Coffee Pot #4 April 2012 8 years [April 1 is Anniv.] and going strong and its for all to chat. Plenty of coffee and sweet ice tea for all. Come and join us and chat. GRITS for the Yankees.

[dwiemer]

Good evening everyone.  Had to go in again on another emergency.  Some real sick folks out there.  Sad when people are having such issues. This is one of the worst parts of doing what I do.  It is bad sometimes, but it beats when I had to work on kids....that would really break your heart.

Before I left, I got to rest in the dr's lounge and see the end of the Masters.  Congratulations Bubba!

Before getting called in, I had been in the train room and had a section of the layout that never looked right to me...in short time, I had that taken down and now I have a hole to fill!  Should be a quick fix.

Well, hope to check in tomorrow.  God bless,

Dennis

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Been to see my mother and I have to say it wasn't a pleasant visit. She was only dimly aware we were there and when she was lucid she was off in the past somewhere. She was highly upset about one of their dogs having died. Other than that she talks mostly in monosyllables. That was two years ago this August. Her condition isn't good. She has a clostridium difficile (C. Diff) infection in her digestive tract and a septic blood infection. The blood infection caused her sudden blood pressure drop yesterday. It's also causing kidney problems. We had to suit up and glove up before entering the room as she's quite contagious. She's in pretty rough shape at the moment. I hate seeing her like this as all she can do is lay there.

I hope everyone else is having a better day than I am.

[rtraincollector]

well just got done Easter dinner. Ham, Mash Potatoes, Corn bread, Green beans, ( wife had peas & Mushrooms) Now to go clean it all up and put away Tuesday when off probably make some ham salad may do some baking while I'm off also. Been wanting to make some fresh english muffins. We'll see lol.

Hope all had a good Easter

To all who need it, Jeffery's mother, B.O. cylinders friend and any body else.

Not much else going on here tonight. Just relaxing. Talk to you all later.

[blownout cylinder]

KRM

Mike Wallace RIP You will be missed. God bless.

 

He will be missed ...RIP.

[blownout cylinder]

Good Evening

Things are quiet on the hospital front here..he is stable for now..they are hoping to run some tests on him as well tomorrow...

We had a good afternoon for the BBQ..we had Pepper grilled steaks and asparagus as well as twice baked potatoes and such...lovely time was had by all...

Tonight I am going to start the redo of Thompson Mills ...then do a rewire of it as well...hopefully it will do the trick this time...    

Have a good evening!!

[KRM]

Mike Wallace RIP You will be missed. God bless.

[KRM]

 

Beautiful weather today!

Hope your all having a great Easter.

Well another holiday with no kids or family, Never thought 40 miles would be like 400 for the kids but with the price of gas , you can’t win that battle..

Oh well. It was warmer than the weather guesser said so I got the pressure washer out and cleaned the pressure washer with the pressure washer and washed off the winter from the Gator and the 3203 utility tractor. Wifey had me clean out some bird houses for the newbe birds on the block.

Chief, I still want to see the pictures of you pretending to be a engineer

You guys all have a blessed Easter evening and God bless,

Kev

[anjdevil2]

Happy Easter, guys!

Just got done with "dinner".  This cold is kicking my butt.

Breezy and 62F right now, plentiful sunshine.

Jeff - love the mods on the engine.  for your Mom, SPMan' Mrs., and Blownout's friend.

for those I've missed or in need!

Fife- congas!

I'm keeping this short, going to go lay down.  Princess works until 10 PM.

Rich

 

 

[wrmcclellan]

AF53

HudsonJohn - Thanks for letting me help you clean your house the other day.

Hmmm - wish I lived closer to AF53 Ray!

Happy Easter all! Relaxing a few minutes after church and then headed to a nice restaurant for late lunch.

Continued for SP Man Ray's wife, Blownout's friend, and Jeffrey's mother and all those in need.

KEV - doing the best I can to get some rain your way - but with the Chief in NC that hot air pressure dome is making it difficult.

FIFER - congrats - you are continuing to build the yatchet crew and future toy train lovers.

DougnottaG - what time is dinner!

Rain clouds on the horizon here. High 70's today. Scattered showers predicted the next 3 days.

Have a great afternoon all!

 

[dwiemer]

Good afternoon everyone.  Happy Easter!  Nice service this morning, followed by a good Sunday school.  Had Chinese for lunch...all good.

Doug, thanks for the heads up, I will check into it.  Will also let you know what I find.

Kind of wiped out.  Had a patient who was essentially dead, just were waiting until the family made the decision.  Never a good decision to have to make, but especially on a holiday.  Easter will always be associated with mom/grandma's death.  I hate it for them...the nurse called me during Sunday school that it was done.

