Friends,
I am sorry I missed last week’s update. For what it might be worth, I am now convinced I am being tested, I’m just not sure to what end, or what to do to pass the test. Anyway, I’m still here. Hit the ‘READ MORE’ button and I’ll catch you up on all the latest scuttlebutt (that is Marine-speak for gossip/news 😉 ).
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
This week (and last) was consumed with getting the house well again. BB and I both came down with a nasty bug. Some of our friends and family think we had COVID. We’re not sure, we did not get tested. Plus, when we got antibiotics, we were better in about 24 hours. The last time I checked ‘the science,’ antibiotics do not work on viruses, so…
I also spent the majority of this week doing TMD’s tax returns. It was eye-opening. Watch for a ‘JOE’S CORNER’ soon. I will share my concerns and plans to deal with them with you there — if I decide to share them, that is.
OUTSTANDING ORDERS
As I type this Friday morning, Feb 25, there are no open orders in the shop. I sure could use some. So, if you need anything, and you can afford to do so, I would appreciate your business.
A NEW ADDITION THIS COMING WEEK
Our newest addition, Annie, has been a handful. When we picked her up, we were a little worried that she might end up being a lifeless puppy. WRONG! Not only does she share Sadie’s speed settings (off and on), she might well be the smartest dog we’ve had since Buster, which is not a good thing for her or us. I’ll post pictures soon. I just have to catch her when she is sitting still long enough to get the camera focused.
ON THE BENCH
The following are all still on my bench and making progress. I’m not going to bother guessing when I will have them ready. As soon as I have enough new M-18 products ready to make them worth an order, I’ll release them. Until then, I am just going to keep plugging away.
— A set of light guards made closer to scale — Front turret roof with open gunner’s sight
— The missing crash pads — Bolts with washers (to replace hull details)
— Detailed hull hatches — Tools with cast-in straps and footman loops
— Detailed spare track holders w/individual links — Turret canvas retaining loops
— Gun mantle without canvas cover -– Foul weather hoods, erected and collapsed
-– A general details set for the exterior hull — A spare road wheel
Once these are completed, I will move on to the driver’s compartment and the rest of the interior — maybe even a partial engine compartment.
ON KARL’S BENCH
I can now tell you that Karl is very excited about the new Miniart U.S. 1.5-ton 4X4 trucks. He is looking at how they can be upgraded, as well as how he can update the Hobby Boss and Tamiya CCKW’s. I have no idea what we will see from him — or when — but I can tell you that I have not seen him this excited and motivated in a long time.
THE SHOP
The shop is now a bit of a mess. That is bugging me and I hope to find time to clean up soon.
THE OFFICE
The office is a full-on disaster. I am going to try to put it back in order this afternoon.
ME AND MY WORLD
As I already mentioned, BB and I were pretty sick — especially BB. The taxes ate up the bulk of this past week, mostly because Annie demanded the majority of my time. She does not sleep much for a puppy, and she absolutely refuses to be penned, and must be watched when she is out playing with Sadie and Chief. Now, I feel like I am back on combat hours as Annie doesn’t sleep much more than an hour to an hour and a half at a time. Night watch falls to me as BB has to be able to go to work in the mornings. I’m not complaining, we love this new addition to the pack. Just letting you know that this old Marine is feeling the miles on his running gear.
THAT IS ALL
Well, that’s all I have for everyone this week. Once again, I apologize for the continued disappointments, but — trust me — I’m no happier than I imagine many of you are about the whole thing. Anyway, until next time, you stay safe and try to build something (preferably something using TMD resin).
–Joe