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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 cnw1995 on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 10:53 AM
Greetings from O'Hare airport where it is pouring rain andmy flight is delayed and it costs $7 to access the Internet. Also this is the morning our home DSL line starts working funny - and I'm supposed to fix it magically from here. OK, here is the first of many times you will hear me say this - I'm blessed I don't have to do this regularly. What a zoo! And I'm in a middle seat in the back of the plane - LOL. Paid $3.89 for gas on the way in - $40 for half-a-tank. Sigh. At least from what Don says, it shouldn't be raining in Phoenix...

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

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Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 11:08 AM

I know this is of no consolation to anyone, but I got to wondering about the price of gas adjusted for inflation.  With the nominal price of gas reaching $3.22 in March 2008, we surpassed the previous high of $3.17 from 1981.  The nominal price is defined as the actual price adjusted for inflation in 2008 dollars.

If you want the real and nominal per gallon prices dating back to 1918, go to www.inflationdata.com.  Their source is the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  I guess their job is to tell you how badly you are getting burned at the pump, as if we need reminders.

Somehow this week's $66 for an 18 gallon fillup still smacks me in the face.  The wife has noticed the 35 psi in the tires and has gotten on me about driving like an old man (the speed limit, driving the lights, and no quick starts).  Urban stop and go really burns up the fuel.

Jack  

Jack 

IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.

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Posted by Wes Whitmore on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 11:58 AM
I just got back from lunch, and gas was 3.79/gal.  It's been up above 3.39 for over a month now.  It dropped late last week, but then passed the previous high.  I sold my Dodge Durango last year (16mpg) and bought a cheap honda civic that get's well over 34mpg per tank.  I just recently broke the $30 fill up barrier for a little over 9 gallons.  Gas prices are the #1 concern in votors minds right now, even more than the war.  That's pretty sad, but that's about all you hear about on the news anymore.  My city just isn't designed for mass transportation for commuters, and putting $30 a week in an old civic is still cheaper than buying a hybrid, no matter who makes it.  Not much I can do but work on telecommuting.  It's in the works.

Wes
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Posted by phillyreading on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 12:06 PM

Good day,

Heard an extrodinary thing on the local news at 10pm last night; seems that two or more counties down here want to form their own separate state! Broward and Dade counties want to form their own state!! That covers mainly Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano, Miami and Homestead(where they run the November stock car race), also the Florida Keys may join in this. Talk about some wild news! No news about what name they may call the new state, possibles are; South Florida, East Florida. They may even do like North & South Carolina or Virginia & West Virginia.  Orlando is closer to the Georgia state line so they won't be effected by the name change.

Still looking for work and selling things, got to raise some kind of money! Going to sell some of my trains that I have on shelves or in boxes, got too much!

Lee F.

 

 

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 12:07 PM
 GregM wrote:

Gas is up to $3.79 here.  No end in sight for the increases.  Hope it doesn't keep people away from tomorrows neighborhood garage sales.  I have lots of stuff that I want gone! 

RT - Thanks, I'll check e-mail in a few minutes.

Brent - will do.

Chief - I have had two "scopes."  First time was with a THREE day liquid only diet and only water day before.  Had to drink the liquid for the first test. Got so sick I wanted to croak.  Second time Dr. prescribed same medicine.  Called Dr. office, told them when Karen had her test she got pills to take.  The didn't want to give me prescription for pills.  My response -  No Pills, NO TEST.  I got the pills.  Wasn't anywhere near as bad getting "preped.".  I have been told that you aren't "out" during the test, it's just that the drugs you're given cause you to have no memory of the event. 

Have a couple errands to do this afternoon so I better stop typing and finish lunch.

Greg, That stuff sounds kinda like a "Date Rape Drug", to me the worst part is on the way home you invariably start expelling all the excess air they use to inflate the colon for a "Better View" with the scope. And don't you just love it when the doc says "Now you may experience a little discomfort", do you or do you not find that to be a bit of an understatement ? 

Now if I could only find something that would work as well on my arthritis I'd be a happy camper. Seems as though the hands are getting almost as bad as the shoulders.

Haven't bought gas in about a week and a half, I think it was $3.86 for regular.

