COFFEE POT #3, March 2010 for all to take a drink and chat. Welcome all posters. 4 yrs old and still going. Sweet ice tea too.

[Hudson#685]

Jim, Green97Probe,

  I feel your pain with the pool. It happened to a guy I work with a couple of weeks ago. His pool was installed last year, and the pool company winterized it. He called the pool company and NO ANSWER. He is hoping that they are closed for the season.

John

[ChiefEagles]

IT SNOWED HARD IN ROSEYVILLE!!!!  Never a flake stuck to anything.  Too warm.

Rested today.  Had meeting with American Heart Assoc. folks today.  Then came home.  Slept off and on [Lucy kept jumping in her Dad's lap]  Well, sort of.  Went back out and fed deer and went to the Gro.  Came home and cooked steaks on the grill [in the snow storm].  Thanks for all of the concerns.  Taking my meds.  Got to read to kids at one of our elementary schools tomorrow afternoon.

Did watch Wake Count School Board meeting on laptop.  They had two hours or more of public comment.  NAACP chair came and sang "We shall over come."  NO JOKE.  See the "Fabulous Five" voted down Busing for Economic Diversity.  Well, to devlop a policy that gives the parents "say so" and have community schools [short version]. Community Schools won.  Vote was 5 for [the new board members] and 4 against [old board members].  WCPSS had an assignment policy that bussed kids for hours from high income neigborhoods into low income neighborhoods and "vise a versa".  Some kids are bused past two or three schools they could attend.  Parents had NO say so in school assignment.  Parents could not participate in school activities due to long distance commutes.  NAACP is threating to sue as they say it is segregation.  I think he is not listening when he is told the Supreme Court has ruled you don't bus for racial reasons.  My "Special Board Member" [bless her Yankee heart, yes she is from PA] gave the best speach on her reason for voting for this resolution.   Victory for parents.  Now I have to get these "Fabulous Five" to get on staff's case. They have done NOTHING about getting the High School site in Rolesville selected.  They are stalling. See, the staff has always run the School Board until now.  

Popcorn time.  Later.

[dwiemer]

dougdagrump

dwiemer

Doug, I like the way you popped the question.  Pretty bride too!  I gave mine a heart shaped box with Dove chocolate and a card.  I wrote a poem and at the end of it, I got down on my knee and presented the ring.

Hope each of you have a good night.
God Bless,
Dennis

 

Whoa Nellie errr Dennis !

That's not me, mine was 45 yrs ago. That was set-up at the MRR Museum by a young sailor who would be shipping out very soon. He and his soon-to-be fiance had planned on visiting the museums in Balboa Park so a few days ahead of time he set up the proposal with the guys running that day. The ring & the open ring box were put on a coal hopper with a "will you marry me" sign. Thankfully it was a successful event.

Sorry about that Doug.  Didn't look too close to see if the date was more modern.  On first glance, I thought it was something archived from a time in the past.  Good thing there was not a derailment and the ring end up lost in the scenery!  Still, it is a great story.  I wonder how many of our wives would have married us if they knew we were such train nuts....that proposal would have certainly raised a flag with my bride....I must have caught her at a week moment.

Dennis

[Hudson#685]

Good Evening, 35 and a slight drizzle down the Jersey Shore.

The fire engine and train incident brought back some funny memories of fires involving the railroads when I was a fireman in South Amboy, NJ. One of the funniest was when we had a boxcar that was on fire. One of the other engines was first on the scene. They opened the door and immediately hit it with water. They car was filled with TAMPONS. Boy did they EXPAND. They had a heck of a time trying to remove them.

Problem: Friday is my wife's birthday. Any suggestions? I thought of a trip to the day spa and send my daughter to get her a gift certificate to a good clothing store. We have a few weddings to go to this year. She said that there is a moratorium on jewelry (I have a friend that owns a jewelry store).

Chief, take it easy and get better.

