December Coffee Pot. Pork Tenderloin served up by the Hoosier with the Holiday Greetings.

[fifedog]

Thanks Mikey C for starting the new Coffee Pot.  And congrats on #7.

Rain, 36, and gloomy along the Potomac Highlands.  Well, my good luck ran out, as our water pump (or possibly the pressure swith, or possibly both) is on the fritz.  Won't shut off.  Haven't found any leaks in the line (my biggest fear).  Can't get above 40 psi.  Not the way I wanted to start December.

Alexis did finish painting the water, before her boyfriend took her back to college.  Not sure I like the color yet.  May have to run the trains today if my sister and family stop by this afternoon, so I got the bridges back in place.

2 PE trains later today.  Saw the 2019 CP Holiday Train on youtube, and all I could do was watch in envy.  WB/PE folks don't allow lighted displays on trains, so my efforts from last year rest in one of our shops...

[sir james I]

Rain here over night high in the 30s today. Don't have to shovel rain. A good football day for me Buckeyes and Mich. State won their games.

S.J.

[KRM]

Rain here not much else, snow all around us so that is good with me.

Fife, Something easy, check the small pipe going into the pressure switch to see if it is plugged sometimes it will trap the pressure it was at when it plugged then stay in that mode but the fact it is running and not building pressure sounds like a leak in the well piping to the house leaking the pressure back into the well casing or the ground from the well to house. You should be able to maybe see that water in the yard .

[emdmike]

Not doing much in Kokomo at the moment, just cold, grey and dreary outside.  Gonna go in the layout room in a few min and tinker around, clean up the place a bit.    Mike the Aspie

[ChiefEagles]

Thanks Mikey.  Got a cold.  Started raining around 9 AM yesterday.  Got to truck from stand at 9:15.  Came home as I have a cold. 

Fifey, may be too much water in pressure tank.  If blader tank, may have a hole in blader.  If blader tank, has "tire valve".  Add air to that.  Pressure switches have gone bad too.

Clean out Town office today.  Mainly pictures on the walls.  Will be over Tuesday night around 7:15.  

[emdmike]

Just got back from Zionsville Train Depot, I had my 2332 GG1 set on consignment, along with a slug of super clean postwar O gauge track.  Decided to keep the set(I did get it from the original owner).  Its a built up set done by the selling shop in the late 40's.  Three smaller 2400 series brown tinplate passenger cars instead of the Madison cars, mated to a green 2332 GG1(stripes faded away). Came with a super clean, boxed RW transformer.    Getting it cleaned back up and ready for Christmas layout duty.     Mike the Aspie

[Banks]

Hello there,

winding down from Thanksgiving, planning Christmas prep. Took my rifle for a walk yesterday, the only thing I saw was a flagging white tail about 250 yards across the field.If the weather guessers are right I'll probably skip hunting tomorrow.

Had a short conversation with Roy today. He's got a lot going on right now. Not taking time to post.

Went to the show in Johnstown today. The news was frantically predicting an ice storm telling everybody to stay off the roads. As I expected there was ice on the trees on top of the mountain between here and there but the roads were fine except for a couple of miles that were well salted. I spent $5 to get in and $5 for an HO microwave tower and a rough Gilbert caboose to salvage the trucks and couplers.

Now watching the Kilchers and enjoying home made pitza.

Best move on.

 

Prayers for those in need

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Busy day.  Got all the outside lights working.  Did some more shopping.  Got the upstairs tree set up as well.  Weather is abolutely miserable.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[richardm47]

Hello to all of you fellow trainees....   Here in Philomath (near Corvallis) Oregon... had some white stuff on the ground, but none on the roads... 30's and 40's and no ice yet...Last week was beautiful weather, this one is suposed ot have more clouds and liquid sunshine.  . fixed a short on my ancient O27 and trains now run again... ... and got some lights on the house and fencing.... Grandson helped, but was bored with just holding the lights so they didn't get tangled in the bushes... He doesn't realize how helpful that was... However, I have another fence to light, and I'll let him do it himself.... He might appreciate someone holding the lights. We'll set up my 3x7 village with an oval.  I resurrected an old red ebay special.. "dockside switcher" and put a Thomas face on it.  Green and white gondolas, silver tank car and red caboose complete my Christmas train.....  it is one thing that he gets to put together all by himself..(after I set the tracks). We make some adjustments later, but maybe not this year... he's now an all knowing 10.

Hope all of you had a grand Thanksgiving.  Looking forward to Christmas... but first a lot of decorating... a little at a time, to prolong the season.  Hope to get him up to Portland to watch 4449 do its Christmas run in the next two weekends....

Always in TRAINing.  Richard.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Good morning from the Valley.

The economy for central Ohio is going to be good for another year. No doldrums here when OSU beats TTUN. 

Working on the benchwork for the new layout.

This is how the arc at the end of the table was determined.

 

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Cold and damp along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Glad to be home today.  Long hours wearing me down, and it doesn't help that I wake up before the roosters each day.

Thanks for all of the advice on the water pump.  I gave the pump a few taps with a hammer, then I dove into the Square D pressure switch, sanded down the contacts, and got the system working properly.  Think I'll buy a new switch next time at Lowes.

[Banks]

Hello there,

Richard...WELCOME....tell us about yourself. 

Buckeye. ....lookin good!! 

Fife....make sure that new switch has the low pressure cutoff feature. It will protect the pump in the event the well gets to low, protect the house in the event of a broken pipe and it can't build pressure .

Best get going.

Prayers for those in need

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  53 and sunny.  Another front to come through.  Temps will drop some.

Fifey, glad you got pump going.  Banks is like me.  Country growing up [he's still there], you learn those things.  Also the lake house had a well.  Had to replace blader tank one time.

Good job Buckeye.  [see I can be nice to the old rascal]

Have a good one. 

[anjdevil2]

Hey good morning......
Schedule has been absolutely crazy last 4 days, I did cook most of the day on T-Day.  Got to bed late.  Tried to sleep in a bit on Friday, got cut short, did some work on the layout and cleaned up in prep for Jenni's niece and nephew.  Spent some time with Dad at the house.  The kids did come and look at the layout for a bit, then to Mickey D's for dinner and off to the Firehouse for a ride on the ladder truck with Santa Claus.  We got pictures, hot chocolate and the kids got some ornaments for the tree.  Got home late as we had to round trip the kids an hour south and back.  

Saturday stayed at the house for the majority of the day, Dad is not feeling it.  Saturday night, Jenni made dinner and tried to go to bed early, some idiot that lives next door got drunk and hit the side of the house at 1230 AM and we were up until 3 with the police and all that.  Hit and run, they better hope I don't find out who the MF'r is, I'll bury him in the back freakin' yard.....

So that sets up Sunday as we were SUPPOSED to leave at 10 for the Edison show and didn't leave until 1230, slept late....Jenni bought a Z scale Christmas set and some N scale stuff and me? 2 trucks....since we were late we didn't get to see the full show and didn't find what I needed.   Well, there is always February I guess.  Spent most of the night at Mom and Dad's had left overs and fixed Jenni's wipers.  Sat with Dad a while as well.  Prospects are so-so.  No more chemo as he is weak enough as it is.  Trying to get him to eat, we suspect that the radiation on his scapula nicked the esophagus and that is is causing him the eating issues.  We are just waiting on the barium results.

Thanks for remembering Dad, this is a long road....and prayers for all in need.

Looks like you all had a great T-Day, that is fabulous!!

Doing double duty for work, expect to be in Virginia Beach on the 15th through the 20th......

Back to work, will be checking in later..... 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Very quiet day at work.  Cold weather.  Got MR and Trains.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Sturgeon-Phish]

 

Good afternoon from a cloudy 36°F Southern Ohio,

 

Wow, December already!  An up-date on why I’ve been so busy, I am changing jobs.  I am going back to the project and position I left in April 2016. I am excited to get back into Nuclear Enrichment R&D.  Besides being very interesting the work week will be 40 hours rather than the 50+ hours I’ve had for the past 3 ½ years.  As it turned out my interview in mid-October was with people who I hired and had worked for me in the past.  I am going through the exit process this week and will start the new job this coming Monday.

