Mal-fits

2009-09-28T21:46:00.003-04:00

I have made this blog private. Because of the crazy stalker lady, but also just because it was time to start fresh someplace else. I know I can't really hide from the stalker, as she is now using Yahoo Cache to go back over old blog posts of mine.... but still, I can start fresh elsewhere for now.

A few folks have always been on the 'private' list for this blog, and able to see it no matter what.
I'll be un-caging all the old blog posts here eventually, and letting them show so I can look back over them when I wish.

If you wish to know of the new blog, ask, and I'll be happy to send you a link. The reader list here is only a few people.... and those are welcome. Other than that, I'm going to keep it low key.

Cheers friends... and may life bring you joy.

2009-09-27T16:30:00.001-04:00

Lights take on a haze
as breathing comes clear again
NyQuil... blessed peace

Pendant....

2009-09-26T12:50:00.003-04:00

Charoite from Siberia.
Someone will want it.....

2009-09-26T07:08:00.000-04:00

Pulsing pain, pressure
Dizzy, drippy, crappy... damn
Sinus headaches suck

2009-09-24T20:29:00.001-04:00

Honey mead flows free...
while John Lee lays it down smooth...
and the silence roars.

2009-09-24T07:28:00.003-04:00

I haiku'ed too soon......

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Fall mists writhe in dawn
Seeking entry in chilled dance
Warmth denies them gain
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2009-09-23T21:55:00.003-04:00

I love the fall, with it's newly chilled mornings and gathering colors...
But it has a colder side as well now.

Fall's cooled bed awaits...
Once refreshing to the touch...
Now, merely just cold.

Just a quick note....

2009-09-23T06:29:00.002-04:00

I have managed to pick up a stalker. An unstable woman who doesn't understand what 'no' means. I will speak with the police this evening, but I suspect I will need to just shut this blog down. If that is so.... I'll pick up elsewhere, under a different persona.

2009-09-22T22:28:00.001-04:00

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Music, coffee, friends...
Snuggles, kisses, and cuddles...
Damn, life can be good.
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2009-09-22T00:11:00.002-04:00

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Vivid vicious dreams...
Lover false in the castle...
Ripping life away...
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2009-09-21T20:36:00.003-04:00

The bourbon spins notes,
sings a melody of peace
for a long eve'ning

2009-09-21T06:11:00.002-04:00

Rested, recovered...
Another long week calling
pushing stones uphill

2009-09-19T08:25:00.002-04:00

Friends, good food, fine wine...
Join in harmony of joy
Life is meant to live

2009-09-18T06:28:00.001-04:00

Just a few hours more
Blessed peace awaits entrance
Friday has arrived

(g)

2009-09-17T06:04:00.002-04:00

Duty sings again
A siren call of demands
that must be answered

2009-09-16T06:08:00.002-04:00

Roused from heavy sleep
Body worn jagged from duty
Coffee breathes new life

2009-09-15T06:26:00.002-04:00

Light blogging? No blogging?

2009-09-11T06:25:00.004-04:00

I have not been blogging much lately, and stopped to think on that this morning.

I'm back in school teaching, and that situation has stress multiplied three times over previous years.... Admin is dumping on additional asinine work to the point that instructors are reconsidering career choices. I know three who are interviewing at other schools right now.

Personal life.... has become both stressed and interesting, for various reasons. None seem all that bloggable really. Much I say might hurt people I don't wish to hurt, and much would be of no interest to anyone else.

Perhaps this blog will fade away.... we shall see.

That's life in the..... well...... here.

2009-09-08T17:06:00.005-04:00

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Like they say, some days it's hardly even worth chewing through the restraints.

Admin called a zero notice seven minute faculty meeting yesterday morning, in which to explain how they are backing off some of the new time demands they have made this year. The thing is.... I can't seem to figure out who's time was salvaged, theirs or ours. The only thing I see lightening up on are the 'observations' they were to make of us. Those cost us nothing but a few headaches, and scheduling issues when they miss the appointed times. Then again... they had a loooong faculty meeting on Thursday of last week, to try and explain more of what is now expected of us. They'll be another faculty meeting today too, to do the same I suppose, plus a center meeting on Thursday where we have to hand in some of that extra work.

The thing is.... each and every one of these meetings where they tell us about more work we must do.... is held during what little bits of time we are allowed in which to do the work. Yes.... this week we will lose half our planning time to meetings where we are told what to do during our planning time.

Ah well... surely people schmarter than I will figure it out. I just do as much of my job as they will allow, teach my kids as best I can, and walk out at the end of the day. This morning I overslept, and just can't work up the energy to care. Let's see.... what exactly is the time we are contracted to arrive by?

Sigh....

Student wise..... It's shaping up to be a seriously challenging year. A week in, some of them are showing promise already. Some... a lot.... are pretty limited. I think we will be rebuilding the program this year.... downward. We are three days into safety lesson that only took one day last year.

In my Psych-Ed course, the professor puts forth a few thoughts on just why our students intelligence and abilities are trending the way they are. It's downright frightening, in a way. I don't have time to wait for evolution to work... there's not enough years left in my career.

Then again... there's not enough cash in my bank account to quit either....

Laboring on labor day...

2009-09-07T10:22:00.004-04:00

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This is what I am NOT having for breakfast this morning.... as the blasted elves have not shown up for duty to cook it. I suspect they caught wind of this whole labor day thing. Sadly, my sense of duty has not heard of it, and work calls today.

Contemplation has caught up with me this morning. I spent it over a mug of coffee, thinking about the past, with whispers of the future. Life's strange turnings come without being asked..... and attack with joyous abandon those unprepared.

Enjoy your day my friends...

Random pointless bits of me life......

2009-09-06T09:20:00.005-04:00

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I have just discovered that I am not too old to work all day, and then be up till the wee hours drinking wine and conversing with good friends. That is a welcome bit of news.

I have just discovered that the hot tub here has a high pressure hot water back massager spot built in. (Oh..... My...... I am at a loss for words.....)

I have just discovered that the above mentioned discoveries go quite well together.

Now... pardon me while I crawl off for more coffee........

Silence

2009-09-04T19:09:00.002-04:00

Silence.... is a language of it's own. To each person it speaks it's own words.

In some, silence is the enemy, to be avoided lest it reveal hated emptiness.

To others, silence is a friend, allowing beauty to form and flourish.

Between people, silence is a defining source of reflection. A mirror to a relationship. While one pair may chatter incessantly, leaving no gap where doubt may creep in, others live a different pairing.

In a few, a very few, a rare few.....silence is a language of love.

There are those who can sit together, hours on end, reading old books. Not a word spoken, just the odd chuckle, a sigh, a glance. Such lovers can communicate far better with a silent glance than any grand poet can after slaving over fatted sonnets.

Silence... like a welcome breeze on a scorching day.... shared between two who need no spoken words to communicate. Silence, warm silence, enveloping their world and forming walls no outsider can break through.

Nothing more that a simple touch, without a word, passing in it's spark a message of love that's timeless and tested. Words, no matter how artfully arranged, pale when faced with such silence. Quiet full of meaning, brimming with emotion, solid with shared joy.

Silence... a language shared by so few, such a lucky and rare few.

2009-09-04T08:46:00.004-04:00

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I haven't been posting often lately... Life has just been like that. Busy beyond reason, with high and low points all in the same day. Sometimes within hours. I've honestly been too busy to spend time thinking up deep thoughts to share here... and I'm not going to waste useful ones and zeros blathering about my social life (curiouser and curiouser) or my hair (anybody seen where its got to?).

A vignette: Yesterday in the local paper, on the front page, a picture of the nearly full moon and the word 'gibbous' in the caption. I was sufficiently tickled to quietly laugh for an hour over it.

Coffee calls... and tasks abound. Best to youse folks, and may your day go well.

What day is it? Are you sure??

2009-09-02T05:52:00.004-04:00

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I have not fallen off the earth... it's just that some things are more important than blogging (The crowd gasps).

Class is moving along briskly, with no great challenges yet. Truth is, we haven't given them any room to screw up so far.... that comes next week. At first blush, we have a normal class for us. That means a few stars, a few heartbreaking challenges, and a bunch of normal kids. We shall see....

