COFFEE POT #10 October 2010 for all to take a drink and chat. 5+ years and going...Hot Steamed crabs and Natty Bohs too.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

It was cloudy but mild in SE Indiana today with temps in the 70s.  Went to Bloomington today.  Talked to Lucas and his GF.  Situation is as follows:  He has yet to talk to recruiter, but will be doing that shortly.  She can not move out of dorm until after her freshman year so there will be no relocating until then.  Not sure what ultimate resolution will be, but other family members will be discussing various options with those two as well.  Immediate crisis is over, but this will be a continuing drama for at least another year or so.  Come on May 2012!   (That is when Lucas will hopefully graduate).  Next we visited daughter and her family that lives in Bloomington.  Her husband is in National Guard and has some service insights as well.  They are doing ok, and grandson is a bundle of energy.  Finally went to see wife's sister and her husband.  This is the family where he has the brain cancer.  They are doing ok, but all are aware it is a matter of time.  Sad situation.  We stopped at Kohl's on the way home and stocked up on some Docker's for $30.  Good deal.  For the most part a good day.  I had the regualr fare on the dining car for breakfast.  TBIL anytime.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Anonymous]

lionroar88

Fife - her b-day isn't till 11/8 - but we have start 'celebrating' 2 weeks prior and for 2 weeks after. By 'celebrating' I mean Brent has to clean the house, make all meals, drive her every where we go, and start buying her gifts... wait a minute... the only difference between now and the rest of the year is the buying of gifts...

So far I have bought the following - that she knows of - palm tree plant for sun room, pot for plant, rocking chair, new contour rug and small rug for powder room, new bath mat for master bath, hair dryer, autumn themed table cloth for dining room table, and a decorative mat to go under the center piece... guess I love her?

Brent,

           I've noticed a trend in your posts yesterday and today.  Yesterday's post killed my motivation to get a real job, and today's doesn't make marriage look like a good idea either.  Seriously though, happy birthday to The Q in advance.

Brutus,

              Continued prayers for Char.

I went to Lowes last night and got the brackets that I needed.  I saw that they had the greenhouse loaded with Christmas stuff.  I'll have to check that out.  As I was on my way to Lowes, there was a first gen Probe going the other way.  Turns out that it was the 90 LX in Wild Strawberry that I passed on three years ago.  I should of put the  $500 into that and not my 360. It is nice to know that it is being driven and isn't rusting away in a yard waiting to get crushed though.

[Demay]

Good evening all,

We had a great time at the church get-together: great company, food, and bonfire.  I probably ate too much dessert, but I'll make up for it next week.  The Phillies lost a tough game to the Giants tonight - I can't believe Ryan Howard went down looking in the bottom of the 9th with two runners on and two outs.  A team's best player needs to swing the bat.

Probe - I saw some nice buildings at Lowe's today; I mentioned them in an earlier post today.  I'll be interested to know what you think about them.  I believe they would look nice on a Christmas layout.

Brutus - Prayers for your wife and specifically for her leave situation.

Mike C. - Continued prayers for your in-laws and family.

Good night,

Joe

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  There is a hush across fifedom.  The pack is slumbering on the living room floor.  They really wore themselves out.  Especially on the poor pinata, which open crashing to the ground, was attacked with the ferrociousness of a heard of lionesses on a wilderbeast...all you needed was a narrative by Marlin Perkins...

88 - Make sure the palm tree isnt exposed to temps in the 30s.

Demay - Havent been to Lowes.

Dwiemer - Surprisingly, none of the girls has a cellphone.

Gotta make a run to DD.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cold 48 degrees. Going up to 68 today with a chance of rain.

Today is an easy day. I have a few things to do and then I will spend some time in the train room. Nascar race and run trains.

Dining car is here and it's Cheerios for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Sunday.

Chuck

[Anonymous]

green97probe

lionroar88:

Fife - her b-day isn't till 11/8 - but we have start 'celebrating' 2 weeks prior and for 2 weeks after. By 'celebrating' I mean Brent has to clean the house, make all meals, drive her every where we go, and start buying her gifts... wait a minute... the only difference between now and the rest of the year is the buying of gifts...

