Steam Ship Arabia, Kansas City Mo.

I first visited the Steam Ship Arabia museum back in the early 90's. This summer I revisited it with Dad and my youngest, Emma Jean. Wow, they had uncovered many new things.
The steamship sank in 1859, having hit a snag, (big ass submerged tree)in the Missouri river. It was quickly covered by silt and mud, prfectly preserving most all the goods that were being carried up river to the wilderness. When they uncovered it in 1988 they found a case of cognac and upon opening it, found it to be in perfect condition. Everything you can think of they had. Even some things that you wouldnt think they had, like rubber over shoes. Its a full time job just restoring the items. I highly recomend visiting if you have an iterest in history, and ever get to KC and have a few hours to spend. Well worth it.

Ruger Bisley 45 Colt

In 1991, three weeks before I returned from Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri, having been recalled to active duty by the US Army to serve in Operation Desert Storm, I recveived a telephone call from my Mom. She said she had perchased a little something for me as a welcome home gift.
Upon my return, she gave me a box of considrable heft. After tearing the paper away, I soon seen the black and yellow box, holding a Sturm Ruger, New Model Blackhawk Bisley, 45 long Colt.
The History of the Bisley model revolver dates back to 1894, and the world champion pistol competition in Bisley England. The original Bisley Revolver was produced by Colt with the shooting match in mind. If you look at the profile of the bisley, the first thing that catches your eye will the sharp angle at which the handle drops. This was to be an ergonomical feature that would lend to better target aquisition and comfort allowing less wrist fatigue. Also, when holding the revolver, you will immediatly notice the dropped angle of the hammer spur. It is considerably easier to reach with the thumb of the shooting hand than it is the Colt Single Action Army (SAA). This allows the shooter to actuate the hammer for the next shot with one hand while minimizing revolver movement from the target.
Before I was recalled to active duty, I was a wrangler and hunting guide in Wyoming. One afternon,a guest at the outfit I was employed at, asked if there was somewhere he could shoot his new pistol. I said sure, lets drive out to the dump and set up some cans. It seems he was from New York and the laws regarding purchasing handguns, were too strict to mess with, so he bought on in Wyoming on his vacation. He allowed me to shoot a few rounds with his .357 Ruger Bisley. Ive never been a very good hand with revolvers, but I was amazed at how well I could hit the mark with this revolver.
I never did tell Mom about that incident, and it was entirly coincidence that she picked the Bisley as my gift.
I still have the original walnut grips, but swapped them out for the faux ivory. As you may notice, the grips look scratched. When I bought the grips, there was an image of a naked chick wrapped in a confederate flag. I liked it, but I didnt feel comfortable displaying it out in the open. So I scraped it and need to clean it up better.
So, as the Conservative saying goes...."When they Pry It From My Cold Dead Fingers"....

Cowboy Bedroll Pistol

Ive had this Iver Johnson S&W 38 Hammerless for nearly 20 years. Its suprisingly accurate at 20yrds and will place the 146gr pills in a nice group in a 8" circle at 750fps..
Mine is, I beleive, a third variation of the original 1894 design. It came out in 1909 and was proofed for nitro loads. It has considerable gap from cylinder to barrel and does give off a bit of powder gas and will neatly blacken the index finger when touching off a round.
The ornately figured hard rubber grip engraved with the characteristic Owl Head confirmes it an Iver Johnson Hammerless revolver of the third type. The hinged barrel lockes solidly into the frame and the cylinder displayes minimal side play and no end-shake.
Its been everywhere with me and taken on personality of its own, and I would not ever want to be without it.
The leather holster and ammo pocket are a fairly matched set of vintage Yonkers Leather from approx 1950. The holster is a bit too short, but still works nice. It was that of now deceased Chickasaw County Deputy Clifford Hoffman. A good man and freind of the family. The holster, when worn on the belt, sets high up on the waistline and is suprisingly quick to clear.

Silent Bob Workin' The Latch

Bob's tired of the winter, ready to come in and sleep on heat vent...

Horses and cats

Typically horses for some reason like barn cats. Silent Bob and Fat Louie spend lots of time snoozing while Sunny grazes. Its warm up there, and Sunny seems proud to have trained his cats so well!

Atomic Customs...Perfection Every Time

Trent Schara is nothing short of an artist. I havent met him yet, but from all Ive read, he is just a great guy, who's blessd with vision. The Mexi-pan is one of my favorites. Its the first bike of his I saw. Some gossip says it was sold, dismantled and redone.