Well, I am going to grab a nap.  Hope each of you has a special day with friends and family.

God bless,

Dennis

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Got the parents yard cut. The drive on the Peerless went ka-blooey. Push the drive pedal, no go. I'm thinking it's a slipped belt but there's no way to get at it until the deck and several other things are pulled from underneath. Finished with the little MTD Yardman.

My mother's condition hasn't gotten any better. She's in the ICU in Alexandria under close watch. My father and I will be going there this afternoon.

[dougdagrump]

Happy Easter Boys & Girls !

Short break from KP, getting ready for family & extended family to join us for Easter Dinner of Pork Loin Roast and all the fixin's. Would prefer a Ham but that is one of the Verboten foods.

Gotta get back to work.

Prayers for all our friends and their families in need.

Maybe later if not to tired.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Kev: I hope they can get your grandson on the talkative side soon. I didn't make a peep either until I was three, but I had some pretty severe medical problems too.

[SPMan]

Happy Easter to everyone,  looks like a nice day here.

Chuck, happy birthday to Paula.

My wife is feeling much better today and seems to be over her chest pain.  Thanks to all of you for the prayers.

We are going to Easter mass at 11:30 after which we will tackle warming up a 10 Lb spiral cut ham and all the stuff to go with it.  Entire family will gather this afternoon for dinner.

Watched some of the Masters yesterday.  Looks like Tiger is out of it this time but Phil is one behind the leader and coming on strong.  Jim Furyck (check spelling) had a spurt yesterday but has dropped back.  What a beautiful golf course at Augusta!  Makes me think of how spring used to be in Virginia.

Looking forward to Chief's photos of the train on rubber tires with his honor at the throttle.  Sounds like you had a successful day with riders.

Prayers for all with special needs today and hope you all have a glorious Easter.

Ray

[AF53]

Happy Easter to everyone. Sunny and mid 60's today, a perfect day!

Had a nice/not so nice morning so far. Wife has to work this morning, she works at a pharmacy store, and #1 daughter (she's a teacher) went on a delayed honeymoon. So I only cooked breakfast for #2 daughter and son. A first for us not all having Easter breakfast together.

HudsonJohn - Thanks for letting me help you clean your house the other day. BTW, HudsonJohn refuses to take a postwar steamer count as he thinks it might (a) get him in trouble or (b) take too long!

Jack - That's not the first time you have quoted your dad. He's made quit the impression on you and seems like a wise man. Maybe the apple didn't fall too far?

Hope everyone has a nice day!

Ray

[ChiefEagles]

Sunny and warm.  Early Church [Wifey went to Sunrise Service, I handled and fed animals] and Sunday School [had to lead class].  Early Church had one of my favoirte songs, "Because He Lives."

Off to the lake for a night.  Service mower and mow grass [twice per phone converstaion with neighbor].  Back tomorrow night.

Later 

[cnw1995]

Aloha and happy Easter!  Beautiful sunny day here. Going to go over to the inlaws later for egg hunt and dinner. Nice service last night and a late dinner with friends....

Happy belated birthday  to Ms. Blueberry Hill!  
Congrats to you, Fife, on the upcoming addition.
Don, I love the stories. It sure is interesting - I'd consider myself a mid-level foamer.
Ray, prayers for your wife feeling better today and for Kev's grandson and Jeffrey's mom 
Dennis, ask the Apple folks if the wi-fi extender works overseas. Some units won't...
Laz, what does it mean to shovel on the damper - is that to dampen the fire with new coal after the Lokie is run out? Or some sort of cool-down? 

[laz 57]

Happy EASTER GUYZ,

  Went out trout fishing with BRO caught and released 13 all brownies.  Came home had a fire burgers and Ol MILs.  Great nite.

Went to church this morning said my prayers for YUZ GUYZ.

CHUCK, INDIANs LOSE AGAIN.  This time in 12 innings.

Stay frosty,

laz57

[sir james I]

51 w/clouds & sun, Also windy. Easter Sunday church and our family gathering with son and his inlaw's family as well. I gotta chose between great tasting food or too much desert.

Happy Easter to all..........................S.J.

[KRM]

Happy Easter everyone,

Sunny and going up to 66 today.

Cut grass yesterday.

Our grandson will turn two next month and has not said a word yet. Starting to get worried. They have a speech therapist coming over but it is not working. He just don’t have nothing to say I guess?

Fifedog, Chief nailed it. It is not up to us to make the plan, we are here to work his plan.

Jeffery Prayers for you mom.

Roy, Looks like you getting plenty of rain these days. Can you send us some? We are dry as toast here.

Blownout cyl. Yeah I have no idea how old that Trackmobile is but I think your close. You’re a good friend for your pal. Keep up the good work.

