Steven Otte Kevin may have a tropical storm coming this weekend, but I think we could all use a Hurricane. (And if you're worried it's too early to drink, hey, it's got orange juice in it! It's practically breakfast in a glass!)
Kevin may have a tropical storm coming this weekend, but I think we could all use a Hurricane. (And if you're worried it's too early to drink, hey, it's got orange juice in it! It's practically breakfast in a glass!)
This is a hurricane, all three gallons of it:
Hurricanes are too healthy for me. I can't wait to get to Mexico and have one of these for breakfast:
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
We are now on day 7 of our quarantine.
The good news is that our granddaughter was, so far, the only one to have it. We read that for some reason, the virus does not easily pass from children to adults, so we may be safe. Another 8 days, and we can breathe a little easier.
I've washed my hands before I typed this, so don't worry about catching the virus from me through the Internet.
I'm trying to make the best of being incarcerated. Yesterday, Forbidden Planet was on TV, and today I'm watching The Leopard Man.
It would seem that this forced vacation would be great for layout work, but for some reason, I can't get motivated. Yesterday, I just ran trains and watched them. I do miss church and men's group each week.
Garry, I think I mentioned my brother had cataract surgery several years ago. He wore glasses his whole life until the surgery, and now he doesn't need glasses anymore. I don't know enough about it if that is common or not. Hope your next eye does as well as the first one.
Another day of thunderstorms. We don't mind. Farmers call these million dollar rains. Another week of not having to turn on expensive irrigation systems.
Steven OtteKevin may have a tropical storm coming this weekend, but I think we could all use a Hurricane.
Thanks Steve!
Today I will be working on trimming back all the trees for the coming storm.
I hope all my neighbors will do the same.
I tore three of the screens on the Lanai yesterday taking down the ceiling, so that horse has left the barn.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Kevin, do any of the construction guys give you a reason they can't get the windows in? Are they that busy?
knock, knock.... Hello! Anybody here?
Guess not. Oh well.........
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Howdy ...
Ray .... Hello !
Ken ... Thanks for thinking of me an my cataract surgery.
John York 1 .... I already put my eyeglasses aside. The one "new eye" is so good I can get by without the other one. I'm very happy so far with it. In a week, I will have two "new eyes".
Steve O .... Thanks for the hurricane drink. I was feeling a little punchy, and that will do nicely.
Everybody ..... Regarding August Diner location, I like Steve O's idea of Mexico where Neil Besougloff was retired. This is a good way to honor him. ... Do we have an agreement to go to Mexico in August ? ...... Also, I think we agreed to include Neil on the RIP Track.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Mexico sounds good. I have loved my trips there.
Eveing Diners
Flo, give the gang and I a please and Dirk a dog treat.
Dirk Vet Visit. Well that took 1.5 hours. Seems he has a bacterial infection on the problem paw. Dr Davis trimed back a flap on one of his pads. Dirk is on 3 weeks of antibiotic. Woman that brought him out was telling me what a Good Dog he was while he was the clinic? He is pretty good with people when my Wife is not a round. Hum
Weather It does not know what it wants to do. Should I rain, or should I be nice?
Wife wants to sit out with Dirk so later.
Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof.
I hate Rust
morning all,
rainy day here. Yestreday we had about 2 inches in 20 minutes and we got flooded at work in places. I large wave came rushing in our front lobby.
In other news, one of our providers had caught the viri (from some social setting not healthcare work related) 2 Weeks ago he was in bad shape on a vent. Today they are discharging him from the hospital. So that is good news here. Heading to my Southern command for a few days to check on things and get out of town.
I forgot to push submit on this post earlier
Good Evening,
Took the car in for an oil change and new battery. I did get a shock though and it was how much the cost of a battery has increased. I replaced it 5 years ago and it cost $195 but today it was $420! Most of the increase was the dealership jacking up the labour rate. The cost of an oil change has gone up too by about $50 since last December. Turns out I need to get a tie rod end replaced but may see if there are alternative shops that are more reasonable.
Had a fellow drop by today for another estimate on the back fence. We are looking at early October. We could delay it until next year but not much further as it really needs to be done.
Garry, glad to hear the new peeper is working well. So far I don't have any signs of needing that done and I do have my eyes checked every 6 months for my glaucoma.
When I was waiting for my car I looked at some on the lot( they have 7 dealerships in one place) and was amazed at the price of new cars and especially trucks. I plan on driving my current car for at least another 5 years when it would be 15 years old. Mind you it does run as well as it did when new with no sqeaks, rattles or wear marks on any surface. Truthfully I've spent very little on repairs so far so can't complain.
Well time for tea and tellie,
CN Charlie
Heartland Division CB&QRegarding August Diner location, I like Steve O's idea of Mexico where Neil Besougloff was retired. This is a good way to honor him. ... Do we have an agreement to go to Mexico in August ? ...... Also, I think we agreed to include Neil on the RIP Track.
