Cool as a Jewel

 

I got the air conditioning unit hooked up in the shop. I raised it up a couple of inches to clear the legs on the press and to allow the drain hose to have a little fall to it. The warm air exhaust goes through the same hole the heater comes through in the winter. Pretty easy install. However, it's real close to the mill so I'll have to protect it from flying chips. I'm thinking a piece of 1/4" plywood maybe 6' high with a stiffener along the edges that I can fasten to the shelving unit should work. The nice thing about this unit is you can use it for AC, a dehumidifier or a fan. Should be a blessing when the temps are in the nineties.

The weather's been quite reasonable the last few days but the smoke from the Canadian wildfires has been pretty rough. I went out on the bike the last couple of mornings since the smoke wasn't too bad but it hasn't been very healthy for anyone spending time outdoors.

 I straightened out the windmill for the sister-in-law. You have to look close to see that it was bent up, but since it was pretty shaky before it got hit, I'm sure she'll be happy. 

Really good article about "ghost bikes" and what often happens when a bicyclist is killed while out on the road. Most everyone around my area is fairly courteous and gives me plenty of room. Of course, I try to restrict my riding to the roads less traveled and at a time when there isn't much traffic. I've often wondered why people who drive 15,000 miles a year can't move over 5' when passing a cyclist or a runner. Just have to be careful.

New Car

 

2026 Buick Encore - new car for the Missus. Traded in the 2014 Encore even though it had fairly low miles. 2027 models are supposed to have some type of "kill switch" that will sense when you're falling asleep at the wheel or driving erratically. From what I've read, the car manufacturers might not have all the details worked out yet, but they'll probably have the cars set up so it can be retrofitted at a later date. I think I can live without that feature. Even if that never happens, the old Encore was ready for brakes and tires. Plus, at our ages, the odds of either of us still driving in 12 years are pretty slim. Probably the last car we ever buy. My truck's a 2016 with only 54,000 miles on it, so it should go the distance as well.

Besides it being hot and humid, it's now smoky due to the Canadian wildfires. I installed a bottle cage on the mower to help keep me hydrated. I might have to stay off the bike until the smoke clears up, though.

I also bought a portable AC unit for the shop. I got the ceiling fixed from the raccoon damage and the scuttle hole installed. The AC unit will allow me to spend some more time out in the shop and I can use it as a dehumidifier as well. Should make things a bit more comfortable. 

Robert E.

 

The following quote from the Lone Star Parson:

Dear Dr. Scott:

Respecting your August 1 inquiry calling attention to my often expressed admiration for General Robert E. Lee, I would say, first, that we need to understand that at the time of the War between the States the issue of secession had remained unresolved for more than 70 years. Men of probity, character, public standing and unquestioned loyalty, both North and South, had disagreed over this issue as a matter of principle from the day our Constitution was adopted.

General Robert E. Lee was, in my estimation, one of the supremely gifted men produced by our Nation. He believed unswervingly in the Constitutional validity of his cause which until 1865 was still an arguable question in America; he was a poised and inspiring leader, true to the high trust reposed in him by millions of his fellow citizens; he was thoughtful yet demanding of his officers and men, forbearing with captured enemies but ingenious, unrelenting and personally courageous in battle, and never disheartened by a reverse or obstacle. Through all his many trials, he remained selfless almost to a fault and unfailing in his faith in God. Taken altogether, he was noble as a leader and as a man, and unsullied as I read the pages of our history.

From deep conviction, I simply say this: a nation of men of Lee’s calibre would be unconquerable in spirit and soul. Indeed, to the degree that present-day American youth will strive to emulate his rare qualities, including his devotion to this land as revealed in his painstaking efforts to help heal the Nation’s wounds once the bitter struggle was over, we, in our own time of danger in a divided world, will be strengthened and our love of freedom sustained.

Such are the reasons that I proudly display the picture of this great American on my office wall.

Sincerely,

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Regardless of how anyone feels about the "War of Northern Aggression", Lee was a tremendous leader and was obviously admired by another great general as the above quote proves. It's a shame there has been a serious effort to remove him from our history, along with many others. Having just celebrated the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, seems to me painting over the part of history that's uncomfortable isn't the answer. There are plenty of things that have gone on that we should not celebrate - Japanese internment, dealings with the native peoples and, of course the issue of slavery itself for starters, but we need to remember these things, not glorify them, but not sweep them under the rug either.

We're at a crossroads now. We need real leaders more than ever. People in positions of power who will take seriously the oath they've taken and bring the country back in line before it's too late.

