Hello Folks
We had a pork tenderloin tonight, too. A friend of Dee Ann's used to tell us about his venison "backstrap" so we kiddingly refer to any cut of meat from the loins as backstrap
I can count on one hand all the railroad photos I've taken in the last twenty years. Used to be quite active but not much of that stuff interests me these days. Watching the "vintage" steam crews in hard hats, hi-vis vests kind of takes the fun out of that. Plus being seen around the right-of-way with a camera may set yourself up for a felony these days.
I'll rely on other photographers that allow sharing their photos. Mike Danneman (a one-time Kalmbach editor/contributor) has some excellent photos!
Curving through Sheep Canyon by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Still wingless by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Look at the nice job the painters have done with weathering the pilot and plow
Get the gallon jug of Solvaset out!
Applying Scotchlite wings by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Here's one of my early vacation photos:
EJT_EBT_20_edited-1 by Edmund, on Flickr
The East Broad Top is on my bucket list to revisit soon. I'm so thankful that the current investors have made a go at keeping this historic treasure alive, and infact, expanding and improving the operation. After sixty years I'll still be able to stand on the steps of the Orbisonia!
200214_7_rockhill by lmyers83, on Flickr
These are the folks that made it happen
Left to right:
Lawrence Biemiller - EBT Foundation Secretary
Bennett Levin - EBT Foundation Board Member
Wick Moorman - EBT Foundation President
Henry Posner III - EBT Foundation Chairman
Jane Sheffield - EBT Foundation Board Member
Brad Esposito - EBT Foundation General Manager
David Brightbill - EBT Foundation Treasurer & Office Manager
Looky There! Top 'O the page! Smoked pork butt for everybody!
Smoked-shoulder by Edmund, on Flickr
Off to play trains! Cheers, Ed
gmpullmanLooky There! Top 'O the page! Smoked pork butt for everybody!
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Good Monday Morning!
Well, for something contemporary how about a nice shot of the Lakeshore Limited taken yesterday?
Sunday Morning Lake Shore by Jerry Jordak, on Flickr
Looks like Amtrak has a paint match problem? That second unit looks like it is the color of the old Nickel Plate PA-1s.
Along with contemporary accomplishments I believe the Union Pacific deserves a tip 'o the hat for their efforts to get the Big Boy back on the rails:
I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead —
Regards, Ed
Good morning all. A warm sunny day here in the U.K.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Good morning, everyone. Bacon, eggs, and coffee. Again. I never get tired of my boring breakfast menu.
It's time to plant grass in my area. I have a section of the backyard that I'm going to redo the leveling, and then plant. Not my favorite way to spend a day, and even worse, it's going to be in the high 90s with high humidity. Days like this make me appreciate ice cold beer in the late afternoon.
With the heat, it's a good time to look at BNSF's answer to snow. I believe this one is at Alliance, Nebraska, although I'm not real sure about that:
For those of you strange people who love to ballast your layout tracks, two years ago, areas about 60 miles east of us had flooding. This was BNSF putting new ballast on a section of flooded tracks at Plattsmouth, Nebraska:
Hope everyone has a good day.
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."
A couple of items that may cheer Kevin up…
Thanks Bear!
I have the Steam Punk train set as my desktop background now. It is perfect.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Good morning.....
I've been a bit busy last couple of days. Trying to catch up. I see Bear and David North Brit are back, and that is good.
Some of you may have heard about major flood in Tennessee in which several people died and many are still missing. The location is about 75 miles south of us.
We had plenty of rain here but nothing even close the the 17" in 24 hours they had in that part of TN.
MLC .... Did you have much rain in your "southern command" location? I think you were going there the last I heard.
Big Boy 4014 will be in southeast MO and in southern IL this coming weekend. I am planning on going with friends to see it.
Everybody ...... Have a good day.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good morning, I'm on my second cup of coffee and I still can't face the day.
The Kid and I did not do well on the golf course yesterday, I could tell he was really upset with what was going on with his Grandmother, justifiably so. She was showing some improvement in the morning and while we were out on the course she took a major turn for the worse. They wanted her DNR document at the hospital so my daughter had to route through our filing cabinet to find it and sent a copy to my wife at the hospital. She was rushed into surgery and is in the ICU now.
I got par on the last four holes so finished the round on a positive note. There were deer everywhere on the course and we had to shoo them away before we could tee off sometimes. At least there were no bears which we see often though they pay as much attention to you as the deer do as you walk by.
When my MIL arrived at emergency, our niece was the in-charge nurse and a good friend of ours was one of the Doctors that attended her. She ended up in a really nice private room and my wife had a cot to catch some winks on. It pays to know the right people.