Hi Garry,
I don't think there have been any objections to Mexico, and several people have expressed their agreement, so I think I can go out on a limb and say "Mexico it is!!". I have earmarked a translation website so we can have some fun with that.
I will volunteer to move the Diner unless someone else wants to do it. I'll post it at about midnight on Friday.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
York1Kevin, do any of the construction guys give you a reason they can't get the windows in? Are they that busy?
No. The contractor for the rear door and kitchen window says I am "in line" and they will call me when I am about a week from installation.
I think supply chain problems are messing everything up. The local news has had reports on some jobs held up by lack of PPE, pressure treated lumber, special pieces made in China, etc.
CNCharlieMost of the increase was the dealership jacking up the labour rate. The cost of an oil change has gone up too by about $50 since last December. Turns out I need to get a tie rod end replaced but may see if there are alternative shops that are more reasonable.
You are going to see labor rates hit the $200.00/hour level probably within two or three years. Around here $150.00/hour seems to be the ceiling. I think once one dealer breaks through, they all will.
Most qualified dealership technicians are well in the six figure income level now.
Good morning
Mr. Sandman gave me an early one. I'll take a coffee black please. Me without go-juice is like a motor without fuel.
I was getting all excited about all my track arriving as I was planning to start laying it as soon as I'm finished with the job I'm on. Obviously I need all of the track to start. The internet is so saturated with shoppers I had to get my order in three separate purchases.
My Unifrog turnout order showed up from one internet source incomplete. I only received the Left ones. I received a note in the package the Right turnouts are on back order and will be shipped as soon as available.
I'm not okay with that. They should have told me they were out of stock at the time of ordering. I realize right turnouts are sold more than left so I understand but that's not the point.
Trainworld had them but doesn't take PayPal. I would have used another method of payment if I knew this other source was out of them. Furthermore I don't appreciate a vendor taking payment from PayPal that doesn't deliver the goods. How long do I have to wait for these things was not disclosed. I may have to cancel the order on my phone call if time of delivery is uncertain.
After three years from the start of my layout to the start of laying track, it's about time l live up to my name and start some Track Fiddling around here
Have a good day gentlemen
TF
Morning All,
TF, that is frustrating and in my opinion, a little unethical. I would certainly pry for resolution.
Pounding the coffee here myself. Not sure why I'm so tired this morning, but I sure am. At least it's Friday. No big plans for the weekend, so maybe some model railroad time.
One of my daughter's friends came by the house last night in obvious distress. Both parents (they are separated) kicked her out Tuesday night with no phone, car, or family to turn to at least partly because she wants to pursue a culinary career?! She turned 18 a couple months ago, but is just going into her senior year of high school. Have some acquaintences who are school counselors with ideas & connections. A few hours later she was moving back to her dad's house. Mom still refuses to help her as she wouldn't give up her culinary desires. Incredible. At least Dad came a little to his senses. Sure hope it works out for her.
Later guys!
Mike
That is a plain shame Mike. Unfortunately common in some families. We are all individuals with our own mind and interests. Every human being should be allowed to make their own decisions whether anyone else agrees or not.
Live and Let Live is my motto. Ones opinion is warranted but should not be enforced.
Furthermore, look at all the highly successful Chefs in the world. One would think a parent would have alot of faith in the daughter they raised. If that's what one of my daughters wanted to do, I would completely support and believe in them.
'mornin'
Friday already! END of July already. Yep, it's true. The older you get the faster it goes!
Stopped into my local closeout store to see what I could find and lo, what should jump out at me but this!
Dial_0ft by Edmund, on Flickr
Right away I see the bright red CP loco and Beaver emblem, so what gives?
Dial_0fd by Edmund, on Flickr
I hoped it would be scented of Diesel fuel and brake shoe smoke, but alas — it smells like pine cones dipped in cinnamon
Dial_0a by Edmund, on Flickr
Squeeze on to a wet body sponge or POUF? Anybody got a pouf I can borrow I wondered how this stuff wound up in a closeout store (not exactly a closeout price! I usually don't spend more than a buck on shampoo).
I noticed a little sticker on the back. (just below the "Show Your Canadian Pride")
Dial_00 by Edmund, on Flickr
Oh, yeah! THAT was a great marketing strategy!
Water Level RouteMom still refuses to help her as she wouldn't give up her culinary desires. Incredible. At least Dad came a little to his senses. Sure hope it works out for her.
Too bad there isn't a screening process for parents A young person needs all the support and encouragement they can get. I gave my kids guidance, the best I could, but the choices and decisions were entirely up to them. They seem to have done OK.
