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December COFFEE POT Pancakes and Sausage for all Locked

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Posted by robmcc on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 5:50 PM

Evening All,

All this chopping wood talk makes me glad I have natural gas!!

I was watching the news coverage of the derailment outside of Seattle. I Google Mapped the location and the track is basically an S-curve going over Interstate 5. Apparently it was clocked at 80mph entering the curve. I'm not a qualified engineer by any means, but I kind of figured the whole curve/speed thing as a kid playing with my dad's Lionel trains  It is almost deja vu for me to the one outside of Philadelphia a few years ago.

Well, I've started a few last minute pre-Christmas projects. I was cutting some tile while the weather was decent to go around the tub. Still need to get some painting done. I probably shouldn't even be on here chatting with you fine folks!!

Have a good one,

Rob

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 3:21 PM

Wow that is a lot of wood Kev! And you have a bobcat to guard it!

RT - sorry about the leg. Hope it gets better soon!

SJ - sorry about the back, also hope it feels better soon!

Phish - the new mantle sounds pretty cool! Not sure a headboard made with pallet wood would go over here...

So far we are now at nearly 4" of rain. Pool is running over the coping and deck. Not supposed to clear until late tonight. More rain predicted next week.

Regards, Roy

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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 2:02 PM

Kevin/Spanky/Roy around here they sell it but it's harly worth it to me to do it if I needed it. as it sells for between $75 - $95 a cord ( yes Kevin 4' x 8' x 4' ) as there is so much around and so little really needed down here. 

And so few actually have fireplaces down here. 

I'm not sure what I did, but I'm hobbling around, as I twisted/sprainned my upper right leg some how. this has been going on since Thursday actually. Thought it was good yesterday morning/early afternoon and then I picked up a 50 LB bag of cat litter for the wife and think I respained or what ever to it. I'm guessing that is what did it. Who knows

Hope all having a good day

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 1:47 PM

Spank, It has been a long time since it did it that way. I have a homemade splitter and one and a one half helper and even like that it is still Great exercise for my 65 year old body. Laugh  Wink Just glad we can still get it done.

 

 

 

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by KRM on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 11:21 AM

Good morning, WOW warm here for December 19th. Already inthe 50s.

 I heard the same thing about that train wreck as Spank did,,,,WTH????

 Dan is in the tree stand and has been since dawn.

Roy, that is a lot of money for wood you guys pay. I just take what falls in our woods or on my trails. Like you, our fireplace will hold 24" logs so I cut and split from 18" to 24" for the most part. As of the last fews years most has been Ash that the bug has killed off. We are just about out of Ash trees now,,,all are dead. My wood shed inside is 8' wide, 16' long and 7' high. I fill it to about 12' and the splitter sits on the end still under roof. It holds 4 rows of 2' wood and I use half the shed each year. The west end of the shed I put all the little and strange sized wood.

 

Time for lunch. Dinner

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 10:59 AM

 

Good afternoon from overcast 48°F Southern Ohio,

 

Over the weekend I got the mantle made and installed and my bride loves it.  Her choice of going to a more “rustic” look made the job a LOT easier.  I also got the headboard made from a wood pallet made.  If the “look” is right I’ll mount the headboard to the bedframe. 

 

During one of the wind gusts this week, a tree blew over and got hung up in another tree.  Gabriel and I cut it out and bucked it into fire wood after Mass on Sunday.

 

The decorating is complete and now we’ll get the place cleaned up.  Our youngest daughter is coming in from Hollywood into Cincinnati and I’ll pick her up on Saturday.

 

Mike – I hope everything came out OK

 

Roy – Happy wife happy life

 

Banks – Several years ago (>30) I gave my bride some deodorant.  When my bride unwrapped the gift her response was incredulous, so I did it again the next year, and the deodorant as a Christmas gift has become a tradition ever since.

 

I need to check on some maintenance activities going on here at work,

 

May God bless

 

Jim

 

 

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 10:38 AM

Morning potters!

50 this am. TStorms early this morning and it is still raining. Over an inch so far. It is good!

