Coffee Pot #1 January 2013 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...again...

Wherein we are seeing 44F going to 48F later on...on the rain...tomorrow will be partly sunny and a high near 55F....

Got most of the reports done..and Powerpointing right along here

Question...which side of the MD line did Jamestown fall?

[Anonymous]

KRM

BTW, my thoughts on the gun topic is it is not a political issue. There gun haters and gun lovers in all of the political parties so it may well be a controversial issue but as I see it, it is not a left or right political issue. So bring it on. JMHO but then what do I know. 

Kev,
I got into a heated debate with a family member over this topic. I don't own guns, but TheQ does. The family member kept saying 'there is no need to ever own a gun'. I then told her why TheQ owns 3. Her response, 'still no need to own a gun, that is what police are for', my response 'The police can't be everywhere all the time. There comes a time when you have to protect and defend yourself and take responsibility for that. We will never prevent criminals from getting guns and if we prevent the average law-abiding citizen from doing so it will be open season on us all for the criminal element. Also what are we going to do to defend ourselves from a tyranical government like the one we fought for our independance from?'

This went back and forth for about 30 minutes. Finally I said 'Look I'll risk my life, family, and my property with my life and guns, are you prepared to risk your life trying to take my guns away?'

end of debate

There are far too many people in this country who don't want to take responsibility for their actions, or their vote. They would rather just sit back and let someone else do their dirty work. Not me.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Well the computer is up to snuff again. I didn't have to replace anything, just reset some things. Shut down, removed CMOS battery, put board in test mode, reset CMOS to defaults, reset the circuit breakers for the USB ports (they stayed open for some odd reason), replaced the CMOS battery, reconfigured CMOS, reset board to operations mode and restarted the system. Everything is working. It's 10 for 10. I guess all that technical garbage I studied from my college courses finally came in handy. Now I can put the spare main board away. And I don't fix computers for others. The only ones I fix are mine and those that belong to family members.

[Anonymous]

RockIsland52

Both of these dangerous influential extremes were not nearly so prevalent 5-6 decades ago.  The kids were not all rewarded for just showing up.  Positive parental influence was far easier.  Media was a very small part of the day.  We had nuclear families where children could be guided, encouraged, or disciplined far more easily and effectively, without outside/incorrect influence.  My daughter and SIL, both working, need in their absence far more help with childrearing than my folks needed from my grandparents.  The "two working parents" scenario satisfies the financial aspects of present day life but can can fall short significantly when it comes to delivering for the child's greater needs.

Not sure where you are going with this, but I disagree whole heartily that two working parents only satisfied the financial aspect of present day life. There are plenty of parents where both work and where the children turn out just fine, and I know quite a few children who are holy terrors and their mother or father stayed home to 'raise' them, but only stuck them in front of a TV. The more involved BOTH parents are in their childrens' lives the better the children turn out. I wouldn't trade my job or TheQ's job for one of us to stay home with Christina vs taking her to daycare. Daycare has been a Godsend for Christina and I think her social skills, vocabulary, problem solving, communication, etc are all where they are because of daycare - if either TheQ or I did not work we would not be able to afford the quality daycare we are receiving for her. I'll be better vetted once Matthew arrives and is about 18 months old as well to be able to judge if it is daycare or the child's genetics that make the difference.

I always caution people about making blanket statements like this. There are parents of your generation that I wouldn't wish upon any child...

[cnw1995]

Anyone know where I can find O scale or close elephants?

Almost forgot, Happy Birthday to DennisW! 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

lionroar88

The more involved BOTH parents are in their childrens' lives the better the children turn out.

Hear, hear! Ain't that the truth! My two sisters and I come from a family where both parents worked full time and we turned out just fine. I'm not saying we were the picture of innocence. We each had our moments for getting in trouble and we had our own problems but what kid doesn't.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

cnw1995

Anyone know where I can find O scale or close elephants?

Have you looked at this site?

[Banks]

Hello all

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!

Mom got a good report in Pittsburgh. Next follow up in April

Outside Christmas is all in except scattered extension cords. Hope to get them after work today.

