2008 [PART 2] and the Coffee Pot is still on and now 4 years old. Here we gather as friends with trains. Sweet ice tea too.

[Wes Whitmore]

Very warm and humid here as well, it tried to rain but evaporated before it hit the ground.

Have to scrounge around and find the funds to get track(Magicman just might beat me if he gets his track soon)

Who in Columbus carries atlas 3-rail O track? Gargraves I got a good start on its just finding the atlas switches and a lionel transfertable that may be a challenge.

I believe a saw a full box of 12" straights at Robbies Hobbies, just south of Henderson and High Street. 

[ChiefEagles]

Wow, post at around 11 AM.  Went to livingroom and went to sleep.  Just woke up.  Tired.  I came back to post something I forgot earlier.

Wonder if they gave Otis [Don Baker] a key to his own cell?

Time for sweet ice tea and tomato sandwiches.

[CSXect]

Thanks Wes, been looking for an excuse to check out Robbies hobbies, maybe George from Blue caboose still has some stuff there at Robbies Hobbies

[Anonymous]

Afternoon fellas.

Yesterday I got all the crown molding sections cut for the master bathroom... need to get them painted. Also painted the trim around the window, and got the curtain rehung... now no one can see in the window that no one could see in before... don't ask.

Also got the deck washed... what a pain. Looks good now, and wish I had simply washed the entire deck instead of staining the other side. Now have to stain the clean section to match the ugly stained section. Good thing I plan to replace the decking in a couple years.

Today I got up and washed, vacuumed, and waxed both BMWs. Susie-Q cleaned the windows and dashes and seats. Wanted to get her Solara done as well, but it is in the shop getting new front brakes, rotors, and calipers (I just replaced the rotors and brakes 2 months ago but the calipers failed... ). Still have to get the A/C fixed in my BMW... starting to get to be a bigger problem than I thought (not having A/C).

All - the new job isn't 100%, but very close. Should have the offer in my hands either Tuesday or Wednesday. Still some concern about medical because they have an 80/20 plan and we don't know if there is a yearly cap on the deductible/employee out of pocket. If no cap, and their supplemental doesn't cover the rest, then I'll probably have to pass on this job too. I am finding there are jobs out there, but getting good benefits is getting harder and harder to find.

[ChiefEagles]

Brutus, forgot to answer your question.  Building a big work bench in his garage [multi-level, so his big Craftsman tool chest could roll under one end, top box go on top of that level and the regular height work bench for 8 feet long on the other level.  Big horizonal Craftsman compressor goes under other end as the lower level work area has a over hang at the end.  A big shelf for storage under the main work area and storage for power tools in cases on the concrete under that], pipe his air lines from compressor over work bench [with quick connects] and around garage to the garage door and add electrical outlets over the work bench and around the garage [garage is finished with sheetrock].  Added electrical outlets [one high up with switch below for work bench light], drilled the plates and fished the walls [with insulation in them].  Put in boxes with "wings".  Added breakers in electrical pannel.  All in one day. 

[cnw1995]

Afternoon all. Bet you get a few more mpg with an emptied truck, Chief. Absolutely Beautiful day here - got to leave church early in the 2nd service because my camera wasn't needed anymore. So came home 'early'  and went out kite-flying with the youngest.

I am tired from cleaning out the middle boy's room with the bride this weekend whilst he is away at camp. Had to swap out beds and take piles of stuff to the basement and the garage. Those Ikea bunk beds must have a thousand bolts of different sizes. Happy it's done. Won't he be surprised. The youngest starts t-ball tomorrow. That promises to be fun.

Sounds like Don had quite a party. I had a Coke too late last night - caffeine kept me awake.

Kurt, can't wait to see your scratch-built projects.

[Anonymous]

Afternoon fellas.

Yesterday I got all the crown molding sections cut for the master bathroom... need to get them painted. Also painted the trim around the window, and got the curtain rehung... now no one can see in the window that no one could see in before... don't ask.

Also got the deck washed... what a pain. Looks good now, and wish I had simply washed the entire deck instead of staining the other side. Now have to stain the clean section to match the ugly stained section. Good thing I plan to replace the decking in a couple years.

Today I got up and washed, vacuumed, and waxed both BMWs. Susie-Q cleaned the windows and dashes and seats. Wanted to get her Solara done as well, but it is in the shop getting new front brakes, rotors, and calipers (I just replaced the rotors and brakes 2 months ago but the calipers failed... ). Still have to get the A/C fixed in my BMW... starting to get to be a bigger problem than I thought (not having A/C).

