I have done just about everything I intended to do this week. It's been a good time, with good progress made, and I am reminded that it is Friday afternoon. It's five o'clock somewhere.
Tomorrow morning, my son-in-law and I start building the range, but right now, it's Happy Hour
Friday, January 05, 2018
Shop Update - Progress
It's a small thing that we take for granted, but when you're fighting bureaucracy and government, every little step forward is a huge relief.
I've got lights and power in the shop now, and things can mover forward.
I've got lights and power in the shop now, and things can mover forward.
Thursday, January 04, 2018
Thusday Research
A buddy and I were talking about this earlier. One of the modern marvels of the internet is YouTube. You can learn anything that you want to learn on YouTube, and I use it constantly.
For example, I build my last stud wall, maybe ten years ago. One of the things I always have to think about is framing a stud-wall corner, and I'm going to have to do that on a project in the coming months, so I thought that it would be a good idea to check YouTube and get my bearings. Sure enough.
I remember all I need to remember now, and I'll just leave taat there so I can find it later.
For example, I build my last stud wall, maybe ten years ago. One of the things I always have to think about is framing a stud-wall corner, and I'm going to have to do that on a project in the coming months, so I thought that it would be a good idea to check YouTube and get my bearings. Sure enough.
I remember all I need to remember now, and I'll just leave taat there so I can find it later.
Wednesday, January 03, 2018
Shop Update - Passed
The code inspector came out shortly after lunch to inspect the electrical installation. He liked what he saw, and put a PASS sticker on the meter pan.
I came in and called Cleco, our electric service provider. Went through their spiel, and they told me that a service planner would be out within 24-48 hours to plan service.
Thinking that I would't hear from them today, I grabbed a wheelbarrow and went out to clear up some of the construction debris. I heard a vehicle in front of the building and was surprised to see a young fellow get out, claiming to be a service planner. We talked for a bit, and he told me that we'd snatch the power from a pole in my neighbor's yard (which is what I hoped they'd do), and that he'd get the service order turned in first thing tomorrow morning.
I asked him when I could reasonably expect to get service?
"Maybe, Friday," he said, "but more likely Monday or Tuesday."
I admit that I am a bit surprised. By early next week, I'll have power in my shop and I can start building the range.
I came in and called Cleco, our electric service provider. Went through their spiel, and they told me that a service planner would be out within 24-48 hours to plan service.
Thinking that I would't hear from them today, I grabbed a wheelbarrow and went out to clear up some of the construction debris. I heard a vehicle in front of the building and was surprised to see a young fellow get out, claiming to be a service planner. We talked for a bit, and he told me that we'd snatch the power from a pole in my neighbor's yard (which is what I hoped they'd do), and that he'd get the service order turned in first thing tomorrow morning.
I asked him when I could reasonably expect to get service?
"Maybe, Friday," he said, "but more likely Monday or Tuesday."
I admit that I am a bit surprised. By early next week, I'll have power in my shop and I can start building the range.
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
Basic Riflery, the MPBR, and more
Great article over at Ammo Land, concerning stuff I taught 40 years ago. This stuff hasn't changed much, because physics hasn't changed much. The article is based on the M4 carbine and standard NATO ammo, which is familiar to almost every shooter, but the math holds regardless of the caliber or the rifle.
The author defines Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR) as that distance at which the bullet flight varies no more that 6 centimeters from the line of sight. Six centimeters is approximately 2.6 inches, and is the height that the sights of an AR 15 is set above the bore line. That's a useful measurement standard because it is readily available if you're holding an AR rifle. But, in my day, we defined it differently.
I was taught (and I taught) that Maximum Point Blank Rage is that distance where the marksman can hit a man-sized torso target (from belt to head) by holding the sights on a center-mass point. With a standard NATO 7.62mm ball ammo, that distance is somewhere about 300 meters, assuming still air at sea level. Understanding the math, and the physics is fine, it's a wonderful thing, but physics and match make certain assumptions and those assumptions may not hold true in the field.
For example, I've never seen still air at sea level. I assume that it exists, but every time I walk down to the beach, there's a breeze blowing. Still, it's an assumption that exists, so it must happen somewhere. So, after we understand the math and physics, it's important that we practice with our rifle. Take it out and shoot it at every opportunity. Practice from field positions. Get away from the bench. The marksman that shoots 100 rounds a year will be more familiar with his rifle than the marksman that shoots 10 rounds per year.
