Neanderpundit

Yep, another range day. Actually, I went saturday morning but didn’t have a chance to blog about it until now.

I spent a bit of time shooting 22, and found that the little bolt action I have is easily as tight as many of the more expensive rifles I own.

I also spent some quality time with the Yugo SKS, and got comfortable with the stripper clips, and the sights. I can hold an unsupported 3″ group at 25 yards, and found, to my delight, I can hold about a 6″ group, holding the rifle at waist level. It felt quite nice. Also shot some ammo through the Ruger MKII and found that, for my ammo dollar, the Fiocci match pistol is the best out there, dollar for dollar. Now I have to get my hands on some large quantities therof.

I discovered with the little romanian trainer rifle, that I can shoot as good as the scope. I put on the better, higher powered scope off the 30-06 and was able to make overlapping hole groups at 25 yards with even crappy ammo. I’m gonna get a bit higher powered scope for it, and see how far I can push it.

I may even buy another just like it (they’re around $50) and put on a tight, heavy barrel, just to see how good I can get.

Nice. Nothing relieves stress like a couple hours of shooting at stuff. What a great day.

Today’s gospel reading was John 6:5-14, the multiplication of loaves and fishes.

While some may consider it vulgar to refer to Jesus and Sam Kinnison inthe same paragraph, I think Sam makes an excellent point. Sam imagines Jesus preaching to the multitudes, and as the day draws to a close, nobody has much of anything to eat. “I didn’t come here to be Jesus the Miracle Caterer, folks!!”

Our associate priest, Father Selviraj, brings this home to us in his sermon, very clearly. Jesus has planned this trip from the beginning, and knows exactly what he is going to do; he knows that while we are on this planet that our bodies need feeding as well as our minds and souls. He makes the connection between feeding our bodies and feeding our souls. He shows us that our bodies can be gorged and our minds and souls empty, and it should humble us. In fact, a lot of things should humble us, but few do. Jesus IS the miracle caterer.

I saw the tan boots on the riderless horse
following the caisson.
I watched as the jets took to the sky
The pain of loss felt in the pit of the stomach
the wind torn from my lungs
my eyes moist and red
I looked and saw the jet peel off
and the hole in the formation
was like a wound that, if it heals at all,
will heal more slowly than it should

I heard America the Beautiful; I knew she was,
I was glad to have the thought echoed
and the voice which made it so real
so much more beautiful
is silenced forever.

It’s been a tough week. I wonder, will
my child know the greatness of these men?
will she hear Ray Charles’ sing
and smile, to know the man,
will she think of the great leader of men
who turned the tide, and in turning
turned our nation great once more?
and then, I know, I have a purpose
more powerful than I’d thought I had before
to raise a child is the work of heroes
to teach the child the memories
of glories past
and seal their truth into her mind
and let her, unwavering in her faith
grow to be an American
the way that Americans were made
when Americans were made great