Progress On The Bell

 

This post was inspired by fellow blogger Paw-Paw.

 In this previous post, I told of how I re-discovered that I had the mechanical front door bell from the house that was first my maternal great-grandparent's (from Poland). It was then occupied by their children, and finally divided into apartments where my grandparents lived and my mother grew up. The bell was in a box with the keys to the old house and my grandparent's apartment.

The bell had 100+ years of paint on the base plate, gong, the turn knob and escutcheon plate and has been completely disassembled for paint stripping. The gong is made of solid brass that had been chrome plated at the factory, as well as the outer edge of the cast iron base plate. A few days in a pan of Zip-Strip got rid of all the paint on those items. I may media blast the little bit of chrome plating off and just have the gong be naked brass. The mechanism is also all apart for renewal where stripped or worn.

The turn knob and escutcheon plate are a different story. I got all the paint off, except for the initial base layer which is being stubborn. I covered both pieces in fresh Zip-Strip in a small foil pan and will leave it there for a good week. I will hit it with a stiff nylon brush and see where it is at. Both pieces are solid brass. After that it may need some work with a fine wire wheel on my Dremel Tool. I don't want to be too aggressive, because the decorative relief castings are as sharp as the day they were made.

Why my ancestors felt the need to paint over pretty brass is beyond me.

 

 

Below is a photo of what one should look like.

Those raised decorative reliefs are the same as mine. The knob has them too.

Apparently, not only is the word "TURN" there to instruct in its proper use (meaning don't push or pull I guess) but it seems to be the brand name as well. I was surprised that you can still buy this type of door bell brand new. Original ones like this or the other plain varieties run about $40. The real nice ornate ones can be big bucks. Below are a couple of examples

I Hope Someone Takes Them To Task!

On the afternoon edition of the local news was a story about the CT Community Renewal Team, located in Hartford mandating all their employees (about 400) take the jab. I hope someone declines, and is summarily terminated. Then let the lawsuits begin! If it was a fully tested and licensed vaccine that prevented infection and spread, I would be inclined to think maybe that person should consider other employment. In this case, it is an experimental pre-treatment. Even in EMS, the Hep-B vaccine is optional (I took that series, so I am not an "anti-vaxxer"), you just have to sign a waiver releasing your employer from harm if you get exposed or sick.

So pay attention, you ACLU types, you may have something worthwhile to do.

40 Years Ago Today

In a warped way to woo a famous lesbian actress to become his girlfriend, John Hinckley Jr. shot President Reagan in an assassination attempt. Also shot was Press Secretary James Brady, who suffered a brain injury due to a gunshot wound to the head. That helped create the anti 2nd Amendment group called the Brady Campaign, responsible for the background check hoops we have to jump through to exercise the Constitutional Right to acquire a firearm. So in honor of the anniversary, I offer this good old joke:

Q: What is Ronald Reagan's favorite vegetable?

A: James Brady

"Just A Little Longer" He Says

Kommiecticut's chief tyrant Gov. "Jolly" Ned Lamont, that is. His emergency "powers" just got extended for yet another month, now until May 20th. Remember two weeks to flatten the curve? At least there is now action about it coming from the General Assembly and push back from GOP members. The assembly actually voted on it this time, and the vote to extend went along party lines 90-50. The governor's last press event is where he pleaded with us to just hold on a little longer. He promises a great life for all of us in the future. How about FUCK YOU, PAL! I will continue ignoring your diktats as I have after I saw it was all bullshit about 2 months in to this mess.

It sounded eerily similar to the pleas in this emotional video from the new director of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walensky. Tremble in the chin, quivering voice and all... sniff, boo-hoo.

 

Message 2021.0197

2DOOB RB9D3 U7DU0 RBBUM YULYO

J2YHD 0YRDU 4VDME BS2Y9 DHDDU

2YLIS 4AEBS

Hmmmmm?

If I put my firearms in my truck, then have my sister-in-law "take them" and then throw them in the trash behind a local grocery store... I could go "recover" them and theoretically make them all disappear. 🤔

Oh wait, I'm not on that tier of the two tier justice system, am I Creepy Uncle Joe?

Message 2021.0136

The Crow flies in the shadow of The Eagle

You know what to do. 😏

How About Because Its Sunday Morning?

A photo of the "Easy Care Orchid" in full bloom that I bought for my wife's birthday a couple of years ago. Once it blooms, the flowers last quite awhile. This is what it looks like on the kitchen windowsill this morning. Enjoy.

 

 

I Don't Know How They Do It

I have been riding motorcycles for 40 years, off and on. Right now I am starting season 4 of my latest "on" period. Regardless of any differences we may have, if you ride... well, you are OK in my book until you prove otherwise. Generally, bikers are some of the nicest, down to earth people you could ever meet. Which takes me to the reason for this post on a subject I have written about before.

It is a nice early spring day here in southern New England. Mostly sunny with temps in the low 60's. I had some free time earlier this afternoon and decided to have some ass in the saddle time on "The Beast." I went by myself so I was out for about an hour. A nice little loop and a fill up with gas on the way home. There were quite a few other bikes out today, and as is the custom, everyone waves to one another in biker solidarity. Well, almost everyone.

Just like not every Muslim is a terrorist, but almost every terrorist is a Muslim... are the hardcore Harley-Davidson people that think if you don't have a Harley, you are just shit. Not every Harley rider acts this way, but it is ONLY Harley riders that do. I was reminded of this as I got a few miles from home, and passed a group of 6 bikes going the other way... all Harleys. I stuck my left hand out as I passed all six, and not one of those motherfuckers returned a wave. I kept my hand out all the way by, and if anyone observed this snub, it was those six that came off as assholes.

The brand of bike you ride is a personal choice, and while I don't care for Harley's myself, they are bikes and like I said if you ride you're OK regardless of brand. 2 or 3 wheels with an engine and LET'S RIDE!

