tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55850831462611747062024-03-15T18:10:05.810-07:00Mike and Pat's TravelsMike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.comBlogger548125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-37204767970560292492014-11-27T10:12:00.000-07:002014-11-27T10:12:22.489-07:00Survived the Summer of 2014 in ARIZONA.........<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We did indeed survive the Summer and are now almost into the winter. Here it is THANKSGIVING already..... Although we really missed our place in South Dakota this summer, we are quite lucky (blessed!) to have our neighbors that looked after it so well for us. God Bless them, I sure don't know what we would have done without them. Also thanks to all of our friends that were in the area and offered to look after the place for us... It was a trying summer, but we came through it. We are now looking forward more than ever to get up to the BLACK HILLS next summer.<br />
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I know a lot of you follow our Careingbridge site, for those of you that don't here is the latest post from there:<br />
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<em>"This past Tuesday 11/25/14, the Mayo clinic called me back for my 2nd monthly check up. It was a more thorough checkup than the first month was and included the 2 bone scans again plus the regular blood work. It was also time for my 3 month Lupron shot, along with the monthly Xgeva bone strengthening shot. So it was a FULL DAY. This is normally a 2 day procedure but since we live so far away (85 miles), we talked them into completing everything in ONE day. We had to leave our place in North Ranch at 5am. It takes right at 2 hrs. to make that 85 miles and the last 30 miles are high speed 75-80 mph interstate 10-12 lane traffic driving. It's almost bumper to bumper at that time of the morning, quite hectic and a little nerve wracking. Thank God for the HOV lane(2 people or more in Veh) or we would never have made it. The worst part is you never know when an accident may plug the entire system up and make you late. We thought about going in the night before and staying in a motel but we both hate motels and they had no place for us to park the motorhome, so we decided to just drive in that morning. We're kinda getting used to the hectic drives....there has been a lot of them in the last few months!</em><br />
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<em>I will cut right to the important stuff and not bore you with all the details of this long day. My first appointment was 0730 for blood tests. They took eight separate vials of blood for testing. Good to get those out of the way as I had been fasting since midnight. A quick trip to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee and a Ham and cheese omelet was in order. I had to fast 4 hours before one of the bone scans and I had just enough time to work this omelet in. By the time we were done eating and I went to my next appointment to have some nuclear fluid injected 2 hrs. before a scan, they had posted the results of my blood work. WOW, we checked the PSA and it was<strong> 3.8,</strong> YES, 3.8!!! DOWN from 10.2 last month and 124 when I started on the program. We were elated to say the least. That good news made it so much easier to go through all the rest of the scans, shots, etc. Our last appointment was at 4pm. The Doctor discussed the blood work with us and changed a few of the vitamin supplements I'm on and told us all the other items looked great. We reviewed the bone scans and I was happy to see there hadn't been much change there. They had stayed about the same.</em><br />
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<em>The trip home went well as we were in such a good mood from all the positive results.......although it was dark all the way and I'm not used to driving after dark. The oncoming headlights all seem so bright. We were both tired puppies when we finally got home. I decided that during those times in the scanning machines would be a great time to pray to our Father in Heaven and thanking him for all the positive results and wonderful treatment. I am so blessed and have so much to be thankful for. I also asked that he please help Ms. Pat and give her the continued strength to keep fighting her ordeal, I asked Him to bless her Doctors and give them the answer to correcting her problem. She is still in a lot of discomfort from the numbness in her legs and feet. </em><br />
<em>Our great friends", Jim and Ellie, are preparing a Thanksgiving feast for us. Smoked turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, Jim's special Pecan Pie and Ellie's Pumpkin pie. Ms Pat is preparing a fruit salad and spinach casserole to go along with the wonderful dinner. Makes me hungry just thinking about it.</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em>Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers. They are definitely working!!"</em><br />
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!<br />
<br />
Mike</div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-92027641350000000972014-07-26T17:49:00.000-07:002014-07-26T17:49:34.776-07:00Think SNOW !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I sit down here in this sweltering heat in Arizona, I can’t help but think of what happened the day we planned on leaving Custer, SD. last Oct….. A real blizzard. Needless to say we had to delay our departure a few days. Here are a few pictures of the predicament we were in, trying to get south.<br />
That is good friend Gregg digging us out. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FzZY5yhlR_o/U9Q-mfJyiGI/AAAAAAABD2o/EGag1mVQBos/s1600-h/P1050895%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050895" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QFmGPtr08bA/U9Q-nh-IyBI/AAAAAAABD2w/i8snkJBoX3I/P1050895_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050895" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-70KbGR5grJk/U9Q-pAV3E6I/AAAAAAABD24/z6GfvbxkrGI/s1600-h/P1050897%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050897" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5MQU3RAz984/U9Q-qDeO1mI/AAAAAAABD3A/rFC5uogNSWM/P1050897_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050897" width="244" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6snfVLRNkeg/U9Q-rqCFIWI/AAAAAAABD3I/K22csUndysA/s1600-h/P1050898%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050898" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9xxshXvKYd0/U9Q-snhkmgI/AAAAAAABD3Q/IQoDa6wErY8/P1050898_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050898" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kq-S17CKxc0/U9Q-uUOZYYI/AAAAAAABD3Y/lQYL4PrpTaI/s1600-h/P1050901%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050901" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yCGArMx0RhQ/U9Q-vfgubEI/AAAAAAABD3g/MtXv7-TNZ2Y/P1050901_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050901" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GBAZqa51dAg/U9Q-wiu1ddI/AAAAAAABD3o/OqAkdS3Tb9E/s1600-h/P1050905%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050905" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OlrVVT6bHJ4/U9Q-xSe1AhI/AAAAAAABD3w/lzBvbmwsKgE/P1050905_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050905" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U8Lowzb3-ck/U9Q-y_mSN8I/AAAAAAABD34/TDxm_8RAPsU/s1600-h/P1050908%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050908" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yY8uIdQzWiQ/U9Q-z80Xe2I/AAAAAAABD4A/aXvGzr_hei8/P1050908_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050908" width="244" /></a><br />
It was 114* in Phoenix last week and 112* here at Congress…. Talk about two extremes!!!<br />
Hope everyone is having a good summer…<br />
Mike</div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-32058868878921423422014-06-22T10:42:00.001-07:002014-06-22T11:57:20.177-07:00Happy Birthday!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
I just saw on Facebook where today is <strong>Kris Kristofferson’s</strong> birthday…<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kris-Kristofferson/104021299633658" title="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kris-Kristofferson/104021299633658">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kris-Kristofferson/104021299633658</a><br />
<br />
I had the pleasure of meeting Kris once:<br />
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Way back in 1978 or 79, I was working for Dairyland Ins. Co. out of Salt Lake City, UT. where I was the regional manager. I was on a road trip calling on several of our best producing agents all over the great state of Montana. I was in the Kalispell, MT. area and checked into the local Holiday Inn. As I walked into the lobby, I saw this tall familiar looking gentleman coming threw the lobby, As we passed, our eyes met and we smiled at each other and said the usual “Howdy” and this gentleman said to me “How Ya Been”? I replied “real good, and you”? He stated back “I’ve been great!” then he said “Good seeing you again” and of course I stated back “you too”!!<br />
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I thought to myself, I know that guy, but I can’t remember where I have seen him before or who he is. I’m sure you all know how that happens and how it bothers you. Still trying to remember who this friendly gentleman was, I ask the check in clerk at the desk if she knew who that fellow was. Why yes, that is<strong> Kris Kristofferson.</strong> He is making a movie in this area and the film crew is staying here. OH MY GOSH !!, Heck yes, I had just encountered the tall good-looking, friendly, singer and movie star, the not so famous then, <strong>Kris Kristofferson</strong>. <br />
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So that was my encounter with Kris and I don’t know why, but I always just thought of him as a friend after that. In just a few seconds I knew I had met a guy that was special. A guy that never met a stranger. (you know the type) He has always been special to me since then and it is the last time I saw him in person. He has became a lot more well known since that time and I have found out one other thing about Kris. Today is his BIRTHDAY..<br />
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I am very happy to share my birthday with him. I am a few years older than he is for sure!!<br />
Well, would you believe 1 year? Kris was born in 1936....<br />
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Happy Birthday <strong>Kris Kristofferson,</strong> and you too <strong>Mike McFall.</strong></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-70009049657568632282014-06-04T19:23:00.001-07:002014-06-04T19:32:19.789-07:00OK, here we go!<p> </p> <p>It has been a long winter. Due to medical problems, we regretfully will not be able to make it up to our summer place in Custer, SD. this summer. We will both really miss the beautiful Black Hills. We have spent every previous summer in the hills since 1995.</p> <p>If you wish to read the entire careingbridge journal of our medical activities for the winter, you may go to:</p> <p><a title="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikemcfall2" href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikemcfall2">http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikemcfall2</a></p> <p>I have been being treated for Prostrate Cancer that had metastasized in my bones.  I was being injected with a special “radio active” drug called Xofigo.</p> <p>After my 6th monthly and last Xofigo infusion on May 12th, we had planned to head towards our place in Custer, SD. However, the Dr. wanted me to get another Nuclear Bone scan before we leave. That scan has been scheduled for May 29th. That should really tell us what this treatment has done to the Cancer in my bones. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one!</p> <p> <br />Now the "BAD" news. As most of you know, for about the past 3 or 4 months, Ms. Pat has had a pinched nerve in her Cervical spine that has been causing pain, numbness and weakness in the left arm and hand. She has been taking constant Physical Therapy and has had an Epidural in the cervical area in an effort to reduce the pain and swelling around the nerve. The treatments have been unsuccessful and haven't helped the pain. We were advised that she must have surgery as soon as possible to fix the narrowing of the spinal canal that is causing the pain. Failing to relieve the pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal could cause permanent damage and possible paralysis. The diagnosis is Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy. </p> <p>It was decided that she would have this major Cervical Spine surgery (C2 to C7) on Tuesday, May 13. Everything went well except for one minor glitch. One of the screws went just inside the spinal column fluid. It did not affect the spinal cord but needless to say, it caused some blood and/or fluid to enter the brain and cause a few problems. So now she is on bed rest until a Neuro Surgeon and the Orthopedic Surgeon can put their heads together and figure out a good time to do the next surgery. </p> <p>We had two or three Doctors trying to get their heads together as to when this second surgery should be done. This surgery will be to remove the screw that went array and replace it in it's proper place. The rod in that side of her spine has to be removed, then the screw replaced in the proper spot and the rod replaced. Fortunately, only one of the six screws has to be removed.</p> <p>After a lot of discussion between the Orthopedic and the Neuro-Surgeon doctors, along with some out-of-state specialists, it was decided that the surgery should be delayed 5 to 7 weeks. It was further agreed that she could come home and receive home care nursing and home physical therapy. She will also receive constant care and watched closely by Lisa (her daughter) and I. </p> <p>We brought Pat home late on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st.  She enjoyes being home in her own surroundings and bed. Especially she was so glad to see Ms Megabyte2. However, she misses the really great care and special services she received from the nurses and of course, the meals being delivered after she ordered them from the hospital menu. Plus they always brought Lisa and I our own plate.</p> <p>She walks well with a walker, however, we are extremely concerned and worried about the numbness and loss of feeling in her hips, legs and toes.  This has improved very little, if any, since the surgery. The Drs tell us it will improve in time. We may be a little impatient, but we are watching closely for this improvement.  As I mentioned, she will receive professional Physical Therapy and we will keep her exercises going as needed here at home. Our daughter Lisa from Florida has been a real blessing for us. </p> <p>I know you will all keep her in your prayers, as they are much needed and appreciated.</p> <p>I will do my best to keep you current on Ms. Pats progress and any other changes in her condition. More on the careingbridge site than here. </p> <p>This kind of brings you all up to date on what is happening right now with us.  </p> <p>God Bless</p> <p>Mike</p> Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-78345311951997561232014-06-01T12:45:00.001-07:002014-06-01T12:45:59.991-07:00Its been a LONG time!<p> </p> <p><strong>HELLO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VhL5u0LHz_I/U4uC7rDVyhI/AAAAAAABD1Q/EtQciTiTx7o/s1600-h/North-Ranch-20143.png"><img title="North Ranch 2014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="North Ranch 2014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NcyfejKESLY/U4uC9VUVM7I/AAAAAAABD1Y/nfzJD830vZY/North-Ranch-2014_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Anyone around anymore?? </p> <p>Its been over a year (March 1013) since I stopped writing this Blog and put it on suspension.  </p> <p>I’m just wondering if there are enough followers out there to start it up again on an occasional basis?</p> <p>Mike </p> Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-11243929778355678982013-03-20T06:29:00.000-07:002013-03-20T06:29:48.159-07:00Blog Suspended<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been doing this Blog for a long time. I have decided to take a vacation and put it on suspension. I want to thank the <u>many friends and followers</u> that have helped me keep it going as long as I have. Without all of your support and especially your comments, I couldn’t have done it. I’m sure I will be back, we will see. I encourage you to sign up by putting your email address in the upper right side of the blog and you will be notified if and when I do start up again or if I just decide to make a flash post…<br />
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Ms. Pat and I are fine and the only reason for this suspension is that I want to try it without writing the Blog for a while. I’m sure I will miss it…… Ya’ll take care!<br />
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God Bless you all and BE SAFE!!<br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK!!!! <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--Fb3QNB3me4/UUm4X7MquSI/AAAAAAAAbyQ/Tyeo-TUtpTs/s1600-h/Fighting%252520for%252520life%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Fighting for life" border="0" height="239" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mn-YVTQ_uF0/UUm4Yff7III/AAAAAAAAbyY/VyvjDEUnUu8/Fighting%252520for%252520life_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fighting for life" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z-jaOc4Sn84/UUm4ZMxi5JI/AAAAAAAAbyg/sIs9CGA8xRc/s1600-h/Thanks%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Thanks" border="0" height="182" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/---H_HpprZ_g/UUm4ZvretVI/AAAAAAAAbyo/Q11TlFikvrs/Thanks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Thanks" width="244" /></a><br />
We are blessed..<br />
<br />
Mike </div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-71801915663106323232013-03-17T08:06:00.000-07:002013-03-17T08:06:16.595-07:00Happy ST. Patrick’s Day !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--h29x2zFVq4/UUXVszri_UI/AAAAAAAAbug/_gEsH_ZJCSU/s1600-h/Irish%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Irish" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_LkeKDHFt_0/UUXVtgdo6tI/AAAAAAAAbuo/ad-SY63W1Ms/Irish_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Irish" width="644" /></a><br />
ST. Patrick’s Day has special meanings for us…. A true Irish Blessing.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yjx8J5cXByc/UUXVu5p1SJI/AAAAAAAAbuw/YetbCtkJUD8/s1600-h/DSC_0915%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0915" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QoOzq1axjqg/UUXVv50hOFI/AAAAAAAAbu4/FWGFq85X92g/DSC_0915_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0915" width="644" /></a><br />
It was on St. Patrick’s Day back in 2010 that we had some special guests. Rollie and Gina were visiting their son, Thomas, in California and we asked them to bring us two cases of the famous “Two Buck Chuck” wine from California. They planned on dropping off the wine and visit us a couple days before they continued on home to Louisiana. Little did we all know that God had other plans! Plans that we will be grateful for the rest of our lives. That two day visit turned into two months and we became family. We had just purchased our first house in 16 years and with Rollie and Gina’s help, it turned into our “Dream House”. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6ONdgV-zEIc/UUXVxaulJNI/AAAAAAAAbvA/8IdLRzV7IQE/s1600-h/DSC_0926%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0926" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SBGlH68w9bg/UUXVyaS5VWI/AAAAAAAAbvI/ZV6SquRL2-E/DSC_0926_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0926" width="644" /></a><br />
