Maggie’s What's Your View II

damn brother, what the hell are you doing up there

One of my best drinking buddies up here was a discourteous prick and dropped dead in the middle of winter. In his defense there's a very narrow window of favorable weather for him to have timed his early demise, so I'm up here cooking and drinking way too much in his honor.

Thanks, tnichols , but I think we're still a bit warmer than you've got it over there. However, I've also never looked at snow and frozen ground and felt a desire to lay down in it to shoot.
 
im sorry to hear, stud.
be safe

Thanks man, he was only a few years older than me. I'm at that point in life where I proabably haven't been to a wedding in over 10 years, but I travel the country for 2-3 funerals a year. In fact if this dude had been getting married this week I'd have skipped it, but it was worth the 1000 mile trip to wake him properly and drink him off of this frozen rock.
 
ZhApwG3.jpg
 
Yep, maybe they thought they could read chinese...

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/photos\/i-sZbJ98m\/1\/114eb0c8\/O\/i-sZbJ98m.gif"}[/IMG2]
 
Yesterday, my son and I made our annual pilgrimage to Des Moines to experience USHL hockey in a “proper” setting. We have plenty of junior hockey venues much closer to home, but what makes this special is the rink itself. Old, cold, dark, and the smell of stale beer and equipment that needs hung outdoors for a week or so. Add to that a raucous, beered up, loyal crowd and it borders on a scene straight out of Slap Shot. He loves it.

2394735E-8302-4337-A73A-A6940E3A708F.jpeg
 
Yesterday, my son and I made our annual pilgrimage to Des Moines to experience USHL hockey in a “proper” setting. We have plenty of junior hockey venues much closer to home, but what makes this special is the rink itself. Old, cold, dark, and the smell of stale beer and equipment that needs hung outdoors for a week or so. Add to that a raucous, beered up, loyal crowd and it borders on a scene straight out of Slap Shot. He loves it.


Man that sounds like a great day. We used to have great minor league hockey down here and we fell in love with it. It sucked when that league (ECHL) all but died and went away. 13,000 beer-fueled cajuns watching guys fight on ice was a great date night.
 
I loved hockey when I was younger. We lived in Toronto for a couple of years (my dad was canuckian) around 1975 or so. My brother and I used to go to Maple Leafs games. The one I remember the most was one against the Blues. We sat down and I told my older brother that the game would be a slugfest. I think they spent more time slinging gloves than they did whacking the puck.
Of course this was in the days when if you wore a helmet, you were a pussy
 
Oddly enough, the fighting for me is for the non hockey folks in the crowd, or why they show up anyway. I go to watch HOCKEY. The shoving, pushing, and chatter between players is merely to establish a hierarchy. There are a lot of unwritten rules in that game that have kept it relatively pure to a former player or true enthusiast. In a day of making rules to cover every last possible scenario, fortunately for the most part, due to spirit of the sport (and a fight here and there) the powers that be have let it run its course. Example, try laying a wicked hip check on the opposing goalie, or spray ice chips in his face if he’s down, etc... You will learn VERY quickly that this is unacceptable, and will be informed as such by his five mates. After this brief chat you may need a stitch or two or have the opportunity to spit some enamel. Keep your mouth shut, head up, and play fair.
 
We go to a local game once in awhile. Once you understand the rules and what the hell is going on the actual hockey part is quite nice. The fights are meh.

One thing i like is that since hockey is not a main stream sport the guys are playing to play and not for the $$$.
 
We go to a local game once in awhile. Once you understand the rules and what the hell is going on the actual hockey part is quite nice. The fights are meh.

One thing i like is that since hockey is not a main stream sport the guys are playing to play and not for the $$$.

Agreed. Junior hockey is for 17-20 year olds. They are not paid and maintain college eligibility. It’s a bridge of sorts between high school and a D1 scholarship or NHL draft if they are smokin’ good.
 