Ed-Psych class.... looks interesting. I shall have to pick a mental illness for a presentation, and had planned to observe my students before making the choice. I see no point wasting all that research time, when I could be looking up something useful right now. The problem is... all my normally weird students have normal weird issues, and they have already been chosen by other Ed-Psych students. The one interestingly weird student has something going on that I haven't even found a name for yet. Weird as in.... Oh, never mind. TMI for a public blog.

As for the rest of life... the store and the old fart are chugging along at their crippled gait. I work some evening there now, and he does the rest. So far so good, at which I am substantially surprised. I would not have bet on it flying this far. Another we shall see.

Other bits of life? Unbloggable really. Yes, there are some interesting things happening in my life... but they are not for here. Sorry about that. Just the way it is. Like I said, sometimes actual life gets in the way of blogging about life.

Enough of a me-update. Perhaps this weekend I'll have something deep and heartfelt to say. On the other hand, I may just lay in the hot tub till I'm a prune.

Ya'll be nice to one another, Ch'eer?

RenFaire

2009-09-01T05:41:00.005-04:00

2009-08-30T13:11:00.002-04:00

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I have got to stop scratching that wound....

2009-08-30T08:19:00.003-04:00

Some people understand.....

2009-08-29T18:40:00.002-04:00

Well, who put that there?

2009-08-29T17:41:00.003-04:00

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I just recalled.... this home has one heck of a hot tub.
This evening, I think I shall soak while I read a good book
and sip some wine.

Yup.... that sounds like a plan.

It really does go full circle, doesn't it?

2009-08-29T14:49:00.005-04:00

Years ago I had a buddy. A guy I worked with, and spent a lot of time doing friend like things with. He came to my house a lot, his kids played with my kids, we all went out together... it was good times.

He used to go places with my wife, and I'd be doing something else or maybe watching all the youngens. They'd run out to the grocery store, to get beer, whatever. Friends would joke that he was dating my wife, and I'd always respond "He's welcome to her, but he gets the kids, the house, and all the bills with her!" My buddy joked that if I said that one more time he'd never come back to my house.

Well, this morning I saw it come full circle. In traffic, going the other way, I saw my own truck. I know it was mine as the rear window protection rack is one I designed and welded myself. There isn't another like it in the world. In the passenger seat was my STBEW. Driving it, her boyfriend (no one I know), and going the direction they were, it's likely they were headed to her mothers house (Her Dragonness herself)

It flashed into my head... this guy got her, the kids, the truck, and all the bills...... and I was headed to the range in peace all by myself.

I got the better of that deal.

Saturday morning eye popper

2009-08-29T06:35:00.004-04:00

Hot coffee, and very hot BB King...... wakey wakety!

2009-08-28T21:29:00.003-04:00

Amber is such cool stuff......

2009-08-28T10:35:00.003-04:00

A friend requested amber ear rings for her birthday. Here's what happened as I was working on ideas.....

Friday bits and pieces......

2009-08-28T06:42:00.006-04:00

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*School begins for real on Monday. I get my kids (!). I'm finally feeling the anxious anxiety.

*Relationships... dating.... things like that..... are complicated. The dog is not so complicated. He just trots in, checks out whatever I'm having for dinner, and sticks around if he wants some. It's a simple relationship that I can understand and deal with. I wish dealing with people was that easy.

*School..... at our opening instructor follies, the admin showed a recruiting video one of our graphics programs built last year. There were three instructor interview segments in it.... I think it was three. I was two of them. Bloody AARRGggg! I could have crawled under my chair, I had no idea that was their nefarious plan when they were filming.

* Today and tomorrow are work-at-the-store days. All day, each day. Sunday, my last day of freedom before school begins.... I may spend at the PA RenFaire again. Another free ticket has drifted my way, and someone has asked to come along and make it a photo shoot kind of thing. It might be a fun day...

* I began my latest PSU course last night. Ed-Psych this time, and it looks like a good one. The Prof said up front that it will be low pressure and no papers due, but we will have exams and presentations. I expect to get some useful stuff from this course.... especially with my incoming class to use as examples :-)

* Given this course is relatively low pressure, I will likely sign up for another beginning next month. Yes, that means carrying six credits while teaching a big class at the same time.... but I guess I have the evenings to do it right now. Other things will have to give way, but so be it. No one will complain about my absence.

* I get my kids Monday!

A Thursday evening chuckle.....

2009-08-27T21:25:00.004-04:00

H/T to Cowboy Bob....

The tyranny of arrogance....

2009-08-26T17:58:00.004-04:00

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I would like to speak of teachers, time, expectations, and arrogance. This is not a rant post, nor a whine post... but a description of the reality.

In going through our school's in-service training the beginning of this school year, we instructors are once again being told about all the great new things we will be doing. New directives, new forms to fill out and file, new style lesson plans to create, new.... stuff. All this is in addition to what we had to do previously, and most often has little to do with our real job of teaching technical trades to young students.

What is sorely lacking is any indication we will be given time to do the new work, create the new plans and file the new forms. If instructors directed students to perform task work for grading without allowing lab time to complete it, we would be punished. If the school does it to us.... it's par for the course.

"Well, use some of your preparation time!"

Uh.... what is this 'preparation time' you speak of?

Allow me to break down the 'prep time' we have. Instructors must be in the saddle by 7:45 each morning, and students begin arriving before 8am. We have students till 2:35 each day, usually longer. Doing prep work while students are with us is not only impossible, but just plain wrong. Our official school day ends at 3:20. This means optimally we will have about 45 minutes a day prep time.

But.... we have mandatory after class meetings. Faculty meetings, center meetings, committee meetings, IEP meetings.... it works out to at least one a week, but usually more. That means we can count on three hours a week of prep time. In those three hours we must:

Write daily detailed lesson plans to be filed
Prepare Power Point presentations and hand outs
Contact parents
Contact potential and current employers
Grade tests, quiz's, and homework
Enter daily work ethic, task, and theory grades into the computer system
Write detailed discipline referrals
Write weekly objective plans to be filed
Prepare class demonstrations
Track and order supplies and tools with a cumbersome process
Make our next days copies
Repair tools and equipment
and a host of other duties.......

Obviously all this adds up to way more than three hours a week. The thing is, we instructors know this and accept it as part of our job. It's part of being a professional.

When does it get done? We come in early, stay late, work weekends, and work over the summer. None of this is contracted time, and none is paid for. We know this, and just deal with it in order to have the career we love.

Where does the tyranny of arrogance come in? Clearly every single additional task we are given comes directly from our own personal time. It must.... as the prep time we officially have is laughably inadequate. The arrogance comes into play when we are given more and more tasks to accomplish... and no time to do them in. No one asks us if we are willing to give up one more evening, or one more Sunday a month. The extra work is just heaped on with the command "Get it done, and 'no time' is never an excuse".

I was asked what I thought of today's introduction to new time sucking demands... and I replied "I think it's interesting, but it seems a silly way to spend the day when the school clearly doesn't expect us to do any of this stuff........". The response "What do you mean?" My reply: "There was no mention of where the time required to do all this work is coming from, and you know our days are already overfilled, so clearly the school does not plan on investing in the time we would need to do the work, and therefor does not plan on us actually doing any of this stuff".

Stone..... cold..... silence.

Nothing just now.........

2009-08-26T06:01:00.004-04:00

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I've got nothing of merit, and chose not to head any deeper into 'me' blogging territory. I'll simply wrap my existence around this cup of coffee and work on that whole 'deer in the headlights' look.

Hmmm...

2009-08-24T20:35:00.004-04:00

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A glass of chilled sweet honey mead, a plate of sharp cheddar cheese and stone ground wheat crackers, a dab of spicey mustard with wine, and Melody Gardot playing softly.

Yes.... I think this will do.....

I'm BAAaaaaack!

2009-08-24T16:49:00.004-04:00

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First day back in school.... and no chilluns till Monday next. This week is devoted to getting ready, doing 'in-service' training, finding out what wonderful things have been done to our arrangements over the summer, and other activities second only to heavy dental work in capturing one's interest.