It's easy to sit at a computer and explore the variables. It's something else again to get out in the field and see how those variables affect your rifle, your ammo, and your target. Get some training, practice with your rifle, and when it comes time to make the shot you'll have both the confidence and ability to hit the target.
The author defines Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR) as that distance at which the bullet flight varies no more that 6 centimeters from the line of sight. Six centimeters is approximately 2.6 inches, and is the height that the sights of an AR 15 is set above the bore line. That's a useful measurement standard because it is readily available if you're holding an AR rifle. But, in my day, we defined it differently.
I was taught (and I taught) that Maximum Point Blank Rage is that distance where the marksman can hit a man-sized torso target (from belt to head) by holding the sights on a center-mass point. With a standard NATO 7.62mm ball ammo, that distance is somewhere about 300 meters, assuming still air at sea level. Understanding the math, and the physics is fine, it's a wonderful thing, but physics and match make certain assumptions and those assumptions may not hold true in the field.
For example, I've never seen still air at sea level. I assume that it exists, but every time I walk down to the beach, there's a breeze blowing. Still, it's an assumption that exists, so it must happen somewhere. So, after we understand the math and physics, it's important that we practice with our rifle. Take it out and shoot it at every opportunity. Practice from field positions. Get away from the bench. The marksman that shoots 100 rounds a year will be more familiar with his rifle than the marksman that shoots 10 rounds per year.
It's easy to sit at a computer and explore the variables. It's something else again to get out in the field and see how those variables affect your rifle, your ammo, and your target. Get some training, practice with your rifle, and when it comes time to make the shot you'll have both the confidence and ability to hit the target.
Monday, January 01, 2018
New Years Day
Bitterly cold outside, with a wind-chill that took my breath away earlier, it's warm indoors. Belle and I are following a tradition that her parents, and my parents followed. We're cooking. Plain humble fare to remind us to be thankful, to be humble, and to give us strength.
Belle and I became engaged during a New Years celebration, in the minutes after midnight, January 1, 2003. The next day, we announced our engagement with a meal of blackeyed peas, cabbage, and corn bread. We still cook on New Year's Day, and our good friend, the honorable mayor of Pollock attends the feast. Sometimes more folks, sometimes less, and today there will be simply we three. We saw the kids yesterday, and while they were all invited, they deferred, having other plans.
The peas are done, but the cabbage is still cooking. Cabbage cooks quickly, and Belle starts by frying a little seasoning ham in oil, then layers cabbage, onion, with a little salt. and occasionally just a pinch of sugar. She'll add more as the cabbage "melts" down in the pot and in an hour or so, she'll be ready to mix up her corn bread.
We'll spend the day hanging out with friends, and tonight go to church. Today is rest, and tomorrow starts the working year. I hope that 2018 is good to each of you, and this year is filled with laughter and love and challenge.
Happy New Year!
Belle and I became engaged during a New Years celebration, in the minutes after midnight, January 1, 2003. The next day, we announced our engagement with a meal of blackeyed peas, cabbage, and corn bread. We still cook on New Year's Day, and our good friend, the honorable mayor of Pollock attends the feast. Sometimes more folks, sometimes less, and today there will be simply we three. We saw the kids yesterday, and while they were all invited, they deferred, having other plans.
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| I have removed the bone from the leftover Christmas ham. |
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| Good, clean white cabbage. This will cook down nicely. |
Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Facebook - Goofy
I spend time on Facebook keeping up with friends and family. Every Fast Draw club I know has a Facebook page, where we share events, and pictures, and swap ideas and techniques. Facebook is great for that, but it has some weird quirks. Like this notification I got this morning.
I had to laugh. Michael is my grandson. We don't share any blood; he is Belle's grandson, but I met him when he was four years old, and he's been a constant figure in my life since 2001. Michael's a great kid. He's a junior in college, making his way in the word, and doing it his way. He's a musician, and working on a degree in education. He's currently a drum major in the university band, and his stated goal is to be a band director at the high school level. He's well on his way to combining music, education, and a career of doing something he loves.
Michael is a great kid, and the idea that I've only known him for five years is laughable. Michael is one of the reasons that this blog is named PawPaw's House and I am very proud of him.
I had to laugh. Michael is my grandson. We don't share any blood; he is Belle's grandson, but I met him when he was four years old, and he's been a constant figure in my life since 2001. Michael's a great kid. He's a junior in college, making his way in the word, and doing it his way. He's a musician, and working on a degree in education. He's currently a drum major in the university band, and his stated goal is to be a band director at the high school level. He's well on his way to combining music, education, and a career of doing something he loves.