A few days later we took them on their first 4-wheeler trip in the desert. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oz48vqFnobI/UUXV0AohwHI/AAAAAAAAbvQ/x82-S0WDd1E/s1600-h/DSC_0934%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0934" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9oV0XSlLbp8/UUXV1HqQe0I/AAAAAAAAbvY/qI0PpIjwfRs/DSC_0934_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0934" width="644" /></a><br />
They had a “ball” as we showed them some of our favorite spots..<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cVXz7-eOvbc/UUXV24yOh5I/AAAAAAAAbvg/2ud2gR0yzsQ/s1600-h/DSC_0932%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0932" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bt1Y1LFK7zs/UUXV3rYfgMI/AAAAAAAAbvo/kiEzvzhg-wQ/DSC_0932_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0932" width="644" /></a><br />
Gina took the ATV places she never ever thought she would go! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RynkX1ZvgAY/UUXV4XrrmUI/AAAAAAAAbvw/Fv-li_DxynE/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lv-3-BiuW1k/UUXV5vRLMgI/AAAAAAAAbv4/hhBCqpBa3y4/s1600-h/DSC_0939%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0939" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bA1KFqTxhgc/UUXV6sgDHdI/AAAAAAAAbwA/ESQOdxkFkq4/DSC_0939_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0939" width="644" /></a><br />
You can tell she is enjoying herself as we explore Box Canyon.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vt3KzuS-ts8/UUXV8BfJ5FI/AAAAAAAAbwI/c5330ljSZjM/s1600-h/DSC_0940%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0940" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AyjxcGFeyL4/UUXV9DfT_MI/AAAAAAAAbwQ/wQ7SsPQJMLk/DSC_0940_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0940" width="644" /></a><br />
Gina says “I can’t make it up that”! <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SLZTYNzBny4/UUXV-rSWrkI/AAAAAAAAbwY/lWhoTSxJ_pg/s1600-h/DSC_0942%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0942" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qpNxc4n3vvc/UUXV_lXM64I/AAAAAAAAbwg/K_wa4NZ1VnA/DSC_0942_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0942" width="644" /></a><br />
"Sure you can", Rollie tells her, "Piece of cake"! <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BmOj00kgTls/UUXWA8cXrpI/AAAAAAAAbwo/mi2HnMblroI/s1600-h/DSC_0941%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0941" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WppIhIR5x_s/UUXWB3EXK3I/AAAAAAAAbww/zKsP5Tu10ic/DSC_0941_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0941" width="644" /></a><br />
Up she went!!! What a wonderful day that was. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4lEHZu21BcY/UUXWDQovWuI/AAAAAAAAbw4/nXJVGpVDLzQ/s1600-h/DSC_0945%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0945" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6AOeFokJdpQ/UUXWEgPVfcI/AAAAAAAAbxA/Lg9F0AVn-HQ/DSC_0945_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0945" width="644" /></a><br />
A “bond” was developing between us like we had not experienced before. This relationship definitely was planned and developed in Heaven! Shortly thereafter, Gina and Rollie announced that they were going to adopt us and call us Mom and Pops. We graciously accepted their adoption and that of course made them “Our Kids”. And what wonderful kids they are. The help, support and fellowship that came about during that two months and the years after, is truly unbelievable. We could never have made that move into our new house as easily as we did without them. Words just can’t describe it.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-enrP-HwFOek/UUXWF2ZtSNI/AAAAAAAAbxI/Ca8o8ZzxU5o/s1600-h/DSC_1006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1006" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ryOzEUnAt3M/UUXWG8JXOzI/AAAAAAAAbxQ/y4mVoZWZXDo/DSC_1006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1006" width="644" /></a><br />
Gina had a “plan” for our new front yard........<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P5Rc9VRxFU0/UUXWIun6rHI/AAAAAAAAbxY/m-Ano85vKjE/s1600-h/DSC_1003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1003" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mhfgecfXFIk/UUXWJiBbPnI/AAAAAAAAbxg/5WGgbfGnKYs/DSC_1003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1003" width="644" /></a><br />
With her determination, concentration and a LOT of hard work, she made it happen. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-edTsnWKa7qI/UUXWKw9vtCI/AAAAAAAAbxo/i_PbtuGVWuM/s1600-h/DSC_1014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1014" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f-TwrW_PqIE/UUXWLzaNiQI/AAAAAAAAbxw/1-FC9hXM8SA/DSC_1014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1014" width="644" /></a><br />
Rollie told me “When Gina has a plan, Pops, it's best to just stay out of her way, follow orders and let her do her thing”! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RynkX1ZvgAY/UUXV4XrrmUI/AAAAAAAAbvw/Fv-li_DxynE/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RynkX1ZvgAY/UUXV4XrrmUI/AAAAAAAAbvw/Fv-li_DxynE/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> The beautiful change they made to this place was unbelievable!! See all those Rosemary bushes? They ALL came OUT. That alone was some kind of a job and what a difference it made. This all took place before we even started on the inside of the house. <br />
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My blog is getting much too long and I could go on forever. However, I will save that for another time. I’m sure you can see why <b><u>St. Patrick's Day</u></b> is special around here. <br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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God Bless and thanks for stopping by…… <br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pw8IfzXxGjs/UUXWMqa988I/AAAAAAAAbx4/nUURlJbOnlo/s1600-h/Guns%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Guns welcome" border="0" height="481" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YIPtSLNdT8w/UUXWNXiM_YI/AAAAAAAAbyA/LGrhVC1Yt3o/Guns%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Guns welcome" width="644" /></a><br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-83653634789637751562013-03-13T08:26:00.000-07:002013-03-13T08:26:35.879-07:00I knew it!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Some of the gals at the ladies shooting class yesterday were actually looking for “SHADE”! I heard one of them say “Wow, it's hot!" I knew it!! I knew we would soon be complaining of the heat.. Awe, but what a pleasant complaint. It seems mighty nice to me right now but I, too, will probably be complaining about it in the future. One thing about Arizona, it can be 100 deg but step into the shade and it is much cooler. I have never spent the summer here but I believe I could handle it, if and when I ever have to.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K7dDem_ijWU/UUCQELmB34I/AAAAAAAAbsU/zGZNX02R1pE/s1600-h/P1050444%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050444" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OUdGCoaXBLM/UUCQFKqDDRI/AAAAAAAAbsc/KOJX1EySF5I/P1050444_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050444" width="644" /></a><br />
Ms. Pat and I have decided to let the Ruger 1911’s have a rest. We’ve decided to go back to our trusted Glocks for a while. No reason other that just something different for a while. Don’t get me wrong, we love the Ruger sr1911’s but it's kinda fun to switch to something different for a while.. Plus, it gives me a little something else that I love to do.<br />
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I have been switching our .40 Cal Glocks over to 9mm. All it really consisted of was getting the new conversion barrels and new Magazines. They are “drop in “ barrels and require no fitting. I did, however, have to do a lot of converting of my Dillon reloading press enabling me to switch it from loading .45 ACP to 9mm. That is all fun stuff that I enjoy doing. On the left above is Ms. Pats Glock model 23 and on the right is my model 22. As you can see mine is a tad larger. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y5je4HMh6SA/UUCQHK6n8aI/AAAAAAAAbsk/9S_NgMfkqjI/s1600-h/P1050436%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050436" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JnbukPDeeaA/UUCQIJeHYjI/AAAAAAAAbss/56Dd1CJWDIw/P1050436_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050436" width="644" /></a><br />
The next thing I wanted to do is install some of these new “HI VIS” fiber optic front sights. This helps immensely in fast target acquisition. They are really neat! As you can see in the previous picture, both our slides have the new sights installed.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C_BdjSZnpPs/UUCQJay0hhI/AAAAAAAAbs0/PeAPaoflnp8/s1600-h/P1050437%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050437" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dmoqPmNlBsA/UUCQKR3hgOI/AAAAAAAAbs8/dikx1Q4Laac/P1050437_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050437" width="644" /></a><br />
This is Ms. Pat's slide outside where the HI VIZ can pick up some sunlight. See how the front sight just seems to Light up. It's almost as if you had a little light bulb in it lighting it up.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-15PNLlToEgk/UUCQL4HodlI/AAAAAAAAbtE/kBbOd8lDVjU/s1600-h/P1050440%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050440" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J7uhFj1WjCc/UUCQM1-zWuI/AAAAAAAAbtM/-ahBbnZG4NQ/P1050440_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050440" width="644" /></a><br />
This is mine...I chose red. However, I can easily switch it to green if I want to. I think we are going to love these.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S5Wl1pnVufs/UUCQOeeLvKI/AAAAAAAAbtU/J2wd8LB870o/s1600-h/P1050441%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050441" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Aa7CazKBa1o/UUCQPPnRm9I/AAAAAAAAbtc/WLdHiKR6PjI/P1050441_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050441" width="644" /></a><br />
This is a side view. These aren’t really night sights, as they need the daylight to make them work properly. We never shoot these at night anyhow, so that shouldn’t be a problem. We do have night sights on the guns we may have to shoot at night. Well, I better get to loading some 9mm bullets so we can go try out these new sights. There's a big Action Shooting Match at the range Thursday morning we have to be all ready for.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NY5FFT7mYIo/UUCQQ445aJI/AAAAAAAAbtk/k-ZEB2R6iEM/s1600-h/P1050431%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050431" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bco3evCvp0Y/UUCQSaGL9oI/AAAAAAAAbts/ccoTZP8zIMI/P1050431_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050431" width="644" /></a><br />
Meanwhile, Ms. Pat is keeping herself very busy working on this big, beautiful quilt. She put the binding all the way around it all by hand. Gee, it must have been about a mile of stitching, but she finished it and Ms. Megabyte2 loves it!! <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rwgNov_wHH8/UUCQTd-fQ2I/AAAAAAAAbt0/r9RYiaKta6M/s1600-h/P1050433%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050433" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T022EW5bhsM/UUCQUYmvB1I/AAAAAAAAbt8/Fr11u7IvhCw/P1050433_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050433" width="644" /></a><br />
Barb, who's visiting us now, pieced the quilt top for Ms Pat last year before Ms Pat got involved in quilting and Janna put the backing on and quilted it on her Long Arm. It's all finished now and ready to go on the motorhome bed. Isn't it beautiful?? Thanks Barb and Janna. We will enjoy this beautiful quilt for years to come. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PONbe1UMrFE/UUCQVj5UFjI/AAAAAAAAbuE/l05htjzXmdA/s1600-h/P1050435%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050435" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YvokZ4XDVjw/UUCQW6in47I/AAAAAAAAbuM/kAA90S7JC2o/P1050435_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050435" width="644" /></a><br />
Ms. Pat is now going to finish up the pillow shams, that is if she can get Ms. Megabyte2 off of them. She just has really taken a liking to this quilt. She loves to get in the middle of all of them but this one she seems especially attracted to. I guess she recognizes the beautiful work involved.<br />
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Now a little Exercise Video for you....this should get your blood circulating this morning. I know all you Line Dancers will enjoy it and appreciate this guy's tenacity. <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=118518018336579">"Sometimes You Should Dance Like No One's Watchin'"</a><br />
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As you can see, we’re havin' fun!!<br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and God Bless.<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-73217534828377162922013-03-10T07:46:00.002-07:002013-03-10T07:46:37.224-07:00It's That Time Again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O_k4I4TMDVs/UTyYjxOEZ0I/AAAAAAAAbq0/i5faP8XEyvk/s1600-h/daylight%252520savings%252520time..%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="daylight savings time.." border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6v53LCNs10Q/UTyYlAPW5BI/AAAAAAAAbq8/d50HJzpWj0k/daylight%252520savings%252520time.._thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="daylight savings time.." width="644" /></a><br />
Yep, <b>“Daylight Savings”</b> time again.. Fortunately, we don’t have that foolishness here in Arizona. They don’t mess with the time and leave it the same all year around. I like that! Daylight savings time never ever did a thing for me. I think it’s a "ROYAL PITA". Others may feel differently about it, but that’s how I feel. Like my Son Rollie says,<u> “That’s just me”.</u> <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aZMhFdmOcdM/UTyYl4HfIOI/AAAAAAAAbrE/d10vfM8MY7Y/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /> (slap on chest)<br />
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So now we are on Pacific Time, same as California. That means JRoger, that your Happy Hour starts 3 hours before ours does. Hmmm, not good. I don’t think that’s fair! However, since JRoger drinks Early Times, he thinks his Happy Hour can start ANYTIME. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aZMhFdmOcdM/UTyYl4HfIOI/AAAAAAAAbrE/d10vfM8MY7Y/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m_4MHalDcFQ/UTyYnjT1UFI/AAAAAAAAbrM/bEnmogih08Q/s1600-h/P1050423%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050423" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3R64PsH2iZ4/UTyYooDyXTI/AAAAAAAAbrU/Fl_GLgfnqJ8/P1050423_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050423" width="644" /></a><br />
As I mentioned in my last Blog, Ron and Barb are visiting us and have their nice big Monaco “Signature Series” 43’ Motorhome parked just ahead of our little ole 40’ Foretravel, the same spot JRoger and Susan were parked.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r5MaN6eClNM/UTyYqU0tX6I/AAAAAAAAbrc/NtRQVpPp3wo/s1600-h/P1050427%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050427" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TTz8FUIGFTM/UTyYriKmsII/AAAAAAAAbrk/B1r285wnJB4/P1050427_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050427" width="644" /></a><br />
They do stick out a bit further than JRoger did but there is still plenty of room for us to easily drive our vehicles in and out and we can get 50 amps and water to them. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qYjjeMpt82E/UTyYtO9yHSI/AAAAAAAAbrs/6Sd7t-X9WZM/s1600-h/P1050425%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050425" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wi75MYT1wig/UTyYuC-GJbI/AAAAAAAAbr0/_oT84qiAGdI/P1050425_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050425" width="644" /></a><br />
I have had more than one of my neighbors and friends ask “Gee, how long is that Motorhome”? It looks huge, just as everyone thinks mine is over 40’. It's that “Tag Axle” that seems to make them look BIG. I love the tag axle and I’m very glad we have it. You can hardly ever overload the rear axles and the extra stability it provides while driving and in high winds is unbelievable. Ron says his is a dream to drive and I can assure you ours is. Gee, that said, now I’m getting a good case of the “hitch itch”. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aZMhFdmOcdM/UTyYl4HfIOI/AAAAAAAAbrE/d10vfM8MY7Y/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lVn58wSHc7I/UTyYu481g7I/AAAAAAAAbr8/ZQW1cwbS9UM/s1600-h/Weather%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Weather" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0Hcq9dW8-2s/UTyYvsjnWvI/AAAAAAAAbsE/kOyJ5Am7OWU/Weather_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Weather" width="644" /></a><br />
Yesterday was our Annual Spring Garage Sale day here at North Ranch and I must say the day was TERRIBLE, not very "Springy" at all! Friday was bad, too, rainy and windy and just plain miserable. I didn’t even brave it and put anything out for the garage sale. I didn’t have much anyhow and with the miserable weather, I just decided to bundle up and take the Golf Cart and go around and check out what everyone else had.<br />
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I sorta had fun looking. Many of the brave souls had their stuff out in the drizzle and those with garages were inside. Some folks had their heaters keeping them warm as they sold stuff. The early morning temp was 37* and it only got up to 47* for the high. Plus, it was breezy as all get out. I came home froze to death!!<br />
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However, this morning it is bright and sunshiny!! You can see from the above 7 day forecast what we have in store. Those are Phoenix forecast temperatures and ours are about 10* cooler than that. It looks like we have a beautiful week in store for us. But, soon we will be complaining about how HOT IT IS!! I can hardly wait…<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aZMhFdmOcdM/UTyYl4HfIOI/AAAAAAAAbrE/d10vfM8MY7Y/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!! We continue to thank our Father above for all His many blessings. We are so fortunate!!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and do hurry back..<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-91197408314811408692013-03-06T07:33:00.001-07:002013-03-06T07:50:30.351-07:00Time to CHANGE….<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Most of this week, so far, has been used up changing over to shooting 9mm bullets and giving the 1911, .45’s a rest for while. Sunday after Church, we stopped and picked up the mail and the 9mm barrel for Ms. Pats Glock had arrived. That was what I was waiting for.....the barrel for my Glock had arrived a couple weeks ago.<br />
