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Topics - cudakidd53

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1
Intel / Thoughts?
« on: December 27, 2020, 07:20:21 AM »
Came across this today - thoughts!

2
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Home Purchasing Joys
« on: July 11, 2019, 10:07:34 AM »
Morning Gents!

So previously asked for prayers that we would be successful selling our house and moving to another suburb here in Chitcagoland so that our daughter can go to a quality High School instead of a satellite campus of DACA and Open Boarders!  3 month time frame to sell, buy and move to get daughter into school for the first day of Freshman year and wanting to try-out for volleyball.

Mission Accomplished! (almost)

Listed our place for a modest $15K increase in price over what we purchased the place for 18 years ago.  During that time, planted beautiful trees (most are mature now = shade where needed), large composite deck I built you; can park a car on it.  Weed-free landscape with hostas and wildflowers.  New carpet in all but 3 rooms, new SS sink and granite counter tops, SS appliances 3 yrs old or less & a 3 yr old Trane AC/Furnace upgrade.

Due to the lovely schools and government dependent populace next town over - not a hot market so this wasn't a slam dunk!

33 days on the market, we get an offer for LESS than we purchased it for from a person re-locating from NC who wanted a contingency on selling their house which they insisted would sell quickly....we countered that the contingency would cost asking price OR they could purchase the home for 7.5K less without the contingency.  They walked, basically saying their house wasn't going to sell that quickly.

Several showings with good feedback so we remained hopeful......crickets.....lowered price 5K and got more showings with continued good feedback.....crickets!  So we decided that while being away in Detroit for grandson's first birthday we'd have an open house.  My wife and I as well as our Realtor aren't big fans of them and she's only had 2 purchases/offers come from them in her 30+ years of holding them!  Prayers and polish before we left and chilling the house via phone app.  Big storm rolling in with agent and her assistant at start of Open House thinking they're gonna fold up shop early - bunch of people show up!  A couple REALLY like the house and are there without their agent (who's on vacation outta state) and the call her next day.  Our Realtor contacts her as well - back and forth drags on for a WEEK before they finally make an offer...not horrible, not great either, but it's obvious that they REALLY like the house.

We counter right away with 2.5K less and a 15 day increase in closing date so we can find a house.  The agree if we included a 2.5K newer SS fridge which I really like......OK DONE.......almost! (fill that in little later) This was July 5th!

We schedule to look at houses the next day (July 3) and had 6 we wanted to look at, one that had been on the market for 6 days.  Over half of what we looked at were unsuitable and one that would have worked was a flip that had nice materials and design, but was basically lipstick on the pig quality work!  There was a new drive poured, but it was obvious that the lower-level garage flooded and they'd smeared new concrete BY HAND on the front steps (just waiting to start flaking off!)  Well, of course, the 6 day place was the best option and quality gets snapped up quick in this area; we make an offer that afternoon, $100 over asking price with a sizable chunk for earnest money..........crickets......July 4th....crickets.....agent texts the sellers agent to find out that they're continuing to show as they've got appointments through the holiday weekend......OK I get that, they're hoping for another and better offer......here we are, selling our place and NOT having any where to be moving too!

That feeling sucks and given your daughter really wants to try-out for sports etc. and can't even register for SCHOOL etc. adds to the burden of being a father/husband - helplessness is a feeling I hate!  Waiting is hard for me most times as I'd rather be working to make things happen.

Purchasers of our current home turn out to be "flaky" to say the least!  Their agent was on vacation in Colorado the week of the 4th, without cell service where she was, and she left nobody in charge of her clients at her agency while she was gone.  She drove in to town to get service and dealings were LESS than timely!  Our agent gets in contact with the head of the agency team to help move things along.  At this same time, our Realtor points out the fact that the agent representing our buyers AND the sellers of our desired new home are in the same office - the head of which is the listing agent for our new place.  WELL, needless to say, this gums the works up on us getting an CONTRACT for our purchase.  Those owners drag their feet waiting for another offer, without even responding to our offer!  Getting answers was like talking to a teenager about what's going on at school!

While packing stuff in the basement on Friday, I discover a leak at the 1.5 inch copper main coming into the house, t-ed to the fire suppression back-flow valve and water meter!  Thankfully it was all contained in a storage tub lid that I'd put down awhile back for some reason!  My brother the plumber is able to come out the next day and takes care of it!  Talk about timing!!!

Well, on a positive note, our buyers decide to get things in gear, and last Saturday, after my brother finished, while we're starting to pack and go through 18 years of accumulated "stuff", we get a call that the Radon testing company wants to come and place a recording sensor....OK, no big deal.  We also get a call from our Agent that they'd like to do the home inspection the next day, Sunday.  Obviously, God blessed us by my stumbling upon that leak that wasn't major, did no damage, but COULD have flooded the basement if it'd have grown!  Imagine a long weekend away and coming home to THAT!

Well, having grown weary of the cricket's song on the offer we've made to purchase, we decide to look at more houses, since CLEARLY we have no home to move into!  Spend 2 hours looking at junk and go to lunch......agent calls asking us to return home to move a car blocking access to attic in the garage (forgot there even was one there!) which is empty (12 feet off the ground with no drop-down) so having just ordered lunch we tell them we'd be back within the hour.

Roll up to our house with one car blocking the middle of the space to park, 4 more cars parked on the wrong side of the street!  WTH?  Open garage, and walk in to my house to find a couple walking down from the upstairs (bedrooms) with voices clearly in the basement performing a home inspection......pissed, I walk downstairs and introduce myself to the inspector, agent and couple buying the house and ask the parking hog to move the car so I can give them access to the required space......(here's where it gets really wonderful) Calling upstairs, one of them says "dad, move your car" and as I walk up to the main level from the basement, here come two more people!  Both sets of parents are wandering around our bedrooms unsupervised!  WTH do these people think this is?  I'm seething at this point - who brings 7 people to a home inspection IN ADDITION to the inspector?  Well, this shouldn't make a difference, but lets frame it that you'd expect to see them owning Quick Marts, Motels titled "American Inn" or a Hospital saving your life!  Now I understand what the "flaky" behavior is from, I'm not selling a house to a couple, I'm selling a house to THEIR WHOLE FAMILY regardless of who lives there!!!  This crew would ask for a discount on a free glass of water and expect to keep the glass!

We decide that we're not leaving the house at this point, so I grab another beer and we sit out on the deck enjoying the heat while the AC is cranked inside..... :angry: Thank God that he's made that tree I planted flourish and provide shade!

To speed the story along:

While parents are apparently lounging on our beds, they spot some old water spots (painted) so a ROOFER has to come out to check-out the roof.

Their home inspector comments to me that this is a VERY well maintained home; minor issues.  Inspector went in attic above house and discovers NO LEAKS OR SIGNS OF THEM.  Mother/In-law gets into HEATED argument over it!

I get a GREAT Attorney who my former neighbor/buddy and also my mortgage broker recommended instead of going with my Realtor's guy.

Radon levels come back higher than limit allowed so there goes a minimum $700 to handle that!

Did I mention that I was still seething?

AFTER 3.5 Hours, the circus finally leaves!

I relayed all of this information to my Realtor and hear nothing of significance until Monday.  The lawyer and I hit it off IMMEDIATELY - you know that feeling you get when you first talk to someone and fell connected and on the same plane of existence?  Just like many of us, who've never met face to face, feel here?