Here's a little addendum for Doug M. regarding his visit to the "Wild West", check out one of these photos and remember Don's comments about sticks. Shock [:O]

http://cs.trains.com/forums/1433693/ShowPost.aspx

 

 

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Posted by phillyreading on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 12:13 PM

Forgot to mention this but gas is around $3.80 a gallon for regular down here and climbing. On the news people are unloading their SUV's like crazy because of high gas prices and some have gone to motorcycles. I have a few gallons of gas stored for my generators to use when the power goes out, like after a hurricane.

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 12:36 PM

Hey, all..

Just noticed, yesterday $3.59, now 3.66....Banged Head [banghead]

Started out about 60, up to 89.  Leaving on the silver bird to cooler climes at 8PM (NJ).

Hey, Lee, I think we ought to send Jax to Georgia, let South Florida go.  Call it Old Spanish Florida, and what's left over just Florida.  Or just sell the whole da** thing to Disney and let them run it.  Can't do any worse than what's goin on now...

I'll try to keep in touch with youse giz, Mom & Dad have DSL.....Zzz [zzz]

Doug, Have a safe trip to AZ...

And again, thanks for the warm wishes for my brothed employment situation..I really appreciate it, and so does she!!

See ya in the funny papers...

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 phillyreading on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 2:45 PM

Hey anjdevil,

You may have a good point there, let Disney run the state of Florida, maybe they can do better than the last two governors.

Along with gas going up did anybody mention that the new postal rates started on May 1st?

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
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Posted by Roger Bielen on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 6:11 PM

Gas jumped from $3.59 to $3.65 since noon.  This is thanks to us being considered as part of Atlanta's environmental non-attainment area, were about 90 mi. east, and requiring a summer, low smog blend using ethanol.  I just stopped to fill up the gas can for the lawn tractor, at this rate I may let the front yard, 2 +/- acres, go wild.

Nothing new on toy train front, though, we'll be taking the granddaughters (namesakes of the EL&M Ry) up to Blue Ridge for the train ride in June.

Roger B.
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Posted by Brutus on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 6:22 PM

I paid $3.53 at the pump yesterday, but sounds like it has gone up Sigh [sigh]  100 percent chance of rain in St. Louis tonight and it's supposed to keep raining.  I signed up for OT on Saturday.  Luckily, Sunday is clear with nothing planned or any special stuff going on, so maybe I'll get to run trains then, huh?  Right?

PS - hope Doug had a great flight and can get on the internet from time to time! 

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 6:29 PM

EVENING

I have not gone out today but yesterday it was $3.59 to $3.69. no news today we got lite rain this afternoon, the good kind. where it gets to soak in.

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

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Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 7:03 PM
Buckeye, Some sad news today. Ohio Valley Trains, formerly Davis Trains, is closing it's doors. Whenever I got back that way to visit family Davis was always on my must visit list.

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 8:16 PM

Evenin' boys.  Only problem with beautiful breezy days, is the pollen being so thick you choke on it.  I had the boy out sweeping up the tree-boogers in the driveway; part of the pittance he must pay for fifedaddy buying him a Fender bass amp.  Got it second-hand from a co-worker, sweet price and not a scratch on it.

88 - no.

Brutus - not even.

GregM - CANON EOS Rebel K.

anjdevil - I waved as you went over.

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Posted by Brutus on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 8:52 PM

Fifedog - Not even what?  Train time on Sunday?

Well, I think it's getting on towards Banilla time?  Don, with the Tardis, I have the power to travel to any time and place I desire, of course.  So, I'll swing by and pick up you and Doug, then Kurt and finally raid Sir James' fridge?  A little bird told me they have been to the grocery store!

TTFN

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by GregM on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 9:00 PM

Found gas for $3.49 a gallon at Sam's Club tonight.  Car only took just over 8 gallons to fill tank but that was still $30.00.  Then we went into the store and bought food (no ice cream Sad [:(] )and one clothing item.  Cost way more than the gas.

RT - No email message yet.

Fife - I switched to a Canon Powershot S3IS digital because the Minolta S404 was a real hassle.  Always complaining the batteries were low even after they had charged overnight.  When the flash quit working that was the last straw.  Minolta had been my brand for years.  I have two 35MM manual focus cameras, one auto focus 35MM, I also have a Mark II which is a SLR but uses 110 film cartridges.  "Hello, my name is Greg and I have a collecting problem."

