It's a "from the bench" post but apparently certain people only hit the blog if the correct labels are in place (cough, cough, Tam). Need some help here. How do I take care of this:
There are some markings on it!
Sharps? Or Sharpe?
So the deal is how do I take care of it, can I fire it, and if I can how! This weapon has not been touched for over 40 years for maintenance, but would love to take care of it and fire it if someone knows what to load it with! And as a bonus I have no knowledge of this type of firearm! Any help for the history, care, and firing would be appreciated!
I have lugged this thing around to many gun shows for many years, but no one wants to tell me anything about it other than "how much for it".
One of the local TV stations will not show a 30 second PSA of this video as "it's too graphic". Excuse me WSOC, or We Scare Our City with "it bleeds it leads" local news? I do have to say that this technically is one of the best special effects efforts I have ever witnessed, especially for a public service announcement. The crash is truly horrific.
Quick demonstration of the special effects is here, but they really chose the background music badly. Best to leave it off in my opinion.
Last week we had a shooting here at a convenience store. "Police said Robert Christopher Young, 23, was shot and killed late Thursday after exchanging gunfire with the clerks in the store off U.S. 74."
Today, the District Attorney releaced this statement:
“The honest, hard-working families that operate small businesses must be free from the fear of being robbed," Snyder said in a statement. "Those that choose to rob should be filled with fear that they will suffer the same fate as the deceased. In Union County, we have a no-return policy on armed robbery."
No charges will be brought against the two armed clerks. He also instructed the Chief of Police to return the clerks handguns. Nice touch! You will get my vote again!
I leave Independence VA. I want to take VA-94 to Fries VA. This route is also called the "old way" and the "high water bridge" way to get to Fries from Galax. But I see "ROAD CLOSED" signs for 94. I do not know why this occurred, but must go back to Galax to take the "new way" into the town. I do not know why the distinctions were made, both routes have always been there as long as I remember.
Click on any picture to enlarge!
But the high water route is special to me. Here is a Google overhead of this old steel girder bridge over the New River:
Here is a more intimate shot!
And yes taken from the passenger side of the ostentatious ride! I cherish the picture more now because I know that this bridge I will never cross again. An overloaded tractor trailer damaged it. It will be replaced with a pristine sterile bridge I am sure.
So after a really big lunch at my Aunt's house I and many others head to the family house:
One of my cousins is a professional photographer and wanted to get pictures of my Grandparents children in the house that is currently undergoing restoration.
First is a recreation of this photo taken some time ago:
Here is the current version:
I have lost an Uncle and two Aunt's in the time frame between these photos. And in case you are wondering the couch is the same and many Naugas gave their hides for this couch! I slept on it many times.
So for now the house is alive once again with footsteps, voices, and laughter. Stories told of times past and life lived here in this place. I have the same stories for this place but one generation removed.
Then we head upstairs:
Once again, since 1968 off and on there is a Mustang parked here:
Upstairs below where I took the shot of the Mustang we find this:
I am told that this was my equivalent of a car seat back in the day. It was passed down to at least one Aunt for her child.
The house had some great features, it had integral directory assistance:
I have volunteered to take care of the phone. Northern Telecom and should still work.
In a previous post on Fathers Day I posted a picture of the back yard. Here is what it looks like now:
As quickly as everyone converged and brought the house to life again, they leave. The house is silent once again. The house is still in the family however and I am reminded of a post from someone else that said: "And still the sun will set on us all...one day...best that we ensure our own shadow is cast upon ground that pleases us best. While we can." How true. I will defend this place and although it is not mine, I feel that it is. I grew up here. Learned many things about self reliance and will of the human spirit. Learned to shoot a shotgun here, fish, and if you see a snake in the garden, shoot it!
Time to go:
This is very sterile driving.
So after retuning home, a toast to the people I carried to their graves and the thanks for what they taught me.
I have made it to the top of the mountain. Sorry, no pictures from the ride up the mountain, I was busy! As I chose to push it once again Goodyear Eagle GT+II's vocally give me warning that if I continue to ask of them what I am, immutable laws of physics will come into play shortly! There are no job deadlines, mortgages, or other such things that burden all of us during this exercise. It all bleeds away as it is all about you, the machine, that moment in time, and the road ahead. It commands your full attention just like shooting. And for a brief moment I am alive again in the moment. And young! Virginia awaits:
Before I go to my Aunt's house, I choose a detour to Independence, VA. I want to see the place where my grandparents are interred. Here is a picture of my Grandfather. Adults called him Ace, the grandkids called him Paw-Paw. He is on the right in this picture:
I do not know the gentleman on the left, but perhaps a family member will know after seeing this post.
Now the matriarch of the family.
