RE:COFFEE POT #3 March 2011 for all to take a drink and chat. 5+ years and going. Some extra windy days and some rain. Plenty of coffee but also grits and sweet ice tea.

[laz 57]

JACK,

  Sorry for your loss and prayers for you and your friend.  This is one of the big reasons I do not want a cell phone.  I am not that important that I have to be on the phone with someone all the time, especially while behind the wheel.

laz57

[sir james I]

Jack I feel your pain. I lost my sister because of a drunk driver and she only got five years. A sex offender can get 20 to life, where's the justice in that?

[fifedog]

RockIsland - Feelin' your hurt.  If this happened to one of my close buddies, I would be planning a trip (just me and him) to some place warm, in the not-so-distant future.  He's already gone through all the firsts (birthdays, Christmas, etc...).  Just need to reset his compass.

[RockIsland52]

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words of encouragement and support during the manslaughter trial I attended this week in my feeble attempt to bolster my friend, Joe.  The defendant in the vehicular manslaughter case (by negligent operation) was found guilty yesterday and was sentenced to prison and other life-altering conditions.  He was taken away in handcuffs.  

This one hit too close to home.  My friend's wife of 36 years, our friend Linda, is gone.  My buddy is thrice devastated, having lived through the tragic events that fateful day, the time between her senseless death and the trial (21 months), and then having to relive during the trial in the most graphic, grotesque, and horrific detail those events.  Mom and Grandma is never coming home.

One may observe that justice was served with this conviction.  But the real life devastation created for both the victim's family and friends, and that of the defendant, cannot be erased.  The tragedy and the aftermath remain.

The sentence handed down yesterday in the courtroom to the defendant provided absolutely no sense of comfort or satisfaction for me.  The scales cannot be balanced.  Yes, there was a sense of numb closure but little else.

I am not a turn the other cheek sort of person even though my religion teaches forgiveness.  I found myself walking out of the courtroom yesterday feeling unfulfilled, neither with the verdict nor the defendant's sentence.  Everyone involved lost on this one, and not just my friend, his family, and those of us who miss his wife terribly.  The devastation will continue for the defendant's side as well.  Everyone goes home a loser.

I may very well lose this good friend as he tries to move on with his life and to avoid any reminder of the painful loss of his wife......of the happier days when the four of us got together.  I wouldn't blame him one bit.  He has to find a way to survive, to move on.  I hope my wife and I can be a part of his new life, but I fear that won't be in the cards.

Last night I couldn't get my mind off these events.  I don't want to wake up some day wishing I had done more to make this tragedy a valuable learning experience for my loved ones.  And for myself.  I have to admit I am just as guilty as the next person, at times allowing my mind and body to wander off the task at hand while piloting a 4,000 pound weapon.  

Last night my wife and I phoned my daughter and son-in-law to relate the outcome of the trial and our reflections on distracted driving.  "Don't think it can't happen by you/me or to you/me.  Sooner or later it will, and we may not have another opportunity to change.  Either we, a loved one, or an innocent party may be maimed or planted.  Can we live with that?" 

You know how that parental or family conversation goes.  Your loved ones may agree with you without reservation, but you fret in your mind they will not make any substantive changes to their/our driving habits.  My kids are adults.  My influence may be feeble at best. 

We gravitate to this nonsensical notion that something like this fatal incident due solely to negligent, distracted driving will not happen to us, or by us.  Somehow we think we are different, more capable behind the wheel than the next person.  Somehow we feel we are immune or that we can safely handle the driving distractions.  That conclusion is nothing more than a totally irrational rationalization for our own driving habits and our driving behaviors despite all evidence to the contrary.

If only one person on this forum besides myself makes a conscious effort to change our driving habits and those of our loved ones, my rant here will have been worth it.

There is no frivolity, light-heartedness, or silver lining in the dark cloud within me today.  Sorry.

Jack

[sir james I]

Good morning

Bright sun but only 27/32 today.

Jim 97 what a great store to browse in, I would want to pack a lunch and spend an afternoon there. We have no plans for the day so I guess it will become a goof off one. Brutus got the Tardis keys back but he still couldn't start it, I removed the coil wire S.J.

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Wet and 39 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Hopefully the front will swing back next week so I can get busy with the "yatchet".

Buckeye - Funny you mention taxes.  I was watching Robin Hood (Russell Crowe) last night, and was kinda thinking  the same thing...

Hudson - video was a no-go.

[rtraincollector]

Hudson#685

Good Morning,

34, Rain/Snow miserable day for working for the electric company. RT, want to trade?

I just went over the posts, the phone rang and I have to run.