Brutus, glad to hear that your wife is doing better. The welder, it has paid for it self many times over and it runs like a champ.

Thoughts and prayers to all.

John

[Ole Timer]

 SJ ..... on the chat with brutus and RT .... pour some vodka in the banilla .... we're all thirsty !

[dougdagrump]

dwiemer

Doug, I like the way you popped the question.  Pretty bride too!  I gave mine a heart shaped box with Dove chocolate and a card.  I wrote a poem and at the end of it, I got down on my knee and presented the ring.

Hope each of you have a good night.
God Bless,
Dennis

 

Whoa Nellie errr Dennis !

That's not me, mine was 45 yrs ago. That was set-up at the MRR Museum by a young sailor who would be shipping out very soon. He and his soon-to-be fiance had planned on visiting the museums in Balboa Park so a few days ahead of time he set up the proposal with the guys running that day. The ring & the open ring box were put on a coal hopper with a "will you marry me" sign. Thankfully it was a successful event.

[sir james I]

Hi Guys

It got cloudy this afternoon so 35 was all we got, but better than 25.

After shopping this morning I have done little else that was useful.

I will wait fot the thingy and bring banilla if the crew wants some.

S.J.

[dwiemer]

Good evening all.  Diet/Fast has been going well.  I agree regarding the "fad diets".  This is more in that it is also a spiritual thing...connect with Daniel in only eating the things that he would have eaten when he was brought into Nebuchadnezzar's palace.  That along with fasting to set one's priorities right.  As it is, I have lost 17LBS in 10 days.

Spanky, While things didn't work out for you to give your son such a fine present for his birthday, I am sure he will enjoy it no matter when he gets it.  I am sure you are his "hero".  Glad you are able to take care of your mom.  I wish my dad was closer after mom passed.  He is still up in Jersey, but he has my sisters near by and a great group of friends to help out.

Doug, I like the way you popped the question.  Pretty bride too!  I gave mine a heart shaped box with Dove chocolate and a card.  I wrote a poem and at the end of it, I got down on my knee and presented the ring.

Jim, congratulations on 5 years here.  Tis a fine place to sit for a spell.  Your presence here has been a good one.  Enjoy the SPF posts and your wisdom for life's challenges.

Chief, glad you continue to get better.  Have to agree with Jack in that you need to take it easy and get completely over this.

Lee, hope your internet issues have cleared up.  I noticed one of the Google accounts was not working yesterday.  Not sure what the reason was, but working fine today.

It is getting quite RAW out tonight.  Down to 39 degrees right now.  Bride came in from daughter's ballet lessons and was freezing (Northern winters would kill her).  Rained all day and was a good day to stay inside.  I am actually glad to have some water on the ground as we have been under a fire warning for the area due to the dry conditions.  I have a pile of brush to burn.

Hope each of you have a good night.
God Bless,
Dennis

 

[Ole Timer]

rtraincollector

 

 maybe later when ready to retard

 Don't retard on us RT !!!      .... owed ya one ....... LOL !!!

[rtraincollector]

LawsonFarmsRR

DJSpanky

By the way, it's snowing pretty good here in Ruckersville, Virginia right now.  You seeing this Pat?

 

Spank, you must be on the northern edge of the storm. We are only getting a little light rain. Shows you how a storm can be tightly defined. What are we, about 15 miles apart? I wander if the southern edge reaches down to the Chief?

Pat

I hope so greenvile,sc is supose to get snow tonight about an hour + north of me

 

[LawsonFarmsRR]

DJSpanky

By the way, it's snowing pretty good here in Ruckersville, Virginia right now.  You seeing this Pat?

 

Spank, you must be on the northern edge of the storm. We are only getting a little light rain. Shows you how a storm can be tightly defined. What are we, about 15 miles apart? I wander if the southern edge reaches down to the Chief?

