RE:COFFEE POT #5 May 1, 2011 for all to take a drink and chat. 6+ years and going. Plenty of fresh coffee and sweet ice tea to drink. Plenty of GRITS for the Yanks.

[anjdevil2]

Happy Sunday!

Ray(SP) - glad that your surgery went well....everything in moderation, includes rehab (my knee thing was a while back).

MikeC - congas in order as well!

DougM !

Went to the Mopar Atlantic Nationals yesterday, very light turn out , not used to seeing this event not heavily attended like when I left it 20 years ago .

Raced the Daddy Wagon....it was fun, lost first round.  Weighs in at a hefty 4080 lbs. with me and a full tank of gas.  (yeah I know, just doubled the value of the car...).  It was like old home week.  I certainly miss the track.  Purchased some roadrunner parts.

Re-united with a fellow roadrunner friend,  swapped phone numbers and HIS roadrunner is like mine --- apart.  Car show circuit revving up now, sooooo who knows where I may wind up this year.  Carlyle is July 9th

Talked to my Princess over the last few days, drama abounds .  Her Prom is Friday the 21st.  I can't wait to see pictures.....Mom gets the Prom, I get the Graduation...don't ask..it's just to stupid to repeat.....

Otherwise, things are just rollin' along.  Weather today is RAIN so no Mopars today and that's ok, I have shopping, laundry and a firetruck to finish up.  Rain all week so, not much to do but stay home and stay dry.

Hope to post back soon!

 

[SPMan]

Good morning all,  Thanks for the well wishes following knee surgery.  I had a good day yesterday but was sore last night.  Probably moved around too much on first day but I'm using a walker.  Had to take a couple of pain pills last night and cold packs on the knee.  I plan to take it easy today.

Happy Birthday Doug Murphy! Hope you have a fun day and enjoy yourself.

Dennis, yes that was the quickest turn around I have ever had in a hospital.  My surgeon had three knee operations the same afternoon and I was number three.  First follow up visit with the doctor is tomorrow.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to improve my layout so I can navigate it better.  Still haven't come up with a plan yet but I have lots of time to think about it.

Wife fixed a nice pan full of scrambled eggs for breakfast and they were mighty good.

Have a good Sunday y'all,

Ray

[dwiemer]

Good afternoon everyone.  Exhausted from a late night for the whole family.  By the time we all got to sleep, I don't think I could see straight...of course my son decided to get us up at 06:30.  At least I was able to get to church.  Was on camera, so my back is hurting.  Will take a nap and get ready for evening church.

Bob, sure thing, will keep it up.  Glad you are doing well sir.

Chuck, I caught it, but still having fun with it.  BTW, they say that it is good to put Grits in the garden...just say'n.

Looking forward to the week ahead.  May you all be well and blessed.
Dennis

[ChiefEagles]

Morning all [well almost noon].  Went to early Church and Sunday School [thought they might give me a visitor's card for Church ].  Went by Bo Jangles and then the Teeter.  Now off to the mall for Belks.  Back to change and plant more garden [if not raining].  Rained good yesterday afternoon and last night.  Big Scotty [American Idle] thing in Garner NC [neighboring town] yesterday afternoon.  Went to Miss Edna's for a visit.  First time in over a month. 

Chuck, a box of grits will be arriving by UPS tomorrow.  Keep an eye out for the "brown" truck.

Later. 

[AF53]

Morning guys!

Traindood - To a large extent I agree with you that they don't care about you or me. as far as the money issue is concernered, I'm over that. You can say that about the music industry or actors. Charlie Sheen at $2,000,000 an episode!! Come on! I get into my sports teams for the same reasons anyone does, entertainment. It's just a bit better when "we" win. And lately "we" haven't been. Thanks to Jacks team up nawth.

Have a good day

Ray

[traindood]

Mornin' fellas and gals:      Hey Doug:  .      SP Man:  Speedy recovery to ya!    Chuck: The heart of rock and roll is in Cleveland!       Hey Laz:   Don't think you have the lock on moronic neighbors;   my neighbor cuts his rocks with his lawnmower!    Ouch!     Hey Bob:    Where I live on the lake, it is fed by the Morris Lake reservoir which has thousands of acres of watershed.  All manner of wildlife are there including blue heron, geese. swans, bears,ducks, beavers etc. But I most enjoy the wild turkeys that walk across my lawn almost every day. most stately bird. Should have been our national symbol instead of that scavenger with the white head.   Hey Ray:  I am glad you have great enthusiasim for your team.  Somehow, I can't identify myself with pampered players of any sport. Today i watch sports strictly for entertainment.  When i get too excited, i remind myself, hey it' only a game! Those millionaires don't care about you.     later.

[laz 57]

Hi GUYZ,

  Well rain held off last nite and me and BRO went Trout Fishin and had a blast.  BRO caught and released 14 whilst I caught and released 12 all in 2.5 hrs of fishin.  We only fished in a stretch of fast water about 100 yrds long.  Came home had a nice fire and had dogs and burgers and Ol Mils.  Great evening.  Slept great.  Today looks like a wash out so maybe trains this afternoon?