Everyone, Be Careful, Looks like winter is not over yet.

Thoughts and Prayers for all in need.

John

I'll Pass

[Buckeye Riveter]

Taxes back from CPA.  They tell me I owe a bunch of $$$$$$$ because some guy in North Carolina is to get a huge refund.   Somehow, there was a big math error and they need everyone to help pay this tar heeler. 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 31 degrees. Had a little snow last night. Big difference from 70 degrees yesterday. Going up to only 42 today.

Today is a busy day. I have a bunch of chores to do and a project to work on. I'll be busy until this afternoon. Then, naptime.

Dining car is here from "Points West" . Cheerios for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Thursday.

Chuck

[laz 57]

Hi GUYZ,

  32 and a little SNO HI O ,AGAIN.  Suppose to get more thia weekend, can't wait.

laz57

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all.  Off to early meetings in Raleigh [free breakfast ].  Then a ribbon cutting and a TV interview.  Busy day for me.  Rains gone and fairing off.  Temps to drop 20 degrees by evening.  Was in the 80's yesterday.

Have a good one.

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with cooler temps in the 40s.  Lots of rain and thunder last night.  Did get to scrimmage with high school kids.  I had the regular fare on the dining car for breakfast before sending it on to "Points East".  TBIL anytime and I can drive (whenever the real keys show up).  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Hudson#685]

Good Morning from Rain / Hail / Sleet / Snow / Ice in NJ, depending where you are. I have seen it all this night / morning. Called in to work earlier. Pretty quiet now until rush hour.

SJ, You are right, they are just guessing.

Chief, Last night here was wild with the thunder and lightning in the middle of the sleet and snow. I heard reports of a tornado in Pa.

Traindood, How many inches of snow?

Here is the link for the driving / texting video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EJwNe1g

John

[ChiefEagles]

Good night.  Wife and I have been sick.  I keep going.  She did not.  CPA did taxes.  Seems she over estimated capital gains and I rounded up when I sent my "quarterly" federal and state taxes in.  Getting back a BUNCH.

Bought a new Springfield Arms M14 [.308].  This one can not be turned to full auto like the one I carried in the Army for a period.  Would not want to fire it that way anyway.  Putting a Leupold scope on it.  Seems the US Army is using them again with scopes as long range shooters.

Reclinerized since 9 PM.  Was just awaken buy heavy T'storms.   Need rain bad.  Off to bed as have to be back up by 5 AM.  Meetings in Raleigh till noon and then some here.

Raked pinestraw and did all of Wifey's flowerbeds and bushes. [house just rattled with thunder]  Over three pickups piled higher than the cab.

Sleep tight.

[Anonymous]

Here is a quick picture of the 3562 that I got from Debbie and Rich of Toy Town Antiques & More in Berlin, MD.  I've been looking for this orange variation since I saw Roger Carp's Collectible Classics article in a 2001 issue of CTT, and I couldn't be happier with this one. 

A previous owner swapped in a ramp from the gray variation, but I've got a ramp on a parts 3562 that I spray black and swap in.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again; Debbie and Rich are two of the finest people I've ever dealt with and their store is amazing.  Here is a link that I found containing pictures of the store:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/modbetty/5185443327/in/set-72157625413464910/

PS: Look closely at the photo showing the shelves.  This 3562 is visible.

[Brutus]

I think ERR has cut down on their available products?  Didn't you also upgrade a docksider, Buckeye?  I thought someone did?

Had a nice birthday dinner - salad and a 10 oz ribeye with mushrooms for me   Cake and icecream later and we have plenty to share, so we'll be over in the TARDIS as soon as I find the real keys that I swapped for fake keys, which SJ then stole and replaced with his own fake keys

Oh, here they are!

[Buckeye Riveter]

AF53

Buckeye - Have you been following your NCAA team? They look real strong and could win it all.

AF53......  Yes, the OSU Buckeyes look very strong and they could win it all, but I put my money on Kansas. (In the pools I'm in second, and I don't think I can get to first.)  The last NCAA game is in the big stadium in Houston and everytime you take a hot three point shooter into that environment their percentage falls drastically.

fifedog.... I wrote a nice email today to the Chief. 

jon.....York?  Fall? 

Buckeyeland was hit with hail and tornado warnings this afternoon.  It is that time of year!!! 

I have been working on installing electro couplers and LED lights on a Williams FM Trainmaster.  Several years ago I put the ERR Cruise in the Trainmaster.  After two years of running I'm sold on the ERR Cruise system.  They are easy to intall.  

 

[AF53]

39 and nasty, windy and rainy here at exit 77 GSP tonight!