 

Richard - Welcome to the pot

 

May God bless you and your families (special prayers for your Dad Rich)

 

Jim

 

[lion88roar]

Afternoon Fellas

Been a long while since my last post. Life got away from me.

Got laid off from work back in September before the big move. So been job hunting since, and working on the new house. Got the under and over cabinet lights installed, and just finished the new backsplash this morning. Have cabinets ordered for behind the wetbar to give us storage for glasses and liquids . Also have wine racks for the wine cellar on order. Both should be arriving in the next week or so.

Kids are doing well, and so is TheQ.

Fife - glad you got the waterpump sorted! Doesn't surprise me in the least.

Buckeye - layout looks nice! What flooring did you go with?

[KRM]

Good afternoon,

 A hello to Richard and Mike.

 Where is Roy and what has happened to Rob? 

Rich, prayers for your dad. It is hard no matter when you have to go through it.

Brent, happy job hunting. Glad those days are behind me.

Phish, back to 40 hours sound good!

Progress is looking good Buckeye!!!

Fifey, those low pressure shut offs are fine but most deep water well pumps can keep 8 to 10PSI even with a leak so it may not do it. They are more for a shallow well where they may run dry. But for the money I agree with Banks, that it is a feature worth the money. Next switch I get will have it.

 I did a flush out our hot water tank today, should have done it about two years ago. The heater is 4 years old and did need it.

We have everything set to go for wifey’s hip replacement tomorrow. Won’t know what time till after 5:00pm today so I will be off the grid for a day or two till she gets settled back in. We got the tree up yesterday and wife is decorating it today. Checking things off the list.

Weather is fair here but next week down to the single digits. Oh well it is December.

Best Get.

[Northwoods Flyer]

Sturgeon-Phish

 

I am going back to the project and position I left in April 2016. I am excited to get back into Nuclear Enrichment R&D.  Besides being very interesting the work week will be 40 hours rather than the 50+ hours I’ve had for the past 3 ½ years. 

 

Jim 

Congratulations Jim/Phish

I can't imagine what you will do with all that extra time.    I hope that this means that you also are on a single shift instead of bouncing around.  I look forward to more of your posts.

Northwoods Flyer

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Busy day at work.  Went to see Mister Rogers movie tonight.  Tom Hanks is great.  Movie is darker than I expected.  Lots of changes going on around here on the pot.  Hope everything works out for the best.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Buckeye Riveter]

lion88roar

Buckeye - layout looks nice! What flooring did you go with?

 

Thanks 88. The flooring is a vinyl plank flooring found at Home Deport. Our contractor recommended it for the basement.

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Partly sunny & 40 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.

Monday - tree up.

Tuesday - North Pole village up.

Wednesday - feet up.

Best wishes for Mrs. KRM tomorrow, and a speedy recovery.

Hoping 88 gets the job he likes.

Glad Phish got the job he wants.

[anjdevil2]

Good afternoon!

My #2 God daughter and her girlfriend arrived last night from Cali and they are a welcome sight.  Missed my 2 girls!!  Dad are pretty good but went to bed about 730 and appeared to be out the rest of the night.  My God Daughter stood the watch last night while he slept.  Had a fire call at 1100 but I barely remember hearing it, I've been tired as of late, doing double duty at work then Dad/ fire stuff at home. 

Tonight is the County Fire Meeting and Elections. 

I'm the only one running for 1st Vice President, so that will be a shoo in...lol.  The usual anarchy will continue during the meeting as always.  Next week is Line/Exec Meeting then Regular Meeting Night with Elections and that, my friends is a storm brewing....lol.  Hope to put in some Firehouse tree selling time on Saturday.

Daughter has requested the conventional Polar Express rather than the LionChief, so I have found everything and when the tree is up Saturday Night, I will accomodate her.

Thanks for the prayers for Dad.  Youse giz are the bestest!!

Prayers for those in need......

Busy day, so off I go, will check back later

[Sturgeon-Phish]

 

Good Evening from a beautiful clear 46°F Southern Ohio,

 

Showered up and waiting on 1900.  I’ve got all but my exit interview tomorrow at 1600.  Really looking forward to the new/old job. 

 

I may work on some decorating tonight especially if I can draft some help. 

 

Buckeye - I like the flooring too.  I’d like to replace the carpet in the basement with it.

 

NWF - Rotating shift may be in the future, but for now straight dayshift.

 

Kev - special prayers for your bride and her caregivers and surgeons

 

Good night and may God bless you and your families

 

Jim

 

[KRM]

Long day guys,,,,,,,,,,,but a good day!!!!

Wifey up-date. We got up at 4:00am and checked in at 6;00
She went in the operating room at 7:30 and the doctor was talking to me at 9:00. he said everything went good and that her hip was in real, real bad shape. one of the worst he has seen and he does a lot of them. He should know, he has had both of his hips replaced and it gives him some extra insite.

He also said she should feel much better in two weeks and be back to normal in six weeks. He told me I could split for a couple of hours till she got out of recovery and into a room on the second floor. So I came home to throw the cat out and get something to eat before I got back there around 10:45. They had her up and walking this afternoon by 2:00. She seems to be doing good and we hope she can come home tomorrow afternoon. She is eating again but tired.
 
Thanks again to all of you for all your support.

Beat and want to get some sleep. 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Great news, Kev!  Hope for a speedy recovery.  Good day at work.  Weather warmer.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[dougdagrump]

Great News Kev !

[dbaker48]

WOW!!  That is really great NEWS, Kev!!!  Hopefully a speedy recovery!!

[Buckeye Riveter]

Kev.... Great news! Make sure she stays on her pain medicine as prescribed, no more, no less. 

Below is an additional photo of the flooring in the B&O Blue and Grey station room.  The contractor had his youngest son put down the floor. He called his dad for help a couple times.

 

 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Kev - Praise be to God!  Now healing prayers!

Jim

[anjdevil2]

Good Morning!!

Good news, Kev!!  I'm glad the Mrs. is up and around.  My Mom had her hip done and she was up and walking within 5 hours after the surgury.

Phish - Glad you are back on "normal" time!

Dad is back in the hospital on his own accord.  Not sure what the issue is, he would not say.  Will visit tonight.

Another year as 1st Vice President of the County Fireman's Association.  And I'll be running the first meeting of 2020 as the President will not be attending due to a medical issue.

Cold and windy again......I hate winter....

Prayers for all in need.  Back at it....

[sir james I]

Almost sun. 30s for the day. Kev hope your wife mends quickly. I had some fun Sunday with a few D3Rs ran a new Lionel Hudson and a new Alco. Plus Charlie had one of the caboose cameras. The plastic "window" created a blurry pic till it was removed, then it was sharp and clear.

S.J.

[ChiefEagles]

Was down east all yesterday.  Did some upgrades to camper shelter.  Low 40's and strong winds.  COLD.  Today in the 50's and no wind.  What a difference a day makes in NC.

Leaves, put out Christmas carolers and attend an elementary school program this afternoon late.

Have a good one. 

[lion88roar]

Great news Kev! Prayers for a speedy recovery for your wife.

Buckeye - That is similiar to what I am looking at for my trainroom. Thinking of going with Pergo as they have a product designed for 'wet areas' and for going right over concrete.

Fife - I started working for an ex-boss doing contract work. So far so good. TheQ apparently has 'plans' for my 'business' as well... hmmm...

[Buckeye Riveter]

88 …. After the house was complete, we ran a de-humidifier for over six months to draw more moisture from the concrete floor and masonry as it cured. After I was confident, we had minimized moisture release, the construction started. Our flooring has a moisture barrier that is placed directly on the concrete floor. The layout room also has LED lighting with a dimmer. There are at least 10 electrical receptacles around the room for track and accessory power.

Phish…Did you hear about the nuclear reactor accident in Columbus on Thursday night? Just so you are not surprised, it is dark in Ohio all the time now.

 

Richard…. Welcome to the POT. I have been to Oregon for business years ago.  We were looking at the Portland light rail system.

Big party tonight in Cbus. Have a good day.

[ChiefEagles]

Clouding up and chance of a shower.   Errands and a lunch thingy.  Hope to relax tonight as no hunting this weekend.  TCA meet tomorrow and Sunday.  Taking NS diesels that I never run.  Sell cheap.  No boxing and shipping.

