Tinplate ToddlerToday, Petra and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary.
Congratulations Ulrich and Petra!!!
That says a lot of things about both of your characters.
Good luck with the move to Denmark! Moving is stressful enough without all the other crap that you have been going through recently, but I hope your move goes well!
Cheers!!
Dave
Top of the page!! Blueberry pancakes all around with maple syrup, and just plain blueberries, maybe with a touch of whipped cream, for those who can't indulge in the wheat products. Our local diner makes blueberry pancakes with so many blueberries that you almost need a spoon.
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
cudakenIf they could fix it in say 3 to 8 weeks I give it a try. But 14 weeks? Tells me they a having major quality problems?
Maybe they take an extended summer vacation there in Fla?
Did you try a "hard reset" using the button in the tender? If that doesn't work you could send the engine back to me and I could have a look. Pretty sure I bought a half dozen of the reed switches to keep in stock. If there's a problem with the decoder I could then send the engine to Ormond Beach from here.
I have a spare P3 decoder that came out of an Erie 4-6-2 but it might not have the PRR Banshee whistle.
Think it over —
Congratulations Ulrich & Petra!
PRR_Menu_A by Edmund, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
Just got back from a very relaxing week at a cottage on the west end of Lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario. We had great weather, the cottage was clean and comfortable, and the views were great. The main deck on the cottage faced west so we had some beautiful sunsets. The birding was good too. We had lots of different warblers with some of them coming within a few feet of us. There were the usual chickadees and nuthatches, and a red eyed vireo. The highlight was having a family of loons fishing right off the point that the cottage was on. The baby was still all fuzzy and plumped up. It was funny watching it try to dive because its buoyancy left its bum and legs dangling above the surface when it put its head under, and caused it to pop right back to the surface when it did manage to get submerged. Sorry, the picture isn't as clear as I would like it to be. The camera was hand held with the zoom maxed out.
Batman
Prayers for your son--wishing a speedy recovery for him----
Ulrich
Congratulatons on your anniversary, hoping your move to Denmark goes smoothly---
Lost Shelby, one of my wife's companion dogs, acquired when she was recovering from her second bout with cancer. Kidneys gave out, and 48 hours later my neighbor and I were digging a grave--the pup was totally devoted to my wife, and helped her get through her second operation, house is very quiet, still have one Chessie left, one of Pluto's offspring---ears and all---have looked at another rescue dog down in Alabama, looks like one that I lost about 15 years ago.
Wife is headed out tomorrow to a family gathering, many of her relatives she has not seen in over 50 years--funny, living where we do all of the relatives must think that we have lobster bushes growing around the house. " Is there any chance you might bring some lobsters down for the gathering??" no way in H--- I was going to pack 150 pounds of lobsters into the car, I got two dozen, cooked them up, picked out the meat, and Barbara will make a LARGE lobster salad for lobster rolls. Lobsters at present are $5.40 a pound to the boat.
Garden starting to come in, put some peas by tonight, cukes and squash are ready to pick, (she planted zuchinni--don't leave your car door unlocked) enjoying the yellow summer squash.
We have a large toad that has discovered the pile of barbque under the bug zapper, he is there every night. What he doesn't get the birds clean up at sunrise.
Helping my neighbor install a new 115 Yamaha outboard on his boat, he had a E-tech 115 that ate one of the pistons as the electronic oil injection, didn't, seized up just after he left the dock. The new engine is 4 cycle, and only weighs 17 pounds more than his other engine.
My BIL had a 24 foot Boston Whaler with a 250 hp Evinrude on it--it had VRO oil injection, I made sure the fuel was mixed 50-1, even with the VRO, it was never all that reliable. It helped many marinas survive the winters here doing repair work.
Had my fourth repair done to my shoulder, still can't work overhead,(drive nails) but have acquired a battery powered hammer, it has a rare earth magnet that holds the nail in place, just start it where it is needed, and pull the trigger. Works quite well.
It has been hot here as well, we call it summer--won't last though.
Got rid of the 2000 Dodge, only had 124,000 on the engine--Cummins 5.9L diesel, with an Allison transmission, body was still primo--just did not need to run that much truck, getting in, and out, was getting to be a chore, traded it for a Ford Ranger, 2011, 4WD. 2011s had problems with rust on the back end, but this one, while it has some, is in better shape than most that I have looked at. I am in hopes it will help holdoff the knee and hip thing for another three-four years.
Starting to come false dawn, going to grab some sleep, and get herself on the road at 0800.