I'm with you on that. NONE of us had ever seen ice hockey in real life. Very few of us had ever followed it on TV. Then we got this amazing minor league team that was scrappy as hell and kept us entertained while we learned the game. Within a few months the knowledge of the fans was crazy. You'd hear people in the stands intelligently discussing a game they'd never seen a few months before. Our guys played great hockey, several got called up to the show, and we set the league attendance record for their games. They were also a hugely physical team, and at that level a lot of those guys were proving their value as an enforcer at the next level.
We had a wicked rivalry with the team from where I live now. Those games were the first to sell out for the season with good reason. During one game both benches cleared before the game even started, during warm up. We had guys serving suspensions for weeks. Watching whole sections of "proper" sorority girls throwing their beers at the walls and screaming "kick his ass" was always epic.
 
photo86375.jpgphoto86376.jpg Two pics on the way home from the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport. Dropped my youngest daughter off for her return to TN.

First pic is I-75 crossing the Alafia river looking west.

Second pic is I-275 coming across upper Tampa bay on the Howard Frankland bridge. Water was super calm and the birds were everywhere.
Had to snap it quickly, I was running 80 something
 
Mike Casselton Man that looks inviting don't it? What a great tour I had down there. Other than getting tossed in the Pokey in Key West for Asslt II, it was like a vacation every damn day. :eek:

Get yer ass in that pretty new truck and drive the 3000 miles here. I'll take you out fishing.
Yeah, it is pretty inviting. 11:10 am and it's almost 70*.
The downside to it is lousy deer hunting and no elk to be found.
I see hogs almost daily 1/4 mile from my house. Can't do anything about them. They live within 50yds of a big housing complex.
Hmmm, paint my truck white, put a TECO decal on it and slide in there with a suppressed 300BO.
 
Get yer ass in that pretty new truck and drive the 3000 miles here. I'll take you out fishing.
Yeah, it is pretty inviting. 11:10 am and it's almost 70*.
The downside to it is lousy deer hunting and no elk to be found.
I see hogs almost daily 1/4 mile from my house. Can't do anything about them. They live within 50yds of a big housing complex.
Hmmm, paint my truck white, put a TECO decal on it and slide in there with a suppressed 300BO.

Hmmmm we might be able to work something out. ;)
 
A 2000 mile drive sucks serious balls. It's 3100 from your place to mine. I couldn't imagine adding in another 400+ to get to the point.

What I think is funny is when Brits talk about going from London to Edinburgh. They complain it's a long drive. Hell, that won't get you from Miami to Jacksonville.
England by itself fits in Illinois with room to spare...

I have an English buddy that goes to Orlando and Cape Coral every year. He thinks it's a long drive. :D:D
 
Rough Night at the Homestead Last Night

Storm front blew in hard last night and it looks like our new roof is going to be moved to the top of the projects list.
I've been speculating we'd have to do it within the next five years, but the little twister that tore through the neighborhood has me thinking sooner than later.

I was upstairs on the shitter of all places when it came roaring through. Sounded like the average line of showers and storms with blowing rain at first, but as I was finishing up, it got UGLY and quick!

Everyone says it sounds like a train, and that fucking train sounded and felt like it was running through my kitchen under me. I was at the top of the stairs when all Hell broke loose downstairs. Crashing sounds and Mrs. Tucker screaming, "OH GOD!"

The french doors in the den got blown opened and wind and water were pouring in. She, without considering water on hardwood might be slippery, went dashing to get things under control as I hurried down the stairs.
I got within view in time to see her go damned near upside down as her feet flew out from under her, while nature's fury poured into our den.

Thankfully, she didn't break anything. Just a little sore today.

I got the doors under control as the train roared away for more destruction down the road. The worst of it was about a mile from the house, where there's a clear swath of wrung off trees and mayhem. No residences were hit as far as we know, but there were plenty of trees down and power was off for a couple of hours.

We have two separate downstairs attics, and the pressure change blew both access doors out. One of them was blown about 2 feet from the opening.

The farthest roof shingle I found was about 100 yards from the house wedged into a clump of ornamental grass at the edge of the pond.

I've got my go-to contractor arranging to get some patches done before the snow comes Tuesday night and Wednesday.

After that is done we'll start getting the money rounded up and making plans for new roof. Going back with steel. I don't want to have to mess with it again in my lifetime.

We are, of course, thankful for what we have and thankful that it was no worse than this. Unlucky and lucky are on the same coin.

