Hi all.
hope this works as Kevin said he had a problem
Everything's working on my end!
Green shakes and grits!
Welp, I went and caught a case of Covid. Since I have type 2 diabetes and am on blood pressure medication, a phone call to my doctor resulted in instructions to 'get thee to a walk in clinic for an anti viral prescription ASAP. So far so good - the Covid feels pretty much like a sinus infection. I am still able to take the dog out on our mile walk in the mornings.
Mornin' guys and gals. Wintry mix and 44 in the Potomac Highlands. Ms. Kelly went with Middle Princess to WVU for a progress report on the inbound baby boy. They will make a day of it in Morgantown. Only thing I got going today is periodically sicking FifeMax after those seed stealing squirrels.
***Update***(Grandmom just texted me...)
Danny appears to be as cute as his big brother. I should mention, Danny isn't the name his parents have chosen. But I call him Danny until they narrow their choices down.
Aloha and TGIF. The big storm that was supposed to bury us in 10 inches of snow may now just give us a coating or inch now. I am happy for that. I had my second-to-last class of the semester last night - one that I am teaching at a local community college. Fife, I like the name Danny. You should continue to call him that. Glad he is handsome like you too.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Good news on "Danny" Fife. We have a new girl arriving in mid May. I think that they have a name picked for her, but for now they refer to her as Deuces since she is #2
Weather is gloomy here but a balmy 30 degrees. We are just a bit below normal temps for March.
Northwoods Flyer
Greg
PS Its nice to see some long time members returning to post.
The Northwoods Flyer Collection
of
American Flyer Trains
"The Toy For the Boy"
Hello,
Beware dehydration. Especially if you have other problems.
Got dehydrated, I was late on the rent, bills piling up, couldn't think straight and spent this week in a mental health hospital after I tried to swallow a bunch of pills.
But I'm still here!
Same me, different spelling!
Holy Mother of God Becky, take care of yourself! Please!
Becky - Glad you are here.
8n - Get some sun on your face, when possible.
Becky there is help out there, 988. I'm very aware of this as I'm dealing with severe PTSD. My wife drives me nuts trying to keep tabs on me, but down deep I know it's because she loves me. Also 866-903-3787 is mental heath hotline too.
Please seek help when you need it.
Good Evening All,
Im sure you all are well aware of the weather we have been having out here. Fortunately, we have not had any issues other than a lot of rain! AND Cold weather! Our rain gauge has over 4" in the last week, and that is a lot! Most years we don't get that much. The river channel behind us has been 3/4 full many of the days. We are only about 7 miles from the beach, and the channel gets most of the water from the mountain areas. The snow covered mountains are absolutely beautiful.
I've been spending a lot of time putting in street lights and some accent lighting on the layout. I've done it a little differently, for street lights I have been using inexpensive lights that normally use 2 AA batteries for power. Not wanting to use the batteries, I picked up a couple of old ATX computer power supplies. Typically they are in the range of 400 to 650 watts, and have multiple DC outputs, 3.5v, 5v, 12v, and -12v. I picked up a PCBA that can be mounted to the P/S, and the power plugged into a power strip that I control with the Layout main switch. Then wire the light up to the appropriate light. As the battery pack requires either 2 or 3 batteries, (3v or 4.5v respectively). And given the wattage of the P/S, I can run a lot of lights with no problem! I also picked up some LEDs that are available on a roll, they also have a matching resistor attached, and provide 3 leds to a segment. The entire roll has 100 segments, and cost $24. Of course the LEDs are available in "warm", "cool" or "intense" brightness. The Led's operate with 12vdc. So again the P/S has no problem with them. The PCBA has fused outputs for each voltage. Then its just a matter of distributing the power leads around the layout. It's really an inexpensive and easy method of enhancing lighting in buildings, and eliminating dark spots. Have 1 more area on layout I need to work and it will be done. (A few years ago I did the same thing with the LED's on shelving, and it works great, and requires no maintenace).
