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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.

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:29 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a sunny 36 degrees. Going up to 70 today, with sunshine.

Today is a busy day. I have to do the weekly grocery shopping up in Cambridge. At least, it's not raining or snowing. Gas prices are still way too high. $3.29 a gallon. Food prices are high, too. Looks like a summer to be " staying at home ". That's fine with me.

No train time today. Currently working on cleaning up an engine.

Dining car is here and ready for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Wednesday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:37 AM

Hi GIZ,

  28 and a bit frosty this morning going up to 66.

One more day till YORK.  I'll be there with wife in tow on Friday all day.  See YUZ GIZ at the CTT both at 1 PM.   Going to the Legacy Meeting at ALEXANDER RESTURANT on friday mornig at 730.

B GOOD or B GONE,

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:44 AM

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps near 70.  It is officially spring in the Hoosier land as I was out mowing last night.  Got all but the fenced in part done and will finish that tonight.  I figured I could walk at the YMCA and not get anything done or walk behind the mower and accomplish something.  No TV, but did a little Second Life.  Lucas thought he could he beat me in chess, but once again I proved him wrong.  The trouble was I had a good advantage but I could not put him away.  Maybe I was following the advice given to Anya one time on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Never go for the kill when you can go for the pain". :-)  Meetings all day.  Ugh!

I see where the dining car arrived from "Points East" already.  There were plenty of bran muffins on board and now in my stomach.  Yumm!  (Much better than grits!)   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:07 AM
Mornin' boys.  Sunny & 37 (s'posed to get up to 62) here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Got 4 new EAGLE GA Goodies (in honor of you-know-who) yesterday.  Up here, they fill them with nitrogen instead of grits.  Might get new car speakers today.  C'mooooooon FRIDAY!
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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:14 AM

Good Morning from beautiful Southern Ohio

It's frorsty but blue skys are to warm to 68.  I just got home from work  Had to scrape frost off.  Hopefully not for too many more times.

Chief glad you are feeling better.

Don- have not forgotten about your offer to show us around in July, I have not had a chance to talk with my in house travel director.

All this talk about power tools, just last night cut my finger with a knife.  Funny how we know what to do and not to do but we still ignore it and get hurtDunce [D)].  Seems like every project has a little blood to go with it.  Just thinking back makes me cringe.

May God bless

Jim

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:58 AM

Good Morning All

Bright sun going to near 70s all week. Finally. I plan to goof off today, so no big news this morning. Got to go get milk as the dated one we have didn't make it to its deadline. yuck.

So I guess good morning will be it.  everyone have a great day,,,,,S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:54 AM

Morning all. Rough ride in the Tardis last night, but worth it for the banilla. Hope it reaches 70 here in Chicago today - it's been a looong time since the last one back in Oct. Very windy though. I see Murphy's Law has inadvertently hexed Don's van. Sorry about that.  

Interesting that MTH is putting out a Coronation and that French engine from the Orient Express instead of the Flying Scotsman. Too bad they don't work on 027 curves.

It sure would be cool to fit TMCC and sound in Thomas and his pals.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by CSXect on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:12 AM

Good morning.

looks like another good day to work outside if it stays dryThumbs Up [tup]

just had my breakfest chocolate flavoured optifastDinner [dinner]

Last time I was in a store they had some apples and the sign said grapples it got my attention so I read the rest of the sign and it said looks like an apple but tastes like a grapeConfused [%-)] They are monkey around with genetics too much if I want to taste grapes I will buy a bunch of grapes not a FrankenappleThumbs Down [tdn]

 

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:30 AM
SoapBox [soapbox]
Banged Head [banghead]
I have only one thing to say... Verizon and DirecTV are a bunch of MORONS!

We've had Verizon services and DirecTV billed together since last June and Verizon just ups and stoped the integrated billing on March 16. So I'm under the impression that everything has been paid in full when it hasn't... so DirecTV charges me late fees and won't refund them 'This is your fault.' Evil [}:)]

As soon as our contracts are up I'm dropping all of them. Verizon, Verizon Wireless, DirecTV... all of it. I'm not paying over $200/month for these services to be treated like this. I am so beyond ticked off right now... MORONS I tell you... MORONS

Banged Head [banghead]

SoapBox [soapbox]

ARRRRRRGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need a drink. Took 2.5 hours to get this all answered... 2.5 hours!!!!!!