SIR JAMES and CHARLIE, looked like some fun times their.  Was that Ol Mils in the cups?

CHUCK, if you have any of those GRITS left over, I got a hole in my waders that need patching, please send some if you can spare it.

Stay frosty,

laz57

[sir james I]

45 and rain, lot's of rain.

Well as you can see the gathering of local train nuts went well. Thanx Charlie for posting the pictures...S.J.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a cloudy 62 degrees. Going up to 76 today with a chance of more rain.

Today is a busy day. I have a bunch of chores to do before the wife returns home. I'll be watching the ballgame later. Nascar race today, too. Maybe a nap before supper.

Dining car is here with Cheerios for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Sunday.

Chuck

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Mornin' English.  Foggy and 64 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Expecting rain next 3 days.  Middle Princess had her prom last night.  Looked like a movie starlet.  Littlest princess trying to get used to her back brace.  Womenfolk around fifedom starting to gang up on me for a new Lassiedog...

Bakeer - Thanks for the invite.

cnw1995 ---> Get anything with flanges?

SPMan - Speedo recovery.

[submmbob]

Hello all

Back at work collecting photons. Crane project was ultimately successful, but really took it out of me.

SPray - glad to hear the surgery went well. Thoughts and prayers for your recovery.

DougM - Happy Birthday! and cool video!

RT - nice job on the shelf layout! Makes me want to run my grandad's old Japanese electric set.

JimT - beautiful job on the ATSF switcher! Looking forward to seeing the video.

Dennis - thanks for the thoughts. My vacation will be a little different this year.

Been warm in Tucson, actually started using the cooler. We've had pretty good weather on the mountain, but some rain would be good. They've already put fire restrictions in place.

Went down to the "big city" yesterday (Safford) to pick up some groceries. No Eastern Arizona RR action next to the IGA, but saw another wild turkey on the way down. Love seeing those big birds. They are very stately.

Really enjoyed the Classic Trains issue on the 40th anniversary of Amtrak.

Hope everyone has a good weekend

 Bob

 

 

[RockIsland52]

Life is good!!!!!  The rains held off today here at the entrance to Cape Ann Taxachusetts.  RaySP's knee is fixed and he is on the mend .  DougM survived his birthday today .  SirJames, Charlie, & the gang ran trains tonight and drank (fill in the blank) .  Brutus served up Sam Adams floats on the Tardis tonight .  The Boston Red Sox whipped the Evil Empire Yankees 6-0 at New York and have beaten them 3 out of 4 this season .  And I, Dr. RI52, was a hero with the sick Grandchildren tonight, treating their colds with the sure-fire remedy.....Mexican food and Ben & Jerry's Cherries Garcia for dessert tonight .   

Off to bed!

Jack

[MichRR714]

Loads of fun tonight at SJ's.  Lots of trains and lots of good friends.

Birthday wishes sent on the express rails to Doug

watch?v=DJc1zUchZ1A

 

[Brutus]

Howdy guys - wet and cold in Saint Louis today.  I worked 4 hours OT this morning, then went to Walmart for some groceries and a new pair of shoes.  Played some xbox for a couple hours, had pizza with my son and his friend, read a Hellboy book, and now watching Hot Fuzz after a pleasant chat with Doug (Birthday Boy) Murphy who is now a whole year older than I am (until November) and RT

While talking with Doug, I found out about an old tv show from England called Ivor the Engine and they have several episodes on Youtube.  Some neat stuff, I think

watch?v=fDWk0BCeblQ

 

TARDIS is ready and we have Sam Adams on tap tonight if you like, or Old Mills, A&W, and of course Famous Banilla!  Ciao!

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

The day was cloudy and overcast and rainy at times and now it is cooling off, but through it all, there is one ray of sunshine that has brightened my mood and gave me hope that hope is still possible.  Although it is only the first day and perhaps for only one day, but at the end of today sitting on top of the speed chart at IMS was not a Penske driver, not a Ganassi driver and not even Andretti Autosport driver, but a one car team driven by a born and bred Hoosier and owned by a transplanted Buckeye whose daughter will be born in Indiana.  "Special Ed" Carpenter driving for SFR was the fastest of the 32 cars on the track.  More good news.  Vitor was 7th quick driving for AJ and Bruno was out in the second car already as well.  For one brief moment, life IS good.  I know the natural order of things will return soon and Team Red will be dominating the speedway as usual, but for now I am enjoying this "poke in the eye" to the Evil Empires. 

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Blueberryhill RR]

Chief...Thank you very much for the Grits. They arrived today by G.T. transportation. ( Garbage Truck). I used them to patch the ceiling in the bathroom. A little leak caused a seam split. Worked out good except they smelled back. I soaked them in Pinesol.

Dennis....Did you catch that ???

Chuck

[dwiemer]

Good evening everyone.  Doug, Happy Birthday.  Hope it has been a good one....you are certainly blessed!

Jack, my 80-200 is F2.8....it is a great lens, and works great on the D90 even in full auto.  One thing you want to be sure about in the camera body is that it has it's own motor to focus lenses with and without their own SWM (silent wave motor).  Some cameras like the D40 do not support the lenses without, so they are completely manual.