Monday, our Realtor calls stating that the buyers now want to put the whole thing in JUST the husbands name....OK, no big deal...we have to go and re-sign (digitally) and expect to get it back....OH, by the way....we are supposed to be getting a signed contract on the home we put a bid in on by the end of the day.......crickets!

Find out from our Attorney, that the buyers of our home, FIRED THEIR ATTORNEY!  This delays things...somehow connected to the resigning?  Games......little more on that in a bit!

Tuesday, I loose my patience and call our Agent asking her to turn up the heat on whether we have a contract to PURCHASE a home or not?  We need to get moving or my daughter will be attending her Freshman year at a sudo-reform school, assimilation facility!  Still sifting through 18 years of crap, carefully stacking the garbage into the wheeled tote and the recycling into a similar yet smaller one.  Sweating, cleaning in the garage, removing anything of worth as these people aren't getting anything more in there other than the door openers and a couple of nails!!  Agent calls stating that the aforementioned roofer was coming to inspect the next day between 8:30am - 11am, will I be home and ok to supervise?  It's a damn good thing my wife and I are teachers and it's summer!  How stressful this must be if your WORKING and doing this??  OH, by the way, the buyers agent would like a call when he gets there so she can be there......at this point, I loose it on my Realtor, dropping the F-bomb several times.  In no uncertain terms is anyone else coming and other then me and the roofer, nobody is coming into my home!

So yesterday, sweating away stress, aggression and frustration while finishing off the garage......no roofer...at 10:15 I text my agent that nobody has shown....evidently, she informed the buyers agent (why it matters in a sec.) and low an behold at 10:30 a roofers truck rolls up.  Nice guy, typical roofer, Aztec Roofing....climbs up on roof after seeing spots of concern inside.  Discovers 3 flashings (silicone) are cracked/torn from age, declares that's the source of the leaks.  Buyers agent shows up as he's finishing - turns out to be a very nice young lady and says this is the SECOND roofer she called as the original one was hung-up, but still coming (called another when my agent informed her of no-show) as they want to work with me to make sure that if there's an issue, I don't incur out of pocket expense.  We have a cordial chat, and it becomes apparent that her clients are "flaky" in her opinion as well!  She seems to be working with her boss to make sure all deals come off, including our purchase. (things looking up!)  I tactfully mentioned that when doing a home inspection there should be an entourage, and if there is THEY SHOULD ALL BE TOGETHER!  Second roofer shows up around noon - small compact car.  I greet him and joke that I wanted to see him pull a 12 foot ladder out of that car!  He pulls out a telescoping 14 foot ladder! It wasn't any bigger than a large suitcase!  He climbed up the ladder, pulled it up and climbed up off the garage on to the house!  Great personality, did a full check of the roof and we discussed that I don't want a new roof, there is hail damage (shown in photos that ARE my roof) and he could probably get one for me.  I asked him to write it up asking for just the vent flashings that obviously are faulty and not going to be covered by insurance, without a re-roof; I'm not taking a hit on insurance for something I'll see no value in as the purchase price is set!

While relaying all of this yesterday to our Realtor, I again asked her to turn-up the heat, as my daughter is stressing (silently) about sports/high school and not wanting to miss out on trying-out for volleyball.  Heck, this is the MOST stressed I've ever been in my life!  Little over a 11 days of festering ups and downs with all of this and it seems like a MONTH.  No worse feeling as a parent than being unable to help out your child, and to be at the mercy of others without a sense of your urgency to get things done!  Never, in my entire life, have I experienced difficulty in obtaining a place to live like this!  Wife and I both have been praying about it.  "Be concerned, but don't worry - God's got this".......is difficult to put into practice, and I've CERTAINLY failed in this instance!

Finally, last evening, we received a signed contract to purchase our new home!  We are/were actually hesitant to rejoice over it - that's how crazy this entire ride has been so far!  We cancelled plans to get away this weekend before my wife and I snapped over the stress - for a great reason - but now starts the new ride!  I thanked God for answered prayer -

Scheduled home inspection for this Sunday and got a mutual friend of my mortgage guy and our attorney for the inspection.  I know him too so there's a comfort level there.

Gotta get Realtor to schedule Radon Test.

Picking up a new 4.5 month old pup out of my National Champion at the Airport tomorrow am - too hot to ship from Georgia - Missouri with available flights.  Was going to just go directly to the trainer in MO where all the other dogs are while this crazy roller coaster ride continues....house breaking a puppy.....yeah!  At least I've got a friend handing me a decent envelope of cash to have breakfast with him near the airport - brokered deal to sell my old trumpet - actually held it's value plus a bit over 40 years!

Frantic packing for move to happen middle August or sooner if possible - paying to have this crap moved - more $ than muscle at this point of life and nobody over the age of 50 is going to say, "yea, I'll help you move!".

So far, retirement has been ANYTHING but smooth! LOL!  That's another story........I un-retired, so I could make a transaction and then, retired.....well, in the process anyway!  :facepalm:


3
Firearms / 1911 vs bretta vs glock talk
« on: June 16, 2019, 11:40:12 AM »
I'd pull out the 1911 Gold Cup for a go at a "prize" in the Blue Grass State - how many 7 round mags would that require there Tex?  Ken needs company in this arena......not going to back him in the Hildabeast arena though..... :laugh:

4
Powerplant, Driveline, and Braking / 2012 DMax P20B9 code
« on: May 08, 2019, 12:12:59 PM »
Hey there gents-

Well, MobyDick tossed the above code pulling from the street into the driveway yesterday evening.  I've paid previously to have "Reductant Heater A Control Circuit Open" fixed where they replaced the DEF heater.  $800 about 1 1/2 years ago in Arkansas.

Wondering the following and looking for contacts to go with the possible suggestions-

Would like to do minimal delete of the truck to avoid this crap and improve mileage.  Looking to keep it as stock as possible in the process as well, so that in the Communist State of ILLanoyed I could reverse if necessary for whatever reason!

Would like to get rid of the particulate filter and 9th injector (without destruction of either) and bypass the stupid DEF system.  Truck has power, and I'm satisfied with how it runs now (when it is) and etc.  Just would like to stop the damn regeneration cycles and the DEF system going to hell as it has twice now.

Any assistance and contact information of places to perform said work would be great - I'm also reaching out to Chevy Customer Care to see if/what they'd possibly do to assist.....HA, HA, HA....but I can dream!

5
D.O.T. / Happy Birthday Don!
« on: April 19, 2019, 09:56:55 AM »
Wishing Big D a Happy and Blessed Birthday!  Many more, and may you enjoy yourself in the coming year, and possibly even pull-off Redneck/Realman Fest we keep kicking the tires on!

Thanks for the fellowship and entertainment provided for us all on this site!  :beercheers:

6
Firearms / Fantastic Deal!
« on: October 17, 2018, 10:06:26 AM »
So, if anyone would like to purchase my Christmas gift early - HERE it is at a smoking deal!

Thermal Sig Sauer sight for sub $900:

https://www.sigsauer.com/store/echo1b.html?utm_source=Sig+Emails&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ECHO+44%25+Off+Sale&utm_content=ECHO1+44%25+Off

7
Parenting / A Father's Lamentation
« on: October 02, 2018, 11:28:46 AM »
A Fathers Lamentation


My son, Jacob Michael Poehler, lost his battle with Bipolar Depression on Friday night, September 28, 2018 in Milwaukie. Oregon; he took his own life.  His older sister and I spoke of the possibility of this outcome over the last few years.  We were out of communication with him over the last 4 months of his life; phone calls and texts were rarely answered and if they were there was no sustained conversations or information exchanged.  His mother is who he’d chosen to talk with and there wasn’t much sharing from that.