Because of covid restrictions, my wife is the only one allowed in the hospital, even that is a big exception they are making for her. Not even her husband is allowed in but my wife is able to calm her down a lot from her panic attacks caused by her dementia.
John, I eat at least a dozen eggs a week, I mix in tomatoes, onions, cheeses and sometimes meat but no bread as I eat very few carbs. I get so much inflammation from carbs in my joints and gut I go from an active lifestyle to unwell in quick order requiring medication. I would rather eat healthily, live Med-free, and feel good. Most of the time I only eat one meal a day, I worked my way up to doing that over a few months and I feel way better for it.
So we have moved into modern times for this month's theme. We use to camp in the Rockies often and I would go off on my mountain bike, park myself on a cliff overlooking the CPR mainline and watch the trains roll by. The kid(s) would tag along sometimes and we would enjoy the quiet we would find and see a lot of wildlife while we waited. Then we would hear the approach of a train and it would be ear-splitting power going by as they would pass by grinding their way up to the continental divide.
Albert Canyon use to be a pusher station, but now the trains just blow through, but right as they pass this spot heading East they really throttle up, music to the ears.
It use to look like this.
Not much left there now but lots of old equipment in the weeds from long ago and where the wye was is this old explosives shed.
Looking down the wye.
The kids often talk about those days fondly hiking and riding off the beaten path to watch trains. It is definitely Grizzly country so we all had bear spray on hand.
Modern era Grizzlies asleep at Banff Station.
It has cooled off considerably the last few days, fall is in the air. I may venture into the trainroom and fire up the layout. The first order of business will be running the CMX.
I found myself playing this song yesterday, which means it is getting close to retreating back into the trainroom time.
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."
Right where I left it.
Well, my time in the trainroom was short-lived. I have mentioned in the past I am the Executor of an estate of a lady who is an American but immigrated to Canada over forty years ago.
She died 20 months ago but the U.S. Government keeps sending her stimulus cheques. I have spent hours on the phone with the IRS/Dept of Treasury that insist the Estate is eligible to get them. I am happy to take the money on behalf of the estate and the Canadians that will in the end receive the money, however, I sure hope I don't have to file another IRS return as that will just burn up the stimulus money with accounting fees. But at least it is a Canadian accounting firm that gets the business.
So here I sit talking to the IRS, the accountant, and typing on the forum in between while on hold, I am glad you are all here to listen.
SeeYou190Well, it seems in my story about how I lost my photograph collection when the A/C unit leaked in the closet could not be true. He is an expert on all the legalities of construction, and it would never be allowed to mount an A/C unit in a storage space.
That person obviously has never been in New Orleans. Air conditioners are either in the attic or in closets - storerooms. If they are not allowed in a storage space, then thousands of homes and apartments in New Orleans are against code. It sounds like someone angry with you is grasping at straws or they live in a city with different codes.
BATMANI am happy to take the money on behalf of the estate and the Canadians that will in the end receive the money, however, I sure hope I don't have to file another IRS return as that will just burn up the stimulus money with accounting fees.
If the woman's estate is still getting a lot of income from various sources, you may have to file another tax return.
When my daughters were in college, I filed their returns for them. I got a letter from the IRS stating that one daughter had received two refunds, and that we owed one of them back. After months of back-and-forth, I got copies from the IRS of the front and back of the refund checks. One check was legitimate -- it was endorsed by her and we had the corresponding bank deposit record.
The second check had no endorsement on the back and no record of my daughter ever receiving the check or any bank record. That didn't matter to the IRS. I fought for months. There was no reasoning with them. My last recourse was to hire a lawyer which would have cost me more than the $200 check. I paid it just to make it all go away.
York1If the woman's estate is still getting a lot of income from various sources, you may have to file another tax return.
I have the IRS file closed on her and all her assets transferred to Canada with the appropriate documents from the IRS sealing the deal. Then I get these stimulus cheques. I just found out they are not taxable so all is good. I am sure the beneficiary will put them to good use. I sure got good service from the IRS I had three direct lines I could phone in different departments and always talked to someone that could actually make decisions. They also phoned me often to make sure everything was going smoothly and could they do anything for me.
I also had to deal often through the U.S. consulate in Vancouver who were also a pleasure to deal with. I had many long conversations with the Attorney Generals' office for Pennsylvania over several months, along with a lot of correspondence and they were great.
Then there is the U.S. banking system, I am still in disbelief with all that went on in that department. She had dealings with seven different financial institutions in the U.S.