Good to hear from 88.

Buckeye, yes its always dark in OH. 

Have a good one.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good Morning from cloudy wet 45° Southern Ohio,

Going to do some decorating today and then assist at Mass at the High School then judge at the Elementary Science Fair, so going to be a busy day.

It is official.  I exited my job and start the new/old job Monday.  Going to miss the operators and my fellow supervisors but glad to get away from the higher managers. 

 

Buckeye - Didn’t hear about the acident.  This is the first contact with the outside world I’ve had all day.

Kev - Continued prayers

May God bless you and your families

 

Jim

[Banks]

Hello there,

from the Palace Theater in Greensburg PA. Here to see the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas  Show.

Didn't do a lot this week. Spent one day on Eye doc, Dentist and a Christmas party. Did a little hunting and helped Mrs get the Christmas cards in the mail.

Phish.....the new job sounds much better.

Kev......how's the nursing job going
                                 
              
Prayers for those in need.

[KRM]

Banks, I have just not found the right dress yet,,,,

I have been pushing her to keep moving and lay off the drugs. She is doing well so far. I would rather have her in some pain than dumb on the drugs and have her fall down or something if you know what I mean.

She is home as of 4:00pm yesterday. Now the fun starts.
Don't ever let a doctor prescribe any drugs you see advertised on TV. Just fourteen, 10mg Xarelto blood thinners list for $250.00 and even with INS,, they were $116.00. No wonder big Pharma has so much money to spread around those crooks in Washington,,,, and NC,,,. It is going to give me a heart attack!!!

Best get, thanks for all the thoughts and good wishes guys.

 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Thursday was so draining at work I did not have the energy to do anything Thursday night.  Wife's checkup went well today.  Went to Mr. Muffins afterward.  Got to see the trains run on the layout.  Got a lot of shopping done as well.  Weather good, but long day.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Sunny & 26 along the Potomac Highlands.  3 trains tonight, and I've been on Santa transport recently (he has to get to the N. Pole somehow, and it looked like Dasher was off to the shoulder on MD 36...).

Yesterday (yeah I know, that was bad) Wifey and I decorated the front porch.  With the recent passing of our neighbor, Randy, we chose to keep things a bit subdued.  We opted for silver bells, white garland, and some graceful silver snowflake ribbon.  To be honest, nobody else really decorates on our street.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Started practicing for the next Mini.  Did not go well.  Only 4 miles at 3.6 MPH.  Not going to get it done at that pace.  Will try to gut it one more time for daughter's child on the way, but that may be it.  Finished decorating tree.  Christmas cards are next.  Most of the presents are here.  Weather nice.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Banks]

Hello there,
     A day that lives in infamy. I was surprised to see coverage by local and national news. Got to wonder how much there would have been without the shooting.   

                                             
The Oak Ridge Boys put on a great show as usual. Got home about midnight, bed by 1.

Got up late today. Had planned to hunt the rest of the day but decided to get a Christmas tree then hunt. On the way to the cut your own place the transmission died in the Tahoe.  Limped home with only 1st & 2nd gear. Got  home and added a trailer plug and ball to the Blazer and left again. The 1st place we went sported a closed sign so off to a  2nd place.

It was dark by the time we got home.  Got till next Saturday to hunt
                                        
Prayers for those in need

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Swept the floors.  Got gas for 2 vehicles.  Neighbors stopped in to borrow step ladder.  Showed them the trains.  Went to Chilis for a nice meal.  Watched Ernest Saves Christmas.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Banks]

Hello there,

not much action here today.

Lazy day, Mass, breakfast and a nap before a Christmas Party. Then a stop at Tractor Supply to redeem a rain check for a100lb propane cylinder. Followed that  with picking up a few groceries and a short visit at daughter's house. Plans for this week are Christmas decorations both in and out. Also some hunting. 

Bed is calling.

 

Prayers for those in need

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Rain and 33 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Survived another PE weekend.  Not much on tap today, but I do need to venture to the garage I bought my tires at, and hopefully retrieve a missing wheel lock lug...  BTW, the Goodyear Assurance Maxlife tires have been nice riding under my Durango.

[KRM]

45 with rain and gloom on The North Bluff today with temps falling to 14 tonight then cold for a few days. Tried to do as much outside stuff as I could yesterday before the temps hit the floor.

Wifey's first PT this morning. We will see how that goes. She is sore as the swelling and bruise are reaching a high point. She is getting around the house with the walker and made salad last night to go with Din Din.

Fife, did you have to replace the tires on the Durango already?

Best get her moving.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Ho ho ho!  Rainy and foggy.  Errands and lunch date.

Have a good one.

[lion88roar]

Afternoon Fellas

Been really busy. YEAH!!!

Got a bunch done this weekend on decorating. Have all three trees up now, no decorating outside this year as we don't have bushes, and purchasing decorations has taken a back burner due to more pressing needs. New wine cellar racks should be here any day, new cabinets for behind the wet bar due next week, and we have a couple companies coming to give quotes for projects tomorrow... lol

Have to start planning the powder room project for the basement, need that done before I can start planning the trainroom construction. Have to raise 3 walls around the foundation and then run electric for recepticals and can lights, then drywall and flooring... baby steps.

Fife - I went with Cooper tires last January for my Durango... wish I had gone with something else as a couple don't like to retain air (no nails or anything either). Will have her paid off in February, want to keep her for at least another year.

Kev - great news about your wife

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Quiet day at work.  Problem from Thursday still remains but will be summoning resources from various areas to see what can be done to get the situation resolved.  Boss will be gone so I have a free hand to use whatever tact (or lack thereof) is needed (heh heh).  Wife lowered my ears tonight which was definitely needed.  Still warm and wet but temps will drop like a rock overnight.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Mild temps and  along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  May have to go to station, if for no other reason to "escape" the ridiculousness transpiring 3 hours east of here...

88 - Might be the rims cutting into the valve stems.  Spoke with Tom last night.  He went to Greenburg show in Timonium.  Only one big vendor there (Side Track).  All others are skipping the Baltimore region, apparently.

KRM - Second set in 6 years.  Came with Michilens (good ride, but too soft).  The Assurance is rated at 85k.  Haven't noticed any difference in ride, nor road noise.  Oh, the garage put on a new chrome lug nut yesterday.  Happy.

 

[KRM]

Fife the first set of Goodyears I had on my Dakota went to 90k. My Colorado has Goodyear Kevlar tires but only 14 k so far on them. The 2003 Rusty Ranger gets most the miles from me. Since I retired I only drive about 10k a year.

Cold on The North Bluff today. Got up to 11 and now it is 14. Wife made it through day one of PT, second round today at 12:45.

Got some running to do first so best get.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Partly sunny.  Rain on the way this evening/tonight.  65 degrees.

88, you are always doing construction projects.  Don't saw your leg. 

Fifey, you are suppose to chill out during the WV winter.

Later,

[jefelectric]

Thought I better log on and let you guys know that I am still around. Life is just moving to fast for me and I don't seem to find enough hours in the day. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and are well along in your Christmas shopping.

John

[dougdagrump]

Evenin' all.

I went with Coopers on the 08 Frontier, came with BFG's but they wore to quick and were noisey as hell on the freeway. The cooper are still the same ones and they look like thet are good for awhile yet, tread depth looks good.

A short video of the Friday night Christmas on the Prado program. My Christmas train is the opener:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-oe9SMD2rM&t=34s 

[KRM]

dougdagrump

Evenin' all.

I went with Coopers on the 08 Frontier, came with BFG's but they wore to quick and were noisey as hell on the freeway. The cooper are still the same ones and they look like thet are good for awhile yet, tread depth looks good.

A short video of the Friday night Christmas on the Prado program. My Christmas train is the opener:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-oe9SMD2rM&t=34s 

 

Great video Doug!!!!!!! Thanks!!

I have Coopers ATs on the Rusty Ranger. They are doing good.

Time to hit the bed.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Busy but quiet day at work with most of the coworkers gone.  I go with Goodyears for tires.  Have had other brands but never much luck.  Weather very cold.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Sunny and 25 in the Potomac Highlands.  Gonna hang out with Wifey today.  Spent yesterday at the office sorting out things with bureaucrats, working on permits, and some other behind-the-scenes topics.

