Coffee Pot #8 AUGUST 2012 SIX 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

[blownout cylinder]

Good Morning...

Sunny with high of 83F feeling like 96F today...

Gonna have another doctor's appointment today to find out how the bone scans went..then off to a couple of other stores to pick up some new iThings....

8ntruck  I used small pieces of styrene for grave markers for one hallowe'en layout...did the usual for that...

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill RR....

It is a sunny 64 degrees. Going up to 84 today with sunshine.

Today is an easy day. I have a few chores to do and then I will sit down and read my latest copy of CTT, which came yesterday. Then, lunch and a nice nap.

Dining car is here with Cheerios and Danish for breakfast.

Buckeye & LAZ......TGIF

Y'all have a great Friday.

Chuck

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Good morning. Temp-73°, humidity-100%, showers/thunderstorms likely, high-88°, heat index-97°.


Have to be at my parents place this morning to meet the appraiser. May work on the layout later. Looks like it's going to be wet today. There's a more than fair probability of scattered to numerous thunderstorms.

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Mostly cloudy and 68 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Wanted to post on page 43 (Petty fan), but got bumped by pics

Got the back drop panels all installed for the new section of my layout yesterday.  Need to go pick up two new sheets of plywood.

RockIsland - Got this mental image of an unwary purse-snatcher showing up at the Doby-fest....

[ChiefEagles]

Morning from Town Hall.  Seems screens come up in the order they use too here. ????  Will check at home to see if they are now "fixed".

Cloudy and a slight chance of showers [here comes the rain ].

Chat later.

PS: posted and it changed backwards.

[laz 57]

HI GUYZ,

  Well looks like a bunch of us are 5 star Generals.  Guess I do have a chance to pass up JEFFERY on the post count.  Nice here this morning took INNIE down to the river and saw the Eagle again.  Same tree went the same way as before.  Neat thing to see and really makes your day.  Only about 20 yards away and they have a large wing span.  MINNIE took off after some deer but came back after about 3 minutes.  She was Yippin, thats what she sounds like a Yip, no barking just yips.  So far everytime she chases deer she comes right back, knock on wood.

Played GOLF yesterday against BRO had a bad hole and lost by 2 strokes, drowned my sorrows in Yuengs last nite which tasted good.  Today gotta tear off section of flat roof and fix then go for a 14 mile bike ride.  BLT for supper tonite.

CHUCK & BUCKEYE, TGIF.

Where's DR DENNIS?

JEFF, nice video.

Stay frosty,

laz57

[sir james I]

It's a sunny 71 going to 87 they say. I guess the windows will be closed today. A chat with Charlie and a very late Brutus last night. Just idle chit-chat nothing to change the world with..Today is not planned and I have no CTT yet so I will wing it...S.J.

[Stourbridge Lion]

Good Morning CTTFans!

Here is a little something to make you feel cool and refreshed today

[jeffrey-wimberly]

laz 57

JEFF, nice video.

Thanks.

*

*

Anyone see something 'strange' about the rusty GP7 in my photo this morning?

[RockIsland52]

Good Mornin' Y'all From Partly Cloudy Taxachusetts,

Please accept my apologies if I have missed some of those in need of .  So much has happened around these parts since the wife and I headed out on our road trip to Canada eight days ago, but I have been back- reading when time permits.  Probably won't ever catch up. 

We have entered into some seasonal temps (80s/60s) here in the Northeast US ofA.  It must have rained a bunch while we were gone since the grass is making a comeback. Spent a lot of time yesterday catching up with mail, bills, and laundry while launching the final assault on the car dealer for the last of their "to do" items (replace rear high mount brake light bar and repair dead power lumbar). 

This latest trip yesterday into the dealer (44 miles back and forth) began before 7AM so I fugured I could beat some of the traffic; but luck wasn't with me.   They gave me a courtesy car (again), a black over black 2011 Caddy CTS4 with just 16K miles on it, nice car.  Called me later in the day with bad news, advised my car would not be ready for pick up last night as they were behind, buried with work in their service department.

Came home and got started on other stuff when the power went off.  Hmmmmm......dishwasher stopped, washer and dryers stopped, but fortunately the post I had been preparing for the POT was saved.  It seems the electric company decided to replace/upgrade the 27 year old transformer across the street.  One of the workers apologized, for the inconvenience, said no one answered my door when he went a knockin' or a ringin' or whatever before they pulled the plug.  I didn't have the energy to argue that although I may not have heard him my dog isn't deaf.

for those of us (all of us, actually) who have family members who disappoint us repeatedly.  My Dad always used to say that when it comes to family and neighbors, you are pretty much stuck with what ya got.

Banks.....prayers for your Mom's complete and uneventful recovery from her procedure.   And that she is home!  If you think about it, things could have turned out a whole lot worse had her timing with the Doc been delayed.  

