Mornin' FellasNot much going on. Had to do an oil change on my car last night and needed to do it right after dinner, so when I got home and Christina said "Daddy, come here" I told she needed to wait... well the oil change took over an hour because I bought the wrong filter and had to go get a new one. By the time I ate and finished with the oil change it was time for bed. Christina was already upstairs with Susan... I got cleaned up and into bed when I realized Christina was in need of a changing so I took her to her room. She had setup a track for Thomas and wanted me to play with her (Daddy felt about as small as a knat). So Christina and I have a playdate tonight.Christina really wants to see the movie Frozen, but I'm not sure she is old enough for the movie theater... any words of wisdom from the fathers?Matthew is growing like a weed. I was informed at daycare this morning that he is eating a lot and I need to start bringing more food for him... I asked how long this has been an issue and the teacher told me "About 2 months" REALLY?????? I see her nearly every morning when I drop them off and she couldn't mention this to me before today!?!?!? Not going to say anything to Susan about because if I do she'll call another parent/teacher/admin meeting and I don't want to deal with that drama again... I'll just start packing more food for him.Glad SPRay survived the fires... can't imagine what that is like... flooding and high winds are enough for me, don't ever want to have to deal with a fire. Have friends who are fire fighters and the stories they tell of brush fires are nothing short of horrific. Just a slight breeze is all it takes to fan them out of control, change direction, flare up, etc... no thank you. I have a very high level of respect for fire fighters and police officers. Takes a special breed to put your life on the line for people you don't know.
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
Brent, lucky kids to have such great parents.
Jack, Grandkids don't matter. Brag away.
WOW, airline tickets keep going up. $587 [$85 taxes and fees] round trip to Ft. Lauderdale in March for a Bass Pro Shops event. They always pick spring break weekend though. Told me to book it. They are paying.
Eyes same as last year. That was the same as year before. This Dr. doesn't try to sell you new glasses each time you go. Said not need to.
Off to se Lone Survivor with Frankie. Hope dilated eyes are back by 1:30.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Did you ever get a picture, video, or song stuck in your head and can't get rid of it? For me that is the case with the pictures Buckeye posted of the Mackinac bridge during a storm, especially the one with the car making its way up the one side of the bridge during a terrific storm into virtual nothingness, the clouds. What I keep envisioning is that Charlie, SJ, and Buckeye are tooling along in that car, throwing beer cans out the window, and oblivious to the zero visibility and a road to disaster.
MikeC.....I was glad your daughter did not get into an accident with her incident or that your son-in-law was not seriously hurt with his. Yes, I too worry about my kids, even though they are adults. They are sick and tired of hearing my refrain "Drive safely and slow down, assume all of the other drivers are idiots" and they always respond with "I know, I know." My son-in-law had to drive about 35 miles one way up to Lawrence MA. in our last blizzard with a friend of his to retrieve one of his cars that he loaned to someone. With the storm on the radar for several days, the person (idiot) left the car parked legally on the street and went out of town. However, during snow emergencies, all cars are to be taken off the roads and streets, and there is a zero tolerance on those who leave their cars in the snowplows' way. His car would be ticketed, towed, and impounded unless moved. So he ventured out to get it. Yup. Same refrain from me. Same response from him. Thankfully, the situation ended without incident.
Chief......we have thawed out and 95% of the snow piles are gonzo. We have been having 40-50 daytime temps mostly since the blizzard and the end of the zero temps of a couple of weeks ago. Tons of rain, however, and the ground can absorb no more. Colder weather ansd possibly snow are in the forecast for the weekend. Please stop sending any more of your rain Northward. Glad your eyes checked out and that your Doc is leaving you alone.
V8.......weather forecasts from CA. that you provide make me laugh. 80s in January!!! Youse California guys are suffering through some of your worst droughts ever, wish I could send you some of our precipitation. Even your mountains have very little snow on them
Ray SP......you really dodged a bullet with the wildfires. Those passed, what, less than a quarter of a mile from you? I always wonder what one does when you have to evacuate your home and leave behind all of your earthly possessions, which will probably be destroyed by the fire. Serious dilemna: what do you take with you, and when do you start packing the car? Prayers for those who were not so lucky.
