Bulbs for my flashlights. I burned out 2 bulbs by Sunday night. I've got a power pole and a tree down across my driveway and all the wires ripped from the house and laying across the yard and driveway. I hiked out through the woods this morning then up to Sadlak's shop Other than that, all is well here. Hope others have fared as well. A couple days of enforced rest has done me good. I've read 4 books in the past 2 days - all ones I had picked up at various times but never had the time to read. One was warfare in the middle ages, another on quantum physics theory of alternate universes, one on falconry and the last was just a great fiction read about kidnapping. I never get a chance to stop the presses long enough to just read for pleasure so I've enjoyed this period of quiet.
Yep, I used to be a very avid reader, til I went on day shift and got a lot busier! Used to be nice to toss a reel tape on the drive for a backup, load a few reems into the printer - I could kick back for an hour....... I am slowly reading John Grisham's "A Painted House" - inspired by his boyhood in 50's Arkansas. Set in the late summer and early fall of 1952, its story is told through the eyes of seven-year-old Luke Chandler, the youngest in a family of cotton farmers struggling to harvest their crop and earn enough to settle their debts. The novel portrays the experiences that bring him from a world of innocence into one of harsh reality. A bit out of character for me, but it was a gift from Mom.
I've always been interested in the offensive and defensive maneuvers and architecture of the middle ages. When combat was "up close and personal." every facet of warfare counted. The 100 year war is an excellent example. The issue was property, not religion, and the ability to defend one's resources (castle, and property) was primary, not the safety of the warriors. Hydropower was used for everything from metal forming to grain milling so loosing a dam or hydro-mill could cripple the kingdom's ability to survive. How they designed their fortifications is as applicable today as it was in 1350. I developed a love of physics in college but still have trouble understanding quantum theory - or should I say quantum science (I understand the theory but have trouble understanding the science of it.) This is my attempt to gain a better understanding of the multiverse theory. As far as falconry goes, just pure interest in the interaction and training of a bird of prey. Books on tape were a saving grace for me for many years. I had a 100 mi each way commute every day so I would get books on tape from the library, pop one in the tape player, stick the truck in cruise control and enjoy a stress free trip. The books were usually 12 to 15 hrs in length so I would go through 2 or 3 a week. I enjoyed listening to the classics that can be cumbersome to read in print but hearing the spoken word changed the experience - Jude the Obscure being one of my favorites.
If you want info on falconary let me know i used to be a liscensed falconer.. and have flown everything fom sparro hawks, lanners, luggers, sakers, goshawks, redtails, sparro hawks , kestrals, and a barn owl... I worked as a "Cadge boy" or "Cadger" when i was 11 in england... it was a blast... i still have a number of books onfalconary, making hawking furniture, and trapping birds...
Thanks WD. I may take you up on that. Not something I plan on practicing but it sure would be a adventure and who knows what the future holds. It certainly is a fascinating skill.
I buy flashlights with LED bulbs, thousands of hours of life, and much less sensitive to getting bumped around.
I'm glad that's all you needed, RH! Best of luck through the duration of getting your place back in order.
RH, I bet a dollar sumwhere in your reading collection is prolly a copy of Sun Tzu's "The Art Of War" Heh, whom I kidding, any the Monkey's capable of reading prolly have a copy. I suspect more than a few have Musashi's Lord Of Five Rings as well. I also have a few Armed Forces training manuals as well as other informational books, even a Boy Scout manual! Knowledge Is Power!! Power they can not legislate away from you!!!
A good book for anyone unfamiliar with the outdoors and skills that are necessary to be proficient and comfortable in that environment,a great starter book would be "The Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia" written by Vin T. Sparano and published by Harper and Row.It is an excellent book for those wanting to become more Knowledgeable on a multitude of topics.Although it is out of print, it can still be found online and at used bookstores. I considerate a must have for those interested in prepping who may lack basic skills.
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I have become a believer in LED flashlights, since having constant problems with Minimags - bulbs failing and the lights going bad. Dorcy makes some good ones, and Coleman markets some good lights at Wally's. I also use headlights - keeps the hands free for working. Great for late night bathroom walks in the campground too!