John - The Suburban is all gassed up! All 44 gallons!

SJ - Isn't that frustrating? All to often when you want to know what caused the problem you just can't find the answer! Well, in any case, whatever it was I hope the asprin works!

Traindood - NOBODY!

8N - Nice set and enjoy (BTW Happy Birthday (it must be!))

Jack - You're right on! My daughters all too often do this and I know I used to do it more than I do now because of all we've heard, thanks for the sage advice!

Buckeye - Have you been following your NCAA team? They look real strong and could win it all.

Fifedog - I'll let you know this weekend how I made out. Keep it up!

[sir james I]

Good Evening

30 but the cold rain is gone. Snow up to 6 inch's just north of here. Doc say's nothing on my test's to show what happened to me. He told me to switch from childrens asprin to full strenght every day. Just guessin I think. Banilla is ready and I got the real keys to the thingy...S.J.

[LawsonFarmsRR]

Hay Spank:

Let me know what you find at TrainTown. I can be in Charlottesville in about the same time as you, less than an hour. My favorite train place, Train Depot in Manassas moved to Fairfax near the Expo Center.

Pat

[Anonymous]

JohnF,

               Somebody in the UK made a very graphic video that shows what can result from being on the phone while driving.  I won't paste the link here, but I suggest you show it to her.  Definitely was an eye opener for me.  Let me know if you'd like me to send the link.

Jack, 

            Sorry to hear about your friend.

 

I got the 3562 barrel car from Toy Town today.  More on that later.

[rtraincollector]

Seems we have a train town . when I was there it was mainly HO and RC items had a few Lionel/MTH sets and track and a few cars all full retail didn't see any bargains at the one here.

Not a lot going on here little tired today not sure why when I got up this morning felt like I hadn't slept but the night went fast and alarm woke me so who knows. And I went to bed early like 8:30 oh well.

Not much else happening here thought I would stop in and say Hi. Hope all had a good day talk to you all later.

[SPMan]

Good afternoon all, just chillin out today at home.  Cold last night and the furnance ran most of it.  Kept waking up last night with dry mouth probably from something we ate (ham) so I am still sleepy this morning.  Tried watching some railroad videos and fell asleep in the middle of it.  Something about riding on a train that puts you to sleep.  However, I remember my first time trying to sleep on an Amtrak economy sleeper, I couldn't sleep a wink.  Probably too excited from the trip we were on to see ATSF 3751 run at the Grand Canyon.  Part of the problem was the upper berth.  It was like sleeping in a submarine and too close to the ceiling.  Funny when I worked on the railroad, I could sleep anywhere while deadheading on trailing engines or in crew vehicles enroute to and from trains/terminals.  Hard to stay awake running freight train at night sometimes.  Fortunately, I never dozed off at the wrong time but some people did and wound up in the newspapers.  I wonder if the truckers get enough sleep on the road?

Jack, sorry about your friend's wife.  Hope the family gets some closure.  Tragic situation!

More rain forcast for our area tonight and tomorrow.  We are suppose to get high speed internet from Verizon FIOS hooked up tomorrow.  They did some preliminary wiring yesterday.  Hope the rain doesn't interfere with the hook up.

Breakfast today was bacon, grits and eggs with double fibre wheat toast and coffee.  I think I'm going to try out the pulled bar-b-que pork tonight on buns with cole slaw.  I will see if I can make it taste a little bit like Eastern Carolina que but that's a big challenge.

Time now to head for the garage/train room and give my stuff a work out before the rain comes.

Later,

SP Ray

 

 

 

 

 

[traindood]

Good afternoon fellas and gals:     Six inches on the ground and still snowing. Schools are closed and my grandson is shoveling.   Who's got it better than me?     later.

[Hudson#685]

Lunch Time,

Busy morning. Everyone wants everything.

Jack, prayers for your friend's wife and the family. It is a sad lesson for all. At work it is against policy to use any device while driving.

SJ, Good luck with the doctor today.

John F, we saw a video put out by Verizon on cell phones while driving. I will see if I can send you the link and you can show it to your Granddaughter.

Jon, Do I hear Road Trip? Ray, AF53, load up the Suburban.

Northwoods Flyer, So that is Spring in Wisconsin. With my luck I would be running the trains and the power would quit.

Thoughts and Prayers for all in need.

John

[dougdagrump]

Mornin All.

Bit of frost on the pumpkin here this morning but starting to warm-up ever so slowly.

Fife & Doug, Been there, done that. Daughter wanted to be a "Child Psychologist" til she learned there are no quick cures and not everybody is healed. Became a teacher instead and her mother and I couldn't be more proud of what she has accomplished and her achievements within the district.