I received a text from Jacob’s mother while I was out of town on Saturday night imploring me to call her immediately; around 10pm she gave me the news.  I was devastated, out of town, alone in a hotel room and over 300 miles from my wife and 13 year old daughter.  I had to start making phone calls, my wife, my father, my childhood and best friend and his family as well as texting those whom I was closest with involved in the event that caused me to be out of town who fortunately are amongst my closest friends.

With the phone down, silent and finally out of my hand and ear, the silence of that room started to envelope me and my thoughts started to swirl.  I knew, that nothing I could do would bring Jacob back yet, immediately, all the things I should have done, all my failures as a husband to my first wife and a father to Jacob started to come in waves.

The one thing that survived the scrutiny of validation is this - I totally failed in my charge as a father, to bring my son up in the ways of the Lord.  The travesty of divorce drove me, unwillingly out of his and his older sister’s lives for roughly 8 years.  It wasn’t until the birth of their half sister that I was able to reconnect and start the process of repairing the damaged relationships between all of us, including Jacob’s mother.  I had some opportunities, but I failed to share God’s gift of salvation and redemption with my son and oldest daughter - the reality is this: because of my failure, Jacob is doomed to spend eternity in hell and away from the gift of everlasting life; I hope that I’m wrong, but there was never confirmation to me that Jacob accepted God’s gift of Salvation.  Bad enough that I’ve lost my son, but the possibility that Jacob’s act to escape the tortures of Bipolar Depression without accepting Christ has placed him in a far worse and more torturous place; Hell for eternity.  This is my cross to bear and the weight of it is crushing me!  Had I had discussions with Jacob about his depression and the transformative power of Christ’s love and the free gift of Salvation he might still be with us today and living free from the demons of Bipolar Depression; at least I would know he was at peace with God and have the promise of being together again in the glory and grace of Eternity with Christ. 

There is such a gaping hole in my soul acting like a vacuum sucking energy from my heart and leaving me feeling empty at times.  I’m doing well in spite of this, and know I will speak of this to the myriad of his friends from the world of Drifting - they have done amazing things already that were direct answers to my prayers and those of you Realmen!  I will speak at his memorial sometime at the end of the month and pray that I have the grace, courage and strength to speak the words to everyone there that I failed God and my son Jacob by not speaking to him.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to work through me and give me the words to write and speak to serve God’s plan in all of this.  It will not absolve me of guilt and failure, but give me the knowledge that I listened to His voice in that lonely motel room in Iowa last Saturday night.  I will know that in some small way I may reach someone else’ sons and daughters; at least I might plant some seeds of hope for them.

Please speak the words your sons and daughters need to hear from you their fathers; I wish this quilt and pain on nobody else or their children.  God is great - let them know of his gift and at least then, the choice is theirs; I failed to inform and teach Jacob of that choice.

I now have a better grasp and understanding of the book of Lamentations…...

8
Waiting for a neighborly hour to fire up the compressor and tools, so I’m putting some pictures up so you all can use this for instructional purposes - either what to do or NOT do!  That’s waiting to be determined!

So, first up, is the dreaded CODE thrown on my way to the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for this year, with the plan of trucking off to the North Woods with my buddy Ray, tomorrow morning......isn't that always the way!

Second image shows areas of concern/operation!  Green = hefty hose clamp to be loosed so I can spill coolant all over everything (see third photo for preparations to address that event).  Red = Fuel System Port? (Ken alluded to that previously).  Yellow = Oil fill tube; either gets loosened or removed - we'll see!  Blue = some electronic gizmo clamped and mounted RIGHT where the bolts are to remove the thermostat housing.......ENGINEERS!  This appears to be a spring clip of sort, but rather stout looking so I envision me trying to remove it and busting something....knuckles, wires or something important and expensive!  I should mention, that a search of the interweb shows no easily available service manuals etc. of the LML Engine and it's lay-out!

Third image is my preparations for a coolant storm, predicted to hit anytime during said operation!  Green oval = two totes for under shelf of my dog area in truck cap, taped together since if left separate, will certainly allow coolant to hit directly between them!  Red = mobile container to try and avoid the previous preparations being necessary.....year right!  I'm predicting entertainment for Nate, Ken, Charles and Shawn, while Don will understand and feel my pain while the rest giggle politely in the background!  Notice this is being done OUTSIDE of the garage, so I can hose down the mess easily...some trick of the trade that Ken mentioned!

9
General Maintenance, How to/DIY projects / SOS Thermostats
« on: May 25, 2018, 08:35:51 AM »
Truck through a cold this morning and now have to replace thermostats.  Ken-Don et al; how big job is that on LML?  Is it something I can get done in a day without any difficulties?

10
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / F - The NRA?
« on: May 15, 2018, 08:31:01 PM »
Some rectal mime with a red nose who’s running for Congress from Nevada was just on with Tucker Carlson.  Said circus performer has an ad running stating F - The NRA and goes on to espouse that an AR-15 can shoot 150 rounds in 15 seconds.....or 600 rounds per minute?  Then claims that he is a former Police Officer......Barney Fife is running for Congress and is already lying through his teeth before even being elected.  He’s a Democrat by the way.....shocker

11
Most Favored Companies / Costco for Eyeglasses
« on: April 21, 2018, 08:33:00 AM »
Ok, I'm putting this here for feedback:

Went for the yearly (ok it's been 3 years) eye exam at Lenscrafters to find out that they no longer make glasses in house but rather send them to a central facility and ship them back to the store!  I like the eye Dr. and frame selection etc., but choked on the price!  With a 40% discount on lenses and not frames, price for a second pair (sun glasses) was going to be $475 out the door!  Bad enough that may everyday pair was $560 including exam- I looked into ordering from on-line companies and wasn't comfortable as the options with price calculations was difficult to figure out, and when trying to enter the prescription wasn't complete!

What those above prices included:
Frames, Anti-glare coating, progressive lenses (Tri-focals for you younguns), Polarized and anti-static coating for dust.

Option 3 was go to Costco and investigate as the HH6 has friends who have done similar and been satisfied with the results!  So I went and inquired and it's pretty simple.  They have a limited selection of frames, and a simplified options selection as well, but they include most of what others charge per ad-on into one low cost.  Ended up finding a frame that I can live with since they didn't have wrap around.

Frame - $60
Progressive lens, polarized with Transitions "Drive Wear" - $170
Flash Mirror Coating - $22
Total w/ tax = $250

ALMOST 1/2 PRICE!  Now it's given that they're not exactly the same as what I was going to get from Lenscrafters (not wraps) but they have the new Transitions lens that changes the degree and type of filtering  based upon outside lighting.  Flat lighting = yellow cast for improve definition, medium sun = darker but not a cave type light and finally bright sun = opaque with full mirror surface from outside with my view being polarized and great definition.  The Lenscrafters would have been even more expensive for that option!

Bright sun on the way home so got to try them right away and can report that they seem great so far!