KEV......your photos were of your new layout extension, right? I really liked the landscaping, complete with animals and the two track levels.
Chuck......your post this morning was unusually short. You must have been in a hurry to start goofing off.
Brent......my advice, next time send Susan out to change the oil on the car while you play with the little ones and the trains. RIP Lionroar.
A huge AFC championship game is on tap this Sunday between my New England Patriots and the evil Denver Broncos. However it turns out, we have a chance to watch two sure fire hall of fame quarterbacks leading their teams into the fray. The Patriots have somehow found a way to win this season despite losing about a third of their starters to injury, replaced by who knows whom. The Patriots are the underdog. Meanwhile, several weeks ago my wife "booked" me to help her at a dog competition this Sunday in Wilmington MA. (20 miles from home). Her segment with Raven the monster begins an hour before kickoff. Pam said I could stay home and watch the game. But when a woman says one thing, she normally means the opposite. So if you never hear from me again after the weekend, you will know what I decided to do..... and who the murderer is.
Later, gang.
Jack.
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
V8Vega Kev I saw your layout pictures on Sunday Photo Fun, great scenery. We have had Santa Anna winds since the weekend, normally we have them before New Years and now is normally winter, cold and wet or as wet as it gets in southern Calif. So record setting temperatures in some towns. Shorts and T shirt all day and into the evening, yesterday too. Fri. 85/55 Sat. 82/55 Sun. 80/49 This morning the bail on the 3 guys who started Rays fire was $20,000 now its $500,000 each. 3,700 were evacuated, 5 homes destroyed, 17 other buildings burned or damaged including some homes. 1,000 firefighters 7 helicopters and they had the super scoopers also. 3 civilians hurt and 2 firefighters. its 30% contained and at 1,700 acres. One of the transients who started the fire had a medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana in Calif. is a ruse, its really legalized pot, wink wink, nudge nudge. 3 TV channels had fire coverage all day with no commercials or regular programing until late afternoon.
Kev I saw your layout pictures on Sunday Photo Fun, great scenery.
We have had Santa Anna winds since the weekend, normally we have them before New Years and now is normally winter, cold and wet or as wet as it gets in southern Calif. So record setting temperatures in some towns. Shorts and T shirt all day and into the evening, yesterday too. Fri. 85/55 Sat. 82/55 Sun. 80/49
This morning the bail on the 3 guys who started Rays fire was $20,000 now its $500,000 each. 3,700 were evacuated, 5 homes destroyed, 17 other buildings burned or damaged including some homes. 1,000 firefighters 7 helicopters and they had the super scoopers also. 3 civilians hurt and 2 firefighters. its 30% contained and at 1,700 acres.
One of the transients who started the fire had a medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana in Calif. is a ruse, its really legalized pot, wink wink, nudge nudge.
3 TV channels had fire coverage all day with no commercials or regular programing until late afternoon.
V8 Dennis, I agree about the medical marijuana. It's a joke. All that misery yesterday caused by three clowns smoking a joint. Talk about the stuff clouding your judgement. How about starting a campfire in a no fire zone in tender dry surrounding brush with 30-40 MPH gust of wind. California will probably give them a medal.
Weather looks good today. Clear and going up unto the high 80's. Air quality in paper listed as moderate but I still don't trust it yet. Have to be careful with my COPD.
Have a good day all,
Ray
SPMan
DJ - she is 2 1/2. She will sit and watch an entire Disney film with me at home, but I'm not sure how she will do in a theater... and at $9.50 / ticket I don't know that I want to risk having to leave early! LOL!Seriously... $9.50 for a matinee???? I can't believe anyone goes to see movies today that is simply insane! How do kids go out on dates these days? And people THINK we need a higher minimum wage.
RAY.......the knuckleheads had no judgement BEFORE they smoked up. I can't help but think of all of the loss, fear, and lethal danger they put folks in. They probably don't care either. And what can they be charged with that would have any consequence, any teeth commeasurate with what they have caused? This was no innocent accident. It was a conscious disregard for life and property.