HudsonJohn....prayers for your Mom's Doc visit.   If you try to figure out the rationale of the what, the why/why didn't you, when, and the who that our parents come up with, explaining medical matters and their decisions, you will go crazy.  I'll throw a few prayers up there for you as well as you try your best to contend with the matters at hand.  Think longer term, like 98 days to retirement.

RaySP.....glad your wifey's procedure went well and that she is home.  You also have my that she has no bumps in the road with this.  World War II comes to mind when thinking about your dental war.

Charlie........that was certainly great news on your Dad's continued recovery.  I suppose the next step will be to move him to a rehab for a short stint to get his strength back and get his sea legs under him while the Docs continue to monitor things and make some adjustments.  He must be so glad you picked up the ball and mounted the tow bar for him while he was on the DL.  He's thinking "grandkids, and that is a good place for his mind to be.  I remember when my Dad (RIP) was laid low (medically) how he joked about being the king and having a servant (me) to pick up the slack for him.  Eased his mind quite a bit til he was back on his feet.

Brutus......between your good news on your Mom and likewise on Char's Doc visit, it is time to raise a glass and toast the events of this week   Maybe Decompression is a healthy lifestyle.   Prayers continue for your family and you.

Jeffrey......you have for your Mom's continued recovery.  Your plate is beyond full trying to help out your Dad the best you can.  You can't do it all by yourself, and it is taking a serious toll on you.  Maybe it is time to raise the warning flag and get more (humbly) direct with the rest family and ask for specific help with things.  Your Dad and Mom need a healthier you.  Anger and growing resentment, although completely justifiable, doesn't get it done.           

RT......I thought the Docs had your right arm/hand problem under control from a while back.  No?  Maybe you have carpal tunnel syndrome of the entire arm from too much repetitive exercise

Later gang.

Jack     

[cnw1995]

Aloha. TGIF. Nice day here. 90s are back. Dropped off the middle boy at college yesterday and daughter left for her school too. Nice and quiet again with just the youngest. Took the day off to drive the new car an hour to the original dealer to deal with the seats and airbag issue. Noticed a headlight is out: A month out of warranty. Oh well.  Should be a quiet weekend since once we pay these tuition bills, we'll have no money left for anything else.  Prayers for HudsonJohn and Bank's moms. 

[ChiefEagles]

Very slight chance of showering all over us.

[fifedog]

For those in need of NASCAR and 3-rail...

http://store.nascar.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=13352733&csu=677174&csc=677079&csm=367740760&csa=277335510

Drivers, start your side-rods.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

What I was wondering that anyone had noticed in my photo this morning was the presence of a GE U25B cab. It looks a bit out of place on an EMD GP7, even if it has been somewhat modified to a GP9.

Of course, asking if anyone sees something unusual or different on my locos (with a few exceptions) could be viewed as a trick question since almost all my locos differ from the standard.

[RockIsland52]

SJ.......is your dog sled the high powered one with 10 dogpower?   You reminded me of another thing to add to my to do list, the annual September snowblower examination so I don't get caught with my pants down when the white stuff starts flying.

KEV.......are you talking Minocqua as in Northern Rhinelander Wisconsin?  That's a haul from your place, off of Route 51 if I recall correctly.  We used to visit friends who had a place up there on Lake Crawlingstone, somewhere near the reservation.  The Milwakee Road used to run up that way.

V8......those fire hydrants sure don't give easily, sad to hear two died and so many rescuers got injured.  How did the water get electrically charged?

Chief and KEV.......thank you for your sincere, deep-abiding concern over my whereabouts over the past 8 days while I was in Canada.  I really can't figure out why the Canadian border crossing folks were so interested in us.  While looking through the things in the car, looking for "contraband," they became very interested in Maximus the dog who was quietly laying in his crate in the back.  Asked if he was friendly, stared in his cage for a while, placed their hands up against the wire door, but declined when we asked if they would like us to take him out. 

And Fife.....I got a good laugh with your comment about unwary purse snatchers and the victim's dog.  Like the police K9s, you can give the perpetrator a 50 yard head start; and a solid personal protection dog will run him down in a matter of 6 seconds, tackle him, and commence delivering a crushing bite, won't let go until the would be former victim calls the pup off.  "Now let's see, what is that out command again?"  Usain Bolt on his best day (ultimately) could neither outrun and outlast the Malinois and Dutch Shepherds we have seen in dog protection sport.  And neither of these breeds are as fast as a Doberman, according to those who have clocked the world's fastest dog breeds.   Dobermans can't hold a candle to the Greyhounds and Whippets.  But they are on everyones top 10 fastest dogs list for pure speed.  Doberman's are solid scent/tracking dogs as well.  It never ceases to amaze me how we see on the COPS shows criminals who think they can either outrun or hide from a police K9. 