12
Firearms / 224 Valkyrie
« on: January 19, 2018, 08:00:57 PM »
Anyone up on these- sounds interesting!  6.5 necked down to 556  - stay super sonic out past 1000 yards

13
Parenting / How to give away a daughter!
« on: August 29, 2017, 08:19:47 PM »

14
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Memorial Day
« on: May 26, 2017, 04:49:18 PM »
Saw this on the Black Rifle Coffee Blog:

https://blog.blackriflecoffee.com/dont-resent-neighbors-memorial-day/?utm_campaign=Memorial+Day+%28KKAibe%29&utm_medium=email&_ke=Y3VkYWtpZGQ1M0BhdHQubmV0&utm_source=Black+Rifle+Coffee+Company+Newsletter


For all of you who've served and know first hand the loss of comrades in arms, I thank you for your service and sacrifice on behalf of the ignorant masses who are coddled and blessed with the blanket of freedom and safety that you and your fallen brethren have provided for us all.  From those of us who are not as ignorant of your comrades "gave all" sacrifice and you and your family's selfless sacrifices, you have our thanks, our gratitude and an acknowledgement of a debt that we will NEVER be able to repay.  You walk humbly and often anonymously in our midst, yet know that we value you and your service and hold you in high esteem and you have a place in the secret corners of our hearts that brings "manly men" of conscience to well with tears of pride and empathy for all that you and your brethren have done seen and endured on our behalf.

Not all of us mindlessly grill, drink and revel in oblivion to what Memorial Day is all about.  I've been to the site in Pennsylvania where the widows of fallen Civil War Veterans started the observance of the day, memorialized in Bronze, the statues lay flowers and weep for the waves of the fallen.  It's quite sobering to know that the majority of the male population in that community gave all in the hope of preserving the Union.

To you and the fallen of past, present and future, thank you and your families for the price paid for our freedoms.

God Bless you all and this Country; may it be great again!

15
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Self Deportation
« on: December 25, 2016, 05:33:18 PM »
I've thought of this topic quite a bit since November 8th and I think that this whole illegal immigration issue is a lot more simple than we realize.  Government can do something very simple, Constitutional AND hard for Dems to argue against:

Other than basic police services and TRUE emergency care, NOTHING will be provided for illegal immigrants using taxpayers money.....NOTHING.  NO WELFARE, no unemployment, no scholarships, no food stamps!  Pass that in one simple law, and watch how quickly the masses return to their homes.  We are STUPID when it comes to letting massive numbers "game" our systems!

I've got students on "free and reduced books" that leave school for 1-2 months over this time of year while they return "home" to build massive homes in Mexico from all the cash they make here by gaming our beurocratic nightmare!

If they are willing to stay here on their OWN dime, without handouts, then they're probably the kind we would want to allow to become citizens after getting in line and following some process and actually "registering" in some way; and having a easy to spot drivers license that requires "bonding" with cash so that they can't forge "auto insurance" coverage like the one that hit my wife awhile back.


16
D.O.T. / Happy Thanksgiving
« on: November 24, 2016, 07:03:08 AM »
Wishing you all a great day with family and friends!

Thankful for our country having the opportunity to return to greatness-
All who currently serve and protect our country-
A faithful site where we can share information and laughs-

God Bless you all!

18
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / RATS!
« on: November 19, 2016, 09:57:51 AM »
(Read next sentence in voice of Eore of Winnie the Pooh fame)

"It's here....winter......woke up to flakes falling at 4:30 am letting the dog out..."

As I age, I'm getting to despise winter........cold and damp......morons driving who shouldn't be, even when roads are dry!  My truck is outside year round so always needs to be cleared of the white crap or ice - thank heavens for auto start!  I'll need new tires now too as some serious travel this spring/summer wore them quicker than anticipated!

Don't get me wrong, I like snow on a limited basis and have no problem driving in it, I just hate sniveling millenials and their friends who can't handle election results and differing beliefs or opinions because it makes them sob and curl up in a ball.......these idiots confronted with adverse driving conditions try to do the same IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY anytime they can't see black pavement, seeming to chant "black pavement matters" and thinking their "safe zone" should be wherever they happen to be when challenged mentally or physically!

Unfortunately, survival of the fittest no longer applies to the human race in America......nope, we nurture the weakest and mentally feeble, holding back the brightest and strongest so everyone can feel validated and affirmed in their "life choices"........what happened to winter thinning the herd!

So, as we rush into the Holiday Seasons, we all get to see relatives and friends who we KNOW would be our first candidates for sustainence duty if we were in a Donner Party scenario, and they'll probably still be puffy eyed and "boo-boo lipped" from the Election results across the country and looking for a "safe zone" from your judgmental voting and unwillingness to affirm their wallowing in self-pity.  I fear the phrase "suck it up, Butter Cup" will be uttered unmercifully this year by me.....

Well, time for more coffee and maybe a fire in the fireplace?.......Can't take bird dogs hunting during Deer Season weekend around here so we can catch-up on naps together this afternoon!

This Thanksgiving, I'm going to be thankful that the silent majority woke up and ran one our biggest families of Rats out of power for a little while, and we have a "chance" to return the country to a Godly path again!  God Bless America!  Push a KIA or Prius into the ditch this winter if the opportunity arises........it'll build character for a suffering millenial!

19
Intel / Ken's GF (The Queen)
« on: September 01, 2016, 01:25:53 PM »
Quite a watch, worth the time though!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a-xjiXfJ58Q

20
Intel / Arm Up System
« on: August 13, 2016, 01:48:37 PM »
Anyone know anything about this?  https://familysurvival.clickfunnels.com/misc-8377576

Was about to send for it and figured I'd double check before I stumble into a scam/trap... :o

21
Firearms / Mike's AR-10 Build
« on: August 03, 2016, 06:58:50 PM »
Okay, I've been tossing around the idea of putting together one from a smorgasbord of available parts and all, but need some help/guidance and suggestions.  Will be using a Spikes Tactical billet lower & upper.

-Accepts any AR style Bolt Carrier, Bolt & Barrel.
-Barrel Nut: SR25 or DPMS (? Difference of the two?)
-Handguard Rail Height: SR25, DPMS High, Armalite AR10 (? How will suitable ones be identified?)
-Trigger Group: Any AR compatible trigger (? Anti-rotation pins etc. too?)

So, some barrels come without a gas block - what's the best option(s) for a barrel without one? Gas tubes?  My desire is a top quality barrel to try and maximize accuracy etc. and I'm leaning towards 18" for a balance between that and maneuverability. 

Stock and buffer tube - looking for telescoping over a dedicated marksman style - I'm assuming AR15 aren't compatible (especially buffer, but are other stock parts different too?

Is this something I should undertake as an assembly "virgin" ie; different/more complex vs. AR15?

I have no set schedule on this as it'll be "One piece at a time"......though not a Johnny Cash style build......I hope I don't start coming across gun parts at work! :o

Looking forward to the exchanges- DOTing and overall banter this will elicit!

22
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Independence Day
« on: July 04, 2016, 09:22:30 AM »
Happy 4th of July everyone- Independence Day!

Thank you to everyone of you who've served this country and put yourself in harms way to maintain that freedom for all of us; thanks to the 3%.  Unfortunately, the vast majority of actual citizens, have little clue that this commemorates the day when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence, putting off the yoke of Imperial Oppression by the Crown of England.

Since that time, never has it been more important for our Republic and it's citizens to be more conscious of the reasons and purpose of our system of checks and balances, as designed by an ingenious band of Patriots that the ruling class looked down upon as rabble and an inferior class to be Governed by the Elites of England!

For anyone willing to take an honest look around our Country at the actions, words and attitudes of our elected Politicians and their appointed Bureaucrats, it should be PAINFULLY obvious that we're suffering from an even more blatant form of oppression by our "elected" Political Elite!

