Many of you know that I use this blog, among other things, to document home improvement, and devices I use at the homestead so that when they go out, I can readily find what I'm looking for.
We have a pool and it uses a salt water system. It's very friendly on chemicals. Normally, I spend about $200 per year on salt and muriatic acid. The pool tends to go basic, so I need the acid to balance ph, and the salt us used by the salt system to make chlorine. Normally, this works great, but every five years or so, the salt generator dies, constituting the need for a replacement.
One day last week, I noticed that the salt generator wasn't working, so after some diagnosis, I decided that it had gone south. We ordered a new one, and it came in today. It's already installed, a simple matter if you have a strap wrench.
For the record, it's a Pentair Intellichlor IC40. I have installed it, and we're going to let it run for 24 hours on the Shock setting. Then I'll balance the ph and start vacuuming.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Inspection Stickers
Louisiana has a requirement that all vehicles have an inspection sticker. You can buy a one-year of r two-year inspection sticker. I noticed a couple of weeks ago that the inspection sticker had expired on my pickup, but it hasn't left the yard in several weeks. One of the things on my "Ger "er Done" list is to get a new inspection sticker.
As a working cop, I always questioned the efficacy of those inspection stickers. If I made a traffic stop, it was one thing I checked, but I don't think I ever wrote a stand-alone ticket for an expired inspection sticker. If there was a problem, I would add it to the list of things, but generally, I'd just warn the motorist to get a new sticker.
The problem with inspection stickers is that it increases the bureaucracy. A portion of the money went to the State Police, a portion went to the Office of Motor Vehicles and a portion went to the actual inspector who conducted the inspection.
But, there is a bill in the state legislature to do away with inspection stickers completely. They would recoup the money by adding $10 to the registration fees. They would use that money to hire an additional 150 state troopers across the state.
As a working cop, I always questioned the efficacy of those inspection stickers. If I made a traffic stop, it was one thing I checked, but I don't think I ever wrote a stand-alone ticket for an expired inspection sticker. If there was a problem, I would add it to the list of things, but generally, I'd just warn the motorist to get a new sticker.
The problem with inspection stickers is that it increases the bureaucracy. A portion of the money went to the State Police, a portion went to the Office of Motor Vehicles and a portion went to the actual inspector who conducted the inspection.
But, there is a bill in the state legislature to do away with inspection stickers completely. They would recoup the money by adding $10 to the registration fees. They would use that money to hire an additional 150 state troopers across the state.
Stonewall Republican Rep. Larry Bagley’s bill would eliminate the inspection requirement, but essentially retain the $10 fee by increasing the registration renewal cost. The money that would go to the local inspector under the current system would instead be earmarked for LSP, allowing the agency to hire an additional 150 troopers to patrol Louisiana highways.I thin this is a great idea. But in the interim, I still need to get the truck inspected.
Monday, May 13, 2019
Some Photos From ComicPalooza
When Zach and his buddy went over to ComiPalooaza this weekend, he took the camera.
Some of the costumes were magnificent.
Some of the costumes were magnificent.
Squeeze Chute Medicine
Our current crop of physicians could learn a lot from watching a bunch of cowboys work a herd during the spring or fall evaluation of the herd. Basically, you round them up, get them in pens, and run then through the squeeze chute.
Cattlemen love their herds, it's what they do. Cattle are a source of profit (theoretically) and a good cowboy wants the herd healthry, so twice a year you doctor on them.. A dose of wormer, threat them for ticks, and evaluate each of the cattle in the herd.
It's group medicine, ad while you're looking for problems, you insure the health of the herd.
It's not brutal, it's gentle as possible, but it's efficient. If you see a problem, yo cut that one out for further evaluation.
When you have several hundred cattle to treat in a day, you don't have time for niceties. You want to get the herd back on pasture as soon as you can. This reduces stress on the herd.
Modern human medicine is getting to be a lot like squeeze chute medicine, without the care and concern that the cowboys give the herd. I just spent three hours in a thoroughly modern medical clinic and never saw a doctor.