This is the front porch of the house. Notice that with kids running around, no one went to Wal-Mart to pick up the plastic expandable gate. They built something. This woman was always loaded with Dental Rose snuff in the lip and said every time you visited that she had nothing cooked, but always seemed to whip out pintos, corn bread, slaw, sausage, and the best homemade biscuits EVER! She would even whip out deer and traditional sausage. She was called "Granny" by the grandkids and "Minnie" by the adults.
Many life events took place here. Here are one of my Uncle and Aunt's on the same front yard:
My parents were married here:
Pop is on the right!
But back to the here and now. I visit the graveside in Independence:
Decoration Day is on Father's Day here, but it looks like my Aunts have already taken care of this task. Friends from nearby Sparta, NC will be here tomorrow as well and make any adjustments if needed for this day.
The view from the site is extremely serene and peaceful. If I choose to be traditionally interred I can only hope to be somewhere as beautiful as this:
I am now late for the reunion and although sometimes losing cell phone service is a wonderful thing and as you can imagine cell phone coverage is dicey at best here. I need to get going. Although I just turned 48, my parents will be parents after all and become concerned shortly.
I head back out after leaving a 20 dollar donation for the Cemetery upkeep. A WWII veteran and his two sons are attending the grave of the wife and mother to them as I leave. I thank him for his service and after I explain why I am there all is well between all of us. We are all paying respects.
Now to Fries. The chariot awaits:
The Magnum Opus continues! I feel this warrants a part three!
From the President of the USS Laffey (DD-724) Association:
All hands:
Here is the latest on the ship.
Bob Wampler and myself will be meeting with Dick Trammell next week to find out what in the heck is going on. I don't think this will come as a surprise to everyone. It has looked like this could have been a posibility for a year now. Let's just hope that something good will come of it.
I promise to keep everyone informed after the meeting. But it could be October until we learn what they can do.
Does anyone have a berth for a famous WWII Destroyer?????
Hull should last another 20+ years and it comes with free labor to keep her looking good.
I'll let you know next week.
Sonny
I am livid! Spend nine million for repair and then decide she could not berth where she was before repair? Or need another 2 mill for a new berth? No one saw this coming? And now they say they can't take care of the Yorktown or Clagamore?
I know that the tourists routinely complain on the Yorktown, North Carolina, and Laffey about the steep narrow stairs, no air conditioning, no restrooms on board (There are on the North Carolina and Yorktown BTW). But last I heard these ships were not commissioned by Carnival Cruise Lines....Sheesh!
I believe that the comedian Steven Wright said during one routine that "Space and time were invented so we would not have to do everything at once and not at the same place". I had an opportunity to expound on that recently. I used time to create distance and arrived in a different space.That space in turn created a different time.
Family reunion in the mountains of Southwest Virgina. Certain places along the way include Fancy Gap, Low Gap, high water bridge, low water bridge, Top Street, Riverview Street, and so many others. So after starting out from Winston-Salem, NC the trip unfolds. I could have chosen another car for the trip, but I chose the same model of car that I roamed these mountains with over 30 years ago. A 5 dollar chrome image of a horse leads the way yet again (Note: if you are restoring a Mustang, they are no longer 5 bucks). This particular horse led the way to Virginia from 1971 to 1988. It is retired and sits on top of my home office desk:
Click on any picture to enlarge!
Besides, the other car is a bit ostentatious for where I am going.
The parents head out and so do I. First up we hit Pilot Mountain (or "Mount Pilot" of Andy Griffith Show fame)
Then we turn around to see the same barn that was there when I was a young man with several dates here (easier in the daylight):
And the journey continues but instead of taking Interstate 74 to I-77 I chose the path less traveled. The Interstate is bland, sterile and typical of Federal DOT standards. The load of vacationers going home from the beach also influences my choice. I want to feel the road from my youth once again. It used to be the only way from Winston to our family home and I look forward to the once familiar road:
Yes, once again this town was otherwise known as "Mayberry" from the Andy Griffith Show. I am not going to Mt. Airy on NC 89 though, I am going north to the Virgina border. Although I have very good friends here that I have not seen in many years constraints of time prohibit my stopping.
This is more like it! I know this was a good decision as soon as I see this:
Two lane road and in front is a man in a pickup with his dog out to do whatever they need to do today. The soft rolling hills only hint at what awaits. No vacationers here.
The road ahead hints at some heel and toe work if I so choose. I am going up the mountain. I chose the heel and toe work if traffic allows. Oh, and bonus points if you wave at the oncoming vehicles. For the true people in these parts its expected!
