The Packing Rat

Derek’s notes on the Ares Defense ACR.

Of the sexed Ameraucana chicks I purchased, one was rooster.  I had an some idea when its tail feathers were longer than the other and a prominent saddle at 14 weeks, but all doubt was removed when I heard his announcement of the sun’s arrival, and continued the celebration throughout the day. The rooster had to […]

TPR Note: I wrote this after action report soon after the class concluded – sometime in late January. This was RiftRecon’s first class, and had notable hiccups. You may notice RiftRecon continues to offer the class; however, please note that the original instructor, Kelly Alwood, is no longer associated with RiftRecon. For better or worse, […]

I find it easier to sit down, reflect, and write when on business trips.  A few cocktails to wind down seems to help. I like to attribute my professional success to a few things – primarily people.   It’s not what you know, but who you know afterall.

Aside from the gorgeous animation, I thought the music and sound were quite effective.

Fellow rat and brother-in-arms needs some feedback. A list of pistols and rifles are for sale.  You may either inquire on purchasing, or offer some help on approximate value.  The funds are necessary to help pay for family support. Please check out what he has here.

I relocated: – Moved all of my junk. – Planted a Trident Maple and two Shangtung Maple trees. – Had vinyl plank flooring installed.  Stripped and reinstalled floor boards. – Bought a new bed (so damn comfortable). – Installed new door knobs, strike plates and deadbolts (ASSA brand). – Installed pendant light with three-way switches. […]

Every now and then, I wake up in the morning and ask myself, “Are you should-ing all over yourself?” It is a repost, but worthy of a read if you haven’t already.

Turkey quesadillas with cheddar cheese and red onion soaked in balsamic vinegar.

Courtesy of ebzona. Petty Officer Jon Tumilson was one of 22 Navy SEALS who were killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan earlier this month. A total of 38 people were killed. Tumilson was laid to rest last Friday in Iowa. Making the ceremony even more heartbreaking was the sight of Tumilson’s loyal […]

Bummer.  RIP.

You must attend the 2011 Gun Blogger Rendezvous in Reno, NV!  Mr. C has the details  — check it out and sign up for the GBR!

Aside from making my reviews more accessible, do you folks have any suggestions?

As much as I’m enjoying new employment, it’s weird reverting to a vague statement about my weekend plans. Here, I have doubts that, “Oh, I’m teaching my first CCW course for Sacramento County this weekend.” will go well. I need to come up with something else other than “house work.”  Lol. Oh well.  I’m pretty […]

Interested? Dale Fricke Archangel AIWB Holster for GLOCK 29/30.  Right hand.  Black.  Brand new. $90 shipped. Milt Sparks Summer Special II.  1911 5″.  No rail.  IWB. $80 shipped. Occidental Leather Holster IWB Stronghold Phoenix (GLOCk 29/30) and magazine/flashlight (Surefire L2 body with clip) combo pouch and  single mag pouch TT Gun Leather.  Loop snaps.  Black.  […]

Shelley Rae has some insight on clothing and carrying a concealed firearm for women without sacrificing vanity and utility.

Just using the left over ingredients from the beef and rice stuffed peppers.  1:1 of ground beef and Italian sausage, Italian parsley, garlic, oatmeal, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.  Jack pepper cheese and mushrooms. It was okay.  If I had onions, I would have added that, too.   Maybe use less Italian sausage, or just stick […]

Can’t tell you how tasty this is at the moment, because I’m full from snacking on other foods that didn’t need preparation.  I’ll find out tomorrow for lunch.  It smells delicious though. Recipe from Food Wishes. In other news, Osama bin Laden is dead.  How awesome is that?

1lbs. of elbow noodles, 1 lbs. sharp cheddar cheese, 1.5 lbs. bacon [1 lbs. on top in strips], Panko bread soaked in bacon grease. This is quite tame compared to Epic Meal Time; however, it’s still a horrible influence.

At SHOT Show 2011, I met the gentleman behind Original Special Operations Equipment, John Willis.  I can’t say I’m a cordura whore, but I certainly do appreciate functional gear that are well made, with ingenuity and manufactured “in the Motherfucking USA.”  The company’s origins can be heard in an interview with John last year, but […]