Good evening,
Doug, my career path was more a problem of survivel than choice.
Well had a good time at lunch with the other half of the family and their kids, it has been 2.5 years since we saw the son and the rest of them. It seems our two kids take turns being pissed off at me. Then we drove to Yorkville checked in on Sandra's mom, now 90. All I can say is my BIL has his hands full with her and I don't want to live that long if that is how it has to be. God bless, it is so sad to see her fading away, both body and mind.
Got home to $1,768 bill for wife's last doctor check-up and to find out our UHC does not cover Physical exams anymore and they don't even apply their discount to the bill. Good God!! I know who to thank!
Ho ho ho.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Good Evening,
Had a real laid back day. Watched a Hallmark movie, and been reading Port Town. It is a historical accounting of the evolution and development of Long Beach, and the harbor area. Extremely interesting with a ton of facts and details of interest.
The procedure I had yesterday went fine, will get lab results the first part of Jan.. Shouldn't have any surprises according to the Dr..
Doug ddg, Glad that fire wasn't any closer to you. Can't figure out how they named it "Lilac" though. I heard one report that they will name the fire after the first fire Captain on the scene. (Thomas fire). Maybe it is the first captain's perrogative?
Got to give Chris credit, he has these company Christmas parties all figured out. He ends up going to two a year at least. One for the company he just left, and another for the company he just signed up with. And they are rather lavish parties too.
Roy, We don't have ANY Cracker Barrels in CA.. They are suppose to be building one in Victorville, opening in Jan.. If Kay gets her wish we will be there on openining day.
Kev, Glad you had a good lunch, that is ONE expensive Dr visit!!
Based on the weather reports, their may not be very many white Christmas's this year.
Don
Good evening all,
Snowing off and on today, no accumulation. Went to holiday events downtown. Attendance at Mass was sparse tonight. Watched the last part of some "footie" today. Got a major problem resolved on home computer. Got some errands done, but not as much as I would have liked. Kevin, quite the impressive resume. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Hello there,
been lurking the last couple of days.
Glad to learn everyone is safe from the fires. Wife's cousin near Ventura was really close but didn't have to evacuate.
I was surprised. The local TV did a pretty fair job of Dec 7th. Saw or heard nothing on national news.
All the machinists talk reminds me. ...my 1st choice for VoTech was machine shop. That was full so I ended up in Industrial Electricity.
I got my limited lathe skills turning commutators and bushings for electric motors. My pap was a PRR electrician for near 40 years. He did small motor repair in the basement. Between him and VoTech I learned a lot. During the years work was slow repairing motors helped pay the bills. Now a new centrifical switch costs as much as a new motor.
Spent this week on paper work and Christmas prep.
Off to bed.
Prayers for those in need
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
Good evening all, finally finished cleaning up the pool after all the wind we had for three or four days. My son came over and did it for me which was a big help. I went to a Christmas musical show at our local college today. Really a professional performance by those college kids. Had a kidney stone episode a few days ago but was able to pass it without going to the ER. My sister in N.C. with stage 4 cancer is getting near the end. She has been fighting it for 6 years now but they told her recently that there is nothing else they can do unless she goes to Chapel Hill where they might try some experimental medicine but don't know what she will do yet. She says she is moving in with her daughter after Christmas because she needs more care now. We are thankful for the 6 years she had. I went to see her when she first got diagnosed and she has been an inspiration to all of us. My brother just came down with cancer too and begins his fight. I'm going for a root canal Tuesday and try to save an anchor tooth for my partial. The tree guy finished up removing the stump debris today after cutting down a large Yuca tree a few days ago. Now I have about a six foot diameter bare spot in the middle of my lawn. Have to figure out what to put there. Maybe a rock garden? Just a thought. My SIL in Virginia said it was snowing there today in Suffolk. Thanks to my son, I have a Christmas Tree this year and I put a train around it. Looks good! Good night all,
Ray
SPMan
Morning All!
A light "dusting" of snow here. I'm sure it will be gone by noon.
Well, I survived the shopping expedition yesterday. As a reward for my "good behavior", the Mrs. bought me a UP boxcar from Menard's. I, in turn, rewarded myself with a case of beer and a bag of Funyuns!!
Ray- Wow, tough go with your siblings. Prayers.