I was dealing directly with one of the vice presidents of one of the big banks down there and he was great and all went well with that bank. Then with the four of the others, it was a real challenge. With two of the banks, it was just absolutely ridiculous the people they have working in so-called positions of authority. I would phone the vice president of the first bank and ask him how to deal with the other banks as they were so inept. He used to tell me, "you guys are so lucky up there in Canada with your chartered banking system", down here banking it is the wild West to a point of criminality at times. He helped me out a lot offering suggestions on dealing with his competition. I also had to get the U.S. consulate involved with these two really bad players. The Consulate read them the riot act and educated them on international treaties regarding Estates and Executor authority as it applied to me specifically. They came around after fourteen months. I should have sicked the consulate on them after the first phone call.
I have at least a year's worth of work left on this Estate.
BATMANI sure got good service from the IRS I had three direct lines I could phone in different departments and always talked to someone that could actually make decisions. They also phoned me often to make sure everything was going smoothly and could they do anything for me.
My dealings with them were over 20 years ago, so maybe they have gotten a lot better in the service department since then.
York1My dealings with them was over 20 years ago, so maybe they have gotten a lot better in the service department since then.
Yeah, I am hearing all kinds of stories about the new and improved kinder and gentler Internal Revenue Service.
SeeYou190 Internal Revenue Service
I didn't think "bad language" was allowed on this Forum!!!
It has been a difficult day around here. My work on the house has been at a stand-still for a couple of weeks while things are what they are.
I have been drinking an awful lot of iced tea. Not sure why, I normally drink mostly ice water, but Luzianne Tea has been my beverage of choice for a while.
I got an Athearn Blue Box GP38-2 in the mail today. I bought it just for the handrails for my Athearn Special Edition GP38-2 which was missing them. I put it on a test track, and it ran more smoothly than any stock Athearn locomotive I have ever run. Without looking, I would have sworn it was a Stewart/Kato F unit.
That was a nice surprise.
I sniped a good deal on eBay today also.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
BATMANI have at least a year's worth of work left on this Estate.
Hi Brent,
I don't envy you.
My family has finally settled my parents' estate. They died in 2013 but they left us with a cottage that had a very complicated ownership trust. By complicated, I mean that the trust was set up in 1958 and none of the partners did anything with regard to maintaining or renewing the trust, and they totally ignored the capital gains that should have been declared every 21 years. It was all done by handshake, and when all of the partners have died, proving what was agreed to is a bit of a challenge.
To say that this has been stressful would be an understatement of profound proportions! Thankfully, it is all behind us now and the funds from the sale of the cottage are in the bank.
On another note, my dear aunt Mary passed away on Monday morning. She was my favourite aunt. We had many wonderfull times together, many of which included sharing tales about our bird watching adventures. She died peacefully. Dianne and I were able to get to the hospice shortly after to give her husband Bob a bit of comfort. She will be missed. She was the last surviving sibling of five children. I guess that's life.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Good morning Diners. I am hungry today. A full English and a large coffee please, Chloe.
Brent. Dawn is a softy for anything (small) animal that is 'cuddly'. I showed her one of your pictures. "Awe, how cute." she said. "You know they are 'Grizzlies' don't you?" I replied. "Cuddle them if she dare."
Dave. Sorry to hear about your Aunt Mary. Always sad to see the passing of a family member. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
An old film of trains around Ripon, Yorkshire
Railways in Devon
Good Morning All,
Just a regular to go please ladies. Still swamped with shop jobs and the new house so no time really to just sit. Haven't even touched the train tables of late as I do other more important stuff for the CFO.
We had Henri through here Sunday and a redeaux Monday as the remnants swung back through. Just rain though virtually no big wind and my co-worker who is right on Long Island Sound got almost no storm surge so - a lucky break.
Sorry to see all the ongoing troubles some of you are having. I think of you guys often even though I don't have time to dwell here lately. Ciao, J.R.
Good morning, everyone.
Just checking in to say hi. I've got a busy day ahead.
Two years ago, some flooding took out some BNSF track east of us. This is at Plattsmouth, which is where the Platte River empties into the Missouri River, just a mile south of Offut AFB, headquarters of STRATCOM.
Have a good day, everyone.
Good morning.
I am enjoying all of the videos and photos you are posting.
Here is Amtrak in Grand Junction, CO.
I took this photo from the rear window of a westbound Amtrak as we met an eastbound Amtrak in Colorado.
BATMANThen with the four of the others, it was a real challenge. With two of the banks, it was just absolutely ridiculous the people they have working in so-called positions of authority. I would phone the vice president of the first bank and ask him how to deal with the other banks as they were so inept. He used to tell me, "you guys are so lucky up there in Canada with your chartered banking system", down here banking it is the wild West to a point of criminality at times. He helped me out a lot offering suggestions on dealing with his competition. I also had to get the U.S. consulate involved with these two really bad players.