    

Bike Ride

 

I went on the bike ride yesterday morning. The temperature was right at 69 or 70 degrees and overcast at starting time - perfect weather for a bike ride. The old Raleigh performed well, as always. I did, however, manage to pull the wire out of the sending unit on my speedometer. Since I was riding in a group, I didn't need the speedo or the odometer to follow the route sheet - just follow the crowd for twenty miles. I stuck the wire for the speedo back down in the sending unit after unloading the bike at home and it works still. I'll get some silicon or something and glue it back in place. As long as I'm careful in the future, should be good for a 100,000.

The "Rec Center" is planning on a few more rides this summer. If they are like the one yesterday, should be fun. Nice pace, good distance, and good people.

I put the decals on old Allis the other day - kind of like putting lipstick on a pig, as they say, but the old girl will look pretty nice once I paint the gas tank and battery box. Since the original lettering had the black letters outlined in white, I considered painting a rectangular white box where the lettering was going. No way I was going to try and outline the lettering. Just paint the tank and I'll call it good.

I modified the exhaust pipe on the trials bike to get it a little farther away from the float bowl. I need to dress up the welds a little still and then repaint the pipe. I'm going to order some pipe wrap for it and that'll keep everything on the engine safe from the heat and likewise my leg.

I cut up an old inner tube and glued a piece in the tunnel of the tank where it'll be hitting on the frame backbone. One more thing off the punch list. I need to fab up some type of return spring for the rear brake yet, but it'll be done one of these days.

Plan on getting back out in the shop a little bit today and maybe start cutting up the big branches in the yard before the heat returns this week.

Scrambler

 

 

I came across this on an Aermacchi Owners Group. Looks like what would have been called a scrambler back in the day. It appears to be a stock frame with the addition of a couple of extra tubes running from the steering head down to the top motor mount. Also, the forks have been swapped out. The stock forks had the axle mounts on the bottom of the tubes. Nice looking rig.

Another storm last evening and more hot weather coming in next week. Not only is the grass growing like crazy, but it's being taken over by a broad-leafed variety. The front yard was looking really nice earlier this year but big changes in just a matter of a couple of weeks. The back yard is worse. I'm not sure what the best approach is to reclaim it. I had spread some weed & feed this spring - no dandelions now, but the invasive grass is growing like hell wouldn't have it. 

The "Rec Center" where I was walking indoors after the heart attack is having a bike ride in the morning. No charge, various distances, 6:30 start time. Not sure I want to get up that early, but I'll load the bike up later today and if I can get my lazy fanny out of bed at 6:00, I'll give it a shot. The weather should be nice starting that early.

Going to do a little work in the shop today, finally, but I've got some "lumberjacking" to do as well. There's a couple of big limbs down in the back that have come down in the recent storms I need to clean up. I'm not having much success keeping up with the outside work while being cautious with my health. The ninety-degree temps with humidity to match can be tough on an old guy with a history of cardiac issues. I rode my bike down to the mailbox last evening after it had cooled down a little and had worked up a sweat by the time I got back. It's a long driveway, but not that long.  

Anyway, I'll keep on keeping on. Get done what needs to be done and play with the toys as time and weather allow.

Bike Things

 

If I was to contemplate working on another Sportster, I'd go this route. I saw one of these in orange and black at the Springfield Mile a few years back. Cuzzin Ricky and I stopped there on our way home from watching Silver Crown cars race at DuQuoin. There was certainly no shortage of bikes at Springfield, but I did a double take when I saw the XR1000. Cool as a jewel. Good racing both there and in DuQuoin. Even though I'm a die-hard bike guy, the Champ cars on a one-mile dirt track are the best.

Took the bicycle out for a spin yesterday morning and did a little sprint work. I hadn't planned that, but when the St. Bernard started chasing me, seemed like the thing to do. The dog was chasing me and the lady was chasing the dog. I didn't want to pepper spray the dog, but I don't want to get bit or knocked down. I've been through that before and that resulted in a broken collar bone and some serious bruising. The problem now, however, is I go past that house on every ride. 

I need to finish repairing the ceiling in the shop and maybe spring for a portable AC unit. The weather was beautiful yesterday but that won't last. The Missus' ankle is much better, so I can leave her alone a bit more now - time to get back to work.

Music Post

 

Hot again yesterday - not quite as bad as it was the previous few days, but not the kind of day an old cardiac patient should be doing much outside during the heat of the day. I did make it out on the bike early and put in six miles, though. I spent the rest of the day reading and watching television. The morning and afternoon shows were the usual programing - cowboys and cooking shows. Later in the day it became 250th celebrations and another rainstorm. I wasn't too impressed with the ABC affiliates programming, but the PBS show from Colonial Williamsburg was quite good. The Big Cheese from Williamsburg did a short speech tying the founders and the Declaration to what we should be doing now. I'm a big fan of history, but as they say, if you don't learn from history, you're doomed to repeat it, or words to that effect. 