The crew fell behind, putting the herd in stress. I watched them, twice, lose patients, much like a cowboy losing a cow that he already had in the pen. As we process through the chute, falling further and further behind schedule, they finally put a bunch of is in a final pen, where the main topic of conversation was how far behind everyone was falling. And, the crew still wanted to make small talk.
It got so bad that when one of the crew would ask me how I was feeling, I told them, "Hungry, thirsty, and angry."
My advise to modern medicine. If you're treating a herd, act like you're treating a herd. Be efficient. You don't have time for niceties when you're already late. Modern cowboys know how many cattle they can work in a day. If a modern medical clinic can only handle 50 patients a day, don't schedule 51,
I understand that if a physician has an emergency, we might be late. But, today I had no expectation of seeing a physician. So, there is no excuse for anyone being late.
If modern medicine is going to show contempt for me by being late for appointments, don't be surprised when I reflect that contempt.
Cattlemen love their herds, it's what they do. Cattle are a source of profit (theoretically) and a good cowboy wants the herd healthry, so twice a year you doctor on them.. A dose of wormer, threat them for ticks, and evaluate each of the cattle in the herd.
It's group medicine, ad while you're looking for problems, you insure the health of the herd.
It's not brutal, it's gentle as possible, but it's efficient. If you see a problem, yo cut that one out for further evaluation.
When you have several hundred cattle to treat in a day, you don't have time for niceties. You want to get the herd back on pasture as soon as you can. This reduces stress on the herd.
Modern human medicine is getting to be a lot like squeeze chute medicine, without the care and concern that the cowboys give the herd. I just spent three hours in a thoroughly modern medical clinic and never saw a doctor.
The crew fell behind, putting the herd in stress. I watched them, twice, lose patients, much like a cowboy losing a cow that he already had in the pen. As we process through the chute, falling further and further behind schedule, they finally put a bunch of is in a final pen, where the main topic of conversation was how far behind everyone was falling. And, the crew still wanted to make small talk.
It got so bad that when one of the crew would ask me how I was feeling, I told them, "Hungry, thirsty, and angry."
My advise to modern medicine. If you're treating a herd, act like you're treating a herd. Be efficient. You don't have time for niceties when you're already late. Modern cowboys know how many cattle they can work in a day. If a modern medical clinic can only handle 50 patients a day, don't schedule 51,
I understand that if a physician has an emergency, we might be late. But, today I had no expectation of seeing a physician. So, there is no excuse for anyone being late.
If modern medicine is going to show contempt for me by being late for appointments, don't be surprised when I reflect that contempt.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Home Safe
We rolled in ten minutes ago from the big ComicPalooza in Houston, TX. It was a good trip, an we made good time getting home. We left Houston at just after 1:00 and got home before 6:00. Not too shabby.
I'm prepping for a doctor's appointment tomorrow. The instructions say no caffeine for 24 hours, so I didn't get any coffee this morning, and I won't have any prior to the testing tomorrow. It's cardio, if you're curious, but I'm not worried. I doubt I'll keel over any time soon. Belle is a registered nurse, and she's driving this process, so I'm in good hands
The lack of caffeine pisses me off to no end, and the instructions didn't say anything about alcohol, so I"m having a late afternoon aperitif.
Maybe things will get back to normal this week. I sure could use some normal.
I'm prepping for a doctor's appointment tomorrow. The instructions say no caffeine for 24 hours, so I didn't get any coffee this morning, and I won't have any prior to the testing tomorrow. It's cardio, if you're curious, but I'm not worried. I doubt I'll keel over any time soon. Belle is a registered nurse, and she's driving this process, so I'm in good hands
The lack of caffeine pisses me off to no end, and the instructions didn't say anything about alcohol, so I"m having a late afternoon aperitif.
Maybe things will get back to normal this week. I sure could use some normal.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Country Come To Town
Some observations from a redneck country boy spending the weekend downtown in the 6th largest metro area in the US. (Houston, TX)
Traffic is a nightmare. Oh, we got here okay, and we'll get home okay, but I'm not moving the car. t's in the parking garage and we'll just make do. Plenty of restaurants withing hoofing distance. We'll be fine.
I may be the only guy not in costume who is wearing a cowboy hat. I an okay with that. Very few people wear hats these days, but I figured I'd see a few more men in Houston wearing a standard cowboy hat. I figured wrong.
The staff here is unbelievable friendly, courteous and helpful. Folks on the street, though, don't make eye contact. The vast majority of them are looking at their phones, and seemingly oblivious to what is going on around them. When I give a friendly "Good Morning" to people on the streets, I an routinely ignored.
The boys are having a ball. It's one big geek-out. Zach dressed like the Toy Store character Woody to attend today's festivities.
Some of the costumes are outrageous and I admit freely that I"m not sure which character they are portraying. One young lady this morning was walking the streets in what appeared to be a black teddy with bright yellow hip boots. I had left my phone in the room, and didn't get a picture, but you can be assured I'll start carrying it when we go out to the street.
Traffic is a nightmare. Oh, we got here okay, and we'll get home okay, but I'm not moving the car. t's in the parking garage and we'll just make do. Plenty of restaurants withing hoofing distance. We'll be fine.
I may be the only guy not in costume who is wearing a cowboy hat. I an okay with that. Very few people wear hats these days, but I figured I'd see a few more men in Houston wearing a standard cowboy hat. I figured wrong.
The staff here is unbelievable friendly, courteous and helpful. Folks on the street, though, don't make eye contact. The vast majority of them are looking at their phones, and seemingly oblivious to what is going on around them. When I give a friendly "Good Morning" to people on the streets, I an routinely ignored.
The boys are having a ball. It's one big geek-out. Zach dressed like the Toy Store character Woody to attend today's festivities.
Some of the costumes are outrageous and I admit freely that I"m not sure which character they are portraying. One young lady this morning was walking the streets in what appeared to be a black teddy with bright yellow hip boots. I had left my phone in the room, and didn't get a picture, but you can be assured I'll start carrying it when we go out to the street.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Comicpalooza
We're in Houston. A year ago, we promised grandson Zach that we'd bring him. To something called Comicpalooza. It's this weekend, so we drove up this morning, and got rooms at the Hilton downtown, across the street from the Convention Center. Very Convenient.
We let Zach bring a buddy, and they're across the street at the Convention Center. So far, I've seen Iron Man, and Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman's lariat didn't glow, so I don't think she was the real deal. This Hilton is huge, and Belle and I did some wandering about, trying to get our bearings. I dobt we'll go very far this weekend, I hate driving in Houston. I'll be using my maps to try and figure out what we can do that is within walking distance.
Thursday, May 09, 2019
Finally Here
Sometime last year, Belle asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told her that I wanted a skillet. A really nice, cast iron skillet. We ordered a 12" Stargazer skillet. It has been reviewed favorably on Cowboy Kent Rollins YouTube channel.
Shortly before Christmas we started getting emails. They were having problem. Evidently, it's not easy to scale up the molds from a 10" to a 12" skillet. Then they had problems wit the bottom inscription. Then they had other problems. It became kind of amusing, but the company kept us informed, and even gave us a chance to back out of the deal.
I decided to wait and see how long it would take. And earlier this week we got a shipping notice and the USPS brought it today. I have to admit, it's really a nice sillet.
The inside is smooth as a baby's butt, and it should take seasoning quite readily. I ordered it pre-seasoned, but it will need to be cooked in a few times before it starts to look like a seasoned skillet.
I won't get to cook in it till next week. Tomorrow morning early, we're going to Houston for an event that Zachary wants to attend. I've waited this long to put it on the counter, another few days won't hurt.
Is it any better than a big Lodge. Or for that matter, a nice antique Wagner or Griswold? I don't know, but I do know that cast iron is my favorite cookware, and we need to support these companies that are making really nice cast iron. This piece is heirloom quality, and I'm sure that it will be used long after I'm goine.
Shortly before Christmas we started getting emails. They were having problem. Evidently, it's not easy to scale up the molds from a 10" to a 12" skillet. Then they had problems wit the bottom inscription. Then they had other problems. It became kind of amusing, but the company kept us informed, and even gave us a chance to back out of the deal.
I decided to wait and see how long it would take. And earlier this week we got a shipping notice and the USPS brought it today. I have to admit, it's really a nice sillet.
The inside is smooth as a baby's butt, and it should take seasoning quite readily. I ordered it pre-seasoned, but it will need to be cooked in a few times before it starts to look like a seasoned skillet.
I won't get to cook in it till next week. Tomorrow morning early, we're going to Houston for an event that Zachary wants to attend. I've waited this long to put it on the counter, another few days won't hurt.
Is it any better than a big Lodge. Or for that matter, a nice antique Wagner or Griswold? I don't know, but I do know that cast iron is my favorite cookware, and we need to support these companies that are making really nice cast iron. This piece is heirloom quality, and I'm sure that it will be used long after I'm goine.
Pinks ad Greens
I don't know how I missed it, but the Army is changing uniforms. When I started soldering back in the mid '70s, we wore the Army Green Service Uniform. Also know as "Class A", it was the uniform you wore if you were in an assignment that called for "coat and tie" dress. It looked like this:
I wore that uniform infrequently, for 25 years. If the detail required a more formal attire, such as at a function where one might wear a tuxedo, the Army Blue uniform was specified.
At some point, about 2000, the Army ditched the green uniform ad went strictly with the Blues. But, every couple of decades, the Army changes clothes, and they're going retro. All the way back to World War II, adopting an uniform that many called "Pinks and Greens". Every WWII soldier would be familiar with it.
I always thought that it was a goo looking uniform. But, I thought that it had long ago been relegated to museums and re-enactorrs. When I was in officer training back in the early '70s we had one officer who found the WWII version in a second-hand shop and bought it. He got permission to wear it occasionally to show the children what the WWII uniform looked like.
As long as they don't resurrect the universally hated khaki uniform. Gawd, how I detested that uniform.
I wore that uniform infrequently, for 25 years. If the detail required a more formal attire, such as at a function where one might wear a tuxedo, the Army Blue uniform was specified.
I always thought that it was a goo looking uniform. But, I thought that it had long ago been relegated to museums and re-enactorrs. When I was in officer training back in the early '70s we had one officer who found the WWII version in a second-hand shop and bought it. He got permission to wear it occasionally to show the children what the WWII uniform looked like.
As long as they don't resurrect the universally hated khaki uniform. Gawd, how I detested that uniform.
Wednesday, May 08, 2019
Flood Stage
The National Weather Service has warned that the Red River near Alexandria, LA will reach flood stage this weekend. Flood stage is at 33 feet. The river is a little over 28 feet how. They are expecting drenching downpours over the next couple of days.
The weather map looks lie this right now. Sure as hell, it's going to ru right over us. The continuing pattern of fairly dry during the week, and total apocalypse on the weekend is continuing.
As of right now, heavy rainfall is predicted for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The weather map looks lie this right now. Sure as hell, it's going to ru right over us. The continuing pattern of fairly dry during the week, and total apocalypse on the weekend is continuing.
As of right now, heavy rainfall is predicted for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Tuesday, May 07, 2019
Capital Punishment
The use of capital punishment is a continuing debate across the nation. We used to hang people, then we went to the electric chair or the gas chamber, then we moved to lethal injection.
Louisiana moved away from the electric chair in 1993.Nowadays, the drug companies don't want to sell us the pharmaceuticals necessary for lethal injection. The last person executed in Louisiana was in 2010. Yesterday, the state senate rejected a bid to end the use of capital punishment in Louisiana.
I've heard the arguments on both sides, and many of them are compelling. I see both sides of the issue. But, what w have right now is a de-facto ban, because the drug companies won't sell us what we need and the legislature won't change to law to make it easier to either; 1) obtain the drugs, or 2) change the method of execution. So, the argument is going nowhere. That is probably politically expedient.
I agree that the death penalty as it stands right now is not a deterrent to crime. A penalty that you are not willing to use is not a penalty at all. And, I agree that maintaining a death row is horribly expensive. But, then again, keeping a person in prison for many decades is also horribly expensive. Yet, we have predators among us,ad prisons are a necessary part of our society.
The issues are complicated ad the answers aren't easy.
Louisiana moved away from the electric chair in 1993.Nowadays, the drug companies don't want to sell us the pharmaceuticals necessary for lethal injection. The last person executed in Louisiana was in 2010. Yesterday, the state senate rejected a bid to end the use of capital punishment in Louisiana.
I've heard the arguments on both sides, and many of them are compelling. I see both sides of the issue. But, what w have right now is a de-facto ban, because the drug companies won't sell us what we need and the legislature won't change to law to make it easier to either; 1) obtain the drugs, or 2) change the method of execution. So, the argument is going nowhere. That is probably politically expedient.
I agree that the death penalty as it stands right now is not a deterrent to crime. A penalty that you are not willing to use is not a penalty at all. And, I agree that maintaining a death row is horribly expensive. But, then again, keeping a person in prison for many decades is also horribly expensive. Yet, we have predators among us,ad prisons are a necessary part of our society.
The issues are complicated ad the answers aren't easy.
Monday, May 06, 2019
New Veterinarian
I would like to present Dr. Melissa Hagan Dezendorf, DVM.
Later this week, the will depart Baton Rouge enroute to Los Alamos, NM where she will begin practice.
Later this week, the will depart Baton Rouge enroute to Los Alamos, NM where she will begin practice.
Heading to Baton Rouge
Later this morning, Belle and I are going to load up and go to Baton Rouge. We're day-tripping it, will be back sometime after dark. We're attending a graduation at LSU. Our daughter-in-law is graduating from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
It's been a long road, but she stuck it out and she's ready to launch. Later this week, they're leaving Louisiana and heading to New Mexico. She has accepted a position in Los Alamos, NM, where they need a veterinarian. She and my son are super-stoked about the adventure. Belle ad I are thrilled for them, and a little sad that they will be so far away, but it gives us an excuse to see parts of Ne Mexico that we've never seen.
It's been a long road, but she stuck it out and she's ready to launch. Later this week, they're leaving Louisiana and heading to New Mexico. She has accepted a position in Los Alamos, NM, where they need a veterinarian. She and my son are super-stoked about the adventure. Belle ad I are thrilled for them, and a little sad that they will be so far away, but it gives us an excuse to see parts of Ne Mexico that we've never seen.
Sunday, May 05, 2019
Meeting and Greeting
Belle ad I have been invited to the Belgian-American Club today for their annual festival. Honestly, until a couple o weeks ago, I didn't know that the club existed, but Louisiana, like most of America, is a melting pot of various immigrant groups that came over to make a better life.
We're taking a few campaign materials. I don't have many contacts that I an aware of in that part of the parish, and this will be a good time to do a little networking, and make some inroads. We're looking forward to having a good time.
We're taking a few campaign materials. I don't have many contacts that I an aware of in that part of the parish, and this will be a good time to do a little networking, and make some inroads. We're looking forward to having a good time.
Saturday, May 04, 2019
Rain
It's Saturday in Louisiana, and of course, it's raining. That's the way the weather has rolled for the past several weeks.
Belle and I have a family thing today in Jena, LA, and a campaign thing tomorrow, locally. Hopefully this rai will blow through in the next couple f hours and give us a break.