Chief - Haven't "chilled out" since my time in Orlando, this past September.  I did venture into the train room and worked on a couple pieces for scenery, just to decompress. 

[lion88roar]

Mornin' Fellas

Good to see from John!

Fife - I was thinking the same about the valve stems... just need to find time to call the shop and have them look into it.

Workers here fixing 'issues' with the build... this is getting tiresome.

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  41 degrees compared to yesterday's 70.  Rain has stopped.  More on the way later this week. 

Good to see John drop by.

No word from Shake and Bake.  Talked to him earlier.  Might better check him out again.

All have a good one.

[dbaker48]

Good Morning,

Been amiss, doing OK, just got lazy.  Hope Granny Pat's recovery is quick and easy.  Thoughts and prayers for Rich's Dad, Kev's wife, and glad Dougdg is doing well, and everyone else.

Got a phone call from the Dr regarding the layout I wired for him a couple of years ago.  First I've heard from him.  The problem was that the Lionel transformer, (the $900 one "ZW-L") wasn't working.  Ended up the power switch was turned off!  I omitted to put in the User guide to turn the power on!  Given that that is the only one with a ON-OFF switch, I SHOULD have included a statement.  My Bad!

Kay had a house guest this past week-end, her best friend had a great time, can't remember when I've heard so much gossip. 

Looks like our weather has finally dried up some.

Suppose to go to Knotts Berry Farm today, (vets and guest get in free), then just realized I'm suppose to go to the VA this morning and pick up shoes.  Uh-Oh I forgot.

Need to get another cup of coffee, and get busy!

Take care all !!!! 

[sir james I]

Granny Pat's surgery had no issues, she has been sleeping since we got home at 4:30. This goofy software kept telling me I didn't know my password.

[KRM]

sir james I

  This goofy software kept telling me I didn't know my password.

 

 

Same here SJ, with the dumb site.

Great news on Pat!!!

 

 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Lousy day at work.  Lousy night at home.   Days like this make me wonder about a lot of things......   Winning the championship this summer was one of those moments that make life worth living, just wish it occurred more than once every 13 years.....  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Clear and 21 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  It's pick up the youngest princess from college day!  She seemed to breeze through finals this past week.  Might do a little Christmas shopping at the outlets, on the way back.

Cleared the high line in the train room, to make way for the Santa's Flyer (Hogwart's steamer), and the rest of the Christmas cars, 11 total.  This is still one of my favorite engines, with it's beautiful red and green livery.  It is an amazing puller, and simply fun to watch.  Our Lionel Gingerbread "oven" car wouldn't light, and I discovered both wires to the ground side were unattached.  So I had to go "under the hood" and re-sodder the ultra thin wires to their posts.  The boys are browning nicely now.

[ChiefEagles]

Good HO HO HO morning.  Sunny, chilly but breezy.  Hope all are OK.

Mike, hope today is a lot better.

Good news on Granny Pat. 

Yes on software.  Also an annoying popup right in the middle of typing.

Have a good one.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

After another long day (with an extra hour tossed in), a week long problem was finally resolved.  Lots of other work done as well.  Good thing I am off tomorrow for eye check.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Frozen precip at the front range of the Alleghanies.  Schools closed regionally.  Roads a mess.  I won't head to yard until 6.  We have something pretty "cool" to be revealed at the WMSR.

We picked up Alexis yesterday, and wifey wanted to go to Olive Garden.  Had too much to eat, so we headed straight home afterwords.  FifeMax excited to see her, and his tail almost wiped out the North Pole!

[KRM]

Happy Friday the 13th SJ.  

Well we are at a week and two days, I changed Sandra's dressing yesterday and her wound looks great. Little to no discharge or bruising on the leg, so she did a wipe bath and I washed her hair in the afternoon. I think those compression socks that run all the way up the leg helped a lot. I did laundry and also washed those so she got a little time out of them. She folded everything I cleaned. She said the socks hurt but are worth the hurt. Today back to PT at 4:00pm. I got some shopping to do at Menards so it should go fast. I hate sitting in those waiting rooms.
Thanks again everyone for all of the support. It is a he!! of an operation to go through. We watched a video of a hip replacement today and , glad we did not see it before she had it done. Power hack saws, drills, hammers and reamers!!!  

[ChiefEagles]

Wow, temp just went up to 39.  Raining!!!  Better than that white stuff or ice [sorry Fifey].

KEV, sounds like Wifey is on the mend real well.  

Dennis, sound like things are good.

Mike, like I said, things at work will get better.

Hope 88 hasn't sawed his leg.

Have a good one. 

[sir james I]

Sun and 40 today

Kev glad your wife is on the mend. Mine is too. Still has pain of course, only 2nd day after. Got our daughter to babysit for me while I go to our D3R Christmas club meet tomorrow night. Train show on Sunday, I might slip out for a couple hours if I can.

S.J.

 

[ChiefEagles]

Rain has stopped.  Headed east to do feeder batteries and cameras.  Back early as Wifey working playhouse. 

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Partly sunny, breezy, and 43 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.

Okay, love it or hate it, here it is:

https://www.facebook.com/WMSRailroad/photos/a.10151824009407970/10157710133147970/?type=3&theater

But the WMSR has 10k+ reasons why we did it.  The families and children love it!  And isn't that what matters...?  When I walked into the paint shop Thursday, I was blown away.

[Buckeye Riveter]

fifedog

Mornin' boys.  Partly sunny, breezy, and 43 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.

Okay, love it or hate it, here it is:

https://www.facebook.com/WMSRailroad/photos/a.10151824009407970/10157710133147970/?type=3&theater

But the WMSR has 10k+ reasons why we did it.  The families and children love it!  And isn't that what matters...?  When I walked into the paint shop Thursday, I was blown away.

 

I like it and if they play their cards right, they will have increased riders. 

 

[rtraincollector]

fifedog

Mornin' boys.  Partly sunny, breezy, and 43 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.

Okay, love it or hate it, here it is:

https://www.facebook.com/WMSRailroad/photos/a.10151824009407970/10157710133147970/?type=3&theater

But the WMSR has 10k+ reasons why we did it.  The families and children love it!  And isn't that what matters...?  When I walked into the paint shop Thursday, I was blown away.

 

First question I saw was why would you do it for something that is only good for two months ot the year, I replied " believe it or not kids like anytime of the year. 

[fifedog]

My senior conductor and I were discussing how many times throughout the year, that we hear parents and children mentioning that they are "on the Polar Express", long before we committed to this program.  The lament I often hear from model railroaders/train collectors, "We need to get young people into the hobby..."  Well folks, they are.  And PE is the "vehicle" that is ushering them in.

Usually after each run, families clamor to get their photos with the "conductor" actor.  This weekend, they are exitting the train, and rushing to the 450 to get their pics with the "Polar Express engine".  It looks better in person.

[dougdagrump]

Fife, Fantastic. 

[KRM]

Looks good to me Fife!!

Anybody know where Roy is??

Spent the day working on fixing wife's car rear window washer. The hose from the tank to the back split under the master brake cyl,,whay a PITA that was to get to. Nothing is easy on today's cars.

So I cleaned it out as long as it was warm and in the shed.

[8ntruck]

I haven't posted recently, so I thought I'd check in.

About the only thing I've got going on the train front is word that the Thomas the Tank engine expansioin set I ordered for my grand nephew was delivered this week.  I left an e-mail with is parents that this package is of the 'do not open until Christmas' variety.  I had it shipped directly to him from Charles Ro, so the wrapping paper is of the very heavy duty type.

We are back in Mo. at our primary location now.  Winter storm warning until midnight tomorrow night.  Weather gussers are claiming 5 to 7 inches of snow.

I notice there was a disscussion about tires recently.  I ran Goodyear Integrety tires on the last two mini vans we had.  They worked well.  Usually, I'd replace them around 60,000 miles.  They still had tread life, but the winter traction had faded.

Don't remember if I mentioned that we traded the mini van in on a Jeep Cherokee this fall.  The Jeep is an ex-rental vehicle with 35,000 miles on it.  We had a bit of snow in Michigan a couple of weeks ago, and the worn all season tires that were on it were useless.  We put a set of Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice tires on it.  They are working very well.  A little noisier than the all seasons, but not enough to be a bother.