So the post title is the beginning of a question and answer. The title begets another question, "do what?" The answer is, "ride a motorcycle with that giant stick up their ass."

Creating Yet Another Gun Free Death Zone

Question: Where do almost 100% of mass shootings occur?

Answer: In a GFDZ (Gun Free Death Zone)

That's right, no matter whether we are talking about a school, a business that posts their silly little useless "No Guns" sign, or places of almost complete gun control, like Chicago or NYC. According to the hoplophobes and the anti-gun sycophantic media, a mass shooting occurs when there are four or more simultaneous shootings. Unless of course, there are extenuating circumstances concerning the victims or the shooters and perhaps their religion, ethnicity, or other circumstances that don't fit the narrative. Then those certain mass shootings are not covered.

So the state of Kommiecticut, a place that can never do enough to infringe on the 2nd Amendment and the God-given rights of its citizens, has proposed the following changes to CGA Statute 9-19h which has to do with voting. The proposed changes are underlined

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/TOB/S/PDF/2021SB-00005-R01-SB.PDF

Scroll down to line #628, where the snuck in language resides as  Sec. 12 [j](k)(2)

[(j)](k)No person shall(1)solicit in behalf of or in opposition to the candidacy of another or himself or herself or in behalf of or in opposition to any question being submitted at the election, or loiter or peddle or offer any advertising matter, ballot or circular to another person within a radius of seventy-five feet of any outside entrance in use as an entry to any location designated by the registrars of voters for election day registration balloting or in any corridor, passageway or other approach leading from any such outside entrance to any such location or in any room opening upon any such corridor, passageway or approach, or (2) possess a firearm within a radius of two hundred feet of any such outside entrance or in any such corridor, passageway or other approach or in any such room, except in the case of a firearm located in a residence situated within such radius or in the case of a uniformed on-duty police officer. 

There has never been an incident at a polling place, so just what the fuck is this all about? I will be sending in my written opposition testimony, but I am sure this will just sail trough unimpeded like every other unconstitutional/intolerable act that gets proposed in this one party piece of shit blue state.

Therefore, as usual, I WILL CARRY CONCEALED into my polling place as I always have unimpeded. The only way anyone would ever know is if the need for judicious marksmanship suddenly arises and I must respond.

BAN THEM NOW!!

Pickup trucks, tow chains, and recovery straps that is. You see, there have been a rash of ATM "removals" from inside closed gas stations and convenience stores in the Hartford area in the past couple of months. Thieves break in through the front door, wrap a recovery strap or tow chain around the ATM, attach the other end to a pickup truck, and yank the ATM right through the doors or wall of the building. They then throw the ATM in the back of the truck to tear it open elsewhere. The whole operation is over in a couple of minutes. In all these successful robberies, no one has been caught. There were two more last night. Below is a link to the news story on Fox 61 CT

2 ATMs Stolen in West Hartford

So as we all know because the LIBTARDS always tell us, it is not the criminal's fault, but the fault of the implements they use to commit their crimes.

Resurrected Relevent Blog Posts

In reference to this post from earlier this week, some gun related content from my previous blog, which although no longer exists, I have a copy of ALL the content. Tidbits may reappear here now and then and may be changed slightly from original.

 

From New Years Day 2020: 

This incident took place on December 29, 2019

"One a side note, there are those that ask, "do you really need to carry a gun to the grocery store?" Well, look what happened yesterday at the Stop & Shop in the Hartford suburb of Bloomfield. A gunfight erupted in the parking lot after a dust-up inside the store.

Police Respond to Shooting at Bloomfield Stop & Shop

Now I am not going to interfere in some kind of tribal warfare shootout in the parking lot, I am taking cover behind the engine block of my truck. But if they start their shit in my direction, I am taking out any threats."

So I bring this post up again in the aftermath of the King Sooper's  mass murder in Boulder, CO.

 

From May 23, 2020: 

The incident actually took place on May 22nd. 

"I have heard first hand that people like myself that go around armed all the time, including at my own home are some kind of a nut. Well, a horrific murder occurred less than 10 miles from my home at 09:30 in the morning in a rural wooded neighborhood. Although state police will only say "an edged weapon" was used, reports are that it was a machete or sword. State police are saying it was a random act, and that the suspect who fled on a red sport type motorcycle is still at large, armed and dangerous. I have been making extra sure the doors are locked and the alarm set. The news story contains a photo of the suspect, who looks like an absolute lunatic. It is the lead story on the 10 o'clock newscast.

Here is a link to the story from Fox 61 CT. "

The murderer was still on the loose Memorial Day Weekend after committing another murder and a kidnapping. He was caught in Pennsylvania in a stolen car. 

An acquaintance passed away a few months ago that was a huge gun guy. He had loaded guns stashed around the house that his widow hopes she has found them all. I am not a fan of doing that one bit, mine is always on my person. 

Then there is this, my own personal defense story. I have had my pistol permit since 1983 and carried regularly since. Where does the one and only incident that I had my gun out of my holster and displayed for someone to see? At my own front door.

"In Case You've Never Heard It; My Self Defense Story

One of the first things I did in 1983 when I turned 21, was get my pistol permit and buy my first handgun. I still have it, a Colt Government Model Series 70 in .45ACP that I tricked out and made way better than it was when I first bought it. Since then, many more makes, models, and calibers are now in my safe. The firearm for this story is my Gen 3 Glock Model 21 in .45ACP. I wanted a double action semi-automatic with more magazine capacity in .45ACP, and found one barely used at a good price. It was complete with Trijicon Nite Sights, I practiced with it regularly, and it became the nightstand bed-time gun for a few years. It has since been replaced in that capacity by my S & W Governor.

It was December 24th 2012, Christmas Eve, and 10 days after Sandy Hook (not that the fact means too much, just interesting). It was a Monday...I had gotten out of work early that day and we were busy at home getting ready for Christmas. I had to go out that evening and while I was out, a band of snow squalls came through and coated everything fast. I went home, where the wife had finished all the Christmas preparations and gone to bed. I climbed in myself at 11:45 PM.