Kev - I'm glad you were able to connect with your son. I know that's been an on going issue for awhile.
Well, off to hockey and church. My Packers play the Browns today. I'm very nervous about that game......
Have a good one.
Rob
Morning all. 39 and sunny. Ended up with a pretty snow but didn't stick. The snows I like.
Wifey has sick Yorkie. Getting better after meds from Vet. [too long of a story].
Prayers for Ray's sister in NC.
Gald you all in CA are OK from fires. Figured Don was to cityized to get it. Anyone heard from Dennis?? Worried about him.
Dougsnotagrump, stay well and away from hospital. Prayers.
Don, Chris is like his Mom. Smart. Not Dad.
Hope all have a great week ahead.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Morning fellow 'potters!
The holiday season marches on!!!!
Stparted out in the mid-30's but already up to 56 with the high to be 67 today. 74 tomorrow. Nice!
Chief - Dennis has been posting and he is good. No impact from the fires so far. Sorry about the Yorkie incident.
Dougnotta - stay well
Ray - prayers for your family
Regards, Roy
for Ray's sister
spotted this in Duncansville this morning after mass.
Everett RR getting steam up to run the Santa train today.
Went to a nice little train show near Johnstown this morning. A lot of HO (which I don't mind) and several dealers I never saw before.
Fife This show is probably a little over an hour for you.
Best move on. A few outside decorations before dark.
Prayers for those in need.
Sunny and quiet here, will get to 40.
Got under the train table and hooked the merry-go-round back up now that I had moved it. Watching Gunsmoke.
Howdy All, couch potatoe here.
Ray, Prayers for the family.
Don, The Lilac fire got it's name from where it started, Lilac Road & I-15. Now as to what actually caused it is another question. The wind has been ferocious here today. Don't mind the 81* temp but it would be so much more enjoyable if the winds weren't so bad .
Later all.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
Christmas cards are addressed and wrapping is almost done. Watched two matches of "footie" today. Everton tied Liverpool 1-1 and Man City beat Man U at Old Trafford (Man U's stadium) 2-1. Interesting matches. Just need to order some stuff for wife. I hope everyone has a good day.
Morning all!
A crisp 42 this am and headed to 78 today, then a high of 56 tomorrow. Yo-yo weather now predicted for this week...70-50-70-50....
Back to work on repainting son's former bedroom today. I hate painting walls/baseboards/trim...
Banks - nice spotting the steamer!
Cold 22 degrees. The weather change was too sudden never had a chance to adjust. We had a good club meet. The host has room for guest so we got to visit with some ole train friends. No head count but at least 25 attended. I feel lucky to live in an area with so many toy train guys.
S.J.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Mornin' All !
Roy, this one is for you, everytime I watch this it sure brings back some fond memories. https://player.vimeo.com/video/22132017?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0
Off to see the vampires.
Later !
Warming. Wifey and I went to a Sunday School class breakfast. Now leaves to get up.
Afternoon all from a beautiful 43°F Southern Ohio,
As usual a busy weekend. Worked Friday overtime and put up some more decorations. Saturday went to the youngest’s swim meet and she competed in 4 events. She is a great swimmer, very fast and strong. Oldest had a dance program Saturday night after Vigil Mass, then Sunday was two more Masses, a dinner with other host families with exchange students. I did get the Polar Express around the tree and the kids have been playing with it. Even though it is not made by American Flyer I do like the train.
Sunday we got a dusting of snow, our first at the new house. It was really pretty. My bride is enjoying her new van, and so do all the kid’s and their friends who she transports around.
I’m glad the fires have not directly impacted you guys.
Roy – I agree about the painting.
Rob – The things we’ll do for trains! The All Aboard panels were a great idea too late for Gilbert and AF. They we only made in 1965 and 1966. It is about as close to instant gratification as a train layout can get. The 17” x 17” panels were molded with roads, tunnels, hills, ponds, fields and holes for streetlights, fences, and trees. There were left and right hand switches, straight and curved sections, a crossover and a straight panel that housed a train whistle under a house. The curves are really tight and could be configured to as small as a 34 x 51 layout, the 600. The track uses the AF pikemaster track. Current for the switches and whistle is transmitted panel to panel via a spring clip inserted into an eyelet rivet that also helps keep the panels together, connected to a wire under the panel to a rivet on the other end of the panel. The operating buttons for the switches and whistle is pre-wired to the panel. There is a very rare version that is called the Winter Wonderland that has simulated snow on the ground, buildings and trees.