This is the last shot you have for passing anybody before you get to the mountain. As you can see I have availed myself of the chance for the double lines are ahead. So the mountain is mine as far as I can see. I heard the roar of the 302 engine just as I have heard the roar of the 351 so many years ago. There is no traction control other than your skill and luck in such endeavors. Although my Mother drove the 351 when I could comfortably sleep in the floorboard of that car I am sure she never contemplated what I have routinely asked of "her" car. Her car now lives in semi retirement in my garage. I have asked another to make this pilgrimage.
Happy Fathers Day everyone! I have a map and not really sure about the history and purpose of it. I assume it is an escape map or life boat map for AAF personnel. Two sided, one side is marked "C-52 Japan and South China Seas" and the other side is marked "C-53 East China Seas" Here is a picture:
Some close ups of nomenclature:
Finally, in honor of Fathers Day a picture of my Father taken yesterday:
I'm hoping for a Tamalanche on this one. The last time she crosslinked I had a wealth of information from fellow bloggers! I would like to know how to care for it and display it.
From across the pond comes the tale of a Po-po department thinking about using an iPhone app to allow gun owners to renew their firearm "and shotgun" licences. Huh? I thought shotguns were firearms. Reminds me of a store here named "Grits and Groceries". Where I'm from Grits are groceries too!
What are they going to call it? iShoot?
Renew licences and get a visit from the po-po? How often do they have to renew?
Over here at the always talented Blog of Bayou Renaissance Man is a post that finally I got mad enough to respond. I try to limit my feelings and such on the Interwebs, but man, some of the comments got under my skin and would not let go!
The written word is not my specialty and it takes a great deal of time for me to post anything. I hope you find my comments acceptable!
Is this Sunday. If you are still able to call or visit, do! I don't know why I was bent, but here's a picture from long ago at a place that I love!
He is still here and I am proud to call him my Father and more importantly my friend!
Notice the target upper left in the tree stump? Sit on the back porch and refine those skills! Then go inside for some deer sausage, pintos and the best cat head biscuits all over a wood stove!
Glock Armorer training in Indian Trail, NC July 13th! Link is here. See you there! Oh, I don't own a Glock, shhhhh. Don't tell! But with everyone running around with them I have to do this! NOT a fan of the Tupperware stuff, but you must bow to the market!
My labor of love for today is done. 13 year old young man learning to shoot. He is going to Boy Scout summer camp and wants the merit badge for rifle shooting.
They use bolt action single shot rifles in .22LR caliber I am told. I did not have a rifle fitting that description so I went with a Winchester Model 9422 lever action in .22 Magnum. One of the first long rifles I shot as a "young man". Also got to teach basic safety, marksmanship and orentation with revolvers and semi-auto handguns. Did some dry fire here as well before heading to the range.
Young man comported himself well. I have never been called "Mr. Eads" until today! Man, I must be getting old!
He shot consistently in the nine ring with the rifle by the time we were done. He also shot a Colt .38 Detective Special and the range people gave him a Beretta 92FS to try out. Young man did well! Range personnel were fantastic and very supportive. I agree with their enthusiasm to get young people involved in the shooting sports.
Sadly most people do not get to lesson two "Cleaning and Maintenance". I think this young man will be back for that, but in the meantime:
I will say that the takedown screw that has a curved slot that just fits a quarter perfectly is genius!
A long time friend asked tonight if I could teach his son how to shoot tomorrow! I will start him off with a Winchester Model 9422 in .22 Magnum and if it goes well a S&W Model 34-1 .22 revolver. I will always take the time to teach a young person the art and science of safe shooting!
The Troopers Gal has a wonderful post on small town living. So does B. Sonia has a couple of pictures up of a car show. I currently live in a small town and got a chance to show off a little bit today. The City has a "drive-in" every month downtown. So I came home after work and grabbed this and motored off to Main Street.
Click on pics to enlarge!
First, we arrive at the courthouse. Complete with a Confederate Memorial front and center.
Then we find a place to park:
Now for something to eat! I could go to the Lunch Box or the Oasis sandwich shop across the street. The Lunch Box is a relative newcomer to the scene but they seem to have found a niche. Deep fried everything! Since I ate there for lunch this week I chose the Oasis.
I went to the Oasis for a couple of hot dogs, chips and lemon-aid! Served as always on a metal tray with a Christmas theme on it. A shadow box on the wall containing a paper hat marked "Oasis" testifies as to the longevity of the establishment. Various paintings of the landmarks of the City also adorn the walls. I sat out on the sidewalk to admire the cars. The Ford hearse was interesting!
The Oasis is on the right of the Center theater, the hood of my '71 is in the foreground.
The mix of old cars and new provided an interesting shot:
A very nice Thunderbird was in attendance:
Finally, a look down Main Street from end to end:
I grew up in a much larger town and initially disliked my adapted town, but I have grown to really enjoy living here and I can always take a short drive if I need to get into trouble!