Busy watching the PA Farm Show on PCN this week. LAZ did you watch any of it?

SS Fund is calling. I'll try t get back over the weekend.

Prayers for those in need

[RockIsland52]

lionroar88

RockIsland52

Both of these dangerous influential extremes were not nearly so prevalent 5-6 decades ago.  The kids were not all rewarded for just showing up.  Positive parental influence was far easier.  Media was a very small part of the day.  We had nuclear families where children could be guided, encouraged, or disciplined far more easily and effectively, without outside/incorrect influence.  My daughter and SIL, both working, need in their absence far more help with childrearing than my folks needed from my grandparents.  The "two working parents" scenario satisfies the financial aspects of present day life but can can fall short significantly when it comes to delivering for the child's greater needs.

Not sure where you are going with this, but I disagree whole heartily that two working parents only satisfied the financial aspect of present day life. There are plenty of parents where both work and where the children turn out just fine, and I know quite a few children who are holy terrors and their mother or father stayed home to 'raise' them, but only stuck them in front of a TV. The more involved BOTH parents are in their childrens' lives the better the children turn out. I wouldn't trade my job or TheQ's job for one of us to stay home with Christina vs taking her to daycare. Daycare has been a Godsend for Christina and I think her social skills, vocabulary, problem solving, communication, etc are all where they are because of daycare - if either TheQ or I did not work we would not be able to afford the quality daycare we are receiving for her. I'll be better vetted once Matthew arrives and is about 18 months old as well to be able to judge if it is daycare or the child's genetics that make the difference.

I always caution people about making blanket statements like this. There are parents of your generation that I wouldn't wish upon any child...

Brent.......you added a word that changed the meaning.  But I think that you and I are on the same page. 

My wife and I lived the two income scenario three decades ago with daycare for our kids.  No argument there. 

I would also go as far as to say that two incomes are becoming a necessity today.  I look at simple overhead, today versus when I was a child, or even earlier in my career.  The differential is staggering and moving in the wrong direction at an increased pace. 

Add in the following:  job security is gone.  Our national job base and prospects are weak, especially in manufacturing; and graduates and downsized/rightsized people alike are having a tougher time finding meaningful employment.  The cost of education and healthcare has skyrocked with no end in sight.  Property taxes and the rest of them, including fees, take up a greater portion of income.  Employers are bleeding the proverbial stone when it comes to their employees, asking for more (hours) while downsizing,  paying less, and showing zero loyalty to empoyees while burning them out, expecting them to put their families and personal lives on the back burner, while wielding the proverbial job hammer over their heads.  Never has the importance of saving been greater while we and out children face the implications of paying off the national debt while maintaining the viability of SS and Medicare. 

The work/family life balance presented a job risk even back then too.....like announcing to my boss I volunteered to coach little league, or that I would be leaving work on time to attend some of my son's weekday games or my daughter's concerts......a risk even though I would faithfully show up on the front end of every work day at 0-Dark-Thirty, a full hour head of him.  50 + hour work weeks were the norm for me.  Comp time?  Non-existent.  I even caught flak at times leaving work at 5pm (imagine that?) to attend night school over a five plus year period, two nights a week.  The company would highly stress the importance of the educational credentials, then do what they would to sabotage that very same company/employee objective. 

Saying "no" and pushing back was a risk even back then in order to right the balance of work and  family and personal life.  There were so many times I had to bite my tongue with bosses when my brain was screaming "Get a freakin life" to one boss or another.  One workaholic boss had the audacity to tell me I needed to postpone my honeymoon A SECOND TIME for some stupid meeting!!!!  I didn't.  Funny thing many of these bosses had in common.  They couldn't keep a wife, had no hobbies, and spoke very little about their kids. Imagine that.      

It is getting to the point that "retirement" may become another archaic word in the American vocabulary.

Jack

[wrconstruction]

RI Jack, the general saying for "self employed" people such as my self is that we work untill were either Bankrupt or dead.

Its hard for me to chime in on this discusion, as I don't have any children, well, not the two legged type., but in RE to the two income thing, I think thats pretty much a fact of life these days. Neither my wife, nor I could have what WE have living seperatly.

Funny thing, we were just discussing a little less spending and a lot more saving. We both would like to retire early, or at least while we can be in good enough health to enjoy things for a while. There was, however, no mention on cutting back on the train budget though.  hhmmmmm

AND RI Jack, I was once that boss your talking about. I could never understand all the have to go here and there stuff, kids to the doc appts, why can't the employees come in when sick, I DID all the time, I even came in the same day I surgery once, WHY CAN'T the employees do this?

BUT I am not the same person I used to be.  and my employees are much happier.......

Ryan

[RockIsland52]

Yahooooooo!!!!!!  The sun made another brief appearance, the temperatures are climbing, and the snow and ice continue to melt!!!   

I just got done reviewing the “statements” and it appears we way over-spent this Christmas.

Banks.......the good news on your Mom makes my day.  continue.

DougM......a scale elephant for the layout?      

What is this world coming to?  Chief with a personal trainer!!!!  I’d pay a bundle to see that!!!!  Pictures please.  And I can just hear the back and forth.  Chief on the topic of diet:  “Just what is wrong with grits?  I put red-eye gravy on them to help them go down easier.”  BTW, Chief, sorry to hear of the Raleigh Mayor’s loss. 

SJ........hope your tests this week all come back negative.  Did anyone ever tell you that you look a lot like Walter, arguably the most popular star in Jeff Dunham the ventriloquist’s stable?

Chuck...........did you ever get that ornery switch working again? 

Brent.......mega congratulations on your most successful Florida trip.  At the risk of sounding redundant, I am so happy for you and Susan.  T-minus 4 weeks and counting until Mathew Brent’s arrival.  No need to for you to overthink the what and the why with the miraculous gift that is Christina.   What a difference three years makes, no?  So sorry to hear about the travel stress during your down and back Florida flight, but I was smiling all through your post.  I apologize for trying to sell driving as the only way.  But flying with a little one is tough when you factor in what flying throws at you beyond the flight itself. You didn’t have any choice time-wise.  But if time permits, driving offers you far more control and peace of mind over almost every aspect of a trip with kids.  In-car DVD......in my mind the best automotive application of an existing technology when it comes to keeping the little ones either entertained or asleep in transit.  Yes, I have changed the most putrid diapers and cleaned up vomit in my cars.

John Baker.........great to hear from you and from points across the pond.  Aren’t rugby players the ones with no teeth?

Jon and DougDG........good stuff on your travels, please keep posting on your exploits.  One doesn’t have to leave the shores of the good old US of A to experience the spectacular.  We’ve got it all right here.  Just point the front tire(s) and go!!! 

V8 Dennis and Jeffrey.......WordPerfect (or MS Word) for POT drafts so one doesn’t lose all that they typed......KEV just forgets to hit the save button periodically while typing, or he wouldn’t lose all of his handiwork when a power blip occurs. 

Lehigh......if you want to quell your worries over the upcoming English courses, invest in a Freshman high school level grammar book and a college level book on composition, read them cover to cover. Then keep them close by along with a good old fashioned Webster’s dictionary.  You remember the correct spelling of words better when you have to look them up and when you use them.  Spell-check is not as effective, can steer you to the wrong spelling for the word you are using (in context).  The more you read, write (composition proficiency), and type, the better your correct usage of the English language.  Today's accepted laxity within emails and texting only take you further away from your command of the language. 

KEV and DougDG........you are my heroes!  The Lionel links you provided got me close, and Doug’s last two made me realize that I was missing the first digit (6-30097) in my search.  Yahoo!!!!!  The owner’s manual has been found.  

Jeffrey........just how many operating engines do you have in your stable now????  Keep the pictures on your resurrection projects coming!!!  Is it me or are the HO drive trains more complex?  BTW, what WAS different about your latest creation?  I don't think anyone ventured a guess nor did you tell us. 