All - the new job isn't 100%, but very close. Should have the offer in my hands either Tuesday or Wednesday. Still some concern about medical because they have an 80/20 plan and we don't know if there is a yearly cap on the deductible/employee out of pocket. If no cap, and their supplemental doesn't cover the rest, then I'll probably have to pass on this job too. I am finding there are jobs out there, but getting good benefits is getting harder and harder to find.

Brent,

         How do you have the energy to wash and wax two cars in the same day? I washed and waxed the Sunfire, and I feel like I could fall asleep any time now.  What wax did you use?  I used the Turtle Wax Ice paste and it did a decent job.  I am going to clean the windows, carpet, seats, and install power locks with keyless entry this week.  I should also see what is going on with the headlights.  The low beams work fine, but when the high beams are switched on, the passenger side high beam comes on and the driver's side headlight shuts off completely.  Good luck on the job offer.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

IIABSDISEI with the temps and humidity much lower today than yesterday as a cold front brought storms last night and lots of rain.  I started mowing the yard yesterday just after the rain but then the sun came out and it got hot and sticky.  Took me three hours to get it done.  Of course using a half hour to look for a bolt that came off again did not help.  Last John Deere I ever buy.  Next time a Toro for half the price and still with an aluminum deck.  Wife and I went to see "Journey to the Center of the Earth".  Good fun!  Went over to my dad's and watched the IRL race.  Dixon won on fuel strategy, the Princess was 5th and Manning turned in a respectable ninth.  Went to the local historical museum after church today and then installed new MTH curves on standard gauge layout upstairs.  All but two straight stretches of track are now MTH.  I had the regular fare on the dining car for breakfast this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[rtraincollector]

Did get thru finally to IRS Friday and because I filed a ammended return My check will still be another 8 to 12 weeks before I see it.

Figures oh well what can I do nothin but wait.

[sir james I]

GOOD EVENING ALL

We had a nice summer day,windy but 81. I was lazy again today, got up later than usual then played on here till noon time. Lunch,nap, and golf was my afternoon. So not much going on,  I am plannig a trip to the train store tomorrow, I will see how the morning goes.

I got banilla and strawberry but no bakery stuff, come by when you are ready...S.J.

[dwiemer]

Good evening everyone!  Just a quick stop by on my way to bed.  Been a busy week and being on call, I had to do some emergencies.  I am very tired and today, I had to work the light board for both morning and night services.  At least I was not on camera....I feel for you Doug.  Not much worse than being exhausted and having to stand through the whole service while keeping on target with all activity on stage/pulpit and keeping focus as well.  A good camera guy is hard to find.

Brent, good luck with job situation.  Now days, I find employers are going to higher deductible and less benefits.  It is very difficult to find a good insurance plan....unless it is covered by a union or you are a member of congress.  My suggestion, use it as a bargaining tool.  Tell them, "you offer X amount, but your benefit package is worth X less than what I have.  If you will increase your offer to offset the amount, I would be very interested in the position".  You may find your current job benefits get cut in the near future.  If you negotiate on the front side, you will be set.

Chief, good luck with the tests.  Hope all goes well.  And, you really need to rest.  You do more in retirement than most do while working full time.

I am not sure when I'll get back, but hope everyone has a blessed week ahead.

God Bless,

Dennis

[Brutus]

Good night

[ChiefEagles]

Washed both vehicles this afternoon.  First time mine had been washed in 6 months.  Pam's in several months [washed it in the rain one time and used the rain to rinse.  Water conservation.  Now lake is over full].  Movies watched.  Time for bed.  BTW: Otis [Don Baker] worked all weekend so I guess he did not check in to his private cell.   Sleep tight.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a sunny 62 degrees. Going up to 84 today, with sunshine all day.

Today is a busy day. I have some errands to run and the usual chores around the house. Tomorrow, I will be mowing again. Days of rain made the grass grow fast. No train time for a few days.

Dining car is here and it's time for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Monday.

Chuck

[Anonymous]

Mornin' Fellas.

Watched 'The Bucket List' yesterday at Susie-Q's father's place. He slept through most of it, don't think he cared much for the subject matter. Also went to see 'Get Smart' with Susie-Q on Saturday, that was hilarious. When it comes out on DVD I'll get it so FiL can watch it.

