COFFEE POT #10 October 2011 for all to take a drink and chat. 6+ years and going. Plenty of better coffee and sweet ice tea to drink. Plenty of GRITS and Cheerios for the heart.

[cnw1995]

Aloha from a sunny Chicago where it is another beautiful fall day. Getting home in the dark nowadays. Jack, thanks to you and the rest of the Pot for helping create such a welcoming atmosphere. Laz, We go to his pizza place all the time. Nick's a good guy in business trouble and shared that with the community. So it looks like he might hang on.  How 'bout them Bears, huh? They looked awful. DonB, my daughter tells me similar stories about her parking job at Cedar Point. Hilarious. She tells sad stories about helping people add and subtract at the cash registers.  Brutus, you're right about how the signal booster works. I'll look up some tweaks you can use..  I need this.

[dbaker48]

Good Morning....

In a rush, Cars are waiting for me.

Doug - You're a 100% right, lots of people have trouble with simple addition, even some of the management.

Jack - Your summary is RIGHT ON, great perspective of this thread!

FIL - Doing OK, I think.  Wife got a call at 2:45am, he had a seizure while under sedation.  MIL and her at hospital, couple of more small ones this am.  Bring him from sedation to see what is going on.

Later guys.

 

[RockIsland52]

There!!!!!!!!  I feel better now that I got that off my chest.

Here in Taxachusetts we are back down to seasonal Fall temperatures following three straight days of unseasonably warm temperatures (in the 80s) with a record breaking 87 in Boston proper this past Sunday.  The leaves are turning colors and are starting to drop.....good to put one in the spirit of Fall in New England, bad for me because the leaves make the weekly landscaping duties far more difficult than just a mow and a trim.  I'll take it!!!!   We had one overnight low temperature of 37 toward the end of last week which means the first hard frost can't be too far off.

Got a call from my sister who just got home from a five day Fall foliage bus tour she took with a girlfriend.  Some of the roads and bridges in New Hampshire and Vermont were still wiped out from the recent bad storms.  But she did take a half day train excursion in the White Mountains.  The trip sounded like one of those "5 countries in five days European excursions."    

The wifey has declared today as lawn mowing/landscaping day because rains are headed our way from points South and the Chief's neck of the woods down in Roseyville NC.

DonB......prayers for your FIL's complete recovery.   Many of us take the surgery and anesthesia for granted, but setbacks are more common than we may want to know.  Hope your wife and MIL are holding up.  

Fife......it must be getting a bit brisk on your more recent patrols out on the high seas.   Hope the plumbing is cooperating. 

Jon......I am sure i speak for many of us when I say that...... when I look at the pictures from your road trips on your motorcycle I get a deeper appreciation for the bounty and the beauty that is our country.  The wife and I drove 1,300 miles over 9 days last week, basically "commuting" 65 miles each way and each day with our dog to the Doberman Nationals out in the hills and valleys on our way to and from Fitchburg MA.  We got to spend some uninterrupted quality time together while taking in the changing colors.  For some reason we never once got caught up discussing "problems" or worries.

Roy......hope your "pain in the neck" and beyond doesn't interfere with an enjoyable visit to York and the train show.  By the time you get back SJ's Tigers will have handily dispatched your Rangers for the ALCS title.  We used to call that the AL pennant. 

Chuck........hope the prices at the grocery store did not adversely affect your mindset while performing the recalibration of the targeting software on the snowcannon.

DonB........BTW, I had to laugh at your depiction of the life of a parking lot attendant.  What a hoot, and each vignette was funnier than the previous one.

JoeyD.........was glad to hear you got to take in the Packers-Falcons game in the warmth that is Atlanta during your training time.  I have not been to a professional football game in almost four decades when I and some close friends nearly froze to death one Sunday at Soldier Field and a Bears game in Chicago.  We had gametime temperatures in the teens and a brisk 20 MPH breeze whipping over the field off of Lake Michigan.  It was too cold for a sane person to drink beer, but we forced ourselves.   

SJ.........from the sounds of things, Granny should receive at her follow-up visit at the Doc's today.  It has been a long tough stretch for you two, but the results have to be most pleasing.  Was also glad to hear Paula found some usable cookware when she got home.

LAZ.....it is great that your Minnie has a dog friend or two to play with, ones that you can feel comfortable and safe with.  And she can also accompany you on those long walks and runs, or just hanging out in the yard.  Sometimes when we lose a great dog as you did a year ago, in our grief we find it far too painful to get up off the emotional mat and get another.  When my wife and I unexpectedly lost our Duke and Isabelle three days apart at Thanksgiving three years ago, we were devastated.  My wife did not get out of her pajamas for two days and wanted no part even discussing getting another pup.  Now in hindsight, we are so glad one of our dog friends, our trainer, jumped in, placed the proper perspective on things, and encouraged us to get another and helping us in the selection process with her extensive knowledge of breed characteristics and temperament.  The dogs Pam and I lost can never be replaced in some ways, but in others our Maximus is making his own way and in his own style.  The wifey now thinks we need to get a female puppy to join him in our household. 

Later, gang.

Jack

[sir james I]

Good Morning

59 and 70s today. Last one for awhile. I can't tell if some of you are Texas fans or just don't want the Tigers to win. Oh well the Lions are 5 and 0 best start since the 1950s..S.J.

[anjdevil2]

Morning Guys!

Blueberry - I think Buckeye is decompressing from his trip to New Jersey

for all our intentions

Another beautiful day here at Exit 8, Had a fire at one of the Pizza establishments here in town.  Saved the business...

Progress on the road runner continues, got it out of gear and up on the jack stands, need to add oil to the gear box, hook up the Hurst Pistol Grip Shifter and bring it back to the ground.  Front brakes look like they may need attention as the reservoir is empty.  I'll be ordering wheel cylinders and front brake lines anyway.

Saw the Princess at her job dancing at the Corner of Chaos (http://cornerofchaos.com/) ...what a hoot!  Took her 2 aunts and uncle.  They were duly impressed.  Mom and I went the next night.

Not much seat time on the Harley, I'm running the College and Work Shuttle, but next week looks like a little time off as Princess flies to FLA for a 3 day visit.

Jack - as always, look forward to your recap.  I appreciate it.  What's a clique?

Job search continues - unemployment kicked in and so it goes.

 

 

 

[SPMan]

Good morning all,  could not find a long winded post I did yesterday but either the computer ate it or I forgot to push the post button.  Don't you just love it when that happens.

D. Baker, prayers for your FIL.  Hope he is doing better now.  Loved your story about the Park-A-Merink job.  That was hilarious.  That supervisior you had must have alzheimers.  You know, the one who tells you to go to lunch, and then tells you should have checked with her first.

Wanted to thank 8N for his comments on my last post about the ragtime festival in Sedalia, Mo., home of Scott Joplin.  I am a fan of his music and have  a CD called the complete works of Scott Joplin but it really isn't.  He did much more than that.  He even wrote an opera called "Treemonisha".  I saw that performed once on TV a long time ago.  Wish somebody would do it again.

Jack, thank you for consolidating a lot of the post on here.  Makes it easy to remember who said what when you are trying to respond.

Sent off the last of the paper work required for getting extra batteries so I can fly with my portable oxygen concentrator.  Faxed it yesterday so I'm hoping I will get some kind of confirmation soon.  They weren;t completely happy with the way my doctor filled out his form either but they were suppose to call him a couple of days ago.  I long for the days when travel was simple.

Roy, good luck at York!  Looking forward to your comments.

later,

Ray

 

[laz 57]

JACK,

  Thanks for the comments on the dog front.  The only regret I have with this dog was that I wish I would have taken her and her sister.  It would have meant more work but the two would have been sooooo much fun to see playing together along with every other dog in the neighborhood.

laz57

[rtraincollector]

A TOUGH OLD COWBOY FROM SOUTH TEXAS COUNSELED HIS GRANDSON THAT IF HE
WANTED TO LIVE A LONG LIFE, THE SECRET WAS TO SPRINKLE A PINCH OF GUN
POWDER ON HIS OATMEAL EVERY MORNING.

THE GRANDSON DID THIS RELIGIOUSLY TO THE AGE OF 103 WHEN HE DIED. HE
LEFT BEHIND 14 CHILDREN, 30 GRANDCHILDREN, 45 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN, 25
GREAT-GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN, AND A 15-FOOT HOLE WHERE THE CREMATORIUM
USED TO BE.

[jonadel]

Jon......I am sure i speak for many of us when I say that...... when I look at the pictures from your road trips on your motorcycle I get a deeper appreciation for the bounty and the beauty that is our country.

 

Jack -- as most of you know Colorado is in my top three places I enjoy visiting for many many reasons.  But then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Last weekend I spent about 5 hours in the car on Friday and 4 on Saturday, I was alone and judging a large state marching contest in far north west Iowa.  There are 4 judges on the panel and we typically only run into each other at these various competitions so it's always fun.  On my way home Saturday afternoon/evening I was tired and worried about grain trucks/combines/and deer as the crops are flying out of the fields right now and so are the deer.  When one is alone there is lots of time to consider almost everything that is important to oneself, I made a detour of about 10 miles so I could go past the old farm where my grandparents spent their life, they were extremely poor but never complained or wanted for anything.  My fondest childhood memories center on that farm, no running water and barely electricity.  Great hunting and fishing there, I used to save my lawn mowing $$$ so I could buy bullets for my 22 rifle, I still have it and still love it.

As I got closer to home the sun was just about to set and as I looked about I realized I live in one of the most beautiful places anywhere, the best farm land in the world and with the fall harvest in full swing it was simply an awesome day to be out and immersed with more blessing than I deserve, I felt blessed.

I think as I grow into the sunset of my life I fully realize what's important, my wife, our children, grand children and great memories.

[dwiemer]

Good afternoon everyone.  Was a long day with a big case.  Don Baker, yeah, we never take for granted issues with anesthesia.  Also, when doing a valve, depending on why it is needing repair/replacement, there is a possibility of debris being sent down stream.  Often enough, people who are being interviewed for surgery have been having TIA's or "Mini-strokes" that have caused minor issues, but they didn't put the pieces together to realize what was happening.  Regardless, any time someone is put to sleep, they can have issues.  Some folks react differently and can present with associated issues.  Slow to wake, trouble remembering things, or even issues with sight.  Now, regarding your story...how funny!  I find it difficult to allow incompetence in the people I work with, and do not stand for it.  However, if I could let it go and just relax and enjoy the adventure, it would be a lot less stressful and a whole lot more fun.  You have a gift for story telling.  I miss your stories on the photo-fun.

Roy, hope your neck does well during your trip to York.  Wish I could be there!  Take lots of photos!....oh, never mind!  I do look forward to an update from there.  Also, if you see a CTT Divco Truck in your travels, I am still looking.

Rich, I shared a link on Facebook with a news report from FDNY back in the 70's.  They are right in the middle of the Bronx near Dennis Smith's territory (Report from Engine 82).  That also leads to a lot of other links that you can watch for some time.

Well, gotta run as we have violin practice.
God Bless,
Dennis

[LawsonFarmsRR]

rtraincollector

A TOUGH OLD COWBOY FROM SOUTH TEXAS COUNSELED HIS GRANDSON THAT IF HE
WANTED TO LIVE A LONG LIFE, THE SECRET WAS TO SPRINKLE A PINCH OF GUN
POWDER ON HIS OATMEAL EVERY MORNING.

THE GRANDSON DID THIS RELIGIOUSLY TO THE AGE OF 103 WHEN HE DIED. HE
LEFT BEHIND 14 CHILDREN, 30 GRANDCHILDREN, 45 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN, 25
GREAT-GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN, AND A 15-FOOT HOLE WHERE THE CREMATORIUM
USED TO BE.

COULD HAVE BEEN A FARMER FROM VIRGINIA. A PINCH OF GUN POWER WORKS FOR ME. I SHOULD LIVE TO BE 103. BLOWING UP THE CREMATORIUMS IS MY FAVORITE PAST TIME. THE MAIN DIFFERENCE IS I PUT THE PINCH OF GUN POWDER ON MY GRITS.

Pat

[fifedog]

Evenin' boys.  Got up.  Fixed coffee.  Practiced ukulele.  Put littlest princess on bus.  Changed oil in my car.  Wrote deposit check on land offer.  Went to post office, where I bought a page of sailboat stamps.  Took wifey to work.  Went to bank.  Mowed lawn.  Weed whacked.  Noticed gate damaged.  Cleaned fishpond.  Burried dead bird.  Trimmed cherry tree that overhangs neighbor's driveway.  Cooked spaghetti.  Helped oldest princess crop off her car at dealer for recall.  Handed my car keys to oldest princess.  Picked up wifey.  Took fifepup to work.  Came home and took bath.  Other than that, nothing day. 

[LawsonFarmsRR]

fifedog

Evenin' boys.  Got up.  Fixed coffee.  Practiced ukulele.  Put littlest princess on bus.  Changed oil in my car.  Wrote deposit check on land offer.  Went to post office, where I bought a page of sailboat stamps.  Took wifey to work.  Went to bank.  Mowed lawn.  Weed whacked.  Noticed gate damaged.  Cleaned fishpond.  Burried dead bird.  Trimmed cherry tree that overhangs neighbor's driveway.  Cooked spaghetti.  Helped oldest princess crop off her car at dealer for recall.  Handed my car keys to oldest princess.  Picked up wifey.  Took fifepup to work.  Came home and took bath.  Other than that, nothing day. 