I wasn't there an hour when I found an administrator walking a tour of new people through the halls (and my program). I attempted to squirm my way past, engaging my cloak of invisibility. Naturally, the cloak failed me just as I was making my break for freedom. A voice called me back for introductions.... and once done I raised my hand over the group and intoned "May God have mercy on your souls......"

Perhaps that wasn't the correct greeting to a group of new folks at school... as now I have an appointment with 'Maam' at 9am on Wednsday.

Oops......

Okay.... all that is true, but she said it was about something good, and how it concerned me being 'the target' in what they are looking for in the building. That might have been meant to be nice... but I have to say.... I am uncomfortable being described as 'the target'.

My partner and I will be ready on time, without stressing too much I think. We work well together, and that helps a lot.

All day today... as I was breaking industrial copiers and piling up a mind numbing stack of work for my incoming angels.... this song was going through my mind. It helped that I had it playing on a large sound system in the background, turned up just enough to discourage conversation in my wing of the building.

I return tomorrow, and every other day this week, for training, restraining, and detaining. It shall be interesting!

Where did the summer go?

2009-08-24T05:59:00.003-04:00

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I am back to school today.... and a life changing summer is over.

Already.

Wow.

The ants go marching in... Haraa!

2009-08-23T05:00:00.002-04:00

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Take a look at this photo....

Now, take a look at this crop of the well inside the flower. Click on the photo and let it fill your screen. Kewl, eh?

Salad for dinner.....

2009-08-22T18:09:00.004-04:00

Sure, there's lettuce in there someplace.
That makes it a salad, right guys?

The images we project

2009-08-21T20:57:00.008-04:00

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I've been thinking. A slow and laborious process at the best of times, this instance it was worse. Made harder by the depth of my immersion in the situation, it took me a long time indeed to gnaw away at these concepts.

We each, and by each I mean every single one of us, project an image to the world. It's an image of ourselves... and we all do it to some extent. Sometimes only a minor variation on a theme presented to a select audience, other times a carefully crafted persona built up over years and nursed along like a fine wine.

Have you ever spent a moment choosing your clothes... thinking about who you were going to be with that day? Have you ever mowed your lawn because of what the neighbors might think? I have. I've washed my car before picking up a friend because I didn't want her to think me a slob. I've folded my clothes and put them away neatly, in part because people would be at the house later and someone might see the pile on my bed.

These are minor examples... but it goes deeper. Picture a couple getting ready for a party, getting dressed. She tries on a pretty bit of garb, but he says "Try on the red dress, you look smoking in that". She smiles and puts on the red dress, living in the moment and thinking of the looks she will get that evening.

She's projecting an image of herself... attractive, desirable, and alluring. He knows this, enjoys it, and encourages it. They both enjoy it.... the night out on the town, looking good to their friends, and acting a part for the evening. Later they'll take off the shoes that are a bit too tight, loosen the seldom worn clothes that made them look especially good for the evening, and share in a moment of glowing warmth for the little bit of an act achieved. They'll bask in their own self image, and that's an entirely human thing to do.

We all do it, to some extent. This I believe, and I don't fault it. It's a normal part of being human, even when taken to some extremes. Some people nearly live double lives. Their own private life, and a wildly different one presented to the world. Sometimes the private life is so deeply embedded, it only shows in rare moments when the person is alone..... and in some sad cases it never even shows then.

In thinking about relationships between people, I have come to realize that each can be judged by this image, and the place people have in each others vision of themselves.

Think about it..... aren't the most common reasons for a relationship failure one person saying "They turned out to be someone I didn't know", or "He/She lied to me about everything", or "I really judged him wrong", or even just "I was so fooled by....". Aren't these all just saying the same thing? Simply put.... it turns out that one or both of the people found out they were not invited into the inner self image of the other person. In a cruder way of saying it.... they discovered they were on the outside of the lie, rather than the inside.

Just like we all project an image, to some extent we all lie a little too. Even when it's simply by unintended omission, or more often very intentional omission, we all lie. Building that image we present to the world is often supported in part by tiny little lies. Putting on music in the car that you hope someone hears you listening to... makes it seem that's what you like. Leaving a specific book out where people can see it, just so they think that's your reading preference. The ways are myriad...

Sometimes, the lies are deeper, and I won't delve into them here.

The point is... everyone has an image they project to some degree, and everyone has lies that support that image, to some degree. From the unnoticeable small to some which loom large... they are always there.

We can define our relationships by looking at how close to their center we are, and how close we let the other person to ours. Do we really, really know the heart of the person? Do we allow them to see ours? We all lie, and we all let our loved ones small lies slip past..... as long as we are on the inside of them. As long as.... we are part of the real world involving the two, much else that makes up the external images can be ignored, allowed, and even enjoyed together. It's once we discover that we are not really on the inside, but just buried in yet another layer of images and lies.... that's when the pain and hurt begins.

To heck with it... I'm taking a day off.

2009-08-21T20:03:00.003-04:00

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I asked the old guy to mind the store tomorrow by himself.... I'm taking the day off. Not sure what I'll do, as it's to rain like a (bleep), but I'm sure I'll come up with something.

Maybe I'll drive till I run out of rain, and see where I land.

Like the song says..... if the phone doesn't ring, that will be me.

Friday morning thoughts....

2009-08-21T07:42:00.004-04:00

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It's another lovely Friday (he said half in sarcasm and half in wonder). The hot water heater malfunctioned last night, but it was an easy fix and we have hot water for morning showers. The coffee maker acted screwy, but there is coffee in the cups. The weather report has words like 'Precipitation' and 'Thunderstorm' and 'Cataclysmic' in it, but right now there are wisps of blue sky in sight. The checking account has bumped a bit in the night, and that is always welcome.... although I'd like to be more welcoming :-)

Friday... and a long day at Mrs. Penn's awaits. Tomorrow as well, more of the same. In the quiet times at the shop I have been making a few pieces, and they are on the web site. That much has been enjoyable, and the customers too. Some really interesting people shop there, even the ones from New York.

Sunday, a day of rest, and my last free day before I morph into Teacher Man on Monday. Sunday.... I think a day at Baltimore's Inner Harbor will suit just fine. New sights and sounds in a wholly new environment. I can wish I had a few more free days, and perhaps take a room there for the night..... but something in me rebels at the thought of taking a hotel room alone for anything but business.

I've been thinking about people, as is my way, and how they maintain public images and private. The projected view carefully built and shown to the world, and the inner vision just as carefully hoarded away from prying eyes. Perhaps the relationship between two people can be defined by how far inside this created vision they allow the other to see.

I'll give it more thought, and maybe lay down said thoughts to words. We shall see.

Ya'll have a good Friday, and I'll be thinking of ya!

Check....

2009-08-20T19:59:00.004-04:00

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Serenity playing in HD..... check.
Head phones on..... check.
Chilled glass of really good bourbon..... check.
Outside world butting out for a change..... big check.

AHHhhhhh.......................

Proof I has shmart blog!

2009-08-20T06:56:00.003-04:00

Perusing the blog log this morning, I see a hit from Batavia Illinois. Hmm..... that sounds familiar. Yup... Fermi Laboratories, and since it was in the wee hours it must have been a techie. No admin staff puke will be there at OhGod Hundred hours...

At first, I thought... ah Ha! I can has a shmart blog! Then I noticed the time on site was zero seconds. Hmm..... I guess a really smart nuke scientist might figure out a way to read my blog in zero seconds, but the energy usage would likely shut down the eastern side of the country.

Rats.... thought I had something there.

Oh, on another note.... the hard drive in this lap top is making occasional 'screech screech' noises. Uh oh.............

2009-08-19T23:38:00.003-04:00

Sigh.....

Sleep came, to a point, and only for certain value of sleep. Dreams, perhaps driven by a late dinner, came in crushing waves almost as I shut my eyes. Past loves, present regrets, and hardened nuggets of self judgment combined to lift me from sleep and deposit me here in this chair, in front of this glowing screen for a time. Maybe Morpheus will come and take me to visit his sweet river as I wait the sunrise.....

'Twas a good day at the shop....

2009-08-19T21:07:00.003-04:00

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A long day, but a good day. I really, really enjoy creating jewelry when the results make people happy.