So far I have bought the following - that she knows of - palm tree plant for sun room, pot for plant, rocking chair, new contour rug and small rug for powder room, new bath mat for master bath, hair dryer, autumn themed table cloth for dining room table, and a decorative mat to go under the center piece... guess I love her?

 

Brent,

           I've noticed a trend in your posts yesterday and today.  Yesterday's post killed my motivation to get a real job, and today's doesn't make marriage look like a good idea either.  Seriously though, happy birthday to The Q in advance.

Probe - I was wondering if I should post that stuff with you being so young. I am really happy that I have a job, the long hours are typical for developers nearing a software release and after a software release. There are people testing the applications and reporting issues that need to be addressed - this lasts for 1 - 6 months prior to the release (depending on how well it was designed, and how well the functionality was described). Then for 1 - 6 months after release depending on how well testing went.

As for marriage... LOL! I wouldn't trade The Q for anyone or being a bachelor. She keeps me grounded and she has a good career. Find a good woman, one that compliments you and you compliment her, and you'll go far.

[Demay]

Good morning all,

It was a brisk 45 or so when I woke up earlier this morning - it felt great.  I'm feeding the older two kids breakfast right now and we will start getting ready for church soon.  The wife is not feeling 100% percent this morning - possibly from all the bonfire smoke last night - so she may not go this morning, which means the baby will stay home as well. 

After church I will watch football if the Dolphins-Steelers game is on.  If not, I would like to get some layout work accomplished; however, Sunday afternoons on the couch are always tempting.

Brent - I couldn't agree more.

Good day,

Joe

[sir james I]

Good Morning

57/70 today. unusally warm.

No plans for today and the dining car passed right through the station so I need to find some breakfast. Enjoy your sunday.

S.J.

[laz 57]

Hi GUYZ,

  Went pheasant huntin yesterday with BRO,beauty of a day, got 3 hrs worth of walking and didn't flush a bird.  After last walk through stubble corn we heard one cackle on other side of the creek.  So at least there is one bird got too dark to go after him.  Next week.  Saw a few nice buck spotting deer then had fire and burgers and dogs, and OL MILs.

BRUTUS, prayers for da WIFE.

Stay frosty,

laz57

[laz 57]

BRENT,

  You are absolutley right on the keep those women happy.  Life is better that way.

laz57

[RockIsland52]

Houston.....we have pumpkins! Visited Boston Hill Farms in Andover MA. yesterday for a "pick your own" outing.  About 25 pounds on one (mine), but the daughter and SIL topped it by a pound.  Carving get together for the grandkids is for next Saturday.  The annual Halloween get together at our place is scheduled for Sunday, but we fear that it will be an early evening because the adults and kiddies all have to go to work and school the next day.  Weather here through Wednesday = 70s!!!!  Hope we get something similar for trick or treat night.

Brutus.......one step closer for Char.  Great news.  You had better start on the housecleaning or she will have a field day with you.......as if she doesn't have enough ammo already. 

SJ.......I assume you got up early and made breakfast in bed for Granny since she was feeling under the weather.  Pour cereal in bowl.  Add milk.  Find spoon.  Serve. 

8N.......great news on your wifey's continued progress.  Maybe when she is through with it you can use her back brace as a girdle.  Glad to hear your knee responded to the PT too!   

Fife.....your living room sounds like a large detention center.

Brent.....I hear you about the birthday presents.  At least with some of yours she will appreciate them every day........as she continues to add to "THE 88 LIST."  Bought the wife a car for last Christmas and her birthday (two months later) combined but was later informed that it didn't count toward both.  Then was going to get her some special car mats but was informed that didn't count either.    With regard to painting the powder room......my wife had me paint ours 3 times because she didn't like the colors she picked.

DougM......did you empty all of the sand out of the suitcases before you put them away?

MikeC.....never fear.  They are our kids and we are stuck with them.  Sometimes their decisions are grown up because they ARE grown up.  I worry about my kids to this day.  They usually seem to land on their feet.

Dennis.....if you keep acquiring trains you will have to start your own version of ebay or buy a larger house.

JimmyT.......glad to hear the layout changes are coming along.  Sounds like you continue to add to your empire with some choice pieces too. 

Bob.......is the snow removal equipment ready to go?  Was thinking about you last night as I was admiring a full harvest moon here.

