Jim Nolan's Blog

Buffalo Forge Grill Meets Charcoal Chimney Starter

 

Here's what happens when you combine a mini blast furnace with a charcoal chimney. I got the idea from my Swedish cousin Mikael. Remember, the Swedes invented dynamite. 

Fun with Tangerines

Cartoon by: Isabella Bannerman

Robert shows Annabella a new use for tangerines. I love the way the kids are drawn. 

Readers' Buffalo Forge Grills

This is a shot a reader sent me of a BFG he got from his father-in-law who used to work at Buffalo Forge and won it in a raffle there. That establishes the provenance, as they say on Antiques Roadshow. Below is another grill photo sent to me. It has been restored beautifully. 

However, if Leigh and Leslie Keno were appraising it on the Roadshow, I think the re-finishing would bring down the value, like it would a fine 18th-century John Seymour card table. Sometimes people ask me what they should try to buy/sell them for and I really don't know. I paid $150 for mine, but the one above I'd ask at least $300 for. For more BFG lore, go to the Categories section and look for, well, Buffalo Forge Grill. Got a BFG? Send me a snap! If you want to sell one, I'll write a post about it and we can see if anyone's interested.

Introducing John

A character from "Franca and Zoie" by Isabella Bannerman. Watch for him next Wednesday.

Thanksgiving Drawing

Drawing by Isabella Bannerman

With apologies to Norman Rockwell. Click to enlarge, and note the yam turkey replacement.

Jim's "The Crusher" in December Funny Times

The story of my battles with my son George, which I rarely win anymore. By "rarely" I mean "never." Funny Times makes a great holiday present. You can check out how to give a gift subscription here. 

Uncle Ned

Ned, Jim and John Nolan in the late 1930s in Buffalo. Uncle Ned's memorial service is today at 1:00 at the Congregational Church in Falmouth, MA. Ned was a wonderful man, always made you laugh within three seconds of seeing him. All our sympathies to his wife Ann and sons Andy and Jeff. We'll miss you, Ned.

Future Real Estate Broker

Cartoon by Isabella Bannerman

Knowing Franca, I can't help but wonder what she's cooking in there. 

Caught on Tape

Cartoon by Isabella Bannerman

In a separate incident, we recorded my mother at the dinner table once. She asked us to eat the mashed potatoes nine times. It's not easy to be a mother. 

Thanksgiving Tip

Cartoon by Isabella Bannerman.

Isabella's book, Pacifists in Bomber Jackets, makes a great holiday present for Bannerman fans. You can order a copy by clicking on the cover in the blog's left column.