 

GregM
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Posted by jefelectric on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 9:01 PM
 phillyreading wrote:

Hey anjdevil,

You may have a good point there, let Disney run the state of Florida, maybe they can do better than the last two governors.

Along with gas going up did anybody mention that the new postal rates started on May 1st?

Lee F.

Lee, The new postal rates do not start until May 12th, next Monday.  Hurry up and send all your mail. Smile [:)]

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 10:25 PM
Whee, thanks for coming all the way out here in the middle of nowhere to pick me up, Brutus. It's dark at night out here. No street lights and all these big hulking mountains. Haven't found a hobby store yet.

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

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Posted by cooltech on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 10:34 PM

Wife gave me a few minutes on line to work on my chess games form two sites I play on. One I play in tournements. I'm in the plus side in victories but in the tournies I'm below 500% (to use sports jargon).  best to all as I'm just scanning the posts for now.

cooltechCool [8D]

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 11:31 PM

Don't believe them when they say, "We got all the air out." Shock [:O]  Actually the last three were not bad.  The earlier ones done by elcheapo PCP were not good.

Went to sleep watching news.  Just woke up.  Worked outside msot of the day.  Mowed yard, path to pond and pond bank [first time with JD, usually weedeater for pond area].  Then sprayed the garden, grape vines and fruit trees.  Then Roundup along pond path.  Fertilized yard and sidedressed garden plants.  Got 400 lbs of lime to put in pond.  Hope to get it done before the rains called for tomorrow PM. 

Hey, trains time????

Sleep tight and God bless.

 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 MartyE on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 11:42 PM

Morning Gents...

Still cranking away here in LA.  Looks like I got another weekend off til we come back next week for game 5 or start the setup for Western Conf finals.  Hope to finish up my trestles this weekend.  Air show on Saturday, and Mom's day on Sunday.  Hope to see Speed Racer on Friday morning.  BIG CHAIR all the way home tomorrow!

Trying to update my avatar since 2020 Laugh

MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!

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Posted by dbaker48 on Thursday, May 8, 2008 2:58 AM

Brutus - I will be wearing my new pjs so you can see me if you havnt already passed.

Doug - Sure hope you have a car available if your going to be there very long.  I think you'll find the nearest O scale train store in Mesa.

Chief - I'm not sure I want to retire with the way you handle it, you better see about getting a full time job so you can rest up.

Its very late so will post tomorrow.  (Went to club ran Cab Forward (TMCC) & Big Boy (Legacy) in a lash-up with the DCS handheld.  Was pulling over 60 cars, IT WAS A BLAST !!

Last thought regarding postage -- Hurry up and get those "forever" stamps !!  Available now at today's price, can be used with no extra cost when postage goes up on May 12.  Also can be used on subsquent issues also. 

Don

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Posted by mitchelr on Thursday, May 8, 2008 5:13 AM
 RockIsland52 wrote:

Mitch....sounds like the smoke is clearing on the new school construction project, unveiling more fire!  Now comes the fun part.....walking around with your clipboard and punchlist, finding all the horrors, and getting them all rectified before.....bet your deadline doesn't change.  Put Pepto Bismol and Tums on the shopping list.  Borrow a BIG handgun with notches on the handle from Chief, not one of those varmint poppers, and prominently display it when talking to the "don't worry about it" contractors. 

Jack - thank goodness there is a Construction Management Firm with two full-time employees, an architect, and a Project Manager from our Board of Education that will handle that punch list because I am not a construction guy. Sometimes I have trouble remembering which tool is the hammer and which is the saw.  I need LAZ to give me some remedial Wood Shop lessons.  The project manager carries the Big Stick, it's called liquidated damages, $1000 per day for every contractor who causes a substantial delay beyond the published completion date of May 5th.  There are at least 3 firms who are now on the path to donating $1000 a day from their final payment due to their lack of due diligence.  And all of these firms are bonded so the bonding agents have been notified.  Don't know if they will actually collect damages but the Mr. "Don't Worry About It" Contractor's are now sitting up and taking notice when the bonding agents are calling.

Take care,

Mitch 

Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839

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Posted by kpolak on Thursday, May 8, 2008 5:38 AM

Morning!

Mitch:  I'm glad the PM and Architect are doing the punchlist.  I didn't think schools were able to do bonus/liquidated damage contracts, since it could mean additional $$$ not included in bonds.  How were you able to swing this type of contract/funding?

