This week started out with Donna working the bar Monday night and me saying I would take a couple to Cheyenne to get a car. Donna not a happy camper over me not asking her about it, but she was right there and she knows I don't always have my head on straight. Anyway, I took Steve and Gina to Cheyenne to get a car. Drove up there and let them out on this lot. I then went to Tandy Leather and Hobby Lobby, got what I wanted an went back to the Lot. They were just taking a car for a test drive, so I rode along. A Gran Prix SE, pretty nice car. Got back and they started paper work. I had forgot a couple things, so off I go across Cheyenne a way I hadn't ever went. Did OK till I thought I knew were I was so I turned left and then right--onto a one way street. Thank God I didn't have far to go till there was a turn off. Ended up west of the Air Force field but right on Dell Range. Went to Target and got the insert for my coffee machine and stopped at Petco and got some dog bones for Poco and Buster for Xmas. Met Steve and Gina at Sapp's truck stop, for lunch. (Gas in Wyoming was 2.95, in Nebraska 3.36).
Thursday I seemed to be catching Donna's cold, Dale was doing bids and told me to go home and take it easy. I went to Safeway and bought meds. Tinkered in garage and cut some wood for the fire. Then on Friday we started the job for Connie at Jimmie's. Did the tear down and then yesterday we finished with the beams. We did a rather good job I thought, Only problem was I backed into one of the supports and broke it. Of course there is no place open on Saturday so we now have to fix it on a day next week. We believe that we have a bathroom job next week for Julie.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Aftermath
Well, I am back infront of the computer again and I've had so much that I was going to write and now I'm brain dead. Still dealing with mom dying. It all seems so surreal. It is almost scarey. Not that I wanted her to pass but there was so much stuff that I had always wanted and she had always said, "You can have it when I die".
Well here I am 62 years old, and now I have this stuff. What am I ever going to do with it, now? There is a beautiful set of Bavarian china that was my Great Aunt Stella's. I have wanted that set of china for 40 years now. Now I got it and will I ever use it? I don't think so, but I would have 40 years ago. 3o years ago, I got Great Aunt Vera's Candlewick goblets and sherberts. Along with a set of china that is called "Mountain Bell" have heard two different stories on them. One that they were premium for buying so much at Safeway, and that they were a gift from one of her relatives. Either way I have used them at Thanksgiving and Christmas when I was here. Most of the time I have been back home for those holidays. But am guessing those days are gone.
Well here I am 62 years old, and now I have this stuff. What am I ever going to do with it, now? There is a beautiful set of Bavarian china that was my Great Aunt Stella's. I have wanted that set of china for 40 years now. Now I got it and will I ever use it? I don't think so, but I would have 40 years ago. 3o years ago, I got Great Aunt Vera's Candlewick goblets and sherberts. Along with a set of china that is called "Mountain Bell" have heard two different stories on them. One that they were premium for buying so much at Safeway, and that they were a gift from one of her relatives. Either way I have used them at Thanksgiving and Christmas when I was here. Most of the time I have been back home for those holidays. But am guessing those days are gone.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Wine Day
Awoke this morning to a snowy, windy, cold day. Well I knew that I had to charge the battery on Jules car as we cleaned the battery posts yesterday and then I left the keys in it and must have not gotten it turned off. Well it was the battery. I drug the extension cord out and the battery charger. Hooked it up and charged the battery. It started and all is OK. I also got her two tires for her car at the junk yard or recycler as it is known now. I started a fire in the stove for the dog. Poor puppy!
Now I am in the basement and decided to make a couple batches of wine. I had some grape juice that is just getting old. So "30 Day Wine" I call it "Hillbilly Wine" as the recipe is from Tennessee. Drinkable in 30 days.
Makes 1 gallon.
24 oz. welch's frozen concentrated grape juice, thawed
3 Cups granulated sugar
1 package Wine Yeast
enough water to make up one gallon
Mix all ingredients together well with water fill jug about an inch below the shoulders. Cover with a clean rag secured with a rubber band. (I use an air lock) Keep in a dark place about 70 degrees. About 2 weeks later replace the rag with a good thick piece of plastic wrap. After 30 days from the start date, siphon wine off from the sediment in the bottom and drink. For a good old "Mad Dog 20/20" type wine, add a pint of cheap blackberry brandy to the mix before drinking.
This is a simple recipe for 30 day wine. Many old hillbillies in Tennessee still use this one, and wouldn't have it any other way.
My specialty is Rhubarb Wine this was the first wine I ever made and it has always turned out very good. The secret is not to break open that bottle for a year, to a year and a half. It only gets better with age.
Rhubarb Wine
3 lbs. Rhubarb sliced up and frozen
1 -4 inch Cinnamon stick (optional)
15 0z. Golden Raisins (optional)
7 Cups granulated sugar
2 campden tablets, crushed
1 tsp. nutrients
1/2 tsp. pectic enzyme
1 pkg. Wine yeast
1 gallon Water
Put water in primary fermentor:(I use either a large stainless steel pot or a clean wastebasket I bought for just this purpose.) Add pectic enzyme and campden tablets, Stir well. Add rhubarb and raisins, Stir well and let sit 2 days, stirring regularly.(best to put somewhere, where it is around 70 degrees)
After 2 days, strain, but DO NOT squeeze.
Return liquid to primary fermentor. Dissolve sugar and nutrients in the liquid. Check Specific Gravity. It should be between 1.100 and 1.11o. Add yeast and mix well. Cover primary fermentor. Let sit overnight.
Siphon into secondary fermentor, add cinnamon stick(if using) and attach airlock.