Pat

[LawsonFarmsRR]

SPMan

Pat, I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia but I have never been to that part of the state where Lexington is.  I know that Washington and Lee University is there where General Lee's tomb is also.  I went to Roanoke a couple of times but that is about my only trip to the Western part of the state.  I have a brother in Bristol but have'nt seen that yet either.

Ray

 

Having grown up in Portsmouth and visited Roanoke, you have seen the extremes of our state, from the shore to the mountains. You were close to Lexington, about 60 miles from Roanoke.

Pat

[Anonymous]

Today has been an interesting day so far.  I moved some MTH boxes from the basement back to the attic, then proceeded to wash the insulation and dust from my hands.  As I was washing my hands, I happened to look out the kitchen window.  Here is what I saw:

 

After going outside and taking a closer look, I decide to walk around the pool to check the rest of it out.  What I saw on the other end left me speechless.  Here it is:

I never thought some snow and freezing temps could cause this much damage. 

[SPMan]

Pat, I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia but I have never been to that part of the state where Lexington is.  I know that Washington and Lee University is there where General Lee's tomb is also.  I went to Roanoke a couple of times but that is about my only trip to the Western part of the state.  I have a brother in Bristol but have'nt seen that yet either.

Ray

[anjdevil2]

Afternoon, guys...

Was a long day yesterday, got to bed about 1200 Midnight after running through NE Florida AND South Georgia.  Still more sites to hit, will do 4-5 more tonight.  Should be another 11-12 Midnight bed time then up again at 630.  It pays 2X my regular job, so I gotta do it...or Uncle Obammer will stick me in the SLAMMER!

 

Got another piece to my Chessie Super Steam set a baggage car.  just need a couple more cars for the set!

 

Bought some track at the Trainz SUPER sale (Atlas), will start planning with the Atlas and see where it goes.

 

VERY windy and in the 60’s now, raining off and on

 

JimPhish – Happy 5 Years!

 

– for us all, Char & Chief included...

 

Rock Island – welcome back from your New England walkabout!

 

Bob – Good Luck on #2

 

Man I’m tired... ok back to work!

 

Rich

 

 

[rtraincollector]

LawsonFarmsRR

SPMan

Got a letter from a fellow retired Southern Pacific Railroad engineer who has moved to Lexington, Virginia where his daughter lives.  He is a California guy and not used to all the snow they are having.  He said they are having the worst Winter since 1992 and he is learning a new hobby--shoveling snohio.  I would like to see that part of Virginia someday.  I hear it's a nice place.

Ray

 

Ray, ALL of Virginia is a nice place! We promise to not let this winter repeat for at least 100 years. It's a wonder your friend didn't go back to CA .

Pat

Ray I have to agree with pat VA. is a very nice and beautiful state as I have lived there off and on about 10 years 5 in the navy boucing in and out and 5 after I got out and moved to fl then returned . wish I was still there but now have house payment and all so not easy to take care of all at this moment maybe later when ready to retard

Hope all having good day woke up to no heat again and this time found out what it really is as just got it going but still have repair man coming out as need to replace the quick disconect box.

Talk to you all later

[LawsonFarmsRR]

SPMan

Got a letter from a fellow retired Southern Pacific Railroad engineer who has moved to Lexington, Virginia where his daughter lives.  He is a California guy and not used to all the snow they are having.  He said they are having the worst Winter since 1992 and he is learning a new hobby--shoveling snohio.  I would like to see that part of Virginia someday.  I hear it's a nice place.

Ray

 

Ray, ALL of Virginia is a nice place! We promise to not let this winter repeat for at least 100 years. It's a wonder your friend didn't go back to CA .

Pat

[SPMan]

Good morning all, went for my usual walk this AM but had to replace the batteries in my walkman when I got back.  The bunny finally gave out. 

Chief, glad you don't have pewmonia.  I think a good rest would do you good.  You don't need an ephitaph that reads, he had to go to a meeting.

Jim Phish, thanks for the kind words to all of us.  I agree that the forum is a valuable and worthwhile tool for us.

