I need a hand

In talking with MrsZ over the past few days, one thing has become crystal clear: I've sidelined most of the things I used to really love. And I'm not entirely sure why.

I can point at some things and name a cause. I got thoroughly burned out in the fire service, and then we moved to an area that has a less-active department. I'm still a member but not really active.

I don't have the passion for guns that I used to. Or hunting. Making the time for either seems like an effort.

And... photography.

And that's where I need help.

I haven't picked up my DSLR in months, maybe even years. I'm no Oleg but I used to be a pretty fair shot.

So here's what I want: ask for pictures. Toss it in comments and I'll see what I can do. Any subject. I'll see what I can do.

Rangeless

The range I shoot at had their annual membership/organizational meeting this past Saturday. Annual dues are collected, new keys are issued (the locks change annually), and so forth.

I missed the meeting.

It's not an expensive club to join ($60/yr) and the facilities are spartan but functional: 250yd outdoor range, covered firing line, movable benches, and a 50-foot indoor rimfire range.

It needs some TLC (new roof, some glazing, etc), and there had been some talk of doing just that. No word on whether it's going forward or not.

Right now, however, I'm not sure I'm going to re-up. I only got to the range about eight times in the last year, and that's ... criminal. At the same time, if I don't re-join and want to go ... well, I can't.

Hrmph. I don't care for being rangeless.

With friends like you...

I find strength. Thanks to everyone who commented, emailed, and checked in otherwise last night and today. Things aren't as bleak as they were last night, but there's a long way to go. Thanks again.

Prayers, please

I can't/won't get into details, but I'll take any and all thoughts, prayers, whatever. Thanks.

Safe staring

If you stare too long into the safe, the safe will soon stare back into you...

Or something like that.

I look at the contents of my safe and for the most part I'm happy with them. I've bought a few that didn't really have a purpose outside "that's kinda neat" and I've sold a few that I wish I hadn't (a Mini-14 and the Remington 572 come to mind), but overall I'm pretty happy with what's in there.

That said, there's a few I'd like to shuffle along for things more interesting to me.

For now, it's the Virginian Dragoon. .44Mag, 7-1/2" barrel, stainless, with box, in pretty good condition. Several of you shot this at the Northeast Blogshoot (Dragon, I'm looking at you). It's an accurate gun, and arguably as strong as a Ruger.

But I'm not looking to sell... no, I want trades. Of particular interest:
- ban-compliant AR uppers (or a pre-ban lower)
- M&P compacts, any caliber except .357Sig
- M&P15-22 (ban compliant)

I'm open to any other suggestions, of course. I'm going to be pretty picky about it because I don't HAVE to move things.