Dry Wine: Rack in 3 weeks, again in 3 months and every 3 months until 1 year old. Bottle
Sweet Wine: Rack in 3 weeks. Add 1/2 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup of wine. Stir gently. Repeat this process every six weeks until fermentation does not restart with the addition of sugar. Rack every 3 months up to a year. Bottle
(I don't necessarily wait a year to bottle my wine. If it has cleared sufficiently, I will bottle it anywhere from the first 3 months, on.)
This is also very good using brown sugar in the place of the granulated sugar. I am going to add some cloves along with the cinnamon stick this time. It's always fun to do variations and see what it comes out like.
I have found that you can make wine making as easy or as complicated as you like. I am a believer in the "KISS" method in both my wine and my life. (KISS - Keep it simple stupid)
Now I am in the basement and decided to make a couple batches of wine. I had some grape juice that is just getting old. So "30 Day Wine" I call it "Hillbilly Wine" as the recipe is from Tennessee. Drinkable in 30 days.
Makes 1 gallon.
24 oz. welch's frozen concentrated grape juice, thawed
3 Cups granulated sugar
1 package Wine Yeast
enough water to make up one gallon
Mix all ingredients together well with water fill jug about an inch below the shoulders. Cover with a clean rag secured with a rubber band. (I use an air lock) Keep in a dark place about 70 degrees. About 2 weeks later replace the rag with a good thick piece of plastic wrap. After 30 days from the start date, siphon wine off from the sediment in the bottom and drink. For a good old "Mad Dog 20/20" type wine, add a pint of cheap blackberry brandy to the mix before drinking.
This is a simple recipe for 30 day wine. Many old hillbillies in Tennessee still use this one, and wouldn't have it any other way.
My specialty is Rhubarb Wine this was the first wine I ever made and it has always turned out very good. The secret is not to break open that bottle for a year, to a year and a half. It only gets better with age.
Rhubarb Wine
3 lbs. Rhubarb sliced up and frozen
1 -4 inch Cinnamon stick (optional)
15 0z. Golden Raisins (optional)
7 Cups granulated sugar
2 campden tablets, crushed
1 tsp. nutrients
1/2 tsp. pectic enzyme
1 pkg. Wine yeast
1 gallon Water
Put water in primary fermentor:(I use either a large stainless steel pot or a clean wastebasket I bought for just this purpose.) Add pectic enzyme and campden tablets, Stir well. Add rhubarb and raisins, Stir well and let sit 2 days, stirring regularly.(best to put somewhere, where it is around 70 degrees)
After 2 days, strain, but DO NOT squeeze.
Return liquid to primary fermentor. Dissolve sugar and nutrients in the liquid. Check Specific Gravity. It should be between 1.100 and 1.11o. Add yeast and mix well. Cover primary fermentor. Let sit overnight.
Siphon into secondary fermentor, add cinnamon stick(if using) and attach airlock.
Dry Wine: Rack in 3 weeks, again in 3 months and every 3 months until 1 year old. Bottle
Sweet Wine: Rack in 3 weeks. Add 1/2 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup of wine. Stir gently. Repeat this process every six weeks until fermentation does not restart with the addition of sugar. Rack every 3 months up to a year. Bottle
(I don't necessarily wait a year to bottle my wine. If it has cleared sufficiently, I will bottle it anywhere from the first 3 months, on.)
This is also very good using brown sugar in the place of the granulated sugar. I am going to add some cloves along with the cinnamon stick this time. It's always fun to do variations and see what it comes out like.
I have found that you can make wine making as easy or as complicated as you like. I am a believer in the "KISS" method in both my wine and my life. (KISS - Keep it simple stupid)
Friday, November 25, 2011
New Career
Well the Dale and Bill Handyman service has begun. Dale bid a house to replace the siding from the hail storm. I of course no nothing about this or how to do it, but I am unemployed and what the hell. This house took us 18 hours. We had one fuck up and it has been bothering me. Last night I brought it up and we are going to go back and fix it on our own time. I feel better.
Today, we are going to tackle our second house. At least it's north side. The weather is supposed to turn and the 10 day outlook doesn't look good either.
Today, we are going to tackle our second house. At least it's north side. The weather is supposed to turn and the 10 day outlook doesn't look good either.
My Deer
Dale and I go out on Monday and walk about and I miss the chance of a nice 4X5. Was doing to much thinking like a person and not enough like a deer. Anyway got my exercise.
Tuesday morning Dale and I go out about 6 o'clock and we get there and the Frerichs kids pickup is already there. We figure that he is on the west fence line somewhere. We decide to go back to where we saw the 4X5 and climb the rock face to the ledge next to the top. Well it is steep and I'm out of breath and looking to the east and behind us when Dale grabs me. I can't see anything because I'm behind the rise. I take two steps forward and see 3 deer. I put the scope on one and it starts to run away and I can't stay on it. I look around the scope and one is standing on the slope looking at me. I swing and am breathing so hard I am all over the place. I take a deep breathe and bring the cross hairs down behind her shoulder and pull the trigger. I was wobbling so much I had no idea where I hit her but she was down. Turned out I hit her a little high ( right through her shoulder blade and broke her spine) we walked over to her and Dale cut her throat.
We had been there 15 minutes. One of the fastest kills and least amount of walking we have ever had. We go back and get the pickup; drive up to her; gut and wash her out; put her in the pickup; go to town to the Sheriffs office and check her in. Take her to the tree and hang her with the buck. Because of where I hit her we cut off the front shoulders and neck. because there was a lot of shoot up meat. I took this home, much to Donna's surprise as we usually do it all at Dales. I cut out the bad parts; put the good in plastic bags and froze it. The next weekend I had to go back to Mom's and Dale Quartered the deer and put them in the freezer. This was because it was getting to warm to leave them hang.