The music above has a vague tie-in to yesterday's celebration, but mostly I picked them because I like them. The blog is my start page when I log in, and I'll usually play a tune or two before I check my regular spots every morning. I good tune is always a great start to the day.  

Cooler weather is forecast for the upcoming few days, so I'll be looking to get some things accomplished before it heats up again. The days are flying by now. Lots of work to do in the shop but with the rain and the heat there'll be lots of yardwork to do as well. No rest for the wicked.  

250 Years

 

Garden

 

"Knee high by the 4th of July" - that's from the days before the hybrid varieties hit the fields. This is the corn in the front field. I took the photo a couple of days ago and it has grown a couple of inches since. It's about 5 feet tall now, meaning we're pretty much isolated here being surrounded by trees or corn and humidity. The corn being the main culprit. I worked in the garden a bit last evening and it didn't take long before I was dripping with sweat.

Speaking of which, the tomatoes, peppers and cukes are doing well. The corn and peas have taken a hit from the rabbits and/or deer. The corn is an ornamental variety that I planted on a whim from an ear I had picked two years ago. It sprouted right quick like but mostly disappeared shortly thereafter. I'm going to replant it but I doubt if it will have time to reach to maturity. The peas have a fairly short time to maturity, so I should be OK there, as long as the wildlife stays away. However, the place is lousy with rabbits this year, but the grocery store always has peas in both the frozen food department and in the canned goods aisle.

Nothing much going on otherwise - just life as I know it. It'll be cooling down this coming week, so I'll be able to resume project work both in the shop and yard work.

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Since it's the 250th anniversary of our country, you might want to watch the movie about our founding by Hillsdale College. The Missus and I went to the theatre to see it, but now it's available on You Tube.

Also, since we're talking movies, I watched This Land is Mine yesterday on TCM. The movie stars Charles Laughton as a meek school teacher living in a Nazi occupied country who is put on trial for a murder he didn't commit. I couldn't find the complete movie but I did find an audio version. If you click on the link, skip ahead to 44 minutes and you can hear Laughton addressing the court. It's not as powerful a speech as it was with the video, and it loses quite a bit of the forcefulness without the set-up, but it's quite relevant to what's happening today just the same. If you get a chance to see the whole movie, I'd suggest you do so. 

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Wishing you and America a very happy 4th of July. 

Things Are Heating Up

 

My two coaching buddies and I went walkies on Sunday. One of them lives about 20 miles south of me, the other the same only north. We normally meet in the park by me but this time we went north to a recently remodeled park in the town where I lived before moving to the farm. It's a beautiful little city park with a paved walking path and trails through the woods. Unfortunately, the wooded trails were too muddy due to all of the recent rains and storms.

The Missus and I went to the grandson's open house on Saturday. Nice party and the kid is already gainfully employed in an apprenticeship program. While there the Missus' sister handed off a piece for her windmill that's needing repair again. A branch came down on it during the last round of storms that passed through. 

She was fortunate in that that was all of the damage at her place. A tornado went through not far from her place. Lots of tornado damage all around me this year. Houses, barns, cars - gone with the wind. I feel bad for those poor souls. Everything you own just gone. 

And now, we're looking at ninety-degree heat with heat indices over 100 for the remainder of the week. My plan is to get out early for my bike ride, do a little something outdoors or in the shop later in the day and then hide in the AC during the mid-day heat.

  

The Wait

 

I took my dog Larry to the vet yesterday. The clinic doesn't usually take appointments, so it's first come, first served after the lunch break. Larry and I had a long wait - I left the house about 1:30 and didn't get home until 5:15. Larry showed his displeasure of having had to wait by peeing on the examination room floor while waiting for the vet. However, while waiting I ran into someone I hadn't seen in years. Her father and my father were high school classmates. Her father had a dairy farm and my father would pheasant hunt his farm every Thanksgiving. We had a nice time reminiscing on "the Group W bench".

The financial seminar in the morning was pretty informative. Some of the facts and figures were taken from the Government, so I always question those, but I think he was telling us in a roundabout way to expect a market correction. I don't doubt but there's one on the way, no telling when, though. He mentioned data centers, one of them being scheduled just minutes away from our meeting place, in spite of the public's very strong vote against it. Social Security was also brought up. The latest figure bandied about is 2032 as the year our checks get a 22% haircut. I didn't see any smiling faces in the room full of retirees on that note.

Once again, since I'm a welder not a financial advisor, you do what's best for you, but betting on a government that's $40 trillion in debt sounds like a sucker's bet to me.  

What's Goin' On

Here's a bit of a run-down of the current events. 

Sunday, Surly and the clan came down and brought me a holster he had made for my pistol.

And it's a beaut! Cowhide on the outside and pigskin on the inside. Fits the pistol like a glove. He's really getting good with his leatherwork.

Monday, I took the Missus to the foot doctor since she was still in a lot of pain from her recent fall. Seems the emergency room visit didn't detect the broken bone in the foot, so now she's got one of those Frankenstein boots and a few pain killers. 

Tuesday, I went to the doctor for a checkup. Everything is looking good - blood pressure, A1c and whatever he heard while listening to my heart and lungs. Pretty happy with the results - I'm getting back on the program like I was on years ago. If I had stayed with it probably wouldn't have had the plugged up stent. 

Also, the medical alert device showed up for the Missus. She ordered it from Consumer Cellular, which is our phone carrier. I'm going to feel a lot better knowing the device has a fall alert function and the button to push for 24/7/365 help if needed. When you set the thing up you can put in names and numbers of people you want notified besides them making the call to emergency medical services. 

Wednesday, policed the dog park, mowed some grass, and got the new air cleaner in the mail.

It got here rather quickly considering it came from China. It fits the carb nicely, came with a clamp and the angle is perfect. One step closer to being finished.

Today, I'm going to a meeting with the financial guy in the morning. He puts on seminars about four times during the summer months. They're informative but he always seems to be a little more upbeat than what I am as far as the market goes. The numbers are continuing to go up, but I'm at the age if there's a big market correction, I might not be around long enough to recover. I'm not all that concerned since most of my gains are all on paper and as long as I pay my property tax I won't have to be living in a cardboard box under the bridge.

I'll be taking the dog to the vet in the afternoon. Between the two of them, that'll pretty much shoot the day in the ass.

Tomorrow, I'm going to be helping set up the radio equipment for the ham radio Field Day. I was planning on taking my teardrop trailer and camping Saturday night, but I need to stay home and help the Missus out. 

So, things rather slow on the projects for the next few weeks and the weatherman is forecasting temps in the nineties for next week. That in itself will slow me down but I'll keep pickin' away at things indoors and out. Never a shortage of things to do.
  

Father's Day

 

From Here

I really like that door - actually I'm a big fan of most anything from the Art Nouveau era. 

 The door to my shop is more Arts and Crafts. I made it at the high school with a little help from the Wood Shop Instructor. The boards are ship lapped and glued together, however, one of the glue joints let go over the winter and I've got a board sticking out along the bottom. I need to figure out the best way to pull it back in and keep it there. Just one more thing to add to the list.

Sort of busy day yesterday. Went for my bike ride in the morning, ate breakfast while watching an Audie Murphy movie. Did some more trimming on some bushes, sprayed some weeds, sharpened some knives, broke down some cardboard boxes, and a couple of other piddly things in the shop and in the shack. Nothing to write home about, but I kept my feet moving for the better part of the day.

The lilies are starting to bloom. I need to give the flower bed a bit of attention - pull a few weeds and plant another lily to fill in a gap. One of the nice things about day lilies is they require very little maintenance and add a nice splash of color when blooming.

Father's Day today, of course. I'm going to take a bike ride in the morning and maybe do a few things outdoors before the rain comes in. 

Happy Father's Day to all you Daddy-Os out there. Enjoy your day and keep on pushin'. It's a big responsibility. Do your best for your children and the rest of us as well.

Vanilla Fudge

 

I went to CVS the other evening to pick up medicine for the dog, so the Missus said as long as I was going pick up some ice cream. The selection at the drugstore was a little thin and overpriced, but as soon as I saw the Vanilla Fudge Drumsticks, decision made.

And here's why - Vanilla Fudge from back in the day. When it comes to music, the sixties and seventies had it going on. Some of the politics and war, not so much.

I've got a Hosta and a milk can flanking both sides of the shop doors. Hostas are looking good but it looks like the milk cans are about due for a touch-up. I've been doing a walk-around to see what needs to be done and to prioritize the list. One of the big oaks out by the tracks had branch come down in the last storm and a big willow branch in the storm before that one. There are three oaks all in a row that are all leaning a bit due to a storm that came through right after we moved in. There was another one in the line but it got uprooted. I started counting the growth rings and quit when I hit 200. There's another oak that appears to be dead that needs to come down. It split off a big branch two years ago. I think it was hit by lightning. I'm going to call my tree guy and see if he's still in business. I ran into him at the hospital when I was doing my rehab and he was having some issues himself. 

 I bought a chain guard for my old Elgin bicycle. I'd like to get it fixed up. No primo restoration, just collect parts for the present. It's a 1938 fat tire that I used to ride back and forth to the welding shop before I started teaching. I bought it from the owner of the bicycle shop I worked for part-time. He took it in on a trade-in and I bought it for what he gave the customer. When I got it, it had wooden pedals and war tires and tubes on it. I saved the tires and the pedals and installed modern parts. It's missing the rear fender and the saddle leather's gone. I'll shop around for a fender. There's plenty of big sprung saddles on the internet, but I'll wait on the until I'm ready to work on it - maybe take it down the basement next winter. 

