For those that don't yet know, my wifes father passed away two weeks ago last friday. He had fought an ongoing battle against mesothieloma for roughly 2.5 years. Average life expectancy after diagnosis is under 1 year. He was an extremely intelligent fellow, who had travelled widely in his life, and was a very skillful metal worker. His life ebbed away at 22:15hrs on 28th Feb, while in hospital. I sat with him, as it was my intention to remain at the bedside through the night. We knew he did have long, and I had promised him that he would not die alone. He is greatly missed.
Now that my mother in law is on her own, the decision has been made to sell the small family farm they had for some years. Today (actually yesterday, i'm writing this at 0340hrs), by request, my wife and I assisted in cleaning out the farms shed & workshop, and allocating what would be retained, sold, or discarded. A job I really did not want to do. It just doesn't seem right to be judging his life long posessions, and though I have been in this same situation half a year ago, it never sits well!
There were some very interesting things that my father in law had kept in his shed. Some years ago, I had given him my MIG welder, in thanks for helping my wife and I move from Brisbane to our current home. That welder has now returned to me once more, and I doubt it had even been used, because he preferred Arc welding. That niw brings my tally of MIGs to three. Its a long story, don't ask!
In the processof sorting, a number of military items were uncovered. As nobody else has the slightest interest in militaria, and the items are not of financial value, I have asked to keep them. There are several documents from homefront WWII, including life insurance policies, letters from family in military service (not yet read), and a book of war savings stamps in VERY nice condition. The most unusual piece I found was a small, unopened package, containing a "Booby Trap, MK 1". The instruction sheet demands that it should be destroyed after reading, and is market "Secret". The device itself looks to be complete, and has a blank 303 cartridge included. I can't wait to investigate this further. Should imagine the trap is borderline at legal best!
On the farm, there is one of those bulk fuel storage tanks which sits atop a set of tripod legs, and fuel is dispensed by gravity alone. About 5 years ago, I had tapped on the side of the tank and discovered it was empty. About that time I realised it had never been used since my wifes parents moved there over a decade prior. I meant to enquire if they would consider selling it to me, to be restored and displayed at my place. Obviously, once my father in law became ill, it would simply be distasteful to make the offer, so that conversation remained unsaid. With the farm now being readied for sale, I have made the offer to purchase. Despite my protests, no money will be accepted and I am now the new owner of a very nice 100 gal fuel storage tank. Luckily the legs are able to be unbolted, so one day soon my son and I will lower it down to the ground for dismantling and transportation the sandblasters. I plan to paint it in a suitable military color and set it outside my workshop. I have ordered a period correct fuel company sticker for the side of the tank. It will be a nice addition to my increasingly military themed workshop area. It will also be a good sentimental piece and reminder of my father in law. He was one of only two family members genuinly interested in the progress of the truck. The other person was my brother.
I will post a couple of photos later today. Please excuse any typographical error in this posting. I don't have my glasses at hand, so may not pickup all mistakes before sending!