Laz........you make me feel guilty about getting the outside stuff wrapped up for the winter.  I still have to take down the kiddy pool!!!!  And rid myself of the science project growing in it.

Later, gang.

Jack

[laz 57]

JACK,

  Remember pace yourself, slow and steady gets the job done.

laz57

[RockIsland52]

lionroar88

green97probe:

lionroar88:

Fife - her b-day isn't till 11/8 - but we have start 'celebrating' 2 weeks prior and for 2 weeks after. By 'celebrating' I mean Brent has to clean the house, make all meals, drive her every where we go, and start buying her gifts... wait a minute... the only difference between now and the rest of the year is the buying of gifts...

So far I have bought the following - that she knows of - palm tree plant for sun room, pot for plant, rocking chair, new contour rug and small rug for powder room, new bath mat for master bath, hair dryer, autumn themed table cloth for dining room table, and a decorative mat to go under the center piece... guess I love her?

 

Brent,

           I've noticed a trend in your posts yesterday and today.  Yesterday's post killed my motivation to get a real job, and today's doesn't make marriage look like a good idea either.  Seriously though, happy birthday to The Q in advance.

 

Probe - I was wondering if I should post that stuff with you being so young. I am really happy that I have a job, the long hours are typical for developers nearing a software release and after a software release. There are people testing the applications and reporting issues that need to be addressed - this lasts for 1 - 6 months prior to the release (depending on how well it was designed, and how well the functionality was described). Then for 1 - 6 months after release depending on how well testing went.

As for marriage... LOL! I wouldn't trade The Q for anyone or being a bachelor. She keeps me grounded and she has a good career. Find a good woman, one that compliments you and you compliment her, and you'll go far.

88.........not grounded enough, as the ladder escapade demonstrates. 

Jack.

[rtraincollector]

Dennis When your not thinking straight you tend to ramble a little even if you know others don't mind at all. I'm doing better today but still depressed as I was actually there 3 out of the first 5 days and after the third time I was told if this effects you this much you can't go back sorry and they kept me from going back.

Packing up trains I sold on ebay so they can go out tomorrow. ( will drop some off at FedEx/kinko's today so they are there to ship out tomorrow.) USPS will pick the rest up tomorrow from the house here.

Waiting for payment ( money order on one but its packed and ready to go did talk to him yesterday via telephone.

Waiting on wife as she wants to go with me to FedEx for the ride. Have 5 more ending around 2 1/2 hours and one in 2 days . guess need to put some more up. these are all trains I don't want and sitting around here in boxes taking up room .You know the ones you buy because you think its too good of a deal to pass up

hope all had a good weekend. My is going Okay and it will get better.

Take it easy and have a good day.

[SPMan]

Good morning all, not much to report here except I've had a bad cold for about a week now.   Tried to go to TCA meet yesterday but only stayed about 20 minutes and came back home.  Now debating if I can go to church or not today.   The TCA meet was suppose to be honoring the Boy Scouts of America this month for their 100th anniversary.  Saw one scout leader but not one single scout.  Maybe they were suppose to come later after I left.  BTW, I got an E mail yesterday from a niece back on the East Coast who is in the Girl Scouts.  Now they have got them selling magazines for fund raisers.  I don;t mind contributing directly to scouting but I hate to see these magazine companies exploiting these young girls.  That is really a weasel approach on the part of the magazine companies, to have a relative try to sell you a magazine.  They know they have got you.  Maybe I will buy a magazine and give it to someone else.  I don't need another magazine.  I have too many now.

Ray

[mitchelr]

Morning to all,

Spent about an hour catching up on all the posts.  Prayers to those who need them especially Brutus and his family.  Had a great day yesterday hiked on the Appalachian Trail with some friends from work  to Annapolis Rocks.  Pretty good walk and some kind of steep terrain.  Had lunch at Famous Dave's afterward. Came home and took a nice nap.

Home from church, had some lunch and then working on some chores with the Mrs.  Ran trains two or three nights this past week.  The Flying Yankee is a pretty good runner but I have some track work and a switch or two where it has a tendency to stall if it is running too slow.  Enjoyed running it though.  Still need to do some clean up and straightening on the layout.  That place is as messy as my desk at work, maybe worse.  I start something and then get side tracked or called in for dinner, etc.