Last year after the Polar  Express themed kids program at the KATY Depot, my wife and I said that we were not going to organize one for 2019.  We would be more than happy to bring our P.E. layout if someone else would organize the event.  Nobody stepped up to organize a P.E. event for 2019, so, unfortunately the event didn't happen.

Thinking about proposing a day trip to Union Station in Kansas City soon to see their Christmas layout.  We made that trip earlier this fall, and were peeking behind the curtians to see it under construction.

About all for now.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Good days Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Good eye check Friday for me and saw a nice model train exhibit at the Batesville Historical Society.  Saturday was spent at the local history museum open house and we went to Mass.  Sunday was at oldest granddaughter's birthday who is now 15.  Weather turned bad on the way home.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Banks]

Hello there,

wow, a whole week since my last post. Been reading without taking time to post.

Cliff notes version of the week. Did a little cleaning, some decorating, a couple appointments, a bit of unsuccessful hunting and helped son finally research the ominous noise the Massey Ferguson was making.  The Massey wasn't as bad as I feared. It needs a ring and pinion and the main support bearing. That's what failed to begin with. That allowed the ring gear to get to  far from the pinion while chewing the teeth off of both. Probably have over $1,000 in it for parts.

FiTexted Roy the other day. He's fine but run ragged getting tornado damage resolved.

Fife.....lookn good!!!!!

8N......missed you. Bummer about the Polar express.

My eyes are getting heavy ..

Prayers for those in need

 

[ChiefEagles]

Sunny and 59 degrees [and rising].  Rain tomorrow.  Chilly, fair and deer hunting weather Wed.

I believe, Fifey.

Couldn't get in as site would not load yesterday evening.  Had busy day with Grands here for Christmas.  They are headed to Yankeeville this weekend.  NY state.

Have a great week ahead.

[sir james I]

Some sun and 30 this morning. A good club meet on Saturday evening and a train show on Sunday. Of course it snowed Sunday morning, just enough to make the roads slippery.

S.J.

[fifedog]

Evenin' boys. White and sloppy along the Potomac Highlands.  Just got back from shopping with Wifey.  The funniest thing happened....

We were at our local grocery store, and were walking past the magazine racks.  Lookie there,  they had Model Railroader, as well as Classic Trains magazines.  Been forever since I picked up a Model Railroader, and upon doing so it was heavier than my favorite toy train magazine by the same publisher.  86 pages, hmmmm....  Looked at the cover price; it was $6.99.  Hmmmm....

Just seemed peculiar to me.

 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

I went to work despite some misgivings.  Left about 10-15 minutes, drove about 60 MPH (passed by about everybody), and made it in ok.  Got everything done I could possibly do today and drove home carefully as well.  A good day.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[rtraincollector]

fifedog

We were at our local grocery store, and were walking past the magazine racks.  Lookie there,  they had Model Railroader, as well as Classic Trains magazines.  Been forever since I picked up a Model Railroader, and upon doing so it was heavier than my favorite toy train magazine by the same publisher.  86 pages, hmmmm....  Looked at the cover price; it was $6.99.  Hmmmm....

Just seemed peculiar to me. 

Yes and the December CTT cover price is $7.99 and thinner, go figure. 

[ChiefEagles]

Rain and 62.  Not much on agenda.  Groomer just left so dogs look great. 

Watched Fifey on his Railroad last night.  Not really but RFD-TV have their Trains and Locomotives that I had DVR'd.  Western Maryland Scenic RR.  Great winter videos.

Have a good one.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good Evening from clear cold 28°F Southern Ohio, 

It has been crazier than usual around here.  The house looks really festive with all the Christmas decorations inside and out.  I’ve been on the new/old job now for just over a week and it is great.  I’m considered a rehire since I took a voluntary layoff in February of 2016, so I got my vacation and continuous service back. 

Last Friday I shot a nice 11 pt buck and the meat is ready at the butcher and the cape is going to be mounted.  On the crazy front, our daughter’s car needed brakes and I loaned here my 05 Civic to her.  Well she had a wreck, totaled the car and got banged up a bit but doing OK.  Other daughter and her significant other are coming in from Los Angeles this evening and my bride went to Columbus to pick them up.  Coming home she had a wreck with our 2019 Honda Odyssey.  No one hurt but t front of the van got banged up.  Our insurance company is going to love us! 

Kev – Continued prayers for Sandra’s recovery 

Good night and may God bless you and your families 

Jim 

[lion88roar]

Evening Fellas

Been busy with my work gig, and have had a few interviews as well. Spent last weekend installing the cabinets behind the bar, tonight I installed the over cabinet lighting, tomorrow the lights arrive for inside the two glass door cabinets, so will knock that out tomorrow. The wine racks arrived today for the wine cellar... OMG have I got a project on my hands.

Another wine rack delivery on schedule for tomorrow, so hoping the missing items on the packing list arrive... we'll see.

Fife - The Polar Express looks awesome! We were hoping to make it out for a weekend excursion prior to my untimely seperation. So we are hoping WMSRR is doing it again next year!

Can't remember what else I was going to say, so I will leave it at that.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Sturfish, I feel your car wreck pain.  Been there, done that.  Stayed home today as roads were dicey.  Had a nice visit with grandkids and worked on adding extra power feeds to layouts.  Weather did improve so I will be at work tomorrow. I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Buckeye Riveter]

Phish...So glad that everyone is alive. 

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Crisp and clear along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Just met my trash men at the curb, and gave them Christmas cards.  Always tip the garbage folks.  I could place half a Ford Maverick out there, and they'd haul it away...  They love throwing the frisbee to FifeMax.

Administrative duties the next couple days at the station.  Local chapter NRHS meeting tonight (I just got voted "in").

88 - The WMSR will be running PE next year (and it will be more lit up).

Looks like I picked the wrong year to drop HMC from the ol' portfolio...

JK, glad are all well. 

[rtraincollector]

Morning all

37* going up to 50* today they say. I think I will stay in as much as possible.

No real plans for today as I have Cable company coming. 

I do have an older gentleman coming over that into O gauge trains to. I have never met him before but he lives close by and was interested in something I had on the bay but got out bid. 

Now if I could just get those who won to pay, I listed a 736 w 2671W and they guy out bid everyone from the word go but then came up with an excuse to not pay until Sunday evening or Monday morning. And now have a 2343C that ended last night but I'm sure he will pay, he has a lot more positive feedback then the 0 the other one has. 

Well meds are taken, it's time to make some breakfast and get the day going. 

[KRM]

Morning guys, good to see so many posting.

Jim so glad no one was hurt bad. That stuff is scarry. Our daughter decided to total her car and I was in Griffin GA for work at the time. What a day that was getting home.

14 heading to 27 today but will warm all the way through Christmas. Up to almost 50.

Yesterday was running all day. Sandra is making her way. Yesterday's PT over and her staples are out. Just got tape strips on it now and she can get out of those compression socks. There were a group of 10+ deer in the driveway when we pulled in. All wondering why the feed pan was empty. Cold weather, snow and free corn,,works every time!

Best get going, Krogers today for supplies!

[ChiefEagles]

Chilly, sunny and breezy good morning.  Headed east for the day.  Early out tomorrow morning.  Human Services Board meetings [two].  

Jim, wow.  Hope it all works out OK.

Brent, best of a Christmas to the kids.  Remember when they were tiny.  Post me a photo. 

Have a good one.  

[sir james I]

Sun, wind and 18 degrees, maybe 23 for the Hi. Warming trend starting tomorrow. Kev sounds like Sandy is doing well as is Pat, her one week checkup was this morning, once more in a month. No plans for the rest  of the day.

S.J.

[KRM]

SJ, great news on Pat. I don't think I saw anyplace here on this forum what she had done?

[sir james I]

Kev bottom line she had a hernia. However leading up to the operation a CT had shown several spots of concern. So after more test it appears they are cyst and not the dreaded C so the hernia was repaired.

[KRM]

That is good news SJ! Hernia is not good but better than the BIG C.

 Sandra had that cyst scare this year as well. Saw them on a overy in the MRI on her spine and hip. Ended up no big deal there to but had to have it looked into.

Quiet today on The North Bluff.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Fife....HMC is kicking butt in the factory near Marysville.