Couple O' Things

 

I figured another Gil Scott Heron couldn't hurt, what with what has been going on in the world. I saw where they busted out the water cannons in Northern Ireland, and the natives there have gotten restless and have decided to do something about the immigrants after the stabbing incident the other day. 

I also read of Glock handguns being outlawed in several states here. Apparently, it's fairly easy to convert them to full-auto - illegally of course, but since Glocks are extremely popular, good first step to banning firearms.

The ignition parts to make the spark plug wire for the trials bike showed up. However, I screwed up and didn't read the fine print well enough. The boot is sized to fit on the distributor, not the coil. So I still need to address that.

I welded up the brackets on the gas tank the other day. Unfortunately, when I welded one of the brackets, I developed a leak underneath where I couldn't reach it to patch it up. I fooled around longer than I should have trying to avoid cutting the welds out and removing the bracket. Eventually I welded all around it rather than skip welding it. Problem solved, but not as neat looking as I would have liked.

I went to the funeral home yesterday to pay my respects to my former minister. He married the Missus and I, my brothers, and buried my mother and father. The Missus got thrown out of the house a couple weeks before we were to be married. I explained the situation to the minister that I was concerned that when he got to the part in the ceremony about speak now or forever hold your peace, someone would take that opportunity to speak up. The minister, God bless his soul, said he'll just leave that part out. Problem solved, and the Missus and I are still married 55 years later. Rest in Peace, Reverend Starr.  

Winter in America

 

I'm thinking it's definitely winter in America. The more I read, the more concerned I am about the future of the country. I read the other day the price of tungsten carbide has gone up 600% since January. Lots of drill and lathe bits use that stuff. Lots of other indicators pointing towards the end of the empire as we know it. Looks like there's going to be some arrests of big muckity-mucks in Washington coming up in time for the November election. That won't eliminate $40 trillion debt load, but I'll be pleased if everyone starts playing by the rules and a few of the worst offenders are behind bars.

Since the Missus is on the injured list, I've been staying close. Someone has to do the chores and let the dog in and out, but I did make it out to the shop and finish weld the gas tank brackets on the trials bike and get a couple of bike rides in.

I weeded the garden to other day, but I need to do that again today. Since I neglected it the last couple of years, the weeds are coming back strong.

I made a single wheel hoe years ago that I patterned after the Planet Jr. that I've never used much at all. I'm going to pull it out of the barn today and see how it works with my mysterious chest injury. The ground is sandy loam, except for a strip Surly turned over for me this spring, so it should be easy pushing. It's a small plot, so if the wheel hoe doesn't work out, I can use the long-handled hoe. 
 

Always Something

 

Lowbrow Customs has a history of the Sportster on their website. It's a nice run-down of the history with a nice selection of photos - some factory stuff, some chopper stuff. There's a photo of Elvis on his "K" model that Surly and I saw at a museum at Niagara Falls years ago. I also saw an Electra Glide owned by Elvis out west some place - The Corn Palace neighborhood, maybe.

I was planning on working in the shop yesterday, but things didn't go as planned. I got my bike ride in in the morning, fooled around on the computer a bit, and after checking the weather, figured I had better mow the front yard before the storm came in. The Missus was planning on going uptown, so I got her car out and started mowing. I was about half finished and saw her sitting on the steps. Rather odd behavior for the old bird since it was a humid and sunny ninety-degree day. Seems she took a tumble coming out the front door. I tried helping her up but we couldn't get it done. Fortunately, my neighbor was available, so he gave me a hand and we got her back inside. Those I've fallen and can't get up commercials aren't so funny anymore. Might be time to give Life Alert a call. Especially since she's not real diligent about keeping her phone close at hand.

I didn't make it out to the shop but I did order an air cleaner and the pieces to make up the coil wire for the trials bike. Depending on the weather and the condition of the Missus, I'm hoping to get out there today.

Car, Corn, Bike, and Editorial

 

Beautiful Auto-Union car. The panel beaters had it going on, that's for sure.

The corn had a growth spurt the last couple of days with the heat and the rain - mostly the rain. We're supposed to get a few more days of rain, and if it warms up again, I'll be able to hear it grow. A couple weeks from now I'll be isolated behind a wall of corn, which I prefer. It really cuts down on the road noise. The farmer sprayed for weeds last week and did a real nice job of keeping the herbicide in the field and not in the yard. The young guy has done a fine job of taking over from his grandfather. I've never had a problem with either of them.