Jim and Charlene, glad to hear that the progress continues.  A lot of prayers are heading your way.

Got a call from a friend last night about a great buy he made at auction for a MTH Southern PS4 steam engine.  Lucky dog!  I sold a proto 1 myself but want a proto 2.  Should have upgraded my old one but he got a used proto 2 for just a little more than the cost of upgrading.

More rain sooner or later this week but nothing big predicted.  Cloudy and cool at the present time.

Got a letter from a fellow retired Southern Pacific Railroad engineer who has moved to Lexington, Virginia where his daughter lives.  He is a California guy and not used to all the snow they are having.  He said they are having the worst Winter since 1992 and he is learning a new hobby--shoveling snohio.  I would like to see that part of Virginia someday.  I hear it's a nice place

TTOS train meet coming up this Sunday.  Maybe I will try to sell some stuff.

Navy Jack, did you ever find out where to get Eastern North Carolina Bar-B-Que?  The only place I know about is Smithfield Chicken and Bar-B-Que.  They have locations all over North Carolina.  They ship all over by mail order.

Re dieting, I tend to agree that the ones that leave you hungry don't work.  Moderation may be the best way.

Have a good day all,

Ray

 

[dougdagrump]

Mornin' All.

The house is the Infirmary today, munchkin has a fever so not allowed to go to Pre-school today or yesterday. At least it is lower today than yesterday. Grampa has playtime later ! 

Bob, Now if all things go well and in the future you believe the time is right ther is only one way for a "Trainhead" to propose:

Just shows that even Trainheads can be a"Romantic", kind of in a different sort of way of course.

Later All, back to work entertaing somebody.

[Anonymous]

Jim,

      Congrats on the 5 years. 

Spank,

           I think that there is paint that gives a stone look, but I am not 100% sure.  Have you considered covering it with thin styrofoam and using something to give the foam a rough texture?  Just a thought.

I have been busy with school work lately.  I took a break last night and attepted to revive an early PS2 (SCPH-30001), but the drive is shot.  It won't read CDs or DVDs, and adjusting laser voltages and angles did not help.  I can't make myself give up on it though because I got it soon after it came out when they were tough to get.  I wanted to get it working to have a backup for the SCPH-50001 that I am currently using, but I might try to find a new slim one instead.

All the talk about coal loaders has made me want to get the PW layout back together.  I am too lazy to move all the stuff that has piled up on it though.

[LawsonFarmsRR]

 Jack - Formatting or not, your posts are an easy and interesting read!

Cold beer, especially Ole Mil, is an absolute requirement for all strangers, Yankee or Southern, to enter the farm drive. Guards are posted.

Pat

[RockIsland52]

Did a cut and paste job today and formatting went right out the window, edit not working either.  My apologies to all.  Jack. 

 

 

AT LONG LAST!!!!!  THE SUN!!!!!!!!!!!  WHAT THE TEMPERATURES DID NOT ERADICATE THE RAINS DID.  I SEE GRASS AND DIRT OUT THE WINDOW.  DOG POOP TOO! 

 