Jim - I used Maguire's Showroom Glaze and Yellow wax, and a 10" buffer/polisher. The Maguire's is the best combination I have found for waxing and polishing to achieve a nice shine and the rain will not beed, nor will it stay on the car. Had a light rain on the way in today and when I got to work the car was dry! Took me 2.5 hours to wash, vacuum, and wax the two cars. Had Susie-Q's Solara been at the house I would have gotten that one done too, doing the Solara this weekend, unless I can't find the touch-up paint for her car... and I forgot to get the VIN before I left for work today.

Chief - sounds like a nice work bench!

[anjdevil2]

Mornin' Boys...

Just a quick note before I leave for a service call in Waycross, GA...

Brent: Good luck on the offer...just picked up my benefits, since Mrs. D lost her job.  Papework coming soon, $300 for HMO type/month with Dental & Eye!!  I feel fortunate for that cheap...

Busy at the train store Sat, many visitors to the exhibit, made some good sales, too.  Just waiting on the new catalog.  I'll be making a major "investment" (that'll tick off some one)on a TMCC engine or high end set.  Wanted the CNJ (NOW CANCELLED, thanks Jerry), but will wait somemore..

Had thunderstorms Sat evening, flooded the streets, calling for the same today.

Doug: nice picture

And for those of us with teens:  Mom & princess at war yesterday morning, sleep time duration argument, during which I cleaned the garage. Afterwards, listened to both sides, told the wife to pick her battles better, told the princess to get up earlier and then proceeded to remove princess from house on a "shopping" trip(3PM).  By dinner, both sides were at peace and ate and watched TV (Meet me in St. Louis & Mystry Men) and off to nite nite land.  Like Sir J says, it's good to be the king.....

See ya later!

[laz 57]

HI GIZ,

  65 and muggy start here.  Went for a 3.5 miler this morning very humid, but when I was done humidty is going out and now it is much cooler,go figure.  Yesterday I slept in and had to do my run when it was 85 degrees.  Hot but got er done.  15 degrees difference really plays havoc on the body.  Today I will dig out last forsythia bush, hope it only take 30 minutes?  Last nite got real good rain about an inch and a quarter.  We really needed it now all plants look good.

  Tomorrow got to go to school to put in 2 inservice days to get out 2 days earlier at the end o next year.  Dumb but I'll do it now.

  B good or b gone,

laz57

[kpolak]

Morning!

On the wax front, I have been using Maguire's Gold Class wax with great results.  Works like it has a bit of cleaner in it as well as a wax.  In my pre-parent days, when I had time to spend on the car, I would add a coat of Mother's California Gold carnuba wax paste over the top of the Maguire's.

Yardwork today...no wind so no kite flying.  Doug, what kind of kite are you flying with the youngest?  We have a red-eyed tree frog, and a bi-plane from grandpa.  The Bi-plane is pretty cool, but needs a lot of wind, the frog will fly with next to no wind, and will hover straight over your head...a bit nerve racking.

Kurt

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Rainy, humid, and 72 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Short workweek then trip to Williamsburg.

Well, property didn't pan out in WV, as there was a huge ravine running thru the middle of it (why do they parcel them out that way in the first place...?).  Train ride was nice.  Actually saw about a dozen bald eagles, and another dozen drunk canoers showin' the train their good sides...but the trip was a bit long and hot for the gals.  I got to talk with local artist George D. Sansom, and had him personalize a sketch of Romney Depot (long ago raised-B&O) for me.

Then we went to THE ROCK SPEEDWAY (south of Cumberland) for some dirt track racing.  Everyone but the littlest princess enjoyed themselves.

Tried in vane to locate WM/CHESSIE Gp-9 yesterday, from Luke,MD up Georges Creek to Ridgely,WV to no avail.  It must be in a shop somewhere.  CSX wasn't running any trains either...

88 - Just make sure you bend them over a barrell concerning certain Fridays in April/October...

[cnw1995]

Morning all. Sunny and pleasant here in Chicago. Boy, I've never cleaned a car as thoroughly as Brent. They must look brand-new. 

Kurt, we have a chest in the garage with all the kites our youngest has ever been gifted with - unfortunately most were snarled so we broke out one we'd never opened - just a simple delta - I swear it can lift him off the ground when he holds onto the cross bar.  He has a long dragon which needs a fair amount of wind and is tough to get off the ground, and a huge 4 ft by 4 ft classic diamond which really can go high - we're on the approach path for our local airport so we've never let it go up as far as the cord will go...