Smokey, good job on kicking March off, you might want to add the "18 YEAR" thing in the title, the Chief would probably appreciate it.
8ntruck, Sounds like you got some good advice for the anti-viral prescription! Sorry to hear you got the Covid!
Fifedog, Congradulations, on the baby boy!! I think Danny is a lot better than "The Baby"!
Doug, I'm sure you just got the remains of what that storm was suppose to be. It dumped about 10 feet on the local mtns, and most of the LA basin got between 4 and 7 inches of rain. Those in the mountains have has a real rough time of it! Cars and vehicles buried, no matter though roads are not available. Food supplies running out and no trucks can get thru to restock. The Calif National Guard is delivering food, (Pizza), medicine and other neccessities. With all the snow people down here on wanting to go up there but only residents are allowed in. Currently, being escorted due to road conditions.
Flyer, Congradulations, on the baby girl, hope they come up with another name before she is born, Deuces? We haven't made any definate plans for trip to Wis yet, probably be in April is best guess. Will let you know.
Pennytrains, GLAD YOUR STILL HERE !!!!! WE NEED YOU !!! Don't let all that stuff get you down! We ALL go thru those things. But it will get better. And besides you are one of the most talented people Ive ever seen. Your work on the layouts is sooo awesome! Especially, what you have done with the Disney themes.
Kev, Hope the upcoming weather doesn't bury you, or the winds. I think you guys have already been through more than your share. Take care.
Need to call it a day, so until next time.
GOOD NIGHT, STAY HEALTHY AND BE SAFE !!
Don
Don think 1 April it becomes 19 years.
Mornin' guys and gals. Sunny and blustery along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Big wind gusts temporarily knocked our power out twice since 0430. I'm concerned with the very damp terrain and trees. Will have to rehang some of Ms. Kelly's porch decor.
Not sure if I'll be babysitting or museum bound today.
I like "Deuce" for a nickname. Might use that for Danny, as he will be #2 son as well. And I like playing poker.
Good afternoon -
Becky - Glad you still walk among us!!!
Fife and NorthWoods - Congas on the new additions!!!
Don B - Your lighting project sounds a little like mine. I have been on the hunt for Walmart Carriage ights during Christmas. Long story short, I cut the 2 AA battery pack off and I found a 3V adapter. I can power 8 (so far) lamps running them in parallel. They are LED and bright enough for the layout. I put male and female connectors on them as the Christmas Village was done as a module. I have a large stockpile fo lamps. Once the "new" layout starts, I can continue running lights. Alas, you may not have heard, ,y layout is no more as I sold the house.
Jenni had minor surgury yesterday as she had an infection. She is much imporved an in less pain, Monday we see the doc again and hopefully she gets stitched up and healed.
Back to work, just a quick fly by.
Stay well, all, back when I can
I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.I am the venom in your skin --- Breaking Benjamin
As John Astin's character on Night Court used to say "I feel much better now"! I'll have to sell some trains soon, but I was working on that before I got hospitalized. Anybody want to drive up to Cleveland?
Aloha and happy Sunday morning all. Worked all day yesterday after roaming the church grounds dragging downed tree limbs (from the storm) to the curb. Some of the trees are so high, the branch ends were buried a foot in the ground! Then I worked all day on work - I don't like to do that but had to do it with a break to take the dogs for a walk.Don, we didn't get any of the snow or much needed rain. I love your lighting project - it gives me some ideas.Becky, glad you cared for yourself! I often go too long with hydrating which is always a mistake.Rich, glad Jenni is on the mend.Fife and Flyer, 'Deuce' is even better a nickname for your little ones!
