May '22 Coffee Pot. All welcome here. Hope you like 18 yr old GRITS.

[fifedog]

Man-O-Man did April fly by or what...? Sunny & 52, calling for a passing  or  along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Wifey hinting that the grass needs a-cutting, since I've been running all over having my fun all week. Hope that doesn't interfere with my Nascar race later on...

Yesterday's Allegany County train show was a good one, modestly attended, but every table booked. Our Chapter did well on sales, signed up a new member, and spoke with several prospective members.  I enjoyed talking with folks, and answering their questions. One of the vendors commented on how nice everyone is out this way. 

[KRM]

Thanks for the new pot, Hot coffee is needed here. Been the coldest April I ever recall here in North Central Il. Glad to see it go.

So far this one is not doing much better. Cold damp 50 out there without a ray of sun to be seen. We had a downpour yesterday so I get to re-grade the drive I just graded. Advancement on the ankle and walking is slow, slow, slow. Ouch, ouch, ouch.

Bout it.

[8ntruck]

I'm not convinced spring has gotten to mid Michigan yet.  I am planning on putting the summer tires on the Cherokee tomorrow.  Hopefully that won't bring on a snowfall.....

18 year old grits.  They are probably as brittle as the 100 year old mortar in the porch foundation.  That shook apart when the slab on top was broken up.   The foundation is rebuilt, forms are down for the new porch slab, the pour is supposed to happen this week sometime.  Forward progress on that project!

Nothing new on the train front, though.

[fifedog]

18 year old grits. 18 hour old grits. Is there a difference...?

(Sorry Chief). 

[smokey1]

fifedog

18 year old grits. 18 hour old grits. Is there a difference...?

(Sorry Chief).  

 

[lion88roar]

Happy May 1st

Spent the day with Matthew's Cub Scout Pack (Christina and her friend who's brother is a pack member, also helped) picking up trash along a rails to trails path, it was closed 3/4 of the way up due to a landslide, the repair looks like it will last 200 years. So we went to the other end near the B&O Caboose in Mt Airy to finish up. Kids wanted snow balls at the local stand (why Christina and her friend really wanted to help), so we parents obliged and while waiting it started to rain. Had a nice chat with the Pack Leader (CSX employee) and another father. Loads of fun reminicing about scout trips and planning some adventures for the boys next year. Due to my teacher (Fife) I was able to provide some nice info on the history of Mt Airy and its B&O roots.

New sofa and loveseat for the family room came yesterday (the old one only last 2.5 years due to aspiring gymnasts and wrecking ball opperators).

Had a nice talk with TheQ's Dad. I think moving day may be coming sooner than his kids would like to think. Started planning for the new garage, then was informed we may have to start designing a new house. 

[fifedog]

Mornin' guys and gals. Sunny & 61 in the Potomac Highlands. A look into my crystal ball revealed lawn care in my immediate future. Will have to dvr the resuming Nascar race at 12. Youngest Princess has returned home. Hard to imagine that she'll be a Senior in college come August.

88 - I'm hearing that the folks in Rawlings would like you nearby...

for everyone on the mend.

[lion88roar]

Evening Fellas

Long day working from home today. Got a lot done, testing all day tomorrow. Really enjoy days like these because it just feels good to get a lot done. Not a record project completion month like February, but we'll be close.

Fife - I think TheQ is looking for something closer in to Bethesda now that she'll be going back into the office a couple days a week.  If that happens I may have to get a room for a couple nights at York. 

Been watching the FB forums on the Beaches Resort we are going to next month. Seems they have dropped all testing requirements, and no longer need to get travel authorization from the island... however to get home we need to be tested.  Anyway, it will be nice to get away for a bit. Thinking about going to Niagra Falls or Grand Canyon in July or August... I am leaning toward Niagra since the flight to Buffalo is cheaper and shorter, and I think the kids will enjoy it more. GC will probably be next year for longer trip.

[anjdevil2]

Good afternoon, all!!

Nice to see Brent again!!

Wedding plans have been proceeding - still waiting for the annullment to happen - and that is supposed to be on the fast track (note the Lionel train reference, lol).

Spent most of the weekend getting the cake and setting up the dinnerware set ups and discussing food for the reception.  A lot of work, but it's getting there.

Trying to get Mom's house squared away, still.  We have donated bunk beds to a charity and will deliver them Monday.  One room that will be completely cleared out.

The Princess leaves to visit her friend in Texas tomorrow, so I'll be up at 0400 to take her to Newark Airport.  Then that night, I'll be presiding over the annual Memorial Service for the County Fireman's Association.  Yep, a long day.

Today we pick up the invites and drop off the marriage licence.  June 6th is getting close fast.

Hope you are healig Kev.  I know motoring around is difficult.  Jenni is gettng better at walking but still slow and methodical.  It will come.

Prayers for all in need!!

[Flintlock76]

'Devil, if you wedding experience is going to be like mine the closer "D-Day" comes the faster it's going to seem it's coming!  (My "D-Day" was February 5th, 1977.)

18 year old grits?  I don't know.  I HAVE had 18 year old C-rations!  Didn't kill me.