Michael is a great kid, and the idea that I've only known him for five years is laughable. Michael is one of the reasons that this blog is named PawPaw's House and I am very proud of him.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Questions
Allen asks in comment:
You're not the first person to ask about a welder, and that amazes me for several reasons. First, I don't weld. Never have, never learned. And, with the eye problems I've been diagnosed with, welding isn't in my future. However, two of my three sons weld, and they have these amazing little MIG/TIG welders (one's a Miller, one's a Lincoln) that they run on standard 110v, 20 amp circuits. But no, I'm not a welder and ever will be. My air compressor is a little Harbor Freight unit that runs on standard household current.
Are you required to GFCI all the outlet circuits?Yep! I have one of those installed in the first outlet of every circuit. Surprisingly, the air conditioners came with GFCI heads already installed on the plugs. But, yeah, it's required by code.
I'm assuming all the outlets are on 20 amp circuits. Did you put in any 30 amp 24 and 60 amp 240 circuits to accommodate future heavier equipment (air compressor, welder, etc.)All the outlets are on 20 amp circuits, and the outlets themselves are 20 amp. The AC units required a 20 amp 240v circuit and I have two of them installed. Each AC unit on it's own circuit.
You're not the first person to ask about a welder, and that amazes me for several reasons. First, I don't weld. Never have, never learned. And, with the eye problems I've been diagnosed with, welding isn't in my future. However, two of my three sons weld, and they have these amazing little MIG/TIG welders (one's a Miller, one's a Lincoln) that they run on standard 110v, 20 amp circuits. But no, I'm not a welder and ever will be. My air compressor is a little Harbor Freight unit that runs on standard household current.
You have air conditioners, any provision for a large wall fan? On low it can exhaust gunsmoke, on high move enough air for cooling.We talked about exhaust fans today, during our lunch break. Some sort of exhaust fan is in the works, but I haven't figured out the details. I have plenty of breaker capacity in the panel in case I want to install circuits later, but right now I think I'm good.
Shop Update
My boys showed up this morning to help finish the electrical installation, so that we can get it inspected. My second son went through an inspection when he built his shop earlier this ear, so he's familiar with the process and could guide me against potential pitfalls.
Mainly, grounding. It is a metal building,after all, and I understand that we want a good ground to everything, but I really don't understand the requirement to use grounding tabs. The meter pan is grounded to an 8-foot grounding rod, buried to below slab level. The ground goes inside to the breaker panel, which is also grounded to the slab through a grounding rod that the slab inspector required to ground the reinforcing steel to the to the box. Each run of electrical cable is grounded to the box, and to the building with screws, and the box itself has a little green grounding wire installed that is linked to the fixtures themselves.
All that being said, this is the regulatory regime we live in today, and we double-checked everything, found a couple of question marks, and re-did the work. I believe that it is all tight and right, and we're ready for the inspector. I'll call them Tuesday morning, first thing, because I am sure that Monday is a holiday. Hopefully, he'll get here late Tuesday or early Wednesday, and give me a PASS sticker so that we can proceed with the electrical connection.
But, it's now Saturday afternoon. The shop is closed, the tools are put away, and I can proceed with Happy Hour. It is a holiday weekend, after all.
Mainly, grounding. It is a metal building,after all, and I understand that we want a good ground to everything, but I really don't understand the requirement to use grounding tabs. The meter pan is grounded to an 8-foot grounding rod, buried to below slab level. The ground goes inside to the breaker panel, which is also grounded to the slab through a grounding rod that the slab inspector required to ground the reinforcing steel to the to the box. Each run of electrical cable is grounded to the box, and to the building with screws, and the box itself has a little green grounding wire installed that is linked to the fixtures themselves.
All that being said, this is the regulatory regime we live in today, and we double-checked everything, found a couple of question marks, and re-did the work. I believe that it is all tight and right, and we're ready for the inspector. I'll call them Tuesday morning, first thing, because I am sure that Monday is a holiday. Hopefully, he'll get here late Tuesday or early Wednesday, and give me a PASS sticker so that we can proceed with the electrical connection.