JimF…… the continued good news on your most better half (POT English) is a blessing.  The rest of us continue to pray for her continued progress and for your entire family who are still standing strong during this ordeal.  The events of the past year must have taken quite a toll on the entire family, yet you have maintained the leadership and strength for the others and have maintained some sense of normalcy for all.  YOU DA MAN!!!! Chief…..you are of no value to us in this dilapidated condition.  Would it kill you to lay low for a while?  Yankees considering forming an elite extraction team to kidnap you and place you in confinement, to clear this up, and to stabilize the Roseyville government.  I long ago gave up trying to catch a nap with the dog around.  Most unpleasant when they walk on your plumbing, startling too.  JimSP…..congratulations on five years and prayers you are with us for another two decades or so.  Thank you for your “ZeroFatalities” link.  I cannot understand the continued debate and reticence to embrace a return to common sense:  driving a 2-3 ton weapon in safety, for oneself and for everyone else within striking distance.  I find that most in my realm of acquaintance accept the fact that cell phone and texting while driving is a significant distraction, yet each thinks he/she is the exception and can handle it.  I pose the following: if you were to give folks the option of getting their drivers’ license renewed with a road test, and with an option, test with cell phone/ texting or without, how many would choose “with” if their drivers’ license was at stake? Not one.  It is true that some can multitask better than others, but virtually no one does better at a task that requires time/distance judgment or split second reaction under distraction. Read with interest the observations about the closing ceremonies for this Winter Olympics.  How about a commercial free-third period of the US/Canada hockey game, thanks to DirecTV?  Almost gets me interested in hockey again.  That was truly exciting.  And was it my imagination, or did the refs just let them go out and play?  Fast and furious, non-stop. Dennis…..re your diet.  For me over the long haul moderation works, deprivation does not.  12-18 ounces of water before meals.  Eating slowly so the stomach has time to tell the brain when satisfied.  Then I screw it all up with overdoing a dessert or a pre-bedtime snack.  More recently I’ve been swapping out some of the pastries and cookies with bananas, grapes, apples, and melon.  Added salads to the meal, eaten first, and using some lower calorie dressings, ones a diabetic recommended…..not bad.  Now if I could just ratchet up the exercise a bit.  Time for more dog walks.  Re the weather, how is the cross country skiing this time of year way down there in GA.?  Chuck and Buckeye are doing their very best to help you and things along.  You need some snow tires.    Chuck…..re the PT, you are a solid example for the rest of us.  Hang in there. JD straight up or on the rocks, sipped while reclining in the Jacuzzi tub.  Bob……many of us on the POT are experts at tricking women into truly believing we are something we are not.  Don’t let this valuable resource go untapped. SJ…..like you, I can’t fathom myself stopping a vehicle on the RR tracks. Goes way back to what my Dad used to say.  When dealing with motor vehicles and trains, the tie always goes to the train and the results are seldom non-lethal. Banks…..Bag Balm.  NOTHING, regardless of price, works better than this stuff.  And it is more than just a moisturizer.  I’d use it to lubricate the gears on my trains if I thought it wouldn't start up another lubrication debate.     Pat……despite all of the gun talk, I bet even you would not shoot a Yankee coming down your driveway delivering cold beer.  At least not until the delivery had been completed and the product quality had been thoroughly tested.   DougM and JimF……if you have figured out how to get your dogs to go out in a monsoon to take care of business, let me know.  Other than by force with a leash.  MikeC…..prayers for Lucas’ continued recovery.  That is very nasty stuff and arguably one of the top dangers of hospitalization, no matter how much cleaning is done. Lee…..my heart goes out to you with that inclement South FLA weather.    Same to the CA boys.  Nice and warm up this way.  You guys will have to start wintering up North.  Re the Shamu/Tili story……the undercurrent and some media spin on this tragic event should get one to start worrying about a renewed push for the demise of all zoos and aquariums.  I follow the breed banning legislation for dogs.  It focuses far to much on the breed of dog and pays too little heed to the owner/handler responsibilities; nor does any of this legislation propose anything with teeth to take on profit-mongering puppy mills who crank out genetically and psychologically defective/unfit dogs.  Politicians will never attack a problem at its source, seeking the feel-good and voter-safe solution to every issue every time.  And the masses will just be sucked in by the media hype.  You might argue that some breeds of dogs are just dangerous no matter what, pure and simple.  Like a gun or a car, in the wrong hands, through benign ignorance, misguided pride, or outright neglect/abuse, even a four pound Chihuahua is dangerous around a child.  As Jack Hanna so eloquently stated to a CNN reporter seeking to sensationalize the tragic Sea World event (not a quote): if some have their way, our children or grandchildren will never experience in person the wonders of animals and nature without a bankroll or trust fund to take them half way around the world to see wildlife in its natural habitat.  Common sense never seems to prevail in such matters.   Later, gang. 