Kev – that bill must have been quite a shock.
RT – The kids are really liking the 10 tree in the living room and all the decorations in the new house!
I have got to get the mantle made before Christmas!
Got to check on the guys,
May God bless
Jim
Hey, Happy Monday.....No big deal about the snow, maybe got 2-3" if that. Sloppy mess yesterday.Saturday got Mom and Dad's wreaths up on the windows and put the electric candles out, no tree just yet per Mom's orders.Trimmed the bottom of my tree and got the lights up. Ran to Home Depot and got a great pruner for $10. Saw the Princess'consort there and one of my class mates from elementary school, wished her a Happy Chanukah and gave her a hug.Ran to xGFs to help her sort out some stuff and had dinner. Her daughter is too cute, we did some stuff and watched her brushher teeth and wash up (you know how kids are...).Went to sleep then was awoken at 0430 as the little Princess was up and I moved to the basement. Long story on that for another day...Sunday had the FD wake me up via the phone alert system as they needed help - no one to sell trees as the Santa Breakfast was going on - of course everyone was doing thatand not selling trees. Spent 2 hours there and sold 4.Got the laundry done, Polar Express is up and running under the tree with 3 Lemax buildings underneath. Of course on the last load, the wash broke and I'll look at that tonight. Also got more lights on the house, so I think that's done, just more electric candelabras in the windows and that's it.Princess was off to a friend's house and had a wee bit too much wine and she had the car - at 930 PM!! had to run to get the BF 15 miles out, grab him and take him to get her and the car, so I wasn't home until 1130 and by the time I got my bed back together it was after midnight. Good thing is, she called and didn't want drive inebriated. Happy about that, so not upset.So, tonight after dinner, it'll be mortgage paper work and washer repairs - might throw a little tree decorating in for good measure.
I'll give y'all the short version of my resume, just faster and easier to read.
I started college as a communications media major and dropeed out after 1.5 years, began volunteer firefighting at 19, at the time I was the yongest to get in the fire dept. and the 1st under the 18 and under act.
I've done truck driving and other jobs, settled in at Bell Atlantic pre Verizon as 3rd shift computer operator when I had a chance to get my AAS through Chrysler for Automotive Technology. Worked 2 jobs and the apprenticeship for 4 years, stayed in the automotive field from apprentice to Master Auto Tech, service advisor and assistant service manager.
I actually ran the Group 43 Reconditioning Center in Jax, FL before moving back to NJ. Now I'm a Parts Technical Specialist working with Nissan USA, pay suck but it's a job.
My firefighting resume has gone from firefighter to LT., training officer, engineer and finally Assistant Chief of the Dept. I've been chair of several committees, Vice President of the dept. and now a Senior Trustee.
I am an rated Professional in Engine Co. Operations and specialize in inital attack and inside tatical operations. I'd love to teach this one day, and I am working on it. At 62, I still respond and go in the fire buildings when the opportunity arises. I also do vehicle rescue and ladder ops. Actually had a vehicle rescue Saturday during the snow. Minor injury and entrapment, fortunately.
On the Mercer County level, I was the Sgt. at Arms of the Fireman's Association and starting 1/1/18, I'll be 2nd Vice President. I should be President of the county association in 6 years.
Back to the craziness.....oy.....lol
I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.I am the venom in your skin --- Breaking Benjamin
Anj - great resume! Kudos to you as a firefighter! Good luck in the new position!
Anj, Nice, funny how many jobs some of us have had to just get by.
35 now but falling like a rock and will get down to 17 tonight and no better than 21 tomorrow. So the fire is cooking and I am staying in.
Mostly quiet day at work. Good day for a walk. Temps supposed to drop tonight like a rock. Scary moment at home. Wife was making soup in a pressure cooker with pressure supposedly freely leaving the pot. Somehow she did not let it cool long enough or let the pressure drop enough because when she went to remove the lid, the soup went everywhere!!! I am neither a cook nor a physicist so I am not sure what went wrong. Fortunately she was not hurt but it was a mess! Made the night interesting, for sure for sure. I hope everyone has a good day.