8N, KEV, and BOC........one way I keep the wifey at bay over my select deafness is to counter attack, asking her to read stuff at a distance when we are out and about and I am driving.  “Why can’t you read that?” I ask.  Another?  “You make a better door than a window, dear, though I do like looking at your XXX.  Once again, you are standing there blocking the TV.  Train the dog elsewhere.”  I also like repeatedly asking her what was said when she's trying to watch one of those stupid Hallmark movies she is addicted to, drives her nuts, especially when she herself didn't hear quite all of it either.  

V8 Dennis.......I think you are on the right track with seeking out the rarer and more powerful of the Honda del Sols.  Buying cars off of Craigslist?  I’d pay AFTER the car was checked out by mechanic.  I’d asked for service records, repair receipts, run a CarFax, run the VIN @ a Honda dealership for dealer service records, and conduct a thorough test drive.  Finally, trying all of the gadgets to see what isn’t working.  Eyes wide open as to the prior pipeline, and my after-purchase exposures.  I do all of this stuff, even when buying low mileage late model pre-owned at an OEM dealership.  Even their alleged and highly advertised “131 point pre-owned inspection” misses a lot of stuff. 

ROY/LAZ.......who woulda’ thunk those beer icons would be on the severe decline.  OleMil sales down 53%???  This is a very fixable problem.  

ROY........day 7 with the crud is my absolute cut-off.  Then I see the Doc.  Boston has declared a medical emergency with hospital visits for the flu.  Reported treated incidences running 10 times higher than last year at this time.  Calling it an epidemic, calling for more folks to get the shot, and this despite the fact that we have not hit the peak of flu season yet. 

MikeC........glad you are feeling better.  I am still waiting for the Chief’s response to your NC soccer observation.  I think it is because he has no comeback, and THAT is saying something!!! 

Ryan........re the deadbeat client who owes you a lot of $$$, making you delay a train purchase.  Unconscionable.  I’ll be by with Maximus the Doberman and we can pay him a visit.  Maximus lights up on command.  We’ll collect the interest on the principal while we are at it.  “Wire transfer, please, no checks.”  Re your rhodent control technician, I loved the photos.  Our cat of 20 years, a Siamese named Toi (RIP), had no problem keeping two dogs in line but was absolutely useless in rhodent control.  He let the dogs do that work, and they did.  Re your comment on animal fatalities, I believe automobiles were and still are the number 1 cause of premature death in dogs and cats. 

JimmyT.......I agree with you 100%.  A full court press is the best approach when it comes to poor service or slow responses.  Expect less, get less.  The squeaky wheel DOES get the grease a majority of the time.  Patience is not a virtue (far too often), sad to say. 

KEV......that is outright animal abuse I see in those pics you posted of George.  The poor loyal guy doesn’t even have a blanket over him to keep him warm.  What good is that throw if you don’t put it on him?  

KEV/JimmyT......train buyers remorse???  No such thing.  Just ask RT!!!!  He never saw a bargain he could pass up.  You both did well!!!  

LAZ.........I think it is the turkeys that are chasing away all of the deer while padding the score:  Deer 10, LAZ 0.  

JoeyD.......I am now on day 2, waiting to see my refund posted on my undelivered furniture fiasco.  Sunday if no $$$, I will just dispute the charge with my bank and they will reverse the charge pending “investigation.”  If I accidentally get the $$$ twice, then I can have some fun with the vendor.  “What’s that?  I’ll get back to you just as quickly as you got back to me (NOT!!) 

Later gang.  TGIF!!!!

Jack

[wrmcclellan]

Afternoon all!

Jack - now day 8, but a bit better each day now. This was a nasty low level virus that seems to linger, I am at about 85% right now. Coughing has nearly subsided and no coughing fits now.

Sunny and warm here - maybe 70 today - but headed for some nightime freezing and maybe rain early next week.

We are about out of firewood - earliest exhaust yet - but I bought early this year and got some really good seasoned hardwoods. The good news is it burned easily and well, which is also the bad news. Burns so well there is little smoke and not much embers, so fireplace does not get nice and hot  with a good ember bed that stays hot all night. This dry wood just burns up and quickly. Oh well. Next year I will wait to my normal time.

BTW - Brent - congrats! Speaking as an adoptive parent - Glad the trip went well! The youngest goes back to college tomorrow afternoon.

