patrick.net

Al_Sharpton_for_President says

The right stuff. Hope you got here adventure genes. :>)

Psychologically yes, physically no. I inherited her husband's bad back. I can still rip it up water skiing or snowboarding but I pay for it in pain later.

HeadSet says

My wife's grandpa was like that, still jump starting off a dock to waterski while in his 70s.

Now that is impressive!

She had her hair done a couple of times a month and didn't like to get it wet. So she'd put on one of those rubber caps and slowly get into the water using the boat ladder. Nine times out of ten she wouldn't wipe out and would just let go of the rope after about 5 miles (I think? She skied a long way anyhow) to settle back down into the water.

I hope you have some video of that. It's the sort of thing a lot of people wouldn't believe until you showed them.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

Psychologically yes, physically no. I inherited her husband's bad back. I can still rip it up water skiing or snowboarding but I pay for it in pain later.

I can water ski. I won't be able to walk for 2-3 days though. Muscles I don't use, basically ever besides walking... done doing it.

Snowboarding I still do okay soreness wise. Best purchase I made was a butt pad for that. Not as coordinated as I used to be. So snowboarding I'm on my ass a lot. Probably in my last few seasons before hanging it up or handing down to the kids all the gear. I've been legit close to severe injury or death the last few times out. I don't need to be Sonny Bono.

Trucks with this idiot inflation and low rates skyrocketed in price. Businesses mostly buy them for tax write off. But if it’s not a write off, it’s stupid waste.

WookieMan says

I don't need to be Sonny Bono.

He was assassinated. For what reasons, who knows. I skied past that spot where he allegedly died on several occasions. Pure green level wide open shallow bunny slope. It seemed impossible to accidentally kill yourself there.

Ceffer says

WookieMan says

I don't need to be Sonny Bono.

He was assassinated. For what reasons, who knows. I skied past that spot where he allegedly died on several occasions. Pure green level wide open shallow bunny slope. It seemed impossible to accidentally kill yourself there.

If you know the slopes at that resort I'll trust your word. Only thing was he intoxicated? Politician, actor, and musician is the trifecta of drug and alcohol abuse.

I know I've hit fucking green mogul runs at certain resorts on a snowboard. Not marked as such. That will F you up in a hot minute if you don't see it coming depending on sunlight on a snowboard. I admittedly don't know skiing. Moguls can eat shit on a snowboard though.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

I hope you have some video of that.

I might have, but it will be 8mm movie.

HeadSet says

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

I hope you have some video of that.

I might have, but it will be 8mm movie.

Get that converted! For family in the future..

WookieMan says

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

Psychologically yes, physically no. I inherited her husband's bad back. I can still rip it up water skiing or snowboarding but I pay for it in pain later.

I can water ski. I won't be able to walk for 2-3 days though. Muscles I don't use, basically ever besides walking... done doing it.

Snowboarding I still do okay soreness wise. Best purchase I made was a butt pad for that. Not as coordinated as I used to be. So snowboarding I'm on my ass a lot. Probably in my last few seasons before hanging it up or handing down to the kids all the gear. I've been legit close to severe injury or death the last few times out. I don't need to be Sonny Bono.

Ass is better than face. Stay out out of the trees. That zone is for skiers if anyone.

I could never get dual suspension to work myself. Just single boards from my slalom, wind surfing and skater punk days.

Serially. I tried snow skiing a few years ago finally and I had to stay in the greens.

Fortwaye says

Trucks with this idiot inflation and low rates skyrocketed in price. Businesses mostly buy them for tax write off. But if it’s not a write off, it’s stupid waste.

I'm going to pull a boat, travel trailer, overlanding and it's a quiet sometimes silent 7.2Kw generator, carry equipment to work on rentals and use it to be safer when I'm on non-grocey-gitter roads when crazy drivers are all over the place where I live.

Often in much larger trucks but at least it gives me a chance.

It might help if I get lucky and find >= 10 acres to build or buy to live on in a rural area.

It's basically a rolling yacht. :)

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

HeadSet says

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

I hope you have some video of that.

I might have, but it will be 8mm movie.

Get that converted! For family in the future.. There are companies that will do it for you.

When I did I forgot about an X-rated scene my former GF and I had made and they sort of blew up at me when I went to pick up the disks. One of which was labeled with a warning sticker lol.

She was hot, it didn't hurt their eyes and they couldn't tell it was me.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

Fortwaye says

Trucks with this idiot inflation and low rates skyrocketed in price. Businesses mostly buy them for tax write off. But if it’s not a write off, it’s stupid waste.

I'm going to pull a boat, travel trailer, overlanding and it's a quiet sometimes silent 7.2Kw generator, carry equipment to work on rentals and use it to be safer when I'm on non-grocey-gitter roads when crazy drivers are all over the place where I live.

Often in much larger trucks but at least it gives me a chance.

It might help if I get lucky and find >= 10 acres to build or buy to live on in a rural area.