[fifedog]

Fast track. I don't get it... 

Wedding on D day. I get that. 

[anjdevil2]

Fife - 

Flint - Funny as it sounds, (D-Day June 6) the date 6/4 is another Hemi reference.  Our first date was 4/26 (Hemi Day) and the new Hellcats are all 6.4 Liters (6/4).  You can't make this stuff up.....lol

Invitations are in, will pick up the preprinted return addressed envelopes today, or Jenni will by herself, which is a milestone in her recovery.  Marriage license goes in today, I'll drop that off at lunch.

Princess is on her way to Texas to visit friends and family for her 30th birthday on the 7th....geez, yesterday she was 9 or 10.....was up at 0345 to get to the airport by 0515 and she was aboard by 655 - the TSA line was stupid long at 20 minutes.

I brought home my Lionel TMCC K4s for later in the week.  I have to preside over the County Fireman's Memorial service tonight at 8, so it's gonna be a long day.

Back when I can

[Flintlock76]

anjdevil2

the TSA line

I've got a good TSA story, a funny one, not an annoying one.

I was at the Fort Meyers Airport in Florida about 10 years ago, I was flying home after visiting Mom and Dad.  I had two paper shopping bags with some Lionel railcars I'd purchased at a local hobby shop that I was carrying on the plane.  Of course, one of the TSA agents asked what was in the bags, so I showed her.

"Lionels!"  As soon as she said that several other agents stepped over for a look, and the reactions went like this:

"Lionel trains?"

"Wow, I had those when I was a kid!"

"I didn't think they made 'em anymore!"

"Man, they look nice!"

"Gee, where'd you get 'em?"

So, I told them, and also made a pitch for the hobby.  Did they act on it?  I don't know, but we sure had fun talking toy trains!

[fifedog]

Judging by the date, pennytrains should be posting a pic with the coffee buns hairdo anytime now...

[pennytrains]

fifedog

Judging by the date, pennytrains should be posting a pic with the coffee buns hairdo anytime now...

 

https://link.shutterfly.com/h2mzCvkELpb

 

[fifedog]

"Your worship."

[TheWaysideRailroader]

Not much is going on here with me at the moment, just general life....I do have a Lionel gateman (Reproduction) now that I ordered online.
Oh, my friend who went to that Train Show with me in march is still telling me he loved it! 

[Flintlock76]

fifedog

"Your worship."

 

Wait a minute.  Is that Princess Fiona, Princess Leia, or Princess Armadillo?  

I can't keep this stuff straight anymore.    Gettin' too old... 

[lion88roar]

Flintlock76

 Flint - had a similiar experience when I was flying home from Boston with TheQ many years ago. I had tagged along on her trip (she was speaking at a conference) and I drove up to a train store about an hour or some North of Boston. They had a really nice Rock Island GP9 Legacy so I got that. The next day TheQ and I stopped by CharlesRo and I picked up a set of KLine Die Cast C&O covered hoppers. Before I put the bags on the TSA belt I asked the young lady if there was any problem putting the engine through the X-Ray.

"Wait... a what?"
"Lionel O Guage engine"
"I don't know... but give me a minute"

She returned with a few of her co-workers

Her - "The guys were wondering if you could open the box so they could ensure it really is a model train engine"

Open the box... there is now a crowd standing around checking out what I'm opening. TheQ, already through security, is standing at the opposite end of the conveyor. 'REALLY? We better not miss our flight home.'

TSA Agent "Don't worry 'mam we can call the gate and hold your flight. This is important stuff here."

Took about another 15 minutes to get everything boxed back up and back in the bags.

"Thank you! I haven't seen Lionel trains in a long time, never heard of K-Line. Where did you get these?"

Took another 15 minutes to get through all the questions.

TheQ was NOT happy. LOL. I am not allowed to visit train stores if I tag along on her trips now... 

Oh and it was TheQ who got me back into the hobby after we got engaged and I moved to MD.

 

anjdevil2

the TSA line

 

 

I've got a good TSA story, a funny one, not an annoying one.

I was at the Fort Meyers Airport in Florida about 10 years ago, I was flying home after visiting Mom and Dad.  I had two paper shopping bags with some Lionel railcars I'd purchased at a local hobby shop that I was carrying on the plane.  Of course, one of the TSA agents asked what was in the bags, so I showed her.

"Lionels!"  As soon as she said that several other agents stepped over for a look, and the reactions went like this:

"Lionel trains?"

"Wow, I had those when I was a kid!"

"I didn't think they made 'em anymore!"

"Man, they look nice!"

"Gee, where'd you get 'em?"

So, I told them, and also made a pitch for the hobby.  Did they act on it?  I don't know, but we sure had fun talking toy trains!

 

[fifedog]

88 - The Q's facial expression had to be priceless! Great story. 

[8ntruck]

Those are great airport security stories.

[Flintlock76]

Great story '88!  I guess we both made those TSA agent's days.  I can imagine, day after day of the "same-old, same-old" and then something really unusual shows up!

And something fun and nostalgic to boot!