See you in Sunny Mexico. From what I gather most of the railroading is run by UP, BNSF, Kansas City Southern and, yes, Canadian Pacific!
Still, the food will be great!
Cheers, Ed
Ed-
Good luck this winter smelling like a Walking Forest. Try to stay away from squirrels
Not to mention that creepy insect you have up there called the pine borer
Oh, ...And I'm easy, Mexico is just fine with me, ...Si!
See you all tomorrow in Mexico Amigos!
Track fiddlerNot to mention that creepy insect you have up there called the pine borer
WE have "up here?"
https://extension.umn.edu/forest-pests-and-diseases/managing-pine-bark-beetle-damage
I haven't personally encountered any of those but we DO have the Emerald Ash Borer.
Oh, there's another thirsty predator around here known as the full beer keg borer.
You gotta watch your bung when he's around
Good morning. One last full English breakfast before we move south, please.
I quit worrying about (and buying) shampoo about 40 years ago. Not that I have anything against shampoo -- it just seems like a waste of money. Plain soap works just as well on the bare skin on my head as it does on my arms.
I had to deal with some disfunctional families. 99% of the parents were good -- working at being the best parents possible. That other 1% made me lose my hair.
I know one word in Spanish -- si. Outside of that, I'll have to dial up Google translate.
gmpullman WE have "up here?" I haven't personally encountered any of those but we DO have the Emerald Ash Borer. Oh, there's another thirsty predator around here known as the full beer keg borer. You gotta watch your bung when he's around
I may stand corrected on the pine borer after reading the University of Minnesota report. I just figured since you have many pines trees, you would have them too. I guess the one I am familiar with is the sawyer pine borer.
Yep, we got em. Many of times working the docks in Voyageurs National Park I'd have one of those creepy things land on my arm. The first time I encountered one was at Birch Grove Resort when my friend Jeff yelled "Pine Borer!!!" and swooped it off my arm.
I was only bit by one once. It felt like being pinched with a needle nose plier and did draw a little blood.
We have an emerald ash borer problem here as well. You can get a big fine for transporting firewood across county lines.
As far as the keg borer goes, I've heard they have a problem with those everywhere. Nobody seems to even worry about those around here anymore as they seem to be relatively harmless
LastspikemikeWhile you are correct that soap will clean your hair shampoo will work better.
I didn't say that soap would clean my hair. I said I don't have any hair to clean.
York1 I didn't say that soap would clean my hair. I said I don't have any hair to clean.
Nice come back John!
Personally I prefer Irish Spring, "Manly yes but I like it too"
Now we have the Winter soap, the Spring soap, what the heck am I going to do for the Fall soap?
Track fiddler Personally I prefer Irish Spring, "Manly yes but I like it too" Now we have the Winter soap, the Spring soap, what the heck am I going to do for the Fall soap?
Step on it in the shower!
I'm usually offering delicious breakfast here in the Diner, but since we're talking soap today, maybe I'll combine the two.
Scrub-a-dub-dub!
--Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editorsotte@kalmbach.com
Howdy ....
Sorry but I have no soap pictures to post today. (Said, Garry, holding no bars.)
Ed ... The Dial liquid soap with CP loco is remarkable.
Dave .... Thanks for your willingness to start the August Diner. Should be enjoyable in Mexico.
Everybody .... Have a nice day.
All right, Steven. You did it! You posted something I have never seen before, so I had to look it up. Bacon soap!
The seller describes it: "It's a sunny Sunday morning and you wake to the sweet smell of bacon wafting from the ... bathroom?"
As much as I love bacon, I'm not sure people sitting near me in church are going to understand why I smell like that sitting in the pew!
Painting break
The guys from Lowe's are here to measure up for carpet. I took my social distancing down the hall back to my place for an early sandwich
Bacon soap Steve? I have heard they have bacon chewing gum, bacon ice cream, bacon everything. But soap?
Good, ...Now I can lather up in the morning and not only be a Post Hog but smell like one too
I woke up sore today.
Not working on the house at all today... it is shopping day. I need to go to Home Depot, Bank, Post Office, Publix, and .... WAL-Mart. Boooo!
We have not been out of the house in 16 days. I hope to get enough supplies to last another two weeks. It is crazy down here in Florida.
I have lists for all. This will be a chore.
Mornin all.
It has been a hot few days here and I have been floating around in the pool a lot more than usual.
Spent the day cutting tile yesterday as we made a little progress on the trainroom bathroom, I'll be glad to see the last of that job.
We have been getting quotes to get the house painted as I hate painting with a passion, it is the only thing I will hire some else to do. We are at around $9000.00 for the job. We are also getting new windows as it is time for many reasons and that is in the $40,000.00 range. We had been putting some of these things off as we were planning to move to Vancouver Island, however, we seem to have too many obligations here for the time being. We decided to put $200,000.00 into the house and stay awhile longer. New floors and Kitchen are also on the list.