Tuesday morning Dale and I go out about 6 o'clock and we get there and the Frerichs kids pickup is already there. We figure that he is on the west fence line somewhere. We decide to go back to where we saw the 4X5 and climb the rock face to the ledge next to the top. Well it is steep and I'm out of breath and looking to the east and behind us when Dale grabs me. I can't see anything because I'm behind the rise. I take two steps forward and see 3 deer. I put the scope on one and it starts to run away and I can't stay on it. I look around the scope and one is standing on the slope looking at me. I swing and am breathing so hard I am all over the place. I take a deep breathe and bring the cross hairs down behind her shoulder and pull the trigger. I was wobbling so much I had no idea where I hit her but she was down. Turned out I hit her a little high ( right through her shoulder blade and broke her spine) we walked over to her and Dale cut her throat.
We had been there 15 minutes. One of the fastest kills and least amount of walking we have ever had. We go back and get the pickup; drive up to her; gut and wash her out; put her in the pickup; go to town to the Sheriffs office and check her in. Take her to the tree and hang her with the buck. Because of where I hit her we cut off the front shoulders and neck. because there was a lot of shoot up meat. I took this home, much to Donna's surprise as we usually do it all at Dales. I cut out the bad parts; put the good in plastic bags and froze it. The next weekend I had to go back to Mom's and Dale Quartered the deer and put them in the freezer. This was because it was getting to warm to leave them hang.
Dales Deer
Sunday while Olsen and I are sobering up. More Olsen than me. Dale goes out and gets a little 2 point buck. This really pissed me off at first because it is the hunt and he said he was not going out again until Monday or Tuesday. So now we have one hanging in the tree at Dale's.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Another Deer season at an End
Last Saturday the 12th of November, Yet another Deer Season was upon us. In the pitch blackness of early morning. Dale, Jeff (Olsen) and I met to go and do our annual ritual of getting a deer. Now we aren't like alot of the hunters around here. We are out there for the meat, not the size of the antlers. I find antler stew kinda hard to eat. On this Saturday morning we planned to split up and Dale and Olsen went to the north end and I went to the south end. Well it started bad for me right off the bat. It seemed that 3 of the deputies had also decided to hunt but they were unsure of where the fence lines were. I graciously pointed to the fence in the north corner of where they were standing and said that over there is ours. I drove on up to the gate it is now starting to get alittle light out. I check my binoc's, my gloves, my rifle, my shells; poured me a cup of coffee and started to wait. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks. You stupid ass, you don't have your orange. It's a law here that you have to wear orange so other hunter's can see you. Well, we are on private land and I'm thinkin I can get by without it. Then I think I have county deputies a quarter of a mile behind me and who knows about those idiots. So I get on the walkie talkie and tell Dale I'm going back to town(a six mile drive) and get my orange. I also tell him about the deputies so he knows they are there. Off I go. Home get orange, put it on and off I go. Now I think I'm pissin off the deputies as I've gone past them now 3 times. They leave and we never saw them again.
The area we hunt is private land that Dale has hunted for at least 20 years. I have only been there 5 years. It must be an area of 640 acres plus. Divided up into 4 parts: CRP ( this is ground that at one time was farmed but the government (USDA) paid the farmer not to farm and now it is grassland) to the very west, hilly rocky canyon pasture ground all around a pivot field down in the valley in the middle of the whole thing. There is farm ground to the east. Which is either newly planted wheat or stubble each year. We also have permission to hunt the pasture that lays directly to the north of this ground. It also is full of ravines in the hilly rocky short grass pasture.
Now that you have an idea of the lay of the land I will continue. When I get back and start hunting from the south end. I walk directly to the west up this long hill. To the southwest of me is a deep rocky canyon, supposedly a hangout for deer. Not on this day. So I continue to walk down the draw that leads to the northwest. The wind is coming up. I come to the southeast corner of the CRP an decide to walk along the fence line up pass the wash out about the middle. I get to the middle and on my way I found a piece of flint. On the other side of the wash is a bunch of buck brush. I just have a feeling that there is something in it. I scope the hell out of it and find nothing. Finally I throw the rock in it and nothing happens so I cross the fence an walk the burm along the fence. The wind is building all the time. I hear the report of a 270 going off and know that Olsen has shot at something and only one shot so I'm assuming he got it. Then I hear the 22-250 go off only once and I'm assuming that Dale has gotten his deer and I am the one screwed without a deer. I keep walking the burm. I hear the 22-250 go off four more times. This tells me that we have a wounded deer somewhere. So now I am at the end of the CRP. I go back into the pasture to go and checkout two of our favorite draws. Now I am walking up and down some pretty steep grades. As my feet, ankles and knees aren't what they used to be it gets to be pretty slow painful going. I walk the north fence line going east. I finally get to where Johnson's fence line runs north and can see an orange vest out in the middle of that pasture. Then another 22-250 shot. I can now see my pickup at the south end, about a 2 mile walk and I can see Dales pickup to the east, about a mile and a half walk all up hill. Well I'm assuming that they have gotten the wounded deer so I decide to go to Dale's pickup. It turned out to be very bad going. As I was about 50 yards from the fence two does went whizzing by. I ran back the direction I had just come to try an get a shot but they had gone the other way. Now I wasn't hurtin during the adrenaline rush, but now that it is over ouch. Turns out Dale and Olsen had spooked the does on their way to the pickup. I slowly got to the pickup and was it ever good to sit down. Where's the schnapps bottle. Why in my pickup of course.