 Made a little progress on the vintage trials bike. I've still got a few things to do before I have my buddy come out to help me get it running, but the list is shrinking. The exhaust pipe is too close to the float bowl, so that's a definite. I need a return spring on the rear brake, an air filter, a boot of the coil end of the spark plug wire, and finish weld the mounting brackets on the gas tank. Nothing that'll hold me up other than the lead in my ass.

It's Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day. Like always, be careful out there. Farm vehicles on the roads, knuckle heads on cell phones, dirt and fresh cut grass on the road surface. Too many things to list, so be aware.

  Interesting article I ran across here. It's rather lengthy, but in my opinion, very much worth the time. Your mileage may vary. 

Heat Wave

 

On my bike ride the other evening I spotted a couple pieces of angle that were put out for the garbage man. After I finished the ride, I went back with the truck and picked them up. They're a pair of old bedrails. I'm assuming they're old not only by the rust but by the length as well. The one thing to remember about old bedrails is they are made from a high carbon steel - hard to cut and drill, and if you're going to weld on them, it's best to use a low hydrogen electrode like a 7018.

The bag of dirt is for planting flowers. I got the last of them in the planters yesterday afternoon. It was close to 90 degrees out and after the planting I did a couple other little things and called it quits. I need to work my way up slowly to get myself acclimated to the heat. Being an old man and a cardiac patient, discretion is the better part of valor. I need to get out early or late in the day for my bike ride and tending the garden. 

There's a couple things on the calendar for this upcoming week but should be able to get back out in the shop and make some progress.  

 

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

 

I took a little short hop on the bicycle over to the Industrial Park the other evening and the paving outfit has upgraded their driveway entrance. They used to have just one roller, but now there's two and they're both painted up nice. Once upon a time in my checkered past, I worked for a blacktopping outfit and when I wasn't changing tires or running a scoop shovel, I was rolling asphalt. The one I ran was a little smaller than the ones in the photo, but it paid the bills and my college tuition. Just a small part of my diverse background, but I learned how to drive a tri-axle dump with a 5 and a 3 transmission.

My little orchid I received as a gift many years ago. It's still in the original pot but I'm afraid to mess with it. As you can see from the photo, it seems to be doing OK as it is. When we first moved here roughly 25 years ago, there wasn't a flower anywhere, which I found surprising. No "ditch lilies", iris or multi-flora roses, which were almost always to be found at old farmsteads. That's all changed now. We've got quite a few things blooming around here, it's certainly not a showcase operation, but the place looks lived in now.

The Missus and I went to the movies Monday to see Revolutionary America. It's a very good movie chronicling the events leading up to the Revolutionary War, the war years, and the beginning of the new country. It gives an excellent description of what the founders and the original Patriots went through to form the country. Much of the content came from Hillsdale professors. I was impressed with their presentations. It didn't seem they were just reciting facts, but rather they seemed to truly understand what the founders went through and the importance of preserving the ideals they were willing to die for. I'm of the opinion the knuckleheads running this country, at the very least, should see this movie. It probably won't change much, but maybe they would at least have a tinge of regret for what they've allowed to happen, because there damn sure isn't going to be an easy way to get us out of the mess we're in. 

World Bicycle Day

 

World Bicycle Day today - little late notice but I've been busy. 

I saw the above sign along the side of the road the other day, came home and looked it up. Seems there's a bike ride in the near future from one of the big dairy farms (tourist attraction) to the county courthouse. Nineteen miles one way, and that's the problem. One way with no shuttle bus or anything to get you back to the start. Since it's coming up pretty soon, I could be in shape to do the 19, but not 38 if I wanted to ride back to the start. I did find a local ride August 1st that has 40, 60 and 100-mile routes. I'm planning on doing the 40 miler for sure, maybe the 60, depending on the weather, training, etc.

I've been out on the bike the last few days - short hops, but now I've got an event to train for, so I'll get busy.

My First Love

 

I came across this on Facebook on a Sprint owners' group, I think. I didn't get the details because I swooned when I saw it. It's a '67 HD Sprint H that appears to be in showroom condition. I bought an identical one 58 years ago when I was a senior in high school. Right side shift, which took a little getting used to, and the handlebars were rubber mounted which also took a little getting used to, but I loved that bike. I saved up my money from paper route, frying chicken and doing farm chores to buy it. 

It cost me $650.00 which took me a bit to save up for. When I finally had the money, my mother said I should get a loan to start establishing a credit rating. I didn't much care about a credit rating at that point, but I knew better than to cross Mom on this deal. We went to the bank together so she could co-sign the note, we sat down across from the loan officer, and I told him I wanted $300.00 to buy a motorcycle. He said no because he didn't like motorcycles, and that's when Mom came unglued. She tells the guy the only reason we were sitting there is because she convinced me it would be a good idea and if he's not going to loan me the money, he should get his ass out of the chair and write her a check because she was closing her account where she had done business for over twenty years. The loan officer excused himself, probably to check on Mom's account, and came back shortly with a loan application for me.