Read O Scale mag on the way in to work. Those guys do marvelous work.

Dennis, nice you could check in. This camera was actually on the roof of the video control room so I was way high up. It was a good reminder of how challenging this can be - listening to direction through the head-set, eyeballing what is live so you can pre-select a different shot and trying to anticipate stage movements.

[RRCharlie]

79 and humid (as usual) in beautiful South Georgia(Jacksonville, i.e.). Spent first part of morning cleaning up a mess I made Thursday night. We had another good soaker and when the rain tapered off I thought that would be a good time to clean out the gutters over the deck on the front of the house. Straight ladder up under the eaves, I'm about 3 feet off the deck, first handfull of gunk out, and down came the ladder with me as well. Smashed a wall clock to bits and lots of glass and dirt around. I have several parts that are still bruised and sore, (including ones I forgot I had), but able to walk, talk, eat and drink. Drove to St. Augustine to sing in choir yesterday, came home to a good dinner, then nap time and grade projects to return in class tonight. Was hoping my LEGACY units would be back Friday, no such luck, so no train news. I didn't feel like digging out my Cab-1's. Saw anjdevil at the LHS Saturday morning. We talked trains and some of the characters on the "other forum", nothing complimentary I can assure you. Have a good week all.

[Anonymous]

Mornin' boys.  Rainy, humid, and 72 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Short workweek then trip to Williamsburg.

Well, property didn't pan out in WV, as there was a huge ravine running thru the middle of it (why do they parcel them out that way in the first place...?).  Train ride was nice.  Actually saw about a dozen bald eagles, and another dozen drunk canoers showin' the train their good sides...but the trip was a bit long and hot for the gals.  I got to talk with local artist George D. Sansom, and had him personalize a sketch of Romney Depot (long ago raised-B&O) for me.

Then we went to THE ROCK SPEEDWAY (south of Cumberland) for some dirt track racing.  Everyone but the littlest princess enjoyed themselves.

Tried in vane to locate WM/CHESSIE Gp-9 yesterday, from Luke,MD up Georges Creek to Ridgely,WV to no avail.  It must be in a shop somewhere.  CSX wasn't running any trains either...

88 - Just make sure you bend them over a barrell concerning certain Fridays in April/October...

Huge Ravine wouldn't be a problem if you are talking 200 acres! Last year when we were considering building I drove by a property where 80% was on one side of the road and the rest on the other... kept driving.

The Fridays are becoming more and more difficult a sell to the Mrs. If I start I'll have to ask if I can 'buildup' some time so I can attend w/o taking vacation/personal time. So most likely will end up being 1/2 day events for me from now on, or I'll have to go on Saturday.

October could be even more difficult as I think we have a wedding that Saturday... if no wedding, then I hope to sponsor another 'gathering' IF certain junior/senior forum members decide to make the trip... esp some of our long standing distant members from a certain 4 letter state that shall remain nameless...

[dbaker48]

Mel glad to hear your allright, sounds like you went through a window or something.

Morning to All ! Hope everyone had a great weekend, worked at the computer show this weekend. Made for some long days, but were productive.

 After a brief meeting this morning, will most likely have a quiet day at the office. Looking forward to tonight, been thinking about some changes to our layout. Want to confirm the feasibility, and do a couple other minor things.

Looking forward to a train show coming up this next weekend in Anahiem, should be able to go by there on Saturday afternoon.  (Have to work on Sat., morning.)

Hope everyone has a great day!!

[RRCharlie]

Don;

Fortunately the glass was from the face of the clock. If it had been a window, I would have had to do the cleanup last Friday. Life is always full of such fun times!!!

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 70s.  Back at work and wading thru about 50,000 e-mails, 90% of which are unimportant.  You think you have a situation under control before you leave and you come back to a mess.  That is why I usually take time off only during the holidays.  I am not sure taking a week off is worth it anymore.  I did scan the other postings but I will have to comment later.  I had the usual fare for breakfast this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[RockIsland52]

Good Afternoon, ya'll.

The 3000 gallon kiddie pool (15 foot diameter, 2.5 feet deep) is still driving me nuts.  While I had the water chemically tested Saturday and all chemicals are in balance, I clouded up the water vacuuming.  Hope the filter repacement, running the filter constantly, and adding a water clarifier does the trick.

