Dirt Works

There's just something about playing in the dirt that brings a man to his roots. Probably because we were made out of the stuff (Genesis 2:7). When there's dirt work to do, I can't tell if it is work or fun. This time around, it was definitely both.

The one turn around in the barn yard, where the chicken coop used to be, is pretty steep. I've been wanting to shape it up, but there was a lot of work that when a long with it.

For a job such as this, we fired up the JD 450.

The first step was to dig up the power line feeding the barn. When Dad and I put it in years ago, it was pretty shallow. Wanting to shape this turn around area freely, we dug up the power line so we could sink it deeper. 

Got it.

To start the shaping process, I wanted to remove some of the bank behind the tack shed. 

Better. Eventually, we hope to move the shed back 4' so that it is less in the way of the corral gate.

After that was done, we hooked up to our box scraper. Don't tempt me with a good time!

This is what we used to take the hump off the parking lot. Such the right tool for the job!

Once that was done, we got to re-digging in the power line.

Better.

Once that was closed in, we put the final touches on the turn around and driveway to the corral. I'm pleased with the way it all turned out.

Straight shot.

We ended up with a lot of dirt to deal with. For another time. 

Couldn't do it without John Deere. Giddy up.

With the right equipment, a big job can turn into a lot of fun. I'm thankful to get this project completed. Jobs like this you want to start and finish, so you're not holding up everyday duties. Thankfully, I've got a little vacation time to spend back home. With three days yet to use, I wonder what else we can find to do? Let's ranch.

Leisure

 Reconnecting with God on a natural level.

           https://youtu.be/ssvpkJTU0cw         

Buffalo 4th of July

Everybody loves the 4th of July, especially when it's the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. To celebrate such a milestone, the town of Buffalo went big. So we decided to big with them. 

One main attraction in town was the Saturday morning parade. Buffalo usually doesn't have a 4th of July parade, but went for it this year. It was a softball pitch for us to join in. Fr. DeSmet, the Jesuit missionary priest, celebrated the first Mass in this territory in 1851. From then until now, that is 175 years of proclaiming the Gospel. Hence the theme of our float. 

First step was for James and I to hitch up to Jim's trailer and grab a few square bales. 

We had some banners made that showed up on time, thankfully. So we sized them up. 

Then James and Darin got busy getting it all attached. 

Not bad for a couple of farm boys. 

For game day, we saddled up Chief. Just wouldn't be right not to include him. 

Then parked at the park as parishioners of St. John the Baptist mounted the float. 

Meanwhile, DeSmet and his horse got into character. 

Time to ride. Downtown Buffalo was the route of choice.

It was a shorter parade, but hit all the high points of town. 

For the Proclaiming the Gospel part, Dcn. Jay stood at the pulpit with the audible Gospel playing in the background as two altar boys flanked him and eager parishioners listened in. 

Members of the DeSmet Council of Knights of Columbus followed the last banner that read, Still going strong 2000 years later. Also, members of our youth group handed out brochures, inviting townspeople to the Mass and ministries found at St. John the Baptist. 

Fr. DeSmet and his bay steed were a crowd pleaser. 

These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete (John 15:11).

Chief did great. No stranger to the limelight. 

Home stretch. Short but sweet. 

God bless America! 

The Catholic Church has had something to say about the progress of America in the last 250 years. Her insistence on Gospel values has helped shape this nation into a land of life, liberty, and justice for all. Our presence in Johnson County will continue to ensure that these natural human virtues are upheld and that the fullness of freedom found in Jesus Christ is proclaimed to all! Thanks be to God for everybody, past and present, that made this celebration possible. To you, we tip our hat, and pledge to keep on ranchin' in a free world! 

Paint Job

Seems like eventually these Chevy pickups start to peel paint. White Horse has been pretty blessed, as this spot on the hood is the only place that is peeling. We've put up with it for a while, but now it was time to take care of it. 

When I washed the truck this morning, I really put the pressure washer to this spot to make sure everything that wanted to peel off got the chance to. Looks bigger than ever, but now is in good shape to repair. 

First step was to hit it with 220 grit to take down the rough edges and feather it into the existing paint. 

Then a 1000 grit for the final touch, especially over the established paint that was going to get a new coat. Gives it something to stick to. 

Once sanded, a little brake cleaner works good to clean the surface.

Then tape it up. The new paint is going to be noticeably different from the old paint, so make some nice tape lines that will show the transition. 

Spray paint carries, so we covered the other surfaces as best we could.

And turned on the exhaust fan to keep the overspray moving away from the truck.

Our paint of choice was this Dupli-Color that is pretty darn close to the original. Super easy compared with other options. 

A light coat first, to get things tacky.

Second coat, a little stronger.

Final coat we laid on pretty thick.

Seems to me that tape is best to pull sooner rather than later.

Works for us.

Much better. White Horse is looking about as good as she ever has. We have a 4th of July parade this weekend, so we have to be looking sharp. Peeling paint is going to happen as this truck gets older. My hope is to just keep touching it up as we go. Thankfully, this was the only spot and that's now fixed! Let's ride!

Home Town Boy

Preach it anyway!

           https://youtu.be/tTZqIGdZ4w0         

Hat Repair

Hat's are not one size fits all. The size of the crown, the width of the brim, the color, the shape, and the like, all make a difference in how the hat looks on you. Sometimes to get that right fit, you have to take matters into your own hands.

This is what you call a Roman Saturno. Worn by clergy in Rome and beyond. I like them because they have a bit of a Tombstone look. 

I got it last summer in Rome. I knew then that it didn't fit right, but my heart was already set.

Originally, the brim was curled up, all the way around. Strange to our western standards. So when I got home, I took steam and flattened the brim. However, the crown was way too tall for my standards.

So I set out to lower it. First step, cut the hat band off. 

Then I cut the crown 1" above the brim.

Pretty well committed at this point.

This was the idea, drop the crown over the existing portion left on the brim, lowering the crown down 1".

To get the top half of the crown to slip over the lower, I heated it with steam and stretched it out. It actually worked pretty well.

E6000 was my glue of choice. I've had good luck with it in the past on hats, as it is a flexible adhesive. 

Once ready, I put a bead over the existing portion. 

Then slipped it over to dry.

Muy bien. 

Once it was dried good, I steamed the brim back flat and stretched the inner band back to a good head shape.

Then glued the hat band back on.

And refit the bow.

Much better.

Fr. Holliday

Fun stuff. I knew I would never wear this hat the way it was. Besides that, I really wanted a Saturno to chum around in. On top of that, I need to look like Fr. DeSmet S.J. for the 4th of July parade. I think we are now on our way. If the hat don't fit, make it fit.