Februarty 2021,,Coffee Pot, 16 Years Strong, Fried potatos, eggs, bacon, and Coffee for all!

[KRM]

 

OLD AGE,

The hardest part of getting old is the day you realize your children no longer need you, as much as you need them.  

 Not that it is a bad thing, it means you did your job well, now it is their turn to do theirs.

[Banks]

 

Hello there,

For RT

 

Same ol same ol here.

Spent one day dealing with snow. Sledding is probably done for this year. Hauled a ton of coal and got it in the townhouse too. Picked up the dishwasher and was shopping for washer and dryer. Discovered they can be hard to come by so found a pair we liked and bought them.


A little progress in the kitchen. Ended up replacing the bottom of the sink cabinet. A leak at some point had it all warped. Got the water to the dishwasher done, next the drain.


Daughter got notice that Grandaughter got into the National Honor Society. Not sure when the induction ceremony will be but only the student is allowed to attend. Granddaughter has been saying for years she is going to be the Sapphire (head majorette) at PSU.

Best move on.

Prayers for those in need and the end of this pandemic.  

 

[KRM]

cheapclassics

Good evening all,

Thank you for the comments but I am not retired....yet.  I just do not intend to go back to the office.  Retirement is on the horizon, not just yet.  I did 6.8 miles today for Mini prep.  Very tired.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

Wow Mike,,,,sure sounded like you were done to me. Not haveing to have to work with pain 1 & 2 will almost be like retirement. I had very little of the working from home thing but did plenty. They just did not know.

Weather kind of stunk today, no sun and damp so I ran the wires for the Menards lumber yard under the layout today. Worked out good. Nice slow melt and the roof of the house has no more snow on it. Water is moving in the ravines but not like mad. Better this way. Sorry to see that Stock and Field in Morris is closing their doors. The city people are taking over and moving west!!!

 

 

[Demay]

No rain today which is nice, but it is very windy.  I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a great week. 

[ChiefEagles]

67 and foggy and cloudy.  No sun. 

TV Church over and all ready to drive Miss Daisy.  Sam's Club for gas and whatever she is looking for.  I know we will go by the magazine racks.  Check for spring gardening magazines.  

Later.  

[Flintlock76]

cheapclassics

Retirement is on the horizon, not just yet.

It'll be there before you know it.  I was surprised how fast the last month on the job went by, I was expecting otherwise.

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys. Lots of rain and 43 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  1-3" of rain+ snow melt = swollen creeks and rivers in WV.  The weather front had a pretty good wind gust, that got under the siding on the front of Fifedom, so I had to scurry up the ladder and snap a half dozen lengths back into place.

Making progress on the bathroom remod. Today, another skim of drywall patch, and I'll take the extra into the train room and apply to the Hanging Rocks scene I'm forming.

Will watch the Homestead race later on.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Thank you for the comments but I am not retired....yet.  I just do not intend to go back to the office.  Retirement is on the horizon, not just yet.  I did 6.8 miles today for Mini prep.  Very tired.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

46 and cloudy. Had .18" sometime during the early morning. Not SUPPOSE to rain today.

Off to Smithfield so the Girls can shop a Dwayne's. BIL and I will sit on a couch and talk. Outback and now Wifey is says we might do Cracker Barrel. I said not this time. Had the best ribeye ever at that Outback about two months ago.

If no rain, will have in person Church tomorrow. Gov dropped some restrictions. If rain, we will not as space too small. Leased space. Out growing it without restrictions. Got to find larger space.

Way to go MIKE!!  Enjoy your time.

[Flintlock76]

Enjoy retirement Mike!  I walked out the door two years ago and haven't looked back.  Not that I hated the job, I sure didn't, but it was time to move on. 

After running around like a madman for 30 years it's great to have time to do nothing, trust me.

[KRM]

They are talking sunshine and 50s today. Should make for some slop.

 Mike, knowing your not going back but to turn in the laptop is a great feeling.