Executive actions that defy the system of checks and balances of Congress and the Courts, which when and if they're struck down by said bodies, are then supported by inaction by the Federal arms of Law Enforcement Agencies and local Law Enforcement unwilling to follow the properly passed laws of this country!

Illegal and Treasonous acts by Government Officials that defy logic and common sense when talked about in the News by pundits who follow the talking points provided by the handlers of said crooks.  The accused acting as if they've done nothing wrong, waving it off like a pesky fly buzzing about their head, lying about the legality of their actions and their minions scurry to do everything in their power to make it so.  The HEAD of the DOJ, meets privately with the husband of the accused, where their protection details work in concert to make sure nobody documents the meeting!  Does NOBODY see the problems with this subjugation of a supposedly free press?  FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND ENTITIES have provided HUGE contributions to help get these people elected- HOW IS THIS EVEN ALLOWED?  What is going on when our citizens don't even have enough sense to see how dangerous actions like this are?  Most probably couldn't give you a working definition of what Treason is, nor point to one of SEVERAL acts by citizens and Governmental Official over the last several years - prosecuted or unprosecuted!

I just recently learned, that the county that I live in, CROOK County as it's often referred to, slid a new onerous tax through under the noses of a usually vigilant association that fights to prevent such acts, or at least the surprise of such actions.  Get this, a $.05 PER ROUND tax on all center fire ammunition!  Needless to say, I now know why the Cabela's near my house has a HUGE overstock of ammunition all of a sudden!  How did I find out about said tax?  The girl at the register informed my, by asking if I knew what county I was in, and when I informed her that I did know and asked, "why?", she informed me of said tax!  I immediately thanked her and elected to NOT purchase any ammunition and walked out the door as I've been told is common for everyone like me shopping there!  I also thought of the "Stamp Tax" imposed upon the Colonies which was one of several catalysts for the Revolutionary War- how is a tax like this ammunition tax any different?  It's not about revenue, though this crooked state and county sure is in need of it, along with a diet on spending!  This is about abridging the rights of the Second Amendment within a specific local, by the executive action of an elected body with the "legal right" to tax it's citizenry; I cannot fathom how this is not overturned as excessive and oppressive?

It should be plain for all thinking persons to see, we are all in danger of loosing our Republic!  We are guilty of watching grievous abuses of power and violations of Constitutional Law without screaming at the top of our lungs to our elected Government Officials.  We sit by and silently shake our heads when the supposed "Free Press" fails to do ANY due diligence to report the facts and investigate all sides of the news; worse is that we often fail to support and thank those few journalists who do!

Never before since the founding of this Republic, has it been more important for a resurgence of Patriotism and return to a moral code of behavior throughout our Country than it is now!  We all have an unpaid debt that we've ignored for far too long...

Freedom isn't Free!

23
After we explored Kentucky, we continued our Bourbon & Bullets Tour heading to Tennessee, with three stops while there:

  • Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee.  Great Tour and tasting with the great little town of Lynchburg to explore while you wait for your tour.  This was one of the more restricted tours we experienced - bus took you around to many places as it's a spread-out place.  Didn't get inside any of the Rickhouses and couldn't take photos there, at the Stillhouse or at the Mellowing Tanks.  It did save on walking though! We pulled a travel trailer behind us to Lynchburg- word to the wise, DON'T pull into the first "apparent" entrance to the place that has a guard shack.  The kid inside had to put on safety gear, stop traffic and watch us back out!  Go into the second entrance which has LIMITED space for vehicles with trailers, but it's there if you know how to drive and it's not already filled-up.  Town is a life support system/tourist bazaar around Jack Daniels- DO GET BBQ!  Went to the Barrelhouse BBQ and bought a bottle of sauce on our way out- GET THE GALLON JUG!  We ran out and longed for more!
  • Shiloh National Battlefield in Shiloh, TN - we stayed at Green Acres RV Park in nearby Savannah, TN.  Nice park with a salt water pool.  All their spots are full hook-up spots and nicely maintained - they have multiple full-timers staying there, but they do take reservations and they provide a little booklet that describes local establishments etc. as a nice resource if you stay there.  The National Park has a very nice visitors center with lectures and a well done Documentary that lasts 45mins. and is worth the time before you set out to see the Battlefield.  There is a well laid-out driving tour that takes you through the entire battle with multitudes of interpretive signs and markers.  There are many beautiful monuments and you can spend as much time as you like on foot, walking between markers across the battlefield.  The driving tour took about 3 hours, you could easily spend the day if it's not too hot and you have a mind too delve deep into the movements of the battle.
  • Bird Dog Foundation in Grand Junction, TN - The National Bird Dog Hall of Fame.  If you dabble in Bird Dogs, especially Field Trials, this is a stop you'll want to make.  Admission is by donation, and they're closed on Mondays and don't open until 9am.  They are fully funded by donations, so bear that in mind and open your wallet as you pass the donation box.  The ladies there couldn't make you feel more at home and welcome.  We again, dragged the travel trailer behind us - tough parking lot, luckily there wasn't anyone else visiting that day, until after we pulled in!  Dragged tail getting in and going out, so probably want to make certain you position yourself for an easy exit prior to going in; or find alternate parking somewhere nearby! This is very close to the famous Ames Plantation where THE National Championship has been held for a LONG time - Pointers and Setters running across pristine habitat in pursuit of WILD quail to determine who the best dog is - it's an endurance event that requires a dog with a keen nose and stamina!  When Don described his Hide Site as being in "Hillbilly and Banjo Country", when we got off the beaten track heading South out of Grand Junction, trying to "get" towards Memphis, it made Don's place look like suburbia.......with that uneasy, "Deliverance" feel!

24
Well, after the Bullets and Bourbon Tour, I thought I'd share some of the highlights of our Kentucky adventure!

  • Visit Don - Had a great time meeting up with Big D and all that entails; worth the price of admission which is the same as joining this site!
  • Distillery Tours - all ages are welcome on these excursions, but they involve lots of walking and climbing stairs so bear that in mind.  Must be 21yrs. to sample the wares.  Some cost $ and a few are free - average around $10.
  • Perryville Civil War Battlefield - one of the best preserved pieces of ground that is mostly unchanged since the battle was fought.  Has a great interpretive center with a movie that covers the battle as well as exhibits.  There is a self-guided tour that you can walk and drive with well done interpretive signage for each stop.
  • Bardstown - Historic Downtown which was one of the first settled in "Caintucee" as it was called early on as a part of Virginia.  We stayed at the "Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground" which is a wooded part of the golf course there.  Small quiet campground.  In walking distance to the Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distilleries - we did a tutorial tasting here that laid a great foundation of knowledge for the start of our Bourbon portion of the trip; happened totally by accident as we just happened to get closed out at one of the less cordial of venues we'd tried to start at- won't name that place, but part of it's name is what they make the wreath out of that is placed around the neck of the winning horse at the Kentucky Derby.
  • Civil War Museum in Bardstown - GREAT stop with an amazing collection of exhibits that covers most major battles and figures of the conflict.  Admission to this museum also entitles you to admission to their sister venues - Women of the Civil War, Pioneer Village and another who's name escapes me!  Could easily spend two hours or more in this one location.  Bardstown is also the place where Lt. General Hal Moore Jr. grew up - portrayed by Mel Gibson in the movie "We Were Soldiers".