[KRM]

Started cold but will be warming up the next few days through Christmas.

Taking wifey to PT at noon and going to Menards to waste the time.

My LionChief plus BNSF GP20 is screwing up AGAIN! Put a post out there to see if it is just me or a common thing? Makes me very unhappy.

[sir james I]

13 degrees this morning. 21 now. Warming after today. I got the car washed today in spite of the temp. I figured to beat the warm weather salt covered weekenders. The cars not the drivers, if they are salt covered then they must have had a wild night.

S.J.

[anjdevil2]

Happy Friday Eve.....

I'm on a training mission in Virginia Beach, VA this week.  My Promotion is in full effect and now Team Lead for 20 technicians, God help me.

Took a trip after work to Dale's Train Station in Norfolk and dropped a bit of cash there.  Bought some stocking stuffers for Jenni and a few things for the layout.  Dale's has a HUGE selection of stuff from N to G and there are old and new sets in the original boxes/cases.  They were kind enough to let me shop as they closed at 7, but they were generous with their time and Gloria was my personal helper, getting me things out of the locked cases and such.  So, Jenni's Christmas presents are just about done.  I'll be making another stop tomorrow after I bolt outta here at noon, the Engine House about 15 minutes from here, they are open 9 to 5(?) and hadn't had a chance to visit there cuz of the hours.

Had a Wawa sandwich and soup last night for dinner and then to the pool and hot tub for a bit.  Not sure of tonight's food but I don't think I'm going to far afield today, will try to get into the Hot Tub before it's too late.  I'm thinking early bedtime.

32F today and windy, there are whitecaps on the Atlantic Ocean today.  Yeah, it's cold here.

Dad is doing ok.  I did check on the family and so far so good.  Dad is getting another bed and a better mattress (a low loss air mattress).

Jim Phish - Glad everyone is ok, sheetmetal can be fixed, humans not so much.

Kev - Glad Sandra is getting better. 

SJ - Glad Granny Pat is on the mend. 

Fife - That PE looks awesome!!!

Just a lull in the action right now, I got pounded this morning, so this little break is fine.

Will check back when I can..............

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Good day at work both days.  Weather starting to get warmer.  Will be at work Friday mostly by myself as the rest of the crew will be at a "holiday" event that I was able to duck out of due to year end tasks.  Would have enjoyed going but not at the expense of having to deal with others while trying to close.   The inevitable "Are you done yet?" questions are a real pain and normally I get stuff done before anyyone else gets there.  This way I have tranquility.  A good way to end the year.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good Evening from beautiful clear 32°F Southern Ohio, 

You all are so right, the cars can be repaired or replaced, the family is most important.  The van is going into the body shop probably tomorrow.  After talking with the guys at the body shop we may buy the car back as a salvage for $176 and have it rebuilt.  There is no frame damage and the damage is only to the front clip. 

Work was good this week, getting caught up on training then I’ll get started with the job specific stuff, the boilers, the cooling water system, the power distribution and infrastructure stuff. 

Good night and may God bless you and your families 

Jim 

 

 

[anjdevil2]

TGIF and Happy Friday from Virginia Beach, until noon, then I'll be on the road home.

34F right now and breezy on the VA Beach shore, did see a battleship yesterday and several fly overs.  It's nice to be back in a Navy town.

They have a nice drive through light display that you ride in you car on the boardwalk.  I did not partake at $10 per car, but this is something that I will keep in mind for next year.  I had chicken and ribs on a heated patio on the boardwalk last night.  Stopped at a Christmas store on the way back to the hotel, got some stocking stuffers.

Will be stopping at the Engine House Trains on the way outta here, I may just buy myself a Christmas/Promotion present, I'm in that kinda mood.  Then 6 hours home....

Slow day so far, no admin issues and that is a blessing.  My team is doing well and with 2 short weeks ahead of us, problems are hopefully much less.

Ok, I'm off to work some more, gotta put in my time, run upstairs, throw my gear in my bag and head out shortly after.

[ChiefEagles]

Forum working today.  Tired a couple of times yesterday and got critical error message.

44 which is up from 26.  Sun is happy and beaming down today.  

Errands and then may have a couple to drop by this evening [Wifey's friend].

Have a good one.

  

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Busier day than expected at work but got everything done.  Got additional wiring done on standard gauge layout.  Trains run a lot smoother.   Spent an enjoyable evening with Lucas as we played Battle Cry.  Weather is nicer.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

Cold and 35.  Guessers hit it wrong yesterday.  Said warmer today than yesterday.  OH WELL. 

Not much on agenda.

Have a good one.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Visit with Lucas' daughter went well.  All the other grandkids interacted well with her and I ran trains for her again.  Finally got to hold her, which was really nice.  She really liked the present we had for her for Christmas.   The weather was nice and no one had any traffic issues.   I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Sunny & 23 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Three trains today.  Three more tomorrow.  Toughin' it out.  

Whenever someone asks, "All ready for Ho HO?"  I keep thinking that I'm ready to take it all down.

I plan on spending Christmas Day, just working on the layout, and running trains.  And dinner with the family.  And periodically taking FifeMax outside to do his Maxi-business.

[ChiefEagles]

Stated out cold but warming to mid to high 50's.  Directing traffic for our big services in the barn this afternoon/evening.  Rain coming tonight and tomorrow.  No Church today. 

Dennis, gald you are "hooked" on Church.  Safe trip.

Hope all have a safe and happy Christmas and lots of family.

Ho ho ho.

 

[KRM]

Hi guys,

 Last few days have been full. Weened the wife off the walker yesterday and I think she was surprised that she can walk as well as she can. I think fear was acting on her and the walker and now she has way more freedom of movement with the cane. Went for a short trip yesterday with the neighbor to deliver his new CFmoto UTV to the dealer for some repairs. It has a bad oil leak for something with less than 10 hours on it. He thinks he knows what it is but wants them to fix it because it has so few hours on it. Problem was the closest dealer was 1.5 hours away, but I enjoyed the ride and getting out of the house for a spell.

Chief, I got to tell you it sounds as if we have had better weather than you the last few days, 49 yesterday with lots of sun and 50s today. That is rare. I will take it!

Fife, hang in there, you will make it!

Dennis, enjoy your trip!

May GOD bless and protect all of you and your families over the Christmas holiday season.

[sir james I]

Almost 50 today. We get one week like this then down she goes. Nice that the daylight will slowly get longer now but Jan. & Feb. loom in our sites. Kev I know what you mean about Lionel. I am a life long fan but am now very disappointed in their lack of QC, parts and service.

S,J,

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Good Evening from a beautiful clear 42°F Southern Ohio, 

We picked up about 100 pounds of venisen from the buck I got last week.  We’ve grilled some steaks and I made about 2 pounds of jerky.  It is all very good.  The buck was post rut and very lean.  The freezer now has two deer in it and now we’ll start looking for does to add to the fodder.   WE should not need to buy any beef this year.  

On the car front, we’re going to have the wrecked Civic rebuilt.  We’re now deciding on which shop to take it to.  Between now and the time it is fixed I’ll drive the red ranger, and when the weather is bad I’ll our granddaughter’s Civic, because the red ranger it terrible on slippery roads. 

Youngest daughter is in from LA and today they’re in the Cincinnati area looking for a house to buy because they are leaving Hollywood and moving closer to home.  Their Hollywood house was on the market for less than a day and they had offers at their opening price.   

My bride’s mom (90 years old) health is struggling, and as her primary caregiver she is putting a lot of stress on herself.  Her family is not handling their mom’s failing health very well. 

Kev – Continued prayers from Sandra’s recovery. 

May God bless you and your families 

Jim

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Cleaned up one layout a little bit.  Got several items done on wife's to do list.  Weather is almost balmy for this time of year.  May go outside Monday for a lap on the walking path in town.  Another good day.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[anjdevil2]

Merry Christmas Eve Eve.....

Shopping is about complete, Have to run to Walmart and exchange 2 shirts for smaller sizes, get Mom's perfume at Walgreens, send out 3 cards then I'm done.

Trip to VA was long but nice, the resort I was booked as would have been better for 2, but that's fine.  Work and training went well, that is a nice area.  F/A18s everywhere, I thought I also saw an A10 Warthog....