Have a great day all!

[jeffrey-wimberly]

RockIsland52

Jeffrey........just how many operating engines do you have in your stable now????  Keep the pictures on your resurrection projects coming!!!  Is it me or are the HO drive trains more complex?  BTW, what WAS different about your latest creation?  I don't think anyone ventured a guess nor did you tell us. 

Twenty-five. Most of them are rebuilds. The differences on the newest project besides the torpedo tubes is I cut down the edges of the radiator cowls a little and I weathered the trucks a little more. Now I have to figure out a way to make that fuel tank look better.

[KRM]

RockIsland52

 What is this world coming to?  Chief with a personal trainer!!!!  I’d pay a bundle to see that!!!!  Pictures please.  And I can just hear the back and forth.  Chief on the topic of diet:  “Just what is wrong with grits?  I put red-eye gravy on them to help them go down easier.”  BTW, Chief, sorry to hear of the Raleigh Mayor’s loss. 

 

 Jack, You should know by now, trying to train the Chief is like trying to pound sand into a rat hole. Can't be done and is a waste of time. 

 I had to pick up the munchkin because she has the pink eye.  One of the more wonderful things of daycare. or should I say germcare. They are exposed to EVERYTHING by those snot nosed kids in there. But as Brent said, she has gained a lot of skills she needs from going there. Sickness is just the backside of it. So I will have her till later tonight when her mom gets off of work. I just put her down for a nap.

Later boys.

[Lehigh Valley 2089]

RockIsland52

Lehigh......if you want to quell your worries over the upcoming English courses, invest in a Freshman high school level grammar book and a college level book on composition, read them cover to cover. Then keep them close by along with a good old fashioned Webster’s dictionary.  You remember the correct spelling of words better when you have to look them up and when you use them.  Spell-check is not as effective, can steer you to the wrong spelling for the word you are using (in context).  The more you read, write (composition proficiency), and type, the better your correct usage of the English language.  Today's accepted laxity within emails and texting only take you further away from your command of the language. 

Thank you for the advice. P.S. I try to use correct English in my texts and emails to help not let myself slide downhill from where I am right now.

Looked outside when changing classes, and you could tell that there was some rain sometime today. Looked cold as well.

[wrconstruction]

RI Jack, I prefer  taking Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson along on bill collecting. with the nature of the transactions at my office, you better believe were packing.   My Clerk has been instructed that in the even of a robery give them the money then shoot them in the back as they run away. LOL  (of course thats NOT how we handle things "way out here")

We had a really old Cat at house years ago, this cat was as old as dirt i think. She would sleep on the heat register and one night wehen we were watching TV a mouse ran out fom the entertainment center, ran OVER top of the cat and kept on running.  The cat looked up and went right back to sleep, guess she knew she was too fraile to even try.  The wife and I STILL laugh about that.

KEV, if you want to circumvent the wife on the ore cars, you can have them shipped to me and I'll make sure they run good first!   I have ALOT of RMT freight cars all are really nice for the price, well there pretty nice at any price, really.

He must be expecting new merch soon, as he's just about blown out all current inventory. Can't wait to see what he gets this time

 

Ryan

[SPMan]

Good morning all,

Jeffrey, prayers for your mother

Cold this morning.  Temp outside was 36 when I got up.  That's cold for here.

Took my old 87 Buick for a spin this morning to charge up the battery.  Went about 14 miles up a local mountain road and back.  The old beast still does it with no trouble.  Heater does not seem to be working however.  I knew the A/C compressor was shot but didn't know the heater was too.   She needs new rubber boots on front end too but is not going to get any unless I find someone cheap.

My Honda is running good and the power steering fluid pump has been replaced.  To be done is paint job and new rubber molding around windshield.  Smog here destroys rubber.

Got my MTH RPO car new trucks put on and  its back in service.  Still waiting for MTH parts department to get back to me with I.D. on spring for front truck on my 4-8-4 N&W J Class.

Chief, congratulations on the new trainer.  Hope it does you some good.  How is the pnuemonia doing?

later,

Ray

[Anonymous]

lionroar88

KRM

BTW, my thoughts on the gun topic is it is not a political issue. There gun haters and gun lovers in all of the political parties so it may well be a controversial issue but as I see it, it is not a left or right political issue. So bring it on. JMHO but then what do I know. 

Kev,
I got into a heated debate with a family member over this topic. I don't own guns, but TheQ does. The family member kept saying 'there is no need to ever own a gun'. I then told her why TheQ owns 3. Her response, 'still no need to own a gun, that is what police are for', my response 'The police can't be everywhere all the time. There comes a time when you have to protect and defend yourself and take responsibility for that. We will never prevent criminals from getting guns and if we prevent the average law-abiding citizen from doing so it will be open season on us all for the criminal element. Also what are we going to do to defend ourselves from a tyranical government like the one we fought for our independance from?'

This went back and forth for about 30 minutes. Finally I said 'Look I'll risk my life, family, and my property with my life and guns, are you prepared to risk your life trying to take my guns away?'

end of debate

There are far too many people in this country who don't want to take responsibility for their actions, or their vote. They would rather just sit back and let someone else do their dirty work. Not me.

Brent,

            I am with you 110% on this^.  I am in the market myself.  When, not if, things get bad and criminals come looking, I wouldn't have a problem doing whatever it takes to defend my family/property/life.  I'll spare mods from my longer version of this.

[Anonymous]

wrconstruction

RI Jack, the general saying for "self employed" people such as my self is that we work untill were either Bankrupt or dead.

Its hard for me to chime in on this discusion, as I don't have any children, well, not the two legged type., but in RE to the two income thing, I think thats pretty much a fact of life these days. Neither my wife, nor I could have what WE have living seperatly.

Funny thing, we were just discussing a little less spending and a lot more saving. We both would like to retire early, or at least while we can be in good enough health to enjoy things for a while. There was, however, no mention on cutting back on the train budget though.  hhmmmmm

AND RI Jack, I was once that boss your talking about. I could never understand all the have to go here and there stuff, kids to the doc appts, why can't the employees come in when sick, I DID all the time, I even came in the same day I surgery once, WHY CAN'T the employees do this?

BUT I am not the same person I used to be.  and my employees are much happier.......

Ryan

Ever wonder why your employess were sick?

I find it incredibly disrespectful of your coworkers when you show up coughing and hacking, it is disgusting to listen to and makes concentrating very difficult, not to mention you are spreading germs and infecting those around you. If you have a fever that means you are contagous... I once worked for a company that would warn you to stay home when sick, do it three times and they would write you up... 4th time you were gone. Was a very healthy work environment.

TheQ does this and it drives me nuts. She will then complain when Christina gets sick that parents send their kids to daycare sick... she did not like it when I held a mirror up for her to look into. She claims that adults going to work sick is not the same as sending a child to daycare sick... personally I don't. IMHO going to work sick is worse...

I've been at the same company for almost 5 years now. It has taken me almost this long to get my boss to recognize what I'm talking about when it relates to coming to work sick. I simply don't. If I'm not feeling well, but can work I do so from home. If I can't work then most likely I can't drive and therefore I wouldn't be there in the first place.

- stepping down now

[Anonymous]

RockIsland52

Brent.......mega congratulations on your most successful Florida trip.  At the risk of sounding redundant, I am so happy for you and Susan.  T-minus 4 weeks and counting until Mathew Brent’s arrival.  No need to for you to overthink the what and the why with the miraculous gift that is Christina.   What a difference three years makes, no?  So sorry to hear about the travel stress during your down and back Florida flight, but I was smiling all through your post.  I apologize for trying to sell driving as the only way.  But flying with a little one is tough when you factor in what flying throws at you beyond the flight itself. You didn’t have any choice time-wise.  But if time permits, driving offers you far more control and peace of mind over almost every aspect of a trip with kids.  In-car DVD......in my mind the best automotive application of an existing technology when it comes to keeping the little ones either entertained or asleep in transit.  Yes, I have changed the most putrid diapers and cleaned up vomit in my cars.