So the 3 of us start off to get Olsen's deer he shot a good size doe. We are in Johnson's pasture which we don't know that well so we are looking for a gate. We find one that isn't in the best of shape. We enter and much to my dismay decide that we need to close the gate. Guess what? Ya I'm ride'n shotgun. Out I get shut the gate. The doe is down clear on the other end of the pasture. So up and down and side to side we go watching for any hole or rock that might stop us. Get finally to the doe and finish cleaning her out and wash her really good. Load her in the truck and drive back a different way than we came in so as to check out the lay of the land. We get back into our pasture, as now I have only opened and closed 2 other gates. We decide to work our way back to my pickup. We then get a shot of schnapps after I open another gate, which I close get into the pickup only to decide to leave that gate open. So I get out and reopen that gate. At that point I am done. But that shot of schnapps helps me get talked into walking the original canyon of my journey one more time. We did an nothing. We go back to town, check in Olsen's deer, take it out to his house, hang it in the shed and go to Harvey's for a snorter. To be continued.........
The area we hunt is private land that Dale has hunted for at least 20 years. I have only been there 5 years. It must be an area of 640 acres plus. Divided up into 4 parts: CRP ( this is ground that at one time was farmed but the government (USDA) paid the farmer not to farm and now it is grassland) to the very west, hilly rocky canyon pasture ground all around a pivot field down in the valley in the middle of the whole thing. There is farm ground to the east. Which is either newly planted wheat or stubble each year. We also have permission to hunt the pasture that lays directly to the north of this ground. It also is full of ravines in the hilly rocky short grass pasture.
Now that you have an idea of the lay of the land I will continue. When I get back and start hunting from the south end. I walk directly to the west up this long hill. To the southwest of me is a deep rocky canyon, supposedly a hangout for deer. Not on this day. So I continue to walk down the draw that leads to the northwest. The wind is coming up. I come to the southeast corner of the CRP an decide to walk along the fence line up pass the wash out about the middle. I get to the middle and on my way I found a piece of flint. On the other side of the wash is a bunch of buck brush. I just have a feeling that there is something in it. I scope the hell out of it and find nothing. Finally I throw the rock in it and nothing happens so I cross the fence an walk the burm along the fence. The wind is building all the time. I hear the report of a 270 going off and know that Olsen has shot at something and only one shot so I'm assuming he got it. Then I hear the 22-250 go off only once and I'm assuming that Dale has gotten his deer and I am the one screwed without a deer. I keep walking the burm. I hear the 22-250 go off four more times. This tells me that we have a wounded deer somewhere. So now I am at the end of the CRP. I go back into the pasture to go and checkout two of our favorite draws. Now I am walking up and down some pretty steep grades. As my feet, ankles and knees aren't what they used to be it gets to be pretty slow painful going. I walk the north fence line going east. I finally get to where Johnson's fence line runs north and can see an orange vest out in the middle of that pasture. Then another 22-250 shot. I can now see my pickup at the south end, about a 2 mile walk and I can see Dales pickup to the east, about a mile and a half walk all up hill. Well I'm assuming that they have gotten the wounded deer so I decide to go to Dale's pickup. It turned out to be very bad going. As I was about 50 yards from the fence two does went whizzing by. I ran back the direction I had just come to try an get a shot but they had gone the other way. Now I wasn't hurtin during the adrenaline rush, but now that it is over ouch. Turns out Dale and Olsen had spooked the does on their way to the pickup. I slowly got to the pickup and was it ever good to sit down. Where's the schnapps bottle. Why in my pickup of course.
So the 3 of us start off to get Olsen's deer he shot a good size doe. We are in Johnson's pasture which we don't know that well so we are looking for a gate. We find one that isn't in the best of shape. We enter and much to my dismay decide that we need to close the gate. Guess what? Ya I'm ride'n shotgun. Out I get shut the gate. The doe is down clear on the other end of the pasture. So up and down and side to side we go watching for any hole or rock that might stop us. Get finally to the doe and finish cleaning her out and wash her really good. Load her in the truck and drive back a different way than we came in so as to check out the lay of the land. We get back into our pasture, as now I have only opened and closed 2 other gates. We decide to work our way back to my pickup. We then get a shot of schnapps after I open another gate, which I close get into the pickup only to decide to leave that gate open. So I get out and reopen that gate. At that point I am done. But that shot of schnapps helps me get talked into walking the original canyon of my journey one more time. We did an nothing. We go back to town, check in Olsen's deer, take it out to his house, hang it in the shed and go to Harvey's for a snorter. To be continued.........
Friday, November 11, 2011
PST ready! Deer Beware!
We spent the day getting ready for the first day of deer season 2011. We had trouble getting Dales permit so started the day at Cabela's. It took an hour but he finally got his permit. I bought a full choke for my 20 gauge. Then it was to the shop to finish the PST. We had her done about 1 o'clock. Took her for a test run an all is fine. Home and off to Harveys. Pretty slow. Home ate, laid out clothes, and to bed.
A hunting we will go.........
A hunting we will go.........
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Fixin the PST
As mentioned earlier the throw out bearing in the PST was making alot of noise. Well, Deer Season is coming up (Saturday). We need two pickups so into the shop on Tuesday night. We started tearing her apart Wednesday morning. This is a 1973 Dodge and it is full of dirt. Our shop is just alittle bigger than the truck. It has cement floors, that are cold. It is heated with a wood burning stove and compared to some other places that I have worked it is a palace. My good friend Dale owns the shop as part of his house. A long story for another time. He is a mechanic and a Dodge Lover so I am set. As you know I was a farmer but some things you just need a mechanic for. Besides I have put on some weight and have aches and pains and don't move as well as I once did. So Dale does most of the work and cussing. I just am there to get the wrenches, WD40 and the broom. I also get to scrape off all the parts (get all the dirt and grease off) outside. I thought that the taking apart went really well considering all the spittin and cussin that was going on under the truck. While he was doing that I put on new shocks all the way around and replaced the radiator hose. I also tried to fix my seat cover that I got out of Gene's truck that Dale scrapped out but to no avail. We discovered afew things about the PST for instance the floor board is almost rusted out. I knew this to some extent as I had already taken a lid off a Coleman stove. Beat it out straight and screwed it to the floor on the passengers side. But didn't really look any further. Welllllllllll, we need to do some major refab after deer season. I also need to get a new floor mat made. I have a piece of carpet so I can get that done tomorrow. I also need to try to get more heat out of my heater, will try and blow some air through it to see if I can get out some dirt. While we are finishing her up.
