Happy Thanksgiving!

In a few days I should emerge from the turkey induced coma and start posting again.

Pie Chart

Thank a Veteran Today

Photo courtesy of Shorpy.

Ninety years ago today the guns fell silent in Europe, signaling the end of 'The War to end all Wars.' In 1938, the US Congress proclaimed this an official holiday "dedicated to the cause of world peace" named Armistice Day. Sixteen years later we had seen a second world war and Korean conflict. Congress saw fit to make this day Veterans Day in honor of veterans of all wars.

Unlike Memorial day when we honor our fallen veterans, today is a day to recognize both the living and the dead who have answered their country's call. We owe these men and women a great debt of gratitude, so please thank a veteran today.

The Silver Medal Tape

It is with great pleasure and some amusement that I report, I am a recipient of the coveted "Duck Tape Award." I am flattered beyond words, so I will let 'Uncle Green' do the talking instead.

Farmers Fare

This summer I was taking some pictures of steam traction engines when I came across one with an open smokebox.


I had been contemplating writing a post on boiler design, so I figured this would make a great illustration. I rushed over and took this photo.


Of course you can see the arrangment of the flues which run from the smokebox to the firebox and up above the exhaust steam is directed up into the smokestack to create a draft to draw air from the firebox, and down below...

Wait, those shouldn't be there. Why are there metal grates and hooks in the smokebox?


Ah, smoked sausage. That makes sense. I'm not sure they would be up to Brigid's standards, but they sure look tasty!

One word of caution though, If anyone else feels the need to try this approach to feed your next threshing crew, just make sure you're burning wood that day and not coal!

Quote of the unspecified temporal interval

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

John Quincy Adams

Election Day Special

Campaign season finally ends today! Perhaps I'll be able to take these off...

...or maybe I'll need them even more.

The problem with any election is that even when it ends, one of the politicians still sticks around for a few years. Oh well, or words to that effect.

LSMFT

Lucky Shots Mean Fine Targets!

The results from the October E-Postal results are up over at Traction Control. I actually made a decent showing this time (thanks in no small part to True Blue Sam's TC Contender.) Of course Mr. C still doubled my best score, but I have learned not to doubt his abilities with a pistol!

Better yet, I already shot next month's target and I think I actually got a perfect score on one sheet. We'll know for sure at the end of the month.