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/nM17AKQ.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/mnCj5Fy.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/77Q7Iff.jpg"}[/IMG2]


[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/LtZ9aOD.jpg"}[/IMG2]


[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/MUMvoMc.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/yNq5cRP.jpg"}[/IMG2]

Bluebird house built by late uncle was not spared.

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/LbW2Z9A.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/kM1NCQG.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/uMMPJU5.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/GhZs0hF.jpg"}[/IMG2]
 
What are you driving that you're getting that mileage in a truck? I've got a 25+/- gal tank and don't think I've ever gotten 400 miles out of it

2002 f350 7.3 4x4 manual trans, crew cab short bed. Day i bought it i yanked the factory 28 gallon tank out and put a 50 gallon transfer-flow tank under the bed. Pretty easy to get 15 mpg. If i can slow the hell down i can get 18+.

Years ago when making a trip to vegas (476miles one way) the speed limit was 65-70 (80mph now). I showed up in the truck to pick up a couple passengers (friends). One was pissed taking the truck, saying that he wanted to take a car for better MPG. After i calmed him down i said we would only have to stop one time for fuel IF time was not an issue with anyone.

They agreed. I got on the highway (freeway, interstate or what ever you want to call it) set the cruise at 63ish mph. Drove to Vegas, around Vegas a little for 3 days and made it 2/3rds the way home before stopping. Took 48.7 gallons (most i have ever put in at once) just under 900 miles.

MPG is 90% driver. I wish i could put another tank underneath. I need the bed to much to put one there. The extra fuel comes in handy when towing 20,000 lbs and MPG drops to 7.
 
Rough Night at the Homestead Last Night

Storm front blew in hard last night and it looks like our new roof is going to be moved to the top of the projects list.
I've been speculating we'd have to do it within the next five years, but the little twister that tore through the neighborhood has me thinking sooner than later.

I was upstairs on the shitter of all places when it came roaring through. Sounded like the average line of showers and storms with blowing rain at first, but as I was finishing up, it got UGLY and quick!

Everyone says it sounds like a train, and that fucking train sounded and felt like it was running through my kitchen under me. I was at the top of the stairs when all Hell broke loose downstairs. Crashing sounds and Mrs. Tucker screaming, "OH GOD!"

The french doors in the den got blown opened and wind and water were pouring in. She, without considering water on hardwood might be slippery, went dashing to get things under control as I hurried down the stairs.
I got within view in time to see her go damned near upside down as her feet flew out from under her, while nature's fury poured into our den.

Thankfully, she didn't break anything. Just a little sore today.

I got the doors under control as the train roared away for more destruction down the road. The worst of it was about a mile from the house, where there's a clear swath of wrung off trees and mayhem. No residences were hit as far as we know, but there were plenty of trees down and power was off for a couple of hours.

We have two separate downstairs attics, and the pressure change blew both access doors out. One of them was blown about 2 feet from the opening.

The farthest roof shingle I found was about 100 yards from the house wedged into a clump of ornamental grass at the edge of the pond.

I've got my go-to contractor arranging to get some patches done before the snow comes Tuesday night and Wednesday.

After that is done we'll start getting the money rounded up and making plans for new roof. Going back with steel. I don't want to have to mess with it again in my lifetime.

We are, of course, thankful for what we have and thankful that it was no worse than this. Unlucky and lucky are on the same coin.

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/nM17AKQ.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/mnCj5Fy.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/77Q7Iff.jpg"}[/IMG2]


[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/LtZ9aOD.jpg"}[/IMG2]


[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/MUMvoMc.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/yNq5cRP.jpg"}[/IMG2]

Bluebird house built by late uncle was not spared.

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/LbW2Z9A.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/kM1NCQG.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/uMMPJU5.jpg"}[/IMG2]

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/GhZs0hF.jpg"}[/IMG2]

Damn, glad you and yours made it through the twister.
It is a unique experience.
Had to do some shingle repair similar to that recently.
Have a "younger" handyman to deal with the roof pitch lol

R
 
Rough Night at the Homestead Last Night

Storm front blew in hard last night and it looks like our new roof is going to be moved to the top of the projects list.
I've been speculating we'd have to do it within the next five years, but the little twister that tore through the neighborhood has me thinking sooner than later.