It's basically a rolling yacht. :)

Don't give me any shit about CO2 because it's a hybrid and my car is 23 years old.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

Fortwaye says

Trucks with this idiot inflation and low rates skyrocketed in price. Businesses mostly buy them for tax write off. But if it’s not a write off, it’s stupid waste.

I'm going to pull a boat, travel trailer, overlanding and it's a quiet sometimes silent 7.2Kw generator, carry equipment to work on rentals and use it to be safer when I'm on non-grocey-gitter roads when crazy drivers are all over the place where I live.

Often in much larger trucks but at least it gives me a chance.

It might help if I get lucky and find >= 10 acres to build or buy to live on in a rural area.

It's basically a rolling yacht. :)

Unless you farm, I’d get less land. It’s a lot of work. I too mainly use my truck for towing. Neighbor has an old 350 coming up for sale, might end up buying his. Those things can really tow.

Land in TX is good investment if you can get mineral rights, and less than 10 acres does not qualify for farming tax exemptions. We lease our 100 acres for neighbor who runs his cattle on our land and keeps fences in order. In return, our tax is 1500 not 15000 per year.

Bd6r says

Land in TX is good investment if you can get mineral rights, and less than 10 acres does not qualify for farming tax exemptions. We lease our 100 acres for neighbor who runs his cattle on our land and keeps fences in order. In return, our tax is 1500 not 15000 per year.

Ah, out here it’s any number of acres, but land must be used for farming and be over 15% of net income annually for 3 years. There’s inspections too.

We do have a tax lady snooping around once every few years and looking little unhappy when she sees cows.

Bar in Des Moines...

How is the smoke out there? Just took out the garbage 30 minutes ago. Seems hazy as shit with the sun coming up. Low overnight temps so might be some fog here. No warnings or advisories for my part of IL. Hopefully the lungs do well.

Also, Midwest bars are the best. You'll meet some fucking weirdos. In a good way. Some bars are shady, but most are fun.

Not too bad but I noticed it all the way from Central texas while flying.

From GROK:
Modern ICE Vehicles and Break-InWhile break-in is still relevant, advancements in manufacturing have reduced its intensity:Improved Manufacturing: Modern engines are built with tighter tolerances and better materials (e.g., precision-machined parts, synthetic oils), meaning break-in is less critical than in older vehicles (e.g., 1970s carbureted engines).
Synthetic Oils: Factory-fill synthetic oils provide better lubrication, reducing wear during break-in compared to conventional oils used in the past.
Manufacturer Variations: Some brands, like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, factory-break engines on test benches, minimizing the need for owner break-in. Others, like Subaru, still emphasize a 1,000-mile break-in for models like the WRX.
High-Performance Vehicles: Sports cars (e.g., Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911) often require stricter break-in due to high-performance engines with tighter tolerances. For example, Porsche recommends 2,000 miles of gentle driving for some models.

However, not all modern ICE vehicles require extensive break-in. For example:Economy Cars: Many compact cars (e.g., Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla) have less stringent requirements due to robust designs and pre-conditioned engines.
Diesel vs. Gasoline: Diesel engines (common in Alberta’s oil and agriculture sectors) often require longer break-in periods (e.g., 1,500–3,000 miles) due to higher compression ratios and heavier components.
__________________________________________________
Break-in is required on industrial gearboxes and similar machines. Change filters and Oil after the break-in period to remove initial wear particles and extend bearing life about 10x. This is typically 50 - 150 hours depending on load. I used to teach about bearings.

GROK has more info specific to F-150 break-in. If you can use a higher viscosity oil, do so during break-in. Then switch to the recommended stuff. Synthetics are great.

Dealer told me no highway speeds until 100 miles, I'm going to drive it lightly until 1000. They said 1st oil change at 3k.

Thanks for the tips! I should have thought of that.

Bd6r says

Land in TX is good investment if you can get mineral rights

@Bd6r

In 2003, I went to the wedding in Italy of the daughter of a guy from Texas who made a fortune by buying mineral rights with cash up front from people who couldn't be bothered to really figure out what the mineral rights were worth. I met her because I used to ride the train to SF with her fiancee, an Italian guy.

She was extremely rich. The wedding was amazing. She paid for all the guests to stay at the Cipriani in Asolo:

https://www.villacipriani.it/en/

Cousins hog won 3rd place in the state fair last year. Going again this Thursday.

In some engines too gentle of a break-in can lead to piston rings not seating properly which leads to oil consumption and reduced compression.

I'm all over the place with this engine except for hammering the hell out of it.

The modes help me get different gear selection preferences.

Sport at 35mph, eco, normal etc. I even did a slow mile up a gravel hill next to the Mississippi River in 4x4.

Galena was nice. Had a fantastic Ruben on berry wheat.

That is Ulysses Grant's bed. I took a piss out front of his house. BECAUSE THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN!

His bathtub in the distance.

Apparently his wife could cook too. 20 course meals.