But, it's now Saturday afternoon. The shop is closed, the tools are put away, and I can proceed with Happy Hour. It is a holiday weekend, after all.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Shop Update - Tired
I have been on a ladder all day long, installing the electrical service for the air conditioners and running a switch lead for the lights. It doesn't sound like much, but when you're working 10 feet in the air, it makes for a long day. I am developing a loathing for ladders, and I've increased my loathing of 10-2 metal clad cable.
Tomorrow the sun will come up on a new day and I have three young men coming to help me. We have to install eight outlets along the wall and install outlets for lights on the ceiling. Hopefully by later tomorrow afternoon, I"ll be ready to call for the inspector. After he blesses it, we can get the electric company to hook me to the grid.
Tomorrow the sun will come up on a new day and I have three young men coming to help me. We have to install eight outlets along the wall and install outlets for lights on the ceiling. Hopefully by later tomorrow afternoon, I"ll be ready to call for the inspector. After he blesses it, we can get the electric company to hook me to the grid.
The Weather
It looks like we're going to have a cold snap early next week to usher it 2018. So be it. I've lived through cold snaps before. I recall the winter of '77, when I lived at Fort Knox, and the travails o being a young company commander whose troops lived in WWII barracks. It was no joy at all. The winters of '78 and '79 were no cake-walk either.
As I recall, the great bookieman of the weather scientists in those days was global cooling. Yeah,, we were headed for a new Ice Age. Seriously.
T hen, sometimes after Al Gore lost his bid for the presidency, he began a campaign to make himself filthy rich by proclaiming that the earth was getting warmer. I've been openly skeptical of that farce since it's beginning. For a number of reasons, the glowball warmening crowd cried gloom-and-doom, but they didn't change their personal habits. Like, for example, flying private jets to climate conferences.
Now, President Trump is expressing skepticism, and the DNC-MSM are losing their minds.
It's weather, people. Get over it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to put on my long johns and venture out to the shop. I have more wiring to pull, and outlets to install. It's cold out there.
As I recall, the great bookieman of the weather scientists in those days was global cooling. Yeah,, we were headed for a new Ice Age. Seriously.
T hen, sometimes after Al Gore lost his bid for the presidency, he began a campaign to make himself filthy rich by proclaiming that the earth was getting warmer. I've been openly skeptical of that farce since it's beginning. For a number of reasons, the glowball warmening crowd cried gloom-and-doom, but they didn't change their personal habits. Like, for example, flying private jets to climate conferences.
Now, President Trump is expressing skepticism, and the DNC-MSM are losing their minds.
It's weather, people. Get over it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to put on my long johns and venture out to the shop. I have more wiring to pull, and outlets to install. It's cold out there.
Racist!
This:
Really! That's completely and utterly racist. Frankly, I'm tied of being blamed for someone else's problems. For me, 2018 will be the year of calling out racism wherever it rears its ugly head.
Really! That's completely and utterly racist. Frankly, I'm tied of being blamed for someone else's problems. For me, 2018 will be the year of calling out racism wherever it rears its ugly head.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Why Be Average?
When I was growing up, I was taught to exceed the standards, to not settle for being average.
As a matter or pure fact, I have worked hard today, doing construction work. I believe that I am entitled. Everyone has to believe in something, and I believe I'll have another drink.
Based on per capita consumption from alcoholic beverage sales data, the average American drinks roughly 1.35 drinks per day, 9.5 drinks per week and 494 drinks per year, said Aaron White, senior scientific advisor to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism director. But, White said that number is higher — 1.94 drinks a day, 13.6 per week and 705 a year when adjusting for age (looking at just adults 18 and older, the majority of the nation’s drinkers).Happy Hour starts (round here) when Belle gets home from work. We generally exceed the average right up to the time we toddle off toward bed.
As a matter or pure fact, I have worked hard today, doing construction work. I believe that I am entitled. Everyone has to believe in something, and I believe I'll have another drink.
Pulling Wire
I've been pulling wire all day. Well, not exactly, I've been installing MC 12-2 (Some call it BX). It's a metal-clad wire suitable for installation in metal buildings. Which is exactly where I'm putting it. I've done about all I intend to do today, and I need to pick my electrician's bran before I go further.
I need to decide whether I'm going to wire my receptacles in series (daisy-chain) or parallel (all pulling off a common circuit) before I go much further. I'm also wondering if I need to go with 10-2 wire for my air conditioners. Generally, we use 10-2 for 220 volt applications, but the spec sheet on these two units claim that they only pull 15 amps These are 18,000 BTU units, which generally call for the larger cable, but I showed the spec sheet to the electrician where I bought my supplies and he told me that if he were doing the install, he'd use the 12-2, which is rated for 20 amps.
Decisions, decisions. I feel safe using the 12-2, but I'll talk to my electrician, who is familiar with the inspectors around here. It certainly wouldn't hurt anything to use 10-2 except for the added expense.
I have some young help coming to assist on Saturday, and hopefully, we can get this job wrapped up so that I can have it inspected next week.
I need to decide whether I'm going to wire my receptacles in series (daisy-chain) or parallel (all pulling off a common circuit) before I go much further. I'm also wondering if I need to go with 10-2 wire for my air conditioners. Generally, we use 10-2 for 220 volt applications, but the spec sheet on these two units claim that they only pull 15 amps These are 18,000 BTU units, which generally call for the larger cable, but I showed the spec sheet to the electrician where I bought my supplies and he told me that if he were doing the install, he'd use the 12-2, which is rated for 20 amps.
Decisions, decisions. I feel safe using the 12-2, but I'll talk to my electrician, who is familiar with the inspectors around here. It certainly wouldn't hurt anything to use 10-2 except for the added expense.
I have some young help coming to assist on Saturday, and hopefully, we can get this job wrapped up so that I can have it inspected next week.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Chicken Noodle Soup
When the weather is cloudy and the air is cold ad the clouds are threatening rain, Chicken Noodle Soup is one of my go-to comfort foods. You can open a can if you'd like, but my recipe is darned simple, fast, and has produced good results for a lot of years.
Quick Chicken Noodle Soup
1 rotisserie chicken
2 box Swanson's Chicken Broth
1 bag of shredded carrots
1 bag egg noodles.
Prep and Cooking
Peel that chicken off the bone and cut or tear into bite-sized Put it in a soup pot, add the shredded carrots and the broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add noodles. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the carrots are tender.
Serve with crackers or crusty bread. Bon apetit!
That pot above is a half-recipe. I'll let it simmer for another few minutes, and make myself a bowl.
Quick Chicken Noodle Soup
1 rotisserie chicken
2 box Swanson's Chicken Broth
1 bag of shredded carrots
1 bag egg noodles.
Prep and Cooking
Peel that chicken off the bone and cut or tear into bite-sized Put it in a soup pot, add the shredded carrots and the broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add noodles. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the carrots are tender.
Serve with crackers or crusty bread. Bon apetit!
That pot above is a half-recipe. I'll let it simmer for another few minutes, and make myself a bowl.
Terror of the Skies
I'm sure that you've all read, by now, the unsettling tale of Rep Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) who makes life hell for flight crews.
She takes advantage of federal travel perks to book multiple flights (only to cancel at the last minute and at no charge). She demands an upgrade to premier seats. She expects, in her words, “to be treated like a queen.”Most recently, she booted a paying customer out of first-class so that she could have the seat that she feels she deserves. Ms. Jackson Lee is the ranking member of the House subcommittee on Transportation Security, so She's also a black woman, so she keeps a deck of race cards in her purse to deal whenever she feels the slightest bit criticized.
“Since this was not any fault of mine, the way the individual continued to act appeared to be, upon reflection, because I was an African American woman, seemingly an easy target along with the African American flight attendant who was very, very nice,Yeah, whatever, Congresswoman. I hope you enjoyed your flight.
Coyotes
It seems that coyotes are colonizing large population centers. This, from the New York Times.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Dennis Murphy sniffed the bobcat urine he uses to lure his prey. He checked the silencer on his AR-15 assault rifle and loaded a few snares into his Ford pickup.Coyotes are remarkably adaptive animals, both predator and scavenger and the suburbs are ideally sited to them. With the suburbs come sprawl, garbage cans, little yapping dogs, tracts of un-used land, and all of this is suited to animals that, in the past, humans didn't normally tolerate around their homes.
“Let’s go kill some coyotes,” he said.
But he wasn’t heading for the wilderness. Mr. Murphy’s stalking ground is on the contentious new frontier where hunters are clashing with conservationists: cities and suburbs.
When I lived inn rural America, I knew that I had predators on my land, and I tolerated them. I know for certain that I had a bobcat who crossed my land, a panther that counted my pasture as part of her territory, and the occasional pack of coyotes. We had a truce. The rules were simple. As long as they chased mice and rabbits, didn't bother the livestock, and respected my right to roam, I'd respect theirs. If they got too close to the house, or threatened any of the children or livestock, they got a bullet.