I was upstairs on the shitter of all places when it came roaring through. Sounded like the average line of showers and storms with blowing rain at first, but as I was finishing up, it got UGLY and quick!

Everyone says it sounds like a train, and that fucking train sounded and felt like it was running through my kitchen under me. I was at the top of the stairs when all Hell broke loose downstairs. Crashing sounds and Mrs. Tucker screaming, "OH GOD!"

The french doors in the den got blown opened and wind and water were pouring in. She, without considering water on hardwood might be slippery, went dashing to get things under control as I hurried down the stairs.
I got within view in time to see her go damned near upside down as her feet flew out from under her, while nature's fury poured into our den.

Thankfully, she didn't break anything. Just a little sore today.

Glad to hear eveyone made it through unscathed (for the most part).
 
2002 f350 7.3 4x4 manual trans, crew cab short bed. Day i bought it i yanked the factory 28 gallon tank out and put a 50 gallon transfer-flow tank under the bed. Pretty easy to get 15 mpg. If i can slow the hell down i can get 18+.

Years ago when making a trip to vegas (476miles one way) the speed limit was 65-70 (80mph now). I showed up in the truck to pick up a couple passengers (friends). One was pissed taking the truck, saying that he wanted to take a car for better MPG. After i calmed him down i said we would only have to stop one time for fuel IF time was not an issue with anyone.

They agreed. I got on the highway (freeway, interstate or what ever you want to call it) set the cruise at 63ish mph. Drove to Vegas, around Vegas a little for 3 days and made it 2/3rds the way home before stopping. Took 48.7 gallons (most i have ever put in at once) just under 900 miles.

MPG is 90% driver. I wish i could put another tank underneath. I need the bed to much to put one there. The extra fuel comes in handy when towing 20,000 lbs and MPG drops to 7.

Ahhh, that makes sense: huge tank vs huge mpg. I had the 7.3 with twin tanks and got about 17mpg up to about 75mph. Once that turbo really started screaming the mpg dropped comically. My Titan is overachieving when I get 17mpg from it. I really wish Nissan would make some improvements in fuel economy, they're way behind the curve on current full-sized trucks.

Tucker301 , that sounds like it was quite the show. I've been through a ton of hurricanes but never a tornado, I'd have probably stayed on the toilet to avoid my subsequent mess. Glad you and Mrs. Tucker came out relatively unharmed.
 
good to see the damage not worse, its hard to rightly see, but i bet the roofer can do a great repair, combined it being pitched well, you may not have to replace right away, buy some time

The biggest issue on the old roof is what we discovered last year after a storm. The original roofers used guns set too strong and drove the nail heads through the damned shingles in many cases. Boys are coming this morning to patch me up. 18 degrees ain't ideal for roofing, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I'll get them a fire going outside and Mrs. T is gonna whip up a batch of chili for when they're done.
 
Glad you made it through alright. Tornados in winter is crazy weather. 14 here and my boy is headed out for last day of deer season. I’ll be staying in unless I hear ‘got one’ over the radio.
 
Tucker301 Damn buddy, you got whacked a bit. Like everyone has said, certainly glad Mama and you are ok and that the damage isn't any worse than it is. Hope she's doing better today and just a bit sore instead of anything broke. Now get that place fixed n tidy'd up. Slacker.

My Besty finally got a little crew together to start making some headway on the Pole Building. Couple dandy days before we get hammered again. Better take advantage of them.


hPLpQpF.jpg




cpzv3a1.jpg
 
Damn,
that sure is a pretty fine looking day.
Don'tcha just love clear winter days

It was a badass day and it's just as nice today as well. Except it's my Monday and I'll cry if I want to. Tomorrow is suppose to be the last good day before more torrential ran. I ran overwatch with an AR over my shoulder. Another buddy had his 12 gauge at the ready for low fliers. :cool: Was a kick ass time.
 
Didja get any of the low fliers?
The only waterfowl I laid eyes on today were plastic and had a string for a leg band. Was burning up time at BPS waiting to pick the kids up. Still have 10 more minutes of waiting