D-Days Ironhead

Of all the Bikes Ive admired, this one is the only one I would like to build a copy of. And someday will.

Brians 49

One of the best examples of a Bobber. I found this Bike in Southern Minnisota a year ago. I couldnt afford it, but I knew Brian was looking for a Panhead, and this one fit the bill. It has some leaks, but nothing that alittle TLC cant fix. This could be a leak proof bike real easy.

ElkCreek Farms Latest Internatinal Harvester Implement

We only have two Horses, but it cost about $300 a year to feed them over the winter.
So...I am slowly collecting Vintage IH (International Harvester) Haying Equipment.
My good Friend Rick donated a busted old New Idea Sickle Mower, which I have repaired to the point of needing a pitman bearing and PTO shaft. Should be set by spring. Thanksgiving Weekend I bought a 1943 IH 4 Bar Side Delivery Hay Rake in excellent condition for $100. What a steal. Its all there and in mint condition. Im still researching it, but Have found a pic of a restored example. Untill we have a baler purchased, the Mower and rake will be used to cut and rake the weeds in the horse pasture.
Once we get the Hay operation built up and running smoothly, we will begin looking for beef cattle. Enought to provide ourselves, My Mom and Dad, and Colleens Mom and Dad with beef for the year. Hoping to be able to have enough surplus hay to sell to clear the cost of feeding and processing. Once we get the baler, im confident we willbe able to recoop the cost of the haying equipment by selling the surplus hay the first year. I should be able to get 150 bales on the first cutting. that will cover the horses for the winter. At $3.00 a bale, the next 2 cuttings should pay for the equipment. Thats the plan any how, Im sure Ill learn alot, but thats what life is about.

Hodge Podge Panhead

I have been saving and hording bike parts for 22 years. I have had to sell off some here and there to pay a bill or two, but the best of the best I have managed to keep. And here is the collection coming together. There are harley Parts here from 1939 through 1976. Many I have had since 1987 in Kansas. Last year, I decided to start assembling the Hodge Podge of Parts into something that resembles a Bike.
Thankyou Brother Keith, for you skills and teaching me how to handle a Mill and a lathe. Thankyou Burgie for your garcious donation of parts, and all those who gave as well. Thankyou my Wife Colleen, for your patients and understanding.
And last but not least in any manner of the term, Thankyou Bob and Rick Nootenagle for your patients, help and direction up to this point and Im sure in the future.

These are just the mock-up pics, but Its all there.

Shovels Rule!

Heres my main ride. A 1981 FLH80 Classic, Bobber. Smoked a buck deer with it in 2005. Never dumped it, just bent the hell outta the front fender. Thats why it has a Honda chromie on the front. I like that alot. It did tweek a left front fork tube,so it will need replaced.
Never was too hooked on the paint job, but I didnt buy it on cosmetics. I bought it because it had all the possible upgrdes that could be done in a practical manner that I would have had to do myself. Dual Belt Drives, S&S super E, Andrews HB cam, Chrome through out. It had only 3200 miles on it when I bought it four years ago. It sports 21,500 miles on it now, and runs good, no oil leaks, starts 2nd or 3rd kick when cold. Everything works, signals, electric start, everything. I want to repaint it in the worst way, buteveryone who knows me would hang me. Seems it has grown on every one. The paint was done in Oklahoma. Uncle Mike says colors like this are pupular in the south. Bright.. Last year was a nightmere with this bike. Lots of clutch and belt issues, both primary and secondsay, electrical problems...I finally tinkered with everything and all is well. Had a great season on it.
It is capable of 125mph. Never ran it through the qtr mile or dyno'd it. Dont care.

Hi-Point Fire Arms

I joined the US Army in 1987. Served 3 years active duty as a Combat Medic. (+4 months active duty recall for Operation Desert Storm) I carried a Colt 1911 45.acp. Loved that thing even thought it was so worn out, the barrel was EGG-Shapped! No Shit. And I had to and did qualify with it.
So the 45acp is near and dear to my heart.
Im planning on getting a Hi-Point JHC45 soon. I bought 100rnds yesterday.
Barrel length: 4.5"

Overall length: 7.75"

Weight: 35 oz.

Frame: High-impact polymer

Finish: Black powder coat with polished sides

Capacity: 9-shot magazine

Sights: 3-dots, fully-adjustable rear sight

Welcome to my Blog

After visiting other blogs, and having several ideas about a blog of my own, Ive decided to start my own.
Have fun visiting and enjoy the page. As I learn more, I will be adding various features.
Stay Warm.
Kelly