At 1:00 AM, we were startled awake by a loud banging sound. The dogs went absolutely bullshit. The sound repeated and it was loud! My wife's handicapped brother spends the holidays with us, and she was concerned he might have fallen out of bed. I got up wearing only my skivvies, opened his bedroom door to check, and as usual he was sound asleep and heard nothing. Then the banging sound occurred again, and I could tell it was coming from the front door at the foot of the stairs. Now my heart was pounding almost right out of my chest and my wife was petrified. I retrieved the Glock and my SureFire flashlight and went cautiously down the stairs. I turned on the porch lights and peered through the window of the door. Standing on my porch was a character I would not normally consider inviting into my house. I stepped to my right in front of the dining room window and got a good look. He sees me and steps in front of the window as well, where I lit him up right in the eyes with my flashlight. Through the closed window he tells me his truck is broke down at the end of my driveway, and could I come out and help him. Now, I have no idea if he's telling the truth, or how many friends he may have waiting outside. He can clearly see I am standing in my underwear and holding a very large handgun at the high ready. I tell him, "GET THE FUCK OFF MY FRONT PORCH!" Now he tells me he has kids in the truck, and could I give him some gas or something? I now tell him I ain't Triple A and this ain't a garage.."GET THE FUCK OFF MY PROPERTY!!" He know gets that I am not messing around, and I am determined that he will be leaving in a body bag if he attempts to enter my house. He realizes I am not coming out, turns to leave and mumbles "Merry Fuckin' Christmas." I watch him trudge off in the dark and then I get busy. I run around my house, double-checking that each door is locked, and turn on all my exterior lights. Once I am relatively sure he's gone I call 911 and request a transfer to the state police.

The state police dispatcher comes on the line and I tell her I have a possible intruder on my property. He has left but I want someone to come out to check. I say NOTHING about being armed. Remember the snow squalls earlier? Her response was? "Well, with the weather that came through, all the troopers are tied up with the fender benders." Are you kidding me? Dinking around with minor accidents is more important than my situation? I was stunned to say the least and simply said, "Thank you very much." then hung up. I sat up for a while, then went back to bed, but never fell back to sleep.

On Christmas morning at daylight, I went out still armed to check on things. There was one set of footprints to and from my house, and one set of tire tracks in the snow at the foot of my driveway. Perhaps he was telling the truth, and maybe if it was two o'clock on a Saturday afternoon, I'd go lend some assistance. At 1:00 AM beating on my front door, you are one wrong move from death. Call me heartless, but this is my reality where I live. No trooper ever showed up, even the next day to check things out.

When we moved out to a rural area of eastern Kommiecticut, we thought we might be on our own if something bad were to happen. There are only six shift troopers on duty in our area at any given time, where response time under normal circumstances would be about 5 minutes. Bad weather, trouble at one of the colleges, or one of the prisons, and we would be completely on our own. This incident confirmed it...bad weather and no law enforcement available.

As far as future 911 calls go, regardless of the outcome, will go like this:

911 Dispatch: "911, what is the nature and location of your emergency?"

Me: "I need law enforcement and EMS to [my location]. I (we) have been the victim(s) of a violent
incident."

911 Dispatch: Whatever additional questions they think they need to ask

Me: "I need law enforcement and EMS to [my location]. I (we) have been the victim(s) of a violent incident." This will be the only answer I will give over the phone because all lines are recorded. If it gets recorded, it can and will be used against you. Watch the background noise/talk too.

Lather-Rinse-Repeat if you get my drift. Hang up if they persist. Nothing against law enforcement, but this is Kommiecticut, and they will fuck you if they think they can build a case.

 

UPDATE June 3 2020: I now have an "Ultimate Plan" with CCWSafe, which covers both my wife and I. I will not speak to the police until my attorney has arrived and I have consulted with them. All they will get is my ID."

Go Ahead And Try To Cancel ME... AGAIN!

But I am going to say what I said back in the Twitter days (I long ago deleted the account, so don't bother looking) that got me an indefinite suspension until I deleted the tweet. After I eventually deleted it, I was in Twitter "jail" for 7 days. Ready? Here it comes in 3... 2... 1...

"Transgenderism is mental illness"

Exhibit A

This:

Dr. Richard Levine

Became this:

Dr. Rachel Levine

Apparently, others share my opinion. This afternoon on The Chris Salcedo Show on Newsmax, he had as a guest Michael Knowles, host of his own show on The Daily Wire. Not only did Michael elude to the opinion about mental illness, but he pointed out the total irony that "IT" is now Assistant Secretary of Health & Human Services in a split senate vote. A mental defective making policy having to do with... DING-DING-DING! who had "mental health" among other things, like a gender-bender based curriculum for elementary schools? In crazy LIBTARD Bizarro World, I suppose it isn't any different than the U.N. putting such bastions of human rights like China, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, etc. on the Commission on Human Rights. Or putting Bill Clinton on a panel to help empower women. It would be hilarious if it wasn't sad.

Blog Admin Stuff

I have had to un-publish several blog posts due to some squirrely behavior with Blogspot. Once I get it figured out I will put them back up, but they may end up in a weird order, like as newer posts. Oh well, at least the content will be back up for all to see.

UPDATE 3-24-21 20:40 Well that was quick and easy to figure out. All the previous posts are up and in their proper order. My fix did kind of screw up the RSS feed though. For those that rely on that, I apologize. It will be all set going forward.

I Didn't Think There Could Be Worse

Killary Rotten (Benghazi) Clinton and the horrible cackle instead of a laugh she unleashed repeatedly during the 2016 campaign. We haven't heard it anymore since she is on the perpetual sour grapes speaking tour.

Oh how wrong we have all been, because that hideous sound emanating from Heels Up Harris' mouth as nervous laughter when she is about to spew more bullshit makes my fucking ears bleed. She lies once again about "being black" when she is actually Jamaican (ask a Jamaican what they think of American blacks.... Hoo Boy!) and Indian (like from INDIA!). This clip about smoking weed (from a former Kommiefornia prosecutor that put away a lot of blacks for dope) is a prime example. Watch as much as you can stomach.

 

Is there another sound so awful that can be heard by human and animal on this planet? Me thinks not.

Crime Prevention Danger

In the aftermath of yesterday's mass murder and mayhem in Boulder, I just heard on the local CBS Radio affiliate news about more gun control proposals, that could not have popped up overnight, but are in a drawer somewhere waiting for the right crisis to unleash. The one that caught my attention had to do with some kind of periodic mental evaluation to see if an individual is able to retain ownership of their firearms as long as they're deemed mentally fit. Holy shit... does anyone think this type of intrusion is a good idea? If you do, you're fucking nuts, because it would not just stop with gun control.

The job of law enforcement is to protect society at large, investigate crimes, and stop the commission of a crime if they happen to be where it is occurring. Crime prevention, except in a very limited form like community outreach, almost always involves the violation of civil and constitutional rights. And in the case of this kind of intrusion, the seizure of private property, most likely without compensation. The Orks have got to be stopped!

It is going to come to this; the warning from the Mangalores in the movie (my wife's favorite) The 5th Element.

A Question From Fudds

"Why do you need to carry a gun to the grocery store?"

Answer: "King Soopers, Boulder Colorado"

 

Get ready for the wailing and gnashing of teeth, and the onslaught from the Orks and hoplophobes to try to disarm the free citizens.

It won't end well.

Asian Hate

It only comes in one flavor from this individual, and that is directed at the CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY! YOU NORKS TOO, LITTLE ROCKET MAN!!

They are deviant, lying, thieving, Godless, murdering pieces of shit.

The Chinese people, and Asian people in general however, are awesome.

I wonder if this post will garner the attention of the CCP?

Anyone Else?

...pleased with the video footage coming out of Miami Beach of people on spring break congregating and having a good time (not the ones causing damage or violence) and not wearing a Mask Of Oppression? I know I sure am, and I'd be a little jealous except for the fact that is how I live (minus the street party). The local politicians are trying to crack down with curfews, and I hope they get a giant collective "FUCK YOU!!"

First Official Ride of Spring

Because the winter riding season that was very limited this year IS OVER!!

I got out on "The Beast" for a couple of hours this afternoon. Bright sun and blue sky with temps in the low 60's. I did a loop on two lane state roads through Windham and New London counties. RT. 44 to RT.101. Then south on RT. 169 ( a well known scenic biker road) through Brooklyn, Canterbury, Lisbon, and into the Taftville section of Norwich. From there I started back north on RT. 97 (another well known scenic biker road that runs all the way up into MA.) through Baltic and Scotland and then some twisty back roads I know through Chaplin towards home. I was streaming iHeart70s Radio on my cell phone plugged into the audio port of the Goldwing's sound system and had the sound at a pleasing level to me in my helmet (meaning it was cranked up!) I ended up doing about 65 miles which is fine since no one else was able to join me. I can't bust their balls though, because my adventure was truly spur of the moment/last minute. I did invite my wife to go, but she declined. I can't say as I blame her, since the food and ice cream stands aren't open yet and I didn't actually have a destination. That and the fact it is not 80 degrees out yet, its still a little cool for her.

Life Imitating Art

The other night I streamed a South Park episode on my ROKU from Comedy Central using my DISH Network login credentials. It was Season 24 Episode 3 called "Vaccination Special." While there were a couple of side stories about pranking the female teacher to look like she soiled herself having her period, and nutty Q-Anon group, and the return of the openly gay teacher Mr. Garrison, the main story made fun of the whole frenzy over getting vaccines. In this episode, only the elderly were supposed to be eligible. The vaccine site is a Walgreens that is set up like a rave nightclub with security at the door only letting in the old people that are on the "guest list." Everyone else waits in a line off to the side. Once the old folks got their shot they act high and mighty, and in one scene they roll up to Billy in a Cadillac convertible and make fun of him because he still has to wear a mask. The old guys laugh and say they're going to a bar to get some pussy. Then Cartman and the boys dress up and pretend to be healthcare workers calling themselves "Kommunity Kidz" taking old people in for their jab because they can't do it on their own. It is of course a scam to get the South Park gang into the clinic. Hilarious. There's much more funny stuff in the episode, so stream it if you can, because the YouTube versions kinda suck.

Anyway, last night we got together with another couple for dinner we frequently see in total violation of the isolation diktats (about separate households) as we have all year long. The wife works at Hartford Healthcare and since she isn't medically trained, acts as an observer at the vaccine clinic in Hartford. Her job is to watch people for 15 minutes after they get jabbed to make sure they don't keel over. She told us stories of the things at the vaccine clinic that actually parallel that South Park episode. People lining up at the end of the day hoping to get any leftovers that were prepared but not used. Young ineligible people being snuck in ahead of others to get their jab. She told us of four college age males (wearing their obligatory UConn logo face diapers) hanging around the clinic area. One was the son of a nurse giving the jab, and the other three must have been his buddies. My friend turned around and they were gone, and she did not know where they went. A little while later she saw the four of them leaving the clinic. Obviously mommy hooked them up with a jab ahead of all the others waiting in line for leftovers. 

An another item not related to the South Park cartoon, comes from the husband we saw last night. He is retired and has been volunteering a couple of days a week at the food giveaway at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. He told us of people in brand new expensive luxury cars and SUV's going through the line not once, but several times in a row loading up with the free food. So much so that he has personally placed 32 pound food boxes into vehicles that already have 3 or 4 from a few minutes earlier. I won't say what he told me about the ethnicity of those that are doing this, but I think you might be able to figure it out for yourself. Hey, reparations and payback for all that white privilege, you know (although I keep wondering where all my supposed white privilege is). His theory is that the free food is being sold, either on the street or in small markets or bodegas. He brought a leftover box home once, and they said one box was almost more food than they could use. We discussed what kind of shitty mindset or personality must you have to do this kind of thing. He said those people taking multiple boxes never speak or even acknowledge the volunteers, whereas the people taking food because they need it are thankful and engaging with the volunteers.

An Interesting (and Sentimental) Find; Part II

After finding the key to my grandparents apartment front door, I remembered I had a box on the shelf above my workbench with another goody from the old house. It was the crank door bell. It was mounted in the center of the heavy wood front door to the house, and when you spun the knob on the outside, the bell on the inside clanged like an old style wind up alarm clock.

Both pieces with decades old multiple layers of paint. The inside of the door was white, so the bell was painted to match. The outside of the door was brown. It will all be stripped back to bare brass.

Detail of the inner workings with the gong removed. The inner and outer halves were connected by a square shaft. The mechanism is worn and stripped and in need of my magic touch to work again.

Also in the box were keys. I immediately recognized what they were for. First is my Papa's well worn house front door key. I know it was his because of how worn the head is. He carried his keys (unless he was dressed up in a suit), on his belt like I do. My Nana had hers either on the shelf in the kitchen, in her purse, or in the car ignition.

You can't see it in the photo, but the worn spot in the middle once said "Russwin"

Finally, the skeleton key to my grandparents apartment back door. It was smaller than the one for the front door and shows very little use. The house had a an interior back staircase and there was a door to enter the apartments on each floor. My great-aunts and uncles and my grandparents mostly used the back stairs to go between apartments. The back entry door to the house was always locked and only opened from the inside to go out in the backyard, so the back apartment doors were never locked. That door had a deadbolt, a throw bolt, and a bar across it to ensure it would not be opened from the outside. Initially this key was left in the door, until the time when I was about 5 years old and thought it was funny to lock my Nana out of the apartment in the back stairwell. After that the key came out of the door and was in a glass with other important little things in the pantry.

My plan is to strip off all the paint, restore the bell to working order, and mount it on a nice piece of hardwood like it was on the door. The front door keys will be mounted on the front side, with a nice brass plate engraved with the address and the years my grandparents lived there. The back door key will be mounted on the back side, maybe with another engraved brass plate with my great-aunt and uncles last name and Apartment 1, and my grandparents last name with Apartment 2. I have had this stuff for almost 12 years, I think its high time I get busy on this little project.

An Interesting (and Sentimental) Find

While puttering around in the basement earlier taking the gun photos, I came across something from my childhood I didn't know I had.

My mother's side of the family lived in a house built in 1886 in Chicopee Falls, MA. It was a typical house built for the population that all worked in the mills. My great-grandparents, that emigrated from Auschwitz, Poland in the early 1900's and bought it for $1 from the owner that was desperate to unload it. It was a 3 story single family home and my grandmother was one of 15 children. Three rooms on the 3rd floor, 4 rooms and a water closet on the 2nd floor, and one bedroom and the common areas on the 1st. Heat was by coal stoves and later gas stoves on the first and second floors, with a heat register to get heat up to the third floor. Back in the early 2000's, they asked me to put in a motion sensor light on the front porch. The easiest way to do that was to tie into the front hall light circuit. That was when I made an interesting discovery. The wires were in a conduit? Oh no... my grandfather told me. Those weren't conduits, they were the old gaslight pipes. When the house was electrified, the easiest way to run the wiring was to use the pipes as conduits.

Anyway, in the 1940's the second floor was converted to an apartment where my grandparents and my mother lived. This is the key to their apartment front door.

The skeleton key to Nana and Papa's house

They never took the key out of the house when they locked the door to leave for fear of losing it. They had a wardrobe in the corner of the large landing at the top of the stairs. In the wardrobe was an old dark green woman's winter coat with a fur collar on a hanger. The key went in the left pocket of that coat. They had a key to the lock on the front door of the house on their car key ring.

They have all since passed on. The house was a probate nightmare, because it was still in my great-grandmother's name. She died in 1942, and there were countless descendants that had a claim to the house. Nobody wanted it, but if one person did, it would cost a fortune in attorneys fees to get it. When my grandmother (the last one living there) left to move in with my parents, my mother ceased paying the property taxes on it, and told the city to just take it. They did and it finally went to auction after a few years sitting vacant. A woman that buys houses to fix up and rent as an investment bought it. I stopped in to visit with her workers when they were working on it. They completely gutted it and rebuilt it to be a real nice 2 story duplex. I was able to answer some questions they had about things they didn't understand about the house. It came out real nice. I have decades of memories of that old place.

Miscellaneous Gun Stuff

Ever since I joined my new shooting club, I have been very active with all aspects of shooting. I have put in more work hours and range time since the first of the year than the past 3 years at my old club. Also, I have known many members of my new club for years, and know more members at a club with 90 members, than the old club that had up to 1300. So here are some items from the past week or so.

1). Marlin 1894CB in .357 Magnum now set up for grab-n-go

After the video from a prior post about the possibility of a LEO passing a modern rifle qualification course and using such a firearm as a patrol rifle, it got me thinking.

I went to Cabela's today to purchase a small inexpensive rifle case. Since the 1894CB is only 37" long, the case they advertised for a .22 selling for $12.99 fit the bill perfectly, at 40" overall length especially since I don't have a scope on it.

The rifle in the case. Notice the Marlin lever gun lock for security. Can't load, cock, or fire. The key is on my truck key ring.

  

A close up of the lock. The center tab fits in front of the partially open bolt. I wrapped the padlock to prevent scratches

Using a scrap bicycle tire inner tube, I cut and fitted two layers of rubber over the metal body of the padlock as sleeves. The two black metal pieces have a rubberized soft coating on them from the factory. I split my keys up, so only the ignition key is attached to the truck. The remainder are on my belt, and that lock opens fast.