Best wishes to all, prayers for those in need---
herrinchoker
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Bear,
The price of $5.40 is high for "shedders", which are just coming out. These are lobsters that have just shed their shells, and are very soft. I got "pistols" (lobsters with no claws), and one-claw lobsters to make the salad with as they generally have more meat than two claw lobsters. These are preferred by hotels and restaurants that specialize in lobster salad dishes. Shedders generally run $3.05-$3.65 to the boat. The price will go down in another week or so----boats will be landing 500--1200 pounds per day, not 100-150. One trap, rigged with bouy and rope runs around $180.00 per, most of the gang is fishing 600 traps. Average price for a 40 lobster boat with bare bones hydraulics/electronics is north of $275,000, you do most of the building, and can go well over $400,000 if it is built by a yard.
In the winter, Dec.-Mar. when the gang only gets out 2-3 times per month the price will jump to 10.00++ per pound to the boat due to the lack of---
Winter of 73 we went from the 17th. of Dec. to the end of the second week of Mar. and only got out three times due to weather, NW 25-40 knts. temp. in the single numbers-to teens, heavy icing. ( I wasn't hauling poverty boxes,-traps-I was dragging for shrimp. I liked the idea of bringing my gear home with me.
Do you ever work on the WW1 reproduction aircraft that are there in your country? Saw some on a program here last night. They had been outfitted with laser "guns" and had dog fights with them, interesting to watch. One of the aircraft engines (French I believe) had the cylenders spin with the prop, different.
The one thing that I noticed is about all of the engines smoked worse than a diesel that wet stacked.
Good Afternoon All,
90 days tomorrow Ken - good on ya.
TF - hope Judy gets the BP sorted. Too low is bad but if it goes pearshaped when too high - that can be worse. I've had to change meds 2-3 times over the years to accomodate changes that happened for no apparent reason.
herrinchoker - many of the early radial engines had fixed cranks and the cylinders spun around that. I suppose it made oiling systems easier with centrifugal feed but likely also needed bigger clearances for the pistons and valve guides. Metalurgy, seals and lubricants are much better these days than back then but aircraft engines still run loose since a siezed piston is much more of a problem when you can't pull over and park.
Catch y'all later. J.R.
herrinchokerThese are lobsters that have just shed their shells, and are very soft.
I know nothing about lobsters except that I love to eat them.
In Louisiana, we had soft-shelled crabs, which are just like what you describe with the lobsters. The great thing about soft-shelled crabs is that you could deep fry them and eat the whole crab instead of trying to pick the meat.
Now if we want to talk crawfish, I'm all in. There is nothing like a backyard crawfish boil with corn, potatoes, and a keg of Dixie Beer. It's not a meal, it's an hours-long event.
I remember that New York City restaurant Zabar's (?) for years served crawfish in the food, called it lobster, and no one knew any difference.
York1 John
Afternoon Diners
Flo, give the gang and I a and Jan some White Lighting.
Ed I will try a hard reset, but from what you have said about the reed switch it sounds more like a mechanical problem? But what the heck worth a try.
Going to play in the front yard, so later.
None smoking Ken
I hate Rust
York1 Now if we want to talk crawfish, I'm all in. There is nothing like a backyard crawfish boil with corn, potatoes, and a keg of Dixie Beer. It's not a meal, it's an hours-long event.
Now that's a real crawfish boil! When I lived in St. Charles Parish, I went to a crawfish and shrimp boil with lots of cold beer on the side. Talk about good eats...and it was all fresh caught, too. Ahhh...Louisiana food.
Russ
Modeling the early '50s Erie in Paterson, NJ. Here's the link to my railroad postcard collection: https://railroadpostcards.blogspot.com/
Good Saturday Evening, Guys! I haven't posted much because I just haven't been actively doing any model railroad work. The reason is that I have to have my right hip replaced due to massive arthritis on the head of the femur ball that fits into the socket. It's worn away most of the cartilage, it's painful, and I have a very difficult time walking, so the OEM part has to go. I have an appointment with an orthopedic specialist at the VA Hospital in Cleveland on Thursday to find out the next step. No whining or crying here, let's just do it! Anyway, I'll keep checking the posts and will update everyone when it's time. Might get in some bench time tomorrow.
Russ I looked and couldn't find the wait time for hip replacement in the VA. Looks like they have cleaned up the problem of getting an intial visit.
In Canada, they have chosen 6 months as standard waiting time and depending on where you live, 40 to 80% of patients have their surgery in 6 months. I'll bet you wouldn't be thrilled with a 6 month wait.
The US data is really old. In 1994 it was 3 weeks.
Brent Sounds like the kid had a big hit. I wish him a speedy recovery.