I had the bike for almost one year exactly, had put a little over 5,000 miles on it and then it was stolen out of the garage in the middle of the night while we were home. The steering was locked, so there were probably two people involved. One year later I was working nights at the foundry and Mom hollered at me at 8:00 in the morning to get up, the FBI was on the phone and they wanted to talk to me. Seems they found the bike in Tennessee at a gas station. I had already been paid by the insurance company but I asked the FBI agent how it looked and he said it was in pieces. I don't know what happened to it after that but if you ever come across a '67 Sprint H with the serial number 67H17889, that's the one.

I got the swingarm bolt out of the frame on the Yamaha yesterday. Just like the Mounties, I too always get my man.

"Failure to Communicate"

The "Killer" singing one of my favorite hymns. Kind of ironic, him singing a religious tune, considering he married his 13-year-old cousin.

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Went to the grandson's graduation Friday night - short and sweet. The whole ceremony only lasted an hour, mostly due to the fact it's a small high school. The Missus and I are quite proud of the young man.

Saturday morning I went to the boxing club - been a while since I was there. Did some bag work and shot the breeze with Jimmy for a bit. Grocery store after that. I'm not shocked by the price of groceries these days but not pleased with how the prices have gone up over the last few years. Anyone considering retirement should gaze deeply into their crystal ball to see what future prices are going to look like. The fixed income thing could leave you in the lurch with unforeseen inflation.

 

After I got home I managed to watch some motorcycle racing from Road America on the television. The second installment will be on today. I also watched Cool Hand Luke for about the 50th time. One of my all-time favorites. I wouldn't have except it was on TCM, so no commercials.

Some mowing on the agenda today and some exercise, either walking or cycling, along with a little something else as yet to be determined to round out the day. 

Revolutionary Movie

 Hillsdale College has a made a movie that will be showing May 31, June 1 & 2. The movie is titled Revolutionary America and the link here will take you where you can find a theatre showing it, as well as how to get a buy one, get one deal. The Missus and I will be going to support Hillsdale College and as a refresher course on American history. 

Surly and I did the Appleseed shoot several years ago and history instruction was included along with marksmanship instruction. Also, I went on a National Endowment for the Humanities summer trip years ago. I was right there where the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" was fired. I also visited the site of Thoreau's cabin.  I think it's more important now than it has been in years to know about the founding of the country. Patriotism requires knowledge of our country's history. 

I realize this is short notice, but if you can find a theatre in your neighborhood might be worth your while. The movie is a tick under two hours and all the showings that I saw were afternoons at 4:30.

Music to My Ears

 

A few of my favorites I don't hear too often. If my buddy Kevin and I would have been able to get our low wattage radio station up and running, besides broadcasting school events, we'd be playing a huge variety of tunes. In fact, Kevin had an uncle I believe it was, who had a bluegrass band, and I worked with a guy years ago who wrote a couple of religious songs that I've got the sheet music for. There should be a place for that stuff.

My first bike trip 23 years ago was on the Katy Trail with another of the shop teachers from the high school. We stopped in a little burg for the night that had a bike hostel and a little bar next door. We got us a couple of beers and a Tombstone pizza and kicked back. Later in the evening they had Karaoke and we were informed it was our turn after the regulars were done. I don't remember what my saddle pal sang but I did the two numbers above. And you can bet your bottom dollar, if Kevin and I would have gotten the radio station up and running, there would have been Buck Owens and Johnny Cash on the playlist.

Not much to show on the project front due to doctor's visits and general life things that are never ending but I did pick up some fuel line and a filter for the trials bike and dug out the carb I'm planning on using. I'm going with a Mikuni rather than a Dellorto that are normally used on these little Ducatis.

The can of Blaster is for another bike project. The grandson is starting to work on a Yamaha SR500 and the swingarm bolt is frozen solid in the frame. All of the usual tricks to get it out haven't worked but I haven't given up yet.

The eye doctor who did my surgery checked out my eyes yesterday and one is real good, the other as good as it's ever going to be, which is what I figured going in. Next week I'm going to see the toe doctor. I imagine that's going to involve some pain and some healing. Gettin' old ain't for sissies.

Memorial Day Reflection

A couple of observations on Memorial Day weekend. First off, up until I was eighteen, Memorial Day was always the 30th of May. At that time the federal government decided we needed some three-day weekends, four of them in fact. I'm still in the May 30th camp as are many others, however. 

Secondly, there are a lot of people who don't know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. When Cuzzin Ricky and I do our tour every year, we only decorate one grave of someone who died in the line of duty. The majority of the men folks were veterans but no point in planting flowers in November here in northwest Indiana.  The weather is one of the reasons May 30th was chosen as the date, along with the fact the first Decoration Day was on the 30th.