Belle and I have a family thing today in Jena, LA, and a campaign thing tomorrow, locally. Hopefully this rai will blow through in the next couple f hours and give us a break.
Thursday, May 02, 2019
Lucky
I don't know the provenance on this gif, found it over at Knuckledraggin.
It's time to move, they have you spotted. I wouldn't put my head up over that wall for any amount of money.
It's time to move, they have you spotted. I wouldn't put my head up over that wall for any amount of money.
Horse Art
I was moving around the parish this morning, visiting with old friends, and found this lovely piece of horse art.
I walked past it the first time and didn't notice it. On the way back out to the van, I noticed it and had to snap a picture. I'm sure it was inspired by Remington's work, and I've always been a fan.
I walked past it the first time and didn't notice it. On the way back out to the van, I noticed it and had to snap a picture. I'm sure it was inspired by Remington's work, and I've always been a fan.
Wednesday, May 01, 2019
My Old Savage
Regular readers know my fondness and preference for Savage rifles, especially my old Model 110 in .30-06. There is nothing whiz-bang about it. It's as plain as they come. It started life as a synthetic stock, but the Savage stocks in those days were terrible, and I broke it when I dropped it from a tree stand, so I ordered a 90% stock from somewhere and finished this one the way I like it.
Oh, I own other rifles, but this is the one I grab when something needs to be whacked with a medium caliber. It puts a 168 grain bullet where I want ti to go, and I've only had to shoot one deer twice. She was an old barren doe, and I hit her hard at 125 yards and anchored her. When I got to her about ten minutes later, she was still breathing, so I put one in her neck to end the suffering.
I shot the rifle last autumn, but haven't shot it since. I picked it up yesterday and noticed that the scope was loose. Horror! A closer look showed the problem.
The rear scope ring had turned loose from the base. Probably under recoil. Here's a closer look.
It was an easy fix, and gave me an excuse to spend an hour with the rile, making sure everything was tight and right. I put Redfield bases and rings on this rifle, back in 2006, and they've always done me right. This gives me an excuse to head to the range ext week, to verify the zero. I don't expect tack-driving accuracy from this rifle, but I do expect it to shoot where it looks, and so far it's always done that.
Today is May 1st, and deer season is only six months away. It might be time to put a screwdriver on everything and make sure your rifle is tight and right.
Oh, I own other rifles, but this is the one I grab when something needs to be whacked with a medium caliber. It puts a 168 grain bullet where I want ti to go, and I've only had to shoot one deer twice. She was an old barren doe, and I hit her hard at 125 yards and anchored her. When I got to her about ten minutes later, she was still breathing, so I put one in her neck to end the suffering.
I shot the rifle last autumn, but haven't shot it since. I picked it up yesterday and noticed that the scope was loose. Horror! A closer look showed the problem.
The rear scope ring had turned loose from the base. Probably under recoil. Here's a closer look.
It was an easy fix, and gave me an excuse to spend an hour with the rile, making sure everything was tight and right. I put Redfield bases and rings on this rifle, back in 2006, and they've always done me right. This gives me an excuse to head to the range ext week, to verify the zero. I don't expect tack-driving accuracy from this rifle, but I do expect it to shoot where it looks, and so far it's always done that.
Today is May 1st, and deer season is only six months away. It might be time to put a screwdriver on everything and make sure your rifle is tight and right.
Lunch
Now that I'm retired, I can eat better than I was able to when I was working. Boo on fast food! And, since I'm spending time in the shop, and have a kitchen there, it's easy to put something on the stove and give it a stir while I'm tinkering ad planning. Yes, I'm campaigning or Sheriff, and intend to run a viable race, but there is lots to do in the campaign headquarters, which is also the shop.
Today, it was crook-neck squash and onions, smothered in a little vegetable oil, with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder.
Nothing wrong with that at all. No bread, no meat, just squash and onions. After washing dishes and wiping the counter, I heard something in the driveway.
Two of the home flock were in the driveway, and had a gosling between them.
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