Our son and his buddies from college got together for Homecoming at WVU this weekend, too bad the Mountaineers lost to Syracuse. It's the first time all four roommates have been together since graduation 3 years ago.  Hope they had a good time, but not too good of a time if you know what I mean. Son is doing well with his job and we really like his girlfriend a lot. 

Take care,

Mitch

 

[dwiemer]

Good afternoon everyone.  Had a great, yet humbling service this morning at church.  Our Sunday School class has been averaging over 120 people a week, so we "birthed" a new class as we have done in the past and so a number of folks started a new class and it opened up a number of seats to allow for more new faces.  Then, we went to Applebee's for some lunch.

Currently, there is a good program on Tunnels on Big, Bigger, Biggest.  It is a bout the building of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest.  Lots of great shots of the Mersey Railroad in England.

Well, better get a nap in before heading back to church.
God Bless,
Dennis

[cheapclassics]

Good afternoon all,

It is cloudy with scattered showers in SE Indiana and temps near 70.  It is kind of an odd day as wife could not sleep while worrying about family issues so she was up early and had breakfast.  She comes back to bed and then I get up later and go to church for both of us.  We eat a late lunch and then I mulch leaves while dodging a few raindrops.  I may run trains later today.  I had bacon and biscuits on the dining car for breakfast this morning.  Prayers going out to those who need them.  TBIL after "Desperate Housewives" tonight.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Anonymous]

Brent,

            No worries.  I've seen firsthand what goes into software development, and I am trying to keep my distance from that based on some of my experiences.  I can look through code and find issues, but writing code is difficult for me.  I prefer to work with hardware rather than software.  As for the long hours that you put in,  that seems to be the way to turn out a solid product instead of using the consumers as beta testers.

 

 

[anjdevil2]

Good Sunday Evening from my temporary home in FLA...

Weather has been nice, been trucking the Princess to and from work.  Spoke to (soon to be ex) wife, started contentious, then settled down.  Talked for an hour.  Still a peace making in progress.  We'll see.

Saw the Blue Angels this weekend, air show at NAS Jax.  Princess works across the river, so I caught a glimpse.  Put the car back together, so now I have tunes and gauges.  No speedo as the cable has come up missing....

for Brutus and family...and anyone I've missed.

Saw an FEC container consist heading South..#101 & 701 in Yellow & Blue taking the lead.

Fife:  The written was a pass/fail and I passed.  Physical Agility test 11/4 @ 1400...more than ready.  Doctors permission slip gets signed tomorrow.  Credit Union and County Clerks for more paperwork.

Picked up a Home Depot @ Home Depot for the BARGAIN price of $7.88 + NJ Tax.  Nice building and I did catch the Lowes ceramics  I wish I could buy the whole It's A Wonderful Life set.  Great movie, my favorite.

That's all from here, waiting for the Princess to call.  Supposed to do homework here tonight.

Check ya later!

[rtraincollector]

Rich, dennis and the rest of you Fireman/exfireman Passed this on the way to and form train museum so took you all a few pics

 

 

 

 

[sir james I]

75 today but not much sun.

I don't know where the day went, its just gone. Banilla is ready for the thingy ride so lets go...S.J.

[dwiemer]

Good evening everyone.  Rich, hope you are able to settle things with a lasting peace, especially with regard to what the princess' experience is.  For her, it will be well worth seeing Mom and Dad in the best light possible.  I am sure it will be tough.

RT, that looks like an old Ford brush engine.  I bet those stiff legs on the side are about dry rotted.  I never had to draft during a fire.  Closest I came was during drills.  One thing about the North East, plenty of hydrants.  Of course, as 9/11 showed, the rivers can still be needed when you have no water pressure from a hydrant.  Down here, we have a pretty good hydrant protection, but there are some areas where the water has to be tanked in.  Not so sure I would do an interior attack in such a situation.  Different game.

Well, took care of doing dishes...scored some points  My bride works hard with the house and with the kids, so it is good to cowboy up and take on some of the chores.  I told her I thought the kids were supposed to do some of the work...a return on our investment???  Anyway, as they get older, the chores will be added on.