 

2). The S&W 45 Shield is now set up for EDC 

I made a few purchases on eBay. The third 7-round magazine, a DeSantis Speed Scabbard holster, and a Desantis dual magazine carrier, all in black leather.

 

This setup works very well for me, and holds everything really close to my body. The front of the holster has two belt slots, an upper and a lower for adjusting the cant. I tried both and found using the upper slot is too aggressive, and puts the butt of the gun into my side. Using the lower slot is very comfortable and puts the gun where I can easily get it, with no discomfort. The mag carrier also rides comfortably at about the 7-8 o'clock position. While not the ammo capacity of my full size Glock 21 with two spare mags, this is much easier to carry and conceal. When the weather gets warm and the wardrobe get lighter, I will forgo the exposed mag carrier, go to the 6-round mag, and a pocket holster. Depending on what I am wearing I might carry this instead of the little LCP.

Flush fit 6-round mag in a Remora holster will fit in certain cargo shorts I have

The other option I have that I fit tested was a 7-round mag and a spare one in my Voo-Doo Tactical fanny pack. I am not vain enough to give a rat's ass how dorky it may look. I know what's inside, and it may work well when I am out on "The Beast."

 

3). Chamber flags

I bought an order of 18, high quality, made in the USA, bright yellow empty chamber flags for just under 30 bucks. The diameter of the rod will fit a .22 and they are permanently curved so they stay put in a larger bore. They had a couple at the range and I liked the idea, especially since the range house has a rifle rack to use instead of constantly fumbling with rifle cases. Also when going down range to change targets and the actions are open it will be a good visual indicator of safety.

You may have noticed the green mat I take the photos on. My Dad was in the printing business and he would bring home printing press blankets that were no good any more. We would cut them up for all kinds of projects. This piece is on my gun bench and is the last piece of the blankets from my Dad. When cleaning or working on my guns, the mat protects the gun, as well as the bench from gun juice slobber during cleaning. Solvent and dirt just wipes right off.

How Many More Times?

From the greatest rock band ever... Led Zeppelin "How Many More Times" Live 1969 on Danish TV

The question: How many more times will I have the opportunity to turn down the experimental jab?

The Answer: Three so far, so I guess until they stop fucking asking!

This post was prompted by a new PSA from Community Health Centers of CT I viewed during the local morning news featuring a black female doctor. The video is of her story initially rejecting the "vaccine" because of distrust, but then she took it and is now dispensing it so "people that look like her" will also be comfortable getting it. The part that annoyed me above treating "people of color" differently was the lecture at the end telling me I need to "do the right thing" when it is my turn. Bite me, lady! That experimental crap IS NOT going in my arm. I tried to find a copy of the PSA on line but it isn't out there to grab. If it does become available, I will embed it in a new post and link back to this one.

Here is the amusing and now most ironic PSA. UConn Ladies Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma (the highest paid state employee in CT BTW) lecturing us not to be selfish and to do the right things. The PSA video is a few months old. Guess who was infected and is currently in 14 day quarantine? That's right, Coach Geno has to sit out the playoffs because somehow he tested positive. That begs he question; is he a lying hypocrite that did the old "do as I say, not as I do?" Or are all the safety measures just bullshit Kabuki Theater that does NOTHING to prevent infection? Perhaps a combination of both?

Not To Offend The Irish, But...

I can't stand St. Paddy's Day. I have no irish heritage and refuse to pretend I do. Green dyed beer is stupid and looks like liquified puke. I despise corned beef (actually corned anything). Milkshakes should only be thick and chocolatey, NOT green and minty (fucking gross). I make extra sure not to wear a single item of green clothing, the only exception was when I was in the Army, where EVERYTHING was OD green anyway.

So you folks of Irish heritage enjoy your "holiday," but don't expect any enthusiasm or participation from me.

More Freedom From "The Mask of Oppression"

This morning at 9 o'clock my wife and I bought a house. Actually, we re-bought our house in a deal from our existing bank to re-finance at a lower rate. Every month for the last six, we were getting notices in the mail offering an easy re-finance at a lower rate. It seemed that every notice had a lower rate offer than the previous one. We finally jumped at it and the closing was this morning at my dining room table, because, you know.... COVID! You can't possibly go to someone's office to conduct business in person. We reset the term to 30 years, which initially concerned my wife that we'd be almost 90 before the loan was paid off. However, I reminded her how many mortgages and other loans we have had over the last 38 years, and have never taken a single one to term. That put her mind at ease. The goal is to take out a 30 with a lower payment, and pay extra when we can. It doesn't take much to add up quick! Take out a 15 year loan at a lower interest rate but higher monthly payment and you'd better come up with it every month, no excuses or else. This way, if we need some extra dough for an unplanned expense we just pay the normal payment, easy-peasy.

I received a call yesterday afternoon from the attorney confirming the appointment. Of course, since it came from an unknown number my call blocking app sent it right to voicemail. She left a message stating she would be here at 9 AM. She also said she would be wearing a mask, and requested my wife and I do the same. THAT was going to be an issue. NO ONE tells me what to do in my own home, especially when it comes to the Mask of Oppression and having to wear one. I decided to see what would happen if I declined, but would end up wearing one under verbal protest if it meant the closing would not happen. $300 a month more in my pocket I guess is my principles sellout price.

She arrived promptly and my Blink Outdoor camera let me know she was here. Since we can't see when someone comes up the driveway that little device does the trick for us with no subscription needed. I opened the garage door and met her as she approached. She was wearing a mask and said we really didn't have to wear one if we didn't want to. I then told her she could leave hers in the car if she wanted to breathe some nice fresh air for a change. She pulled it off and stuffed it in her bag. This young lady was easy on the eyes, and no one wearing a Mask of Oppression conducting face to face business was like the "old normal" Fraud-Chee says we can never return to. Fuck that little evil elf and Gov. "Jolly" Ned Lamont and their diktats.