TF I sent you a pm. Another idea occured to me. Renal artery stenosis. Back in the day, it was one of the things looked for. It's not all that common, and I don't know if anyone thinks of it these days.
[Political content deleted by admin.]
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Thank you All for all the support and concern here. It makes me feel good that people I haven't even met face-to-face are so kind and supportive.
I have not told any of my day-to-day acquaintances about this. Judy is a somewhat standoffish type of gal and doesn't like to be in the light of things so to speak.
I'm sure everything will all pan out and be just fine. There is no other way to look at it.
Thanks Henry. I did get your p.m. and did respond back
TF
After three weeks of back and forth, our realtor gave us the call today to say that the sellers have accepted our post-inspection requests and that we will close on Thursday. During the inspection, we uncovered a variety of issues that will mean that the basement walls have some carbon fiber strapping in their future. So, the basement has to get un-finished and I have a monitoring phase before I can finish the basement for transformation into train room. On the plus side, this means a stud wall that divided the finished room from an unfinished storage room has to go. My wife already gave the green light for annexation, meaning that my future train room is 24x31. I'll probably rebuild the stud wall anyhow, so that my staging and workshop room are in their own space. An embarassment of riches!
On the other hand, my peculiarities of being a Federal contractor means that I'm currently not working. Sort of weird to be buying a house while I'm out of work, but we can definitely afford to do it (she makes very good money!) and it'll be nice to be available for various things without taking time off work. Had an interview last week and have one next week, so hopefully that sorts itself out fast.
Good morning.
We arrived in Maine. We flew into Boston , MA and rented a vehicle there. Traffic to southern Maine from Boston was terrible.
Jan / Herrinchoker. I just sent a message in our PM thread . It was difficult doing it on my iPhone. It would not let me into our conversation unless I logged in. However , I already was logged in. .. each time I tried, I got an error message. Frustrating. Finally got into it and sent a message.
Russ ... I’m sorry to hear about your hip problem. Prayers for you.
TF ... Still praying for judy.
Ulrich.. A late happy anniversary to you and Petra.
Henry... You posted some interesting information . Some of it makes me wonder. Not sure why the UK would limit retirement savings. Makes no sense to me.
Everybody. .. Have a nice Sunday
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good Afternoon!
If has cooled down a bit, but not yer enough to make me fell comfortable. I didn´t get much sleep the last few days and I am beginning to feel that.
Heartland Division CB&QHenry... You posted some interesting information . Some of it makes me wonder. Not sure why the UK would limit retirement savings. Makes no sense to me.
UK does not limit retirement savings but any income from that, i.e. interest is taxable. So if you get a state pension (which is usually tax free) and a private pension, they are both taxable as a whole, with a certain amount deductible. May be this helps to understand the rather odd situation.
Have a nice Sunday!
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Thanks for the good wishes on my hip surgery, Guys! I very well may find myself on a short list schedule for having this done. I'm going to push the VA in the direction of allowing me to have the surgery performed locally, but that's a discussion for when I go see the ortho guy at the VA Hospital in Cleveland. In he meantime, I just limp, hobble, and sit around. I'll see if I can get in some bench time today.
Good Sunday morning! It's 71° and some rain predicted.
Yes, Ulrich, that UK system sounds strange. It brings to mind one of Ronald Reagan's quotes: "Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
TF, we are praying for Judy. Please keep us informed.
Nittany Lion, I'm jealous of your new room. My layout is in a corner of a 10' X 12' bedroom, and I had to push to get that. My wife has already told me that if she dies before me, I can expand the layout into the rest of the house.
Russ, I have known quite a few people who have had hip replacement, and they are all very happy with the results. I hope yours will go smoothly (if replacement is the decision made).
Ken, after a certain amount of time, doctors start referring to you as a non-smoker instead of a former smoker.
Bear, as I type, I'm watching a Mighty Trains episode called, "Kiwi Rail". It shows some of the spectacular scenery in your land. Amazing. I see they have cars with open platforms for the tourists.
Herrinchoker, I miss my old Ford Ranger. It was a rear wheel drive which was not good in my rural area in the winter.
Hope y'all have a good relaxing Sunday.
If the LION needs an elective hip replacement, he can have it within the week. (Need time for some meds to clear from your body)
Emergency his prplacement is the same day.
Pay the nice lady on the way out.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
BroadwayLionIf the LION needs an elective hip replacement, he can have it within the week. (Need time for some meds to clear from your body)
Are you able to get up to the third floor yet?
York1 BroadwayLion If the LION needs an elective hip replacement, he can have it within the week. (Need time for some meds to clear from your body) Are you able to get up to the third floor yet?