Banged Head [banghead]
SoapBox [soapbox]
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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:39 AM
88 - Don't hold back...
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Posted by kpolak on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:54 AM

 lionroar88 wrote:


We've had Verizon services and DirecTV billed together since last June and Verizon just ups and stoped the integrated billing on March 16. So I'm under the impression that everything has been paid in full when it hasn't... so DirecTV charges me late fees and won't refund them 'This is your fault.' Evil [}:)] 

So if DTV isn't billing...write them a letter, state your case, and tell them you're not paying the late fees, and don't.  Also to tell them, in writing, to cancel your services on the end date of the agreement.  Hard to argue with a written statement.

Kurt

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:04 AM

I'd tell ya to try anger management, it'll just p*** you off.....Banged Head [banghead]Whistling [:-^]Sign - Dots [#dots]

HEY!! Low of 35 up to 69F!!  WOWZER!!! Wish I coulda slept in...Had the winders open and everything!!  Mrs Devils b-day was a success (for the most part) got her a nice card at the Gate Station Thumbs Up [tup] !  She wanted Taco Bell for din-din, and promptly didn't like it..go figure...Banged Head [banghead]

My Mom is running for town council back home...should make for an interesting topic of conversation when I get back next month.Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Son has a visit from a realtor tomorrow, so I have to run home for lunch and clean the bedroom and train room.  They came to him for a large house, so he's entertaining an offer...should be interesting..!

Later,

Rich

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:09 AM
 kpolak wrote:

 lionroar88 wrote:


We've had Verizon services and DirecTV billed together since last June and Verizon just ups and stoped the integrated billing on March 16. So I'm under the impression that everything has been paid in full when it hasn't... so DirecTV charges me late fees and won't refund them 'This is your fault.' Evil [}:)] 

So if DTV isn't billing...write them a letter, state your case, and tell them you're not paying the late fees, and don't.  Also to tell them, in writing, to cancel your services on the end date of the agreement.  Hard to argue with a written statement.

Kurt



Kurt,
They simply don't care. Honestly. When I told the customer service rep that I would be canceling in June, his response 'That is your choice'.

If you send them a written letter, they will terminate the services when they receive the letter, no matter the content - I did this years ago.

I only have till the end of June and will be terminating service then. Verizon cared just about as much as DirecTV. Confused [%-)]
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:18 AM
Afternoon.  On the way out the door to Mayor meeting at town hall.  Then to the big Mayor's meeting late this afternoon.  I had it on  the calendar wrong.  Got phone call reassuring I was attending.  In a rush.  Feel a lot better.  Brent, go get them "BUD"!!!  Chat later.  

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:49 AM

88-  I agree with you, we have Verizon telephone, and DSL at home, Charter for TV.  At office have Verizon phone, and DSL.  Every 2 weeks they want me to do all 3 trough Verizon, (will only cost $40/mth home if I switch plans. ????

At office person walked in at 4:45, and wanted to save me money on my Verizon bill at office.  Told them you have the information, check it out and let me know how much your going to save me.  Sir, WE ARE customer service and don't have that access.  Fine, as long as you can save me money WITHOUT EXTENDING THE CONTRACT!  If you want to talk contract duration then we have nothing to talk about, SO, how much can you save me.  THEY LEFT. 

Nothing more than out canvasing for sales !!SoapBox [soapbox]

Don

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:00 PM

Beautiful day here in Chicagoland.  I went outside for the first time in two weeks yesterday to see my surgeon for a follow up on my back surgery.  Everything is progressing well but the movement restrictions (no bending, twisting, lifting or prolonged sitting) stay in place for another 10 weeks.  10 WEEKS!  That means no working on the layout until after the 4th of July weekend.  Oh well...