Watched 'Toy Trains Unlimited' on the History International Channel, Voyages program.  Turned into Lionel Trains history, thru the 1970's.  Some video inside the Lionel Factory, in Chesterfield Twp., MI.  Roger Carp had some air time.  Good show.

Quiet day here...some chores around the house.

Kurt

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Posted by laz 57 on Thursday, May 8, 2008 6:16 AM

HI GIZ,

  A rainy and humid 66 here today,rain later too so probably NO GOLF.

Went to doctor to get stitches out and was told I have melinoma.  Good thing is they caught it in time and now I go to get a little more removed around the mole.  No big deal, but my wife did save my life.  And I did thank her. 

MITCH, be right down soon as school here lets out.  Should I bring tools? 

FIFE, ODD.

HAPPY FRIDAY EVE!

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 Blueberryhill RR on Thursday, May 8, 2008 6:39 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a mild 61 degrees. Light rain. Going up to 76 today with showers, on and off, all day.

Today is a pretty busy day. I have a lot of paperwork to do and a few indoor tasks to do. I'll be busy this morning. Maybe some time running trains , later.  Not much else new.

Dining car has rolled in and it's time for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Thursday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 8, 2008 6:55 AM
 laz 57 wrote:

Went to doctor to get stitches out and was told I have melinoma.  Good thing is they caught it in time and now I go to get a little more removed around the mole.  No big deal, but my wife did save my life.  And I did thank her. 



Laz - Dang Bro you gotta watch that from now on! Susie-Q's Dad has had two boughts with melinoma, one stage 3 the other stage 4 (I think), then last year he had radiation seeds inserted into his prostate for prostate cancer, now all is in remission and he is doing very good. So keep an eye on that skin!

BTW - I don't have enough sunny land to start a garden this year so my FiL requested that I bring the tiller over to his place so he could till the garden we've been doing for the last two years. Delivered it Tuesday evening, got a call yesterday and he's got the garden tilled and fully planted! I told him I would be over this weekend to help plant... he said he started yesterday morning around 9am, had the garden tilled by 10am and decided he didn't want to wait to plant so he went out to a local garden center and bought tomatoes, green peppers, lettuce, cabbage, and pole beens... then BiL brought over cucumber, beat, and carrot seeds. FiL asked him if he wanted short, fat carrots as the soil around here is mostly clay.

---
3 weeks left in school, then I can get back to real life.

---
Well off to see if I can break something.
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Posted by cheapclassics on Thursday, May 8, 2008 7:19 AM

Good morning all,

It is another rainy day in SE Indiana (may have to start using IIARDISEI if this keeps up) with temps in the 60s.  Went to the YMCA and did weights.  Watched a little of "Deal or No Deal".  It is nice to see people play so they maximize their winnings, but sad to see them walk away with less than the first offer because they played one or two too many times.  Had some interesting adventures in Second Life and stayed there longer than I intended.  The end result was that I was able to help some one with a school assignment, which was kind of odd (the assignment that is, not the helping).  Work could have been a lot better yesterday.  I had the usual fare for breakfast this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day (especially Sarah Fisher since she lost her primary sponsor for the 500 yesterday).

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by cnw1995 on Thursday, May 8, 2008 8:16 AM

Morning all. Sunny and hot at 6 am. Glad I'm here instead of the South Loop which has no power. The TV is showing local news person riding a train at the Grand Canyon railway - not sure where that is in relation to here. Off to seminars...

Glad you got that in time, Laz! Now it's time for you to wear big floppy hats.

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

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Posted by sir james I on Thursday, May 8, 2008 8:18 AM

Good Morning All

A cloudy 48 this morning, looks like rain, but its not in the forecast. 60s today

Another strange thing happened overnite, When I went to bed we had a 1/2 bucket of KFC in the fridge, this morning I found a bucket of chicken bones, me thinks someone was here. I also found a pj top that doesn't belong to me. Thought I heard train whistles too.

Well I will wait to see what today brings and go from there...Stay well,,,,S.J.

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

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Posted by sarpilot on Thursday, May 8, 2008 8:48 AM

Morning all,

Just got back from my run with the dog and feel great. For all listening in today I have a thread on a ALCO engine that I have. If any one has any more info other than what sir james has already given it would be appreciated. Everyone have a great day.

STEVE

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