BroadwayLion If the LION needs an elective hip replacement, he can have it within the week. (Need time for some meds to clear from your body)
I haven't tried it yet, but I am sure that I could. Right now it is too hot up there to even think about it. Maybe in September, which is easy to say, but I also fell down twice this week.
GRRRR
When our daughter moved in with us six years ago to go back to school, she brought with her, among other things, two dogs. One, a Papillion, has been a thorn in my side. He likes to "mark" things in the house and is constantly barking out in the backyard, much to the chagrin of the neighbors. Honestly, I have not been very found of the dog. Four weeks ago he took a turn for the worse. (He is about 12 years old.) As of today, he is fighting for every breath and hasn't eaten for four days. I don't think he will be with us much longer. It is amazing how attached you can become once you spend hours holding a suffering animal.
Richard
Flo, give the gang and I a please.
Russ Good luck with the VA. MY VA hosptial love to cut! It is a traning Hospital for surgons. I was dang lucky to get out of there with everything I was born with! I have read a hip replacment only take 3 to 6 weeks to recover from.
Henery I know how you are feeling. My wife had a Lhasa Apos (spell check) and I hated that dog. Dog hated me right back! It would growl at me when I got home, ate or went to bed. I still cried when we had to have her put down.
Time to head out front with wife.
Later day 90 not somking Ken
York1 after a certain amount of time, doctors start referring to you as a non-smoker instead of a former smoker.
Not very likely. I am always asked "do you smoke or did you ever smoke".
maxman York1 after a certain amount of time, doctors start referring to you as a non-smoker instead of a former smoker.
I also am asked every time I visit a doctor. On my last visit, when I told them I quit 39 years ago, the doctor told me that for all practical purposes, they count that as non-smoker.
Sorry, that's all I meant.
Good Morning!
I feel devastated! Didn´t find any sleep last night - too hot and stuffy, despite all of the windows wide open!
It was supposed to cool down last night, but it didn´t - I am hoping for today!
There was a thread about serious model railroader which got locked. I found the following video about a garden layout in Switzerland , made with Lego bricks. The lady who built it may not be considered as a serious model railroader, but she sure did a magnificent job!
Okay, I have to brag!
My son Cole has almost completed building a patio with a roof in his backyard. He has only had limited exposure to such projects and that was a long time ago, but he knew what he wanted and I think he got it right. He designed it and built it all by himself from the ground up:
He has yet to install the steps and there are a few other finishing touches. There are a couple of possible design issues like the relatively unsupported roof overhangs, but he has ordered a long handled squeege so hopefully he can keep up with the snow build up. If worse comes to worst, he can just cut the overhangs back.
Dave (proud pappa!)
hon30critterMy son Cole has almost completed building a patio with a roof in his backyard.
And he has done great job! I bet he is as proud as you are!
Good Morning All,
A regular and a blueberry scone please Zoe. Not much to report on my end as I didn't do much yesterday. I sympathize with Ulrich as it was just too humid to do much. Even in the reletively cool basement with the big dehumidifier it was just too much and just staining rocks got me soaked. Did manage to watch the F-1 race and do chores in the morning before it got too hot. Even got the screen replaced on our back porch slider after the porch started to go in shade.
I agree the patio looks nice. I hope the lightly supported overhang works out but given the amount of snow you can get it may be problematic. Doing home stuff I aways end up asking "What would Holmes do?"
Two trucks to Indy today plus a third to New Hampshire Thursday. Time to pick up tools. Ciao, J.R.
That looks great Dave, he did a nice job! That roof structure is massive!. He probably could have used heavier purlins, but I think it will be all right. There are easy ways to "beef up" the excisting purlins, but I'm sure he'll figure it out.
I like the roof covering. I've always wanted to build something just like this over our hot tub.
I disvovered a soccer ball sized bald faced hornet nest in a pine tree right next to our patio. The wife is extremely allergic to stings, so last night, after dark i bundled up as if I was going out snow blowing, armed with 2 cans of wasp foamy stuff, and took care of it.
She has mowed the lawn the last 2 times while I have been working on our place in Northern WI., driving the John Deere right under this nest, not knowing it was there, and I'm thankfull that they didn't swarm her. It seriously would have killed her, before she could get to her EpiPen, and call 911.
Everything around the home front is under control now, rasberries picked, (grapes will be next) lawn and yard stuff caught up, fix-it projects taken care of, so next week, I'll probably head back north again, and back to work. I need to get this job done while I still can!
Have a great week!
Mike.
My You Tube