Kurt/Jimtrumpie.....I'm with you.  No way I can wash and wax one car exterior & vacuum and clean insides in 2.5 hours like Brent did on two cars!  Buffing tool would cut the time by a lot, though.  I wind up going over the car with tar/bug remover first, cleaning door and trunk jams, inside door edges, etc, some wiping under the hood.  Too anal retentive I guess.  Maguires is what I use too.

Brent....older guys like me look at The Bucket List as a dark comedy, not a comedy.

DougM.....what you didn't tell us about cleaning up the middle tyke's room is how many dumpsters you filled and how many science projects you found growing in the closet.

Don....Rum/Coke/Speedo/Jail (Chief's comment).  Interesting lockup times in California?

Dennis......your were spot on with your advice to Brent because you agree with me.

Chief....after your washing your vehicles for the first time in six months, what color are they now?

Rich....when I step in between "disagreements" between my wife and one of the kids, even privately, I sometimes get good results getting them to see the other person's position.  More often than not, it's like getting in between two battling pit bulls during a dog fight, I get shredded.  So I side with the wife and work on the kid.  If it's important to her, it's important.

Mel.....glad to hear your spill from the ladder was not more serious.  A neighbor of mine, on the second rung from the bottom of his ladder, missed the third rung and fell about 30 inches.  Shattered ankle.  Rod, pins, plates, and screws.  Didn't work.  Now facing having the ankle fused rigid.

Fife.....colonial Williamsburg, what a great trip you have planned.

Later, ya'll.

Jack       

 

 

[ChiefEagles]

Afternoon.  Started meds for tomorrow's procedure.  Was suppose to start an hour earlier but got tied up at Town Hall.  Developer came in and said he was adding a Bojangles.  Would then have us with McDonalds, Hardees, Sonic, Andy's, two private pizza places, Daylight Donuts, Dominos, Rolesville Cafe and the Bojangles.  Was going to mow but startred raining.  Forecaster said very little if no rain.  Should have looked out the window.   Use to clean a vehicle like Brent does.  Actually used old tooth brush to clean polish out of cracks.  As you grow older, other things become more important.  My vehicles get a twice a year coat of Finish First polymer polish.  It will layer and wax will not.  Have probably 100 coats on Ranger boat.  Can take damp towel and wipe it down.  Looks like showroom quality.  Rock, old folks like you need to stay off of ladders.

PS: At 2:09 EDT, still pouring rain and has been for 45 minutes.  Think I will call myself a weatherperson as I do have sence enough to look at the radar and see storms. 

[Anonymous]

Afternoon.  Started meds for tomorrow's procedure.  Was suppose to start an hour earlier but got tied up at Town Hall.

Some things are better left unrevealed.

Developer came in and said he was adding a Bojangles.  Would then have us with McDonalds, Hardees, Sonic, Andy's, two private pizza places, Daylight Donuts, Dominos, Rolesville Cafe and the Bojangles.

Are you guys aiming for one fastfood joint per resident? Goodness! Guess there are no healthfood nuts in Roseyville? (can't wait to see Buckeye's comments here)

[SPMan]

Good morning all, Big day cleaning out bushes and trimming palm trees. I'm having a tree guy do it. Too dangerous for me. Trees are over 40 feet tall. When I moved in here, I could trim the top from a step ladder. That was 30 years ago. Went to physical therapy again this morning for bum knee (bursitis). Good work out made it feel better. Good luck to Chief on his procedure. I have to go for my yearly check up with my gastrointerologist soon so I might be doing the same thing. I'm tired of going to doctors but I hope it makes you live better longer. Growing old is not for sissys. Chief, we could sure use some of your rain in Southern California.

Rock, yes, do stay off the ladder.  I learned my lesson this year by falling over with a 10 foot ladder while picking avacados at my next door neighbor's house.  It was a three legged ladder and I reached too far to one side. I rode it all the way down but jumped off just before I hit the ground so I landed on my feet but compressed my muscles in my right leg.  That's still part of my knee problem now. Ray

[ChiefEagles]

Told you our weatherpersons are not any good.  2.1 inches in one hour and fifteen minutes.   Pond went from 8 inches low to flowing over the spillway and more running in than can go out.  Grass and garden are happy.  Tomatoes will really split now.  They are growing faster than the skins.  Better than the drought we had last year.   OOOW this stuff is not good.