Jack

[phillyreading]

Good Morning,

Chilly south Florida again, with a chance of showers. Storm coming in from the Gulf Coast by Loiusiana.

Sir James 1, I have to agree with you, why would anybody in the right mind park or stop on a railroad crossing? Also why do young adults(teenagers)play on railroad track bridges? Three young women killed in Melbourne FL on an FEC bridge. In my opion you pay for your stupidity!! Sorry if I seem harsh with my words but you have to obey traffic laws and other laws set down by society or you will suffer the consequence. FEC(Florida East Coast Railway) has No Tresspassing signs near their tracks and at the entrance to a bridge. A sign missing should not happen with FEC's track maintance work schedual, almost once every two months(sometimes sooner than two months) their tracks are gone over by a railcrew using MOW equipment.

Found out cause of derailment on my layout, bad section of 027 straight track, going to replace it with Gargraves if I have adapter pins.

Lee F.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Buckeye..... The SNOHIO  Gun fired this morning and overshot the target coordinates. It hit Atlanta.  I think I better back off on the charge to a level three.

Chuck

[cnw1995]

 Aloha. My long day with last class of the quarter tonight. Grey and cold this am. Ah, March. Good luck on date #2, Bob. Congratulations on 5 years, Jim.

[sir james I]

Good Morning

Sunny but a little colder this morning, middle 30s for the day

That fire truck was worth about $600 thousand dollars and is considered totalled. There was also a police car parked on the tracks but he was able to get in and move it before the train reached them. The worst part, it was not necessary to park there, lots of room  at that intersection. What were they thinking? Going shopping this morning so have a great day.

S.J.

[ChiefEagles]

ROMANCE on the Coffee Pot.  How great.

Morning all.  Cloudy and chilly.  Rain coming and may mix with snohio.  Not suppose to accumulate on road ways.  Got to rush to meeting at Town Hall with American Heart Assoc.  Then back home and rest.  Been trying to all morning but Lucy jumps on my lap everytime I doze off.  Chat later. 

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is cloudy and cooler in SE Indiana with temps in the 20s and 30s and a chance of Snohio.  Lucas is still fighting staph infection from last week.  Fortunately he got it treated in time or it could have been really bad.  Monday night was typical, YMCA, trash take out, and radio show on Second Life.  Had an old Fibber McGee program on.  Good shows to listen to.  Chief, glad to hear you are on the mend.  RockIsland 52, glad to hear you made it thru your situation.  Brutus, good news about the wife.  Dennis, congrats on the will power.  I am afraid that is the hardest exercise for me to do...push away from the table.  I had the regular fare on the dining car this morning for breakfast as it came in from "Points East".  TBIL after "Lost".  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 32 degrees. Going up to 36 today with a few snow flurries.

Today is a busy day. Lots of chores to do and paperwork to make out. Maybe later, I'll have an hour for the train room.  PT went well, yesterday. I can feel it today,

Chief............Get some rest.  Get well.

Dining car has arrived and it's the usual for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck

 

[laz 57]

Hi GUYZ,

  37 here and not bad, maybe some slushy weather tomorrow AM.  Waiting for another Electric RR Cruise Commander to come in. Got another update to do.

JACK, WOW what an ordeal for you.  Glad you are safe.  How much for the LIMO SERVICE?

BOB, great ending to OLYMPICs but NBC screwed up with that show.  Olympics come once every four years and they have to break away for some stupid show?  BOO to NBC.

CHIEF,  Saturday Nite RASSTLIN.  Use to love watching NWA on TBS on Saturday nites, great RASTLIN with The Road Warriors, Nature Boy RICK FLARE, The Minnisota Wrecking Crew, Mill Maskarus, Cowboy Bob Orton, etc..  Now that was great RASTLIN!!!

Stay frosty,

laz57