Kev - a Texess cord (hardwoods mixed - pecan, oaks [red, white, pin, live, etc], hickory, pinion, etc) averages $240 delivered and stacked. If you ask for all oak, etc., it can run $275. If you want all well seasoned oak (1 yr min), it will go over $300 (and you better know your firewood really well or you will get taken). A 'cord' is roughly 3'x4'x8' loose stacked (3' is 2 rows of 14-18" length logs - fireplaces here rarely accommodate a 24" log, ours will). So if you tight stack the 'cord' it shrinks considerably. As you know a real cord is 4x4x8 tight stacked. We are in the core of Dallas so the wood is trucked from Oklahoma or East TX. There are suppliers in Dallas that are also tree service companies, but then they pay a lot to store cut wood all year in town. Not many of those left as the land is worth too much to store piles of wood. The last one I used that was about 10 mi away and you could measure and load your own wood finally sold out 2 years ago and moved out of town. The good news is the new guys I found that delivered yesterday provided good wood, mostly oak (they are a local tree service). We can burn a Texess cord in a cold winter, but normally only go through about 3/4...

Mike C - good deal on the nice lunch with the team! Hope you feel better!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, December 18, 2017 9:14 PM

Good evening all,

Very quiet day at work.  Had a nice lunch with one group of coworkers (the ones I like and who treat me with respect).  I ate something that did not agree with me as I spent much time in the bathroom.  Hopefully this too shall pass.  Weather was warm.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

 

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Posted by KRM on Monday, December 18, 2017 7:18 PM

Roy, What does it take you to burn a cord of wood for you? About ten years? Laugh Is that a real Cord? 8'x4'x4' or a small face cord? 16"x8'x4'

 What does a true cord cost? About $155 here for those who can't or won't cut there own.

 

 Been real warm here but they claim we will pay next week. Surprise

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, December 18, 2017 7:07 PM

Evening all!

Cloudy, damp, 50 all day, and some misting tonight. Supposed to get up to 2 in of rain tomorrow. Wow. That's a change. Just like last year, weather wonks warned of really dry weather and then it started raining. I am good with them being wrong.

We headed out early and hit a mall for a couple of last minute things that we could not find online. Shopping is Done! Had a nice light lunch at the mall. Then headed for the house.

Got a "cord" of firewood delivered this afternoon. I call it a Texess short cord. At best it is a real 5/8 cord...if you want a real cord then you gotta cut and stack it yourself. 

Don - that Chris story is priceless!!!!!

Dennis - so glad you have your family Christmas trip to look forward to!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by dbaker48 on Monday, December 18, 2017 12:04 PM

Good Morning All,

Wow, that is some derailment in Seatle area, sure doesn't sound good.  Think there may be a lot injuries.  Heard it was going 80mph, that seems awfully fast for that area.

These darn wild fires just don't want to give up.  They are making a sifnificant effort today to try and get it contained.  Wednesday there are suppose to be significant winds in the area.

Chris came home this weekend, got here on Saturday.  Friday night he went to the company (new) Christmas party.  It was at the new "M" hotel in Vegas.  When he got to the party he asked at the hotel where "the party" was at, and was told on the 16th floor.  So he got there went in ate some, had a few drinks, and meeting people.  After being there about an hour and half, realized he was at the Henderson, NV, Police Dept party.  Apparently he made a quiet exit and found HIS company party.

Spent all day Sunday baking cookies,  Kay and I baked 12 1/2 dozen.  (Spritz, Sugar, Oatmeal/Choc Chip/Peanut Butter, Molasses Bars)   So we are all set with baked goods.

Hopefully will finish up Christmas shopping today.  This will be the earliest ever.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Don

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Posted by KRM on Monday, December 18, 2017 11:15 AM

Gloom is the weather here today. Not much going on.

Prayers for those involved in the train wreck out west. One heck of a bad way to start a new high speed route. Angel

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by cheapclassics on Sunday, December 17, 2017 9:20 PM

Good evening all,

Went to birthday party for oldest granddaughter.  Nice gathering.  Watched Liverpool smack Bournemouth around 4-0.  Weather was gray today.  Some rain.  Present for wife got to daughter's Saturday so that saves me an extra stop this week.  Should be very quiet this week at work.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Sunday, December 17, 2017 6:04 PM

Evening all!

We got nearly an inch of gentle rain yesterday evening/night. We needed it badly. Stayed really cloudy all day and did not bust 55. Looks to be in the low 40's for Christmas next weekend.

Finally got the green room finished. A nice earth tone color (same as the other bedrooms). Looks really good. Changed out all the 1977 vintage outlets, wall switches, and plates. Even found a loose wire in one so that was a good find! Also installed new A/C return and ceiling vents. Got the furniture re-installed. SWMBO is pleased! Will have to do some work on the baseboards, trim, and ceiling, but that is something for next year!

Banks - i am of no help there...Sigh

Rob - ya gotta Set it up Yeah

Regards, Roy

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Posted by Banks on Sunday, December 17, 2017 11:54 AM

Hello there,

Christmas prep continues.

Any suggestions on a present for Mrs?

Sir James. ...condolences

Best get busy.

 

Prayers for those in need.

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

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Posted by KRM on Sunday, December 17, 2017 8:33 AM

Morning, 33 heading to upper 40s later but cloudy.
Never did leaves in mid 50 degree weather on the 16th of December before,,,but I did yesterday. What global warming?  Huh? Laugh

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by robmcc on Sunday, December 17, 2017 6:16 AM

Morning all!

Definitely looking like winter here. We may actually have the first white Christmas in years. Although, it is supposed to "warm" up early in the week.

I was getting something out of the storage room and my Polar Express set was sitting there as if it was saying 'What about me?" Ugh, I might have to break down and set it up. As the Borg say, "Resistance is futile."

Roy - I did most of my Christmas "shopping" via Amazon. After driving the Mrs. all over Hell's half acre, that is the best way to shop!! Oh and I'll be starting my last minute touch up painting shortly......

RT - The Mrs. sent me a Youtube video on cats vs. Christmas trees. I thought of you when I saw it. If you ever want a laugh, check them out.

Have good one and prayers to those in need.

Rob

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Posted by cheapclassics on Saturday, December 16, 2017 10:59 PM

Good evening all,

Did last round of mulching today and ran gas out of mower.  Brought a bunch more stuff down from attic to put on layouts.   Probably have way too much for HO, but can always thin it out.  Worked on adding additional wires for standard gauge layout and lengthened 2 of the sidings.  Discovered I had an extra switch so I can add one more siding.  Weather was nice today.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by SPMan on Saturday, December 16, 2017 5:35 PM

Good afternoon all, went to TCA Western Christmas lunch today but had to leave early due to not feeling well.  There are only a handfull of guys literally left now that I remember.  A lot of my TCA friends have all passed on now.  Kind of makes you sad.  Did have a chance to talk with one of the past National Presidents who was there.  We are both widowers and talked about how we are getting along now.  I feel better this afternoon.  I think my problem was caused by something I ate yesterday.  I can't use my stomach like a garbage disposer anymore.  Have to be careful.Don, my son Richard took some photos of #41 at Knotts recently all dolled up for Christmas.  I thought of you when I saw it.  Saw your friend Bob at the TTOS Christmas meet but did not get a chance to talk.

Chief, did you mention flying into Manchester N.H.?  I used to go through there to visit my wife's folks in East Andover.  Never did it in the winter though.

Going out to eat tonight with a friend.  Probably just hamburgers but it is easier than cooking.

later,

Ray

 

SPMan

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

 

              

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Saturday, December 16, 2017 12:22 PM

Afternoon all! 

8 shopping days to Christmas! I like watching the scramble.

All my shopping was online and it is done. The ms and I plan to go to the fancy mall one day this week to see about a couple more items for the kids that we could not find something acceptable online. 

This is the time of year I use the free Xmas season shipping and order underwear and socks for the year. Like SJ! 12 pair (Jan, Feb, Mar,...). I may wrap them up and give them to myself from 'Santa'.

Had dinner out last night with neighborhood friends and then we came back to our house and walked down the block to another neighbors open house Christmas party. It was all fun! But lower processing systems are giving me a fit this morning...

Almost finished with the first coat of color on the green room. Coming out good so effort has paid off. This is an odd shaped room. Square and trapezoidal. There are 4 doors (hall, 2 closets, and bath), 1 window, and 6 walls for trim, which is why it takes so long to brush/edge the trim and ceiling. Plan to finish the color coats today and then call it quits until after the holidays. Sister and BIL are coming to stay for Christmas and I want the room to stop smelling funny by the time they get here next Saturday. And with 4 coats of paint (5 in some areas) it will take the week with fans running 24/7. Oh, and the spot came out ok so far! So now I notice...There are purple Silly String stains on the ceiling. Bang Head



Regards, Roy

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Posted by KRM on Saturday, December 16, 2017 10:21 AM

Chief, that Buck looked good for traveling that far to get here!! Laugh
Full sun and will hit 50 Today on The North Bluff. Cool
 Will be nice for the next four or five days then way down for Christmas. Maybe even white Christmas?
Be good!