Brent:  I am sorry to hear about your sorry experience with Verizon and DirecTV.  What are you going to switch to?  Back to Comcast?  While we disagreed on their picture quality, I believe we were in agreement that their customer service was worse than DirecTV.

I would call DirecTV customer service back and ask to speak to a supervisor.  Once you have explained the situation and indicate a payment is on its way, I cannot see them not refunding the late charges.  The key in these situations is to always ask for a supervisor.

Good Luck,

John

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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:15 PM

John - Hang in there, know its gotta be tough!  10 Weeks is a LONG time, but lot better than being in pain the rest of your life.  Hope the pain and meds arn't keeping you down!  Maybe might be a good time to do some kits or something.   Definetly gives a lot of time for learning all kinds of things on the different forums.

Try not to get to bored, take care and be still.

 

Don

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:25 PM
j & j - I guess what we all want to know is when you went outside, did you see your shadow...?  ...6 more weeks of winter...?
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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:48 PM
 dbaker48 wrote:

John - Hang in there, know its gotta be tough!  10 Weeks is a LONG time, but lot better than being in pain the rest of your life.  Hope the pain and meds arn't keeping you down!  Maybe might be a good time to do some kits or something.   Definetly gives a lot of time for learning all kinds of things on the different forums.

Try not to get to bored, take care and be still.

Hello Don:

It is just difficult for me to work on anything without leaning forward or bending over, just my nature.  I am hoping I can get my wife to hook up my Legacy system, so that I can at least run my new GP7.  She was instrumental in updating to DCS 4.0 several weeks ago.

As to my back, the good news is that I stopped taking all medication two days after the procedure.  My only discomfort is that the incision is right where the waistband of my pants rests.  I need to get some of those low riders that are popular with America's youth. Wink [;)]

Regards,

John

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Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:51 PM

Mornin' All.

Procrastinating on going back to the garage to finish up some redwood, spent the better part of yesterday working on it and the arthritis reminded me all nite last nite.

John, Listen and heed the doc's. Better to go thru all this once and only once. It will be just like that old catsup commercial that was on a long time back: ANTICIPATION, It's driving me wild.

Surfing around and came across a You-Tube link, don't know how old it is but I loved it. Although it do bring up some sad memories.

http://www.youtube.com/v/QZFkZiwMLZ4

Got some things to finish and/or start so best get of my posterior and get goin'.

Later dudes and dudettes. Clown [:o)]

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:53 PM

 fifedog wrote:
j & j - I guess what we all want to know is when you went outside, did you see your shadow...?  ...6 more weeks of winter...?

Yes, I saw my shadow.  More important, however, is that due to this issue, I have not had a haircut for over 11 weeks.  I told the Mrs. that I am not going to get a haircut until my recovery is complete.  Right now my hair is kinda at the Beatles White Album length.  Another couple of months, it should be at Let It Be length.  Smile [:)]  Being a conservative banker, I can't wait to see the reaction of my boss when I go back to work on the 28th.

Regards,

John

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Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:54 PM
 johnandjulie13 wrote:
 dbaker48 wrote:

John - Hang in there, know its gotta be tough!  10 Weeks is a LONG time, but lot better than being in pain the rest of your life.  Hope the pain and meds arn't keeping you down!  Maybe might be a good time to do some kits or something.   Definetly gives a lot of time for learning all kinds of things on the different forums.

Try not to get to bored, take care and be still.

Hello Don:

  My only discomfort is that the incision is right where the waistband of my pants rests.  I need to get some of those low riders that are popular with America's youth. Wink [;)]

Regards,

John

John, Any Scottish ancestry , you could always try wearing a kilt !   Shock [:O]

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 1:00 PM
 dougdagrump wrote:

John, Any Scottish ancestry , you could always try wearing a kilt !   Shock [:O]

Doug:

No Scottish but a little Italian.  How about a toga? Tongue [:P]

Regards,

John

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 2:05 PM
 johnandjulie13 wrote:

Beautiful day here in Chicagoland.  I went outside for the first time in two weeks yesterday to see my surgeon for a follow up on my back surgery.  Everything is progressing well but the movement restrictions (no bending, twisting, lifting or prolonged sitting) stay in place for another 10 weeks.  10 WEEKS!  That means no working on the layout until after the 4th of July weekend.  Oh well...

