Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967

He's smart... but boy, is he ever dry.

Say you found an old gun - literally. Like under one of the following scenarios: a) You're hunting, and you find an old revolver or pistol in some sheltered place in a rock outcropping. Perhaps a bit of patina, but otherwise sound. b) Renovating an old house you come across a war-era Luger, wrapped in an oily cloth in the garage rafters. c) While exploring an old, abandoned barn (owner had passed away many years prior and had no heirs) you move an old scrap of tarp and discover an early 1900's vintage Winchester and a Colt SAA of about the same vintage. d) Similar to "b" above, but inside an old refrigerator freezer is a late 1990's vintage a Smith & Wesson Model 10. What would you do?

Hey, Wallaby ~ do y'all have a Thanksgiving holiday down that-a-way?

Any favorites for the holidays? Here's one of mine - a yummy "warm-up" for Thanksgiving dinner! I have to limit folks to one small bowl, or they'll tank up and not have room for turkey. PUMPKIN SOUP Ingredients 6 cups chicken stock 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I sometimes fergot the salt… ) 4 cups pumpkin puree (cooked pumpkin. Baked, steamed, nuked ~ it’s all good) 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley 1 cup chopped onion 1 chopped shallot 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1+ clove garlic, minced (I think I used about the equivalent of 2 and a bit more…) 5 whole black peppercorns 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (Oops… I used a bit over a cup – Darn! And Yum!!) Directions Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, shallot, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Oh heck… put it all in the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered. Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender. Or do like I did and do it all in the pot using an immersion blender – MUCH easier!! Bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. (I sometimes don’t bother with the foliage)

Norton I, Emperor Of These United States and Protector of Mexico Newsom I, Emperor Of The Nation State of California and Benefactor of Mexico

To answer the old unasked question.... You're welcome!

Just wear an old, grey trenchcoat and chew on a cigar.

I have a Gore-Tex German surplus police coat that has the zipper opposite of what I'd consider "normal." Very common for European garments. The "male right side zipper" is pretty much an American institution.

Gonna be a lot o' rusty water in local lakes....

We can all thank the Single Action Shooting Society for the single-action revolvers being exempted. SASS went to the mat for us all when the "List" BS was being crafted by the wethers in Sacramento.

I had a boss about 25 years ago who'd been a tanker navigator. Started in B-47's, then he was one of several who got pulled for tanker duty, first in KC-97's then KC-135's. He said they were quite miffed - but when they were later offered transfers back to bombers they politely declined. Anyway, he had told me about that potential order when he was in '135's - "If that order came, we were to drain every drop - even the standpipes, and be ready to swim." Tony had some good stories! At one point he'd been stationed in Thailand. While flying a mission they'd heard an emergency call from an F-104 pilot... he'd taken a hit and was losing fuel over Cambodia. The tankers were under orders to NOT enter Cambodian airspace, but the crew took a quick vote and headed toward the fighter... they rendezvoused, clamped on the boom and literally "wet towed" him back. Cut 'im loose over their base and watched him safely land. Later, he said, they went to the O club and the 104 jock was there telling everyone about the wonderful tanker crew that had dragged his sorry butt out of Cabodia - "We wished he'd kept his mouth shut!" In addition to a bunch of free drinks, they all received a royal arse chewing - and then were given some sort of commendation.

Arizona is not a "Common Law" state... He definitely needs a lawyer. I sent him links to the Arizona Legal Aid, Arizona Law Help, and Arizona State Bar Association. But it's doubtful he'll be able to find help this week. I don't think the man is in any condition to start packing....

A tragic tale. I have an old SASS friend who for the last fourteen years has lived with his sweetheart on her little 10-acre “ranch” in Arizona. Over the years, he has contributed to the household in a number of ways, from paying the property taxes, to repairs, upkeep, and property improvements. These capital improvements included structural, plumbing, electrical, and construction of a shop to house his equipment and large metal-working machinery (milling machines, lathes, etc). He also played a major role in supporting her passion, animal rescue – at any times up to three dozen or more dogs, horses, mules, etc. Although they had discussed it, both being in their 70’s, they never did officially marry. But they did share in everything, including bank accounts. On the morning of October 30, the Friday before the election, his sweetie woke my friend and said “Something’s terribly wrong! I just dreamed that the Democrats won everything!” Those were her final words; she literally put her head down and died. Needless to say, my friend has been devastated. But to compound his grief, he discovered that evidently a number of years ago (while he was on an out-of-state work assignment for two months or so) his darling had signed a “Beneficiary Deed” leaving the property to a neighbor! (Mr Neighbor said that she had expected that she’d outlive my friend, and that she wanted the neighbor to take care of the animals after she went). So, my friend is still mourning the loss of his loved one. And yesterday, he received a letter from the neighbor’s attorney, demanding that he vacate the property within five days – and that any personal property left behind would be forfeit, and encouraged him to abide by this demand to avoid incurring legal expenses. Obviously, he needs a lawyer. But finding a lawyer Thanksgiving Week will be near to impossible. So much for the five day thing. With that, might there be any sage advice from the Saloon…?

Seventh grade, temporarily living in Xenia, Ohio. Home in bed with the flu. Ma walked in and gave me the news. A bad day instantly became much worse.

Here's the deal: Many, if not most of the fatalities had "underlying conditions," have lived with them for years, and most likely would have continued to live with them had they not contracted COVID. Placing the blame on those conditions is like saying "Hey! Ol' Bob had diabetes! He woulda died sooner or later anyway, so ya can't blame that bus that ran over 'im!"