Hi Brent!
I hope things will be MUCH easier for my sons when I go... I only use a Credit Union! They do things well and make life easier (well, I am an "owner" of the place as a member). I will never, ever, use another commercial (read: billionair's) bank! I also do NOT ever take out loans anymore. I pay cash for everything. Wrote a check for the Tesla and have already paid myself back. Cost me a whole lot less than paying interest on a loan for it and was a whole lot easier as well. I talked with the councilor at the CU and was told I was a whole lot smarter to pay cash... A commercial bank would NEVER tell you that... If I don't have it in my accounts at the CU, I don't need it! My kids will not have a whole lot of busy work to do when I die. All they will have is the Funeral home bill, close my accounts at the CU, and sell the house.
I am sick to death of greedy people on this earth!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Good morning from the sunny, warm Westside.
howmusI am sick to death of greedy people on this earth!
I actually belong to two credit unions, my Dad helped start one of them back in 1959 when we moved to the Vancouver area from Winnipeg. He hated banks with a passion. His jaw would drop if he saw how it has grown with many branches all over the Province. We buy our house insurance through the Credit Union and the rate is waaaaay lower than anywhere else. I still shop around every year but always end up buying through the Credit Union. When he started the CU in 1959 I got one of the first accounts and my account # is three digits long. On the rare occasion I go in to do some business the teller always makes a big deal as I have been a member just about longer than anyone still alive having got my account at age two..
Dave, I am sorry to hear of your Aunt's passing. I have fond memories that revolve around all my aunts and every time I lost one a piece of my life went with them.
hon30critterHi Brent, I don't envy you.
Actually, Dave, it has been a wonderful learning experience. Given my choice of careers, stress is never a factor for me even when all those around me are buckling under it. Logic dictates me to not waste energy stressing over things I have no control over. It is always one step at a time for me. My wife is the same way and people have often asked how we can remain so calm through things that cause complete meltdowns in others.
The biggest problem I had dealing with the banks South of the border was people not understanding their jobs as far as international law/treaties go. After I got bumped upstairs a few rungs, things went more smoothly. The IRS had me dealing with higher-ups right from my first contact with them which made everything go well.
This is Massive siding on the CPR mainline walking distance from Banff. I enjoy reading all the stories on the CPR FB pages and one of them is about the old Grizzly that lived at Massive long past his best before date. The RR guys said he lived so long because he had easy pickings living off spilled grain. They would be able to just walk right past the old guy without a worry in the world as he would just sit there. It took him a while to get to his feet apparently and he became somewhat of a mascot for the crews.
This is a Matthew Hicks photo he posted here years ago. It is a great place to go watch the action when in Banff. But have your bear spray with you.
My son just FB me and said he took the day off and is coming down, I think he just needs to bend my ear on a job change, we shall see. Deadpool 3 has been announced and that has been the topic of conversation lately.
Good evening Diners. A large coffee please, Brunhilda.
The talk of greedy people etc. reminds me of an old song by a group called Fivepenny Piece. It is called Tuppence Change. Basically no matter how rich or poor a person, when they die and every one has been paid, there is only tuppence left (about two Cents). A lot of truth in the song. imo.
David, I'm not sure if you're seeing the same thing we're getting in the U.S.:
Apparently not allowed in U.S.A. John.
I have some records of Fivepenny Piece. They are really funny yet true of life.
Post Hog.
Diners.
Had too many late nights, so turning in early.
Enjoy the rest of your day
Howdy ....
Dave (critter) .... Condolences for loss of your Aunt Mary.
Bear .... Thanks for sharing pictures of the 1905 Dunelin Station. What a beautiful building ! The image of a locomotive on stained glass is remarkable.
Brent ..... I enjoying seeing the photos of CP in western Canada. The scenery is absolutely beautiful.
Everybody ...... Have a nice evening.
Next month is coming. Who has any ideas for a theme?
Dave sorry about your aunt.
I have a friend whose sister is the executor to her mom's estate, which is basically just a home in Cleveland that is run down because that's what happens when the elderly aren't functioning at full capacity.
Neither the sister nor her lawyer has done anything to settle the estate or fix up the house and it is endanger of being sold for taxes. My friend doesn't have the money to hire a lawyer. No matter how little the house would bring, it would be huge for my friend who is struggling to survive on SS disability.
I fainted after breakfast on Friday. That got the wifey's attention. I am now on Day 2 of a 30 wear at home cardiac monitor. I will probably end up with a pacemaker but I'd like to know exactly what I have. I had previous spells of lightheadedness, but my pulse was always normal. I did not check it on Friday.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley