COFFEE POT #12 December 2010 for all to take a drink and chat. 5+ years and going. Plenty of coffee but also Christmas cookies and grits along with egg nogg and sweet ice tea.

[John Bakeer]

  The small door on the lhs concealed a hand set connected to the local nick for use by the public in an emergency.

There was a brick one near where I live here in Stockport UK.

[RockIsland52]

Chief.....it's about time you finally celebrate a traditional American white Christmas with some snow.  You should be thankful we Nawtheners thought of you and sent you some, gratis.

BTW.....do you have one of those white military grade camouflage snowsuits to sneak up on the vandals?  Or will the scope on your heat make that unnecessary. 

Later, Jack

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.  Was warm this AM and now windy.  I think it smells like a Yankee's breath.  Turning cold.  BTW: the ugly S word is in the Christmas Eve and Christmas day forecast.   Will be the first time in YEARS had white stuff on Christmas.  Now according to the forecaster, not amount to much as temps above freezing during the day light.  Off to take hot wings to Town Hall for Christmas meal.  They are off tomorrow and Monday.  Checks to sign too.

Probably do some minor shopping until later.  Fred is worrying me to death to fox hunt this afternoon.  BTW: 870 Express I won on Gun Brokers came in.  Its new!!!!  Man I stole that one.

Later.

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin Ya'll From Snowy Taxachussetts,

Just got done doing snow and ice removal, down to the nub.  Can't have our guests falling down tomorrow night and suing me.  One of these days I must learn to remove the snow BEFORE it becomes semi-permanently affixed to the driveway by cars and foot traffic, thereby increasing the removal time and effort X 3 to get it up.

Wife continues the stress spiral as we are having family over for Christmas Eve.  So what does she do?  Adds to it.  The latest.....she volunteered to babysit the grandchildren this afternoon, overnight, and all day tomorrow.  While I am certainly glad my daughter and son-in-law can get all of their stuff done without the stress of the little ones underfoot, the term "taking one for the team" takes on new meaning.

So until Christmas is behind us, I will make the following survival observation:  A plan ill conceived but violently executed will nonetheless succeed!

Later, gang.

Jack

[sir james I]

Good Morning

Cloudy and 28, and I think thats about it.

Chief careful with that thinking stuff, you might start a forest fire. An evening out with Charlie, goinna visit a well know home layout tonight. Cereal and 1 toast for breakfast.

Merry Christmas.....S.J.

[cnw1995]

Aloha all. Grey.  A day with absolutely nothing to do - until Christmas services later. Hopefully, this means some trains-a-running.... the youngest has had a few friends over this week and I've let them run the trains ragged. What fun to hear their excitement.  Only casualty so far is I can't find Jame's cab roof. Must be somewhere on the layout. And a few derailments-at-speed but nothing serious.

Sad day for Chicago FD...100 years to the day yesterday they suffered highest number of fatalities up to 9/11, now lost two more.

[dwiemer]

Fife, just keep that KVO!  Taking some meds, but can't take the really strong stuff as I am still on call.  Wife is making pancakes for the dining car.

8N, you should definitely leave that work cell phone off so as not to run the battery completely down

Not much on the schedule today, so with any luck, it will be a good day to just veg...but I will have to do it at the hospital.

Chief, we don't have folks stopping over....nice part of living in the country and keeping a low profile.  OF course, the whole political thing may bring lots more folks!  I guess it is a consequence of being popular!

Hope each of you has a great day.
Dennis

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  A chilly 32 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  That "pineapple express" moisture is set to land here sometime Sunday PM...we shall see.  Heart goes out to those folks with mud-covered homes.  I think I'm done shopping...except for provisions --->.  My buddy Tom is coming over tonight for dinner, and a little "rail", of course.  Finally finished my MTH operating crossing signals this week, and man are they sweet looking.  But my MTH GP9 is stalling over my LIONEL switches.   Gonna have to check under the hood.  Middle princess is gonna be riding the Medic for the first time tonight.  Fifedad went over scene safety/security with her last night, and for kicks, pulled up some old EMERGENCY! threads. Gimme some lactated ringers, RAMPART! Oooooo yeahhhhh.

SPMan - Ms Kelly would have all 5 of those Lassie-dogs laying at her feet in the living room.

[laz 57]

Hi GUYZ,

   28 here and windy.  Half day for me today then Christmas vacation.  Yippeee!!!  Going to take BB down to Barrys Train Shop today to get it checked out, motor is a grinding.  Then come home and put down other switches then run trains in afternoon.  Then tonite is me and wifes Christmas dinner.  King crab legs and FF. oh an OL MILs.

DOUG M and JACK, BEARS need an OL, and in a hurry they block like a sive.

BLOWNOUT, WOW 60 inches of SNO HI O!  Better tell CHUCK and BUCKEYE to change coordience.

Stay frosty,

laz57

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is 28 degrees. Going up to 34 today.

Today is a busy day. I have a few chores to do and some presents to wrap. We are staying home on Christmas day. No company. It should be a quiet day. Maybe I'll run trains , later today.

Dining car is here with the usual breakfast.

Y' all have a great Thursday.

Chuck

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning.

We now have 56" of snow on the ground after  we got dumped on by another 6" of the stuff...and, just to top it off another 4-6" may fall before late this afternoon...and we get to plow it out using the Dodge Powerwagon...

Next on the list is the annual go to the Diner and sit with our neighbours watching everyone else going around in a panic...AAAAAGGGHHHHH !!!

So, You all have a Great Merry Christmas and be safe out there!

[ChiefEagles]

Good night all.  Why is it Wifeys do not listen?  Finished shopping for the "drop by" and shew as saying no more than 25 folks.  I kept sawing 50 or more.  Her family and friends numbered more than that.  Well we had more than 50.  8 PD on duty came by and friends in the shooting world, town staff and two Town Commissioners and spouces.  Well, we had plenty except the wine punch ran out at the last.  Wifey's special "brew" with wine combined.  It was the most popular thing of the event.  Trains ran well except a couple of MTH diesels which needed battery charging.  They stayed in their parking places.  Kitty Sissy went out and waited until the crowd left.  She did not like the noise.  I crashed in recliner and Lucy woke me so all could take a late pee.  Now all are in bed and asleep except me. 

Was thinking [smell the sawdust burning].  Where is Hudson and Howard Brown [amoung a few others missing]?

Sleep tight.

[8ntruck]

Cloudy and about 40 today.

Done with work for this year!   Oops - just remembered that I left my company cell phone's charger in my office.

Picked up my two pack of 40 ton ACF stock cars today form the LHS - one in NYC markings, the other in MKT markings.

Not going to be able to get North for our snow fix this year at Christmas.  It is just too long of a trip for my wife right now.  This will be the first Christmas my wife and I have not made it 'home'.

All for now.

[Brutus]

Howdy guys - man, just lots of stuff going on.  Took wife to dentist and she needs to have a broken tooth cut out, but luckily it's a wisdom tooth.  Kids are now off school and through with concerts and stuff.  Family may or may not be coming to visit on Saturday so I have to cook for 14 people, but expect it's possible that we will have leftovers to last a month!  I got a honey baked ham though, so that's always good :)

Those TARDIS pics are outstanding, what a great model!!!

Mine will be ready to fly in about T minus 10 minutes and counting :)

[blownout cylinder]

mmmm--we seem to be getting some more snow again up here...4-6" worth before daybreak---and we still managed another 4" this morning... We have, on the ground up here---50" now---and going up...

Oh well, by tomorrow afternoon we will be seeing a mix of sun/cloud and no more snow

[RockIsland52]

I now think I know what a coma is because I am slipping into one.  Stop the Christmas treadmill!  I want to get off!

Jack

[SPMan]

Well, it actually stopped raining long enough to walk around the block late today.  Haven't been able to walk since last Wednesday.  Today is suppose to be the last day of rain.  I only have two shopping days left without rain.  I think this is going to be a hard candy Christmas for gifts.  Probably just give the kids some cash and point them to the mall after Christmas.  Ran some trains today without any problem.  Nice to get in the garage again.  I think we will go out to eat tonight to celebrate the rain stopping.  Good evening all,

Ray (SPMan)

[sir james I]

Good evening

32 today, no sun or snow

I finally got the last of the frozen stuff off the driveway. Then I came in and plopped. I had my banilla with chocolate syrup and peanuts but save enough for the Tardis trip tonite..S.J.

[dwiemer]

Good evening everyone.  Wiped out!  Seems our kids have take to the raising we have encouraged.  Daughter shared her flu with me....ARRRRGGHHH!  Started with a slight cough and congestion....by the time the schedule was done at the hospital, I had chills and a fever.  Have some Tamiflu I am taking....just hope it works.  This should be wonderful on the wife.  Talk about stressing her out!

Nice Tardis!  I guess I know who's driving tonight!  Glad to hear from our friends on the left coast.  Sure hope the weather allows for a great drying out!  Doug, my kids are itching to do the sledding again soon.  No snow anywhere near here....and I am fine with that.

Have a great night Y'all!

Dennis

[RockIsland52]

Good Evnin' Ya'll From Snowy Taxachussetts, 

Had a successful time of it complying with the wife's Christmas decorating reversal and her newfound passion for some outdoor lights.  I lucked out because the temps were a seasonal mid 30s with moderate winds.  Translation:  my posterior and fingers are still attached, no frostbite, and no light failures......yet.

NavyJack.....now THAT is what I call the true spirit of Christmas!  

Pat.....no pictures of the cows dressed up for Christmas?  They'd look pretty funny in antlers.

DougDG, Don, and RaySP.......you have my prayers that you and yours get through all of this unscathed.  Approaching Noah's Arc proportions.  Brutus better put the pontoons on the Tardis tonight.  The video on the news is scary.

DougM.....you sound a little cynical about da Bears.  You should be in seventh heaven.  If I told you back in August the Bears would be sitting atop the NFC Central standings on December 22 and be poised for a run into the playoffs, you would have said I was crazy.  You have to at least admit that this season has been entertaining if not downright exciting.  The team is on a roll and is now scoring points to go with the D.

Gotta go rustle up some grub for dinner and feed the dog.  T-minus 3 days and counting.

Later, gang.

Jack.   

[AF53]

Clear and 38 at exit 77!

I feel for you guys that are putting up with all that rain It must really a hastle. On the other hand, with me having off from work since the 14th and my wife is on disability, she and I are all done with the shopping and all gifts are wrapped. First time in our 31 years of marriage that we can relax this early. So it provides me with time to run trains every night for the past week and finally hooked up the American Flyer Talking Station, just got it from an auction on the cheap, never had one all these years.

Hope all is well

Ray 

[navyjack]

hello guys, got baby grandson a g gauge thomas for christmas.  he will try to eat it.  am having a needy family here for christmas day.  believe it is important to share.  husband might have full time job at wallmart, got to give him credit as he is a mechanic by trade, but will take any type of job rather than take money from the government.  will give him any non-train related presents i get on christmas eve.  i really hope that everyone has a great christmas and that everyone enjoys the peace that we have as americans. it is important to remember that the peace is not free....just ask rt.  he was in lebanon. i still do not have a steeplecab, but maybe soon.  what trains will you buy soon.  wes said he now  owns an alleghany.  what a great present.  pat what are you getting from santa.  navyjack 

[LawsonFarmsRR]

You can add my wife to the "Bonkers Bunch". To much to do, so little time. I say let me scratch off low priority  items on the list. She says there aren't any. Good time to disappear (train bldg., shop, barn).

Blowout - Careful saying that Christmas shopping is all done. Those words could come back to haunt you.

Waiting for a white Christmas,

Pat

[dougdagrump]

Eureka, the sun is out !

gone again and raining.

[cnw1995]

Aloha all. Don't know how I missed a few days 'o posts. Sun is finally out. Might've even gone above freezing for a bit. Nice win for the Bears on Monday night. Jack and Laz, I still think they're a brittle team and will get pasted in the playoffs - or whenever they face the Pats again - whichever comes first. Though it was fun beating the Vikes outside like that. We got 4-5 inches of snow on Monday night, just enough to slop things up. Then we had a weird sort-of frozen fog. 

The bride has so far avoided joining the bonkers bunch.  This season she's taken in a neighborhood teen who lost her mom this time last year - she's invited her over for cookie-making and dinner. I'm getting the boys out of the way - took the youngest and a friend sledding this am, now off to window-shop. That's sure beautiful work on the Tardis.

No joy on our repairing car - looks like another week. Ugh. Could be worse...

[SPMan]

Hi gang, still treading water here.  It was light this morning but now the bottom has fallen out with heavy showers making streets like rivers.  So far my pumps are keeping up with it.  Snow predicted for local mountains above 5000 ft.

Thanks for whoever posted the Tardis pics. Now I know what they look like, not being from the Dr. Who generation myself.

D.Baker, how's the flood control channel near you doing?  Must be pretty high today.  The sky is getting lighter now.  I hope that means the sun is trying to break through.

Later,

Ray (SPMan)

[RockIsland52]

Re the rains the California guys are getting.....the local news meteorologist tried to put the rainfall totals in perspective.  12 inches of rain would translate into between 84" (7 feet of heavy stuff) and 192" (16 feet of powder) of snow if the temps in Southern CA were colder.  Pick your poison.  Never fear. We hear that The Arnold is taking charge.  And up in the mountains Sub Bob is unimpressed.   Stay dry and mud free!!!! 

Jack

[blownout cylinder]

Thx for the compliments guys...The work was done by a fellow I know who seems to be able to build these things almost from raw memory...

We finally finished the shopping. All done...no more...kaput...

Now comes the wrapping of said things...

 

[dougdagrump]

GlugGlug All,

Rain continues, although it is supposed to be slowing down in 5 or 6 hrs.

 Jack, You must have been channeling my thoughts:

"Just a quick spalsh and go.  My wifey must be wired the same as the rest of yours, the squeaking is now being replaced by obvious stress....which she brings on herself by overloading the plate.  As fast as one thing gets crossed off the list, two are added.  Whatever happened to a simple Christmas?  "

Gotta try to get my shoes dried out, 2 drains in the yard plugged with mud yesterday and this morning. Was able to open yesterday but not today.  

Brent, How about just a "Bump-N-Go" trolley ?

[SPMan]

ChiefEagles

Morning.  Cloudy and chilly [but warmer than the past days].  We have been running 10 degrees colder than normal for Dec.  Yankee cold blast like their dispositions.

Blownout, I saw top photo first and thought it was the real thing restored in somones shop.  Great job.

LAZ, I've basicly parked my Big Boy for special occassions.  I run the Challengers a lot.

8N, things are running real calm RIGHT NOW.

SJ, really do understand about the job thing.  Sad.  I was really saying they left because of you.   Always have to get a "dig in" on my far northern buddy.

I hear that Ray and Shake and Bake are in for the Apocalypse.

All have a great day.  

  I think those four horseman have already been through here.

Morning all,   Heavy rain overnight with light rain this morning.  Pumped another 5 inches or so off top of pool.  I finally got in the garage/train room yesterday long enough to run trains for about an hour to polish the rails.  It all seems to be working OK.  Forcast says rain will end by tonight but thunderstorms this afternoon with possible hail.  Cold air from Alaska is colliding with warm air from South Pacific.  We really need to see some sunshine.  One good thing is that we have not had a power failure yet so my pumps have not been stopped.  Neighbor has a gas powered generator i can use if he is home.

Christmas shopping has been non existant for me since last Thursday.  Retail must be suffering.  Think we will just give our kids cash and tell them to buy what they want.

I have  some old tomato plants behind my garage (wild).  Now they have started growing again with all this rain.  Looks like a tomato jungle back there.  Weeds are growing too.  Sprayed once before rains came but they just said, "thanks for the show" and kept on growing.

Neighbor has his 5 collie dogs penned up in a kennel trying to keep them out of the mud in yard.  Bet they can't wait to get out.

Hope all you guys on the forum are coping with the weather in your neck of the woods too.

Somewhere the sun is shining.  Have a good day.

Ray (SPMan)