ReeferMac

Please report back here how it goes. Always been curious.... - K

If it's possible, consider renting a place for a year before buying a home, to see if you really like an area (easier than moving!) When we were looking to move down here, we visited several times, and even put an offer in on one place (never worked out). Glad it didn't, as we ended up on the other side of town. We have now purchased land and are building a house, but 45 minutes away from where we first started shopping. Now that we've been here 3 years, I'm glad it worked out the way it did.

LOL@ Different planet. It's funny, takes a while to get used to everyone waving, and the first few times someone chat's you up at the grocery store will be unsettling. It is a nice change of pace, though. Learned to slow down and take it easy real quick. The left-lane drivers will make you nuts, however. We looked at Southern Blount county area (near Maryville), gorgeous views, still some good land available 'cheap'. Oak Ridge is more urbanized and older, so it's a different environment than the surrounding towns. If you make a trip down again give a shout and we'll get lunch! I actually found a fair pizza place in Oak Ridge w/ a former NY'er behind the counter. Little Nicky's got a decent NYC style pie. - K

Well hello there Knifemaker, where 'bouts in Yankee'dom you hailing from? Originally from Buffalo/Rochester area myself, moved down here 3 years ago. It's been great! We're living a little outside Knox, west side on Watt's Bar lake, but I commute to town for work, it's not too bad. Give me a shout if you have any questions. Would HIGHLY recommend visiting this area to get to know the area's, the suburbs are all a little different, each with it's own charm, and it would suck to relocate 800 miles, only to wish you'd bought on the other side of town. - Kevin

I have one of the Ruger American .22's, great little bolt gun. If I'm on my game, I can hit 9 out of 10 at 100 yds on the steel range at the club.

That's what I carry, and am satisfied with it's accuracy.The shooter I think needs more practice than the gun in my case, LOL! - K

This is where I started to believe the calls and stories for the 'end of the American Empire". Much like happened to Rome, I didn't want to believe it, but heard someone say/write (and I'm paraphrasing here), but when the laws cease to be about protecting the people, you know you're nearing the end of the line. This may not be the best example, however it is one of many, where your gut just says things ain't right. Have trust in your instincts, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Ditto, was a very good book. I think the author had another one I found interesting as well.

My local library has up to 8 or 9 I think? I heard the quality waned as they got higher, but so far they're very interesting to read. I sorta wish some of these old folks were still around, would love to learn some of their crafts and trades.

D'oh! Bash and C-shell both have a simple function to do that, but... Winblows systems need not apply.

The Foxfire Book Series

Welcome! That is a beautiful part of the state. I get up there for work a few times per month.

Correction. This is a GREAT group to be associated with! (Glad it all worked out.... now sign your son up for an account at your credit union). - K

Thank you Sir!

I know it hasn't been that long, but it's fairly worn from all the use and washings..... Can we request a reprinting of the 2nd Amendment T-shirts w/ TGO Logo (What part of the "Shall not be infringed don't you understand")? I usually get a lot of compliments when wearing it, but it's fading and getting holes in it. Would love to order another one or two, if it were possible? Thanks. - Kevin

Agree on the issue of critical mass RockHopper. Too many people are ignorant and stupid these days, as a result of the indoctrination routine called "Education". Critical thought and self examination are not merely left untaught, but actively discouraged. Just do what you're told and take this simple math problem that's been unnecessarily complicated and solve it the way you're told - no credit if you don't do it the right way, we are concerned with process, not results! I moved to the great state of Tennessee 3 years ago, from similar circumstances you describe up in NY. I had heard it for years, but it took me a long time to understand and appreciate the concept of 'voting with my feet'. Don't be afraid, it's really not as bad as it seems, and frankly, after the fact now, I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. Wish I would have, would have been easier on the kids! By your description, it sounds like that's no longer a concern for you.... so do it. Get the *&^#! out of dodge, and move somewhere you are welcome. If enough people do so, then those states, area's, regions, neighborhoods, will achieve 'critical mass', and be able to defend against the issues you express concern over.

I believe that is FINRA, not Robinhood. I had my account locked up a few times at TDA because of coming and going too frequently, too soon. You have to register as a day trader, and your account is monitored differently than an 'average joe' trader.

Agree, nice looking Garden Greg! I've seen people using those 250-330 gal caged plastic containers you see on Craigslist for rainwater catch. Need screen netting to keep mosquito's out the top, and a few pieces of PVC to reduce the 1" valve at the bottom to hose-bib, but are fairly easy to setup elevated on cinder-block foundations, etc.

LOL! I was privileged growing up. At about 13 my Dad decided it was mid-life crisis time, and bought a 1977 red MGB. About 2 years later, he outgrew it. There that car sat in the garage, and I'd just turned 16. I swear it's the reason I lost my virginity, she just loved riding around in that car.

What we need to do is ask @Highwalker to stop by and comment, as no doubt he teaches something about eating Poke greens in his very enjoyable and informative "Wild Edibles Class" offered free several times throughout the year.

Yeah, what Murgatory said (good friend lives near the lake, hear's gang bangers on summer nights). Crime is beyond rampant. Chicago is an amazingly fun town, but I wouldn't want to live there. Best of luck.

Can't say I've ever heard or seen it (as he trundles off to The Goog...) - K

Ditto what's been said so far, depends on your application. If it's just punching holes in paper and letting off steam, a 22 will do the job. I've got a Ruger American Bolt Action, very happy, fun to shoot, cheap to own. Of course, the ubiquitous AR platform is begging to be mentioned. On top of all the other great features, you'll piss off a liberal, and who doesn't love doing that? - K

Thanks fella's, that helps clear things up for me! - K

Love my 9C version 1. Great match between a full-size and pocket carry (I can conceal it, but it handles like a full size for me). Primary reason I got the 9 was ammo capacity, 12 or 18 rds w/ extended mag. The .45 only carried 9 I think? Got me to thinking, and I don't mean to start a debate, just showing my ignorance... if you were going to carry a .40-cal, why not a .45? I know it's a debated topic, but is there an inherent feature to the 40-cal cartridge that I'm missing? If I was interested in bigger-bang (aka 45 vs. 9), I'd be shopping for .45 or 10mm! I see a lot of police turn-ins in 40, so I always assumed there was a reason, just can't think of it?