Got back at 9 but, now that I'm a "boss", I had to stayed punched in for another 30 minutes to approve the time cards for the week.  Short week makes for short turnaround for pay time.

On the way out, I stopped at the Engine House, they are closing and the Dad has passed away.  Bought a Morton's Salt car to go with my Morton's Salt Factory that I got from the Menard's Mystery sale.  I got Jenni a pink Engineer's hat as she wanted one at the Edison sale, a Hooker tanker accident scene, which I got for $70 new, but 2 figures were loose, and I repaired that last night during the wrapping session....lol.  Way overspent on the train stuff, but I deserved it...lol....AND I have a check coming from the fire dept. for my Trustee services and as a courtesy, I cleared it with Jenni, and she agreed that I can go pick up my K4s TMCC engine.  So that check is going to that engine.  She has a bunch of stuff to open and her stocking is full.  

Dad is declining as we spoke to the Hospice nurse, who is, coincidentally, is the daughter of one of my firefighters. So we continue to make him comfortable and spend time with him bedside.  My SIL is in from Washington, DC to help Mom, so all of the family has pitched in and have taken care of Dad, at some point.

Christmas Dinner menu is complete and everything but the antipasto has been purchased.  My SIL is in from Washington, DC to help Mom, so all of the family has pitched in and taken care of Dad.

So far, I've been told not to run scans but submit them, I think I'll do as much as possible to take car of this place until my replacement is hired.

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Sunny & 27, supposed to get into the 50's today.  Gonna wheel the palm tree outside to soak up the rays, before I store it downstairs.  Need to run to the grocery store this AM to pick up some jumbo lump crab meat, for Christmas dinner.

anjdevil - Regards on your dad.

Three more PE trips.  Our volunteer brakeman was doing an air test, smiling as he passed me.  Asked him how he's so upbeat, when the rest of us are dragging.  He showed me his surgical scar on his neck, and explained he survived throat cancer back in '17.  He proclaimed that since then, every day is a gift.  I thanked him for kicking my butt.

[Banks]

Hello There,

a prayer for Rich's dad.

a quick check in to say all is well. The final dash as food prep for tomorrow evening is in full swing.

Back to it.

 

Prayers for those in need

[ChiefEagles]

Raining and 42.  Errands today.

Prayers for Rich's Dad.

One of our Christmas in a barn services yesterday.  Helped direct traffic for the first one.

 

Have a good one.

[KRM]

Just got back from getting an EKG for the throat scope on the 3rd.

 Prayers for your dad Rich and the family.

Another weird warm day today, but I like it!

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

A good day.  Warm enough to walk outside.  Did 3.4 miles in 56:45 for almost a 3.6 MPH.  Did some more work on the train room.  Went to see CATS.  For what it was intended, a pretty good flick.  Do not go there expecting a plot or fine acting.  You will hear some wonderful music and great choreography.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Happy Christmas Eve, boys.  Sunny & 29 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Only thing that needs to be done today is pick up a little red, and a little white vino.

PE was put to bed last night.  It was a success, and a lot of work.  I will try to take advantage of the forecasted mild temps over the next week to take down some lights off the fleet.  And need to start gearing up for Valentines's week.  EPA duties, and a business trip to Annapolis in store for January.

Wherever you're going, and however you spend it, I hope everybody has a nice holiday.

Merry Christmas to my friends here on the Coffee Pot. 

[ChiefEagles]

Ho ho ho.  Sunny and 58 degrees.  Beautiful day out.

Lots of folks coming for food and presents this afternoon.  

Dennis, gald you had good flight.  Enjoy Oregon.

Buckeye moved to the lake.  Went duck hunting.

Merry Christmas to all here and the CTT staff. 

[KRM]

Good morning and MERRY CHRISTMAS Fellas,

 We are doing our gift exchange here latter this morning. Hope to have all the grand-kids in one spot. Tomorrow we will go to the daughter’s for Christmas dinner.  

Wife had her first hot shower since the operation last night and she is doing great, Thank God!

Merry Christmas to all and be safe out there!

[traindaddy1]

To all: A Very Merry Christmas

[dougdagrump]

A little white and maybe some red for fife and friends.

 

Merry Christmas to all.

[arkady]

Mostly sunny and in the forties here in central Pennsylvania. Ths is our typical end-of-year warm spell, but it isn't going to last.

As soon as I post this message I'll start doing the Christmas wrapping I've been putting off for so long.  Then trumpet practice and a walk.

May everyone seek the blessings of Heaven, and find them.  Merry Christmas to one and all!

[anjdevil2]

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Bright SUN and 43 at home - yes working from home, shop is closed today and tomorrow.

Will be running an hour southeast of here to meet up with Jenni and her family after I punch out, take my shower, run to the post office and priority mail out the stuff I should have sent last week.

Family will be over tomorrow, trying to get dinner done and on the table by 1, which usually makes it by 2.

Will try to make midnight Mass at 1130 at Jenni's request.  Christmas Mass is very beautiful especially at Midnight.

Dad's condition is about the same, but he will be with us for Christmas and we'll have 12-14 people here for dinner.  Thanks everyone for remembering him in your prayers.  I will pray for all in need here.

Merry Christmas, my friends, will try to make it back later

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Wrapped up preparations on train layouts and did final testing.  Added one more standard gauge switch.  Checked all wiring.  All lights are functioning.  Found a board to mount Polar Express trolley track so it does not slide off from all the back and forth bouncing.  Wonderful weather.  Helped wife with last minute details.  Went to 7:00 PM Mass which was not crowded at all.  I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas!  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[Banks]

Merry Christmas

The whole gang was here for the traditional Christmas Eve supper. Gifts were exchanged and off to 7 PM services they went. See them all tomorrow at daughters house for Dinner. Rich....Prayers for Dad. Midnight Mass is Great! Mrs and I  are heading there now. 

 

Prayers for those in need

[ChiefEagles]

Merry Christmas.  Beautiful warm day.  Got to run.  All have a good one and God Bless.

[sir james I]

Merry Christmas to all.

Foggy, going to 50 degrees. here? for Christmas????

S.J.

[KRM]

Merry Christmas to all from a sunny and 60s North Bluff above Marseilles!!

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Merry Christmas from sunny 59°F Southern Ohio 

May God bless you and your families 

Jim 

 

[wrmcclellan]

Merry Christmas all!

Still here. Lots going on. Got most of the big tornado damage to the house and fence repaired. The Mrs goes into hospital Jan 6 for surgery. She needed to heal for a few weeks before this next step. Doing ok.

Prayers for those in need

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

A beautiful day.  Everyone got here and left ok.  Lots of food and presents for all.  ran the trains.  Couple of hitches but got everything sorted out.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[anjdevil2]

Merry Christmas!!

My first post got swallowed up, so yeah, not going into detail again.

Christmas Eve after work, darted off to Manahawkin for Jenni's family and the feast of the 7 fishes, her niece and I had pasta.
Got back to Hightstown at 1110, got Mom then went to Midnight Mass, the 3 of us.  After Mass, Santa made an appearance, after which Jenni and I bedded down for 3 hours of sleep.  We were of to her ex'x house to take care of one of the cats, who needed insulin.

At 930, got to my parents house and started on cooking for the feast, back to my house at 1130 for a small gift exchange with the kids and Jenni.  The daughter's BF received from Santa, 2007 Jeep Liberty 4X4.  How he got that sucker down the chimney, I'll never know.  Christmas Magic I imagine...

BACK to the parents at 1230 to complete the feast prep, grace at 230, feasting completed by 4 and then desert at 5.  

We finally made it home by 10 and in bed by 1030.  I did get the convertible top latch for the roadrunner that I needed.  The right side was falling apart.

Jenni is going to Carlisle in July!!  Santa brought her an admission ticket to the show field for her 73 Charger.  Santa also gave her some N scale stuff.

I'm some whipped puppy, really tired.  Will be heading to the house for leftovers and some time with Dad.

Nice to see Roy - DJ's gotta stop giving those boys Miracle Gro....

Prayers for all those in need.

BACK to work!!

[ChiefEagles]

Was 60's and sunny.  Glad as I pressure washed this afternoon.  Got soaked.  Dry clothes now and dry hair.