[KRM]

Can't get out of the cold here but they say next week will be in the 80s. About time. Wet, cold (50s) and rain next two days.   Burnt the last of the wood stacked on the porch last night and have no plans of stacking any more.

Rich, slow and methodical sums it up al right. Good to hear things are looking up for you two. For me,,,Getting someting close to normal. No walker, no boot, taking the wheel chair back to the nursing center next week. Moving slow, never without pain but they say that is what it will be for 6 to 12 months.  PT guy said I am doing all I can and next visit will be the last unless I want to go on. As long as there is so much edema in the foot and ankle, range of motion will only get so good. Getting outside and working in the yard will be the best form of PT.

Going to drive to the daughter's this eveng to have dinner, visit and see the new baby girl.

No train news but I did do a test run to make sure it is all good. Placed ant bait around the basement while I was down there, that time of year here.

Good stories on the TSA workers. Our tax dollars at work.

Best get.

BTW, Abrianna Faith wanted to say Hi.   She is already looking for a toy train.

[Flintlock76]

KRM

Good stories on the TSA workers. Our tax dollars at work.

I've kind of got mixed feelings on TSA.  On one hand, it strikes me as "Closing the barn door after the horse has bolted," as in post-9/11 no-one's going to attempt to hijack an airliner any more.  Anyone trying anything like that is going to be torn apart by the passengers.  The days of "Sit tight, keep quiet, do as you're told and enjoy the flight to Cuba" are over with. 

On the other hand, if the presense of TSA personnel at airports keeps anyone from trying anything, then it's money well spent. Deterrence has a value of its own.

Quite honestly, I used to enjoy flying but I don't anymore for a variety of reasons. I don't travel much but when I do I'm not in a rush, so I'd rather drive myself.  That I actually do enjoy.

[KRM]

Flintlock76

 

 

KRM

Good stories on the TSA workers. Our tax dollars at work.

 

 

 

Quite honestly, I used to enjoy flying but I don't anymore for a variety of reasons. I don't travel much but when I do I'm not in a rush, so I'd rather drive myself.  That I actually do enjoy.

 

 Myself Flintlock I to have been burnt out on air travel. The last four years at Cat Logistics and all the travel did it for me. As for the TSA, it is what our world today drives.

[fifedog]

Mornin' guys and gals. Rain and 57 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. This is C&O 1309's debut weekend into regular service, at the WMSR in Cumberland, MD. If you're in the area, stop at the station and I'll give you a tour of the Chapter's caboose.

Been busy in the train room "planting" trees, and taking pictures. Then youngest princess and I planted some flowers that Ms Kelly had picked out.

Had a nice long chat with Buckeye last night. Just talked about railroad related things, and I enjoyed our conversation.

[8ntruck]

Before I retired, I did a fair amount of travel, some international.  It has been three years, and I don't miss the flying at all.  The last several trips out of the country,  the automated face recognition in the US ports of entry would always shuttle me into a line to be checked by a customs agent.  No trouble getting through, but aggravating.  One trip through, I asked why I always seem to get flagged.  Common name was the answer.

The plumber finally showed up today and got the cracked intake pipe on the septic system fixed.  We discovered that the exit pipe of the septic tank is 2" HIGHER than the intake pipe!  Seems the normal water level is about 1/2 way up the intake pipe.  Looks like it has been that way since day one on this system. Fortunately, both the intake and outlet pipes are 4" diameter, so it works after a fashon.  Evaluating options to correct that situation.  

[fifedog]

Happy Mother's Day. I fed the birdies, and stood by her garden, in remembrance. Wifey sleeping in. Darlington race will be on tv later, which is one of my favorites. Entertaining Derby race yesterday, with the LOOOooooonnng shot whooping the field. Horsie had attitude.

Had a nice time volunteering at the NRHS Chapter caboose, Friday and Saturday. Met lots of nice folks, and even had YouTuber Nix Crossing hang out with me awhile. Nice fellow.  In between trips, started sprucing up Clinchfield 1072's insides. 1309's crew had a chuckle, when I pointed out it look like they drove through a salad shooter, with all the wet vegetation on top.

 

[Flintlock76]

fifedog

Met lots of nice folks, and even had YouTuber Nix Crossing hang out with me awhile. Nice fellow.

I'm a subscriber to Nick's YouTube channel and yes indeed he's a nice guy and very enthusiastic for the hobby.  He's a fun watch too!

I watched a bit of his live-stream yesterday but didn't hang around for 1309, had other things to do.  I'll watch the video sometime today.

[anjdevil2]

Hey, good morning. 

Quick fly by - wedding stuff has been dominating the days and most nights. 

First Mother's Day without Mom was a little sad, but got on with the day.  We went to my future in laws and had a nice time.

Jenni slowly improves and that is a blessing - she is off the O2 for the most part and doing well, day 3 without a cannula for her bed time.

Kev - definitely slow and steady wins the race at this point.  

No real train news, I have shuttled some CNJ/Jersey railroad stuff to Mom's house.  1 room is just about empty after we donated a bunk bed set to a nice family in need.  

6.5" of rain over the weekend, sunn and windy now, up to 72F later today. 

Prayers for all in need, back soonest