What would you do about your trains, for example, if you had to evacuate? Throw them in the pool? Treasures gone. Keepsakes gone. Your home, gone. So much that could not be replaced.
Good Afternoon!
Took me a while to get caught up reading. Doray is home and doing well. We have to leave in a few minutes for outpatient PT. I will get back on later.
Brent: She had both knees replaced on New Years Eve.
Later, Time to go to PT.
John
Aloha. Another bitter cold day but at least with sun. Wow, what a bunch of happenings! I'm so glad SP Ray is OK and Mike C's kids too and that Doray is home. Brent, I think she would do fine - the biggest issue I have is a child needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of the picture so we sit on the end - and they have a tendency to talk to the screen in full voice. But if you go to a matinee, it's OK because you'll be surrounded by other kids doing the same thing.Kev, sounds like you had quite an adventure in MILW too. Jack, great news about Victoria!
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Back from PT. Doray is doing good and she turned into the Mayor of the Rehab Center. She made a lot of friends both patients and staff. She had the clearance to travel with her wheelchair and she would visit people she met in rehab and have me bring them ice cream.
Tomorrow, Ray(AF53) and I are going to The Hobby Shop in Aberdeen, NJ. Mike Wolf will be there and they have a sale going on. Should be interesting.
Brent: Matthew must have gotten real big since the summer. I know how you felt with the incident with Christina. I tried to drop what I was doing and be there for them. Enjoy them!
Traindood: February 9 sounds good. Hopefully we can meet up with DJ, Rich and Ray.
Kev: Making some train money!!
Mike C: Glad your Daughter avoided her incident and your Son in Law has a minor injury. May he heal fast.
RI Jack: Applause for Victoria and congrats on the great recording.
SP Ray: Glad that you are ok. I hope that the homes are spared and nobody gets injured.
Chief: TGIF... I look forward to Monday. Less crowds. lol
Enjoy the Evening!
lion88roar DJ - she is 2 1/2. She will sit and watch an entire Disney film with me at home, but I'm not sure how she will do in a theater... and at $9.50 / ticket I don't know that I want to risk having to leave early! LOL!Seriously... $9.50 for a matinee???? I can't believe anyone goes to see movies today that is simply insane! How do kids go out on dates these days? And people THINK we need a higher minimum wage.
Brent,
My cousin and her husband took their twin boys that are about 2.5 to see Frozen. If they can do it without issue, any kids can IMO. Now you see why I volunteered to work Christmas.
DJ,
Maybe Rich could help with the teacher situation?
Got traces of salt on the Mustang today after I went to check out a 2014 GT. Dealing with the cleanup now.
Jim
John,
I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Mike Wolf back in 2006. Really great guy that cares about the hobby.
Good evening all,
Frozen is a wonderful movie with no bad side effects for the kids. I am not sure if 2.5 is old enough to sit for a theater show, but as others have said, there has to be a matinee or package deal somewhere that is cheaper. Heck fire, it would even be a good date movie for you and the Q. Long day today. Weather was miserable going in, and other issues made a mess of the afternoon. A nice long quiet 3 day weekend is on the agenda. Good "cuddle" weather (wink, wink, nod, nod). I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Hello There......'t is the end of another long week.I think I'll skip the Greenberg Show in Monroeville this weekend. I had planned to go in the morning and return in time to attend the viewing of one of Mrs' uncles that died the other day. The weather has screwed that up. It's just starting to snow now with 1" to 3" overnite and continued flurries tomorrow. I used to enjoy a trip in the snow.....now it's a pain in the a**. I'd probably still go if I could return at my leisure. Sunday I hope to catch up on some rest. I feel like I've been rode hard and put away wet.
I may have asked this before. Does any body know where to locate a parts list for a 254E? I need a new brush plate and theplate for the other end. Mine are extremely worn.