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We started out last winter shooting .40 S&W bullets in our Glocks and had shot about 5000 rounds when we closed up and went north to our place in Custer, SD. During the summer, I purchased our Ruger 1911 .45 ACP pistols and when we got back down here to AZ, I changed the reloading press over to .45 cal from the .40 cal. We have shot about 5000 rounds through the .45’s so far and decided it would be fun to change over to 9mm. Just by purchasing a 9mm barrel and some 9mm magazines I could change both our Glocks over from .40mm to 9mm. The barrels are just a “drop in” switch.<br />
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Then, I began the task of changing my Dillon RL550B Reloader over 9mm. It took me most of the afternoon but by Monday morning, I was ready to begin loading the 9mm's. I quickly loaded a few and ran out in the desert and tried them in our guns. They cycled beautifully and the load (powder) seemed to be about right at 4 grains of Unique powder.<br />
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Ms. Pat came home from dancing shortly after 11am Monday morning and we had to rush the Silverado up to Prescott for a much needed oil change.. It was late when we got home and I wanted to load some more 9mm's for Ms. Pat to shoot at her Tuesday Ladies shooting class but I was just too tired to be loading ammo.<br />
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I got up and started loading early the next morning when I was all rested up and fresh. I loaded 100 rounds and at 11am we headed out to the Range for her class. All the rounds fired off successfully and Ms. Pat is trying to get familiar with her Glock again. The trigger pull is a lot different on the Glock compared to the 1911 and it takes some getting used to. <br />
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Tuesday evening our good friends Ron and Barb from Mission TX arrived to spend some time with us while working a<a href="https://www.good-guys.com/sn"> Good Guys Custom Car Show</a> in Scottsdale. They are independent distributors for <a href="http://www.cleanwithoutwateronline.com/index.html">Dri Wash n' Guard </a>products and will have a Vendor booth at the car show this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you're in that area and love old cars, stop by and say Hi to Ron and Barb. Plus if you need any of the GREAT Dri Wash products, just stop by and pick them up...save some postage and I assure you that you won't find a better polish anywhere, nor an easier one to install. We don't sell it, but we sure use it.... <br />
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We parked their big 40+ ft.; motor coach in the front yard, just a tad late for our 4:00 Happy Hour, but we went ahead and had it anyhow.<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CdQBNwl3SSg/UTNgrzeDX-I/AAAAAAAAbnc/18Cqzp7P68g/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> Larry and Geri came down and we had a gala affair. Ms. Pat announced she had some "pulled pork" and all the trimmings ready for us to eat. Geri brought some delicious cold slaw to add to the feast. WOW, it was a busy but great day!<br />
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Now I have Ms Pat's gun to clean and 200 more bullets to load for us to be prepared for the Thursday morning pistol match....plus we have a Dentist appointment this afternoon. I better get movin!!<br />
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Are we busy? Naw, that’s just the normal activities around here, never a dull moment. I was so busy I forgot to take any pictures.<br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
<br />
I would like to WELCOME our latest and 249th Follower. <br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Sue Castle</span></b><br />
Glad to have you aboard Sue. I couldn’t find a blog for you, so if you have one let us know. Meanwhile we hope you will drop by often…<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c13cUdSr2e4/UTdK9a_J0qI/AAAAAAAAbqc/oWl9Dq9IQNc/s1600-h/Only%252520Die%252520Once%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Only Die Once" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qk0DC2d5lKs/UTdK-Izh79I/AAAAAAAAbqk/Z1DtHlf-0Z0/Only%252520Die%252520Once_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Only Die Once" width="244" /></a><br />
Thank you all for stopping by….<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
<br />
<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-84548693292078505882013-03-03T07:45:00.000-07:002013-03-03T08:37:00.829-07:00Spring Sprung and We Celebrated!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The first of March always calls for the big celebration here at North Ranch. Yesterday was La Fiesta Days and the celebration started off with the annual PARADE.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EiwcHwOFEgM/UTNgllPlnBI/AAAAAAAAbms/TIk3dytNKjU/s1600-h/P1050406%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050406" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4mavOUDFRiU/UTNgmQIL1iI/AAAAAAAAbm0/eTNbjj_szq8/P1050406_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050406" width="644" /></a><br />
Leading off the parade was none other than the famous "North Ranch Desert Line Dancers"! Providing the music, from her beautiful Mustang Convertible, was Jacqui, one of our shooting buddies.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T58nnUd5cwA/UTNgnlH8YiI/AAAAAAAAbm8/IretodG9SUk/s1600-h/P1050407%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050407" border="0" height="371" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sLp01YW4oIg/UTNgoUjhXoI/AAAAAAAAbnE/KIMSc54j9vI/P1050407_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050407" width="644" /></a><br />
They had about a half mile of dancing to go. The other lady in the front row with the red shirt is Peggy, another one of our shooting buddies. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cgHqsCGN-A8/UTNgp-kwlXI/AAAAAAAAbnM/GVmeQdgSrD0/s1600-h/P1050408%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050408" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xdhFJSmFsyI/UTNgqyBGnAI/AAAAAAAAbnU/KEkSvHdimZI/P1050408_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050408" width="633" /></a><br />
And here they are and there is MY favorite line dancer waving at me, my lovely wife Ms. Pat. Isn’t she beautiful, with her little top hat and all. They are having fun and almost all are in step..<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CdQBNwl3SSg/UTNgrzeDX-I/AAAAAAAAbnc/18Cqzp7P68g/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y7scYTFfCzo/UTNgtPAsjTI/AAAAAAAAbnk/4jBV1FBMAQw/s1600-h/P1050412%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050412" border="0" height="415" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Sj_rdQINhRc/UTNguCipW3I/AAAAAAAAbns/iNdtfPIssfw/P1050412_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050412" width="644" /></a><br />
Soon they reversed directions, danced and reversed again, then with a tip of the hat….<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--Z5xaBrqHrA/UTNgvtL35oI/AAAAAAAAbn0/criQCcrDw84/s1600-h/P1050414%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050414" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5cijPvx2i_Y/UTNgwlyXFkI/AAAAAAAAbn8/h2MFSElI6OQ/P1050414_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050414" width="644" /></a><br />
They were gone on their way!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Cn2Il43q1X0/UTNgx6BJIjI/AAAAAAAAboE/bIo8BEa2MbA/s1600-h/P1050415%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050415" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_7JVQ1ECxP0/UTNgys3MF6I/AAAAAAAAboM/IQkw09qHzBs/P1050415_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050415" width="480" /></a><br />
Next was my buddy Jim, carrying the beautiful American Flag. God Bless America!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ewVbZLNMOFM/UTNgz2622kI/AAAAAAAAboU/6OsvZ5RNjZk/s1600-h/P1050416%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050416" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5q-BnL3DDXs/UTNg0szi33I/AAAAAAAAboc/rstcEcLaFeg/P1050416_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050416" width="585" /></a><br />
And what's a parade without a beautiful Fire Truck, or two.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YT0_zQ9aMjk/UTNg1-hN0mI/AAAAAAAAbok/TvDKT-noRf0/s1600-h/P1050417%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050417" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8a2UD3BxhyA/UTNg2iqChKI/AAAAAAAAbos/0zVKgSA_YgI/P1050417_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050417" width="644" /></a><br />
And always enjoyable are the many beautiful old cars. This superb 1949 Chevy Convertible carries our Grand Marshals.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-guPfBK4GB2g/UTNg3-ZUTPI/AAAAAAAAbo0/ce43CkIE_so/s1600-h/P1050418%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050418" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-saUtZYqrlRY/UTNg42rGNVI/AAAAAAAAbo8/pscxt33KSHc/P1050418_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050418" width="644" /></a><br />
Aw yes, one of my favorite things here in the park are the great “Jam Sessions”. We have some wonderful talented musicians here in the Park and every Thursday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm they display that talent. You will find me at the Club House on many of those Thursday afternoons just sitting and listening and enjoying their talent.<br />
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I have always wished I could play a guitar. It was one of my dreams and when I was in High School, I took lessons and tried hard to learn. It just wasn’t in the books. I could not master it to save my life. Finally, after about 6 months of lessons, my teacher had a heart-to-heart talk with me and she ended up telling me that I better stick to FOOTBALL. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cmazz95yRDk/UTNg54HFHNI/AAAAAAAAbpE/7lBmZw7csmA/s1600-h/P1050419%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050419" border="0" height="225" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_X8M4lVENzg/UTNg6h8Sn_I/AAAAAAAAbpM/KlibdF5ujZU/P1050419_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050419" width="644" /></a><br />
We have just about every type of transportation device you can think of here at North Ranch and several were in the parade. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--FDKiDSOi18/UTNg73K7WMI/AAAAAAAAbpU/gVRPbWnSZno/s1600-h/P1050420%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050420" border="0" height="470" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3AM_9sq0jV8/UTNg9DtoY5I/AAAAAAAAbpc/rQZAFGPX7iI/P1050420_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050420" width="644" /></a><br />
Here are the “beaders” and one of the many golf carts…<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1yNQFQUlCDU/UTNg-b2TMPI/AAAAAAAAbpk/MV5_7Djbil4/s1600-h/P1050421%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050421" border="0" height="392" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8tr3jyrHENI/UTNhAWuGBeI/AAAAAAAAbps/YY9FZ5958j0/P1050421_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050421" width="644" /></a><br />
This represents our Sheriff's departments Search and Rescue team. They are the ones that come and rescue us when we get out in the desert and have trouble or get lost. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1304CHJYMoY/UTNhCl1SPXI/AAAAAAAAbp0/YZvjKpVizbw/s1600-h/P1050422%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050422" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hc6mf_UIw4E/UTNhDynP_dI/AAAAAAAAbp8/90HPv_EME2w/P1050422_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050422" width="644" /></a><br />
The parade ended at the Activity Center that was all decorated up and set up for the days games, crafts, pet show. plus others. Ms. Pat had us signed up for a Bean Bag baseball game. Above was our playing field. There were several teams set up to play in a process of elimination. Darned if we didn’t get eliminated in the first game! I did manage to get a Home Run at one of my up to bats. Larry and Geri were on our team and we all contributed in our attempt to win. Geri hit a home run and brought Ms Pat in for a score but hard as we tried, we LOST! We ended up going to lunch, which like Larry said might have been a "blessing in disguise"! <br />
<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CdQBNwl3SSg/UTNgrzeDX-I/AAAAAAAAbnc/18Cqzp7P68g/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
Let me tell you it was a beautiful day and about the warmest we have had so far this spring. It got clear up to 78* and it sure felt good. We had a superb lunch of pulled pork and a brownie. But since I’m not allowed to have dessert, I brought it home and I’ll eat it when Ms. Pat isn’t looking! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CdQBNwl3SSg/UTNgrzeDX-I/AAAAAAAAbnc/18Cqzp7P68g/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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It was a grand day, but shortly after lunch, I could hear my dear little Ms. Megabyte2 calling me to come home. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AirY-kGtf4U/UTNhFznROoI/AAAAAAAAbqE/EeIuc1-A8aE/s1600-h/P1040793%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1040793" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--yirqXIvkHo/UTNhHcqyy3I/AAAAAAAAbqM/wcIaeFQnMUM/P1040793_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1040793" width="644" /></a><br />
When I got home, sure enough there she was just so anxious to see me….. <br />
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So I retired to my gun shop and loaded a few bullets and just sat back and admired a new rifle that I just seemed to acquire….. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CdQBNwl3SSg/UTNgrzeDX-I/AAAAAAAAbnc/18Cqzp7P68g/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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Topped off the gorgeous day with a Happy Hour on our beautiful screened-in front porch, including our good friends Larry and Geri. After an adult beverage, Ms. Pat announced that she had whipped up some good ole' southern Beans and Ham, Collard Greens and a little Jalapeno Corn Bread. Man-O-Man, you talk about GOOD! What more could a guy ask for? Praise the Lord!<br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!! <br />
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Thanks for stopping by. I hope Spring is starting to Spring in your area wherever you are and you are able to get out and enjoy it.<br />
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Hurry on back now...................<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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This Blog is published every Sunday and Wednesday.. </div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-12657983863853213182013-02-27T08:01:00.002-07:002013-02-27T08:01:27.426-07:00Your Not Going to Believe This!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I can’t believe this really happened, and frankly I’m a little embarrassed that it did! Monday was the day for my 3 month scheduled Dr. appointment with my Oncologist for the Lupron shots I have been taking for a couple years. It is an extremely important shot and costs over $3000.00 per shot. Thankfully our wonderful Medicare and Supplemental Insurance plan pays the total cost. The doctors office is way over on the East side of Scottsdale, over 80 miles from where we live. It’s a long trip and traffic is tough most of the time.<br />
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We left home early Monday morning, although the appointment wasn’t until 1:30pm. We completed our usual shopping and getting supplies so we could head home as soon as we got out of the doctor's office. Everything went fine, we made the appointment right on time and had a long discussion with the Doctor concerning the several avenues of treatment we can persue if my PSA continues to rise as it has been doing . The Doctor decided he would draw blood for a PSA now and then I should have another PSA test in 6 weeks.<br />
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So we went to the Lab and the blood was drawn…..all plans were in place and the DR. told us he would call us tomorrow with the results of the blood work and we could then make the decision which plan we would activate. Our next appointment dates were set and we were anxiously on our way home. I am always ready to get home, mostly because the traffic gets really bad as it gets closer to rush hour.<br />
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I think you can probably see where this is going. About 20 miles down the road, traveling about 75-80 MPH trying to keep from getting run over, Ms. Pat looked at me and said “Oh my God, you didn’t get your shot”!! WHAT??? Unbelievable....I was speechless!! Ms. Pat got on the phone and started calling the doctor's office, as I caught the next exit and went through the process of turning around.<br />
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I had to have that shot every 3 months to keep things under control. It’s a special order shot and that is what WE WENT FOR!!!! We drove the 20 miles back through the traffic that was getting heavier and heavier by the minute. We could not go home without it. At first we were both mad, mad that we both forgot it and mad that the doctor and the nurses forgot it. Then Ms. Pat said, “I have the nurse on the phone and she has agreed to stay late to give you your shot, so don’t worry, we don’t have to come back another day” <br />
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Whew! That was a relief. Then a calmness settled around us and we decided that we were lucky we discovered it when we did rather than when we got clear home. Soon we were laughing about it but still in total disbelief!!! "What were we thinkin'?" <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xd4DBg6Pi3Q/US4ZI7eICaI/AAAAAAAAbkQ/ypFQgNhoDho/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /> I never thought this would happen to me!!! NEVER say NEVER!! We were late getting home and Ms. Megabyte thought for sure we had abandoned her. I will say, Thank God for the “HOV” lanes on the freeways!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LCmTZ-CoIBk/US4ZKF6kwrI/AAAAAAAAbkY/dlzkOkjKDKM/s1600-h/P1050405%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050405" border="0" height="405" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w3XyJhSm5v8/US4ZLFt3sDI/AAAAAAAAbkg/zY7kJYMnXI4/P1050405_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050405" width="644" /></a><br />
Last night was the annual Line Dancers Teacher Appreciation Banquet. Ms Pat received these beautiful roses from all her fellow line dancers. She was elated and the catered dinner of BBQ from the famous Hog Trough restaurant was wonderful.<br />
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She also received several beautiful cards of appreciation and even a gift card for $25.00. Several of the other gals told me how much they appreciated Ms. Pat for all her time and effort in organizing the dances, teaching them to dance, along with selecting the music and taking care of the electronics. I was mighty proud of her!! They also said she has the "patience of Job"…. I already knew that. To put up with me, she has to have a LOT of patience!!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N4vxme0yaVM/US4ZL7Z230I/AAAAAAAAbko/EbjCBqPFhaQ/s1600-h/P1050401%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050401" border="0" height="177" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s7Ui0mSkN6U/US4ZMvveCRI/AAAAAAAAbkw/31JIdy1xcWY/P1050401_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050401" width="644" /></a><br />