And, many people just don't have the respect they should have for those who have given everything to secure our freedoms. Especially those in Washington. Our country is in serious trouble with no end in sight.

If you have a few minutes, follow the link to John Kass's Memorial Day opinion piece he wrote in 2022. Kass used to work for the Chicago Tribune and I used to read his columns when I subscribed years back. It's about the best viewpoint on Memorial Day you'll ever come across, in my opinion. Give it a look and remember the importance of the day.

Tree Planting

 

A couple of big skeeter looking bugs and a tree frog on the service door of the garage.

Frog close up. I was in and out of the garage but I used one of the big doors rather than bothering the frog. We get all kinds of wild things around here - animal, vegetable and mineral.

My trees showed up yesterday. The magnolia is a Japanese type - not sure what that means, but it should be pretty when it blooms. The outfit I ordered it from had a few other Japanese trees but the yellow one was sold out. That would make for an interesting addition to the other magnolias I've got in the yard. 

I got the magnolia and the cherry tree in the ground and cut the back yard. Sprayed some weeds and diddled around with some other yard work.

I went to the small engine place uptown the other day to get some fuel line for the trials bike but all they had was the black rubber rather than the clear. There's another place that should have it not too far from me. I'm going over that way this week, so I'll check while I'm in the neighborhood. 

Looks like it's going to be nice all weekend - yesterday was a pip. Going walking with my "tribe" today, and I've got some help lined up for a bit of heavy lifting. Feeling pretty good these days but I still don't have much stamina. It's taking me longer to get back in shape than I thought it would, but other than all the aches and pains from my self inflicted injuries, I'm not doing too bad for a guy my age and I'm real thankful for that.  

Shotgun

 

Getting back into a rhythm finally - meaning I'm once again tackling things with my normal shotgun approach.  I ordered a cherry tree and a magnolia while they were 50% off. It'll be a while before I have cherries but that's another reason to take care of myself. I also ordered some racoon & rodent repellent that should be here today. Even though I think I figured out how the racoons are getting in, I'll spray the repellent around for the mice and in the attic next spring for the 'coons.

I pulled the cover off the trials bike to get it back into the rotation. I did a bit on the wiring and installed a filter on the crankcase breather opening. I need to get some fuel line and a small inline filter, finish welding the mounting tabs on the gas tank and then have my buddy come by and see about getting this thing running.

And moving to another project as is my way, I need to figure out what I want to do about the muffler on the Jitney project. I bought an auger type insert for the tail pipe, but I want to dress up the end of the pipe. I'm thinking a fishtail might be cool, but since the tailpipe is 3" diameter the fish tail might be a little overbearing. I've been thinking about another design as well - I'll have to draw up a decent sketch and see how I like it.

Cuzzin Ricky and I are doing the annual Dead Relative's Tour today - planting flowers on the graves of all of our relatives and a few others up north. 

Sugar Magnolias

 

Magnolia blossoms that flower a bit later than the others. When looking at the photos both of the blossoms appear to be about the same size. However, the one in the top photo is actually about twice the size of the lower one. The lower one is much more fragrant, though.

While doing my yard work the last few days, I decided I need a pollinator for the cherry tree. The tree is one I planted from seed from cherries I bought while on my bicycle trip pedaling through Washington State. The Magnolias and a few other things I had purchased from Oikos, so I went online to see what was available from them as well as a couple of replacement persimmon trees . It seems they no longer sell trees though, only seeds. Looks like I'll have to look elsewhere. 

The garden is all in and the flowers are planted, so I'll just have to stay up with the watering and weed control. It rained really hard this morning, with more forecast for tomorrow, so I won't have to worry about watering for a couple of days, but it'll definitely make the weeds grow.

It looks like it's going to be a bad year for bug bites. I've already been bit several times by mosquitoes and chiggers, and I've pulled a couple of ticks off as well. Last year there was hardly a mosquito to be found. I hate spraying myself with bug spray. I don't like the idea of anointing myself with chemicals on a daily basis - just doesn't seem all that healthy. I have a screen door for the shop I made a few years back, time to get it out of the big barn and installed again.

I think I finally found how the racoons are getting in the shop, which is a good thing because they've done quite a bit of damage to the ceiling. I ordered some repellent that is supposed to work on 'coons as well as mice, so I'll spray up topside as well as down below. It has a peppermint smell that should be much more pleasant than the stuff the racoons have been blessing me with.

I've still have more outdoor stuff that needs work, but I'll be back inside working on projects as well. I've been back on the bicycle a bit and have started the fitness plan. Long way to go on getting back into shape where I want to be, but as my old pal Joey used to say, steady by jerks.