Evenin' Fellas and BeckyBecky I too am glad you are still with us. Even though I do not post much these days, I do check in and enjoy seeing your photos and reading your insights into our hobby.Fife - I like Danny as well. My father's name is Daniel and my middle name is Daniel too, so it comes with a good lineage. I survived the first weekend of TheQ's trip to Cape Town. She seems to be in good spirits... she told me she wants to take the family there as it is really beautiful and there are a lot of family activities, guess she has seen a lot of families there too. She is disappointed she will not be able to take a site-seeing cruise to see the jack a-double-s penguins (there official name is not South African Penguins as a certain zoo here in MD likes to refer to them) I think she laughed for 5 minutes telling me this. Have to dig up the email from the hotel in Honolulu we are staying at in June. Need to start planning the day trips and activities and get them booked (the ones that are open for booking now). Everyone is excited for this trip, so hoping it goes off well.Cheers and
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
Mornin' guys and gals. Sunny & 31 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Ms Kelly is babysitting, and I'll be heading to get her breakfast after while. I did get to the chapter caboose/museum yesterday, as the weather was nice. Not too many visitors this weekend.
88 - I shall tell Middle Princess about your Danny tie-in, I'm sure it will push it over the edge... I'm also excited about your Hawaii trip. Aloha
Evening all.
I still have a fair amount of O gauge and plan to keep them. My plan for my new layout thou is going to be 2 loops of standard gauge and 2 loops Of O gauge. If any switches it will be in the O gauge. I think I will be using O-63 and O-54. The stamdard gauge is 84" and 72" curves. Hopefully this will leave at least 4' thru the center of my 10' 4" wide layout.
I will probably be using my 390E & 402 as my engines. ( the 402 has dual motors) The 402 should be able to pull a good load, and I have a 514 refrigerator car and 3 passenger cars behind the 400E which is a 4-4-4
Haven figured which O I want to run, but probably my EM1 (2-8-8-4) for one. Iplan on running one O gauge with TMCC (LegacyL) set, and the other 3 rail will run off of my 3 TPC's Using the legacy L system to control them.
Otherwise not much going on here.
Mornin' guys and gals. Cloudy, breezy 43 along the Allegheny front-range. Honey Nut Cheerios with fresh blueberries for breakfast. Nothing planned for today.
Grandmom and I spent the day at Middle Princess's castle, watching the grandson. It was nice enough for us to spend an hour outside, hauling "timber" in the bed of his new big truck. Then a half dozen solo runs on his sliding board. Good time. The boy is so pleasant. "Danny" will probably be a hard case...
Hi there,
Becky, take it easy never under estimate the gift of life.
Hauling gravel today for the lane with the neighbor, 5 6 ton loads = $500.00 and that don't go far on a half mile long lane. We will pick away at it as the money comes.
I ordered new tires for the Gator that was $404.00 and I still need to get them mounted once they get here with it pushing 900 hours they are thin to the wind. Also with wife and daughter birthdays this month,,,ouch. .
Good to see guys checking in that have been gone too long.
The SIL's name is Danny
Best get
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Aloha. Happy Thursday. Yesterday turned super busy but I managed to take the doggos for a walk at the end of the day. I made a quick pasta with red sauce for dinner last night. Today I drove into the city for a half-day of emergency management training by DHS and FEMA. Made it in only an hour and a half. Going to take a longtime employee who is leaving - and her team - out to lunch today. Hope to beat the snow home. I moved my last class to Zoom because we may get a few inches tonight - and up to 10 inches on Friday. I hope they are wrong...Kevin, that is a good price for gravel.
Evenin' guys and gals. Sunny & 55 in the Potomac Highlands. Got the oil changed in the Durango, made a stop at TJ Max for big pink suitcase for Ms Kelly (stop it, we're fine...), Bath & Bodywork's for smelly scents, some decor at our Surplus City, then off to Helmstetters Curve for a hike. Got lasagna cooking in the oven.
Neighbor out back said a bear got his bird feeder, so I got the trail cam trained on ours, too. Guess it's time, as trees are just starting to bud around here.
