My Permit

I've been excitedly waiting on my CCW permit for over a week. I got it in the mail today, and I'm not excited anymore. I'm a bit in shock of the heavy responsibility I've taken on.

I pray that I can be worthy of this responsibility.

The Shrine

The Kiddo and I are at Nombre De Dios, generally accepted as the oldest catholic mission site in North America. I'm not catholic, but I am christian, and I couldn't think of a more fitting place to enjoy nature's beauty and commune with God. It's a gorgeous site and a place for enjoyment and reflection.

Grips

I've been thinking about getting some new grips for my 638. I'm really liking the Altamont Rosewood boot grips. The factory rubber ones work great, but they aren't very attractive. I know that shouldn't count on a carry piece, but I love the look of wood on a revolver. I like these, because they are an attractive color, they have Fleur-de-lis designs in the checkering, which I like, and they are the same size as the factory grips, which keeps it to an easily concealable size.

Any thoughts on grip materials, brands, types, etc.?

Sweaty, Nasty Work

My job is in jeopardy.

The University of Florida Assumed control of 34 historic properties in downtown St. Augustine today. Properties that have been in the stewardship of the City of St. Augustine for about 10 years now. Approximately 10 of those properties housed the Colonial Spanish Quarter, where I work as a city employee. I went to work this morning, and technically, I was trespassing. My boss came by with an email stating that during the transition process, we had a right to continue to do our jobs. This is a good thing, as I like getting a regular paycheck.

The city and UF are in talks as to what will happen with the Colonial Spanish Quarter. I may continue to be employed by the city. I may become an employee of the University of Florida. I may lose my job.

We're all grown-ups, though, and my immediate supervisor being the stand-up guy he is, he was present this morning for the shakeup, even though it's his day off. My boss (also his boss) gave us a list of things that needed to get done, after she told us that we weren't trespassing. It was matter of fact. She's in the same boat we are.

I saw my immediate supervisor's face fall at the laundry list she gave us. Shit rolls downhill, and most things fall on his shoulders around the Quarter. I decided that since I was an extra on the schedule, I'd try to get as much done as possible for him. He's a great supervisor, and doesn't need an extra ration of shit. Also, it kept me busy, and didn't allow me to think about the possibility of being laid off.

Today, I cleaned and cleared an area of rubble, re-attached a fence gate, moved a few railroad ties to a dump site, removed 6 fence panels to a storage site, tore down a fence and drug off the debris, moved about 1/3 of a chord of firewood, moved a hose and reel across the site and watered some plants, and moved 2 large terracotta pots approximately 2 acres. It kept me busy. It apparently caught my boss' eye, as she came by and personally thanked me, and hopefully, it spared my supervisor some headache tomorrow.

It's been a long, hot, nasty,sweaty day. I'm tired. I'll talk to ya'll later.

CCW Trip

I went to Jacksonville today to turn in my CCW paperwork and pay my fees. Although I own a GPS, I like looking at the directions on Google Maps before I go somewhere, Just to get a general idea.

Glad I did. I was planning on stopping at a gas station and entering the licensing office address into my Tomtom when I got a coke, and when I stopped, I realised that I forgot to put the GPS in the car. I also left my cell on the charger. Double Damn! I felt like I was back in 1997. Luckily it was right off the interstate, I remembered the exit number and the direction of the three turns. It was easy, and it took about 45 minutes to get there.

After 15 minutes of filling out paperwork and taking fingerprints and pictures, I left with a warning that it could take up to two weeks before I get my license.

Two weeks, ya'll... two weeks.

Treen Ware

Treen ware is an archaic term for wooden kitchen ware. I've made a maple spoon and a cherry spatula in the past week.

The maple spoon is going to my Grandma, Mom D., when I see her in July. I'll also be seeing my Dad's wife, Momma, in July. The Roux spatula is for her.

Titan .25

Several years ago, my wife and I went to a small town Mardi Gras with my Dad and momma. As we were getting out of the truck, I saw my dad palm and pocket something from the console. Curiosity getting the better of me, I asked my dad what it was.
"I'll show you later."

I'd heard dad use that tone many times, understood that he would brook no nonsense. Now was neither the time nor the place. I nodded, and we went about our day of eating gumbo, dancing in the street and merrymaking.

That evening, as we were climbing out of the vehicle at my dad's house, he pulled a small pistol from his pocket. It had obviously seen better days, but everything seemed to be in working order. Apparently my dad had bought it from a friend because the price was too good to pass up, but the little gun was not of a good pedigree.

"You want it?" the old man asked.

Never one to turn down a free gun, I readily accepted.

The next week I took it to the range and put a box of ammo through it. Expecting Saturday night special type results, I was surprised! I had zero (yes, zero) malfunctions, and acceptable accuracy at 10 yards. Now, this isn't ever going to be a great target gun, and at the time I got it, I never considered getting my CCW permit, so it has sat in my collection, rarely touched, for the better part of four years.

Now, I'm getting my CCW, but I have a s&w j frame that shoots .38 special+p and only weighs 2 oz. More.

I've only taken the little .25 to the range twice. Occasionally, I'd pick it up, and I'd think about how my dad was carrying it (responsibly!!) for an entire day, in the streets of a small town in south Louisiana, and no one was even aware. Should something bad have happened, he was ready to defend his life, and the life of his family. That's powerful stuff. Yes, I put less than 100 rounds through that gun, but it fostered an idea in me. Every time I picked it up, it made me contemplate the idea of being not only willing, but able to defend my life, and the lives of others.

It's a small gun, and a small caliber, but it lead to one of the biggest decisions I've ever made. In that respect, didn't it do exactly what a self- defense weapon should? It made me realise that I am my own best defense against those who wish me and my family harm. That's one powerful little gun. Maybe I should pass it on to someone else who would benefit from it's silent lessons.

I'm Hooked

I've been trying to figure out what to make my brother Matt for days. I'll meet the whole family in Tennessee next month, and I'm trying to make little trinkets for my immediate family.

I finally figured out what to make Matt: hand forged shop hooks. I made 2 pairs in the shop today.

I love working the forge.

Gunnie Post

This is a post for the gunnies out there. No real reason, I just wanted to post about guns.

The particular gun in question is a Savage model 10 left handed, bull barrel, chambered in .308. It's my target gun. The glass is a Swift 6-18x44 scope, and it's a damned fine scope for the money.

It's fun to shoot, but I've worked most of the kinks out already. With a good gun, good glass, and a good hand load, I can consistently make 1&3/4 inch groups at 200 yards. Guess I need to get out on a 300 yard range now, and really see what she can do.

At any rate, enjoy the gun pr0n.

*UPDATE*

Sorry about the horrid lighting. I use my phone to take most of the pics on this blog, so I guess the least I could do is find a better-lit spot to take posed pics. Better ones in future posts, I promise!

Father's Day II

Elyas drew me an awesome picture. The pink scribble is Elyas. The Green one is a tree. That's fine work for a 2 year old.

It's awesome being a dad.