Had some good news and some bad news this weekend.  Good, some friends of ours are pregnant with their 4th child.   They have a 21yo, a 12yo, a 8yo, and now one on the way.  They are both in their mid 40s.  On the sad news, a friend of mine lost his brother.  The guy had a accident two months ago and had been in a coma since.  This happened up in NC, where they are from and now he leaves behind a wife and young son.  Just never know when your time is up, so make sure you know where you are going.

Hope it is a good week ahead for everyone.
God Bless,
Dennis

[Anonymous]

I hate nights like this... tired as heck, but can't sleep a wink.

Just finished putting the powder room back together. What a difference! Have one small spot that I need to touch up where the mirror bracket scrapped the wall. Also noticed that I now need to repaint the ceiling, door trim, wainscotting, and guess it is time to paint the door... hope to do that next weekend.

Rich - Hope things work out for you. I've been praying for my ex ever since I found out she got mixed up with a violent man and gave birth to his son. Just found out a few months ago that she is still bitter towards me... somethings never change... but I'll keep praying. I would never go back with her, but I don't feel any person deserves the mess she's worked herself into.

Can't get over how nice the garage looks. I know it isn't much, but the room we have now is awesome, and to be able to get two cars into the garage and actually be able to get into and out of them without moving the car out is going to be very nice on those rainy/snowy days.

[Demay]

Good evening all,

We had a pretty pleasant day today.  The only downside is the wife has not been feeling too well; her sinuses are acting up.  The Dolphins-Steelers game was not televised here so I did not watch any football except for a few plays in tonight's game.

I went out to the garage to work on the layout today, but did not get much accomplished.  I intended to install some runway lights on our airport; however, I was unable to find my electrical tape.  Sometimes my two older kids like to borrow items from my tool boxes and they never return.  I needed the tape to modify the sequence of the lights.  I will go to Lowe's tomorrow to pick up more tape.  I did continue working on a curved girder bridge I am making.  Once the Dremmel charges back up I should finish up pretty quickly.

I also worked on my 7y/o son's Halloween costume.  We convinced our two older kids to make their own costumes this year - with our help of course.  My son is going as a robot; very reminiscent of one of my childhood costumes.  We are using some old shipping boxes.  So far I have his body and head sized up and now they only need some gray/silver paint (another trip to Lowe's).  I plan to use some old dryer duct for the arms and legs.

I'm off to bed early tonight so I'll pass on the banilla. 

Good night,

Joe

[Brutus]

My wife reports continued improvement.  They have some tests tomorrow and an IVIG treatment on Friday?  That could be outpatient, we don't know yet.  It sounds iffy though, most likely she'll be in the hospital all week.  Brent, you are right about a good wife!

Today was just a quiet day.  Made breakfast for the kids and I, then did laundry and played videogames and stuff.  We all went over to my folks' house for a nice visit and some good lasagna and brownies.  Dad's knee is healing nicely, but he is still having some pain issues.  It's getting a lot better though.

Nice talks with Rt, SJ and Charlie tonight - nice pics, RT!  Glad you are doing better today.

Thanks for all the prayers and nice posts guys, we sure do appreciate it.

Tardis is ready, so let's hit it!

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is rainy in SE Indiana.  I had bacon and biscuits this morning.  TBIL anytime.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[laz 57]

Hi GUYZ,

  Mild day today to get to 73.  Rain til Wednesday.  Worked a little on layout last nite.

BEARS loose, what else is new?  OL stink and so does Cutler.

Stay frosty,

laz57

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a mild 62 degrees. Going up to 78 today with a chance of rain.

Today is a busy day. I have some paperwork to do and a few chores. Then, I will relax and read my latest copy of CTT which came Sat. Looks like a good Holiday issue.

Dining car is here from "Points West" and it is the usual for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Monday.

Chuck

[dwiemer]

Good morning everyone.  Enjoying a quiet morning as I am on call and will go in later.  Watching how they make French Horns on TV.  With any luck, we will have some rain over the next few days.  We need it as the area is under drought watch and so we can't burn outdoors.

Brutus, continued prayers for Char and a speedy return to the home.  We all need prayer, but some situations call for more fervent prayers.

Brent, you are right to pray for her.  It is easy to pray for those we care about and wish well upon.  It is folks we have either no connection to or severed connections with who we need to pray and it is most difficult to.  In the end, it makes us better people.

It will be a good day today.
Dennis