Morning. Warm but crashing with winds later. Why hunting trip canceled. Yard is pretty but leaves will fall with the winds. 90% leaves on the ground which is good.
Rich is always doing a good job with FD. He is a good guy.
Pray CA fires die.
Hope all have a good one.
Mornin' boys. Overcast, breezy and 33 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Slipped across the Potomac yesterday and retrieved Wifey. Got to visit with new grandson before we headed west. Traffic east of Fredrick is just insane any more. Good to have her back in her castle. Fifey got good marks for keeping the house relatively straight. Youngest Princess got failing marks from mamasan.
Hope to finish trimming the tree and completing the mantle North Pole display today, so I can get back in the train room.
Breezy 40's this am and a high of 56 today. Another warm up tomorrow.
Fife - you getting a big break from the 1:1 RR?
MikeC - my father was a huge fan/user of pressure cookers. They were very popular when a lot of the meat one could get at the supermarkets was tough. His specialty was spaghetti sauce. The gasket blew one afternoon. Needless to say it was spectacular!
Cold is the word of the day.
Wow Mike sounds like one heck of a mess.
Bright sun but 19 degrees and 4 inches of snow on the ground. I think there was about 2 feet covering the car though.
I finally finished the last CTT, ready for the next one now.
Hi All!
She was a bitter commute this morning! Luckily the snow stayed south of us, but I know a few folks from work couldn't get in.
I ordered my Christmas gifts (more freight cars, of course) from Menards. The Mrs. said just go ahead and order them yourself because I can't keep track of what you have and act surprised Christmas morning!
MikeC - Yikes!! Thankfully, no one was hurt. I think my Irish would have got the best of me in that situation and I would be the next one blowing my top!!
Rich - Very cool bio. Since I couldn't get on with the city FD, I was hoping I could get on to one of the volunteer township departments. Unfortunately, I'm 5 miles too far from both to qualify. Oh well, maybe the next life......
Have a good one and prayers to those in need.
Busy day at work. Very cold for the walk. Stupid all day meeting tomorrow out of the office. Messes up my routine. No drama at home, but did not do much this evening, either. I hope everyone has a good day.
Crazy, Crazy summer weather here, it was 84 yesterday, 80 today. This is rediculous.
Wow! Lots of impressive careers out there. Lots of talented people lurking around here.
Mike C., Sure glad no one got burned with the pressure cooker. Its probably a good thing that they are almost obsolete, a lot people would undoubtedly get hurt.
Got Kay's medicare situation all resolved, she is happy and we will be saving a few C-notes monthly. After we did that we were going to go the Nixon Library (in Yorba Linda). She has never been there and they have a "special" toy train display for the holidays. BUT, we aborted the visit. When we got there the admission price was $26/person! They raised the admission for the holiday season! Unbelievable!
Think tomorrow we may take a drive up to Big Bear, see the Christmas decorations, some snow, and have lunch. Should be a nice day.
Unfortunately the Thomas Fire is growing and will probably burn for another week. I used to work in Carpenteria that is currently be threatened. There isn't a lot of real estate between the coast line and the hillside it is currently burning, Winds are being projected to be increasing the next few days, I'm concerned that some homes may be affected. There are 3 small communities just south of Santa Barbara, Carpenteria, Monticito, and Summerland. They are all being evacuated, and in real danger.
Spent today working on wiring, making progress, and its all coming together.
Gotta go by "Osh" hardware store, they have their traditional wall train calenders out. And, they are free. Really nice looking. BTW, what really works well is I set up 3 terminal strips at critical locations, with 12vdc, 4.5vdc, & 3.5vdc. Then just connect the appropriate voltage to the different items. Goes really quick.
Take Care ALL, and Stay Healthy.
Baby it's cold outside! Feels like 2 degrees with the windchill. Fired up the pellet stove for the first time this season, just to give the heating system a breather. Thought I heard some little scratching in the wall; can't say I blame him...
DJSpank - Good to hear from you. Drop by more often.
Roy - I get to "let my hair down" (literally, it's on the styrofoam thingie on the bathroom vanity) Mon-Thu. Then we kick-butt Fri-Sun.
As my ol' buddy LAZ used to say. "Stay frosty."
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