25
D.O.T. / Gotta Love it!
« on: May 30, 2016, 07:50:10 AM »
This sums up my view on this topic too!

26
Faith Discussion / For my wife
« on: March 10, 2016, 06:44:07 AM »
Morning men-

Got the news after my wife Stacy had a follow-up exam last night that she needs a needle biopsy on her breast next week.  I ask for prayers that the needle hits the target on the first attempt and that the results come back negative.  I also ask for prayers that I support her how and whenever she needs it.  Whatever the results may be, we're thankful it's very small and discovered early; still scared over the possibilities.

27
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Political Alignment Poll
« on: February 18, 2016, 10:54:22 PM »
http://www.isidewith.com

This is an interesting site that has a poll that you take and you can expand some areas for more questions; in the end, it'll give you pretty interesting results with what current Presidential Canidate your responses align with.  It then breaks down the info even more, including a map of congressional districts that align with your viewpoints!  Good info for a guy looking where to retire to!

28
Tires, Wheels, and Suspension / What am I in for?
« on: February 08, 2016, 01:53:21 PM »
For all the learned menses of the Suspension persuasion, with my 2012 LML (2500 4x4 Crew Cab) broaching the 95,000 mark what am I looking at needing to replace and recommendations for specific brands/components?  I know I'm due for shocks AND I've just developed some caster pulse (any idea as to the cause?) in the front end when braking.  I'm pretty certain it's not warped rotors, as the front brakes were done within last 10,000 miles and it only does it at speeds above 50mph.

I recall recently, someone (RN I think) posting up an entire wheel bearing assembly and something to the effect of it being more cost/time efficient to do it all at once, so recommendations of that sort are more than welcomed.

Many thanks in advance


29
D.O.T. / Coming to the East Coast
« on: January 22, 2016, 09:24:16 AM »
I predict sightings of this guy being reported for the next few days, anywhere from Don's place to "Communist and Thief's" DC residence.....

30
D.O.T. / Revenant
« on: January 16, 2016, 05:05:14 PM »
Also saw this movie last night...........save your $ ...........Artsy Fartsy bore.....scenery is beautiful......story is good, but an awful lot of .........eeehhh so what are we still stuck in this scene for!  Figured with all the Oscar hype it would be good or suck...... :-\

31
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / 13 Hours
« on: January 15, 2016, 07:48:30 PM »
Just saw this movie- if Hillary gets the nomination, this country is lost with the cluster # of a defense department and ROE.  The fabric of those of you who've served and those still in is stronger than Kevlar.

32
D.O.T. / Don needs this shirt!
« on: December 14, 2015, 12:05:41 PM »
https://teespring.com/mh-47-brings-the-freedom#pid=369&cid=6513&sid=back

 This is a great shirt and a great website to search for shirts!

33
Faith Discussion / Prayer requests
« on: October 20, 2015, 09:37:08 PM »
Just learned that my Son-in-Law to be's father died suddenly today in Texas.  Mr. Cargill was a member of our military eleet, whom I looked forward to meeting to thank for his service and for raising such a fine young man with the qualities that makes me proud to soon call my son as well.

What makes things so hard for this young man and by proxy, my daughter, is that we'd just held a memorial service for his mother on Saturday!  She'd passed a week and a half prior, from a prolonged battle with cancer!  She was a strong Christian woman, who was a pillar and an inspiration to those who knew her- I sadly did not know her as she lived out of state as well, but what I did learn at the service was awesome and humbling!

Please pray for him and my daughter as they struggle through this gut wrenching time, that Gods love and grace are showered upon them and that they know that my wife and I are there for them and that they're going to be okay.

The other is for a friend in the Brittany world, Jessica, who was severely burned in an accident that saw her loose all of her possessions, trailer and tow vehicle in a fire while traveling in Oklahoma with several dogs.  Several perished and others were burned and are in Vet care at a University Clinic near the accident.  Jessica had surgery today for skin grafts and is in for a lengthy recovery.  There's a GoFundMe account for her as she has no insurance (medical- not certain about loss either!) - I'll only post that link if there's interest and approval.  Please pray for her recovery, physically and emotionally as she was burned making repeated trips into the burning vehicles to free burning dogs- the sounds, sights and smells must have been unfathomable!  All her hair burned and she had long hair-  she's currently in a burn center in Kansas for about another week unless further surgery is needed.

Sincerely,

Mike

34
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / RV Helpful Hints-
« on: October 16, 2015, 10:14:07 AM »
Here's a new list I figure that I'd start:  Helpful hints that most of us learn by trial and error, and nobody goes over when you buy a trailer.  Please add yours as it goes along!

1.  For Venetian style blinds, with the rod that bounces around going down the road, twist the blinds closed so that the lower edge of each louver closes over the upper edge of the one below it.  This way the rod doesn't end up flopping around and catching behind them, bending them out at the ends.  The other option is to pull them all the way open, but then it's like everyone can window shop your RV.

2.  For long term storage (especially during hot weather or climate) give door, hatch and slide-out seals a light coat of petroleum jelly or seal dressing so they don't bake onto the sealing surface and crack or tear when you open them later.

3.  Microwave/Pool Noodle trick: http://real-man-truckworks-and-survival.com/index.php?topic=504.0  This is a quick and easy fix to keep those microwave glass turntables from bouncing and breaking!

35
Parenting / T-shirt for some of y'all
« on: October 06, 2015, 09:15:38 AM »
https://teespring.com/grampsvet?src=tsemail_Fla

Given the birth of Don's recent Grandbaby- thought some might like to purchase this one!

36
Firearms / Laser sight
« on: September 29, 2015, 08:13:11 PM »
Well, ran across a great sale at MidwayUSA awhile back and jumped on it!  Crimson Trace rail sight with tool/knife combo for $90!  Will attach to any picitiny rail - on my XDM as of now, might put on M4 at some point!

Easy on, 1/2 turn elevation brought it to top of center post open sighted at 25 feet!  Should put it on paper soon as I get some range time!  First shot is on rail and the second is on the wall at 15 feet inside, daylight at the casa- told the wife to touch the switch, place dot on scumbag and hold on tight and keep squeezing till said scumbag stops flinching!

37
Faith Discussion / Shall WE support the County Clerk in Kentucky?
« on: September 06, 2015, 08:33:10 PM »
Had a thought and ran it by Don:

What if WE housed the fund donations for the Kentucky County Clerk who's standing on her beliefs and religious convictions?  Since "Go Fund Me" is pushing its anti-religious agend, why don't we stand-up for her and provide a trust worthy site that's housed close to the scene of the controversy?

What say you all?

If there's enough support, Don's behind it and we can all spitball ideas to get this outside of our small community and get it out there!

38
Soldier Up / Fitbit Review
« on: September 04, 2015, 05:45:51 PM »
So after a trip to the Dr. in April, where he informs me that I'm fat, and have high blood pressure, I decided to get off my backside and address the issue.  Started at 205 lbs. with BP in the Hypertensive/High boarder region and 5' 10" height.

Figured I'd get a Fitbit to monitor things and possibly motivate myself to keep at it.  Settled on the HR which monitors steps, heart rate, calories burned, hours slept and times awake/restless, flights of stairs climbed, miles traveled and will track work out time via a stop watch and tells time and date too.  Price was around $130 and I added a Fitbit scale, that links to the computer and the Fitbit phone app. for about the same price.  Why the scale you ask?  Well, I step on it daily after the 3 S's of the morning and it takes the reading giving me my weight down to tenths of a pound and BMI in % which is logged and graphed via the computer and phone apps. which I cannot lie about or kid myself that the scale must be off!