Brent....enjoy 'em while they're young. Next thing ya know they'll be graduating High School
Mike...glad all are OKRay.......glad to hear the fire caused you no problemsOff to bed soon....to tired for (wink, wink, nod, nod)
Prayers for those in need
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
Frank, Do you take meds for BP? 111/57 does sound low.Jack, Yes those pictures are of the addition on the layout. I will post more on Sunday. It is moving along,,,slowley.V8Dennis thanks, I have been plugging along on the addition. Hope you and SPRay are not effected by the fires.
You others know where I will be.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
High 50's today. Now the temps are dropping. High tomorrow in the 30's with tough wind chills.
Kev, yes. My Dr. was concerned when my BP went up 15 points. I normally had a low side of normal BP. Her thing was, if you go up that much [even though it was in a normal level], you should take meds. Now walking has driven it way down.
All you Yanks stay dry and warm.
John, agree. They are all back to work making our SS.
You need to see Lone Survivor. Makes you want to get in an Apache helicopter and mow down some Taliban.
Sleep tight.
Hello all
Another quiet night collecting photons.
Managed to get the Marx 898 up and running. Needed a really good cleaning and a trip to the grease rack. Runs quite well.
Also decided to break out the Marx 809 45W transformer. I got this w/ 2 others for somewhere around $30 including shipping a while back. This was the last to be repaired. What started as a simple cord replacement turned into a complicated dance trying to put the circuit breaker back together. 2 little springs hold the whole thing together and when one comes off! Kersproing!! After a couple iterations I managed to get the whole thing back together.
Here is a Marx train being powered by a Marx transformer!
The 898 even has a green insert under the marker lights so they light up w/ the headlight and the number board. Nifty!
Bob
Tucson, AZ (aka the Ol' Pueblo)
Home of the Mt. Graham & Arizona Eastern Boiler Shops
Good Morning! 40 degrees and overcast. We dodged the bullet so far!
Doray is doing better every day. She is even thinking of going to the Ice Cream Shop tonight. Sitting and cake decorating, that's about all. After lunch Ray and I are going to see Mike Wolf at The Hobby Shop and check out the sale.
KevinK22: I agree about Walt Disney World at Christmas time. We love it.
Banks: Try Jeff Kane @ The Train Tender for the parts for the 254E.
Jimmy T: We met Mike Wolf at York in October. Great Guy.
Bob: That Marx Transformer sounds like a bear to work on.
Enjoy the Day!
Aloha. Grey, bitter cold and more snow later today. One of the kittens got into the basement and 'explored' the layout so I have things to repair later today. Getting my work set-up to be off for a few weeks (just have a bit of surgery on Tues).
DJ, I havent see new RMT stuff yet - I like their products. Christmas at Disney must be neat.Wow, that Marx transformer looks great!
Good morning all.
Skies look clear near me this morning since fire but my son says air quality is below normal. Still a lot of particulate matter floating around that you can't see so will probably hold off on walking until it improves.
Got call from sister in Florida while I was still asleep. She doesn't have a clue about time zones. Never learns. This isn't the first time. Anyway her dental appointment was rescheduled by the dentist until next Wednesday because of problems at the dentist office. Called her daughter (care giver) to get more info and found out the daughter had a mini stroke so she is getting test etc. Everything happens at once. Hope she will be OK
I took a drive yesterday up to the burned area of Glendora and was surprised that the fire was actually further away from my house than it appeared. It was mainly on the foothill itself and not much damage on the flatland below. Five houses were destroyed and several were damaged but they were mostly in the hills. They are still fighting the fire but it must be on the other side of the ridge now because we can't see anything here. I hear helicopters and planes still flying around dropping fire retardent and water. One of those big sky crane helicopters just flew over my house a minute ago.
later,
Afternoon all. Lazy day. Sunny, windy and cold. After all, its winter. Been spoiled the past few years. I do feel for the Yanks and you are having it extra bad. Gotta kill those bugs and etc. [This year, bag worms invaded the whole area on NC on its pecan trees. Ate all the foliage. Looked horrible and no pecans.]
We are colder tomorrow AM [slight chance of flurries] and then a little warmer. Monday in the 50's again. Then slowly down hill for the middle of the week.