Today, I got hugged on because of my work. Not once, but twice. They were that happy.

Okay... that has a certain coolness to it. (g).

But... right now this man is bushed, and a hot shower is calling it's siren song. Sleep will come easy tonight.

Photos tomorrow of work accomplished. Too tired tonight.

PNC Bank..... Followup items.

2009-08-19T08:21:00.003-04:00

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In a previous post I described a situation involving PNC Bank. Since then, a few mildly interesting things have happened concerning the institution and the accounts in question.

It appears that PNC chose not to honor the entries that had been made to the on-line bill paying system before they severed our access to it. We are now getting calls from creditors saying the payments are late..... but only the payments that had been set up through PNC's online system. Isn't that special.......

Of course we are paying those bills at once over the phone, but it all adds up to a colossal pain in the behind. I suppose it's my fault in part, as I did not print out the bills I had set to pay in the future. Whether laziness or a naive trust that PNC would honor the payments while the money was in the account.... either way, silly me.

I did notice that someone from a 'PNC' server accessed this blog, and specifically the post I wrote earlier. Perhaps that had something to do with a phone call yesterday... from Gallup Polling. The Gallup rep was calling PNC customers, specifically the location where we did do business, and asking pointed questions about customer service. I quickly realized that polling methodology did not regard my comments as useful, and they only wanted a one thru five numerical answer. So be it, and that is what I gave them.

It was clearly a push poll, with the poll taker telling how much PNC cared about it's customers, and how they valued my opinion, and how they wanted to serve their clients, and how they were going to plant a flower in my name and bake me fresh cookies and rub my tired feet.... everything but act with integrity and honesty.

Listening to the local public that comes into the store here, I suspect that PNC may not be long for the banking world. The banking waters are full of very hungry sharks just now, and an institution that's built a reputation for lousy service and a lack of integrity will not last long.

We are almost shut of PNC Bank, working our way out of their clutching and greedy grasp. The business and personal accounts have been reopened at another local institution with an excellent reputation, and one that comes highly recommended by the locals. It's amusing.... as we were in the new bank opening accounts, we mentioned we were leaving another local bank as we were unhappy with how they did business. The officer at the new bank told us who we were leaving without us having to name names.... and that was worth a laugh. It speaks volumes, I think.

2009-08-18T09:55:00.003-04:00

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"Nae queen, nae laird, nae master! I willna' be fooled again!"

(Not so loosely borrowed from terry Pratchett and his Nac Mac Feegle).

2009-08-18T04:59:00.002-04:00

A thousand words...

2009-08-17T07:37:00.002-04:00

PA RenFaire.....

2009-08-16T17:52:00.008-04:00

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Today I walked the faire.... and it was wonderful. While the weather was hot, and the sun blistering, the day was good in every other way.

I have uploaded a slide show of photo's from the day, but beware. It's over 60 images long.....

Perhaps if it came with a sip of the Honey Mead I brought home with me..... six bottles of it (happy dance). The Renaissance Faire is held on the grounds of Mount Hope Winery, and in this state Sunday sales are permitted at the winery. I don't know why that little break in our weird PA laws, but I'm not arguing. After twenty minutes of free wine tasting, I settled on half a case of Honey Mead, and a few bottles of a sweet rose Catawba they make as well.

The Faire... is a great way to spend the day. Interesting people take the wraps off on Faire days, and act out their fantasies, at least those that can be done in public. My friend took advantage, and great joy in this, by introducing me to various women she knows. I suspect she was just trying to see how badly she could make me turn red, before the sun did it's work on my unprotected skin.

Craftsman ply their trade... blacksmith and glassblower, jeweler and artist. Musicians stroll, and groups play different venues, so people wandering the Faire may never see all of them in a day. Each corner has a new sight, new sounds, and wonderful smells.

After the wine tasting spree, I staggered over to an interesting stand for a roast chicken sandwich, along with some fried root veggies. Good fare, and the cool refuge of my friends shop made for a pleasant lunch.

A few interesting moments today...

2009-08-15T20:31:00.003-04:00

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At least, interesting to me. After reading up a bit on solipsism, I'm not sure anything else matters. In fact, I had better read a little more as I am fairly certain I cannot logically prove that even I exist, and that may not be a good thing.

In any case, a few good moments at the store today. A young lady stopped in, and I recalled she was the one who asked me to build a few special pieces. She wasn't expecting them done yet, but I had them ready and surprised her. It went.... well. Very well indeed. I like making people happy like that... it makes the day.

Later, perhaps as a sign the universe finally tallied up all the nastier moments it's blown my way lately... a couple came in to say hi. In fact, they wanted to say more than hello... they wanted to say thanks, and tell me how wonderful their wedding had gone. A few weeks back I fitted them wedding bands, and again, it went very well indeed.

Now, obviously I cannot take credit for anything more than a pair of silver bands, and even those were mostly finished before I sprinkled my mad ogre dust all over them. But, it was still pretty damn touching that they came in just to share their joy. These were no children, but a middle aged couple and quite well spoken. The way they felt about each other was clear as the bourbon I'll be pouring in my glass shortly, and I rather swelled up a bit as I contemplated my small part in that.

All in all... a fair to middling good day, which has me a bit flummoxed. You see, it's been quite a while since a day went mostly decently, and I am beginning to wonder where the other boot is, and when it's going to fall. In fact, I am considering sleeping in the basement, as by now the boot must bear a strange resemblance to the space shuttle, and may even now be streaking towards the house, leaving behind it a vapor trail of charred laces and scorched sole.

Oh... Look.......

2009-08-15T06:33:00.003-04:00

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It's morning again..... and I seem to be ambivalent about that. On the one hand I suppose I should be happy that it's arrived at all, with it's tweety little birds chirping merrily away in the trees, and the cheerful blue sky warming in the clear morning sunrise....

But, on the other hand, it's morning...... and I just can't seem to get excited about anything at all. So far, the best I have accomplished is a half satisfied grunt after managing to make coffee without seriously disrupting the universe. I mean, I don't dare manifest the energy for something as astounding as a shower yet, as I have a certain feeling that doing so would alter some far away planets orbit and eliminate entire civilizations. At least... that's the way it feels this morning.

In a little while I shall attempt a bowl of cereal, and maybe manage it without damaging something really serious, like the local weather patterns.

In a couple hours I should be at the Lebanon gem show, buying stock for the store. I certainly hope my attitude improves by then, or they shall likely park me with the trolls in the corner. After the show, back to Mrs. Penn's Shoppe for an afternoon of joyful clerksmanship....... (please do not step in the puddle of sarcasm).

Tomorrow I plan on attending the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. To that end, I have been watching the weather forecast several times each day. It seems that Sunday shall be clear, but the predicted temperature is a variable. An upward variable. Each time I look, the weather service has pegged Sundays likely temperature upwards a few degrees. Right now, the guess is somewhere in the lower nineties. If the trend continues, I expect to be watching strong men fainting in the heat Sunday, and the lovely ladies sparkly dresses will probably be catching fire while reflecting deadly blinding rays from the sequins on their bodices. What fun!

Maybe another day....

2009-08-14T20:09:00.003-04:00

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I got nothing.............

I'd like to write something here that's beyond whiny me-blogging, but I'm just too tired, and I don't wish to reach back into archives for a repeat...

So folks.... thanks for stopping in, and check back another day when perhaps I'll have something interesting and insightful to say. Tonight, it's nothing for me but a hot shower and some quiet relax time.

Thanks for being understanding.

Morning....

2009-08-14T06:35:00.003-04:00

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What is the coolest sound ever heard?

This morning.... the whistle of a steam train heard through the heavy fog, carried for miles.

Today... perhaps I shall go drama llama hunting. Too many of them buggers creeping up around the place. Maybe it's time to thin the herd a bit.

American Communist Party endorses Obama Health care plan...... well isn't that just special.

2009-08-13T11:26:00.003-04:00

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Do I really need to unload any snark on this? I mean.... come on..... American commies are lining up behind Obamacare, so this just makes it official I guess.

There was a time when this would have been the kiss of death to an American politician's plans, but no more.