Thanks for the tips @wookieman

Dam and lock. Short in between noisy kids. Bellview. Unfortunately I set 10 megapixel and can't upload the rest, maybe I do so after resave at home.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

I'm all over the place with this engine except for hammering the hell out of it.

The modes help me get different gear selection preferences.

Sport at 35mph, eco, normal etc. I even did a slow mile up a gravel hill next to the Mississippi River in 4x4.

I'm at a Marriott in my room in Davenport but am able to use the free wifi Hotspot trial from my truck in the parking lot lol.

T-mobile does. Not. Work. Anywhere. In. Iowa.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

T-mobile does. Not. Work. Anywhere. In. Iowa.

Verizon or AT&T really only work in these parts once you're 100 miles west of Chicago. And of course they're the most expensive.

Illinois sucks in Chicagoland, but you can find a ton of gems once you get out of that region. Galena for sure is a top 3 IL visit, glad you went. Starved Rock is probably too far east but is cool. My sons buddy fell of a cliff there this spring lol. Fucking dumb ass Billy.

South and again slightly east, but Shawnee in southern IL is a cool spot. We would play shows here when I did the band thing.


If headed west the Ozark's are the Ozark's. Not a huge fan. But if you want to get hammered you can have some fun and this time of year there will be some nice eye candy as far as women go.

South of there I've only been on one off trips and usually just a one night stay and no exploring. And you know Texas better than I do. None of the above mentioned are bucket list type places, but for IL they're cool. Only thing is the faster ways are interstate, but there are state highways that are generally 55mph. Stop and go through small towns where you might find something weird.

If you're at I-80 in Davenport, it's only going to get more weird until you reach TX. Everyone thinks of AL, MS, TN, GA, etc. as being hill billy. IL, MO and AK take the cake in that realm, at least for white trash. They're fun white trash though if that makes sense. From Pat net post I envision you as a more learned man. Sometimes hanging out with the common folk is a blast. Just drive save. One dive bar here can get you in a world of hurt. Especially if you don't know the cops.

Turns out my sim card was f'd up. I happened upon a t-mobile store and they switched me to e-sim and I'm back in business.

I meandered along the bank of the Mississippi Iowa side using back roads to St. Louis.

Sketchy as fuck. The Marriott by the airport has secure parking at least. I'm going to gtfo of here in the morning and yeah, mark twain Ozark stuff.

I may then go on to hot springs Arkansas same day, not sure.

I grew up at a redneck high school and still have lots of blue collar pals in san antonio. Also gang affiliated kids when i was a kid in California.

I keep my career pals separate from my legacy pals.

Bar and restaurant here are open until 1:30AM which is nice. No need to leave the hotel.

Braised short ribs and some cold IPAs

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

Sketchy as fuck. The Marriott by the airport has secure parking at least. I'm going to gtfo of here in the morning and yeah, mark twain Ozark stuff.

South of 80 my guy. Even us northern folks are like WTF is up with these people. For a TX guy I don't think it probably gets normal until 20 or 10 even.

You're breaking in the truck so I get it, but that's why I fly. Seen all lower 48 so I'm good. Sounds like you're getting far enough south. Safe travels, I'm out of my element south of the Ozark's.

Gotta find a dive bar though. You'll either thank me or hate me. There are winners down there though. You'll meet the most interesting characters if you're solo.

I started out at a dive. Tonic in des moines.

Fuck no here tho.

I've been tipping 50% given I basically got a free truck and trip.

Lots of poverty along the Mississippi. Aging industrial infa, not in use etc.

When do you get to TX?

Bd6r says

When do you get to TX?

Not sure yet but I'm going through Dallas and then south.

I still need to buy at least one more toy before I look you up. I have 2 since our last chat. I did start looking for it. At least I now have the reliable transportation I mentioned 2 years ago finally!

Right before this trip I saved a "all AR brands rated" video. So I'll be pulling the trigger (ha!) on that after I get back from a work trip to San Francisco when I get back in late August.

And corals. I finally have my tank water dialed in for corals but I can't go away for weeks at a time when they are in quarantine tanks.

May take me another month or so to get over this nasty cough I'm sure nobody wants to be around.

Tis why I left Texas 28 years ago.

We are building a barn so I am restraining myself from buying more toys of AR type. Which is quite difficult. Good news is that the local Bohemians have fixed the house.

Hot Springs AK, The Arlington hotel is over 100 years old. Al Capone used to own part of it and built a secret tunnel to his casino to smuggle in moon shine.

Haunted apparently too.

For a time, Rockefellers made Arkansas the meeting place for all of the mafia and mob bosses, where they weren't allowed to fight or kill each other. He wanted it to be a neutral 'gangster Switzerland' for America to conduct business and make deals. Of course, the Rockefellers are mobsters themselves, just of another echelon and ilk (in like Mena).

Bill, IHLlary (cousins) are Rockefeller, and Nancy Pelosi is mafia mob moll.