To town and back without death or injury.

.
.
I had meant to be out at 13:00 but that time came and went.  My friend called me a bit after that.  I suggested a 14:30 arrival.  I was late, as usual, but initially just fifteen minutes in the blind.  On the road out of town, however, construction brought all traffic to a stop for 20 minutes.  I was far enough out that I don't think a reversal of course would have gotten me to town any sooner.  It probably would have been worse.  While the time frame would have been the same, I would have ended up on the far side of town, struggling against the heaviest shift change traffic.  My friend is used to me being late.  Still, I called once I was past the blockage.

A bit of looking, here and there.  I went to buy .22 bullets and realized my wallet wasn't with me.  Gah!  That's the second time in very recent recall.  My friend bought them for me, and I thought, maybe, we could just keep on.  But that couldn't have worked.  My task in town was not just to visit.  I needed groceries, stuff from the hardware store, and a double boiler.  So I had to drive home.  Technically even later, but my friend wanted out.  He just got a little more out than he what he had bargained.  They are .22 long rifle, but they are subsonic.  Not ideal but it is as good as I can do, for now.  I don't mind subsonic, I just have too much of that.  I like a good mix.  Bullets are my stocks and bonds, my portfolio, and it's too heavy in light and too light in heavy.

A bit of window shopping.  I would truly love a .357.  My friend bought another 9mm, and will probably buy a .357 himself, before long.  Still, it's fun to look.  We also looked at a .44 magnum and a .454/.44/410 pistol, just for kicks.  Beside having no use for either of those, I have no interest.  Rifles are for hunting, perhaps shotguns.  Pistols are for people and minor dangerous pests.  In my book.  Sure, I'd have a .500 magnum, if I could.  But just for... looks, mostly.  It would be duly shot three or four times a year.  But the ammunition alone would mean I couldn't keep such a firearm fed.  It might have a purpose, if all you could have was a pistol in bear country.  But I would have a shotgun and slugs or a rifle with the right loads... or I wouldn't be in bear country.  Have you ever noticed that the game wardens and rangers who tell you that you don't need to be armed are armed?  Typical lying, self-serving, bureaucrats.  I would give them a simple choice, go without guns, like everyone else, or allow guns for everyone who wants them and can have them.  Same for the gungrabbers among cops.  Choices, consequences.  But, but... what about bad guys?  Yeah, exactly!

I got everything on my list, and then some, save the double boiler.  I am hoping to get into town again tomorrow.  Since I have done all else, I should be able to get that.  Oh, and I have started asking the local stores if they will do bulk ammunition specials.  I at least want to compare prices.  From what I have heard so far, none are willing.  One store, the salesman deferred but suggested it was unlikely.  Ah well.  I simply had hoped to do business locally if possible.  If they won't play, I will simply have to continue to order my ammunition online.  Larger selection, cheaper prices even with shipping, and to my door.  I'm nearly caught up on stocks, at least for handguns.  Just a few more purchases.  Then a break.  Then I need to start using and replacing.  It is so difficult to shoot while trying to build up reserves.  At least the salesmen I spoke with didn't blink too much about my requests.  Right now, from what I can tell, buying is cheaper than building ammunition, at least for handguns.  Rifle ammunition, for quality, is a whole other issue.

I am way too tired.  It is nearly 21:00.  I was exhausted, and worse, at 19:00 but was still in town.  I am simply too hot to sleep.  I will have to cool down, then, unfortunately, crash very hard.  I just hope I hit bottom in sleep and rebound before tomorrow.  I hope to get back into town.  I couldn't promise, only... suggest that I would try.  A glass of coffee, with cream... oh I do love cream... will actually help tick up, then release, the levers that allow for sleep.  Along with medicine.  Later... No... Good night.