Using these to devices, limiting myself to 1760 calories a day and trying to keep sodium at 1500mg a day, I'm down to 188 and a BMI of 26% fat.  I use "My Fitness Pal" to count calories and track sodium and other nutrients.  No formal work-out other than chasing after the dogs training for and competing in Field Trials.

Fitbit Review:

Uses an internal, rechargeable battery which it says lasts for up to 5 days on a charge.  More like 3-4 max, less if you're active etc.  I learned from a friend at work to just plug it into the truck USB to charge it while driving to work since no steps etc. are really involved.  Heart rate from idiot drivers yes, but why log the negative!  ;)

The calorie app/Fitbit sync is great, as it cross references with the Fitbit data calories burned and let's you know how much more you COULD eat if you're trying to maintain a target weight- gotta ignore that if you're trying to loose!  You can scan UPC codes on food to auto enter calories and the data base on other things is awesome.  You can even enter your own recipes and it'll break them down by calories from servings made by the recipe.  You can enter fractions of servings etc. so it's an accurate way to see what you're really stuffing in the ol' pie hole!

You can eat what you want provided you enter and track it and still loose weight- you can also go over and it'll tell you the damage done when you close the daily log with a message of "You'd weigh __ in 5 weeks if every day was like today". This summer, there were a few days (last weekend) that were "canwich" days.....BEER IS FOOD!

My Fitness Pal with Fitbit app tracks steps, heart rate (current & resting), miles traveled, calories burned, floors climbed, time active, time sleeping, water drank, lbs. left til reaching goal, calories eaten & burned.  Deeper logs include sleep cycle, nutrients and many other options.

It's pretty acurate with its counting and tracking of what it monitors- obviously it uses averages for step measurement etc.  Stairs climbed counts changes in elevation of every 10' as a flight of stairs and only logs going up.  Remember this for later.

Checking time was initially done by tapping the small screen, an upgrade has it now done via a flick of the wrist.  This can be turned off back to tap on if desired.  It lights up the bedroom in the dark pretty good so that drains the battery some while you sleep and would be a tactical issue, but since it can be bypassed should be GTG.  Further taps scroll through each log.  Sleep and weight are only logged via the phone or computer.

Would I recommend it?  YES, because it works, and I'm only scratching the surface of the abilities of them both.  Ultimately, the key feature is you using them, they're not magic, but a tool.

Things you must do:

Be realistic, because while on horseback it counts twice the steps and you're not making any of them!  In Missouri training the dogs, I topped out at 49,000 steps one day, climbed 175 flights of stairs (hills of Missouri was what I hinted at with the 10 elevation thing) and burned ridiculous calories.  Now, clearly, I'd made my 10,000 step goal each day on my own, and it does read MY heart rate, not a horses so calories burned weren't skewed as far as steps verse heart rate.  Some common sense must be applied in similar situations- working a chainsaw, hammering if worn on dominant wrist and other similar activities will skew things as well.

Keep it charged, the harder it works, the faster the battery drains- horseback burned it up with all the tracking.

The scale can be used by up to 8 different persons and it'll log each different- don't know how all that works, cause I'm the only one doing it in the house.

Hope this helps anyone interested in "what it does and is it worth it"?

39
Faith Discussion / Blessing of the Backpack Day
« on: August 23, 2015, 10:29:12 AM »
Today is Blessing of the Backpacks Day at church- 10 yr. old daughter goes to the school there and it's a great way to kick off their school year!

May all of your children have a safe and blessed year, growing in knowledge and faith, and may they all learn the difference between being children in the world and not "of the world".  Pray for them and their teachers-

40
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Caulk Tape to the Rescue
« on: August 14, 2015, 02:27:40 PM »
So, during a frog strangling rain the day I was leaving the Ozarks for home, I'm standing in the bathroom, brushing my teeth and hear a constant drip in the shower area.  Now, nobody showered since the previous afternoon, so the shower is dry except for the splashes from the drips.  I'm looking all over with nothing but ceiling and skylight around the scene of the drip source.  I start touching screws of the skylight and here comes a steady stream upon touching the second one!  I push up evenly upon the rim of the skylight and it's like I suddenly have a rain head shower- leaking around the entire perimeter of the shower!  Now the rain was falling heavy enough for there to be a constant flow/build-up of 1/3" on the roof of the trailer, which luckily quit not long after.

I get home and the next day climb up on the roof to discover the sealant/caulk has separated at 2 of the 4 corners of the outside layer of the skylight- easy fix!  Break out the chisle sided putty knive and easily cut the old caulk away and replace it with some of that handy emergency caulk tape on 3 of the 4 corners, as a 3rd was looking iffy. I can see a total caulk removal/replacement and roof re-coat next summer!  Sure am glad I keep a roll of that stuff around in the RV toolbox!

41
Everything Trailer, Camper, or RV related / Fried AC unit!
« on: July 28, 2015, 08:56:26 AM »
Well, of course when camping in 100+ degree heat indices, what breaks on an RV?  Yep, the AC!  My friend, a professional dog trainer, leases a home, outbuildings and 16 acres from a HUGE operation Gas Company and Cattle Ranch near Lebanon, MO and I WAS , plugged into one of the outbuildings.  Second morning there, after overnight down pour, the AC breaker inside the trailer pops, reset and life goes on for awhile, then pops again.  So long story short, replace RV breaker with a 30amp one, as that's all was available at Electricians Shop, RV place and Big Box builders store.  Back in business until next morning after more rain, breaker inside the building blows!

I'd had unit services prior to trip to make sure AC was GTG and had called my reputable and knowledgeable Service guy and we checked out the volt inside the RV etc. and figured it was a starter capacitor going bad along with faulty RV breaker.  Well upon building breaker popping, we started checking out building.......holy s#%£!  -with power off at the pole, half the wires AND GROUND had power going to it!!!  We had a flashlight sized meter that buzzes and lights-up if voltage is present and it WAS.  Used volt meter to check things out. Breaker box was live, ground wire live, cut dangling wires outside etc. 

Suffice to say, the goober "in charge" is penny wise and dollar foolish!  Argued that nothing was wrong, until we got one of his guys to come out and verify how goofed up it really was!  Sitting here today watching the circus while "goober" has hired a licensed electrician to HOPEFULLY do it right.

Sweating it out "literally" waiting on final prognosis on AC unit repair which they hopefully get to today as I'm into day 3 of "waiting" to see.

So a big $ operation that "clears" the cost of a new pick-up truck every second of the day in natural gas sales, has a "goober" saving $ doing things "good enough" not able to see the long range cost of a wrongful death suit!?  Did I mention that the trainer has a nice setter he's training for the OWNER's son?  Yep, somebody's job is on the line here and I'm not thinking it's the Dog Trainer!



42
Faith Discussion / The Message is Everywhere
« on: July 27, 2015, 08:53:39 PM »
Sitting in a small church in Gardner, MO on Sunday, it would seem as if preacher Tim was trolling our discussions, CIEMR and other boards here!

His message was that there is a need for, and an awakening taking place in this Nation!  The minority (Christians) need to stand-up and demand that our voices be heard!  Why shouldn't we be heard, as the minority views seem to be running the agendas of our Government?  We need to be un-appologetic in or demand that Christian values be protected every bit as much as others "rights" that are trashing this once great Nation.  He also delineated the desire of God to Bless his people, not pass judgement.  He WILL pass judgement on those (Nations and individuals) who do not seek his will and live his word......and accept his gift of salvation.  He also stated that a battle is coming......this is the same preacher I've previously mentioned keeps a metal sign across from his porch to perform a mag dump when he has a bad day as a heating and air technician.....