DougM......my wife wanted me to compliment you and Kelly on what a beautiful family you have.  She saw your POT picture of Grandma and Grandpa with the dynamic trio.  You must be so proud of your kids.  Now that the compliments are over, get back to work!  You have crushing college tuition bills to pay!   

I pray Dennis is not running into any snags with his adoptions over there in China.

DougDG........I just got my electric bill, so I feel your pain.  The last two months' bills have been eye openers and wallet drainers.

Chuck and LAZ.......I'll trade you the entire Boston Red Sox team for your Indians.  We have a zillion dollar payroll, in the top 3 in baseball.  But we have players who simply don't care, don't even show enough pride in themselves or their team to simply play like the high priced professionals they are.  Off the field they are not much better.  Only 4 showed up at Johnny Pesky's funeral, and they were playing at home!!!!  No excuse.  Disgraceful.  Disgusting.  Shameful.  And where has ownership and management been while all of this has been going on?  The Red Sox have been grossly underperforming for the last 13 months!!!   Can't even play .500 ball over that time frame. 

JimmyT........with the way you have been accumulating car parts, we may see you on the TV show HOARDERS, BURIED ALIVE shortly. 

Speaking of adoptions, who is this Lionroar88 guy who has been posting lately?     to your Christina, Brent.  One year......where has the time gone?   You and Susan are blessed.  Good luck and my prayers on your upcoming quest.   

Trust me when I say that with the right canine trainer (who uses balanced training methods, no cookie-cutter stuff)  and some work, your sister will get the results she hopes for with her pup, regardless of the pup's age, sex, breed, or nueter status.   And it won't take months to get these results.

Later, gang.

Jack 

          

[Hudson#685]

Lunchtime:

Went to Mom's after work and stayed the night. I got there right after my brother Dan got there about 9:45. We had her laughing and she is in good spirits. They are going to the doctor this afternoon. I am off next week so I will take her if she needs any tests.

RI Jack: Congrats on Maximus' win. That must be some "death stare" that your wife has. Yes, 98 days to go for retirement. The numbers look good.

Fife: I like the purse snatcher scenario at the Doberman meet.

Laz, that is great that Minnie comes back in 3 minutes. If that was our Mack, it would be 3 hours.

Darren: enjoy the Alaskan Cruise.

Charlie: your Dad has to be on the mend if he was worried about the kids and the tow bar. Speedy recovery.

Jeffrey: hang in there bud. Prayers for your Mom.

Prayers that those on the mend continue to do so and special prayer requests for those who need extra help to help them to the road of recovery.

Have a Great Day!

John

[KRM]

fifedog

For those in need of NASCAR and 3-rail...

http://store.nascar.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=13352733&csu=677174&csc=677079&csm=367740760&csa=277335510

Drivers, start your side-rods.

Fife,

 I would of thought they would of used diesel power for the NASCAR sets. Oh well

Been on the seat of a tractor all morning helping the neighbor move a mountain of dirt. I was removing it as he was digging it with the backhoe. Glad he had to go to work I have had enough.

 I am going to look at and most likely buy a 2005 Jeep Liberty tomorrow from the SIL's dad. It has 167K on the clock and the trans is slipping but for $1,000 I don't think I can go wrong even if I can't find a used trans and have to have the one in it rebuilt. I should be able to make some profit on it.

 RIJack, for the pup.

Later, got to go get some $$$ from the bank.

 

 

[RockIsland52]

Greetings From Sunny Cape Ann Taxachusetts,

Well, starting at 7:45 am yesterday, the car dealer has had my car for two whole business days and still have not finished it up.  All they had to do is figure out and repair the power lumbar support in one of the front seats and replace the rear hatch high mount brake light bar.  I made this appointment two weeks ago and they assured me they were ordering all of the necessary parts in advance of my appointment since they were not in stock, that they could turn my car around the same day.. 

The service advisor called at 3 pm today and said they now were lacking a mounting part for the rear brake light bar that wouldn't be there until Monday.  "Your parts guy was supposed to have ordered the parts two weeks ago so this wouldn't happen.."  Silence.  Then the advisor asked if they could keep my (partially disassembled) car until Monday afternoon.  Well, my car is the dog car.  Their courtesy car which I have is a 2011 or 2012 Cadillac CTS4 with only 16K miles on it.  By the time this is over I will have had their vehicle 5 days and the reverse!!!! 

And this weekend I need to transport our dog to training in the back seat of their car (harnessed and secured with seat belt, of course).  If they don't mind the dog slobber and the dog hair (or worse), and they are not worried about their leather seats in the back (dog nails), why should I? 