Wifey cooked big breakfast. Then reclinerized and watched Out of Africa, which is one of my favorite movies. Hunting on safari I guess.
Hope to get some Train Box time later. Wifey doing trim in old train room that is now a full guest bedroom.
Good to see some old faces back posting. All been missed.
Dennis, Shake and Bake and Ray, seems CA is drying up. Doug W., your are is dry all the time, I guess.
All stay warm and dry.
Home from Niece's 20th birthday party. Chicken pastry is her favorite [mine too, I call it chicken slick ].
Did get in my 2+ miles this afternoon. Was quite cool [really cold].
Now for some TV and I bet, reclinerizing.
Later.
Quiet cold snowy day. Watched Barclay's English Premiere League today on NBC. Liverpool tied Aston Villa 2-2. Went grocery shopping with wife and afterwards to Wendy's for a nice supper. Watched 2 episodes of Arrow on the CW website. They were shows I had missed partially due to soccer. Ran my 8040 that I had repaired. Runs like a champ. The early MPC stuff has a charm all its own. I hope everyone has a good day.
Evenin' All.
Been really kinda draging since the scopeing, don't think my system handled the anisthesia very well plus totally screwing up my med schedules. Had a hard time making it thru Friday at the museum. Hopefully it will end soon.
RMT, http://www.readymadetoys.com/index.html not much new yet, still showing 2014 arrivals.
Chief, It is as dry as a popcorn toot out here with no change in sight. Definitely don't need any more idiots smoking their doobies out in the boonies and building campfires. Throw the book at them.
Anybody bought or seen any of the Golden Gate Depot seated passenger packs ? If so how did they look for size ? I got the four 12pc passenger sets by MTH but they aren't going to be enough, especially if I can locate the 2pc add-on car set.
Later all, gettin a bit tired.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
Good Morning.....
It's cold outside. Not much new or interesting here.
I plan on running trains today.
Have a nice Sunday,
Chuck
Mornin' boys. Mornin' English. Partly sunny & 22 here in the Mid-Atlantic region. Middle Princess headed back to college today. I'm probably gonna take down the North Pole layout, while watching the playoffs.
SPMan - I'm relieved that your home is safe from the fire.
Where is BRUTUS
Afternoon. Back from Sunday School, Target and Smithfield Chicken and Bar-be-que.
Warming fast but the breeze makes it feel cooler.
Will walk and then maybe some Train Box time.
Church reception for leaving Minister of Youth. Got to do a Mayor's Proclamation.
Busy week ahead.
Have a good one.
Good Afternoon! 36 and Sunny Down the Jersey Shore.
Yesterday, Ray (AF53, my Brother in Law) and I went to the The Hobby Shop in Aberdeen, NJ for their 25% off MTH sale and to talk to Mike Wolf. We had 2 guests with us. Ray's Daughter Carrie and Grandson, Patrick. Patrick loved the layout. Mike was personable as always and we had a great time. What I thought was a cold turned into the flu so I am just taking it easy today.
Doug M: Prayers for your upcoming surgery.
Douggagrump: Hope you feel better.
SPMan, Ray, Glad you are not in danger. I feel for those who have lost their homes. Prayers for your Niece and I hope your sister's dental problems work out.
Fife: It is bittersweet taking down the Christmas Layout.
Chief: One thing that I have noticed since I retired. How did I do what I did when I was working? Taking care of Mom from the cancer last year and now Doray from the knee replacement is like a full time job with OT.
John, AMEN!!!!! I think more folks want a piece of your time and money once you retire.
Good morning all,
Air quality it just about back to normal today after the fire.
I've been enjoying a new video of the Statler Brothers final concert (2002) that I ordered a while back. I grew up during the period they sing a lot about (1950's). Would recommend this video to anyone who likes their stuff.
Have started to lube my remaining MTH et al steam engines since I stripped a gear in my MTH Santa Fe Northern 4-8-4.
Will try to get back to walking today after church and plan on eating out tonight.
Have a good week,
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