I did a favour for someone a couple of weeks ago on a delicate matter and received four bottles via Loomis courier yesterday for helping them out. Usually, I get PWRS gift certificates, however, for some reason I guess they figured I needed a drink as helping them out was a little intense for a couple of days. Anyway, they know what I like.
It will be good to give Mexico a try again, I have been there several times over the years but the last time was probably 30 years ago. Never was a big fan of the place for some reason. I have been to many third world countries and there is just something about Mexico that does not appeal to me for some reason.
We have had a lot of kids come to stay with us over the years when trouble was brewing at home. Kids need to find their own path and parents need to be there to support them. They are not possessions or trophies to be displayed. I can say that most of the troubles these kids have had, stem from the parent's attitude towards them.
Looks like I am going to get back to the hockey rink to help an upstart Sledge Hockey group get going. These are a group of wounded warriors and other disabled people. The kid is a Hockey Canada certified coach and will be running the show until they get organized. The kid has helped troubled youth get into hockey as a way to help turn their lives around and we have helped out with the disabled sports programs through the years. We are awash in corporate money for hockey for all levels and have amazing facilities everywhere we turn, not sure how long I will be involved but I am looking forward to getting back at it.
It is unbelievable how many doors all his volunteering has opened for him career-wise. He was on one of the big media shows for an hour this week talking about the NHL playoffs, it is weird to hear your own kid on a broadcast.
I have to change the quick connects on the pressure washer hose, I am guessing it got run over by his truck when I lent it to the FIL.
Wife is going shopping with the kid as he needs a couple of new suites for all his jobs. He bugged out of Ottawa so fast when the covid thing hit, he left his good suite there. He will be going back soon and can get it then. I will stay home and trim the hedges today, I hate shopping for just about anything.
The other day I was doing a few easy push-ups as I always do and my shoulder went pop. It is the shoulder I already had surgery on a few years ago. I'll give it some time to heal up before I get too concerned. Then on Wednesday morning I woke up and climbed out of bed and my knee went pop just getting out of bed! Getting old really sucks. My knee is bad from plummeting down Whistler mountain as fast as I possibly could all those years. I am on slow-mo bike riding for a couple of weeks. If I stop altogether I'll seize up like a rusty old tin man. Good thing I have all that booze to see me through these tough times.
Best get at it.
All the best to all.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Afternoon folks!
I'm taking a break from some badly needed cleaning here at the house. Have about 2 weeks to get everything ship shape!! Why, you ask? Well.... On the 13th. of August, I will be brave and introduce my local family )Son, DIL, and Grandaugters to the lady i have been dating for over a year now... And her to them. My Lady Friend is an immaculate housekeeper, my son and his family are borderline hoarders, and I am a slob. I don't like a messy house, but I am just not good at cleaning... So I have started now to have enough time to make sure everything is in order when she is here. We will be having a Family Picnic that evening over at the State Park on Seneca Lake. That will give us a chance to not be crowded together (social Distanced) and make sure everyone is comfortable during the picnic.
So... Mehicho next month? OK by me as long as I don't have to eat any of what they consider to be food! They seem to put smaetters on everything. Tomatilos I don't mind, but tomatoes are my least favorite thing. Pukey frankly (old family buggaboo likey. I have been told I ate them when I was very young, no problem. But at some point I bit into one that was rotten or had a worm in it!!!) Yech!!!! I do like the cultural and musical stuff from Mexico! Should be interesting.
BATMANWe have had a lot of kids come to stay with us over the years when trouble was brewing at home. Kids need to find their own path and parents need to be there to support them. They are not possessions or trophies to be displayed. I can say that most of the troubles these kids have had, stem from the parent's attitude towards them.
That is one of the reasons I hold you folks in very high esteem! Sounds like you have raised a fine young man too! Someday I should take a vacation over your way!?!
BATMANI have to change the quick connects on the pressure washer hose, I am guessing it got run over by his truck when I lent it to the FIL.
I have bought several "quick Connects" and have never had one that doesn't leak like a sieve!
Well, back to cleaning the dump I live in!
73
Water Level RouteMom still refuses to help her as she wouldn't give up her culinary desires.
Culinary desires at 18, living at home? I would defintely give her the option of buying her own food a Whole Foods and cooking it herself. I thought you were going to hint at some lurid details.
Steven bacon soap the dog would never leave my thigh
Brent Love rum but never acquired a taste for spiced rum. Of course if I'm out of my rum, I will drink the Captain I keep here for my son.Saw my new house yesterday and the yard was nicely graded with top soil for sod and seed on Tuesday. In the afternoon it poured buckets and I now have a miny grand canyon. More topsoil, more money.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley