Good evening all,
Very quiet at work today. Drizzly weather for walk. Watched George C. Scott version of "A Christmas Carol". Very good. Not much else going on. Comments about beards are interesting. Only had once for a show I was doing. Did not look bad, but wife did not like it and it would have been hot in the summer. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Evening all!
temps started at 50 around midnight and continuously down since then. A wet cold 36 right now. Not supposed to freeze though.
Spent yesterday and today cleaning out another room and finishing touches on the repainted room for sister and BIL arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to it. Our family is a fun group when we get together.
Lot of good posts about the beards. I had one for a few years thinking it would be less work than shaving everyday. That was wrong, it was more work. So off it went after about 2 years.
Dennis - glad your trip north went smoothly!
Settling in for the weekend. Fire going in the bricked hole in the wall and adult beverages in hand!
Regards, Roy
8N - Welcome to the Mopar Brotherhood....I think Fife is in that club as well...
Nice to SEE YUZ GIZ.....
Shaved off my Fu Manchu a couple a years ago, otherwise I couldn't go into a fire building with a mask....first time since I was 18 I was fuzz-less and still no facial hair. I like firefighting too much...
Got most of the shopping done, just a couple things left and I'm over.
I'll finish off Mom and Dad's tree tonight by putting the tree blanket down then some Fastrack and Dad's mechanically restored 1666 with some WInter Wonderland Express cars. 70 years old and still runs like a top.
Most, if not all of the office staff is gone and I'm still here until 430, I rushed around to get some tech work done for a 2PM conference call and, of course, they cancelled it. Go figure.
I'll check back during the weekend. Stay safe!
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
On vacation and holidays the rest of the year. Staying home this year. Will be nice to slow down and catch up on things areound the house that have been neglected for the last few months.
dBaker - do a search on '4522 Team Scream' That should turn up some information on the previous robots that have been built. Might even turn up some video of the meets we've competed in.
Got the minivan into the dealer today for an oil change and tire rotation. Filled the gas on the way home. Prices are supposed to start increasing in the next couple of days.
I don't remember if I mentioned this or not, but the Cobalt SS was traded in on a 2015 Ram pick up. Has a 5.7 Hemi worth 395hp and 410ftlb of torque. Lights up both rear tires when the accelerator is matted from a stand still with the traction control turned off. Sounds good too. Gets between 20 and 22 mpg on the highway. We towed our Jeep up to Michigan in November with it. The truck did not seem to care there was almost 6000 lb of Jeep and trailer hooked behind it. Of course mileage dropped to 12.5 mpg.
About all for now.
fifedog KRM - Love it. Kenny Rogers style. How is this for Kenny Rogers style Fife? 36 heading to 40 and that is as good as it will get for quite some time. A week from Sunday they are calling for 14 for a high and 4 for the low. Winter is setting in. Got some bills to pay and that is about it. Living large last night guys, Steak, pork and beans, salad and baked potato for din din. Got a deal on 4 steaks for $9.00 at Krogers because they were on the last day of sell by date. Would of beenover $30. if not. Brought them home left one out and froze the others. We don't eat much red meat these days. Was good.
fifedog KRM - Love it. Kenny Rogers style.
KRM - Love it. Kenny Rogers style.
How is this for Kenny Rogers style Fife?
36 heading to 40 and that is as good as it will get for quite some time. A week from Sunday they are calling for 14 for a high and 4 for the low. Winter is setting in.
Got some bills to pay and that is about it.
Living large last night guys,
Steak, pork and beans, salad and baked potato for din din. Got a deal on 4 steaks for $9.00 at Krogers because they were on the last day of sell by date. Would of beenover $30. if not. Brought them home left one out and froze the others.
We don't eat much red meat these days. Was good.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Northwoods Flyer - You make a handsome Father Christmas!
Dougnotta - Wonderful! You and Mrs make a lovely pair.
Banks - The gals spent all day there. The princesses shopped in every store in the mall. They love it in your neck of the woods. They were going to check out the lights by the lake, but the line was gawd awful.
Roy - Their chapter president is our volunteer caboose attendant, so they are always up to speed.
Relatively quiet day at work. Good day for walking outside. Hooked up some lights on layout. Got some Christmas cars we ordered. I got a MTH Lionel Tinplate reefer and wife wanted a Christmas tree car that lit up. Both are impressive. Wife and I watched "Ernest Saves Christmas" tonight. Always enjoyable. I hope everyone has a good day.
Merry Christmas Doug, good picture of you guys.
V8, I think you're right about the bullet train. That grade you mentioned is the Cuesta grade North of San Luis Obispo. I took a train ride on some private cars recently between L.A. and SLO round trip for a friend's retirement party. Have a nice Christmas with your relatives.
Chief, saw a nice photo of you on FB at a ground breaking ceremony somewhere.
Went to foot doctor today. Said I had a touch of atheletes foot. Called in a prescription for me and I was floored by the price. $92 because I am presently in the donut hole. I told them to hold it until January 2, and my medicare part D starts over then. I can probably find something over the counter cheaper than that.
Merry Christmas to all,
Ray
SPMan
Evening all. Taking up collection to buy you poor guys razors.
Banks, cold fired boiler.?????? Did not know they made those things anymore. Bet coal is cheap. Got an auto stoker?
Think I will go watch TV and rest.
[PS: look at this stupid software]
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Did someone say beards ? This was during "Christmas On The Prado", the BetterHalf went with me to make sure my health issues didn't create a problem for me that night. Gonna try to make it tomorrow, Christmas trains loaded with goodies on the schedule tomorrow. Not to mention I have a couple of extra large 's preordered for lunch.
Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.
www.sd3r.org
Proud New Member Of The NRA
Sometimes Santa hids out as an engineer, I get a haircut and cut my beard close this time of year so the kids will not think I am Santa.
Merry Christmas guys!
[/quote]
fifedog dbaker - Actually, I do get "beard envy" when I see some fellow with a good set of white whiskers. Is that strange...?
dbaker - Actually, I do get "beard envy" when I see some fellow with a good set of white whiskers. Is that strange...?
Fife,
Why in the world would you think that admiring a good set of white whiskers might be strange? It takes a lot of life experience to achieve the symbol of wisdom.
I usually keep my beard very close cropped, but a few years ago I played Saint Nicholas for the children at our church. I let my beard grow from August to December and walked into church looking like this:
Wishing all of you a Blessed Christmas.
Northwoods Flyer
The Northwoods Flyer Collection
of
American Flyer Trains
"The Toy For the Boy"
wrmcclellan Kev - the old saying attributed to Dean Martin (or Frank Sinatra) comes to mind: I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day...
Kev - the old saying attributed to Dean Martin (or Frank Sinatra) comes to mind:
I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day...
Dennis - safe travels, Merry Christmas to you and your family! Hope you have a great time!
Banks - coal, cool!
Agree with you guys - loss of friends and the Facebook effect re cards...
WOW Banks, There has not been Coal here since the early 60s. None.
When I was small we had a big old coal burner in the house and they converter it to NG in the late 50s. I liked to play in the coal pile. What a mess that was.
Have a good trip Dennis!
Hello there,
Christmas prep seems less hectic this year. Almost done. Bought less than ever and a lot of it online.
Mrs and I decided upon a trip to see the Oak Ridge Boys on St Pats day as our Christmas.
Talk of cutting wood makes me glad I put in a coal boiler. Way less work and still less than half the alternative.
Fife. ....still seems funny people coming here to shop. Growing up the place to go was the Monroeville Mall or Pittsburgh.
Best get back to the house husband duties.
Prayers for those in need
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
Cloudy and mid 30s today. That's gonna sound warm come next week.
Yeah our card list is down to about 20 sadly many from our list no longer walk this earth. We went to a funeral last Friday and another on Monday. I actually bought something at the train show on Sunday, Some 1940s, 2430 cars(silver & blue metal)decent condition and finally at a fair price.
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
Good morning,
Recovery is a wonderful thing guys.
Cloudy, 31 and heading to 40. Not much going on here. Need to gas up the Colorado for the hoilday travels.
Spank, Hard to think it has already been five years since all Tyler and the family went through. What a blessing. They grow so fast and you find they were just a small spot in your life before they take on their own. Hard to think my son will be 39 and the daughter will be 30 this year with six kids of their own.
We used to send out over 60 Christmas cards every year, we are down to seven and each year we get less in return. Must be the Facebook effect.
Morning team!
Sunny, 50, and headed to 75 today. Big chill starts tomorrow with more rain.
Fifer - the NRHS sounds like a good group. Did you do an update for them?
DonB - I think you could get a federal grant for a unicycle lane...
All set for the big day!
Mornin' boys. Girls are headed to Al Tuna for some shopping. I have a little work to do at the yard, and the 4th floor, then I'll be headed to folk's house. Attended local NRHS gathering last night with boss. Nice guys, and very knowledgable.
DJSpank - Went through this with princesses. We want so much to be liked, we lose perspective on everything else. Turn off the device, and happiness will follow. I was thinking of Tyler, thanks for the update.
Good Evening,
Getting closer and closer to the big day! Got all my shopping done, earliest ever! What a relief.
Lots to comment on, so bare with me.
- Heard on the radio today the Thomas fire (Santa Barbara) is 60% contained and they believe it will be another month before it is 100% contained.
- I just can't believe that train was going 80mph through that curve! Especially since it was an inaugral run, AND a trainee in the cab. Unbelievable.
- We actually had rain tonight, nothing like what Roy has, but anything is a god send.
- Kev, that is one neat looking wood shed and pile. We have 3 fireplaces in the house, 1 wood, 1 gas, 1 electric. The deal here is the county has "no burn" days (most of the time). You cannot burn ANY wood, or pressed logs. The reason is air pollution, not the fire risk. We are sooo over regulated and over taxed here it is unbelievable. Hope your feeling better soon, in the mean time enjoy the fireplace.
- Rob, good luck with the "last minute" projects, that seems like a major one to me.
- 8ntruck, That was some kid's program you hosted! 768 people, WOW! Does any of the robotics projects make it to You Tube?
-Mike C, I find it a challenge when I find stuff and try to incorporate it. Usually decide to put it in the box to sell, or give away.
-Fife, Aren't you glad that after a few minutes those kids all leave with their parents. It use to drive me nuts to see kids trying to disfugure the equipment and the parents do nothing. Fortunately most were good and excited. Guess you will have to "grow" a beard next year.
-Doug, Your brave, with the stuff taught today, I don't think I would have the confidence with the way I was taught compared to today.
- Chief, is it that you avoid the malls, or that they won't let you in for the crowd you draw?
- Spanky, You have the best news of all! So happy to hear how Tyler is doing. We did upgrade the gas fireplace, put the "fireglass" in it, it looks nice but the natural fire is best.
- Dennis, You are so correct regarding the bullet train, you know all the increased gas taxes are going to go toward that "boondoggle".
- Roy, The Dallas/Houston train sounds like it maybe a "me too" effort. I'm thinking maybe someone should investigate Hot Air Balloons as a mass transport alternative. Who knows maybe I could get a federal grant to investigate, and research.
- Rob, Enjoy your post and perspective, I think it is right on.
I will be glad when the season is over. The wife enjoys the Hallmark movies, I think we have seen probably 8-10 per week. I could summerize 1 of them and it would be appropriate for all. Oh last night we went to see "Just Getting Started", it was really good.
Take Care All and Stay Healthy!
Don
I agree with the above comments. Except on the East Coast and obviously where it works for commuter Chicago, there is not sufficient population density to support high speed rail between cities. Work was quiet and the sun was out for the noon walk. Not many takers for being outside. Lots of people gone for the holidays already. Commute is much easier. Did a little work on the trains. One idea may not pan out. I hope everyone has a good day.
Evening All!
Not too bad out today. Sunny and 30ish. Snow is all gone.
Kev - I'll be needing lots of "hair of the dog" over the next few weeks. Tis the season!!
Spanky - Congrats on the milestone for your boy! Don't know the back story, but I'm sure your family went through hell at the time. As a father, I couldn't even imagine.
Dennis/Roy - Our Premier (Canadian speak for Governor) was/is spending a pile on rapid rail around the Toronto area. As much as I love rail travel, I don't it's getting the bang for the buck either. Unlike Europe and Japan, we don't have the infrastructure to support proper high speed trains.
Have a good one,
Rob
Afternoon all!Sun finally came out and it is a pleasant 60. Might hit 75 tomorrow. Another front and rain Friday, and then the big chill for the weekend.We got over 4 in of rain yesterday and they are predicting another inch for Friday.
Ventured out and picked up wine and booze for the weekend. Sister and BIL coming for Christmas and will be here Saturday. Kev - I'll be thinking about your morning today
DJ - congrats on Tyler's 5 year anniv! That's a good present. Sorry about Corey. Sounds like a lot of stress. We went through it. Some kids in school today seem to focus on making life miserable for everyone else. Glad my kids did not have to deal with all the social media crap they leverage today...
Dennis - the wonks here in Texess are focused on a high speed line between Dallas and Houston. Same issues here - at about $200M to $1B per mile for 250 miles it makes no sense.
Rough day today, Hungover I guess from toooo much Christmas Cheer with Brian yesterday evening and forgot to take my BP meds last night so feel like a truck hit me today. Man It sucks getting old. I used to be fine by noon, now it takes a whole day. Maybe I need some hair of the dog?
Morning all. Rainy and warm. Cooling later today. Been a busy few days. Do last Christmas shopping today. Staying aways from malls. Know what and where to go and buy. In and out.
Rob, use to love to split wood in the winter cold at night with lights on. Too old. Natural gas and gas logs work for me now.
Have a good one.
Aloha. Sunny but colder. Helped the youngest study for his first series of high school finals last night. 8n, that is such a great job you and your wife did to host that gathering. That's a nice turnout. MikeC, glad you are feeling better. Fife, thanks for the report from Santa. Our local RR museum keeps a blog about their holiday trains. Rob, that was a good idea to use Google Earth - I was wondering how that derailment could've happened on new track except for it being related to speed - unfortunately some of the deaths were the very advocates for that cut-off. Very sad.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Mornin' boys. Cloudy and 43 along the Patterson Creek cut-off. Train room today, then local NRHS meeting tonight (we're guests). Chipped away at the shopping yesterday. Fifepup can't make it to WV, so check is in the mail.
I still need to set up a Shutterfly account so I can post layout pics....
From the Santa files... LEGOS are the most asked for toys this year, from boys and girls. Trains are requested 10-15% of the time. Barbie dream house is making a comeback. Hatchimals, Shopkins, and LOL dolls are big with the girls. Most of the children have been very good...except the 10 year old "Scott Farkus" wannabe, who tried to pull down Santa's beard, and then hid on the train and caused us to delay departure. He shall be finding a slurry of coal and reindeer poo in his stocking Monday morning.
Busy day at work. Internal issues are better, thank you all for the concern. Weather was not as warm as expected. Should be quiet the rest of the week. Did some more work on the railroads tonight. Located more stuff. I hope everyone has a good day.
It has been a while since I've stopped by. Pretty much the usual stuff going on here.
On Dec. 9, my wife and I hosted the Polar Express themed kid's Saturday program at the KATY museum. We had cookies, hot chocolate, crafts, Santa Clause, readings of the Polar Express, and my Polar Express layout. The event started at 9:00, and ended at 12:30. We ran at least 768 people through. We passed out tickets to get a count. I doubt that all of the adusts took tickets, so this number is probably low. Anyhow, all went well and everybody seemed happy. Good thing we had a bunch of good bunch of people helping us.
The local high school's F.I.R.S.T. robotics competition team is starting up for this season. The worldwide game kickoff is going to be January 6. I am a mentor again this year. Looks like a good bunch of kids. Once the 2018 game is announced, the kids will start figuring out what kind of robot they will need to build.
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