This is my third trip to the dealer to get squared away all of the things on my list, the one I gave them back on July 10.  I just want this over with, and I want my car back. .  How on earth do some of these businesses make any money?  This is all on their dime (warranty)

Jack

PS:  The dealer always washes my car and vacuums it before they return it.  Think I will call the service advisor in a huff Monday morning and tell him to make sure the guy who washes the cars gets the one million smashed and dead bugs off the front end and side mirrors, remnants from my road trip to Canada.    Must turn a negative into a positive.

[SPMan]

Jack, I feel your pain with the car dealer.  They had mine for about a week off and on and the steering is still not right to suit me.  They had three guys test drive it and they all lied, er agreed that it was normal.  I took the car on the condition that I didn't consider the job complete and that I was not satisfied.  Service writer was suppose to go to the manager with this but I have not heard from them in over a week.  I'm not holding my breath either.  I did not get one of those follow up cards or calls asking how was the service?  They must have me flagged and wouldn't touch one of those letters with a 10 foot pole.  I am like touching the third rail with them I suppose.  I thought I would drive it for a couple of weeks and see if it improves any.  If not, I will put it back on them.

Ray

[laz 57]

JEFFERY,

  Gee I thought it was the big Keep Off sign on the engine.  Oh dopey me.

laz57

[ChiefEagles]

Color me gone for a few.  Lucy, Finn and my self are headed to the lake house to mow.  Staying for a few.  Leaving Pam, Burg, Mirra and worry wort [Wiley] here.

Jack, they wanted to make sure he was not a stuffed animal with drug inside.  Once they found out the truth, they wanted to keep all their fingers.

Later

[cnw1995]

Have a nice trip, Chief. Jack, Thank your bride for her kind words. I feel your pain: spent 4 hours today driving back and forth to our dealer, but fortunately, everything seems finally fixed or at least all the engine lights didn't pop off yet.  

[fifedog]

8ntruck -  Not sure if you have a Michael's in your area, but check their LEMAX display.  I especially liked the Chop-shop.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

laz 57

  Gee I thought it was the big Keep Off sign on the engine.  Oh dopey me.

Yeah, the letters are on the big side. They work out to around four inches high. If it's worth doing it's worth overdoing.

[rtraincollector]

Well got the last of the carpet strips up tonight tomorrow morning will patch all the divots thanks to the idiot nailing to cement but guess that was the only way but then you could of gotten decent carpet if you were going to do that not the $1.99 a sq yard *** that already had stains in it when we bought the place. And it appeared to be worn so I'm thinking it may have came out of the house befor he had a 1/2 idiot redo the hardwood floors in there as there is a couple of spots the clear coat was too thick and a couple of places looks like they missed on second coat oh well we got the house for a decent price so can't really complain. Well then after I fill the divots I get to start building the false wall and then the flooring   I really want to get that in place. Its going to make the room look so much better. No real train things going on this weekend but thats okay. Have to get this all done then I can fire up the trains need to hook transformer back up also and the TMCC. Hope all ahve a good weekend will check in later

[sir james I]

It's 79 now, went to 87 this afternoon. But the flowers and garden are telling us that summer is going to be just a memory before too long. Still no CTT so just a normal lazy day. One surprise though, #1 DIL came by this evening and we went out for Dairy Queen type ice cream. Still got banilla for the thingy crew if they show up...S.J.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

About all I accomplished today on the layout was to make the rear headlight on one of my GP7's light all the time whether it's running forward or backward. It's the last loco in a three loco consist (GP7 SHF (short hood forward)-GP35 LHF-GP7 SHF. The light flashes when the consist runs forward and lights steady when the consist runs backward. I may do the same on the other GP7 on the front headlight so it lights steady going forward and flashes when running backward. My only other accomplishment today was going to town and putting $20 worth of gas in the van.

Time for me to call it a night. See y'all tomorrow.

[dougdagrump]

Evenin' All.

Not much going on here tonite. No museum today, Grampa Day Care today. I'm pooped.

8n, Micheal's is good for some of the Lemax stuff, especially if you can snag one of their 25% or more off coupons, but it seems like the past few years they haven't been carrying much of an inventory. Here's an internet source where I have picked up some of the Lemax items http://www.ehobbytools.com/contents/en-us/d24_spooky_town.html . Also Scenic Express carries a little bit of cemetary stuff, http://www.sceneryexpress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CM1400 .

Tomorrow will be Kid's Club at the museum so there won't be anything on tomorrow night's agenda.

Two days in a row without the AC running !  

Time to call it a nite. 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill RR....

It is a clear 60 degrees. Going up to 86 today with sunshine.

Today is a busy day. I have some chores to do and an errand to run. I will be busy until lunchtime. After lunch, I will take a nap. Maybe do some reading of the CTT mag, later.

Dining car is here with Cheerios for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Saturday.

Chuck

[sir james I]

It's a sunny 72 going to 89, so they say.

Enjoy your Saturday...S.J.