Gooood afternoon,
Like Doug, just waiting on the weather. Looks like he has more to worry about than us at this point.
Doug, It was a bit costy because we got CA7 3/4" no fines. $12.75 a ton. CA6 road mix in only $6.75 a ton but wew are hauling it ourselves and putting it on old CA6 that has plenty of fines. So it is just cost of gravel and fuel. Brain has the truck and dump trailer. That helps a lot these days. I been hauling and spreading gravel on this lane for 19 years now and there is never an end to it.
Waiting on Fedex to get here with my tires.
Wifey is 62 today and will start SS next month. Cat Dog and I have been treating her as always as the queen she is for us. I got her a beef with fries for lunch from a place she loves, so I should be good.
Bout it from this neck of the woods above Marseilles IL.
Currently its quiet and beautifull around here today. Nice sunny warm day. But that will change soon! Suppose to rain begining tomorrow for a couple of days, then more on Tues/Wed. "They" are saying we are haveing a "La Nina" affect going on causing the wet weather.
Took Kay out to a real nice dinner last night, for her Birthday. Chris and Annie joined us. We were at the "Orange County Minning Company", its a 5 Star restaurant that sets on top of hill in Orange County, on a clear night, (last night was) you can see the majority of the LA basin, even downtown LA. Was very beautiful! She enjoyed her birthday, so we did well.
Spent today babysitting Chris' house, Chris has shutters put in, and he was working in Hollywood at the Oscars. So we were at the house. The installers had their act together and did a great job.
I'm still working on my Street Light project on the layout, just a few more to go. I like the looks of them, just hope they will last awhile.
Kay's Bunco crowd will be here tomorrow night, so will definitely make myself scarce.
Kevin, I think you would be a VERY popular neihbor out here with you driveway building skills.
Take care all, and dtry to stay dry.
Don - I know what you mean about making one self scarce when the Bunco group shows up.
One of the women in my wife's Bunco group would show up a little early, and practice throwing the dice so 'she would do better' during the game.
8ntruckOne of the women in my wife's Bunco group would show up a little early, and practice throwing the dice so 'she would do better' during the game.
Dice? Hmmm, have you ever thought about hijacking the whole bunch and getting a crap game started in the garage?
Aloha and TGIF. I am psyching myself up to take both dogs to the groomers during lunch. Why do I do this to myself? We got a few inches of heavy wet snow last night - the kind they call 'heart attack snow' - but when I went out there this morning, I took care to just push it to the sides of the driveway. Right on schedule, as soon as I finished a city plow came by and buried the end of the driveway again. Ah well. At least it is above freezing. I don't expect it to be long for the world. Sent the snow off to points east. At the same time, it took me a few hours to drive home from Chicago so I moved my final class of the semester to Zoom because I didn't want to battle the elements to get to the community college. Everyone showed up online so they got my messages. No big plans for the weekend which I am looking forward to - doing nothing. I always make myself scarce when my wife's friends show up too. I usually set them up first with a round of drinks though. ;)
This morning They said it's 47* and feels like 45*, I've spent the last hour or so digging holes transplanting the dirt to elsewhere and planting 6 rose bush, mixing miaclegrow soil and chicken chit to use in the planting. All I know right now my fingers feel 1/2 frozen.
So now we will have 10 roses bushes in all. Planted 4 last year. Suppose to have a guy come over later to give me an idea on cost to put french drain and lay gravel in an area of about 15' x 30' French drain will be part of that. Otherwise no plans right now.
Now it's 53* and feels like 54*, more flowers to plant this afternoon.
Winter still has its grip on the northland. Our prediction is for 7 - 10 inches with some areas possibly getting more. There is just a fine powder drifting down right now with the brunt of the storm to come through tonight and into monday morning. It makes me thankful that I have an indoor hobby to rely on and a guy I hire to keep the driveway clear.
I'm working on getting some photos ready to post tomorrow.
I hope you all have a great weekend.
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