November ‘21 Coffee Pot. Serving turkey potpie, and a side of grits...’cause that’s how we roll here for 17 years

[fifedog]

Mornin' pilgrims. Breezy and cool in the Potomac Highlands.

[Flintlock76]

Same here downrange from you Fife.  Thank goodness.  The inferno of a summer we had here had to be dragged away kicking and screaming.

Pretty good Halloween here, 40 kids showed up.  We DO have a surplus of candy though.  Not complaining!  

[fifedog]

Mornin' guys and gal(s).  Cloudy and 46 along the Patterson Creek cut-off, but supposed to get down in the 20's at night.  Off goes the outside spigot, and in come the plants and palm tree.  We "exorcised" Halloween yesterday, before burgers on the grill.

Final full week of Fall foliage trains, then we will be gearing up for Fifepup's wedding, which will involve an overnite on the Auto Train.

[Flintlock76]

Raining right now.  I was going to take the orange Halloween lights down today but it looks like that might be out.  No biggie, they do look kinda cool anyway. 

Not looking forward to dealing with the pumpkins, they'll have sloppy water in 'em!

[anjdevil2]

Good Afternoon.....

Got very little done over the weekend - evidently I received a head cold along with my small amount of goodies from York.  

We watched Young Frankenstein Saturday night and after Halloween was over, Phantasm (Love the '70 Cuda with a 440- 6 BBL with pistol grip 4 speed).

Got Halloween cleaned up and put in the garage until I can get in there and organize it.  We had a nice bunch of kids come and we were essentially done by 8, but Mom wanted to keep it going until 9.  Turns out that was a good idea as I emptied out the fog machine.

Spent yesterday in bed and on the couch, had an emergency meeting at the firehouse and then home.  Off today - may make a run to Jenni's tonight.

Tomorrow night I have a meeting in Pennington for the County Association.  Looks like I'll be presiding over the county meetings for the next 3 years as the President is still in continuing care.  Spoke to him last night and he is in good spirits.

Spank - sorry you're stuck in VA - maybe a therapeutic trip to Winchester and Mario's Trains will help???

Did anyone see the Halloween video from Lionel?  I thought it was hilarious!!

Happy Anniversary, KRM

Looks like the Overlord is at work......

OK back to work

[KRM]

Hi all, WOW been busy, My High School pal came up from Denton TX for Saturday, Sunday and left Monday. Then today we were on support for the grand daughter cheerleader duty. Just got home, Fun to watch 6th graders play basketball.

A pal dropped off 700LB of winter wildlife feed today. Hard frost last two nights. We did not get a frost till 11-1 this year, I never remember it being so late in the year. Most times we get a good frost in Oct?  So I had to put the heated birdbath out and take in the summer ones. Also found out my uncle is in the hospital but not sure with what. My sister said she will fill me in tomorrow?

Would be nice to hear something from Roy, Don, Mike, Doug & DoudgDG and some of the others but things are sure not the same with Frank and Banks no longer with us. .  Guess I understand.

Not much else here from the North Bluff. I need to catch up later when I get some time to read.

Till then, be good.

 

[smokey1]

This was posted in another forum, by S.J. who doesn't come in here because of not being able to log out. 

"

Nov 3, 2021 9:24:02 GMT -4 james said:

 It would be nice if we didn't say unkind things about others no matter what we really think. Yes I certainly have opinions too.
S.J.

 

Not sure but, that is why Don isn't coming in anymore and maybe Roy also. We all have opinions about others but do not feel here or in any forum, we need to be giving our opinions. I'm the first to say I have been very bad at doing this in the past, I agree some deserve it, but we don't need to do it, in respect to those who may disagree with your opinions, as stated I was a big abuser of this thought. "

[fifedog]

Mornin' guys and gal(s). First frost on the pumpkins overnight. Sunny & 50 in the Potomac Highlands. Nice easy train yesterday, with a nice gathering of Vets on board.

[fifedog]

I hope to attend the train show, this Sunday (11/7), at the Blair County Convention Center (Altoona,PA).

[anjdevil2]

Happy Friday from Central NJ

32 F right now 50s later and the Sun is out

Jenni and I are both still ill, already been a week, hatin' it right now.

Waiting for 1 part to come in and I can finish off another 494 beacon that I got with a lot of trains, HO and Lionel mix.  I have a bunch of stuff that either needs some attention or restored.  Projects?  I got 'em.

I FINALLY got the Gargoyl street lights and I can complete the Spooky Town section of the layout.  I'm trying to finish the train station section/module now, it's painted and the snow is there, need to wore up the street lights and start making plaster snow. 

off to work..........

[Flintlock76]

fifedog

I hope to attend the train show, this Sunday (11/7), at the Blair County Convention Center (Altoona,PA).

 

Good hunting!

[KRM]

Been down, cracked a rib three days ago. Nope, I don't like it.

[Flintlock76]

Sorry to hear that K', take it easy, will you?

[pennytrains]

KRM

Been down, cracked a rib three days ago. Nope, I don't like it.

 

OW!    Get well soon! 

[smokey1]

KRM

Been down, cracked a rib three days ago. Nope, I don't like it.  

Ouch not fun been there done that.

[fifedog]

Mornin' guys and gal(s). Sunny and 28 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Finished the Fall scenic train with our biggest crowd yesterday, now I'm off for a few weeks. Me and my engineer sidekick are heading to Altoona this morning, for the Blair County train show. 

Good Nascar race last night. New winner and champion, which is always fun to watch.

Get well, KRM.

[KRM]

Morning, still kicking but taking it slow and easy.

 Rib is fair when I am up and moving but He!! at night when trying to sleep? Looks like we are in for our Indian summer this week. 

 

Lots of sadness around these days. A very good friend of over 33 years came by yesterday to tell us his wife lost the fight against the big C. Started as Gallbladder cancer but by the time they found it it was in a late stage. Still almost a year of He!! for Donna. My she rest now without pain.

[fifedog]

Mornin' guys and gal(s). Sunny and Frosty along the Allegany front range. Shopping day, I've been told.

Nice train show in Altoona yesterday. Picked up a Marx tin Army building for oldest grandson. Snagged 2 big freezer bags of O-gauge wooden ties for $5. Also finally purchased the correct blades for my 3656 cattle pen, and some MTH diesel traction tires. All-in-all, there was something for all scales and eras at this show. About 80% occupancy, compared to past years. Of course, Banksie was always there in past years...

[KRM]

Good morning,

And for some good news in these days of gloom!

We had a great time yesterday at Daughter Katie's and Dan's Gender Reveal Party. So I guess the cat is out of the bag, or should I say the girl will soon be out of the bag.

Sandra and I will be having another Granddaughter in April. 

The most beautiful part of Katherine having a child is she makes sure they are a big part of Sandra and my life! Love those guys!

 

Leaves will be the order of the day. We are at peak I am thinking? About 75% still in the trees.

Nice Haul Fife!!

Best get.

[Flintlock76]

Congratulations K'!    

[fifedog]

Mornin' guys and gal(s). Sunny and 48 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Youngest grandson is at Fifedom, and we just had an operating session in the train room. No pile-ups, but did have one unscheduled uncoupling... Washed and wiped down the vehicles in preparation for Fifepup's big shindig, this weekend.

KRM - Congrats.

[anjdevil2]

KRM - Heal up soon and Congrats on the grandaughter

Fife - I get my turn in 3 weeks in Edison - I have a list, lol and a budget - sort of - and congrats on Fifepup!!

Opted out of the Super Bee project, the plumber came to unclog the kitchen sink, I spent my time with The GodFather II and wiring up the station module.  All the lights work, now I just need time to get back to my house to install it and see how it looks.  I need either a Hobby Lobby or Michael's trip to get some half and quarter round dowels for curbs and parking bumpers.  Need to wire up 1 more street light and run lines on the roadway, parking lot and street parking.  That will almost finish Christmas Village.  

Thanks to DougNotta, I have the 3 Gargoyle street lights, and since I have them, I took apart one of the old ones I have.  I'll be looking for some small LEDs to fix them and I'll have a total of 8 and that will finish off Spooky Town.  Minor wiring and such will complete that.