After the great dinner, they began to “What else?” Line Dancing….. I enjoyed watching and the music was great. I noticed that what seemed to be most important was to keep everyone headed the right direction. I don’t know how they do it, I know I sure couldn’t!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TjpyA0saWEw/US4ZN_O1b-I/AAAAAAAAbk4/zG05G30RiDU/s1600-h/P1050399%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050399" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OzmmTfFZnJk/US4ZOm-fbVI/AAAAAAAAblA/Ml5FSEAtuNw/P1050399_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050399" width="644" /></a><br />
I also noticed that most of them do a great job of keeping the “correct” foot forward. However, there are instances when some don’t. A few of them are Beginners so they are still learning the steps. Now if I was to try it, everyone would be laughing so hard at me that it would distract from their dancing. So that's why I don’t do it…"that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!"<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xd4DBg6Pi3Q/US4ZI7eICaI/AAAAAAAAbkQ/ypFQgNhoDho/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /><br />
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Anyhow it was a great night………just as it is a GREAT WEEK!!!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by as we continue to thank our Father in Heaven for all His many blessings!! Praise the Lord….<br />
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Remember, don’t forget to tell your kids you love them. They may not be around forever.<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
<br />
<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-31803726247314212572013-02-24T07:44:00.002-07:002013-02-24T07:44:44.037-07:00SNOW AT NORTH RANCH! Like I never seen before!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cMekmqlw84A/USokfV8fHsI/AAAAAAAAbfU/dTf7X1_yq8g/s1600-h/P1050380%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050380" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bNjUJo99_I8/USokhFQ93II/AAAAAAAAbfc/PdanhGT_0Bo/P1050380_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050380" width="644" /></a><br />
Wednesday morning, after Ms. Pat got home from Line Dancing just before noon, she came running to my shop where I was cranking away making bullets and excitedly asked me if I had looked outside. No I hadn't looked out and I can’t see anything out of my shop. She told me to come outside and this is what I saw. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g9CSwwA6so4/USokippgG1I/AAAAAAAAbfk/z0SOfxBizE0/s1600-h/P1050387%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050387" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8ox1bO78TJE/USokjjVqDZI/AAAAAAAAbfs/r4Trfkqw5TA/P1050387_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050387" width="644" /></a><br />
It was really coming down, floating gently as it came down almost like feathers. Neat....but I was glad JRoger and Susan were going through El Paso about this time where it was nice and dry.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9VpR_mFLcXs/USoklFuBk0I/AAAAAAAAbf0/a5TWya1fTmo/s1600-h/P1050389%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050389" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FqwnS6bbloI/USokmKJTHUI/AAAAAAAAbf8/BnzGo09cLKU/P1050389_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050389" width="644" /></a><br />
Soon it was accumulating and covering the ground. I don’t remember seeing snow flakes so BIG. They were as big as silver dollars. I was glad to be home and in my shop with the little heater blasting away keeping me as "snug as a bug in a rug"! <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TvvDUe-Q8ao/USoknlSui8I/AAAAAAAAbgE/1k38Bz4A-3o/s1600-h/P1050391%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050391" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hF5MisOUDPA/USoko9LcP4I/AAAAAAAAbgM/8QTXzaQOaVU/P1050391_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050391" width="644" /></a><br />
This is about as close to a “white out” as you will see in this part of Arizona. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5slASAQpOO8/USokpsqRdXI/AAAAAAAAbgU/AQzu_1FRxNU/s1600-h/P1050385%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050385" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EhR-Nlve0dw/USokqccwWdI/AAAAAAAAbgc/li6idWLF0jE/P1050385_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050385" width="644" /></a><br />
The roof was snow covered. When snow accumulates on your roof like this, it is a good sign. It means that your house is well insulated and heat from inside is not heating up the roof.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cQxzsyHl7Iw/USoksTg45AI/AAAAAAAAbgk/Dh7AWzWlhFI/s1600-h/P1050390%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050390" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fyl1hfDCPNw/USoktdRciRI/AAAAAAAAbgs/LU5L_j-TTOk/P1050390_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050390" width="644" /></a><br />
It was really quite a beautiful sight…..especially since I could go back in by the fire with no place we had to be. What a great time to play with guns and bullets. Ms. Pat quickly became busy on her latest quilt project. Soon the snow stopped and the ground was clear again but you know the moisture was good for the dry desert.<br />
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Later that afternoon, our good friends Larry and Geri arrived and got all situated on our old lot. We are looking forward to having them around for a while, the rest of the winter I hope! Larry and Geri were our neighbors up in the Black Hills near Custer and were the owners of <b>Broken Arrow RV Park</b> and Horse Camp.<br />
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Since they sold the RV Park a couple years ago, they have become full-time RV'ers and Professional ATV riders. They go everywhere and go on some outstanding 4 wheel rides in the boonies. I mean Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, Utah, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, even Canada and especially Arizona…..and I probably even missed a few spots I’m sure. They brought us a <u>big bag of fresh vegetables</u> from a stand over near Brenda where they had been staying prior to coming here. They are delicious!! We are happy to have them with us. <br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!<br />
<br />
We want to welcome some new followers…<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Westie Waggin’</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mello Mike</b></span> <br />
I couldn’t find a Blog for either of these folks, but we are sure glad to have you with us. We’re getting closer and closer to <u>250….</u> It hasn’t been long ago that I didn’t think I would ever get to <u>50!</u> <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dehuBKDK4dQ/USokuEoczQI/AAAAAAAAbg0/PG9-GGagQeQ/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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Thanks for stoppin’ by and we hope the Good Lord takes a liken to ya! <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G1O8y1uaebE/USoku0E1oJI/AAAAAAAAbg8/fOWdCGIeLAY/s1600-h/Fired%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Fired" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rvw13OGt8Gg/USokvVyp9uI/AAAAAAAAbhE/xnl_ck7Z614/Fired_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fired" width="225" /></a><br />
<br />
Mike<br />
<br />
<b><i>This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-90466562877047802922013-02-20T08:03:00.000-07:002013-02-20T08:03:02.511-07:00WOW,,,that was quick!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QC0SikjPkGg/USTd4yOYR1I/AAAAAAAAbbI/5L0-Y-Dye0o/s1600-h/Good%252520Morning%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Good Morning" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b10IiVMhH2U/USTd6QZcimI/AAAAAAAAbbQ/fiLfY2CWn0c/Good%252520Morning_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Good Morning" width="484" /></a><br />
This week went way too fast!! We enjoyed our time with JRoger and Susan so very much and way too soon, it was time for them to head on back home to Florida. They have many things going on at home and Susan’s failing Mother needs attention. They wanted to see the Grand Canyon before they left and decided it would be good to go that way on their way home. Then the forecast came that a “Big Storm” was headed right for the Flagstaff and Grand Canyon area. So Monday morning, they decided they better head out and get through that area ahead of this storm. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SjD10FA-lhk/USTd9IHFStI/AAAAAAAAbbY/byVeBsRzeLo/s1600-h/P1050373%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Oh No, darn it they are leaving......" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VhQ8uqiWMc8/USTd-7wXEfI/AAAAAAAAbbg/qiV3yGgJmjY/P1050373_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Oh No, darn it they are leaving......" width="644" /></a><br />
Here they are all bundled up ready to head North towards the Grand Canyon. It was 40* here at North Ranch near Congress, AZ. this morning and in the single digits in the Grand Canyon area. But it was nice and clear and the sun was shining brightly.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6awe2HJPpi0/USTeAZkCXnI/AAAAAAAAbbo/ENFt2jlhCxU/s1600-h/P1050374%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Heading out,,,," border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jpSZGglYiIo/USTeBp3XStI/AAAAAAAAbbw/_LgmEdrVRog/P1050374_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Heading out,,,," width="644" /></a><br />
Here they are departing the Clubhouse after a lot of hugs and yes, some tears…. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cH6OTqBqOdc/USTeDe5kRyI/AAAAAAAAbb4/nuxNdOT-NmQ/s1600-h/P1050376%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="On the highway now" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N1-J3qZc5E0/USTeER9a5NI/AAAAAAAAbcA/a7wNQUO-P-M/P1050376_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="On the highway now" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kGrBTiQfZ0c/USTeGTIF7lI/AAAAAAAAbcI/GvokX9d9FxQ/s1600-h/P1050378%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Hurry back,,,we're gona miss you...." border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9DlWgs4qMTk/USTeHqLtXJI/AAAAAAAAbcQ/2rv2j1SltgQ/P1050378_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hurry back,,,we're gona miss you...." width="244" /></a><br />
Out the front driveway and on down the road, through the mountains and up to Prescott, then on to the Grand Canyon….<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lg2eu2_I3j8/USTeJZX-7ZI/AAAAAAAAbcY/hH0fKtvxKo4/s1600-h/P1050364%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="A couple of Old Guys that are mighty happy the way the new 30-06 shoots...Right On !!" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-49uyfHseAqQ/USTeKv5BSUI/AAAAAAAAbcg/LDiaHMk9pnc/P1050364_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="A couple of Old Guys that are mighty happy the way the new 30-06 shoots...Right On !!" width="541" /></a><br />
JRoger and I have developed a friendship over the last 10 years second to none. We have so many of the same interests and experiences in life that we just “understand” each other. I trust him 100%, as I’m sure he does me. Through his superb guidance, I was able to find a rifle that I had long been looking for. An Interarms Mark X, 30-06 with a Mauser action, in superb condition. I already had the scope I wanted to put on it and JRoger helped me do that. Plus, we took it out and sighted it in. It took JRoger about 5 minutes to “bore sight” it and we only had to fire ONE shot to find out that he had it set mighty close!!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BbHpFtGeqGY/USTeL0SCo3I/AAAAAAAAbco/AXXmf6HzQbY/s1600-h/P1050366%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050366" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-70rprw285WI/USTeMyiE0gI/AAAAAAAAbcw/IyI8HpxrXKg/P1050366_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050366" width="415" /></a><br />
Now at 50 yards (about as far away as we could safely do it in the desert) that is close enough for me! I can take it to the 100 yard bay at the Gun Club and fine tune it. It took JRoger just a short time to do what it would have taken me a half a day and half a dozen bullets to do. I have always been a “handgun” guy and this is the first "big" rifle I ever owned. Look at the size of that hole!! Now, I’m happy as a kid in a candy store! I finally have a good high power rifle. I may never use it but just the pride in owning it is priceless!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--T6uFPhPk9E/USTePIjtThI/AAAAAAAAbc4/EiNZRvPQX9U/s1600-h/P1050370%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050370" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JhlByimitBk/USTeQwx9BDI/AAAAAAAAbdA/0PTUqdEc69k/P1050370_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050370" width="644" /></a><br />
We squeezed in a couple of neat rides in the desert………..<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4lXGC9T61HI/USTeTeHHHNI/AAAAAAAAbdI/JQYxfs54YhE/s1600-h/P1050369%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050369" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_mxUCqsFdMA/USTeVXf7D9I/AAAAAAAAbdQ/IUws_UF_0wk/P1050369_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050369" width="644" /></a><br />
They enjoyed the spectacular views we have out here in our vast desert land surrounded by beautiful mountain's. They even tried to look like a saguaro cactus!! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-foUFE9BBUIE/USTeWv-4GdI/AAAAAAAAbdY/fJpNbvAtsdk/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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They had a great, long day going through the Grand Canyon and ended up in Flagstaff for the night. Tuesday they headed out early and went Southwest through the mountainous area of Heber and on down past Silver City and then Deming, NM. for the night. They really enjoyed their scenic trip and the weather was fine except for a little wind now and then.<br />
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Are they ever lucky they got through and out of the Flagstaff area! Tuesday, during the night, the storm hit that area and the entire area they had just traveled. There is 6 inches of snow in Flagstaff this morning. Roads are closed or heavily snow packed, including the interstate. Schools are closed, it is still snowing with possible 12 inches before it's over. WOW, good planning ole' buddy!! This morning (Wednesday) they will proceed on West from Deming on I-10 and get as far as they can tonight. They should be safe except for maybe a little rain. <br />
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We sure miss them already but we are so happy that they got to see and enjoy the Grand Canyon before this unexpected storm arrived. Their visit was, as I said, way too short, but we understand the obligations of loved ones and especially our aging families and parents. Travel safe you guys and we’ll see you again soon. How about Custer in July???<br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xBRL2lVbm8g/USTeYErA4oI/AAAAAAAAbdg/c-dvsTeZC1s/s1600-h/Thanks%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Thanks" border="0" height="182" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hEfy3HwbZ9g/USTeZeJijoI/AAAAAAAAbdo/83BBbH4O9V4/Thanks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Thanks" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thanks for stopping by and God Bless. <br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-54899703967534502832013-02-17T07:06:00.000-07:002013-02-17T07:25:07.262-07:00"We’re Having a Blast!" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LSz_HbwQB_g/USDc_OUf7II/AAAAAAAAbWY/P45OeSC5x4o/s1600-h/P1050351%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050351" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tpPfOGfIu3o/USDdAKG6DzI/AAAAAAAAbWg/0Ev1lp4KnSE/P1050351_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050351" width="644" /></a><br />
It is so good having JRoger and Susan with us. Their new little Motorhome is really neat. Their big Volvo 660 and 40’ Mobile Suites 5TH wheel is their home back in Monticello,Florida. They just purchased this “Four Winds” motorhome for traveling and they love it. It is as neat as pin and fits anywhere quite easily. Susan can drive it easily and they can really cover the ground in it. The last day before they arrived here at our place they had comfortably covered over 600 miles. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K_0DfaDbtuE/USDdBGv0lJI/AAAAAAAAbWo/ntmVA2XdJxI/s1600-h/P1050344%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050344" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-McXLa93HTVQ/USDdCLMT4RI/AAAAAAAAbWw/8xbUgsDY7D8/P1050344_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050344" width="644" /></a><br />
Ms. Pat got Susan involved in the Line Dancing classes that she teaches up at the clubhouse. Susan had not done the dances before but she caught on real quick and did real good.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bx9wLFIAeAI/USDdEY0-KaI/AAAAAAAAbW4/c4eDojo8NVc/s1600-h/P1050350%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050350" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kAnk1eGKVyg/USDdGBKjyeI/AAAAAAAAbXA/XYZCcEBSrac/P1050350_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050350" width="644" /></a><br />
My 4-wheel ATV’s hadn’t even been started for a long time. So Roger and I got them out and dusted them off and fired them up for a little trip out in the desert. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3dUnzf0lAic/USDdH2ZsZQI/AAAAAAAAbXI/0OhpP-sacUQ/s1600-h/P1050349%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050349" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JhZ5iUDc9KU/USDdJ-sIPrI/AAAAAAAAbXQ/SuZasmVKODg/P1050349_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050349" width="644" /></a><br />
So while Ms. Pat and Susan were dancing, JRoger and I took off for the desert. I showed him several of my personal favorite look outs, the "washes" and our little hidden shooting area. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aFpmh3_kuH4/USDdLicl2zI/AAAAAAAAbXY/jLvN-4h5JlM/s1600-h/P1050347%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050347" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vnhtYhT7dEU/USDdNArUagI/AAAAAAAAbXg/z8YXQEzmA7c/P1050347_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050347" width="644" /></a><br />
He was amazed with all the different varieties of Rock’s!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LBAqcjt8-B8/USDdOQROv9I/AAAAAAAAbXo/IsCSsG3OQ0Y/s1600-h/P1050346%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050346" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DAwUPTYW9q4/USDdPHM5B3I/AAAAAAAAbXw/rKaPtRhUsK8/P1050346_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050346" width="644" /></a><br />
JRoger is a busy guy! He keeps getting all these calls from Florida. A lot of people confide in him and his vast knowledge of firearms. Can’t blame them for that, I do the same thing. I told him he needs to shut that phone off, he is on "vacation"!!<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vjRGygqm0KU/USDdPm8hA8I/AAAAAAAAbX4/Usvo76xZumE/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /> He's always telling me to turn mine on so he can call me. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vjRGygqm0KU/USDdPm8hA8I/AAAAAAAAbX4/Usvo76xZumE/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-crgk7hQHMS0/USDdRU5o5OI/AAAAAAAAbYA/l5z77ZtMh28/s1600-h/P1050361%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050361" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gUmC1ayaSPE/USDdSpvekmI/AAAAAAAAbYI/rMMcz5G2OXM/P1050361_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050361" width="644" /></a><br />