Then back home!
Yes the '94 GT has not earned the right to be in the garage and must respect its elders in that regard!
I hope everyone has a great weekend! Mine started off great!
The first successful Xerox machine turns 50 this year. Retro Information Technology at its finest! (Except when overheated it had a tendency to catch on fire)
But that's OK, Xerox provided an "Scorch Eliminator" (aka fire extinguisher) with every one!
I am also in awe over the desk lighting in the background! Oh and the fetching young lady in the blue dress. She could be the "Key Operator"!
So, the new marketing motto is "Rethink Possible". How about this at&t:
Could it be possible that I, living in a suburb of Charlotte, NC have a cell phone useable in my house?
Could it be possible that you fix the fact that my Blackberry says it cannot get a data connection yet it is connected to my home Wi-Fi? Over a cable modem?
Could it be possible that I used my phone with VOIP if I am connected to my home Wi-Fi?
Could it be possible that my email address I have owned for 18+ years would not disappear yesterday because you whored this out to Yahoo without telling me the new POP and SMTP settings?
Could it be possible that you really had a great VOIP service and you killed it for whatever reason?
Who says we don't have a sense of humor?If you read my blog you have probably surmised that I am a card carrying geek. Well I have a day gig being one and a part time job at the community college teaching geek. So, why yes, yes I am!
From RFC-1925 titled "The Twelve Networking Rules" comes such wisdom as:
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. However, this is not necessarily
a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are going to land, and it
could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.
It is always possible to aglutenate multiple separate problems
into a single complex interdependent solution. In most cases
Although the USS North Carolina BB-55 did not serve in the European Campaign, she was quite impressive in the Pacific Theater: "USS North Carolina (BB-55) (Showboat) was the lead ship of her class of battleship and the fourth in the United States Navy to be named in honor of this U.S. state. She was the first new-construction U.S. battleship to enter service during World War II, participating in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater to become the most decorated United States battleship of the war with 15 battle stars.[2] She currently rests as a museum ship at the port of Wilmington, North Carolina.
She served well:
" In an eight-minute action, North Carolina shot down between seven and fourteen enemy aircraft, her gunners remaining at their guns despite the jarring detonations of seven near misses. One man was killed by a strafer, but the ship was undamaged. Her sheer volume of anti-aircraft fire was such as to lead Enterprise to query, "Are you afire?"[4"
She took a torpedo: North Carolina now gave her strength to protect Saratoga. Twice during the following weeks of support to Marines ashore on Guadalcanal, North Carolina was attacked by Japanese submarines. On 6 September, she maneuvered successfully, dodging a torpedo which passed 300 yd (270 m) off the port beam.[13] Nine days later, on 15 September, sailing with Wasp and Hornet, North Carolina took a torpedo portside, 20 ft (6.1 m) below her waterline, and six of her men were killed. This torpedo originated from I-19, and other torpedoes in the same salvo sank Wasp.[14] Skillful damage control by the crew of North Carolina and the excellence of her construction prevented disaster; a 5.6° list was righted in as many minutes, and she maintained her station in a formation at 26 kn (30 mph; 48 km/h).[15]
In honor of the Men and Women that served I humbly present a piece of Teak decking from the main deck that most surely went "In Harm's Way" from The Showboat!
The decking has been replaced despite hippie protests! If you can get to Wilmington NC go see her! Link for the Museum here.
Before I get underway today, several notes. I must acknowledge that D-Day was today. Many other bloggers have remarked on this far better than my limited skills with written word and media ever could.
I will point out however that the USS Laffey DD-724 was there: "On 3 June, she headed for the Normandy beaches escorting tugs, landing craft, and two Dutch gunboats. The group arrived in the assault area, off Utah beach, Baie de la Seine, France, at dawn on D-Day, 6 June 1944. On 6-7 June, Laffey screened to seaward, and on 8-9 June, she successfully bombarded gun emplacements. Leaving the screen temporarily, the ship raced to Plymouth to replenish and returned to the coast of Normandy the next day. On 12 June, Laffey pursued enemy U-boats which had torpedoed the destroyer Nelson. The destroyer broke up their tight formation and prevented further attacks." She is not available for public viewing at this time, but is expected to return to Patriots Point SC next year.
The range I frequent is now open on Sundays and I get to sort brass looking for whatever suits my fancy! So, this is why I am late today and this Retro is a little one.
The Panasonic R-72 or "Toot-a-Loop" was a portable AM radio produced in the 1970's. Its design landed it in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
So without further ado, here is mine that somehow survived my youth and several moves to sit with some very good company!
It still works but there seems to be a problem. When new, it played Top 40 music, now it only plays right wing talk radio, I need to look into that!