FIFEDOG - Have you noticed how your life parallels that of our Chief? I think it is great. Takes more energy then most of us have. Nothing day indeed!

Pat

[LawsonFarmsRR]

fifedog

Evenin' boys.  Got up.  Fixed coffee.  Practiced ukulele.  Put littlest princess on bus.  Changed oil in my car.  Wrote deposit check on land offer.  Went to post office, where I bought a page of sailboat stamps.  Took wifey to work.  Went to bank.  Mowed lawn.  Weed whacked.  Noticed gate damaged.  Cleaned fishpond.  Burried dead bird.  Trimmed cherry tree that overhangs neighbor's driveway.  Cooked spaghetti.  Helped oldest princess crop off her car at dealer for recall.  Handed my car keys to oldest princess.  Picked up wifey.  Took fifepup to work.  Came home and took bath.  Other than that, nothing day. 

FIFEDOG - Have you noticed how your life parallels that of our Chief? I think it is great. Takes more energy then most of us have. Nothing day indeed!

Pat

[sir james I]

GOOD EVENING

70 right now. We sat out till dark. I read fife's post, felt sorry for him, then took his nap. That's probably what kept him going. RI I didn't learn to cook but I finally mastered the fried egg sandwich. So I guess that's progress...We had our last cookout tonight as weather is changing real soon. Banilla and root beer are ready..

S.J.

[ChiefEagles]

Evening all.  Rainy day but no downpours.  Been busy after sleeping til 9 AM [codeine does that to you].  Met Frankie for a belated birthday lunch and then a haircut.  Town Hall for some things and meeting.  Dropped in on Hunters Haven.  Home for a snooze.  May be a sad day in Wake Co.  Just had School Board Elections [off date for elections].  I think the Dems have taken the majority [the Republican Chair losing by a slim number].  That means illegal forced busing instead [like we have had for years] of the new community schools assignments.

V8Vega

Rock Island 52 wow that is a lot of work and typing to respond to everyones posts. Its nice of you, I enjoy reading everyones stories.

Dennis  San Fernando Valley CA.

We are glad to have you join us.  Especially since I found out you have Virginia in your bloodline.   [that was for all of the Yanks].

sir james I

GOOD EVENING

We had our last cookout tonight as weather is changing real soon. S.J.

That means he is getting out the dog sled.

Now for more coughing.

Later

By the way: this software stinks.  Edited this post four times.  Kept moving my edit to where I did not type it.  So deleted and started over.

 

[AF53]

Come on guys! I'm the only one that wants a video of fifedog playing the ukulele?

SJ - The Tigers have been my 2nd favorite team in the AL since I watched the "68 team win it all. They had some nice players, I think Kaline might have been my favorite on that team.

Ray

[Demay]

Good evening all,

It was rainy all day today which was actually kind of nice; however, I wanted to nap and not pay attention during classes.  I found out one of the guy's in my class is also a toy train buff.  He has a couple of G and O scale items.  He is trying to decide which one he wants to pursue more.  He has two young children who enjoy trains and he is leaning towards the G due to their size; however, he does like the Lionel models with Trainsounds.  He currently lives in Japan and does not have room for a permanent layout.  I finished some schoolwork tonight and then watched A Rebel without a Cause on TCM.  I've seen that movie many times and I am never let down by Dean's acting ability; Natalie Wood is great as well.

Jack - I know forcing down those beers must have been torture for you.  I passed on the beer at the game due to having a light cold; the price tag on the beers made it easy to avoid them as well. 

SJ - I have no issues with the Tigers winning.  I believe a Brewers-Tigers series would be fun to watch. 

I'll pray for all those in need.

Good night,

Joe

[Brutus]

Took Chewy (dog) to the vet today as she has blood in her pee (hematuria). After a long wait, she gave them a sample - all over the floor! You could see the blood in it - swirled. Hmmm. After another wait, they got a sample and, yep, there is blood in that pee. X-rays did not show stones. Bacterial cystitis is the diagnosis. We have a 10 day supply of medicine and will retest in 10 days to see if we got it this time.

Today, I had to put a bunch of my train stuff in two tubs and take it to the basement to make room for my wife's current remodel job. OTOH, I dug out my burro crane and 520 boxcab to run on my micro-size O gauge layout for a while (O27 circle on my table, next to my Xbox).