Enjoy retirement. I have been at  it 12 years now, seems like I left the office days ago.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

A good day.  Wife had a good checkup at eye doctor and do not have to visit for 4 months.  Good deal.  Gathered all my stuff from office at work.  Do not intend to return until last day to turn in laptop.  Visited elder daughter.  She is doing ok.  Got visit with grandkids as well.  All in all it was a good day.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

Out early to deliver food boxes to the mobile home parks I use to cover.  I may be back in the business.  That group is not doing as promised.  Only covering every other week.  Not happy. [9075 steps while delivering] 

 

Then rushed to the Dr.  Along with other things trying to find out why the pain. [front of shoulder and shoulder blade with lots of burping]  Lung x-ray.  Results, scaring from so may cases of pneumonia.  some clouding probably from being volunteer fireman for so long with NO breathing equipment.  Didn't have back then.  Been inside buildings burning and cough up smoke for a day or two.  Also a scar from Mybronchoscopy.  Taking me off some meds he thinks are not doing any good.  [agree]  Heart looks good.  Been having severe pain in upper left front shoulder and back shoulder blade.  EKG fine.  My pharmacists is agreeing with me.  Dr. doesn't.  Her sister is a Dr.  Issuing me a script for folic acid.  Was taking when on special meds.  When folic acid stopped after meds were stopped, started having this stomach problems.  Took one pharmacists "loaned" Me until sister sends script.  Just got off the phone with Dr.  Didn't tell him pain down after taking folic acid.  If it works, then I will tell him.  He explained how stomach problems can make your front at shoulder and shoulder blade have pain.  Where nerves are. 

 

KEV, now get the freight station.  Fork lift goes in and out.  Can't figure out how to put switch to cut it off and on and leave lights on.  Looks like I would have to destroy it underneath.    

 

Now R&R. 

[KRM]

Got the Menards lumber shed powered up. Boy it is bright, almost wish I could figure a way to dim it some?

 

 

 

 

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys. Already back from the garage, where I had the tires rotated and balanced on the Dodge.  Wifey and I are going over to new parents' home, where I am to work on a closet project. A project I wanted no part of.

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in..."

...and there won't be any prime rib for my efforts.  If I'm lucky.

Some big changes are going on at the Scenic RR.  Foremost, we have a new President on the BoD.  I like the man, so hopefully he can improve things going forward.  Folks in town want accountability, and I understand their views. (WCBC)

[anjdevil2]

TGIF --- YAY!!!!!

I got some train attic time in last night, finished getting the new lamps up and turned on, I'll need to  put the lamp shades on and that's done.  All wired up and looks good.  Jenni said the warm whites would look good and she was correct!!  I also moved the LED overhead light from one side to the other and Spooky Town is all lit up so I can see what I'm doing.

I also mounted a HD power strip under the layout and I'll start eliminating the smaller lighter duty power strips soon.  I'm getting brave enough to tap into the light switch and add 2 wall plugs and then I can eliminate the single bulb and mount a plug up there for the LED lights.  Everything is going to be LED to lessen the power load.  The only real loads I'll have will be the bricks for the ZW and a CW80 and another "legacy" ZW (maybe).   

My daughter got engaged last week and my ex texted me, surprisingly (I haven't spoken to her in 4 years and not since 2011 prior to that). Had a nice talk with my future SIL and my daughter.  I just wanted to make sure we are all on the same page as far as her mother is concerned and what the kids want for their wedding.  My ex has a tendency to bulldoze everyone in her way.  They "get it".  

Up to 44F today and bright sun.  25 days to Spring?  Not soon enough.

Off to my future in laws tomorrow, going to replace a bathroom ceiling fan, Jenni says Prime RIb for dinner - yeah, I can be bribed....lol!!

Back later

[KRM]

 

Snip, so right.

I was riding with my neighbor once in upper Wi. just before daylight and we hit a deer. It darted off and it was still dark so we did not find the deer or his license plate and holder.  Smashed the F250 up but good and there was a lot of deer in the tow hook holes. I do know of people that have field dressed a road kill here and the authorities seem okay with it. I have a similar issue with Trident the three-legged deer here. I don’t see a good outcome for it surviving long with coyotes around but yet season is over so can’t put it out of its misery. Someday it will just not be around anymore. Oh what to do?? 