We would have gotten her done today, except another friend of ours Olsen had trouble with his Jeep. It wouldn't start and the valve gasket was completely shot. So Dale and I stop an look at it on our way to get the flywheel that we had ground. Dale decided that it would be best for him to drive it to the shop. So we jumped it and he brought it to the shop. It was a fairly nice day and the wind was out of the Northwest so we could get in behind the shop on the south side and get the sun. Had to replace the battery, and do some wiring adjustments, then put on the valve cover gasket. This turned out to be a bitch. For some reason the back bolt wouldn't go in and in this most greasy, oiliest of spots there was much bad language going on for about 2 hours. Finally, someone held their mouth right and it went in. Then we put antifreeze in it and let it run. WELL, with all the oil and grease that was on it and all that had been pushed down. It was a real smokin machine. It ran for awhile and then got hot. Needed more antifreeze. Olson whom is the maintenance man at the Hampton had to go to work because they couldn't get the hot tub to work right. Took Dales little pickup and got some antifreeze on the way back.
While he was gone Dale and I started putting the PST back together. Dale crawled underneath and I laid on the rusted out floor. First we had to put in the clutch assembly (which we discovered we had to rebuild). That went pretty good. Then put the pilot bearing in the cam head. This turned out to be tricky, first you have to get to old one out. Hammer and chisel. The drive the new one in. Hammer and socket. Broke the pilot bearing, have to chisel it out. Got another pilot bearing (I told you he was a Dodge man) and we drove that one in using another method. That went well. Then we put the flywheel back on. Had to tork it down. Went pretty well. Then came the clutch plate and housing. We had some problems getting the bolts started but with alittle patience we made it work and we torked them down. Next came the throw out bearing and the fork for the clutch. That went very well. Then the transmition, we have this hanging on the cherry picker. We adjust it around so as to drop it in the hole in the floor and into the clutch housing inside the bell housing. This was as I saw it a slow and aggravating experience. I was to high, to low, to far back and never right, but all of a sudden I was in the hole. (Sounds like something out of a porno flick, huh) We still had alittle trouble getting the bolts in a getting it drawn up. That was enough for today. Also known as Miller Time. So we cleaned up good as we could and came over to the garage(mine). An had some brews along with Donna and Jule. Dale and I then went downstairs and tried to get our Deer Permits. I got mine but we ran into trouble getting his.
So tomorrow the saga will continue with finishing the PST and Dale's Deer Permit.....
We would have gotten her done today, except another friend of ours Olsen had trouble with his Jeep. It wouldn't start and the valve gasket was completely shot. So Dale and I stop an look at it on our way to get the flywheel that we had ground. Dale decided that it would be best for him to drive it to the shop. So we jumped it and he brought it to the shop. It was a fairly nice day and the wind was out of the Northwest so we could get in behind the shop on the south side and get the sun. Had to replace the battery, and do some wiring adjustments, then put on the valve cover gasket. This turned out to be a bitch. For some reason the back bolt wouldn't go in and in this most greasy, oiliest of spots there was much bad language going on for about 2 hours. Finally, someone held their mouth right and it went in. Then we put antifreeze in it and let it run. WELL, with all the oil and grease that was on it and all that had been pushed down. It was a real smokin machine. It ran for awhile and then got hot. Needed more antifreeze. Olson whom is the maintenance man at the Hampton had to go to work because they couldn't get the hot tub to work right. Took Dales little pickup and got some antifreeze on the way back.
While he was gone Dale and I started putting the PST back together. Dale crawled underneath and I laid on the rusted out floor. First we had to put in the clutch assembly (which we discovered we had to rebuild). That went pretty good. Then put the pilot bearing in the cam head. This turned out to be tricky, first you have to get to old one out. Hammer and chisel. The drive the new one in. Hammer and socket. Broke the pilot bearing, have to chisel it out. Got another pilot bearing (I told you he was a Dodge man) and we drove that one in using another method. That went well. Then we put the flywheel back on. Had to tork it down. Went pretty well. Then came the clutch plate and housing. We had some problems getting the bolts started but with alittle patience we made it work and we torked them down. Next came the throw out bearing and the fork for the clutch. That went very well. Then the transmition, we have this hanging on the cherry picker. We adjust it around so as to drop it in the hole in the floor and into the clutch housing inside the bell housing. This was as I saw it a slow and aggravating experience. I was to high, to low, to far back and never right, but all of a sudden I was in the hole. (Sounds like something out of a porno flick, huh) We still had alittle trouble getting the bolts in a getting it drawn up. That was enough for today. Also known as Miller Time. So we cleaned up good as we could and came over to the garage(mine). An had some brews along with Donna and Jule. Dale and I then went downstairs and tried to get our Deer Permits. I got mine but we ran into trouble getting his.
So tomorrow the saga will continue with finishing the PST and Dale's Deer Permit.....
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Moving On
A week ago last Sunday I made a trip starting at 4:30 am MT. Back to Axtell to go through more of my mother's house. I was to meet my brothers at 9 o'clock am Central time. I called Rob an told him that I was bringing the PST (piece of shit truck) and that I wouldn't get there until around 10. Well, I almost froze my ass off (actually my feet). I dug out a blanket I take with and put around my feet as for all the cold air coming in. Well come to find out I had left the vents open and I did find a hole that I plugged. I thought I had closed the vent. Oh stupid me. Anyway back to the facts on hand. When I got to Kearney I got gas and went to Boogaarts to see if they had any boxes. They did!!! I then headed for Axtell. No brothers, seems that since I was going to be late the time got changed to after lunch. No problem I started cleaning stuff out and boxing it. Rob and George show up and we proceed to clean out the CLOSET in the basement. There is vintage clothes, quilts, embroidered towels, sheets and doilies, decorations of all sorts, china painting accessories. We for the most part clean out the CLOSET. The kids are supposed to each get a quilt and some of the embroidered items.