 

Jack - we think we have our 'excuse' as to why we can't fly... we have to have someone nearby who can care for Christina while we are at the hospital. Yes we will take her for a while, but we can't expect her to stay there all day. TheQ was talking to her brother last night and he offered to spend a few days at the beach with Christina... LOL... like that is SUCH a sacrifice! He spoke with his boss and explained the situation and his boss was OK with it! So we will HAVE to drive, no way we could coordinate all those flight arrangements, etc. Now we have to get the Murano to the mechanic for a checkup/eval and then when we get to FL we'll rent a car for BiL that he can return to the airport when he heads home. He really seems excited to take his niece to the beach for a few days! LOL!

[Anonymous]

Brent,

           At my current job, good luck calling off. They intentionally don't answer the phone early on in the morning to prevent people from calling off.  I went throught this a few Sundays back when I was really sick. Tried getting through from 6:30-8:30 numerous times with no answer.  Went in at 9, left in misery at 11.

Just some of the mind games that I deal with daily there.

[wrconstruction]

Lionroar,  Thats how I USED TO BE.  NOT ANY MORE,  If your sick STAY HOME I don't want it, I can't afford to get it.

But from my perspective, I'm The Owner / Boss, I have to be here.  but seems like an employee gets a splinter they need a week off to recover.  

any way.................... good cold rainy nigh I here the basement calling, gotta make room for KRM's Ore cars on the layout.  Kev' I'll send ya videos of them operating, it will be just as good as having them on your layout, promise

Ryan

[RockIsland52]

KRM

RockIsland52

 What is this world coming to?  Chief with a personal trainer!!!!  I’d pay a bundle to see that!!!!  Pictures please.  And I can just hear the back and forth.  Chief on the topic of diet:  “Just what is wrong with grits?  I put red-eye gravy on them to help them go down easier.”  BTW, Chief, sorry to hear of the Raleigh Mayor’s loss. 

 

 Jack, You should know by now, trying to train the Chief is like trying to pound sand into a rat hole. Can't be done and is a waste of time. 

 Later boys.

KEV.........rumor has it the Chief was "fired" by his last four doctors because he would not follow any of their advice.  The current one is working out pretty well because she doesn't speak any English much less understand "Southern." 

Jack

[sir james I]

Laptop says it's 58 degrees. One more day then back to winter temps. I got a hair's cut this morning, then did a few things outside, granny even went for a walk. Me thinks some banilla tonight before the thingy ride..S.J.

[rtraincollector]

Evening all not a lot going on tonight. Came home early and went to bed just felt like crap. Head ache, stomach upset, chills, light headed ect ect who knows. I feel well for a few day then like this then I feel well who knows.

Well been an interesting ebay item I won back the end of the year guy sent it ( but he put 208 instead of 408 by mistake lol) anyway was delivered to wrong place. then went thru the sorting facility 3 times and on the belt twice then finally sent back to buy ( who refunded my money as we though it was lost well now its in route again lol. so should have it Monday.

Has anybody heard from Brutus he hasn't been in in a while. Usually a every nighter poster.

[Demay]

Ohayō,

It is extremely sunny today, but I’m not sure how cold it is since I haven’t been outside yet.  The wife was up early this morning as she and some ladies from church are going on tour group trip to the Tokyo Dome.  In the Tokyo Dome today they are having an event which showcases all the Japanese festivals.  The Japanese have numerous festivals throughout the year all over the country, and this is one way for people to experience a little piece of all of them in one place at one time.   I’m sure she will have a great time and she will not be home until about 6 PM.  That means it’s me against the three kids.  I’m sure the older two will spend most of the day outside since it is so sunny and probably a bit warmer. 

I believe Jack and Brent both make valid points: Thanks for sharing the story Jack.  It points out that hard work and perseverance should be rewarded; we should not reward for simply showing up.  And Brent is right about parent involvement as that is the key regardless of the working situations.