 

32 degrees,,,,Sunny and melting slowly on The North Bluff. Seal painting the west basement wall is the call for the day. I hate painting.

 

[Snip]

KRM

 I found a sign I need to post for the deer.

 

 

While driving home from work this late afternoon/early evening, while driving through the Whitewater Wildlife Management area, a pickup in front of me hit a deer. The driver wasn't going fast (maybe about 40 mph on a section of road I often drive 50-60 on).

Oh, his grill was wrecked, but we just stood there and watched the deer die lying there on the road. I was thinking of slitting its throat to hasten the process, but I've never done something like that before, and wasn't sure if my folding knife was even up to the task. After it died, we pulled it off to the side of the road. If I had the means, I would've saved the meat, my dog would have appreciated it.  When I reached the top of the bluff, I was back in cellular range and called 9-1-1.  The S.O. operator was wondering why I called 911 to report a road kill, and when I said I didn't have access to the regular number, she understood...

My dashcam recorded the sad event.

 

Have a good night gents, life sometimes throws us a spitball.

[wrmcclellan]

Hi Ho all!

Trying to rain here, overcast all day, and temps dropped fast last night. 50's right now, Yesterday was a beautiful day - hitting 71 with sunny.

The second COVID dose went smoothly for the Mrs and I. This time we were out of the house, south side of downtown, shots, 15 min wait, and back in 1 and 1/4 hrs. Smooth sailing! No effects save a little soreness in the right arm/shoulder.

Made some further progress on the El Cam yesterday. Would not idle at all (vs previous day) and found more vacuum leaks forming in the fuel vapor recovery part of the system. Plugged those hoses and was able to tune the primary needle valves for balance - but idle vacuum is still a bit low, the primary butterfly's are completely shut, and it is still rpm hunting at idle - so I need to check the vacuum lines to the power brake booster and cruise control vacuum canister. Runs smooth above idle and up to 3500 rpm (as far as I went while running diagnostic tests). Some of the tests I ran continue to confirm the ECM is operational as I can make the Check Eng light go on and off when certain sensors or control voltages are disconnected. Took the day off today as it is cold/damp out and in the garage and I need the door open for running the engine. Tomorrow will be some trips to auto part stores for vacuum line and a couple of sensors I would like to replace (i.e. the O2 sensor - if I can get it out - they tend to seize even in newer vehicles).

Anj - as this system uses a mixture control solenoid (for all - it is essentially identical to a Lionel semaphore spring loaded solenoid) that simply bounces the primary metering rods from fully up (full rich - no power to solenoid) and fully down (full lean - solenoid energized) in the primary jets - the "dwell" varies from 5 degrees (rich - metering rods are lifted out of the jets) to 50 degrees (lean - metering rods down into the jets), with "dwell" averaging about 25-30 degrees (about a 50% duty cycle to the solenoid - i.e. equal ON and OFF times) for normal operation. Mixture is controlled by how long the energizing pulse is to the solenoid - the longer the ON pulse, the leaner the mixture. If the solenoid fails, mixture just goes to full rich, so carb continues to provide fuel and you would get a code. Interesting arrangement as pretty reliable - unless the solenoid wiring gets burned out (or ECM fails) - or the solenoid plunger is impaired by gunk in the carb - it just works - like a 60 yr old Lionel!

Fife - Glad Fifemom doing better!

Yeah - I cannot claim any credit for listening to my elders - particularly if I would not get caught!

[Flintlock76]

DJSpanky

apparently a couple of the seniors are taking a real laissez-faire attitude towards the pandemic.

You know how it is man, when you're young you think you're indestructable.

Until you find out you're not, sometimes the easy way, sometimes the hard way. 

Some things don't change and never will.

[anjdevil2]

Happy Friday Eve - sorry - been MIA....

Happy Birthday to FifeMom! Praying for better days....I have made some progress in the train attic, I have cleared the Christmas Village and started installing the street lights, curbing and sidewalks.  I used a milamine board, so it has been installed and once I get more tiem, I can attempt to finish it.

Had to do some shopping for the animals last night, afterwards had BK for dinner.  Bed shortly afterwards.