Need to start planning for friday's museum run. In other words select, service and pack. It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.

Time for a refill .

[Demay]

Good morning all,

I’m very jealous of all you folks still receiving snow.  Spring is definitely here and it will hit the mid-70s again today.  I suppose something drastic could happen and it might snow, but I doubt it.  I have two meetings to attend today and the usual tasks.  I had a bowl of raisin bran for breakfast.  After work, I have to take my 7y/o son to batting practice and then we have Bible study tonight so it will be a late evening for me. 

RI Jack – I’m sorry your friend is struggling.  I hope the trial is speedy so he can have closure.  Do we consider ourselves to be so important that we must talk/text while driving?  Why can’t we wait or pull over?

SJ – I hope your MD appointment goes well. 

Jonadel – Your safety concerns about MX are very valid.  We have restricted base personnel from traveling to most parts of MX.  There was an article in today’s paper about a local pastor who was jailed over a vehicle accident.  After dealing with a corrupt police and judicial system he is now safely home; however, he is fortunate to know a US Congressman and Senator which shortened his stay in the jail to only 30 hours or so (without food or water).  Most of us don’t have those connections. 

Have a great day,

Joe

[Northwoods Flyer]

Greetings Folks,

I'm here to make everyone feel good about their weather.  We have received over 6 inches of heavy snow since last night. The winds are howling like banshees and there is more snow predicted - possibly up to 3 inches.  Schools are closed and roads are slick.  When the worst of the storms moved through last evening we had major lightning and thunder.  On the positive side, I am snug at home in my train room, my wife and I get to spend the day together, my dogs are laying at my feet and I don't have to mow the lawn yet. 

Just my way of saying Happy Spring.

Enjoy your day no matter what the weather.

Northwoods Flyer

[jonadel]

Haven't posted much this last winter but all is well here in the Heartlands, grass is starting to turn green and yard work will commence soon.  We have been doing lots of updating to our home since January 1 and it's really starting to look good, it's amazing how 8 gallons of paint will improve the kitchen, living room, hallways and our bedroom.  The kitchen also received new granite counter tops, back splash, cabinet lights, sinks  and all new lights, what a dramatic improvement.  We attacked a long (24') hallway last weekend, took down the old bead board and installed new bead board along with chair rail and base board.  I did buy a power miter saw for all that work and let me tell you, that is my new best friend!!!!!  And yes, we did a few wrong angle cuts in those corners but that's the way one learns, the 45 degree cuts are the best way to line up those corners, we felt pretty darn good Sunday afternoon when we were done .... finally.  And more importantly, we had all of our digits when the job was done!

We will gut two bathrooms in May and the let pros take over, then lastly we will have all new carpet in the house.  We have no intentions of moving and as of June 1 we will have been here 21 years.  Might as well spend the kids inheritance on ourselves  

I haven't spent any money on the trains in a long time, I was thinking about adding some circus trains, those may have to wait until fall, maybe the York fall meet?  Just not sure about that -- we have been invited to a wedding in MX at Tulum in early December, she's a very dear niece that we really care for.  Not sure if I should be worried about our safety but I am, it's my wifes younger sisters daughter and they are just about our best friends.

Other than that we have just been marking time here at home, haven't traveled at all and that's OK.  We did have some tough weather last night, tornado's touched down 6 miles south and west of us and did BIG damage, ugh.  I was judging a contest in Adel last night and all I heard was rain, our sirens never went off, which surprised me when I saw the 10:00 news -- homes and out buildings destroyed just minutes from us.

I have talked with Chief several times this winter and he keeps me up to date with the east coast news.  I do think he and Miss Pam need to take a road trip this summer and hit all of the coffee potters from the Atlantic to the Pacific --  wouldn't that be a fun trip?  From a personal standpoint I would really enjoy such a trip, I love being on the road for extended times when I have no daily destinations ... just enjoying our wonderful country.

Stay well everyone and do good things

 

[jefelectric]

Good morning from the TCA Library, yes I'm goofing off .

I don't answer my phone when driving.  My voice message says I'm either unavailable or driving.

Now I wish I could convince my granddaughter to stop it.  Every time I see her driving she is on her phone.  I keep talking but it does no good  .

Had a wee bit of snow this morning, but not enough to lay on the roads.

Cataloging old issues of Electrical Merchandising Magazine, most are from the 20s, some 30s.  The have ads from Lionel, AF, Dorfan & Ives.  A few have all four most only have one or two of the companies.

Well I guess I should get back to work, don't want to get my pay docked  .

John