Author Archives: Joel

Regular readers are aware that almost two weeks ago my older brother sent me a complete kit for retrofitting the Lair with 12-volt lighting, for those occasions when battery power is a problem and it might be expedient to shut … Continue reading →

It’s not the first time it’s happened, though it’s been years. Some guy with a foreign accent calls my cell number, claiming to be from the UPS and saying he’s got a package for me. When I asked how he … Continue reading →

I went to town this afternoon to see if the local Carquest carries generic OBD II scan tools (they don’t) and right next door the drug store had a sign advertising .22 by the brick. And I was just in … Continue reading →

If you’re the sort to do your early shopping online, don’t forget that our Claire has her own Amazon page. I’ve never really understood how it works, but buying from here helps her directly.

My neighbors know I don’t really celebrate any holidays, and also that I don’t turn down free food. So when I was invited to a genuine traditional Thanksgiving dinner at J&H’s, I most certainly showed up. Turkey and stuffing, wonderful … Continue reading →

Yeah, I had to try this thing out. The washer assembles easily and looks as though it will disassemble just as easily if you want to. The drum, crank and drain valve are sturdy enough. I’ve got questions about the … Continue reading →

I got an early Christmas present from Neighbor L! It’s a teeny little washing machine! And if it works as advertised, it’s going to ease one of the less pleasant winter chores. I don’t mind doing laundry at all when … Continue reading →

Just memorize these useful facts*! Then when your fat, toothless Uncle Cletus starts mouthing off about his barbaric deer hunting adventures, you can hit him with the Cluebat of Truth**! Have fun, be safe, and Talk Turkey on Guns! — … Continue reading →

Yay! Since Tam has evolved past the point of wishing to converse with hoi polloi, I’ll just comment here. Thanks to the infographic located here, I have learned that the Gulch is located smack in the heart of one of … Continue reading →

I’ve got a big yellow paperweight sitting in my driveway at the moment, and the large portion of my subconscious that still thinks normal discourse involves bullying and being bullied has a field day with me every time I look … Continue reading →

There really is one sense in which we’re living in an L. Neil Smith utopia. I was all by myself, having hiked to J&H’s to find them not home because they went to town to buy hay. No problem, I … Continue reading →

Via Robb Allen, this offering right here. If this doesn’t ruin your morning, you’re untouchable. I Was Mugged, And I Understand Why Last weekend, my housemate and I were mugged at gunpoint while walking home from Dupont Circle. The entire … Continue reading →

Know what happens when you get a little jolly in the evening before you finish all your chores? You don’t finish all your chores.And then you get to deal with the giant block of ice where your chicken waterer used … Continue reading →

Everything was fine until 9:30 when I loaded up the boys and the Jeep wouldn’t start – at all. Cranks fine, won’t hit. I used to tell students that’s the easiest condition to diagnose, but that was on cast-iron pushrod … Continue reading →

12-Year-Old Boy Shot by Cleveland Police has Died. I had quite a rant going on this, but weariness caused me to remember I’ve said it all before. So just go read that if you want, and we’ll pretend I spent … Continue reading →

Hope you guys are staying warm wherever you are. I am. Sticking to my resolution to stop letting warm fires freak me out, the cabin temperature is up 15 degrees and climbing fast as of this paragraph, from the low … Continue reading →

It’s one of those awful cold windy days where the only shelter is indoors but the wind is swirling around so much that the stovepipe can’t make up its mind if air should be going up or down. Fire don’t … Continue reading →

Regular commenter MJR sent me a couple of presents yesterday. I never really considered whether TUAK needs a logo, but do appreciate the thought.

Once upon a time, my neighbor H moved up here intending to raise horses. Among the things she arranged for that make her yard different from yours and mine, she put in a lovely rustic-as-hell hitching post made of rough … Continue reading →

“It’s a sign of how dull my life has become,” I said to J, “That breaking in this new shit fork may be the high point of my day.” Actually it’s a typical busy Friday: Right now I’m waiting for … Continue reading →