Randomosity

2009-08-13T06:52:00.007-04:00

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I woke early... as usual, and now have some quiet time to sip coffee and take it easy. It seems the universe has decided to like me so far today, with a cool breeze coming in the window and the sound of a gentle rain falling outside.

The coffee tastes good......

(edited)

The sun comes up each morning, no matter what I wish, and I shall fight each days battles as they come. As the Yoopers sang in a song once.... "They caint hurt me! I'm too tuff!"

Yesterday I had hours of bench time, and put together several custom rings for customers. I also made a few pieces on spec for store stock. That was enjoyable, and I'd happily spend more time doing it if I could. But... the store needs a runnin and school is a comin and life goes on.

Still..... the coffee tastes very good this morning.

Saturday.... there's a good chance I'll be at a rock and gem show in Lebanon, buying for store stock. Afterwards, back to the store and doors open. Sunday... ah Sunday.... I have firmly resisted each and every single demand on my time and reserved Sunday for myself. The PA RenFaire is in full swing, and Sunday is supposed to be weather fair. I plan on arriving early and filling the 8 gig card in my camera (G).

On the Glockity front, I find the G-30 .45 carries as easily as the M+P 9mm compact. In other words, it virtually dissapears on my belt for the day, only making it's presence known as I seat my chubby butt in the chair at the jewelers bench. It's time I get a holster dedicated to the G-30.... and I have my eye on a Dun Hume rig. It looks comfortable and of decent quality. An unlikely candidate for the big-box-O- holsters.

Time to shower and find some motivation.... and another cup of this delicious coffee.

Ya'll have a good day... and enjoy the battle.

Long day

2009-08-12T20:50:00.002-04:00

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Long day.... and I ran out of patience by days end. Recharging with a hot shower, some cold bourbon, and shut doors.

Peace........

Monty Python..... a roadmap for the Obama administration?

2009-08-12T16:18:00.001-04:00

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On reading about this incident, where union thugs assaulted a man who dared question The One and his union backed policies, all amidst a flurry of government endorsed racial slurs.....

I kept thinking about this little film clip from Python flick....

I suppose I could make the comparison to a famous Nazi and his Brownshirts... but it's not the same thing, is it? After all, old shicklegruber made it policy to call his opponents unpatriotic, and to have them roughed up in the street for speaking out, and unleash his government supported media on them, and..........

Oh.

Never mind.

Scary Glock thingamajiggy

2009-08-12T08:17:00.004-04:00

The idea is you fasten this whatsis to the side of your Glock, and it allows you to just jam it into your waistband with no holster. The clip keeps it from sliding down into never-never land I guess.

To the side of your Glock... you know... the pistol with no external safeties... that relies on you NOT pulling the trigger if you don't want it to go off. That's it... just slide that 'ol Glock down the front of your pants without a holster.... don't sweat whatever might trip the trigger on the way down.

I rather think this little hunk of steel was designed by Charles Darwin himself, during a slow evening on the Beagle.

The general public's view on taxes

2009-08-12T07:04:00.001-04:00

Peter Schiff

2009-08-11T05:52:00.003-04:00

H/T to Peter.

Via the Bayou Renaissance man, a YouTube video channel worth watching, in my opinion.

As our economy was heading towards the crapper (with a strong political hand on the lever just waiting to flush), there was one economist who consistently sounded the warning bell. Not only that, but he called it by the numbers, right down the line. In an industry where gutting chickens to read the entrails is at least as accurate as the computer models, Peter Schiff seemed to have a clue. That makes him worth listening to. He's not a prophet, but his opinion carries weight.

He has his own YouTube channel now, and anyone can catch his act whenever they wish.

I'll be keeping an eye on it, as part of the worldwide data acquisition project. (g).

2009-08-10T19:57:00.003-04:00

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"Man's self, Ayn Rand held, is his mind or conceptual faculty, the faculty of reason. All man's spiritually distinctive attributes derive from this faculty. For instance, it is reason (man's value judgments) that leads to a man's emotions. And it is reason which possesses volition, the ability to make choices."

From the introduction to Anthem by Ayn Rand.

I read this, and read it again, and again. This short passage explains so much to me.

Good way to wind down......

2009-08-07T20:41:00.001-04:00

PNC bank..... might want to re-think that account

2009-08-06T09:18:00.004-04:00

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Okay, this is my blog and I'll vent if I want to. Prepare for a rant regarding a local Pennsylvania bank. For most of my 6.3 readers, this will mean nothing and you should just pass by with eyes averted. If you have stumbled on this post while you are researching banks ... read on and take note.

WARNING: RANT BEGINS NOW

The situation: I have sort of inherited an older gentleman. It's a long story, but the result is I get to deal with his finances and business. That is the part of the story that matters here. I inherited him when his wife passed away. She was very important in my life, and his care just results from that.

In the mix is their business, now his, and their bank accounts, now his... or that's what most people would think. The estate is very simple, and can be summed up in a few sentences. All their stuff is now his stuff, and that's how the will reads. Joint ownership of everything reverts to sole ownership. Simple, and that's good. Simple is easier and means less I need to deal with.

All that is fine... right up until it comes time to deal with PNC bank, where their accounts are. It will very soon be 'were', but meanwhile PNC has created some massive headaches for no reason that sounds.... honest. I'll have to bullet point the problems, just to keep it straight for myself....

On the day we told them of the woman's passing, they froze the business account. There was no warning, and a promised phone call from them on how it would be handled never happened. I just discovered the frozen account when I tried to access it on-line. Doing so without warning.... that was nasty. The business credit card system deposits in that account.... and they know that.
When asked about it (the same day) no clear answer was given. The best I can understand.... I think they want the estate 'probated' before they give the money back to the rightful owner (the old gentleman). The thing is... NOTHING else in the estate requires probate, and probate will cost more than what's in the account. PNC knows this.... and as close as I can gather their plan was just to keep the money.
I considered it my duty to make an effort to resolve the issue... so I asked to speak with the bank manager. I was told she'd be back in an hour... so I cooled my heals at the store while I waited (it was closed that day). What I got was not a call to set up a meeting, but a call at the end of the day saying she was leaving for the day. How helpful. On the other hand.... it relieved me of my perceived duty to resolve the issue without animosity (and the state banking commission).
Today.... I go on-line to check his personal account. I have been using it via on-line bill paying to take care of the gentleman's obligations, scheduling bill paying a month out in advance. This morning... the account has vanished. I can only assume they have frozen THIS account as well. What makes this truly heinous is that I made a large cash deposit in this account just a few days ago and THEY DIDN'T BOTHER TO SAY ANYTHING THEN! They happily took the man's money, knowing they were going to freeze the account. Not a simple error, as I asked bank management if it was okay for me to make the deposit, and she stood by while I did so, and said she would have the manager call me.

As it stands now, I'm not sure how this will play out. I was competent enough to withdraw the bulk of the man's funds after the first account was frozen without notice, and to help him open new accounts at a bank with more integrity and a better reputation. The amounts in the PNC accounts are not large, as a result, but their actions are still unconscionable. A new business account in a different bank is now active, and new credit card services will be in place by this afternoon (with luck).
The damage caused to the business and the old gentleman by PNC bank has been mitigated for the most part.

I can offer this advice to those researching banks for new accounts.... think LONG and HARD before opening an account with PNC bank.

RANT NOW ENDS

Have a nice day (g).

Snarl... growl...........

2009-08-06T07:02:00.003-04:00

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Whoever invented mornings needs to spend a few minutes in a dark alley with me...... Have I ever mentioned that my morning coffee mug is one of those machined aluminum ones? The kind that can take being gnawed on and heaved across the room when necessary.

On a brighter note... I baked a spice cake before bed last night, so we'd have it for breakfast this morning. That is luxury... a preloaded coffee maker and fresh spice cake with raisins to accompany for wakers.

The store... I woke up thinking about the $%#@$# place. Tomorrow we begin late hours, as we are taking back the 'ghost tour' business. This is a little hard to explain, but it means we'll be selling tickets and helping arrange nightly walking tours of the town. I've been on two... and they were worth both time and money. From my viewpoint, it means 10-12 hour work days for a while.