Exceptions To My "No Mask of Oppression" Rule

 I do not wear the "mask of oppression" except for a couple of instances, which are:

1). In a clinical setting performing EMS duties and at the hospital.

2). In a small shop or restaurant, but only so the establishment doesn't get in trouble.

3). At a funeral with the Patriot Guard Riders in MA & RI, but not in CT.

The last one I was reminded of today. I attended the military funeral of A2C Jerome Morin at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. It was the destination for the final motorcycle ride of the winter. I do not want to be "the guy" to disrupt someones funeral for refusing to wear a mask. That is not the hill to die on fighting tyrannical face diaper diktats, whereas waltzing into a big box store or other public place certainly is.

It was great to be out on "The Beast" today. I had been looking forward to today all week at work. Temps were in the mid 60's and as usual for a PGR mission at the Veterans Cemetery, we meet up at the Dunkin' Donuts on Main St. in Agawam. It was good to see everyone that we haven't seen since last year. The 2 mile ride down RT. 159 from D.D. to the cemetery is police escorted at the front and back, and today was a good turnout. The ceremony for us is about an hour. We set up the flag line before the family arrives, and stay in formation until the family leaves. If its the last funeral of the day and the family hangs around, we wait until the family member that was presented the flag leaves. If it is apparent no one is leaving, we'll stay standing for a good 10-15 minutes before we are dismissed by the ride captain. 

After I have done my PGR duty there, its time to make the rounds. My parents, an aunt and uncle, and a cousin are interred there. I visit each of their graves and leave a bright shiny penny on the top of the markers. I know the penny isn't there long, but hopefully long enough to tell either cemetery workers or other visitors that those graves matter to someone that still comes to pay respects.

Free States of America... I warned You!

That the two traitors in the US Senate from Kommiecticut, Sen. Slimeball (Blumenthal) and Sen. Fish-Face (Murphy) were going to try to impart the type of unconstitutional/intolerable acts we have in this state on steroids to the rest of the nation. They will be joined by the other 5 congressional criminals in The House for support there. All seven of them immediately begin violating their Oath of Office as soon as they are done reciting it. And here it comes America, mighty bigly!

For a little history lesson in case you didn't know, this is a repeat of the 1968 GCA put forth by then Senator Thomas Dodd. If that last name rings a bell, it's because he was the father of former Senator Chris Dodd. That's right, one "slice of bread" of the famous Waitress Sandwich, the other being Teddy "Killer" Kennedy. All they needed to complete the sandwich was the nearest pretty waitress at whatever restaurant they were getting wasted in. Imagine the poor girl being dry humped on each side by those two drunken idiots. Sen Thomas Dodd drew his inspiration for the 1968 GCA from the Nazi Weapons Law of 1938 that disarmed the German Jewish population. Some good reference material can be found here at jpfo.org.

Here is the actual text of the law, translated to English.

Remember: Regulation leads to registration. Registration leads to confiscation. Confiscation ends in extermination. 

Call your Senators and Representatives immediately of both parties and let them know your displeasure with more infringements.

Who Checks The Checkers?

The House is supposed to vote on the $1.9T spending bill, supposedly for COVID relief but nothing more than a #LIBTARD wet dream of taxpayer dollars giveaways. Only 9% goes to true relief regardless of what the liars try to sell you. It looks like it will pass, unless there is a last minute "come to Jesus moment" of some Demon-Craps. Then on to Creepy-Sleepy-Gropey Joe Asterisk for signing if he can remember how to write his name.

Last night on the 10 o'clock news on my local Fox affiliate, they did their little Verify "fact-checkers" segment with the red-headed fat-faced kid in the too small suit. Hint: whenever the phrase "Fact Checkers" is used just think you're about to see some liberal propaganda. We on the right don't need fact-checkers for #LIBTARDS because we know everything they say is a fucking lie anyway.

The video claims there is 85% COVID relief because there was economic damage due to the pandemic. WRONG! and here's why. The "pandemic" itself did not damage anything economic, state lockdowns and business closures by tyrannical governors did. In states like my own, coupled with the lockdown was the state economy already deep in the red because of deficit spending and unfunded state union pensions. Saying its all caused by COVID does not make it so. Bailing out blue states like my own at the expense of other fiscally responsible (meaning RED) states is called THEFT. So the fat kid claims at the end that the 91% not going to COVID relief is false... OK may be not 91%, but I contend the percentage, whatever the number actually is, is still too great and this piece of shit legislation should be defeated and re-worked to only do its stated purpose.

Who Knew?

Well actually, I did. I just didn't know what to call it, but I now know the proper name is "Super Straight." It describes my sexuality label perfectly, because I would never consider having a relationship with a tranny. My wife is 100% real born woman and that is what I am attracted to, not dudes. This is one case where it may look like a duck and quack like a duck, BUT IT STILL AIN'T A DUCK! See this post from The Intrepid Reporter: Big Country Expat.

Conspiracy Theory? Me Thinks Not

 New post "vaccine" CDC recommendations direct from cdc.gov

 

What's Changed

If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

• You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
• You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
  • However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

What Hasn't Changed

For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated:

• You should still take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are:
  • In public
  • Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household
  • Visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk
• You should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings.
• You should still delay domestic and international travel. If you do travel, you’ll still need to follow CDC requirements and recommendations.
• You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
• You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace.

What We Know and What We’re Still Learning

• We know that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.
  • We’re still learning how effective the vaccines are against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Early data show the vaccines may work against some variants but could be less effective against others.
• We know that other prevention steps help stop the spread of COVID-19, and that these steps are still important, even as vaccines are being distributed.
  • We’re still learning how well COVID-19 vaccines keep people from spreading the disease.
  • Early data show that the vaccines may help keep people from spreading COVID-19, but we are learning more as more people get vaccinated.
• We’re still learning how long COVID-19 vaccines can protect people.
• As we know more, CDC will continue to update our recommendations for both vaccinated and un-vaccinated people.