TARDIS is ready and we have a positive scope for beacons.  Hit it Mike!

[8ntruck]

Tigers won!

I grew up in Michigan.  The 1968 Tigers team also sticks in my memory.  I've only been to one game at the old Tiger's Stadium, though.  Kert Gibson was playing then.  That guy was fast.  He made a base hit that night out of what would normally have been an easy play at first.

All for now.

[submmbob]

Back at work for a few days. Last week of 4 on/ 3 off, then back to 7 / 7. Up on the roof today to replace the seals. Nothing like being 70 feet in the air at over 10,000'.  Also nothing like making repeated trips from the first floor to the very top of the building, again and again. I'll try and get some pictures to post tomorrow.

Fairly tired and have to be up early to be at it again. Night guys.

Bob

 

 

 

 

[MichRR714]

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the 70s.  Lost again last night in soccer, but for once I think we played together as a team.  I had some good touches for once, and finally am getting back close to the level I was last fall.  It was fun as well.  Wife's sister and her husband came over to watch as well.  We took them out to dinner afterwards.  Work was busy, but went well.  I had the regular fare on the dining car for breakfast before sending it on to "Points East" (nice to be able to do that again).  TBIL and I can drive again (missed a lot of rotations lately, need to catch up).  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[dwiemer]

Good morning everyone.  Getting ready to head in.  Not on call, not early, so it may be a good day.  Has been raining for the last few days...light and steady.  Perhaps the crops will enjoy this.  We only have some fruit trees to keep wet, but plenty of farms in the area. 

Joe, I was thinking about your pending move to Japan.  There was a article on "Yahoo" about how Japan will be offering 10,000 free round trip flights to Japan because of the radiation scare.  I didn't read the whole article, I believe there are restrictions, but it may be worth checking into.

Jon, I too enjoy your photos and list of adventures.  With regard to your last post, many times, it is not the destination, it is the journey.  Glad you took that little detour.  I also really like the Rockies.  It has been too long since I was there last.  Will have to make a trip before too long.  With the adoptions, we may have to wait till we get back.

Speaking of the adoptions, we have our social worker coming for a home study visit this weekend.  It is the first of six that are required for the adoption.  The participating countries that signed onto the Hague Treaty are required to have these as well as some other work in place before you can adopt.  With all the corruption, this is actually something I don't mind.  Better than having people who are not fit to adopt a child they can't provide for.

Have a blessed day.
Dennis

[laz 57]

Hi GUYZ,

  Rainy here today.  One more day til YORK for all you YORKIES out there.  Have fun BOYZ.

FIFE, sounds like one of my dayz.  Minus the UKELELE. Bet that sounded real good?

MITCH big enough Detroit sign?

Stay frosty,

laz57

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a dark and cool 48 degrees. Going up to 70 today with a chance of rain.

Today is a busy day. I have some paperwork to do and the usual exercises. This afternoon, I will relax with a nice nap. maybe read for awhile. new mag from CTT is worth looking at twice.

Dining car has rolled in from Points West. Today we are having an omlet. Cheerios tomorrow.

y'all have a great Wednesday.

Chuck

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  and 62 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Only thing on tap today is to go fetch middle princess from College.  Wifey is happy.  Might do lunch in Chesapeake City.

Probe - Delivered.  Signed.  Sent.  

SirJames - Twas wondering where that second wind came from...thanks.

AF53 - No videos.  I couldn't handle the sudden fame and fortune.  

[Banks]

 

Hello all,

Quick post on "HUMP" day

 

Jonadel wrote

"As I got closer to home the sun was just about to set and as I looked about I realized I live in one of the most beautiful places anywhere, the best farm land in the world and with the fall harvest in full swing it was simply an awesome day to be out and immersed with more blessing than I deserve, I felt blessed.

I think as I grow into the sunset of my life I fully realize what's important, my wife, our children, grand children and great memories."

Well said, I agree fully. I had similar thoughts on Saturday while baling hay on the hill behind home and surveying my house and the surrounding area. The woods are rapidly transitioning to their fall splendor and it was a very enjoyable day.

Fife,  where is your proposed retirement location located. I'll add a that they accept your offer.

SS fund calls

 

Prayers for those in need

[fifedog]

Banks - Hampshire County.  Still close enuff to attend YORK.  Thanks.

[Banks]

Fife,

Back in '74 I spent a couple o months working on Mt Storm near there. Very nice area