Brent:  I am sorry to hear about your sorry experience with Verizon and DirecTV.  What are you going to switch to?  Back to Comcast?  While we disagreed on their picture quality, I believe we were in agreement that their customer service was worse than DirecTV.

I would call DirecTV customer service back and ask to speak to a supervisor.  Once you have explained the situation and indicate a payment is on its way, I cannot see them not refunding the late charges.  The key in these situations is to always ask for a supervisor.

Good Luck,

John



John,
Glad to hear you are up and about. Sorry to hear you've got 10 more weeks of torture! Hang in there, it will get better.

As for DTV/Verizon... I want to drop it ALL, no cable, not satellite, no phone, no cell. Susan said I can cancel the TV and we can go over-the-air but we have to have phone and she has to keep her cell Disapprove [V]. If you can't tell I've about had it with technology!

I really want to find a way to cut back on the $290/month communications bill (Phone, Cell, DTV, and internet). I just think it is ridiculous. I may look into Comcast's triple play since it would cut that bill in half (cell would stay with Verizon). We'll see... just plain upset with the situation... I did nothing wrong and I'm paying the price.

I will call them back and ask to speak with a supervisor... hmmm another 2.5 hours on the phone here we come! Sigh [sigh]
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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 2:13 PM

 lionroar88 wrote:


I will call them back and ask to speak with a supervisor... hmmm another 2.5 hours on the phone here we come! Sigh [sigh]

Since most of that time will be holding, you can at least run trains while you are waiting for the appropriate dingbat representative to assist you. Smile [:)]

Regards,

John

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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:01 PM

Uh oh, John announces he is off his meds.

I'm liking my black bakelite dial phone from Ma Bell more and more. 'Hello operator...'

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:30 PM
 cnw1995 wrote:


I'm liking my black bakelite dial phone from Ma Bell more and more. 'Hello operator...'

My dad has one of those.  I love it!  The sound quality is good and I like the weight of the handset.  Plus, as a bonus, due to its heft, you can pull a Joe Pesci and litterally beat someone bloody with that thing.   Make sure Brent doesn't get his hands on one...

Regards,

John

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Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 5:07 PM

Toga, Toga, Toga, Toga, Toga !!!!!

Sorry, must have inhaled to many fumes from refinishing the redwood. Oops [oops]

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by johnandjulie13 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 5:45 PM
 dougdagrump wrote:

Toga, Toga, Toga, Toga, Toga !!!!!

Sorry, must have inhaled to many fumes from refinishing the redwood. Oops [oops]

"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor???"

"Germans?"

"Forget it, he's rolling."

 

John

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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:38 PM

As the weather is warming up, thought I would post a picture of the new lawnmower.  (comes with gas mask).

 

Also, Had a conversation with the Chief regarding control systems.  I finally convinced him that when you put the batteries in the controller, not to align all the ends with the little bump on the end,  the same way.  I THINK he understood.

Keep in mind, I Definetly don't want to start a flame war.  But, I just "have to tell someone" that understands.  I went out to the train room last night for about 1/2 hour.  It was great!  Did the following with my DCS controller (4.0).  

- Ran the Lionel Legacy Big Boy, just really knocks your socks off with the sound and watching the side rail action!

- Ran the MTH AC4400cw engine, taking it throught its paces, did a lot of switching (also using the hand held controller)

- Ran a pair of K-Line TMCC Cotton Belts, in a lash-up, while they were "uncoupled", wanted to see how close they were matched.

- Ran an older MPC Conventional on the mainlines switching between two tracks.  (Alter voltage with the remote.) 

Did all this with ONE controller.  It was great.  (I don't know maybe I'm doing something wrong?)

AGAIN NOT TRYING TO BRAG OR ANYTHING, ITS JUST SUCH A GREAT TIME TO BE IN THE HOBBY !!  

Oh Yeah, remember Chief if the TV keeps going on and off everytime you try to blow the whistle you have the wrong remote, use the other one. 

 

Don

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