cigarette smoke and appeared to be hung over. I was not pleased.

Unfortunately they're a part of our lives and we do need them. So I ask - why do I feel like I need a good shower.

(The visit wasn't anything serious, just standard everyday life stuff.)

Stephen

Just Shoot Me

My mother-in-law just arrived, unannounced.

Which is bad enough but she has my sister-in-law in tow.

Shoot me now.

(In truth they're nice people, but don't tell anyone I said as such.)

Stephen

Pardon Me

Please, if I've failed to express my appreciation or to say thank you and welcome to any follower, past or present, I'm truly sorry.

It was not intentional. If you will leave a comment with your name and/or blog I shall properly thank and welcome you.

I've noticed, on occasion, a new number will post but without an avatar or name. If this happens to you, please bring it to my attention. I will never intentionally ignore a new follower.

Stephen

I Said It Was Addictive

Here's my next project. She's an old Sears, Roebuck and Company model 427. She was of course manufactured by Coleman.

This model is in Olive. Not sure why but Sears requested several color combinations. I've a blue and black model standing by on a shelf.

Above, as you can see the lower case is filled with rust. This is after I washed her down and cleaned out the old spider webs and roach eggs. She once belonged to my deceased father-in-law, and as you might well imagine, Sweet Wife has an emotional attachment to this piece.

Thought I'd give you a before picture. Notice the tank at the rear.

I'm almost finished with my current restoration. After I complete the gas tank and fire it I'll post a picture...just to make sure I bore you good folks to death.

Stephen