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by sir james I on Saturday, December 16, 2017 10:10 AM

WAKE UP_____IT SNOW AGAIN

Another 2 inches, I'm pooped.

But it's warming some for at least a week.

S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Friday, December 15, 2017 10:16 PM

Kev, that has been over in NC for several weeks.

Wifey is stuck in NY due to snow.  Flights canceled.  I use to fly in and out of Manchester NH during winter.  Deice and fly.  gld I didn't leave today as planned to go hunting.  Would have had to immediately turned around and driven home.  Babysitting.  No hunting this week.

Goodnight all.  

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by cheapclassics on Friday, December 15, 2017 9:03 PM

Good evening all,

Got more accomplished today than I thought I would.  Helps when no one else is around!   Weather still cold.  Very, very few people on the path I walk.  Go figure.  Wife and I watched "The Book of Life" tonight, kind of another version of "Coco".  It was good as well.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Friday, December 15, 2017 7:03 PM

A 2 hour trip to get home tonight for only 2" of snow.....oy

Thanks Fife.  

I learned to ride on a Honda 90 when I was 12ish.  Had nothing but Hondas (I left a 750K model with my parents and they sold it to a family friend...I KNOW where it is, lol!) up to my V Star 650 Shaft drive I bought for $500 not running and sold for $1750.  Bought my Sportster in FLA brought it here and sold it as it kept breaking.  I bought my 2006 Road Star 1700 and still ride that.  It's a great bike where the Sporty kept breaking.  LOVE my Road Star!!

Got my washer parts in so I need to fix my washer tonight.  No shopping after my journey home.  My Devils are on, so I will listen to the radio.

 

 

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


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Posted by KRM on Friday, December 15, 2017 9:10 AM

Good morning from a frosty North Bluff,

Wife and I just watched a MONSTER buck pushing a big doe through the woods from the main back trail around the north side of the house and across the front yard within feet of the house. He was about as big a buck as I have ever seen here and was 12 points or better and the rack was huge. She was a big girl that would be a great kill in her own right. But he would be a prize for any hunter. Cool way to start the day!!  Wink

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Friday, December 15, 2017 8:23 AM

Morning C'Potters! Only 9 or 10 shopping days left! Get 'er done! (Fife!)

39 this morning and high 50's today. Nice and crisp!

Fife - make sure everyone - "keep your arms and legs inside the train!" And "no smoking on the train, the locomotive smokes enough for everyone!"

Finally got the 'green' room primered. Starting color coats today! Yea (finally)!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by fifedog on Friday, December 15, 2017 7:22 AM

Mornin' boys.  Cloudy and 24 along the front range of the Alleghanies.  Wifey and I have head-colds.  Need some good ol' homemade chicken soup.  And what the heck is a Pixie?

Spent most of the day in the train room yesterday.  2/3 of the main line is complete and running.  Lost an hour and a half on 2 malfunctioning LIONEL 5165 switches; luckily I had 3 on hand.  (Wouldn't throw on the straight side)  The 2035 that I traded submmbob for was my test engine, and it fell 3 1/2 feet to the carpeted floor, but once I retrieved it, it was no worse for wear.  Took right off, and nothing bent (try that with the new engines....).

6 trips over the next 3 days, so you might not see me for a bit.

Still need to start my Christmas shopping.

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Posted by cheapclassics on Thursday, December 14, 2017 9:24 PM

Good evening all,

Rust seemed to be a big problem back then.  Lost a Dodge Colt and Opel Manta to that vile issue.  Work was mostly quiet today.  Weather was brutal cold for a walk.  Wife and I went to Wings and Rings tonight.  Split a pork tenderloin.  Wife baked Pixies for Christmas.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

KRM
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Posted by KRM on Thursday, December 14, 2017 6:38 PM

DougDG,

 I tried to use my 305 superhawk in the dirt but the way the engine was set the cooling fins would plug up with mud and dirt and the bike would overheat. And like you said,,,,,way too heavy for me back then at 125 LB.  Why I got the Triumph 250 Trail Blaser next. It was fine dirt riding but could not make it on road.

The bigest problem with that Datsun pick up was the carb they had on them.

Hope you get to feeling better soon.

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Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

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