The Spring/Summer module is next, I have the buildings and the roadway planned, wiring for the Firehouse and Mel's Diner is gonna be a nightmare plus I need to make a smooth transition to those buildings as the "curb" is too high....

Sunny and 43 here

[smokey1]

My nephew posted this on FB. I want to thank you all for your support of us Veterans. 

To understand a Military Veteran you must know:

We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.

We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.

We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.

We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.

We found new friends and new family.

We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed.

We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.

We didn’t get enough sleep.

We smoked and/or drank too much.

We picked up both good and bad habits.

We worked hard and played harder.

We didn’t earn a great wage.

We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.

We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.

We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.

We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.

Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.

Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.

Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare.

We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.

We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.

We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.

We have dealt with victory and tragedy.

We have celebrated and mourned.

We lost a few along the way.

When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.

We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.

We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.

We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches.

We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.

Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away.

It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift.

People see a Veteran and they thank them for their service.

When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.

So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country.

Try to remember the good times and make peace with the bad times.

Share your stories.

But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran.

(copied from unknown author)

[lynbrookyankee]

Thank you for sharing this moving piece and a BIG THANK YOU to all who served. 

[Flintlock76]

Thanks for that Smokey, so moving and so true.

Especially the part "When we see each other we give that little upwards head nod or slight smile..."   Even more true.  I visit a number of history sites and have had conversations with veterans from around the world, British, German, French, and even one Russian.  No matter the cut and color of the uniform, we're so much alike. 

"Fair winds and following seas!" to you Sailor!  And "Semper Fi!"

[smokey1]

And here is a video I watch every veterans day

It brings the truth home

In honor of our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70Ikj1hZDnw

 

[anjdevil2]

Good Morning!! an TGIF for ME today!!

Thanks to all our vets - Navy Brat here - I get it.....

Tried to blow some of the leaves in a pile last night, ran out 2 batteries and it's raining now, so, maybe Monday I can finish.  Will be putting the Super Bee on hold 1 more Monday so I can recover.

Nominations were last night, Up for Vice President of the Department - 1 running against me and uncontested for Senior Trustee - this is my 7th year and will bring me to 10 years as trustee, as this is a 3 year term.   I must be nuts.

Did some light shopping and was home in bed by 1030.

Mom is sick now, so need to keep tabs on her.  Lost her voice last night.

Pre Cana tomorrow at 0900 to 4 PM so Jenni and I will be doing this "virtually", which I think sucks.  Once and if my annulment goes through, we will be cleared for the wedding in June.
Off to a costume sweet 16 party for Jenni's niece afterwards.

Nothing on Sunday - so I can rest a bit, maybe.  Have to get the Halloween stuff put away and get out the Christmas stuff.

off to work

[Flintlock76]

anjdevil2

Pre Cana tomorrow at 0900 to 4 PM so Jenni and I will be doing this "virtually", which I think sucks

Oh brother, don't get Lady Firestorm started on that one!

We had to do it in 1976, she in New Jersey and me at MCAS Cherry Point NC. I was lucky, I went to see the Catholic chaplain (A very nice man!) and he told me "Lieutenant, Pre-Cana's for wet behind the ears kids who don't know 'What's what.' For someone like yourself who's been around it's really not necessary."  So he drafted me a letter to the local pastor in NJ saying I was covered. Lady F had the burden.  She did get to sit at the adults table instead of with the teenagers at her sessions! 45 years later and she's still peeved!

[anjdevil2]

Flint - Did this once before and, quite frankly, it seemed worthless.  It did not address any potential problems or conflcits and the family/couple that we did it with made us persona non grata post session.  

This is Jenni's first go around, and as a newly minted Roman Catholic, this is a requirement.  My expectations are low at this point and worse because we have to do it in front of a computer.

But, God willing, we will get through it......just hope I don't snore.....

[Flintlock76]

anjdevil2

Did this once before and, quite frankly, it seemed worthless.  It did not address any potential problems or conflcits and the family/couple that we did it with made us persona non grata post session.  

Lady F couldn't agree more.  At least at the "Adults Table" she sat at they had a good giggle session!