Well, it is a good day here.  We had quite  a storm come through last night.  Lots of wind with some rain.  Our pastor's house  in Gatlinburg, TN got struck by lightning.  It is a total loss.  Here, we had our daughter's ballet recital.  She did very well.  She and my wife are doing the second performance tonight.  I was supposed to go to a wedding tonight, but decided to spend the evening with my son.  Currently watching "War Stories" with Oliver North on DVR.  This episode is on American Special Ops.

Ray, glad you are on the mend.  That really was a quick in and out surgery.  Glad everything turned out well.  Just don't over-do things and harm yourself.

Did I read correctly that Chuck was making/eating Grits?  I am sure he will enjoy them...if he cooked them correctly.

God Bless,
Dennis

[rtraincollector]

Doug hope it has been a good one.

i see someone blew the boarders again.

Just got home from work talk to you all later

[cnw1995]

Thanks for the birthday wishes. for all! I decided to go to the IL Railway Museum anyway - got there in time to ride  in a Lackawana car behind a C&NW GP9 and also on a 'Roarin' Elgin' interurban before the rains came.  I didn't realize the MTH coal elevator doesn't come with any coal so I have to scavenge something to see how it works but it looks great! Here's a brief video of our ride back wgYIx8Nyfdw

[Anonymous]

RT,

        Thanks.  I am glad it is done.  It runs as good as it looks.  Next up is a 313 Bascule Bridge. 

Banks,

                It is a Canon Powershot SX130IS.

DougM,

               

Ray,

          Glad to hear everything went well.

Had an uneventful, routine day at work today.  I took the PGT out for a bit once I got home since it hasn't been started for at least three weeks due to the weather.  Still need to test the control box that I got for the 314AW sometime.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Evening all,

Happy Birthday Doug

Helped with the First Communion Retrete at church.  The twins are having their first Communion.  They are really looking forward to it.  Our Youngest is in from Cincy and their Mom is going to get a pass for a few hours.  My bride tried on Gabriel's new black pants (that fit him last week) and they were too small.  His good black shoes were too small too.  Man he is growing like a weed right now.  Eight years old, 92#s, wears size 12 pants and size 5 shoes.  He is already 4'7" ans solid as a rock.

Another wet day, ball games called off.  Going upstairs to snake out a slow drain, fun fun.  The shower drain is almost as disgusting as the toliet.

May God bless

Jim

[jefelectric]

Good afternoon all, and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DOUG MURPHY!!! 

[AF53]

John B - Anytime you want to but in, go ahead . No problem!

DougM - Sorry for missing it before, but as they say, it's never too late. So here you go!

and just for good measure

Ray

[laz 57]

SPRAY,

  CONGA on the knee surgery.  I had 3 on my knees and all hurt afterwards, pace yourself with the rehab. 

DOUG M,

Hope that didn't blow out the margins, lots o candles.  Enjoy your day!!!!

laz57

[John Bakeer]

Any of you folks from across the pond visiting Englad early June.

The british Lionel Collectors club is putting on a show in Yorkshire, Saturday 4th June at the Albert Hall Ilkley, just across the road from the train station (15 minutes from Leeds). Show opens 10.00-17.00. All welcome.

Sorry to but in AF53, but it's the only way I can work this thing.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Ray...I'm glad all is going good with you.

Doug Murphy...HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

[AF53]

Ray SP - Great news! Now maybe the pains will go away permanently.

Ray

[SPMan]

Good morning all,  Glad to report that all went well on the knee surgery.  They sent me home same day last night.  I am getting around on a walker to start with but I can stand a little for short periods.  Will see the doctor Monday for the first follow up.  So far, I have had minimal pain and slept well the first night.  Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes.  I think it did some good.

Chief, congratulations on the 8 year driving license.   The most they do here is 5 years I think.

Just got a recent report on the Gold Line extension (light rail) between Pasadena and Azusa (near me) that I signed up for.  It was mostly about a bridge proposed over our foothill freeway 210 in Arcadia.  They had an old bridge there that the ATSF ran trains over including the Super Chief for years but tore it down when the line was sold to MTA.  They said the old bridge did not meet earthquake standards.  The proposed new bridge looks more like a monument than a bridge.  I think it is overkill but what do I know.  I'm just a pensioned off railroad engineer.

Have a good day Y'all,

Ray

[ChiefEagles]

Blueberryhill RR

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

Wife is in Cleveland for the weekend, with Daughter and family. I'm cooking again.

Chuck

Big bag of grits on the way.

Morning all.  Master bath is finished with the hanging of the last towel bar.

Prom night for Niece.  Wifey helping with accessories as she has tons.

Grass to mow.  Rained a little last night for the size of the T'storm.  Been waiting for grass to dry.  Got some Mayor things to do this afternoon.

Have a good one.

[cnw1995]

Aloha. Thanks SJ!  Wish I could be there. I love birthdays. Can't wait to get my presents. LOL.  I would like to go to the Illinois Railway Museum but it's dark, cold and looks like rain. Maybe we'll go anyway

Boy, the UP sure cleared the train accident fast yesterday. My normal train was annulled and combined with others, but we were only a half-hour late.