We quit for the day and I go to stay with J.C. Now this is really nice as usually JC isn't home at the same time I use his house. He is doing landscaping along with my nephew Taylor. I put my shit in the house and suggest that we go to Kearney for supper. JC drags his feet but finally gives in. (I find out later that he wants to stay home an eat as he eats out all the time when he is on the road). We go to Hunan's and he has the Flower Steak and I have Shrimp with Sizzling Rice. Our favorites. Monday, I go back and start cleaning again. I start in the kitchen and then move to the bathroom and then the bedroom. Tuesday, I do the spare bedroom and living room and start in basement. Wednesday, I do the laundry room and behind the bar and in the storage room. I am now having trouble trying to stay on the task. So Thursday morning I just tried to straighten up what I had done and an headed for home. Also during this time my oldest son gave me some rims and tires for the PST. Then the throw out bearing started grinding and I was wondering if the clutch was going to go. I backed into the garbage can and broke the tail light. But I made it home OK.
Now to the kids coming to get stuff from the house. Original Plan.
Kids were to pick a quilt, embroidered articles, dollies, a bell and some of mom's china painted dishes and some of the jewelry. This is supposed to start with the oldest and progress to the youngest. Problem: I'm the one that thought this should happen. I being the sentimental one. I still think it should happen. However, I am finding that some don't seem to give a rats ass and are only concerned with what it is worth.
So I am going to suggest that the items for them to chose from be limited to: quilts and sewed items,bells,jewelry and the china painted items. Other requests will be considered, by all three brothers. My problem is I can see some of them coming and cleaning out anything that they think is of value and that they can turn into cash.
Oh family is such fun....but we are getting along well. After all mom I promised I would just as I believe you made the others promise also. Love you and miss you greatly!
We quit for the day and I go to stay with J.C. Now this is really nice as usually JC isn't home at the same time I use his house. He is doing landscaping along with my nephew Taylor. I put my shit in the house and suggest that we go to Kearney for supper. JC drags his feet but finally gives in. (I find out later that he wants to stay home an eat as he eats out all the time when he is on the road). We go to Hunan's and he has the Flower Steak and I have Shrimp with Sizzling Rice. Our favorites. Monday, I go back and start cleaning again. I start in the kitchen and then move to the bathroom and then the bedroom. Tuesday, I do the spare bedroom and living room and start in basement. Wednesday, I do the laundry room and behind the bar and in the storage room. I am now having trouble trying to stay on the task. So Thursday morning I just tried to straighten up what I had done and an headed for home. Also during this time my oldest son gave me some rims and tires for the PST. Then the throw out bearing started grinding and I was wondering if the clutch was going to go. I backed into the garbage can and broke the tail light. But I made it home OK.
Now to the kids coming to get stuff from the house. Original Plan.
Kids were to pick a quilt, embroidered articles, dollies, a bell and some of mom's china painted dishes and some of the jewelry. This is supposed to start with the oldest and progress to the youngest. Problem: I'm the one that thought this should happen. I being the sentimental one. I still think it should happen. However, I am finding that some don't seem to give a rats ass and are only concerned with what it is worth.
So I am going to suggest that the items for them to chose from be limited to: quilts and sewed items,bells,jewelry and the china painted items. Other requests will be considered, by all three brothers. My problem is I can see some of them coming and cleaning out anything that they think is of value and that they can turn into cash.
Oh family is such fun....but we are getting along well. After all mom I promised I would just as I believe you made the others promise also. Love you and miss you greatly!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Everything in it's time
When it's time!
This has been a very trying month. This year has been a very trying year. In February we (Donna and myself) were laid off as, The FoodBank for the Heartland closed our facility. I could go into all the background but close enough to say that I have worked with the FoodBank since 1993. First in Kearney Nebraska until 2000. And then opening and establishing the FoodBank in Sidney Nebraska in 2001 until 2011. We were offered jobs if we would relocate in Omaha. Me driving truck and Donna working the warehouse. We have bought a home here in Sidney, and with the current market selling it was next to impossible. So I started collecting unemployment (after several delays) which put us behind on our house payments and several other bills. Also during this time Donna's mother passed away and it was two trips to Texas. Thank god for credit cards. Upon returning Donna got a job as server at the Hillside Bar and Grill; at the golf course. Donna was raised in a truck stop. So she knew what she was doing. It was the clientele that was different. She had her struggles but worked through them and does well except it's only two days a week. I started drawing Social Security. With the SS and unemployment I am making almost what I was, when I was working. Donna not so much but the cash is nice and there is enough to keep us out of the checking account. We get by pretty well.
Then in the beginning of October. Donna got offered a job at Harvey's. This is our bar of choice. Old Timey Bar: Jukebox with 40's through today's music and still 5 plays for a dollar. A pool table for 50 cents. A lot of friends that are kinda like family. It used to have a much older crowd but the last 5 years has been very hard on their numbers. We have seen the passing of some real characters and some really good people. We have also seen the passing of the owners of the bar (Butch and Ellie). The bar has passed to two of the daughters(one whom has sold her half) and one that is still part owner. She is a story herself which I may go into someday. Anyway, Donna has taken the job and is working 3 nights a week on average. She makes considerably more money at Harvey's than she does on the hill. Which we are afraid will cut her hours now with winter coming on.