Once school begins (the end of August) I can only put in evenings and Saturdays at the store. Still haven't found anyone who can do days full time... and the mean old fart really isn't up to it, even if it is his store. He'd spend more time arguing with people than doing business.... as he does now if I'm not there to rein him in. This is what wakes me up early each morning.... how to deal with this problem for him, and despite him. I have faith that it will work out... but the faith is getting stretched thin.

Yes... this is 'me' blogging....... I think I warned about that in a previous post (g).

Ugh.

2009-08-05T19:35:00.004-04:00

I've run out of words today. Just used them right up... all I've got left are neanderthal grunts and unfriendly hand signals.

The photo? I'm learning more about depth of field and focus.... click on it and you'll see what I mean. Maybe.

Yes.... I think I will keep this one

2009-08-05T04:48:00.001-04:00

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I've never made a piece of jewelry and kept it for myself.

This one.... I think I shall make mine.

Ugh.... why is this so tiring?

2009-08-04T18:18:00.003-04:00

Feel like a heavy freight truck just used me for a skid plate. Why is 'store keeping' so exhausting? Maybe it's just me.......... getting old :-(o

Bit of fun today.... a couple sub humans of the genus 'girl' came in. One had been in before, with another of the tribe. When they were in previously... the teacher in me had come to the fore... and I gave them each a challenge. I handed each a small but interesting stone, and told them if they could come back in a week and tell what each was, they could have them. Of course I let them take the stones with them. I knew they were intrigued and would do their best to come up with answers.

Today, one of those girls from before was in and brought a new victim... ah.... applicant. The new girl was too shy to speak, so her friend asked the question. "Can she get a stone to find out about too?"

He he.... you bet she can! Now I have three youngens out there researching rocks as hard as they can, just so they can keep what I already gave them. (BSEG!) I am dead certain they have been in many times before, and that Shirley adored them... that was her style. I can't let their magic die.... so challenge them I must, if only for her sake.

I was also tasked with making a Chakra healing pendant for a woman. She chose the crystals for the beginning and termination... the rest is up to me. I have never made anything like this before.... but she knows that and doesn't care. She wants me to make it for her. Steep learning curve on this one.... not only the mechanicals of the piece, but the lore as well.

Enough updates.... too tired to do any more. Time for eyelid inspection while listening to music and sipping an adult beverage.

Ya'll have a good evening... ya hear?

Adding to the store stock... a turquoise pendant

2009-08-04T10:27:00.003-04:00

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Something I made this morning to put in store stock. A turquoise pendant, with a hand shaped stone and sterling silver wrap mount. On a 16" silver chain, it will sell for about $40, and turquoise is quite popular right now.

Forever

2009-08-04T07:04:00.004-04:00

What seemed forever
In a moment cut away
Leaving fertile ground

Clicken to embiggen.... :-)

2009-08-04T05:59:00.001-04:00

A better photo of the tektite pendant

2009-08-03T18:27:00.006-04:00

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A better image of the Tektite pendant I built yesterday. I wore it all day... and actually enjoyed having jewelry on me for a change. Funny thing that... as much of the stuff as I create, I almost never wear any at all.

Also, an image of a rutile quartz crystal, polished round and smooth. The intrusions are titanium oxide.....

It's a very interesting piece, and not inexpensive. I'm debating making a setting for it, as opposed to simply leaving it alone.

Yup, nearly half a Sig......

2009-08-03T17:09:00.003-04:00

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Ouch. Almost half a Sig, just for 'reading' glasses.... but I paid the 'Lens Crafters' price to have it done quickly. Time is too valuable to me to do otherwise.

I made the point of describing in detail the close work I do, and that's the glasses I received.... sigh. They have a depth of field of about 12" to 16", and everything is crystal in that range. Laptop range..... they are not much good. Working on jewelry and close work... they are perfect.

In a few weeks I'll go back and order progressives.... to add in the long range correction and these things in the same lens. That oughta be interesting........

In to the store to pick up mail, deal with the bank, clean up a few details... and then to the range! I found Federal Champion .22 ammunition on sale at $16 a brick. It has the same weight bullet at the same velocity as the CCI Mini Mag, so it should operate the Sig Mosquito just as well, right? RIGHT? Not a chance in hell. Misfeeds one in ten, just like everything but Mini Mags (at $7/100). Ah well... at least CCI Mini-Mags are readily available, and far cheaper than centerfire.

One thing I am really coming to enjoy about shooting a lot more rimfire.... and that is not chasing my empties. Sure, I have been picking up everything reloadable I can, but there is a certain joy to sending 200 rounds down range and just packing up and walking away.

Doktor's today! Yippy Ky Yay

2009-08-03T07:27:00.003-04:00

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Today I go see that optometrist guy at the optometry place to get my optics checked.

Bloody blinking well about time.... I'm a few years overdue, and the world is fuzzier than I can deal with. I'm doing much more close in work than I used to, and have to use an 'optivisor' now. I understand they can do a number on your eyesight. Have to talk to the Doc about that.

I bet this is going to cost as much as a new Sig...... ouch.

2009-08-02T19:49:00.004-04:00

A lifetime too late

A heartbreak too deep this time

The words drift away.....

Images from a river walk....

2009-08-02T16:35:00.008-04:00

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This afternoon, in between rain showers and storms, I spent some time down at the river. It's a perfect place to walk and relax, and the environment leads easily into contemplation.

One thought, as I was looking out over the water moving inexorably past, was of a chance phone message I received yesterday. A voice from the near past, mis-dialed, leaving words I had so often heard, but this time meant for someone else. Looking down from the river, roaring quietly to itself, I pulled my phone from my pocket and carefully deleted the numbers which led to the caller. One more link to the past torn away from a wound still bleeding, but beginning to heal.

Sunday morning update...

2009-08-02T10:20:00.005-04:00

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Now a few hours later, and I heard the thunder I wanted to hear.

The Tektite form has been cut, ground, polished, and mounted. I'm wearing it on a heavy silver chain as I write this. I chose heavy, heavy silver... almost brutish in it's strength. It seems fitting for this piece on this day.

It's a travelers stone.... created in the destruction of a star flung visitor from untold distance. Perhaps it will lend me some of that magic. Perhaps it's just mine to keep till it's real owner appears in front of me one day.

Perhaps.... I shall have another mug of coffee. No, that is assured I think. The coffee machine has beeped it's acceptance of the brew, and I won't ignore that.

Meteors and rain..............

2009-08-02T08:00:00.003-04:00

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It's raining here... pouring, in fact, and that rather matches my mood. It's very fitting, really. A little thunder in the distance would seal the bargain, and remove all doubt of an overreaching spirit in charge of the universe.

What I have, instead of thunder, is the sound of someone leaning into the throttle on a Harley. Perhaps the fact that someone is both crazy enough, and lucky enough to survive riding a Harley in this deluge is a clear sign of a miracle? No... that just doesn't cut it.... and the doubts will remain for now.

Yesterday I discovered a Tektite amongst the store clutter. It's just a small piece of dark glass-like material, melted into a softened shape no bigger than the end of my thumb. It's utterly ordinary and un-noteworthy, until it's origin is understood.

This piece of once molten glass-like material is the result of a meteor strike on the earth. It quite possible contains material from the meteorite that struck, itself probably molten and splashing together with the super heated bits of the earth it blasted.

I think I shall shape it on the diamond wheels, into something that reflects it's nature. After, a mounting of silver to make a pendant of it. Inevitably, a woman will come along who understands what it is, and wishes to wear it. It's happened with just about every other piece I've shaped, and no doubt will with this one as well. Sometimes I feel like I'm just the go between. The man between a stones beginnings, who holds it and shapes it for a time.... before passing it on to the woman who was meant to have it all along.

Whispers

2009-08-01T22:16:00.004-04:00

You said 'forever'.
Just whispers from the water,
just another lie.

Saturday evening me blogging

2009-08-01T18:39:00.003-04:00

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It is Saturday, right? I'm beginning to lose track. The days do blend together after a while, sometimes.