However, I don’t agree that both parents must work as a necessity today as some have suggested.  It all comes down to how people choose to spend/use their money.  As one example, we are a one income family with three kids.  We live within our means and we have more than we need (just look at my growing train collection).  And if you know what I do for a living, you know I’m not earning crazy amounts of money either.  You won’t hear me say that one parent should stay home as I believe every situation is different and that’s up to each family to choose, but our country has experienced economic downturns in the past and survived.  The difference today is that people have entitlement issues and no desire to spend more wisely.  

Mike C. – I have two nieces who reside in PA and are avid soccer players.  Their father, my oldest brother, encourages them although he has no clue about soccer strategy.  He even coached their teams when they were 5 and 6.   They are talented athletes and at least we can blame their soccer bug on our Italian heritage.

Kev – I’m close to pulling the trigger on those cars, but I’m watching a Lionel Reading passenger car right now that I need to add to my roster.  On the painting front, I need to go buy some wood conditioner and stain today.

Jack –According to Trainworld, the USPS stated the package is on the way.  Trainworld finally provided me the USPS tracking number which showed the packaged departed CA on 16 Dec.  At that point it’s pretty much out of the USPS’s hands so I will have to check with the military P.O.  But at least it appears Trainworld did their part, but they should have provided me the tracking number sooner then I wouldn’t have had to bother with them. 

Brent – I hope the adoption process flows smoothly.

Happy Birthday Dennis W! 

Sayonara,

Joe

 

 

[anjdevil2]

OH, TGIF (but I still have to work tomorrow )

Went to Urgent Care yesterday (half day) after having lunch with my Bestest of Friends.  My BIL said about her "If I didn't know she was happy normally, I'd think she was on drugs".  She's great.  Good to talk to and she always brightens my day. 

Saw the doc on duty, geez, I wish I could get her as my primary....and diagnosis is Pneumonia...ample doses of Levanquin and Prednisone for 7 days,  FloVent for the next 30!! OY!!!  No wonder I couldn't breathe.  I got a breathing treatment while there.  Doc was awesome.  Told me if I wasn't better by Sunday, come back ASAP.

As far as work while sick:  I have ample time to take off, but other people are not as dedicated.  I show up and suck it up and work and everyone else is out.  Our customers are inconvenienced, nothing gets done and the boss is PO'd.  Would I have loved to be off this week and in bed? *** right I would.  I haven't responded to a fire call in 7 days, does that tell you something?  I WISH i could do my work from home....you have no idea.

Brent & Jack _ Parenting....Yes you're both correct.  Let me throw this in for good measure: as short as 40 years ago, you could have a 1 parent earner household and make do, no sweat.  Yes, now you have to budget and strain.  WHY?  Like Jack said and I believe this to be true, the demands of our government(s) and those who hold their hand(s) out to be "taken care of" have over burdened the normal hard working populace.....end of point.

As far as weapons are concerned, When I learned about gun control, it was the ability to hit your target.  Look at Texas and the gun violence there is minute compared to those states with major gun control laws.  I say if you are sane, competent and law abiding, CCW and permits show be ok.  And an NRA Gun Course before purchase is absolutely mandatory.  Let's just say, Mom is not going to be afraid of any uninvited guest into the house.  She was an NRA marksmen at 17.....and has the medals to prove it....just saying.

Jeff and Banks - for your Moms

Dr. Dennis, my Brother Fire Fighter from the "other" HFD - 29 again?

Brent & Q - Many blessings are heading your way.  I can imagine your happiness.  Don't let the time pass so quickly as not to stop breath it all in.  Kids are waaay too cool.  This is just an awesome event (again!) for you guys.  Congrats!!  I wish I had more kids, but I think I lucked out. 

My fellow Forumites with the crud - we all get better...and FAST!!!

John Baker - My friend accross the pond - I miss your e-mails but it is certainly good to see you here!!!

and in conclusion, at last night fire debacle meeting, I was elected Vice President of HFD (may God have mercy on their souls...), due to the fact the current VP was NOT a member in good standing.  He was not happy.  I did speak with him and this too shall pass......no he's not upset with me.

Off to the TV room whilest my bed sheet are a drying!!

[Buckeye Riveter]

TGIF

Happy Birthday Dennis!! 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Dennis............

[rtraincollector]

Dennis