Coyotes are largely associated with their ancestral bastions in the wild lands of the American West, but they are highly adaptable, and in recent years they have been colonizing large population centers throughout North America. The hunters have come after them, stalking the predators in settings like strip mall parking lots, housing tract cul-de-sacs, and plazas in the shadow of skyscrapers.Predators are predators, and we can draw a parallel about the animal predators and the human predators that seem to populate urban centers. Either we control them, or they control s. Personally, I believe that controlling predators is a good thing. Let them adapt to us.
The growing popularity of urban hunting is igniting a fierce debate over the perils and benefits coyotes pose in populated areas, and whether city dwellers ought to adapt to living alongside a cunning predator that has thrived since one of its top adversaries, the gray wolf, has been all but wiped out in much of the continent.
I now live in suburbia, and I occasionally hear a pack of coyotes running the little creek that crosses to the south of the place. It's not an every-day thing, but often enough that it's not unusual. But, the rules haven't changed. If they come up too close to the house, they'll get a bullet. It's neither mean, nor cruel, nor disrespectful. It's just the way it is.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Shop Update - Up and Down
I bought materials this morning and worked int he shop this afternoon. It doesn't look like much, but it's an 1/8 steel cable, mounted 18" off the wall at eave height. That will support the fabric for the backstop for the wax bullet range. Now that I've figured it out, tomorrow I'll hang the cable for the wing-wall curtain that will separate the end of the range from the shooter's seating/relaxing area.
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| Right side, with turn-buckle |
I'll bet that I climbed up and down that 10-foot ladder 30 times today. Invariably, I'd get to the top, realize that I needed something, then climb down. Rinse, lather, repeat. I'll feel it in my legs tomorrow.
Someone asked about insulation. As soon as we get the electrical outlets/lights installed, I'm going to contract a fellow to blow in closed-cell foam. My second son had it blown-in in his shop and it rally made a difference in making the building more air tight and easier to heat and cool. He's cooling his shop with one 24K btu unit. I have 800 more square feet,so I went with two 18K btu units Heating isn't as much of an issue in these latitudes, and I'll use a small propane unit to take the chill off if necessary.
Monday, December 25, 2017
Merry Christmas
PawPaw and Belle, having coffee on a quiet Christmas morning. It has long been our habit to celebrate with the kids and grandkids on Christmas Eve. That lets them celebrate with the other side of the family at their leisure. Therefore, Christmas Day at PawPaw's house is kinda quiet.
Yesterday was busy, joyful, lots of food, lots of friends, lots of fun. Except that PawPaw hisself was putting chlorine in the pool and got a snoot-full of chlorine gas. I very nearly went to the emergency room, but with two Registered Nurses in attendance I was treated appropriately and pulled through. It took several hours, though, and as I told them, I'm still not 100%, but I hav en't been 100% for a decade or longer.
That's the second time that I've poisoned myself with chlorine in the past decade, and both times it was scary as hell. I can't imagine how scary it must have been for the soldiers of WW1 battlefields when chlorine gas was used. Suddenly you just cannot breathe.
But, in a couple of hours of hacking and coughing, I was back to my normal level of decrepitude and was able to enjoy the festivities without scaring the grandkids. Today, Belle and I will drive to Jena, LA to spend some hours with her family.
I hope that everyone is enjoying Christmas in their own fashion, and that each of us takes time ro reflect on the meaning of the season. Merry Christmas, everyone.
Yesterday was busy, joyful, lots of food, lots of friends, lots of fun. Except that PawPaw hisself was putting chlorine in the pool and got a snoot-full of chlorine gas. I very nearly went to the emergency room, but with two Registered Nurses in attendance I was treated appropriately and pulled through. It took several hours, though, and as I told them, I'm still not 100%, but I hav en't been 100% for a decade or longer.
That's the second time that I've poisoned myself with chlorine in the past decade, and both times it was scary as hell. I can't imagine how scary it must have been for the soldiers of WW1 battlefields when chlorine gas was used. Suddenly you just cannot breathe.
But, in a couple of hours of hacking and coughing, I was back to my normal level of decrepitude and was able to enjoy the festivities without scaring the grandkids. Today, Belle and I will drive to Jena, LA to spend some hours with her family.
I hope that everyone is enjoying Christmas in their own fashion, and that each of us takes time ro reflect on the meaning of the season. Merry Christmas, everyone.
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