My mothers birthday was the 23rd of September. I have written about it in another article. Anyway, after her birthday and not being able to go to her grandson's wedding. She just went down hill. I made several trips to see her (235 miles one way) Most of the time in the PST (piece of shit truck) a 1973 rusted ole Dodge. So it takes me 4 hours to get there. She was having a very hard time breathing. She was always so weak and continued to deteriorate. Finally, around the 4th of October she went to the hospital in Minden, NE. I went to see her that weekend and she was only getting worse.
I ran out of clothes and pills. So I went back to Sidney that Sunday. My brother called an Donna and I went back. She passed away Sunday the 9th of October. Monday to the funeral parlor, went to Bethage and cleaned out her room. Headed home. We turned around and came back on Wednesday for her funeral on Thursday. Late Thursday afternoon my two brothers and I went to the lawyers. No surprises. That is always good. I have been back twice and cleaned and boxed things in the garage and shed. Last Sunday my brothers and I went through an split up items that belonged to pass family members. We are going to do this again this Sunday. We are trying to get things ready for a sale (theres so much stuff), so we can sell the house. I personally am having a very hard time in the house. Maybe it is because I am the oldest and have the most memories or the fact that I am the most sentamental. It really bothers me to find some things and then not to just sit there and remember.
So, we have lost our jobs, two mothers and are awaiting the battles that go with that. We are both of good stock and we will make it. To be continued.....
This has been a very trying month. This year has been a very trying year. In February we (Donna and myself) were laid off as, The FoodBank for the Heartland closed our facility. I could go into all the background but close enough to say that I have worked with the FoodBank since 1993. First in Kearney Nebraska until 2000. And then opening and establishing the FoodBank in Sidney Nebraska in 2001 until 2011. We were offered jobs if we would relocate in Omaha. Me driving truck and Donna working the warehouse. We have bought a home here in Sidney, and with the current market selling it was next to impossible. So I started collecting unemployment (after several delays) which put us behind on our house payments and several other bills. Also during this time Donna's mother passed away and it was two trips to Texas. Thank god for credit cards. Upon returning Donna got a job as server at the Hillside Bar and Grill; at the golf course. Donna was raised in a truck stop. So she knew what she was doing. It was the clientele that was different. She had her struggles but worked through them and does well except it's only two days a week. I started drawing Social Security. With the SS and unemployment I am making almost what I was, when I was working. Donna not so much but the cash is nice and there is enough to keep us out of the checking account. We get by pretty well.
Then in the beginning of October. Donna got offered a job at Harvey's. This is our bar of choice. Old Timey Bar: Jukebox with 40's through today's music and still 5 plays for a dollar. A pool table for 50 cents. A lot of friends that are kinda like family. It used to have a much older crowd but the last 5 years has been very hard on their numbers. We have seen the passing of some real characters and some really good people. We have also seen the passing of the owners of the bar (Butch and Ellie). The bar has passed to two of the daughters(one whom has sold her half) and one that is still part owner. She is a story herself which I may go into someday. Anyway, Donna has taken the job and is working 3 nights a week on average. She makes considerably more money at Harvey's than she does on the hill. Which we are afraid will cut her hours now with winter coming on.
My mothers birthday was the 23rd of September. I have written about it in another article. Anyway, after her birthday and not being able to go to her grandson's wedding. She just went down hill. I made several trips to see her (235 miles one way) Most of the time in the PST (piece of shit truck) a 1973 rusted ole Dodge. So it takes me 4 hours to get there. She was having a very hard time breathing. She was always so weak and continued to deteriorate. Finally, around the 4th of October she went to the hospital in Minden, NE. I went to see her that weekend and she was only getting worse.
I ran out of clothes and pills. So I went back to Sidney that Sunday. My brother called an Donna and I went back. She passed away Sunday the 9th of October. Monday to the funeral parlor, went to Bethage and cleaned out her room. Headed home. We turned around and came back on Wednesday for her funeral on Thursday. Late Thursday afternoon my two brothers and I went to the lawyers. No surprises. That is always good. I have been back twice and cleaned and boxed things in the garage and shed. Last Sunday my brothers and I went through an split up items that belonged to pass family members. We are going to do this again this Sunday. We are trying to get things ready for a sale (theres so much stuff), so we can sell the house. I personally am having a very hard time in the house. Maybe it is because I am the oldest and have the most memories or the fact that I am the most sentamental. It really bothers me to find some things and then not to just sit there and remember.
So, we have lost our jobs, two mothers and are awaiting the battles that go with that. We are both of good stock and we will make it. To be continued.....
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
This is my first blog so hope I'm doing it right. Today, I put up 2 pints of pickled peppers. I know a small amount but that is what our garden is producing. We were badly hailed twice. It is amazing how nature can be so beaten down an still come back an produce something. The only thing that didn't come back was the cucumbers so I have made afew pickles out of zucchini this year. The jury is still out on those.
I also today replaced the mirror on the passenger side of my pickup. I was shooting prairie dogs the other day and accidentally shot the mirror not once but twice. Didn't see it for the scope. Anyway, 35 dollars later and about 2 hours it has been replaced.
I really don't have anything profound to say. Life is whizzing by an now it's time for a beer. Speaking of beer I think I'll make a couple of batches this winter. Made some two years ago and I liked it but it was to stout for the rest of the clan. I also make some ass kickin wine. My best so far is Rhubarb. It mellows out an is very good. Have also had good luck with wild grapes, and wheat. I like a sweet wine and sometimes the alcohol gets alittle too much. It can take your breath away. Making the wine kinda gets to be a pain but when you get that bottle that makes it, it's worth it. It is all good.
With that I will say goodbye.
I also today replaced the mirror on the passenger side of my pickup. I was shooting prairie dogs the other day and accidentally shot the mirror not once but twice. Didn't see it for the scope. Anyway, 35 dollars later and about 2 hours it has been replaced.