Here is JRoger and Susan at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulture_Mine">Vulture Gold Mine</a> south of Wickenburg yesterday where we took a tour. Here's a video of the mine if you're interested: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_f1E8eQ1ME">Vulture Mine Video</a><br />
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JRoger has a "hankering" to do a little "gold mining" and loves the history part of it. We had already taken him to the little gold mining community of Stanton so he got a little more history in this area to add to his already wealth of knowledge of gold mining. After we left Vulture Mine, we went to the neat <a href="http://www.westernmuseum.org/">Desert Caballeros Westerm Museum</a> in Wickenburg and then to a Leather Show going on at the <a href="http://www.ci.wickenburg.az.us/index.aspx?NID=77">Wickenburg Community Center</a>. WOW, so many places to go and things to do and so little time. We, of course, had to work in 3 Gun Shops so far.<br />
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It is such a pleasure having JRoger and Susan with us. Today we will
spend some time with all of us out exploring more of this beautiful vast
desert land we have surrounding us. Boy.....we love this place and I think JRoger and Susan are loving it, too.<br />
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Oh yeah....in our "touring" around town, we ran into Al and Kelly of the <a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/">Bayfield Bunch</a> out touring with their Florida company, too. Didn't get any pictures but we sure enjoyed meeting up with them.<br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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For those of you that would like to have the Taco Soup recipe, go to this previous Blog and you will find it: <a href="http://mikepatstravels.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-cache-needs-attention.html" title="http://mikepatstravels.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-cache-needs-attention.html">http://mikepatstravels.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-cache-needs-attention.html</a> <br />
My Blog has a search link in the top right column, just type in “Taco Soup” or anything else you would like to find in any of my Blogs and it will take you to them.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by, come on back Wednesday….<br />
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God Bless.<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-84680723328148660132013-02-13T07:39:00.001-07:002013-02-13T07:39:30.603-07:00JRoger and Susan Arrived…..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VhUE8YsL5Yk/URuaY5fbdxI/AAAAAAAAbTs/IRd2A29YFXI/s1600-h/P1050334%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050334" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VjZYDM1FthE/URuaZ_-a7rI/AAAAAAAAbT0/xN1FrbmlOQA/P1050334_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050334" width="644" /></a><br />
Monday morning early, we had an appointment at the CORE institute in Surprise, AZ for evaluation of the results from Ms. Pat's procedure on her back. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CCGROIU86ms/URuaazlxBSI/AAAAAAAAbT8/o4fyljYWVhU/s1600-h/P1050333%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050333" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kKygY7N8h0s/URuab3xuh7I/AAAAAAAAbUE/77AfEvbs_1Y/P1050333_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050333" width="644" /></a><br />
The CORE is a busy place, even as early as it was. We were one of the first ones there, but soon every seat in the place was filled. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CgiALosqIuo/URuac6uU8gI/AAAAAAAAbUM/TytlHMswKKE/s1600-h/P1050332%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050332" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0BOVgaFFFUU/URuad0kjRbI/AAAAAAAAbUU/ryEPOKZ3CD4/P1050332_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050332" width="644" /></a><br />
Within a few minutes we were called into the examination room and Ms. Pat began answering questions and filling out the questioner about the injections she received last Friday. After all factors were evaluated, it was decided that Ms. Pat is an acceptable candidate for the <a href="http://spinedallas.com/radiofrequency-ablation-interventional-spine-pain-doctor-dallas-tx.html">Radiofrequency Abalation</a> procedure and an appointment was made. The earliest open date was March 15. <br />
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This procedure is normally done under sedation but she doesn't”t take well to heavy sedation, so they agreed to keep it as local as possible. She is anxious to get it behind her with hopes of welcome relief of the constant aggravating pain in her back. We have known for years that she needs surgery on her back, but we want to avoid that if at all possible. So we look forward to the procedure and are hopeful it will be successful. <a href="http://travelbug-susan.blogspot.com/">Travel Bug-Susan</a>, thanks for the comment and we will keep you posted on the results. It might work for your Mom.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c-FP8EDJE0M/URuafDvridI/AAAAAAAAbUc/sOfqlhso8jI/s1600-h/P1050335%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050335" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vbRmQFNTGFE/URuagP2tIlI/AAAAAAAAbUk/DHQS0dinha0/P1050335_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050335" width="644" /></a><br />
We made it home from Surprise shortly after after noon and this is what occurred right about Happy Hour! If you look close, you can see the SNOW!! AGAIN!! It didn’t amount to much, and the moisture is always a welcome site. <br />
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We had been in close contact with JRoger and Susan, our good friends coming all the way from Florida, in their new Motorhome. Yesterday, Ms. Pat attended her Ladies Shooting class and we knew they were getting closer. At about 4pm they called and informed us that they were about 100 miles away and would be here in about 2 hours. Hurray, we are sure looking forward to seeing them. Ms. Pat quickly made a big pot of Gina’s famous “Taco Soup” and kept it warm in the cooker. <br />
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We agreed to hold Happy Hour open. Shortly after 6pm they called and said they were just a few miles away. We jumped in the golf cart and headed up to the front gate to meet them and lead them down to our place. It was so good to see them. We had them all parked, plugged in and situated just as darkness of the evening set in. I was so excited I forgot to take any pictures. :-(<br />
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We enjoyed hugs and conversation and the Taco Soup really hit the spot. I am anxious to catch up with all the news and inspect their new little Motorhome. JRoger says, “This is the way to travel”. He says he is enjoying the simplicity of a Motorhome and it's small enough Susan can do some of the driving for him. It got late fast and everyone was tired and and looking forward to tomorrow and the days to come. <br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK !!!!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by, come on back Sunday for some pictures and find out what we're up to.<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SH_ZPqkoz0o/URuago_NbCI/AAAAAAAAbUs/9se1zIMjQrI/s1600-h/Fighting%252520for%252520life%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Fighting for life" border="0" height="239" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UWLUl0aHLao/URuahZDp5JI/AAAAAAAAbU0/rqnWp98Nulc/Fighting%252520for%252520life_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fighting for life" width="244" /></a><br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-11496728043277327802013-02-10T07:47:00.001-07:002013-02-10T08:27:53.171-07:00Fixing Up The Ole' Body<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My “trigger finger” was getting so sore from arthritis that I could hardly pull the trigger. Same thing happened last year. My hand really hurt, throbbed, in fact. Last May, my local doctor told me I should see a Rheumatologist. Ms. Pat took me to a specialist in the big city. They x-rayed my hand and said “Yep, it's just arthritis”. She told me that she could give me a shot of cortisone and it <u>should</u> help.<br />
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I was ready to try anything, so I told her to go ahead and let's give it a try. So she shot my big knuckle on my trigger finger. Ouch!! Boy, that smarted but only for a few seconds. Then in a couple days I didn’t have any pain anymore!!! Hallelujah!! What a great feeling that was. I could shoot again. That lasted until about a month ago, then it started hurting again. I told Ms. Pat to get me in to see that gal again. My finger needed fixin!<br />
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So Friday we went into the big city and the same young doctor, Dr. Mohadevan, gave me another shot. It's just like magic, it feels oh so much better already. She says she can give me up to 3 shots a year, if I need it. Well let's hope just the<u> one</u> will get me by for another year. Sometimes this medical stuff is just plain wonderful. So I have my “trigger finger” back. <br />
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Since Ms. Pat has agreed to get old along with me, she has again (still) been having pain in her lower back that has been giving her fits. She had an appointment with her Orthopedic specialist last Friday, too. She agreed to let them try a different procedure where they give her several deadening shots in her lower spine area and specifically into some nerves surrounding the spine where the pain is. If these shots give her relief after a couple of these experimental nerve deadening shots, they will do the big operation, a <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/radiofrequency-neurotomy/MY00947"><u><i>Radiofrequency Neurotomy</i></u></a>.and go in and cauterize these nerves.<br />
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I was concerned about this. I told her, "Wait a minute, I don’t like the sound of this. It sounds scary (i.e., risky) to me". "Are you sure you want to do this?" They assured us that it was a safe procedure and Ms Pat did her research on the internet. "Yeah, but do ya trust them?"I asked. It scares me, that’s a lot different than getting a shot in your finger. Backs and spines are serious business. However, the thought of being pain free without surgery intrigues Ms. Pat and she agreed to go on with the procedure. She is keeping a diary on her pain and we are going back in Monday (tomorrow) for another consultation. Man, I pray to our Dear Father in Heaven that this works… <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bioM5jkMF-U/UReq_PLN1JI/AAAAAAAAbQY/dO6wGnwHSXI/s1600-h/P1050321%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050321" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9TyaPWSb6pA/URerAIswQeI/AAAAAAAAbQg/aqUD7Ea8CEE/P1050321_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050321" width="644" /></a><br />
We got down to 33* yesterday morning and as soon as the sun came up and I looked out the door, this is what I saw.....SNOW!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lHrUqchrZQ4/URerBwnkkvI/AAAAAAAAbQo/kPtYi5Uh36E/s1600-h/P1050324%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050324" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RNNMSG2OUXw/URerC8hjn8I/AAAAAAAAbQw/i75TOzawIDw/P1050324_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050324" width="644" /></a><br />
Snow on the Orange Tree’s and the Oleanders. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YoPsLFXyt_M/URerEJJDlFI/AAAAAAAAbQ4/Q4SlM7kf4ss/s1600-h/P1050325%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050325" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G2SwsnwpqhU/URerFAbgeJI/AAAAAAAAbRA/Wvs7IqL5VVw/P1050325_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050325" width="644" /></a><br />
Snow on the Roof.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gqa-rDjlbJk/URerHLj6_KI/AAAAAAAAbRI/UWAGWuIeN7c/s1600-h/P1050326%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050326" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vh9j89AJ0Lg/URerIRnmAzI/AAAAAAAAbRQ/hxvK51_uTgU/P1050326_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050326" width="644" /></a><br />
Snow on Gina’s Rock Garden.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e7exPq5ZtIw/URerJ2vZiVI/AAAAAAAAbRY/Zt2kGmajB6c/s1600-h/P1050329%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050329" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zEqEiDQ5WA8/URerK4R1GpI/AAAAAAAAbRg/osUGKSmMHv0/P1050329_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050329" width="644" /></a><br />
Snow everywhere…<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H3n03ya9tcQ/URerMdnDB8I/AAAAAAAAbRo/FhqaEHQ-3ro/s1600-h/P1050328%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050328" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ama6SQKAzAE/URerNcZjugI/AAAAAAAAbRw/acApYKvB1Dg/P1050328_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050328" width="644" /></a><br />
Snow even on the Grill….<br />
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and just when I told everyone that February meant “Warm” weather. Hard to believe it was 71* just a week ago. It only warmed up to 46* in the heat of the day yesterday. But WARM weather is on its way!!!! And so are <b>JRoger and Susan</b> in their new little Motorhome. They made it to a friend's place near Pensacola, FL on Friday, then yesterday they made it on to Beaumont, TX. Today they are heading on our way. Who knows where they will end up tonight but I’m sure it will be closer. We are leaving the light <u>(and the heat)</u> on for you JRoger.....<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_6v81TxT6Bk/URerN_F9_FI/AAAAAAAAbR4/SBaNYzvTkRM/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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<a href="http://rayandcindyrvtravels.blogspot.com/">Ray and Cindy</a> stopped by our place for a "So Long" Happy Hour yesterday before they leave on Monday. Congratulations to Cindy for passing the "RV Driving Course". Sounds like she is on her way to taking over some of the driving duties or at least be able to take over in case of an emergency. Safe Travels guys..........hope you enjoyed your stay at North Ranch.<br />
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A great big WELCOME to our latest two Followers:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Steve and Joan</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sandy Beaudry</b></span><br />
We are very happy to have you stop by and we hope you will come on back anytime. I see that both these folks have neat Blogs. Click on their pictures above and it will take you to their Blog site. That brings our count to 246. Wow, we’re going to make it to 250 yet!!<br />
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Thanks for all the comments, emails, etc. on the reloading process described in my last Blog. Looks like I really hit an interest of a lot of folks. I had no idea. Stay tuned as I soon change my reloading procedures over to 9mm. I’m in the process of converting our <b>Glock pistols</b> from .40 S&W over to 9mm. You know I love GLOCKS…… <br />
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God Bless you all…<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tg7MYzPvTuY/URerO2YPZyI/AAAAAAAAbSA/dRC8q5sYxgI/s1600-h/North%252520Ranch--Feb%2525202013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="North Ranch--Feb 2013" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2CsZdQyk6IY/URerPc06-VI/AAAAAAAAbSI/eustpXCPBCw/North%252520Ranch--Feb%2525202013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="North Ranch--Feb 2013" width="244" /></a><br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<b><u>This Blog is published every Sunday and Wednesday..</u></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-87246525078025665752013-02-06T09:04:00.000-07:002013-02-06T09:04:37.797-07:00It's Wednesday Already!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yep, Wednesday already and time for another Blog. Lets see, about the most exciting thing that is happening around here is that good friends JRoger and Susan from Florida will be here soon to visit. We are very excited about that. <br />
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They just bought a beautiful, smaller motorhome and this will be their first long trip in it.. We haven’t even seen it yet. They will head West on interstate 10 and stay right on that same road almost all the way out. We have made that trip many, many times in the past and it’s nice enjoyable trip. We have a spot all arranged for them and can’t wait. Help me in wishing them safe passage. Friday is their departure day.....which by the way is JRoger's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
BUDDY!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rx-fvNhaN7I/URJ1oml-ahI/AAAAAAAAbME/6qg01A4mxb0/s1600-h/P1050319%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050319" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Uo4Cy6ClFoI/URJ1pyzTAzI/AAAAAAAAbMM/qPseocLmGCc/P1050319_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050319" width="644" /></a><br />
Yesterday was “New Student” orientation at the ladies pistol class at the Wickenburg Sportsmens Club. Jerry and Caryl volunteer their time to teach this great class. They both do a wonderful job, I admire their dedication and hard work. A lot of effort goes into teaching this class and they don’t get paid a dime for their time. One of the main reasons I continue to go out with Ms. Pat each Tuesday is to help them set up and tear down all the targets and shooting scenarios. That is a lot of work and if I can help them in any manner, I feel it is small token of appreciation for all their efforts. Plus, it's good exercise !! <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0n95OF95eks/URJ1rdVhZdI/AAAAAAAAbMU/48JKWEjzrjc/s1600-h/P1050320%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="New Ladies Pistol Class, Feb 2013" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CkPlqruUk_o/URJ1sRxOe6I/AAAAAAAAbMc/3QffJkeLO1A/P1050320_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="New Ladies Pistol Class, Feb 2013" width="644" /></a><br />
They had a great turn out. Plus the weather was beautiful. It got up to 69* before the afternoon was over. There is a waiting list now to get into this class, it has been extremely popular. A few of the gals drive all the way from Surprise, AZ, about 40 miles to attend. In the front row, on the left siting in the chair, is our fellow North Ranch long time resident, neighbor and good friend Nancy…(i.e. Paul and Nancy) A special welcome to Nancy!!<br />
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Caryl took the “old timers” over to the other Pistol Bay and we sat up a real fun set of targets including a wall, so the ladies could get experience shooting from behind cover. I’m sure they enjoyed it. Jerry had all the new students in this Bay and after the 3 hour class was over it looked like he had everyone pretty well trained on the basic fundamentals of gun handling. I’m glad to see that both Jerry and Caryl are very safety oriented. You can’t be to careful when dealing with firearms! It was a great afternoon!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hOPtluMw7ec/URJ1tgRFdTI/AAAAAAAAbMk/G16D0THjRAY/s1600-h/P1050306%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050306" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rVd7W4ukEGs/URJ1ujCC8KI/AAAAAAAAbMs/DioDSN6gA1c/P1050306_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050306" width="644" /></a><br />
I have received a lot of questions regarding my bullet reloading process, so I will attempt to explain a little bit of it. Some of it is rather difficult to explain, so bear with me as I hit a couple highlights of the process. Above is a picture of the brass after we have shot it on the left and then on the right is after I have ran it through my ultrasonic vibrating brass cleaner. They look new don’t they, although these casings have been shot at least 5-6 times before. There is no “set” amount of times they can be reloaded. Brass has an amazing tolerance for expanding and contracting. Some brass will deteriorate faster than others and it is a matter of closely watching it for weak and stress areas. If it looks questionable, I don’t reload it and put it in the “Scrap” can. But most of it does exceptionally well as it goes through the reloading process, where it is re sized back to original specs or within the tolerances. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--QAdX775Qs0/URJ1wFcumdI/AAAAAAAAbM0/pQ1AHmR4Br4/s1600-h/P1050308%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050308" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-plOU3Eos98U/URJ1wwZKC9I/AAAAAAAAbM8/94rvcgGP8W4/P1050308_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050308" width="644" /></a><br />
Here is another picture that shows how well the spent brass cleans up after it goes through the cleaning process. I leave it in the vibrating machine with a cleaning substance of ground up “corncobs” for about 3 hours. Yep, plain old ground up corncobs and this is the way it comes out. Pretty amazing huh? Some people use ground up walnut shells.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fmHFiFsel6g/URJ1yIuhnVI/AAAAAAAAbNE/1prl5E1ZD0U/s1600-h/P1050310%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050310" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8UA9dWyfDfo/URJ1zOM-UxI/AAAAAAAAbNM/rOQIEAuAUt8/P1050310_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050310" width="644" /></a><br />
The next process is accomplished in stage one with the press. That is removing the “Spent Primers” and replacing them with “New Primers” The 3 cartridges on the left are the old primers and on the right are 3 cartridge's after I have installed the New Primers in them. In the top of the picture is a box of the New Primers. They come 100 to a package and I buy them by the thousands. I just got in an order of 30K of them. It is amazing how you go through so many. They just seem to “disappear”! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MG7JvmS3rBM/URJ10djClzI/AAAAAAAAbNU/DRT0l3SVeyo/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KVH3R6Rwm4c/URJ11VWqjnI/AAAAAAAAbNc/7cCWtICgpdM/s1600-h/P1050315%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050315" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2YtHZX3gb78/URJ12OOyAdI/AAAAAAAAbNk/UmlO8fm1pjk/P1050315_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050315" width="644" /></a><br />
The brass on the left is after I have removed the old spent primer and on the right is after I installed the new primer. This is all done on stage one of the four stages of my Reloading Press. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EkYLJDTjdAc/URJ13Ayoc9I/AAAAAAAAbNs/uYks3eL9_b8/s1600-h/P1050316%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050316" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_So0ACURmcs/URJ134flP8I/AAAAAAAAbN0/bs9m2OcSdxE/P1050316_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050316" width="459" /></a><br />
This is how I load the primers into the Press. I place them in a tray and load them into a tube 100 at a time, then feed that tube full of primers into the press. slick as a whistle!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AlemT9ka0Us/URJ145AHi6I/AAAAAAAAbN8/5gThE83_1ec/s1600-h/P1050266%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050266" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hDmvE_LY6xc/URJ153l0GDI/AAAAAAAAbOE/5Ds2e-Hs5DI/P1050266_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050266" width="364" /></a><br />
You can see the long black tube that the primers feed through………The next stage puts just the proper amount of Gunpowder into the cartridge.<u> This is a very critical step</u>…They are all very critical of course, but this one is especially important. You can see the glass powder holder that I keep full of powder and it funnels a measured amount down into the shell case. This is a very precise and accurate measurement. I have an electronic scale that I use to set it properly, then I recheck it every 200-300 bullets to make sure it is still set properly. Right now with these current moly coated lead bullets I am using 5.5 grains of powder. To much powder and you may blow your gun up and not enough powder and your lead bullet could lodge in the barrel or your gun may not function properly. If you should then fire another round into the plugged barrel,,,well another explosion. None of these are desirable to have happen, so they <u>MUST NOT happen!!</u> We have to check and double (sometimes triple) check….<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wq7S_Nw8Ebg/URJ17OcAEII/AAAAAAAAbOM/nspYVLF2oNg/s1600-h/P1050267%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050267" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FCHsEjFYcHk/URJ18I3_8YI/AAAAAAAAbOU/PA7mSN_0Y_Y/P1050267_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050267" width="644" /></a><br />
These are the Moly Coated Lead bullets. The next step (3) is to place one of these into the cartridge and firmly press it into the shell casing to the proper depth. If you don’t have the exact depth setting, you gun most likely will jam, as it won’t feed properly.. I buy these by the 1000’s also……<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b5dDmXjTrNU/URJ19a1p12I/AAAAAAAAbOc/095UbKN-SMs/s1600-h/P1050268%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050268" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pjm0uLveWoQ/URJ1-Iwxo8I/AAAAAAAAbOk/oew92QtSr1I/P1050268_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050268" width="644" /></a><br />
Then the next and last stage in the press is the “crimping” stage where the die puts a nice finishing roll on the edge of the bullet and kind of “seals” it into the cartridge. then out rolls the beautiful bullets.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GymXfu_nXNY/URJ1_tRXfpI/AAAAAAAAbOs/hbHHN0MbJB8/s1600-h/P1050269%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050269" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G14bAGcTE4A/URJ2AsaCMII/AAAAAAAAbO0/mbfbOxKr2NM/P1050269_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050269" width="644" /></a><br />
I fill box after box and then we go shoot them up!! What a sport, I love it. Quite technical but still relaxing with a feeling of accomplishment. All the while saving us more than 50% over the cost of store bought ammo. I can reload 100 bullets in less than a half hour now and that’s without rushing myself in any manner. I’m in no hurry, but I can do it a whole lot faster than I could when I first started…. over 10,000 bullets ago!!<br />
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Sorry if I have bored most of you out of your mind, or if you're still even reading at this point. But this is the way I spend a great deal of my time anymore and several of you have shown an interest. So I thought I would explain it just a little. I had no intentions of it being this long. But If you have any further questions, just let me know..<br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by………hope you come back. God Bless<br />
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Everyone travel safe....especially you JRoger and Susan,,,and of course Scratchy!!<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MG7JvmS3rBM/URJ10djClzI/AAAAAAAAbNU/DRT0l3SVeyo/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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Mike<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-52705975698547045832013-02-03T08:24:00.001-07:002013-02-03T08:34:34.268-07:00A Lot Going On At North Ranch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HrIBBPCqW0E/UQ54uGEwZRI/AAAAAAAAbH8/cF1TGXYcHns/s1600-h/P1050300%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050300" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-981VGXNqF8c/UQ54vFx3F7I/AAAAAAAAbIE/bQViNdM5-gA/P1050300_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050300" width="644" /></a><br />
Just a short time ago the Campground here at North Ranch was barely half full. Recently it has filled up to the brim, as you can see in the photo above.<br />
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This weekend is the “Escapees Boot Camp” where people learn about the RV lifestyle. They get quite a turnout. The Activities Center and the Club House, along with the streets are much busier than usual. Plus, a lot of folks come over here from Quartzsite after the big blow out over there starts closing down. Most of them have been boon docking over there, so they come and get there “full hook-up” fix for a while. A lot of them stay for a couple months with us before they continue on their travels. It's good to have them with us.<br />
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I’m always glad to see February come....it means that the weather will be warming up. Just like yesterday, it was a superb day. We went out to the Saturday morning scheduled Tactical Competition Pistol Match at the <a href="http://www.wickenburgsportsmensclub.com/">Wickenburg Sportsmens Club</a>. It was a little cool in the beginning at 8:30 but before long it was a beautiful 70*. As it warms up, shooting get more popular We had 25 registered shooters yesterday. It was a fun time and a great shoot.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v2qDkaC8_zs/UQ54wdjYGrI/AAAAAAAAbIM/l2LjfVgyyVo/s1600-h/P1050081%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050081" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h34FCOBVU8s/UQ54xuuwTgI/AAAAAAAAbIU/znexeuH-3tg/P1050081_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050081" width="644" /></a><br />
I think Ms. Pat and I are getting used to our new Ruger SR1911 .45 ACP pistols that we just started shooting this winter. It takes time to get used to a new gun and a new caliber. We both have several 1000 rounds fired through them and have learned to enjoy a “Big” gun. This is Ruger’s first 1911 model pistol and it is also both of our first experience with the famous 1911 model frame that came into existence over 100 years ago. Pat agrees that the recoil is not any worse than our .40 S&W Cal Glocks. In fact, we own a Ruger 9mm LC9 that has more recoil than these 1911’s (in our opinion). It just seems they have a very comfortable, easy to hold frame and grip and you have more to firmly hold onto, The gun absorbs a lot of its own recoil. I hope you follow that but you know what I mean…<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2qg9aXquOb4/UQ54x_haxDI/AAAAAAAAbIc/QtnPCG5vhC4/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zLjbLtp1rR4/UQ54y4n8tBI/AAAAAAAAbIk/78uGqgVXd6c/s1600-h/P1050280%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050280" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tuDsj_-R7mA/UQ54zugomhI/AAAAAAAAbIs/2Z3XmKJ9Xu8/P1050280_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050280" width="644" /></a><br />
North Ranch puts on these great breakfasts every Saturday morning. Well, we shoot on Saturday mornings and miss these breakfasts. However, the one Saturday we rained out at the Range, I told Ms. Pat that we should go to the Activities Center for one of their breakfasts. Now Ms. Pat doesn’t condone these unhealthy breakfasts very much and she was reluctant. But, since we seldom ever get to go and she knows how much I love biscuits and gravy, she agreed it would be OK this one time. Only problem is, they don’t start serving until 8:00 and we always eat at 6:00. You know how regimented us old folks are. It was a long wait, but it was worth it. The biscuits and gravy were delicious, especially all doctored up with “hot sauce”, the way I like mine!<br />
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We were blessed to have our friend Ray stop by and pay us a visit. He is a dedicated blog follower and one that encouraged me to continue writing my Wednesday blog. Good seeing you again Ray. Ray and Cindy are from Utah and are here attending the “Boot Camp”. They are new to full time RV'ing and are here to learn all they can about traveling and maintaining an RV in a few short days. They are also new to blogging so check out their blog and leave them a few encouraging comments about RV'ing and their blog: <a href="http://rayandcindyrvtravels.blogspot.com/">Ray and Cindy's RV Travels</a><br />
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It was also a special treat to have Kelly, the other half ( the better half, as Al says) of the <a href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/">Bayfield Bunch</a> stop buy for a little visit. She was on her way home from Wickenburg and Mr. Al was home guarding the fort, so we didn’t get to see him…….maybe next time Al.<br />
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Time for me to get moving and be ready to head to Church in a few minutes. Thanks for stopping by and remember what I've told you so many times...."Don’t forget to tell your kids you love them, they may not be around forever!"<br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!! <br />
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God Bless and Travel Safe. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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Mike<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-51630904963076437702013-01-30T08:38:00.001-07:002013-01-30T08:55:58.030-07:00I’m Back in Business…..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hTvD9tceQh0/UQk3h1lka0I/AAAAAAAAbC8/DhhuhprXKBs/s1600-h/P1050264%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050264" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uFV5wx5lAgw/UQk3jC0ri4I/AAAAAAAAbDE/s3v1CyDnIi4/P1050264_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050264" width="644" /></a><br />
Ms. Pat shot with her Ladies class at the gun club yesterday, so my vacation ended. Here I am cleaning her gun when we got home. I have it all broken down and sprayed with cleaning solvent, ready to clean, lube and put back together. I usually do this 3 times a week with her gun and twice a week on mine. That’s a lot of gun cleaning in anybody's book. I told her that I thought she should learn to clean her own gun. She said “Who would cook supper”? I came right back with “I’ll clean your gun”!! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-meY5H-2ClMc/UQk3juzckDI/AAAAAAAAbDM/O0-EMD_cEcA/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I do kinda enjoy cleaning guns but don’t tell her. It is great therapy and gives me a chance to really get acquainted with all the parts and pieces of the gun and how it functions…. <u>“Bonding”</u> as my Friend JRoger says! <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-51sSRFna_wI/UQk3lPbtOpI/AAAAAAAAbDU/C8Eqow4D7jo/s1600-h/P1020923%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1020923" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H0GbCbLkeYw/UQk3mOPGqJI/AAAAAAAAbDc/3WEX-IvJa_o/P1020923_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1020923" width="644" /></a><br />
This picture was taken on <b><u>Jan 25,2012.</u></b> Just ONE short year ago. Long time shooter, reloader, and Ms. Pat's instructor, Jerry, is showing me his reloading set up and telling me that if we were going to shoot much, we should think about reloading our own ammo. It wasn’t long after this that I purchased my reloading set up……. Unbelievable that was just a short year ago…<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OvV6IivqIXQ/UQk3nrqJz0I/AAAAAAAAbDk/ZLz9lLaWLmU/s1600-h/P1020995%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1020995" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tm8RZK7kgg8/UQk3rdb7fdI/AAAAAAAAbDs/FjysEuAeSxY/P1020995_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1020995" width="644" /></a><br />
After a lot of looking and shopping my Reloading Press finally came. Here I am unpacking it last January.. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PVbOr1STf2o/UQk3tnqg7dI/AAAAAAAAbD0/TbJsrAnzz2M/s1600-h/P1020975%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1020975" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--UaKTIWjpzg/UQk3uuwBmfI/AAAAAAAAbD8/xdFm9VehXvM/P1020975_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1020975" width="644" /></a><br />
Soon I had parts and pieces strung all over the shop and I was getting it put together. Starting with the base mount…Lets see what's next?,,<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RCkG-L0nlkY/UQk3vlc1zjI/AAAAAAAAbEE/MT_3l4Nklkg/s1600-h/P1020997%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1020997" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ahB5YjePM7g/UQk3wiJfk8I/AAAAAAAAbEM/5beYY7vnHio/P1020997_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1020997" width="644" /></a><br />
OK, it might help to read the directions...ya think?<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ws6simWR0mE/UQk3x3YrHlI/AAAAAAAAbEU/sfUzmnBgsHM/s1600-h/P1020998%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1020998" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rYbylStuOxM/UQk3zGCJA5I/AAAAAAAAbEc/lBq9ZMlLx6g/P1020998_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1020998" width="644" /></a><br />
Moving right along… Hey, it's starting to look more like Jerry’s all the time.. This is FUN, I enjoy doing stuff like this.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vynlK1aW3vc/UQk330pNF6I/AAAAAAAAbEk/R34JoCKRgxg/s1600-h/P1030004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1030004" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XHJzu2aB_2c/UQk34y8TEmI/AAAAAAAAbEs/Pi14ELr7mHA/P1030004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1030004" width="644" /></a><br />
Lots of little parts and pieces and they all have to go together just “<u>SO</u>”!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ySzpTzSuz78/UQk36OZR_vI/AAAAAAAAbE0/sVikzgg0EIU/s1600-h/P1030002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1030002" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BHfKnAxXXVU/UQk37J7uyZI/AAAAAAAAbE8/W3rv28wBVQw/P1030002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1030002" width="644" /></a><br />
Aw, now for the real precision stuff.. These are the Die’s for .40 S&W cartridges. These are what really take some careful fine tuning… <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XaragFCUcYE/UQk38Ls61PI/AAAAAAAAbFE/Y9HMeQ1Wwfk/s1600-h/P1030005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1030005" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qmHNqqWAs2s/UQk39OFDtAI/AAAAAAAAbFM/HE_Srfl1xz4/P1030005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1030005" width="644" /></a><br />
There, I have the powder die on and I’m in the process of adjusting it. This is the die that adjusts the amount of powder that goes into the bullet. A<u> very critical step</u> in the process. Too much powder and you may blow the gun up. Not enough powder and the bullet may not fire properly and get stuck in the barrel of your gun. Neither is a good thing to have happen. Imagine firing another bullet when you have one stuck in the barrel. No, not good at all. I don’t want to try it…<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QDro3VOZWqo/UQk3-bWMakI/AAAAAAAAbFU/7HTDJGgC-60/s1600-h/P1050266%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050266" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cktJ2AZhYUU/UQk3_NOTe5I/AAAAAAAAbFc/GdHuxEsVALo/P1050266_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050266" width="364" /></a><br />
Here it all set up and ready to roll...I think. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4bAL70aen-w/UQk4AWeWiQI/AAAAAAAAbFk/wor1dkCSza4/s1600-h/P1030073%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Jerry checks my settings" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8ZFQFxNRwk0/UQk4CtqsEXI/AAAAAAAAbFs/E67khFNYr74/P1030073_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Jerry checks my settings" width="644" /></a><br />
Jerry, being the great helpful guy he is, agreed to come over to my shop and check out all my settings before I actually loaded any bullets. I had it set to the best of my ability but I wasn’t exactly sure about a couple things. So I welcomed Jerry’s input. Jerry has been reloading for over 50 years!! After checking it all out and showing me how to make a few minor adjustments, he said “Well you did Good. Now lets load some bullets”! I told him “You go ahead, You first”! :-)<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZIU3PpSoQW4/UQk4D_u3vcI/AAAAAAAAbF0/XlHLIVypjTs/s1600-h/P1030075%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Put the bullet right here and pull the handle........." border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PFksA4fhyTg/UQk4Ex17GyI/AAAAAAAAbF8/Q6j6VxaRJKY/P1030075_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Put the bullet right here and pull the handle........." width="644" /></a><br />
After Jerry loaded a few, he said “OK, your turn”. So here I am, loading my <b><u>very FIRST bullet</u></b> on my new Dillon RL550B press. This was a big moment that I had been waiting for. Gosh, my heart was even beating fast, this is exciting!! <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Su6FPwhj89A/UQk4GHM3hiI/AAAAAAAAbGE/X5uhjXIbjtQ/s1600-h/P1030076%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Aw Ha. my "new calipers" tell me that my "new bullet" is right on!!" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PCGS4xKDeE8/UQk4HF9uuMI/AAAAAAAAbGM/kJ7OAadXVWE/P1030076_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Aw Ha. my "new calipers" tell me that my "new bullet" is right on!!" width="644" /></a><br />
After my first bullet we checked it carefully with the calipers and it was RIGHT ON!! Hurray! Jerry then said “There ya go, I believe you're ready”! This was on Feb, 14th., 2012. At the same time, I knew that I was no where near “READY”. I had to be extremely careful and take it slow as I knew enough to realize this is a very serious business and <u>could be dangerous</u>. I certainly did not want to hurt anybody, including myself. I am still just a beginner and continue to be extremely careful and cautious as I reload bullets. I’m still learning as I continually read about it and discuss it with other experienced shooters.. Even after loading nearly 10,000 in the last year, I am by no means experienced at it. I’m just a beginner...but I love it!<br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will come on back…<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-frwQ9YFMsSk/UQk4H6F72PI/AAAAAAAAbGU/h_BjC62ZcBI/s1600-h/wives%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wives" border="0" height="198" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-59MSlRo8lDA/UQk4IuqfjMI/AAAAAAAAbGc/Hqr-JXlfrAc/wives_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wives" width="244" /></a><br />
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Have a good week!<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-43631658308330182072013-01-27T08:52:00.000-07:002013-01-27T08:52:14.574-07:00Rain, Rain, Rain and I Was "Kidnapped"!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iKMgAUShuBU/UQU_1_OS9cI/AAAAAAAAa-g/Bg_XWZM-_44/s1600-h/P1050276%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050276" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J2bknGdvkVg/UQU_2y_g4RI/AAAAAAAAa-o/JO-vN2nO944/P1050276_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050276" width="644" /></a><br />
Thursday Morning Pistol Match--------------------CANCELLED due to RAIN <br />
Saturday Morning Pistol Match--------------------CANCELLED due to RAIN<br />
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Thursday morning it was cloudy and they forecast rain in the afternoon. So at 8:30am we were at the Wickenburg Pistol Range ready to compete in the scheduled shooting match. Shortly after we arrived, it started raining…….. Whoa, the weather forecasters missed it and the rain was early. Everybody said, "Whoopee!! A Day Off!!!" We all ran to our vehicles and took off, couldn’t shoot. You can shoot in freezing weather and when the wind is blowing but you can’t shoot in the RAIN.<br />
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Don’t see much rain here in Arizona at all, so it is a real treat. This place always needs moisture, so it kinda puts everybody in a good mood. I always said that when it is raining here, it is the only time I can sit in the house and do nothing without feeling guilty, like I should be out doing something. I was heading home to do just that when Ms. Pat reminded me we had an appointment at the hospital! I said, "What for?" She said, "You'll see". <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujiNbWFZOmI/UQU_7yXtrGI/AAAAAAAAa_Q/ow-kgyE115g/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VrgkVngg_zw/UQU_4fawm7I/AAAAAAAAa-w/u58j_Bq2KW0/s1600-h/P1050270%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050270" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7bVeX20vNYk/UQU_5bN6w2I/AAAAAAAAa-4/vln9bUMdYhw/P1050270_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050270" width="644" /></a><br />
As soon as I got in the door, WHAM!!, they tackled me and removed half my clothes, slammed me flat on my back and rolled me into a room. Then this young lady began attaching all kinds of wires to me. It's tough to put up any resistance to a young, red headed lady like this, so I surrendered rather quickly. I kidded with her and asked her not to hurt me. I told her that Ms. Pat would have to come along because she was my bodyguard! <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U90z58spdMg/UQU_6QhmF5I/AAAAAAAAa_A/obthMUSwpUQ/s1600-h/P1050272%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050272" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VTKExSLR4hw/UQU_7ZCiq4I/AAAAAAAAa_I/Ytaev0fZEWg/P1050272_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050272" width="644" /></a><br />
Suddenly she started doing all kinds of fun things to me and I could hear my heart beating on the machine she was looking into. I didn’t realize it "squeaked" like that....sounded as if it needed some oil to me! I told her that if she hurt me, I was going to HOLLER and Ms. Pat would shoot her! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujiNbWFZOmI/UQU_7yXtrGI/AAAAAAAAa_Q/ow-kgyE115g/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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I was just lying back enjoying myself, having a good ole' time, when she took the wires off and turned to Ms. Pat and said “There, I’m all done with him”. I think she was pleasantly surprised when Ms Pat asked her if she would pose for a picture. She told us she had never been asked to have her picture taken during a procedure before! Ms. Pat told her she would be a star on the internet. She was a neat lady and she didn’t hurt me one bit!!<br />
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I no more than got my clothes back on and was in the hallway telling Ms Pat “Let's get out of here”! when suddenly these two hoodlums slipped up behind me and abducted me! I was really scared this time. I remember my dad telling me when I was a boy, to always watch out if somebody in a white coat came to get you. Soon they had me flat on my back and started removing my clothes. AGAIN!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zicxiZYkmgE/UQVABtB5PII/AAAAAAAAa_4/Pn1stufHv7k/s1600-h/stress%252520test%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stress test" border="0" height="482" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mdz5xJqu_hk/UQVACjsJQMI/AAAAAAAAbAA/1ONrIWGgSkQ/stress%252520test_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stress test" width="644" /></a><br />
Yep, you guessed it, they attached all these wires to me, except this time one guy had to take some sandpaper and sand off a spot before he attached the wires. OUCH!! Now that hurt!! I get along pretty good with the gals around these places, but you can’t trust these guys! They will hurt you!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DaLWfqO8B64/UQVADy2c1uI/AAAAAAAAbAI/UkU2jtcjIq8/s1600-h/stress4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stress4" border="0" height="482" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TO2SlsmrKMc/UQVAElNkS7I/AAAAAAAAbAQ/5LvkO31weFw/stress4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stress4" width="644" /></a><br />
Then they forced me up on this tread mill with all this apparatus on and told me to “get walkin”! <br />
I thought OK. I’ll go along with them for a while and then maybe I can make a break for it and escape. They kept turning it up faster and faster and raising the elevation. Man, we were going to town...."uphill fast". I was just about to yell at Ms. Pat and tell her “OK. shoot ‘em” when they slowed it down and said I made it through the test and they were going to turn me loose. I can see now why Ms. Pat made me leave my gun in the truck!! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujiNbWFZOmI/UQU_7yXtrGI/AAAAAAAAa_Q/ow-kgyE115g/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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When I finally escaped out of the Wickenburg Hospital, I strapped my gun back on and told Ms. Pat we were headed for HOME!! She said "We probably should stop by the grocery store”. I thought, "Hmmm, another trap!" So I just drove straight home…No Grocery Store!!<br />
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It rained all afternoon and evening. I didn’t have any guns to clean since we didn’t shoot and I was all loaded up with bullets so I felt like I was on "vacation". Hot Dog!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-atBL6g104Gg/UQVAF6UMUkI/AAAAAAAAbAY/OquRCHzXZ_4/s1600-h/P1050278%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050278" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aqe3dPLjem8/UQVAGlr_ZUI/AAAAAAAAbAg/wAbmE93sbU4/P1050278_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050278" width="644" /></a><br />
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Ms. Pat and Megabyte2 worked on their quilt project and had a grand ole' time……. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tgnz3BRZs1I/UQVAIH05ImI/AAAAAAAAbAo/BT72s17DMok/s1600-h/P1050289%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050289" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-27o9pG_19Ts/UQVAJHm_-SI/AAAAAAAAbAw/er44P1kHFV8/P1050289_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050289" width="644" /></a><br />
It rained and it rained. I tell ya, rain is such a rarity around here, it makes you really appreciate it when it does happen. I enjoyed just watching it RAIN!! COOL. Praise the Lord..!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kqModXoOXS8/UQVAKufc91I/AAAAAAAAbA4/0CmJiGDrX8Y/s1600-h/P1050287%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050287" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jwKuNk9SjzI/UQVALuPF6PI/AAAAAAAAbBA/vA3KtlAkOaA/P1050287_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050287" width="644" /></a><br />
This place has an underground water drainage system that takes the water from the front door area…………<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--pdl4QU0hKg/UQVANnPhvvI/AAAAAAAAbBI/7yOxmbcfYdw/s1600-h/P1050288%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050288" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RElK8uT-ISw/UQVAO4mShWI/AAAAAAAAbBQ/uHP-iEQgWmk/P1050288_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050288" width="644" /></a><br />
...it deposits all the excess rain water out here in front and directs it around to the side of the house. I really like the way it works and it's another one of the things that impressed me about this place. <br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nlVBx3TSMZY/UQVAPTekJeI/AAAAAAAAbBY/csCdb7F-z38/s1600-h/Grown%252520up%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Grown up" border="0" height="238" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k-9Ge1HfMVA/UQVAQdBgF2I/AAAAAAAAbBg/vC3-XxYiON0/Grown%252520up_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Grown up" width="244" /></a><br />
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Thank you all for stopping by. Hope you are all staying warm and dry….<br />
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God Bless..<br />
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Mike <br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-62518005998162720682013-01-23T08:38:00.003-07:002013-01-23T08:38:48.339-07:00Hey THANKS!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I want to thank everyone very much for all the fine comments on how we looked all spiffed up for our Church dinner. I appreciate it very much. That kind of helps one keep the ole' dobber up. I find that one of the things about old age is, it is real easy to slip into a depressive state. More and more I find myself doing that and I sure don’t like it. I have found a few ways to combat it but it gets to be a full time job fighting it.<br />
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I was never troubled with depression before in my life. However, the last few years it seems to be happening more and more. I really think one thing that adds to depression is an inactive mind. That is the main reason I try to keep as busy as possible. Things like this <u>Blog,</u> <u>my guns,</u> <u>shooting,</u> <u>cleaning guns,</u> <u>collecting guns</u> and <u>loading bullets</u> are a few of the successful ways I fight and combat it. Depression is a terrible thing and not something a lot of people will talk much about. If you have never had to deal with it, consider yourself lucky. But don’t count your blessings too soon, because it may still be in the future. I never dreamed that “I” would have to deal with it. It is terrible!! <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SEXCcGaOTKc/UP_9BXZBp0I/AAAAAAAAa7E/0-2a0FnGcFU/s1600-h/P1050088%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050088" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HRXU9V9L7kA/UP_9CYkjARI/AAAAAAAAa7M/WSEqYVYz1w0/P1050088_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050088" width="644" /></a><br />
Yesterday was Ms. Pat's Ladies shooting class at the Wickenburg Gun Club and was it ever a beautiful day....76 degrees I don’t know how much longer this kind of weather can last but it sure is enjoyable and appreciated by us all. Above is a picture of the instructors, Jerry and Caryl, starting off the training as usual with a SAFETY meeting. You can’t get too much SAFETY training when it comes to firearms. Jerry and Caryl are wonderful instructors and it is so kind of them to continually volunteer their time to this program.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yqOBz3yICD8/UP_9DrfgT3I/AAAAAAAAa7U/Q99su5EnCw4/s1600-h/P1050087%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050087" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Cy8qd3l8tp8/UP_9EeucB-I/AAAAAAAAa7c/yJV3eLX4bQw/P1050087_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050087" width="644" /></a><br />
Jerry is a very experienced shooter and has been involved in shooting for over 50 years. He has been on hunting expeditions all over the world and has trophy heads of all kinds of different animals he has taken from different countries. He came to Arizona from Montana and they have a little ranch with a couple of horses just west of Congress. It was Jerry that suggested that I get into reloading and he has been a great source of information and a lot of help setting up my reloading press. He even came over to my shop and checked to see if I had my Dillon RL550B reloading press set up properly and loaded my FIRST bullet. I am extremely indebted to him…..<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GJCG8c23wBA/UP_9GOMuSsI/AAAAAAAAa7k/z9PyRbV5xPo/s1600-h/P1050089%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050089" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rADbNua_xn4/UP_9GydIPlI/AAAAAAAAa7s/eIvxPF87mwc/P1050089_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050089" width="644" /></a><br />
I go out with Ms. Pat to her gun class every Tuesday afternoon. I can go to one of the other bays and shoot if I want or need to but most of the time I just help set up and take down the targets for the gals. This helps Jerry and Caryl some and I enjoy it and the exercise is good for me. Plus, if I stayed home, I would probably just get (you guessed it).....”depressed”. This is better, I enjoy it.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RGKWyNxEYls/UP_9IUlRC6I/AAAAAAAAa70/Z9ymhMVq_Zk/s1600-h/P1050114%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="0" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tl0XRrcbcqI/UP_9JvwvQTI/AAAAAAAAa78/er77ntRInys/P1050114_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="0" width="644" /></a><br />
This is my reloading press that I mentioned. I spend a lot of time behind it pulling on that handle. Each time I pull that handle down, I crank out a new bullet. You can see the empty brass casings just to the right of the handle. Those will all soon be bullets to take to the range and shoot.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KeEeg4eTiI0/UP_9K6LYxoI/AAAAAAAAa8E/EJnFTzKhomM/s1600-h/P1050108%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050108" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dBRCt0sIffk/UP_9LwT7VbI/AAAAAAAAa8M/P1xFhKB5tRk/P1050108_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050108" width="644" /></a><br />
These are the bullets that I use. They are lead. The one on the left is what I am using exclusively now. It is Moly coated lead and very slick. One of the guys that shoots at the club is a distributor for Bear Creak Moly coated bullets and supplies many of us with hundreds of these. He brings them right to the Range and saves us a lot of postage… because they are HEAVY!! <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lLpV7_dKyGU/UP_9M1ZuL-I/AAAAAAAAa8U/US2cAnq-aH4/s1600-h/P1050113%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="0" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kuo9pU0iIg4/UP_9Nic_x0I/AAAAAAAAa8c/ONb8wQIDLHY/P1050113_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="0" width="644" /></a><br />
That bullet on the left is one of my finished products. The one on the right is a factory load. We buy the factory loads and shoot them and then reload the brass casings ourselves over and over many times. This saves a bundle of bucks.. The factory bullet costs approximately 0.50 each and the reload costs about 0.18. Quite a savings as you can see. Since I have started reloading less than a year ago, I have reloaded nearly 10,000 bullets. Yes, 10 THOUSAND!! A lot of bullets I know…seems unreal doesn’t it? But it does add up..<br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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I am happy to welcome two more followers:<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Eddie</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rodney</b></span><br />
Very glad to have you folks with us and hope to hear some comments from you. That brings the count up to <b>245!!</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kbXp71A34qk/UP_9OXjLjTI/AAAAAAAAa8k/FBzeRV5Qb6Y/s1600-h/battery%252520chart%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="battery%20chart" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6V9D2wi0-AI/UP_9Pp0HpuI/AAAAAAAAa8s/scM2WyniTNw/battery%252520chart_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="battery%20chart" width="463" /></a></b><br />
For all you RVers out there enjoying life on “batteries”, here is a chart that I always used to watch my power consumption. I taped it right along side my battery monitor. Remember, in order to maintain your batteries and make them last as long as possible, you should not take them down below 50% before they are recharged. Happy boondocking!!<br />
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Thanks to you all for stopping by as we continue to praise our Father in Heaven for the many, many blessings He bestows upon us.<br />
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Mike<br />
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PS: Here's a picture that I took off of Facebook of Rollie and Gina with their new twin granddaughters. It's a little "fuzzy" but it's all I have for now. Aren't they beautiful little girls? Congratulations, Rollie and Gina. <br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-24481862734514393902013-01-20T08:11:00.000-07:002013-01-20T08:37:01.958-07:00What, another Quilter in the Family?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RXu8xxQVXCA/UPwBPuOmWDI/AAAAAAAAa4k/_S-s2dcM5js/s1600-h/P1050263%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050263" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mV8wM0tS1DQ/UPwBQsVG2zI/AAAAAAAAa4s/8n0LkY3CkoQ/P1050263_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050263" width="644" /></a><br />
When I came into the house from my gun shop, I was quite amused to see Megabyte2 so deeply engrossed in Ms. Pats sewing on her latest quilt project. She just loves to watch the sewing machine work. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vW8YYxRx2XU/UPwBSFErQLI/AAAAAAAAa40/GrS0dEKQtyo/s1600-h/P1050259%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050259" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xnkzAicvooE/UPwBTRoap1I/AAAAAAAAa48/4rS-_9p4Ty0/P1050259_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050259" width="644" /></a><br />
It's funny how she sometimes stands up and lays her ears back as if to say, “Oh No Mom, you made a mistake”!! Neither of us realized what a personality these pets can have. She has certainly become so much a part of our life that I can’t imagine what we would do without her. I continually thank God for having Scott send her to us. Just think, I didn’t even used to like Cats very well. I bet “Scooter” is sure smiling down upon us right now. Thank you Son.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ndRbTNIRifo/UPwBUoCrR9I/AAAAAAAAa5E/HWPgTN1O1fw/s1600-h/P1050251%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050251" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sXPC5xMheeA/UPwBVuufPDI/AAAAAAAAa5M/WVRZssyFoo8/P1050251_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050251" width="644" /></a><br />
Our Church had a big dinner Thursday evening. It is called the <i>"Legacy Banquet: Honoring and Serving our Widows"</i>. It is for older folks that have lost their spouses or for some reason it is difficult for them to get out alone. They asked us be Ms Eva's chaperone and escort her to the Banquet. Here we are with Ms Eva just before dinner was served. Wow, I don’t get out much anymore, especially after dark.<br />
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If you think I look as if I’m not too comfortable, you would be thinking right! But I did enjoy being out with these two "Lovely Ladies". This is the second year we have taken Ms Eva on a "dinner date". She is a great lady and a joy to be around. She owns a beautiful home here in Wickenburg and has an RV that she leaves in Oregon, where she spends her summers.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xK1OgIDxjVs/UPwBW14FvPI/AAAAAAAAa5U/Y9lKYLFCs8w/s1600-h/P1050253%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050253" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7K6TuXmH5nU/UPwBX5Oj4wI/AAAAAAAAa5c/qVOjDai7pck/P1050253_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050253" width="644" /></a><br />
Our friends and neighbors Paul and Nancy from North Ranch were there, too. I don’t believe Paul looks a bit more comfortable than I did. But we had fun, didn’t we Paul?<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Iph8hIFdpaw/UPwBZYW2RpI/AAAAAAAAa5k/ygxHvfgwetw/s1600-h/P1050254%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050254" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q8QwFGLPaUo/UPwBaaD9MmI/AAAAAAAAa5s/F--MzO9iky8/P1050254_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050254" width="644" /></a><br />
This was our table and the rest of the folks that we sat with. The Church and the tables were set up beautifully. They didn’t serve the dinner until 7 pm. Wow, we usually eat at 5 pm and you know how us old folks get "set in our ways". However, the dinner was great, I have to admit, but I was glad to get home. We didn’t get home until 9pm and I haven’t driven after dark for a while but we made it safe and sound. I went straight to bed, watched 5 minutes of the Fox news and was sound asleep....ZZZZZZZ. <br />
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Not much exciting around here to Blog about, as you can tell. The weather did turn off beautiful and has been getting up close to the 70’s in the afternoons. We sure appreciate that! <br />
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About a year ago I made a little airplane trip with Duane. To check that blog out, click here:<br />
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<a href="http://mikepatstravels.blogspot.com/2012/01/there-i-was-at-wickenburg-airport.html">"There I was at the Wickenburg AIRPORT" </a><br />
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A lot of folks are over at Quartzsite at all the different annual RV get togethers in that area but soon it will be time for the yearly “Boot Camp” held right here at North Ranch. A lot of them will be headed back this way and the campground will be full so if you plan on coming, better get here a few days early. Here is the info on that and we hope you can drop by.<br />
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<b>Escapees Boot Camp</b> <br />
<i>Fri, 2/1 thru Sun, 2/3, in Activities Center. <br />Provides fundamentals for road safety, technical proficiency, and confidence for RVers.</i><br />
<i> Call (888)757-2582 for info.</i><br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and hurry on back anytime.<br />
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Mike <br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-86505993279879519962013-01-16T07:59:00.000-07:002013-01-16T07:59:10.092-07:00Goodbye Anonymous…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I started this Blog back in early 2007 and have posted over 500 blogs during that time. For the last few years I have been plagued with “Anonymous” commenters. It got worse and worse until a couple weeks ago I said “ENOUGH”! Most of them were out and out true “spam” and many not even written in English. Others were from people that just wanted to make a “snide” remark and didn’t have the guts to identify themselves. On each one of these comments, you must either approve them or delete them. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to get ride of them but they do become a real nuisance and disgusting. Some of them were on Blogs that I had published several years ago. It got to the point that this one Spammer posted a comment on one of my Blogs over 100 times in one day!! Can you believe that? <br />
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So I thought I would stop this big time spammer that always commented on the same old Blog by just deleting that particular blog. I did that and hurray success....for a few days! Then it began on another older blog post....same thing. Over 50 in one day. That’s when I decided, OK. that’s it, I’ve had enough. So I fixed my Blog, NO MORE Anonymous comments. WOW, what a relief!! It's been a couple weeks now and NO SPAM. What a relief! <br />
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I really didn’t want to totally get ride of Anonymous because I do get a
good one once in a while from someone that doesn’t know you
don’t have to join before you can make a comment. To those folks, I'm sorry. I hope you will continue reading my Blog and try commenting using just your first name. <br />
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What a COLD spell we are having. Unusually long time for it to stay cold this long. Last Sunday the early morning low was `22* and the high was 41* for the day. Then Monday the low was 21*, with a high of 40. We finally had some relief Tuesday with a low of 24 and it got way up to 45 for a high. Had a regular “heat wave”! This morning the low is 30 and they say by Thursday it will be in the mid 60’s. Man, I can’t wait. This has been all the cold weather I want to see for this year!! <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Egc8ejDGDA/UPa6BYY3BBI/AAAAAAAAa24/J7e04dQJiUs/s1600-h/Snow%252520Buffalo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Snow Buffalo" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-usyXdUPAoyc/UPa6CbnLOyI/AAAAAAAAa3A/ao-PrvmbH5M/Snow%252520Buffalo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Snow Buffalo" width="644" /></a><br />
My friend and x-boss Ron, at Custer State Park, sent me this picture he took of the Buffalo the other day. What a beautiful picture. I remember days just like this back when I was young and helping Dad feed the cattle on our ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. I’ll bet these guys are ready to see some warmer weather, too! It's been right around “0” up there in Custer this winter. That helps me feel a little warmer. <br />
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I would like to Welcome our latest Followers:<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Vicki</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Chuck</b></span><br />
Thank you both for joining us, we are happy to have you aboard and hope you stop by often. <br />
I can remember not too long ago when I didn’t think we would ever get to 50 followers. Wow!! Vicki and Chuck take the count to <b>243</b>, and I do believe we will soon reach <b>“250”!</b> Hallelujah!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TTmMnbByhGg/UPa6DWmdSBI/AAAAAAAAa3I/wI1P_m6OzNc/s1600-h/Gun%252520Laws%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Gun Laws" border="0" height="452" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5dFbczu1rQA/UPa6EFXKTPI/AAAAAAAAa3Q/xsQnwB2jMsI/Gun%252520Laws_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gun Laws" width="644" /></a><br />
Oh my, do we ever have a battle on the horizon. It may even end up being a WAR!! Lots of strong feelings on the subject, but the fur is about to hit the fan….I am sure of that!! Hang on!!<br />
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It is a GREAT WEEK!!!! <br />
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Thanks for stopping by and stay warm!<br />
<br />
Mike<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Wednesday and Sunday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585083146261174706.post-86858061153687152262013-01-13T08:20:00.000-07:002013-01-13T08:33:02.866-07:00Oranges anybody?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5lgGpcLTpys/UPLIQ4ATg9I/AAAAAAAAa0k/b0_5wh4u9zs/s1600-h/P1050130%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050130" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qXJTXZVMvms/UPLISkCVtMI/AAAAAAAAa0s/5l9z1sw8-50/P1050130_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050130" width="644" /></a><br />
Remember all those green oranges I showed you about a month ago on our orange trees? Well they have been growing and ripening more and more so I have been doing my best to save them from the cool temps that we have been having. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VDfp8L8kv0Q/UPLIUZorvSI/AAAAAAAAa00/SBuxuPMYGaA/s1600-h/P1050250%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050250" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ezVEWf6Qsn0/UPLIV4IBh7I/AAAAAAAAa08/ljsj-8u5ol4/P1050250_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050250" width="644" /></a><br />
I have been covering them with about everything I have to cover with for a couple weeks. Thursday evening the newscasters told everyone it was going to get “real cold” and stay that way for several days. Friday morning it got down to 27*, but only for a couple hours. The weather people said that was just a sample of what was coming and if we had any fruit that we wanted to save we better “pick it”.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OEYALqP-1_s/UPLIX7lwb3I/AAAAAAAAa1E/jfQCyvWXLuE/s1600-h/P1050249%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050249" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n6h686PhiX0/UPLIZZn6NQI/AAAAAAAAa1M/whwj1MLDKoI/P1050249_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050249" width="644" /></a><br />
So that afternoon I uncovered the trees and asked Ms. Pat if she would help me pick oranges. So we picked and we picked. We left about 1/2 of them as they were some still a little green and we had more than we would ever need. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WZX3Yz1rAAU/UPLIbbkKyrI/AAAAAAAAa1U/78iPuj7EE5o/s1600-h/P1050247%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1050247" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t_dgh37W7e8/UPLIdTjVsOI/AAAAAAAAa1c/f5dt15ahqc0/P1050247_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1050247" width="644" /></a><br />
As you can see we picked two big boxes. Some of them are a tad green and a little small yet but you know what, they are delicious!! They are "juice" oranges and really sweet. They have a few seeds in them but who cares. Whether the ones we left on the trees will survive or not, we will just have to wait and see. I know I could put light bulbs under the covers but we just covered them all back up the way they were. We'll take our chances and let Mother Nature do as she wishes. We have plenty of ORANGES, so if you could use a few, come and get ‘em.<br />
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Lucky we picked what we did, when we did, because Saturday morning it got down to 27* and stayed that way for quite a while. Then last night (Sat. night) by 9:00 pm it was already down to 34* and this morning as I type this it is 23* and going down. They say this is the longest cold spell Arizona has had for years and years and possibly a new record.<br />
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When we got out to the Pistol Range yesterday morning at 8:30, it was still in the low 30’s and we all had LOTS of clothes on. But it was our monthly steel shoot and we didn’t want to miss it. Shooting steel is hard and real good practice. You really have to take a good aim. Aiming while you are shivering makes it extra hard but everybody was at the same disadvantage so it was a challenge. We managed to fire off just over 100 rounds each and were all done with all the different scenarios by 11:30. As we headed home, we joked at how good the electric <strong>"<u>Seat Heaters</u>"</strong> in our Silverado felt. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Et8U6WyzNA4/UPLIeIDwx7I/AAAAAAAAa1k/KDQzeXJ-xlM/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
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Ms. Pat had a hair appointment after lunch and I had my usual appointment with TWO PISTOLS so. I cleaned guns! Now, when I get back from Church today, I’m going to load some more ammo while Ms. Pat goes to the clubhouse and teaches her dance class.<br />
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It's still a busy place around here but I’m ready for winter to get over. Yep, I’m a yearnin' (dreaming) for those 55* mornings and 75* days. Oh Boy, will I ever appreciate them!!<br />
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It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and ya'll stay warm, ya' hear?<br />
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Mike<br />
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PS: Some of you asked for the Shrimp and Corn recipe. So I asked Ms Pat to put it in here. It tastes REAL GOOD on these really cool days.<br />
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<strong><u>Shrimp and Corn Soup</u></strong></div>
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Sauté green onions (1 batch)</div>
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2 cans cream of shrimp</div>
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2 cans cream of potato</div>
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2 cans cream of chicken</div>
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2 lbs small shrimp</div>
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1 small bag of frozen corn (I use the white corn) (You can use canned corn but I prefer frozen.)</div>
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1 stick of butter</div>
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1 cup milk</div>
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1 pint Half and Half</div>
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Tony's Creole Seasoning (it's spicy)</div>
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Sauté onions in 1/2 stick butter</div>
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Add other ingredients</div>
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Sauté shrimp in 1/2 stick butter in another pan</div>
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Add sautéed Shrimp to the pot of other ingredients.</div>
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Add Tony's to taste (Mike likes it spicy so I keep adding until it tastes just right.)</div>
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Serve with hot, fresh baked bread. </div>
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NOTE: I cut this recipe in half unless I'm having company. It is still enough for a couple of meals for Mike and I. You really need the Tony's Creole Seasoning to make it taste right.
Gina gave me a big container of it when we were in Louisiana because it's hard to find out West. </div>
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(thanks Gina)<br />
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<b><i>This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..</i></b></div>
Mike McFallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14358418060900141487noreply@blogger.com10