Here's what I think: if you took the jab and follow their new guidelines, you are just part of the ongoing live human testing for the experimental goo. They are encouraging you to drop your guard a little, possibly get infected, just to see how you fare. They have to take small steps in their testing, which is why they don't want you to just go full TEXAS. Because this is not a vaccine, it is a pre-treatment. It does not prevent infection or spread like a licensed true vaccine, it only lessens the severity if you catch Wu Flu. In their own words above it says; "We know that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease." Notice they said "disease" not "spread" or "infection"

You want to get jabbed... have at it, don't let my words stop you. My thought is if you have one or more comorbidity, your odds of surviving Chink Bug if you get it might be improved. For someone like me, it is not necessary to go through. And if you take the jab and something bad happens down the road attributed directly to it, well... here's your "I told you so." My wife's brother got the single dose J & J shot, and was sick as a dog over the weekend. Anecdotal evidence to be sure, but it will all just add up in the end.

You Don't Have to Be An Official Member

Of an organization (in this case Oath Keepers) to be labelled an extremist or domestic terrorist by the current iteration of the federal government. You were trained by the military to do the things that the military does, and now the fear is that training could be turned back against the government. You also swore an oath to defend the nation against "all enemies, foreign and domestic" that most veterans would say never expired. THAT is probably the one thing that has the swamp-dwelling scum most frightened, is that there are SO MANY people that view them as the enemy within. The big lie about January 6th being labelled an "insurrection" is still being pushed by the #LIBTARDS everywhere and the sycophantic propaganda media whores. It was a riot at worst and mostly just criminal trespass. The scurrying away of congress-critters just shows how they feel about YOU.

So, the new mantra of the tyrants is:

If you are a Vet, YOU ARE A THREAT!

While enjoying breakfast this morning, my wife had this on and I was not paying much attention to it until this story came on.

CBS Sunday Morning Full Episode 3-7-21

Go to the 20:20 mark in the video to see the story I referenced and avoid the other #LIBTARD crap.

Then get ready to receive your boarding pass for the boxcar to camp (re-education/concentration/extermination).

How Do I Know The Latest COVID Stimulus Is Bad?

Because every piece of shit from the Kommiecticut congressional delegation supports it. On the evening news spewing their lies tonight was U.S. Sen. Slimeball (Blumenthal) and Fish Face (Murphy), as well as the original Angry Bird, the purple haired freakshow U.S. Rep. Rosa Delauro.

 91% of the proposed spending in this sham is nothing but a #LIBTARD wish list of taxpayer dollar giveaways. Hardly any of the allocated money goes to those who could really use it.

Jen Psaki - Worst Presidential Press Secretary EVER

Watching the news the past couple of days prompted me to write this post.

First off...  I have been accused of being like Joe McCarthy thinking there was a commie behind every bush. His concern was actual Communist Party members, whereas my concern is those that do things that demonstrate clearly that person is a COMMIE! McCarthy was concerned there were several hundred commies in the government, my concern is that there are only several hundred THAT AREN'T!

So first there is this (and I know this is old news, but it bears repeating)...

A true rogue's gallery of Commies right there. She was spokesperson for the Obummer State Dept.

A closeup of that fine head wear, complete with hammer and sickle

Order your own and give it a pink dye job to be just like Jen

My beef is how absolutely horrible she is. The presidential Press Secretaries of both parties certainly tow the line of their parties and presidents, but none have been this poor. While I appreciate the position and visibility on a national stage, I have done more then my share of public speaking. First off, she is yet another Obummer retread. Second, she knows nothing. Really. Apparently Creepy-Sleepy-Gropey Joe sends her out with no knowledge of policy or administration goings on. That's why she has to "circle back" to almost every issue. Which of course, she never does and the propaganda whores in the media never call her on. As a public speaker, her "er-uh-um-ah" count is through the roof at every appearance, a big No-No. And lastly, and the most IRRITATING... she is an up-talker. Nothing says I am one point on the scale above being a cognitive vegetable than ending almost every sentence on an up note. Here is a shining example where she is confronted by a reporter on the silence from Heels-Up Harris on the allegations of sexual harassment against Guido Cuomo.

 

 I don't believe she will be long for this job. Another short-timer like Sean Spicer, but at least he lasted a year.

UPDATE 3-22-21: I am not sure what happened to this post. It was originally published on 3-6-21 but somehow reverted to a draft. I discovered it today and re-published it. The post now shows up in some places ahead of newer posts with the original date. I dunno....

Gaining Favor as a Probie

With the senior members and the Executive Board of my sportsman's club. I have been busy doing self motivated work details like trash removal, snow removal, and sweeping all the winter sand and such from inside the club house. Because of my EMS qualifications, I have been approached by the Quartermaster about the donated brand new AED and its mounting and usage. They have also tasked me with tracking down trauma kits for the ranges, updating the club house first aid kit, and checking on the fire extinguishers. They also just put out a call for a couple of work details to deal with the venison in the freezer, since the annual game dinner got cancelled by COVID Tyranny. I will be calling the guys in charge of the work details tonight to see about volunteering.

Is This What They Meant?

With the phrase "The South Will Rise Again!" Florida has been mostly open for quite a while, and now Texas and Mississippi are 100% open with no stoopid mask mandates. 

I just had my house appraised for a re-fi and it is worth almost $30K over my guess. If it was solely up to me, I would cancel the re-fi and sell immediately to move down south. Fuck this blue state #LIBTARD hell hole of Kommiecticut!

I Know

Some posted photos got messed up when I made some behind the scenes "admin" changes. I will fix them when I have access to the photo library this evening.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

UPDATED 3-2-21 21:05 EST:  All missing posted photos have been replaced, and should be fine going forward.