DonB keep the updates coming. Chief can’t hold a candle to you!

Submmbob, what a great adventure. Great pictures. . Hey where can I get the plug for that smoke unit?

Chuck give Paula a birthday hug for me.

Have a great Easter everyone.

Kev

 

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin' Ya'll From Overcast Taxachusetts,

It's supposed to hit 50 later this afternoon with perhaps a sprinkle with no appreciable accumulation.......not the worst of weather for those having outdoor Easter egg hunts and/or for grilling.  Daughter and son-in-law decided to host Easter which is usually at my place.  They are doing this to accomodate some elderly ones on his side of the family like the other grandparents and a great Aunt who are not as mobile as they used to be.......told SIL that getting them out and about to my place would be better for them and that I would help any way needed to provide the transportation here and back,at any time of their choosing, no problema, but to no avail.   Works for me either way.  When the older folks ask for help, I think sometimes they feel like they are imposing, which they are NOT....and in this instance I suspect it has something to do with their not wanting to do any driving on their own after dark.  We had joined all of them this past Wednesday for my grandaughter's school play and then dinner out afterwards (the three of them came in one car, drove themselves) and all were well.  Maybe they are worried that they will get tired long before the Easter festivities are over and it will be too taxing on them, then would feel disrespectful if they wanted to leave my place early.  Whatever their reasoning, they have to be respected.  It couldn't possibly be that I like to joke and tease them to death when they are at my place, could it?   

On this Easter Sunday I would like to wish each and all of you and yours a happy and blessed Easter.  Many of us are muddling our way through some of life's challenges where tomorrow seems uncertain.  As Dennis and others pointed out, the obstacles great and small come at times and a manner not of our choosing.  No matter how serious or gloomy the outlook, we can do no better than our best in dealing with them.  And we should stand tall with doing our best.

My Dad used to tell me"  "We only have today."  That worry is payment on a debt not yet due.  That we shouldn't waste what we have been given today by worrying about tomorrow over things we have little or no control.

Bless all of you, and be thankful for today.

Jack

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill RR....

Happy Easter to All of You.

It is a cold 38 degrees. Sunny. Going up to 62 today with sunshine.

Today is an easy day. I have a few chores to do and then, I will relax. Maybe run trains, later.

Paula says "Thanks" for all  the Birthday wishes from you Guys.

Dining car is here with Cheerios for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Easter Sunday.

Chuck

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning on this Easter Sunday. It's 55° and partly cloudy. The high will be 82°.

No plans for today. May mow my parents yard later.

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning

Getting a mix of sun and cloud today with a fair bit of wind from the northwest at up to 40mph...being high on a ridge here will not help much in the wind department...

Had a good night of sleep last night...going to spend the day doing Easter things...we have some people coming by this afternoon from our church to hold a BBQ in our backyard...

Have a great Easter Sunday!!

oh...btw....

Submmbob:  Love the progress on that ship...the rust must be something to behold on the deck though!!

Fife:  I know what you mean!! But Chief nailed it when it comes to God's plans for us...I have a lot of thinking to do regarding that as well.

for Jeff's  mother....as well as any one else needs it....

[Demay]

Konnichiwa,

We returned from church and the church picnic not too long ago.  The weather yesterday and today was sunny, but it seems a little cold front came through.  It is supposed to be sunny and in the upper-60s tomorrow.  The picnic was fun and the kids had a great time.  We will spend the rest of this Easter Sunday relaxing.  I will grill some lamb chops for dinner tonight.  I made some Easter Pizza (or Pie) yesterday.  If you’re of Italian heritage and grew up in NE PA you’ll know what that is. 

I’ll be praying for Jeffrey’s mom and family, SP Ray’s wife and him; Blownout’s friend and family; and the rest of in need.

Happy Birthday to Chuck’s wife and congratulations to Fife!

I’ll catch up more this evening.

Sayonara,

Joe

[submmbob]

Hello all

Another quiet night on the hill. Got my errands and groceries taken care of today in town. A little less sleep, but I will sleep good tomorrow. Even managed to call a few folks tonight before it got too late.

Don - love the stories! I know what the blower is for and where it is, but where is an atomizer and it's purpose in a steam locomotive? Keep it up!

Blownout Cyl - Continued prayers for your friend

Jeffrey - thoughts and prayers for your mom. And the air tanks look good. Always like the look of air tanks on a diesel. Give it a little clutter!

OK, so more on my trip to the USS Iowa:

Went straight from the airport to the ship the first day. Lots of scaffolding and such since they are having the upper deck power washed and painted by a contractor.

Met the folks. Great crew there. Signed the paperwork saying that if I fell overboard or down a ladder it wasn't their fault and also got a safety briefing. Got a quick tour by my friend and we started getting together the tools we would need to work on the fore deck.

After 20 years in mothballs the decks need a lot of work. Water had gotten under the wood in many places and started to rust the deck in places. The worst of the decks are being stripped off, repainted, and then the wood will be replaced. My job was to cut off all the little welded bolts that held on the planking.  There are quite a few of them.

A lot of time was spent walking back and forth to find tools and of course me finding my way in an 880 foot long, 1200 compartment ship. We were working on the bow. A lot of the tools were locked up in the aviation locker which is aft. Add to this that they had the ship compartmented for dehumidification in storage and you have to go up, down, and over to get thru blocked off areas. Kind of like a floating crossword puzzle. But with help we managed to get a fair bit cleaned up on the fore deck. Here's the bow forward of where we were working which they have done a nice job on.

And yes, RT, the starboard anchor is missing. Both of them were out when she was up in Suisun Bay and they had trouble bringing one aboard before they moved her to Richmond (small wonder, no steam on the windlass). It was retrieved later and will be returned to the ship (hopefully before she leaves for LA, otherwise the shipping will be horrendous...

That was pretty much it for the first day. What amazed me most about being on the ship, in addition to the complexity, was the integration of 40 years of different systems. What needed to be updated was, plus complete new systems installed. But a lot of basic systems from the original build were maintained. And these things were really organized around their mission, the gunnery and critical systems such as propulsion. Everything else, and everyone, was stuffed around it.

I'll break this into days to minimize the lengths of the posts.

Happy Easter All!

Bob

P.S. I think NavyJack would be proud

[Brutus]

SPMan and Jeffrey - prayers men! 

Nice chat with the guys tonight.  Today was mostly a lazy day.  I did find out I need to bring in my old battery when I buy a new one for the mower, otherwise I have to pay a $10 fee?  I just said fine, I'll be back in a couple days then - it was about to rain anyway, so I wasn't going to mow the lawn today at that point.

Poor Chewy keeps looking for the family - every little sound and she's checking the doors.  They'll be back home tomorrow, so that's cool.

Can't wait to see the pics, Chief!

TARDIS is ready, so let's get going!

[dwiemer]

Good evening everyone.  Had come home from hospital and did a whole lot of nothing.  They had paged me about a potential case, but I elected to stay home and wait it out.  As it is, they never did call me a second time.  Over the years, I have learned that when on call, don't get involved in anything you can't leave quickly.  Second, don't hang around the hospital for a "possible" as too many hours are wasted.  I have become proficient in my skills that I can get there and handle what is thrown at me in plenty of time as so much else needs to be done before I am needed.

Chief, looking forward to the photos.  I am sure you did a great job with all the guests.  It is a good problem to have when you actually have to request that they stop selling tickets.  It beats begging people....."don't you want to ride the train?"

Fife, Chief had some wise words there.  I have found that seldom is God's timing in line with what I think it should be, but it is always for the best.  If things had gone the way I had prayed, I would have been married to the wrong person, being limited in my career, and certainly nowhere near as happy.  I have regretted times when I have pushed for things the way and time I wanted.  Now I know it is not about Me, it is about Him!  And tomorrow is the stark reminder of that.

Jeff, sorry to hear about your mom's health.  I will pray for her and for your family.  May God guide the folks taking care of her and may He bring peace and comfort to the whole family.

God Bless,

Dennis

[blownout cylinder]

Good Evening

Got back from hospital to see friend. He appears to have stabilized a tad. Still hooked up/wired up with all manner of monitors and IV this that and t'other but he is doing a bit better. Fever still running 102-103 though...

After we went there we went to treat ourselves with something that I am going to probs pay for...ice  cream. ...so far, my numbers have stayed below...

Tomorrow will be a quiet day...unless a certain phonecall shows up

 to all in need...

[ChiefEagles]

Good night.  Tired!!!  Hauled kids [parents and grandparents too] for three and one half hours.  Some waited in line over an hour to ride.  No special training to run Thomas.  We taveled up and down hills and across a bridge over the great river [a creek].  I finally had to get the people to stop selling tickets.  When we finished, that was the only item left in the park.  Everything and everyone else had left.  Shake and Bake is just trying to impress us.  Photos of me in my overalls, stripped cap and red bandana are on the way.  Had them taken with my camera.  The pretty Chamber lady borrowed it to get photos of the whole event as her camera quit on her.  She is downloading and emailing mine.

fifedog

Chief - Funny how life doesn't wait for our plans... Thank you.

With faith, you will find that the Lord knows best.  He will even take tragedies and turn them into good things.

Prayers for Jeffrey's Mom.

Happy and safe Easter to all.