Had an interesting email then phone call just before work ended.  I had an interview with a journalist who will be doing a feature on my road runner.
It's an on line magazine (mystarcarconnection.com) I'll be sending him some photos of the car later today.  Yes, I vetted him prior to all this.  SO that's a cool thing.
Slated for the April edition of the magazine.  

Sunny and windy should hit 48F after yesterday's 57, which I didn't get to experience, working inside.  Rain Friday night and Saturday.

So, no work on the layout last night.  It's the last Thursday of the month, so there shouldn't be a fire drill......but, who knows.....

Off to work.....

[KRM]

Morning from a cold but sunny North Bluff, With the warm weather the deer have backed way off and good thing I am down to two bags of corn. Trident the three legged deer is still showing up every day to get some free food. The people installed the RO system Monday but did not bring the stuff for the tank shelf. Have not seen them since, I guess they will show up sometime because I have not paid for it yet.  Not much else, still no news on getting the shots??? go figure it is LaSalle county. White trash hill rods and rich farmers= 95% of the population here.  Why I fit in so well......

 I found a sign I need to post for the deer.

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Sunny & 37 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Wifey wants to get out and shop today (for what, I have no clue).  One day of Spring like weather yesterday, and she gets all kinds of cheekie ideas.  I did stash the snow shovels in the Fife-shed.

Did I just say "cheekie".  We've been watching Call The Midwife.  It's become our favorite show.

Had a nice day with FifeMom.  She's slowly emerging from a rough stretch.  Came home to burgers on the grill, and burgundy in the glass...

[ChiefEagles]

44 and fair. Will change later as rain for next 7 [some percentages low].

 

Getting ready for Human Services Board on computer. New member orientation on policies and procedures. Well, I've heard this 11 years in a row. Will drop out early. Wifey wants to yard work. 

 

Have a good one.

[Demay]

Happy Hump Day everyone!  Doing well here and it was in the upper 60s today and sunny.  Heard a story about a 105-year-old NJ woman who tested positive for Covid after having both vaccination shots.  Just like the flu shot, there are no guarantees.  She recovered and that is all that matters.  I am sure she has one heck of an immune system. 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

A good day weather wise.  Got to do a lap on my 3.4 mile practice circuit.  Did it in 53:40 for a 3.8 MPH average.  If I could that pace for the entire Mini, I would be pleased.  I did some jogging on the downhill sections so that was a better than expected time.  I am not sure why I am practicing as I have my doubts we will get to do the actual event.  I am thinking they may let the pros run and maybe the quicker amateurs.  Slugs like me just fill out the field.  LOL  When I did sports car racing back in the 70s, I used to tell the front runners that ""Guys like me make guys like you look good" (and we did).  Most of the snow is gone at last.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

Back from successful errands run. Only complaint was those folks driving 10 mph under the speed limit on a sunny 70 degree + day. Everywhere I went, nice customer service. Especially the LOCAL CPAP office. Will do business with them and not mother company in Philly.

Now speaking of customer service. Lowes web site. Clicked on customer service. Contact us. I got a phone number.  [note: most places don't want to talk to you and hide the phone number] Had to select from a few choices. Went right to a nice young lady. Listened to my story [could hear her typing] and was very concerned. She will register my complaint. WOW

Post Master took scanned copy of the delayed Christmas card.  She looked at original.  "And it was mailed here in Rolesville."  "You know it had to go to the plant in Raleigh and back."  "Was it on your informed delivery?"  "Yes."  "That means it has been lost in Raleigh at the plant."  "I'm keeping this copy for evidence and passing on the complaint."  [note: she is good]

Now goof off for a few.

[dougdagrump]

They didn't go thru the slab either, far to expensive and time consuming. Since they don't have the freeze/thaw isues, in Carlsbad close to the beach, they are doing the PEX thru walls and ceilings. Unfortunately the living/dining area have cathedral ceiling so hello walls, and I don't mean the song.

 

[smokey1]

Doug that is why I don't like under/in slabs. Mine are under or in ( I don't know which as this house was built 1950's. ) but if they ever go, it will be pex for me. Yes I know they have problems too but I'm not going to have concrete torn up 1/2 the length of the house.