There is a Good looking Idaho baker in the oven. In about 45 minutes, I'll pull it out and replace it with a very expensive, and very tender, New York strip steak under the broiler. These two items will be my dinner, along with a glass of fine smokey Makers Mark bourbon. This meal is my reward to myself for surviving the week :-)

The store is shaping up, with lots of hard work. Each day it gets better looking, and dealing with the customers gets easier (and more fun). Dealing with the cranky old man.... that is not so fun. It's a serious emotional drain, and my main reason for rewarding myself with a fine meal. I'll not talk more on the subject tonight. It's relax time now.

After closing the store, an hour at the range experimenting with the Sig Mosquito. Maybe 150 rounds were expended, and it was a good experience. While I was gathering information for an upcoming post regarding the pistol, it was still a good practice session. Draw and fire, fire on the move, malf drills..... exactly what a low cost rimfire pistol like the Mosquito is designed for.

Tonight, dinner... music.... and a good book. Tomorrow can take care of itself.

More mosquito bites....

2009-07-31T06:30:00.003-04:00

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Yesterday I made it to the range before opening the store. It's like a brain cell flashing into existence long enough to point out how much sense that made. It's cooler, the sun is not bearing on ones head, the contestant is fresher and more able to enjoy the fun....

I only had 45 minutes to play, and I wanted to try out a few more brands/types of ammunition in the Sig Mosquito. It was an interesting three quarters of an hour.

First, Remington Thunderball high velocity plain lead bullet. I call it the 'Homer Simpson' of .22 rimfire ammo. It usually works, but makes you go 'DOH' and smack yourself occasionally. The batch I have (three bricks worth) have oversize bullets. That's not a big issue for owner operated .22 rifles, but it makes self loaders angry. The Mosquito was no exception. Misfeed city.... I had to assist every third round to chamber. Bummer.... that ammo gets saved for the CZ rifle. It will eat anything and spit them into tiny little groups, no matter what it is.

Next, the dreaded Federal bulk pack. HV HP in this case. This ammuntion had it's own issues. With a full ten rounds loaded in the magazine, the pressure of the top two rounds against the slide was enough to cause misfeeds. Slide velocity was just too low, and too erratic to function well. Dropping back to eight rounds solved the problem.... but who wants to underload? Another two bricks for the bolt action CZ.

CCI Blazer HV solids..... perfect function every time. Not a hickup, not even a sneeze. They loaded in the magazine easily and functioned smoothly. I noted that all the ejected CCI empties landed next to each other.. and that has to mean something. The Federal's were clearly ejecting in erratic fashion, some going eight feet away and some going straight up and bouncing off the pistol as they fell back.

CCI Mini Mags, as the Sig boys suggest... worked flawlessly on firing. I did note a few were harder to shove in the magazine though. I think the Mini Mag's are slightly longer than the other .22 rimfire ammunition offerings, and this showed against the internal dimensions of the Mosquito magazine.

Two thoughts come to mind after playing with this thing. My next trip to the range will find the spare Sig recoil spring coming with me. I want to see what effect it has on function with the various ammunitions. Also, when time permits (HAH!) I would like to do a full blown breakdown and inspection on some of the .22 rimfire offerings on the market today. There are clearly large differences in dimensions and velocity variations, but I'd like to put some numbers to that.

Now, that would be an interesting weekend........

Yes, I'm strange like that.

Life moves on.....

2009-07-30T18:44:00.001-04:00

Is it just me?

2009-07-30T07:02:00.004-04:00

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I drive past this sign almost every day. Maybe it's just me.... but what comes to mind each time is..... "Roasters or fryers?"

Creatures in the mist

2009-07-30T05:36:00.004-04:00

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A creature from the past emerges from the smoke and steam, roaring it's will to live. An ancient power kept alive by men's devotion to their grandfathers memories, and love of history.

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It's just a matter of time.....

2009-07-29T06:43:00.002-04:00

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The joys of a .22 pistol.....

2009-07-28T19:52:00.003-04:00

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Cheap and fun..... and that's the truth.

Today, after closing the store, I headed to the range for some me time. Just the Sig, a lot of .22 ammunition, and an hour to myself. Priceless therapy!

I had intended to experiment with various brands of rimfire ammunition, and did manage to try out four different kinds. That said... the range session quickly degenerated into CCW practice. I put almost 250 rounds down range in an hour, most of it being draw from a holster and double/triple taps.

I started with simple draw and fire at single targets from 25 feet. That led to multiple targets, and moving closer soon happened. I ended up at 'across the counter' range, what I would most likely see in the store. I tried two handed, one handed, across to my left, straight out to my right, and even behind me with my head turned.

A funny thing happened along the way, and I didn't pick up on it until I analyzed my actions. Among the 250 rounds, I had one that did not fire on the first strike. Without thinking about it I used the Sig Mosquito's double action to hit it again, and it fired. Now, I normally carry a Smith M+P and that does not have a second strike capability. I should have done a tap and rack drill at that misfire. Instead, acting instinctively, I just pulled through and tried again. Hmm..... and it felt as natural as can be. I didn't even realize I had done it till later.

I think I need to move to a Sig Sauer for my CCW carry piece. I'm liking the way they fit and function.

Oh... of the ammunition I tried, only the standard velocity Remington target gave me failures to feed. All the rest was HV and functioned flawlessly, even the hollow point stuff.

I enjoyed the inexpensive after work range session, and I'll do it again every chance I get from now on. It's a great stress reliever, and I can almost feel my skills getting better :-)

Mrowww

2009-07-28T04:48:00.001-04:00

An image I captured of a very cool cat...... not a care in the world. He eats ice cream every day and catches barn mice for the shear enjoyment. In feline terms... it's Valhalla on earth for him.

Posted in honor of my non-anonymous commenter. Thanks for the prod.

Ouch!

2009-07-27T08:29:00.004-04:00

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As I was net-hunting the shop hours of a gunny place I wish to visit this morning, I noticed this photo on their header.

This guy is apparently in full prone position, and lining up to fire a 12 gauge double barrel at the head of a nettle or something. (A) That is going to smart on the shoulder a little there, Sparky, and (b) shortly after firing you might wonder why your right thumb has just poked you in your right eye. The drop on that O/U stock is going to pop that thing upwards in a 'noticeable' manner.

Still, it was good for a smile this morning.

Sunday evening randomosity

2009-07-26T18:51:00.006-04:00

I have a four page course paper due.... oh.... last week would be nice. For some reason the writing spirit has fled my immediate local area. What words I got down.... pure schlock and unworthy of the save button. I'll try again tomorrow....
Tell me.... when we go in the grocery store, and find that some gaggle of knuckle dragging mouth breathers charts the same course through the aisles, why is it that no action on our part will throw them off? I mean.... we can idly stand by examining the relative merits of stuffed olives vs. Kalamatas for twenty minutes, and when we take three steps away.... there they are, sucking all the joy from the world. I have gone so far as to immediately walk to the far side of the store and reverse my planned path, only to find them joining up along my flank like the sort of strange parasitic creature that attaches itself to large sharks.
In the grocery store... when the stock clerks set up an aisle display that completely blocks the shelves behind it, why didn't they just empty that shelf space and put the goods there? I mean.... the product now hidden on the blocked shelves is just there to gather dust, as no mortal will see it until the aisle display is knocked over by the prior mentioned knuckle draggers... why not just pitch the stuff on the shelf, rather than tantalize shoppers with the lost dream of actually being able to purchase it?
Why is it..... that finding a simple small reminder of the past.... something like a store loyalty card from some middle land grocery mart..... causes emotions to sink home like nothing else? A small thing, of no merit anymore, but sufficient to bring back the force of someones touch like a hammer blow of memory. Letting it slip from my fingers into a trash can does nothing to soften the impact. I know there are others who can be surrounded by mementos of a past love, completely without effect on themselves. Perhaps this points to the depth of the love they held.... I don't know. As for me.... twenty grams of plastic trash can deal me a blow like an overhand sword strike.
A thunderstorm is closing in just now.... and once again, I have to wonder if such storms are sentient. So often they occur at just the right moment, like a period on the end of a long and unspoken sentence in the mind.
Tomorrow.... if luck holds.... some range time. I think I will work on pistol malfunction drills, and try capturing them on video. The concentration will be welcome, and I need the practice. The range should be deserted on a Monday, and thus background laughter will kept to a minimum.

