Felice Anno Nuovo

 

Happy New Year!

We all need to keep on punchin' in '26. I'm thinking it's going to be a tough year for all of us.

Year in Review

 Other than a few big events, it was a fairly typical year. The year started off with eye surgery, which while successful, didn't completely restore my sight. I'm still seeing double up close, having trouble with my depth perception and reading small print requires me to close my right eye. However, my left eye is 20-20, so in the big picture, I'm dealing with it. Not really happy with it but it could be worse.

I started studying for my ham radio license early in the year. I passed the first license, then later in the year passed the next level. I was pretty happy with that. I got a rig in the truck, and later a set-up in the house. I still haven't got the house rig figured out but that'll happen.

I was back working at the college again but finished up the first week in May. Never again will I work for wages. I still enjoy working with my hands but that last stint at the college cured me of being involved with formal education.

I made a few items for Coach Jen's "jen-nasium" and then worked with a few boxers. Unfortunately, trying to make fighters out of guys who won't put in the work is about like trying to teach welding to those with the same lack of a work ethic. I did renew my boxing license again for the coming year, but depending on what comes along, it might be the last time. I really enjoy coaching boxing but if the fighters want to compete, they need to put in the work, for their own safety, if nothing else.

Lots of typical, for me at least, odd jobs for others. In addition to the pieces for Coach Jen, some pieces for a dog sled, a lawn mower, bell hangers, and other bits. I made the bell hanger and mailbox post for home - redid the backstop for the rifle range, got a bit of work done on the jitney and made some real progress on a couple of motorbikes. 

I finished up the Sportster, except for the electronic ignition, and took it for a spin up and down the lane on my birthday. The trials bike is close to being done. I need to get the engine bolted in the frame and then call my buddy to come down and have him help me fire it up and get it tuned properly. It should be running come spring and after I do some work on the mill, I'll get back on the jitney and work on the BSA.

The Allis threw a wrench in the works, but something is always upsetting my apple cart. It's done now and ready for snow detail.

The Missus and I both had medical issues. She was in the hospital for a couple of days; I was in overnight after my heart attack. Both of us are doing alright now, though, and looking forward to our 55th wedding anniversary this spring.

In spite of my exercising over the years, I still ended up with a blocked stent. I haven't quite decided what my plan should be for the future, but I definitely need to resume an exercise program and clean up my diet. 

On the national stage, hurricane and fire damage was in the news. It made it quite clear that our government isn't capable of coming to the rescue when things go really bad. The country is now 38 trillion in debt, people are getting layed off right and left, businesses are closing and we the people are being fed lies by both the government and the media. Not the best year for the good old USA, but as I always like to say: Don't worry, it'll get worse.

Closing out the year, I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worse for 2026. Just remember the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. 

  

Takin' a Trip?

 

I watched my Then Came Bronson DVD the other day. Surly gave me a hand getting a new driver on the laptop to power the portable player. I had a couple of other options to play it, but I wanted to get the player set-up. Anyway, I watched it. Not great cinema by any means, but it came out in 1969 and being 19 years old at the time, I wanted to take off and see the country on my motorcycle. I didn't have a Sportster and some SOB stole my Sprint in April of that year, so I never made that trip. However, I now have an Ironhead Sportster not too different than Bronson's. I doubt I'll ever take a trip other than maybe an over-nighter, but I've seen a good part of this country from the saddle of my bicycle, so I'll just have to be happy with that.  

I listened to the following podcast the other day. Once again, talking about the skilled trades gap but also throwing out some suggestions to improve the situation. It's an hour long, but interesting for those in manufacturing, construction or education.

Arc Junkies - Weld Wednesdays w/ AWS The Skilled Trades Gap Isn't a Myth — It's a Warning

Also, I came across a post on Facebook from Ellison's Machine Shop. The date of the post was November 17th, which Facebook decided to let me see on December 28th - just one of the reasons Facebook and I aren't friends anymore. Regardless, his post was not the usual how-to, but rather, he addressed the issue of a lack of automotive machine shops and other problems for those of us who prefer internal combustion engines. I now understand why all the automotive machine shops have disappeared at least. If you can find his post, it's well worth listening to.  

Allis in Wonderland

Another goodie from back in the day. Tex sang this one in one of the old movies I've been watching. The film quality is not the best with these old gems, but I find them enjoyable.

The old Allis is back home again. Runs good and it's ready for pushing snow down the lane. The paint on the hood and radiator shell looks good but the gas tank is definitely in need of a fresh coat of orange. I painted the fenders right after I bought the tractor. They needed some welding repair, so I painted them while I had them off. I also painted the frame rails. They wouldn't look too bad if they were cleaned up. I'm not looking to restore this thing but with some paint on the tank and some new decals, the old girl would look pretty nice. I'm just glad it's running again.

 After I brought the tractor home I repaired the garage door. It has been making some creaking noises for a while, but it stopped going up and down with the opener. I could open and close it by hand without much trouble but without the opener there's no way the Missus could get her car out. It didn't take too long to diagnose the problem and fix it. 

All in all a good day. Tractor's fixed, garage door's fixed and I'm fixed well enough to start getting back to work. Good way to close out the year.

Christmas Day

 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth.

Cardio Report

 

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I went to the cardiologist yesterday. According to him, I shouldn't have to worry about having a cold, cold heart for a while yet. He checked out the bump and the bruising and told me not to worry - it'll go away.

He changed my medications a bit and also prescribed some "Pop Rocks" for me. From now on I'll be carrying some nitroglycerin tablets around with me. I've been real lucky twice now. I'll feel better knowing I've got the nitro on me. Might not be so lucky next time. 

An Odd Mix of Things

 

Turner Classic Movies has been playing their end of the year tribute to actors and all the rest that make cinema possible. I'll admit it's somewhat morbid, but I look forward to seeing it every year.  I like the fact that all the people both in front of the camera and those behind are remembered on film which, of course, is fitting. One of the people featured this year is David Johansen, which surprised me. I never considered him as an actor but as a musician, both as David Johansen and as his alter ego Buster Poindexter. Also, he was my age when he passed. Speaking as a guy who just had a heart attack, that's hitting a little too close to home. I do have an appointment with the cardiologist today to learn a bit more of what the future holds for me. 

Tis the season for peace on earth but an all-out war seems to be coming closer on the horizon. All those hawks in the District of Criminals just can't seem to take to heart the above words of General Eisenhower. 

Seems to be a fitting sentiment for not just Christmas, but anytime of the year - let's Get it On!