The more this site becomes known, the more we will find our message is more widespread than we know!

43
D.O.T. / They do come back to you-
« on: July 21, 2015, 06:42:56 PM »
Here are my two daughters at Taylor Swift concert last Sunday evening.  My oldest, Alexa, hated me due to the handy work of my practice wife, and my former mother-out-law.  Time, consistent message and expectations along with the birth of my youngest Madison, lifted the veil of lies and negative propaganda.

My point is, those with children with negative attitudes towards you, hold the course, remain consistent and loving as possible.  They do grow up and learn to think for themselves and come to realize your not as evil/stupid as they once thought.


44
Bug-Out Bag and Camping gear / DOT's Bug-out addition
« on: July 16, 2015, 08:21:53 PM »
So, after vacation with extensive hotel stay, I decided to do something with the sizable collection of toiletries accumulated: assemble 3 personal "kits" for each family member!

PART 1
Washcloth
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hand Lotion
Bar Soap
Q-tips

PART 2
Toothbrush
Floss
Toothpaste
Personal Wipes
Deodorant
More Bar Soap

I vacuum sealed each part, and then in honor of Dons Department of Redundancy redundancy, I vacuum sealed PART 1 & 2 together!  Keeps items together, easy to distribute, no rattling around loose, waterproof and gives me source of additional bag type structure for whatever need may arise!  Granted, not as easy to maximize space working on my PHD skills (pile it higher and deeper) within the pack, but then again, long term storage is extended with things being sealed.  I also vacuum sealed three other wipe type packages to prevent drying out- 2 freshen-up types and one baby wipes.

A question for the masses, "In a SHTF scenario, what alternatives for TP have y'all considered?"  I know in snow country, a fresh handful works pretty well, but what about the other 3 seasons of the year? :o



45
D.O.T. / DOT Oil Change
« on: July 15, 2015, 04:55:31 PM »
Thought I'd post up something "constructive" from a DOT!

Changed Oil and filters in the Dmax yesterday

46
Site Rules & Introductions / Happy Birthday
« on: July 13, 2015, 08:35:43 AM »
Happy Birthday Kampfitt!

47
Tech/Electronics / Strings Generator
« on: July 12, 2015, 08:51:36 AM »
Got a email link from a Survival Institute, watched the video etc. and was intrigued.......$50 for "blueprints" to build your own Electric Generator from parts available from Radio Shack etc. and was wondering if anyone had any first hand knowledge of the "Strings Generator" etc.

Not a horrible price if legit, but seems like possible "snake oil" fundraiser for someone who's not me too!

48
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / SIEMR
« on: June 24, 2015, 09:20:11 AM »
Skunk Induced Early Morning Rant:

So living in suburbia, manicured lawns with cut worms feasting upon the root system draws critters that find them quite the delicacy.......you know, Peppe' La Peu..... a.k.a. skunks!  With a concrete front stoop, the pesky critters find it quite the bug-put site and take up residence under the hardened bunker outside my front door.  Early in our life here, I had a cycle of 3 such critters in a month.  Pest services charge upwards of $175 to show up and set one of those "Have-a-Heart" cage traps, then $100 min. to empty it EACH time....so being resourceful (CHEAP) I obtained a Conibear trap from my dog trainer back then and took matters in my own hands.  Discovered that even once "whacked" in those jaws of death, it's prudent to administer a "cou-de-gras" with Mr. .22 back then.

Fast forward to last week- signs of digging show at the sight of my former struggle so I go to the garage and re-deploy Mr. Conibear at the sight of the burrow.  Nothing shows at the end of last week so I figure remove said trap and fill hole in and go off with the camper to enjoy the outdoors.  So upon my return home, while trimming the bushes that envelop our entrance each summer, I discover a freshly dug den of stench!  Re-setting the slightly rusted trap, which I anchored with a stake, I sit back and wait for Señor' Stinky to forage for grubs.  Around 9:30 PM I detect a disturbance in the Force (faint nasal discomfort) and peer out the window to observe the scene- Mr. & Mrs. Middle East are waking down the middle of the street by the glow of mercury vapor lighting, sauntering with hands clasped behind their backs enjoying their stroll.....until they get down wind of my place! LOL!

So early this AM, the youngest Bird Finder wakes me to let him out or I can mop out his crate; I picked "wake up" instead of roll-over.  Once I've returned him to his crate, I figure go out and remove the evidence from the trap in time for today's weekly trash removal.  Donning rubber gloves, free-flowing pajamas and two plastic garbage bags, I remove the assembly from behind the bushes and lay-out the victim and trap on the grass, ready to open the jaws of death so I can put the trap away and Pepe in the trash.  While attempting to reset the substantial springs, I brushed the head of our victim with the bar clamp I was using and notice it's rear leg move- NAH, that isn't possible- let me check that again.......YEP did it again.......can't open that trap just yet or I could fall victim to a series of vengeance attacks!

Skunks are one of your most likely carriers of Rabies, hence the gloves, but nitrile doesn't hold up to sharp teeth of vermin, not to mention the usual "nerve agent" Mother Nature provides them with from birth!  Hammer Time!  No not the 80's version by M.C. , rather the carpentry variety applied like the late 60's song, "Maxwells Silver Hammer" I seem to remember was by the Beatles?  Wisely, I opened one of the bags and place over the backside of our villain, just in case.  Upon completion of said procedure with the "mlotek", I think "great, no nerve agent detected" and proceed to prepare to remove the trap for future use......h'mmm.......I feel this strange pressure in my nostrils....my tongue is watery......GAG....BLECK!  I remember at that point that when in close proximity to skunk juice, you don't really smell it as much as you "feel" it!  Gagging and spitting, I double bag trap and all and burry it in my trash bin!

First step in "recovery" was some fresh Dunkin' outta the Keurig then fired up the full pot of Costco Dark Roast to subdue the lingering effects of post traumatic STENCH syndrome........AAARG!  Wife just opened the door and I got a new waft.......yuck!  MORE COUGHFEEEE!

49
D.O.T. / Wall of Healing
« on: June 07, 2015, 05:16:48 PM »
Went to Cabelas to view this traveling exhibit today- introduced daughter to the human cost of Vietnam- that is that caused by direct combat.  Not quite ready for the psychological price paid by those who survived the combat.  Flags in the background are for each POW/MIA still unaccounted for.

50
Faith Discussion / Healing Request
« on: May 13, 2015, 05:28:16 PM »
So I've aquired vertigo and not the one by Hitchcock.  Increasing in frequency and severity to point while walking down hallway this afternoon, the wall on my left was at a 45 degree angle and leaned against me!  Never been in a heliocopter but imagine Don and Duane might have imparted similar effects to some cocky passengers.

Drove to Dr. In a Box, waiting with germ bags to get a appraisal of my condition - hoping for ear infection, fearing constricted arteries causing reduced blood flow to my lonely brain cell that's not effected yet. 

Appreciate prayers for a vanilla diagnosis and treatment - also for safety of others and myself as I drive home- ride here I was line a dottering 90 something affraid to turn my head fast for fear of puking in my nice truck or curbing myself or some poor KIA driver sipping a machioto latte here in sheepleville.

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