I really don't have anything profound to say. Life is whizzing by an now it's time for a beer. Speaking of beer I think I'll make a couple of batches this winter. Made some two years ago and I liked it but it was to stout for the rest of the clan. I also make some ass kickin wine. My best so far is Rhubarb. It mellows out an is very good. Have also had good luck with wild grapes, and wheat. I like a sweet wine and sometimes the alcohol gets alittle too much. It can take your breath away. Making the wine kinda gets to be a pain but when you get that bottle that makes it, it's worth it. It is all good.
With that I will say goodbye.
September 24,2011
Yesterday was a bust....Went an sighted in the rifle from hell, just can't seem to get it to drive nails. Maybe its those cheap shells I bought. Or maybe it's just me. ?????? Main problem is I have no place to go to just spend alot of time shooting. Did a half ass job of sighting it in, in the wind and then went prairie dog shooting. I always take my trusty 22 with and I got a couple with it and maybe one or two with the 223, but they were long shots. All of this took a couple of hours.
It was my mothers birthday yesterday and I called all the kids to make sure that they would call and wish her a happy birthday. My daughter remembered her bday and had a card. I was going to call her in the evening which got away from me and I called her today. She was having trouble breathing and it was a short call.
Am feeling very lazy and have no energy to do anything. I have to muster all my strengh just to get anything done. I just can't seem to get anything started. I have no drive. I have a million things to do.
It was my mothers birthday yesterday and I called all the kids to make sure that they would call and wish her a happy birthday. My daughter remembered her bday and had a card. I was going to call her in the evening which got away from me and I called her today. She was having trouble breathing and it was a short call.
Am feeling very lazy and have no energy to do anything. I have to muster all my strengh just to get anything done. I just can't seem to get anything started. I have no drive. I have a million things to do.
September 27, 2011
Well, Donna worked another night at Harveys. It was busy when she started but thinned out and we closed it at 10:30. Today we went to Cheyenne to the VA. We kinda slept in and left at around 9:30. Drove to Cheyenne and got there in middle of noon rush hour. We went up to the Frontier Mall and went to the costume place. Not real impressed with the costumes that they had. We then went to Michaels where I got 6 picture frames for the fishing lures that were Dad's. Making a shadow box display for all the grand kids. I was making the frames but for 6 bucks it was cheaper to buy than to build. Then we went to Target and looked around bought a ball with and eyeball in it that lights up when it is bounced. Then we ate at The Olive Garden. Wasn't all that thrilled with the meal, but as usual it was good. Then we went to the VA for my 3 o'clock appointment. Gal came and got me right away, weighted me and took my blood pressure, made small talk. Went back to the waiting room and sat for an hour before someone came for me. Then by the time I got out the place was closing down 4:30. Now I have to make phone calls in the morning to get appointments for the sleep acmea. That is always interesting.
Yesterday I made 3 quarts of Dilly Zucchini Pickles and a quart of summer squash pickles from the juice(brine) that was left over from the beet pickles. Have no idea how that will turn out. But was going to have to throw out the brine and I knew I had enough for a quart. We are getting alittle tired of zucchini and summer squash so trying to use them up making pickles since the hail got the cucumbers. I am going to pickle some green tomatoes probably next week. Have a recipe that looks interesting.
My mom's birthday was Friday she is 82. She has been pretty sick since then. She is having trouble breathing. She said, she went to the doctor today and his solution was more pills. She didn't talk very long. I will call her again in the morning.
Well it's been along day here at the L7 Bar. Time to bed down Poco the wonder dog. Put Chole on the bed, she's old. And then chase Donna around the house and hope I don't get my ass handed to me. Just kidding. Just remember tomorrows another day, so Get R Done....
Yesterday I made 3 quarts of Dilly Zucchini Pickles and a quart of summer squash pickles from the juice(brine) that was left over from the beet pickles. Have no idea how that will turn out. But was going to have to throw out the brine and I knew I had enough for a quart. We are getting alittle tired of zucchini and summer squash so trying to use them up making pickles since the hail got the cucumbers. I am going to pickle some green tomatoes probably next week. Have a recipe that looks interesting.
My mom's birthday was Friday she is 82. She has been pretty sick since then. She is having trouble breathing. She said, she went to the doctor today and his solution was more pills. She didn't talk very long. I will call her again in the morning.
Well it's been along day here at the L7 Bar. Time to bed down Poco the wonder dog. Put Chole on the bed, she's old. And then chase Donna around the house and hope I don't get my ass handed to me. Just kidding. Just remember tomorrows another day, so Get R Done....
Beautiful fall weather
Weather is beautiful here in western Nebraska. Yesterday played some of the best and worst golf of my life. Did really well for me on the front nine and then my back started giving me problems and I had my worst on the back nine.Came home and took some aleve and crashed on the bed. Couldn't hardly get up after that. Finally got up and started moving around. Donna came home from work. My brother called and my Mom isn't doing well. She is in assisted living and having trouble breathing. I have called her for 4 days now and she is really out of breath. They are wanting to move her to the Nursing center.
Got up this morning and it is beautiful. The sun is shining, but the wind is a little cool. I started the dog house for Buster. Worked at it almost all day, and have run out of material. My brother called around noon and they have taken mom to the hospital. I am packed and ready to go. Rob called and said she was much better and I talked to her on the phone. She sounded much better. So am going to wait until monday to go back.
Got up this morning and it is beautiful. The sun is shining, but the wind is a little cool. I started the dog house for Buster. Worked at it almost all day, and have run out of material. My brother called around noon and they have taken mom to the hospital. I am packed and ready to go. Rob called and said she was much better and I talked to her on the phone. She sounded much better. So am going to wait until monday to go back.
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