Alert the media

2009-07-26T15:04:00.004-04:00

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Note: I have bought myself a fishing pole. Fishing is expected to follow, eventually.

That is all.

What the President really said....

2009-07-24T06:47:00.005-04:00

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(Engage snark)

"What do I think about the arrest of professor Gates? Well... let me begin by saying that I know nothing about the case, but, as you all know, I am a self centered egotistical twit and I know you will happily take anything I say as gospel, therefor I don't really need to know any of the facts before I comment. After all, I won, right?

So... with the understanding that I don't have any idea what really happened, I am perfectly certain that I can offer the only opinion that really counts here.... the good professor, being a friend of mine, is of course black. And I have heard that the officer is that other color, you know, white. So without a doubt, and let me be clear on this even though there's nothing but my opinion here, I am certain the police behaved stupidly in this case. After all, the learned gentleman is black, and a friend of mine, so there's really nothing he could possible have done that justified his arrest. Clearly it was a case of racial profiling, as is so rampant in our nation, and something I have pledged myself to fight against until we have a fair society where anyone of any race or creed can be my friend and therefor above the law. I hope I have made myself clear on this, and if not, check with my staff and they will provide you with a copy of the story you can publish".

(Disengage snark)

It's like.... a whole new world..... Ya know?

2009-07-24T05:42:00.005-04:00

.The jewelry business, I mean. As I dig through stuff that's been piling up at this store for years, I stumble across things that require explanation. Some, I manage to figure out myself. Others, I bag up and wait to ask someone else. A few.... other.... things nobody can seem to explain. Like..... why do we stock a ring that has a drawer in it?

Today and tomorrow a goldsmith will be in, buying gold from the public. I'm hoping and expecting to learn a few things. With luck, I'll have a chance to pick his mind on a few of the more confusticating items I have come across.

As for the store, it's slowly coming back on line I think. People are finding it open again, and that helps tremendously. Business is slow, but I'm okay with that for the moment. It's giving me time to clean up years worth of crud, dirt, and clutter. I'm thinking there's a solid three weeks of just cleaning and organizing to do. Yesterday I managed to get 2/3rds of one window display done.... it's that slow going. In one day I used three rolls of paper towels and a bottle of glass cleaner, and it hardly shows.

I also purchased a broom and dustpan for the floor.... as everything I pick up will have to be sorted through like an archeological expedition. Amongst the nearly neolithic dust bunnies are hidden gemstones, gold findings, silver settings.... it's like a demented treasure hunt.

Most interesting are the customers. I'm getting to meet people from all over the United States, as the store is in a historic town and a tourist area. Folks show up with the oddest accents, and conversations are easy to strike up. My own profession is education, and in one day alone I met fellow teachers from three states and one other country. We all congratulate each other on surviving the career choice.

Ah well.... It's 6:00 am, and once again I have wakened earlier than need be. It will mean extra time to sip coffee and contemplate the oddities that make up my life. I'll be in the store in a few hours, for a day's adventure in cleaning, organizing, and the general excitement of the retail world.

I haven't picked up my camera in a few weeks, as my heart has just not been in it. Soon I'll release that funk and begin tripping the shutter again. With luck, maybe some range time will creep into the mix as well. Check back... and we'll see :-)

Looking for the silver lining.....

2009-07-23T07:11:00.004-04:00

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Amongst the really special things that have happened in my life this past month or so, there is a situation that stands heads above all.

This past Sunday, a very good friend passed away. Her and her husband have been friends for years, and she treated me like one of her sons. I didn't have a voice in the matter, as I suppose sons do not have. These people helped me out in my life, when even I didn't know what help I needed.

Now... with her passing.... it seems I have inherited the care of her 76 year old husband. Not really his personal care (he does that for himself), but much of his life, finances, and their business. I've spent the best part of a week trying to get a grasp on their obligations and how they are handled. He really doesn't know much about it as she dealt with everything. What happened to her, happened quickly, and there just wasn't time to get things set up properly. Six months turned into six short and very bad weeks.

Add in their business, a retail store, which had been mostly closed for the month and a half of her illness. Again, she ran the business and 80% of it's operations were her hands on venue. This business is pretty much his sole source of income, and I am sweating bullets figuring out how to get it going again. My own career gives me time off during the summer months, and my own income is covered so I don't need to be paid for my labors. That allows me time to be at the store and keep it open, and I'm not alone in that. A good friend who also loved the woman as I did is helping out. Even the mean old fart himself is getting in and picking up some of the load.

Just to make it interesting, as if it wasn't already, my late friends family is entirely at odds with the old guy, and for good reasons. He really is a mean old fart, and utterly filled with fear, hatred, and grief. His own kids don't want anything to do with him either. Through all this I have to set my own feelings aside and remain neutral. It's the only way I can get anything done in this situation. Neither side is blameless, but I simply can't allow myself to get sucked into those black depths.

Sounds like enough for one month, doesn't it? Nope.... it goes on. In my own life, a relationship with someone I cared about more anyone in my life.... ended harshly and suddenly. That alone was a crippling blow..... but if I acknowledge it and live out the pain, I wouldn't be able to deal with putting the old guys life into order.

I know... one big sob story, rivaling any soap opera that ever existed. If I hear just one more time "You are doing a good thing. Hang in there." I'm going to start twitching.

Gotta say..... right now, a cabin way back in the mountains is looking pretty good. One with neither road, phone, calendar, or clock.

The Salmon of Doubt

2009-07-23T06:27:00.004-04:00

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To a Douglas Adams fan, there is a book out that one simply must have. It's titled 'The Salmon of Doubt', and is a compilation of material found on the late authors beloved Mac computer. Built up from stray notes, stories, and thoughts Adams recorded over some years, the work also contains the beginnings of what was to be Adams next book.

I was lucky enough to find 'The Salmon of Doubt' in audio version on a discount rack at Barnes and Noble. It's performed by Simon Jones, the same man who's voice made the audio version of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy such a joy to listen to.

I'm listening to the newest (and last) Adams books through headphones and my laptop, while laying back in my recliner with a small glass of chilled bourbon by my side. This, my friends, is a fine way to relax after a hard day. I highly recommend it.

A sign that the universe does not hate me

2009-07-20T19:11:00.006-04:00

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Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I was a young boy. One of the family pastimes was stopping at local flea markets, and occasionally 'The Boy' could get something with his parents approval. Books were almost an automatic thumbs up.

On a table at one market, I found a book of cartoons. It a set of Willie & Joe cartoons by Bill Mauldin. He drew his way through WWII with ink and paper, churning out glimpses of life in the army on campaign. His work brought home, through humor, much of what it was like in everyday life.

I read that book many times, and it added many fold to my interest in history. His view point was from the trenches, and sometimes latrines, of the everyday dogface soldier.

A neighbor, and friend of my father, saw that book at my home one day, and remarked of an interest in it. I did what came naturally and loaned him the book. I never saw it again.

Many times over the following decades I have thought of that book, and wished I still had it. I saw copies a few times, but always considered collectibles and priced beyond what I could justify.

That changed this evening, as I was wandering a Barnes and Noble store. I was out for a ride in the cool air, mostly to clear my head. B+N is an old haunt of mine, offering decent coffee and books to browse, and it seemed like a good waypoint in the journey.

Wandering the displays, already having a complete set of Sherlock Holmes in my hands, I found this treasure. The Doyle books were abandoned, as I stared at this boxed set in wonder. After all those years, not just my slim volume but everything he did through the war! Best yet, the set was marked down from $65 to $19.

I felt like giving away a Renfrew snigger as I grabbed the shrink wrapped beauty and scuttled to the check out line. The clerk had to pull it from my fingers to ring it up, and I grabbed it back as soon as she was done. No bag needed.... I'll simple tuck it safely under my shirt till I get it home......

This evening shall be devoted to reviving and reliving memories, of a peaceful and enjoyable time in my life.

Step by step

2009-07-20T06:03:00.004-04:00

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Step one: Wake up, realize it's another day.

Step two: Look at the time. 5:30?!? Just one time, couldn't I sleep in?

Step three: Make coffee...... coffeeeeeee.

Step four: Get online and read the warming messages left me by very good people.

Thanks, friends. I appreciate it greatly.