Later.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Another good day.  Warm weather let me walk outside again as I did 5.2 miles+ in 1:25 for a 3.67 MPH average.  Getting better.  Added distance and speed which is always good.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Cloudy and 40 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  Need to get to the office this afternoon to finish up a project.  Then we brace for the grandsons (8 and 2yr olds) to arrive at Fifedom.  The youngest princess and I spent yesterday decorating a wooden garden picket fence (from Lowes), with ribbons and lights.  Then we placed it over a field of white batting.  All this in hopes of protecting the North Pole village and inhabitants from the curly haired "bumble".  

Had a nice Christmas dinner, and my folks came down off the mountain to share our table.  Nothing with flanges, just items to treat my bad shoulder... Gift cards will be used on new appliance for Fifedom.

Did spend time in the train room, especially when the Gingerbread Junction 0-6-0 wouldn't run.  Under the hood, found a 3/4 inch frame screw that made its way to the motor.  Humph. Closer inspection found that the other boiler frame screw was overtorqued, and the phillips head stripped.  QC asleep at Big L.  Milled out the frame to slip over the bad screw, and put it all back together.  Pulls like a champ, but doesn't smoke like one, and the rear coupler won't stay shut, no matter how I bend the mechanism.  Gonna CA it shut, and forget it.

[ChiefEagles]

Beautiful day out again.  Not much on agenda.  Got to go let grad dogs and cat out and in several times today.  Daughter having surgery.  May stay a period of the time.  Watch a movie.  Tired after pressure washing most of the afternoon yesterday.  Not use to such.

Later.

[KRM]

 Good evening,

Slow again today around the North Bluff, Sandra had PT @ 2:30 so I jacked around at Menards to kill time and picked up what I needed to run power for the garage door opener I did not get for Christmas.  Then when we got home I ran the conduit and wire so when I do get one it will be ready. I am going to try to get Sandra driving this weekend so she can go it alone to PT and get back to normal stuff. Otherwise a peaceful day. Be good, and God Bless!

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Another good day.  Blood sugar and pressure are both normal.  Went to Indiana Historical Society and Eiteljorg Museum.  The IHS had 92 Christmas trees on display representing various organizations.  Also had 2  "You are there" presentations, one on Madame Walker and her hair care firm and the other was on the Angel Mounds excavations.  Both fascinating.  The Eiteljorg had Jingle Rails, a Paul Busse production.  Everything was good today.  A little bit cooler but still nice. I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

Rich's Dad passed.  Prayers.

Headed east to hunt in shirt sleeves.  62 already.

Have a good one.

[wrmcclellan]

Prayers for Rich's (anjdevil) family

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Prayers for Rich's family.  Watched two matches of footie.  Went to Mass.  Warm weather.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[KRM]

 Prayers for Rich and Rich's family. I feel for him and others who have had this. But they need to thank God for all of the years they had and understand that it is the natural thing for parents to go first. Be strong and move on as their parents would want them to do. I lost my mom at 6 years old and my dad when I was 38. I have a hard time understanding how hard some have dealing with the way God has it laid out.  Just know there is a way worst pain and that is having one of your children going before you. As much as it hurts be grateful for all the time you had.  Life is a short gift given to all of us.

[ChiefEagles]

Continued prayers for Rich's family.

Unseasonably warm.  Guessed high today, 74.  Maybe some rain.

Being lazy.  Got to store tree as Wifey took down all Christmas yesterday.

Have a good one.

[sir james I]

A rainy day at 44 degrees. Ahh but we don't shovel rain. A quick trip to the closest mall today and there were real people roaming about. 

S.J.

[Banks]

Hello there,

Rich.......condolences, prayers for you and yours.

 

Not a lot going on here, watching the Kilchers but thinking DVR and early to bed. Had a nice Christmas with family.  Spent most of Thursday getting a ton of coal and shoveling it into the town house. Friday more disassembly of the Massey Ferguson. Decided to go ahead and replace the weak auxiliary hydraulic pump while we're this deep into it.

Other than that enjoying the Holidays

Prayers for those in need.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Warm and rainy.  Did some clean up upstairs.  Had to do some sort of pre census survey.  Watched 2 more episodes of "Rome".  Kevin, well said about life!  Did get some maybe good news.  Looks like railroad line that was cut due to road construction and other issues may reopen.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Thoughts with Rich.

Had a nice visit with oldest princess and her crew.  Had all my princesses and their mates over Saturday afternoon, and Wifey made us a great crabcake dinner.  The youngest grandson loved the North Pole layout, and the garden picket fence did its job.  It was just him and I under the tree, and his cute, "chugah-choo".  Took the older grandson to train room, and tutored him on hooking up the Colber bubbling water tank.  The look of satisfaction on that 8 year old's face was heartwarming, as he turned it on for the first try and it lit up.

The train that night wasn't as smooth, as we had reoccuring mechanical (and brain) issues.  We were due, what can I say.  Everyone is worn out.

The family left us yesterday afternoon, but also left me with a nasty sore throat.

[ChiefEagles]

Partly cloudy and 73.  Real breezy.  Getting up rest of Christmas from outside.  Enjoy the day.

[anjdevil2]

Good Morning.....

It's raining here and has been since yesterday afternoon.  Most appropriate, I guess.  

Thanks for praying and thinking about Dad.  The last 12 hours were the worst for him, he left us at 0300 Saturday morning, with my daughter and my sister at his bedside.  Mom was upstairs trying to sleep and Jenni and I were in the back room trying to catch a quick cat nap.  

Visitation and service has been set: https://barlowzimmer.com/book-of-memories/4064369/Mastriano-Richard/index.php
Fair Winds and Following Seas to my Dad...........

Mom went to church Sunday and then went shopping, she had some visitors and food was dropped off - typical from our Italian friends.

Jenni and I went shopping and eventually raided Walmart, purchased a veritable forest of trees, she picked up a 8 pack of single shot Nerf guns for a prankster at work with a total of 120 Nerf shots.....I wish I could see the video when that happens.

Spent the rest of the evening with Mom, my sister and my brother and his family from Virginia, they are staying over for the duration.

Busy day so far,  trying to get ahead of the curve today, my shop will be covered and I'll be on bereavement until next Tuesday.

I'll be checking in here and there.

Thanks again my friends.  Your support and understanding is overwhelming and very much appreciated by myself and my family.

[KRM]

Good to hear you have plenty of family with you in these hard times Rich.

WOW what a difference a day makes on The North Bluff,,,60s yesterday and low 30s today.

Wifey had an early PT so I dropped her off and went to Walmart and Menards to get some food and project stuff. When I got back to pick her up when we walked out to the car I got in the passenger seat and made her drive for the first time since her operation. It will be 4 weeks on new years day. She did just fine so now I will let her drive me home from my procedure on Friday. 

[arkady]

It is always rough losing a parent.  And not always for the obvious reasons.  It stirs up feelings that you might never even have suspected you had.  My condolences to you and your family.

My own father died ten years ago.  He would have been 94 this very day.  He never got to see his Lionel #252, that I resurrected from the trash, run again.  I hope you're watching now, Dad.  Happy birthday.

 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

I agree with Kevin, much colder today.  Got the Feb. CTT.  Good issue.  Finally went to see latest Star Wars.  Not the best one, definitely not the worst.  Hope they stop for a while and not try to milk the franchise too much ( or more than they already have ).  Got all the issues on the standard gauge layout fixed.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

 

[ChiefEagles]

Sunny and turned cold [already 55 out].  OH well.

Reupped for two more years with CTT and Trains.

Enjoy the last day of 2019.

Later.

[KRM]

V8Vega

I sold a car last Oct. and sent in the release of liability to the CA DMV. Now I get a letter that the car drove on a toll road and didn't pay. Apparently the DMV still has me as the owner.

I mailed back a letter that I sold the car and that I notified the DMV and I don't have a copy of the release of liability. 

Now I'm afraid they will just throw that in the trash and next letter I get a huge fine.

 

Dennis, how could that happen?? Did you leave your license plates on the car when you sold it and the toll reader saw them??

We went to PT this morning for wifey. I got my call a bit ago for my time for the scope and dilation of my throat on Friday. That will be 11:00am and I can’t eat or drink after midnight. What a bummer that will be.

We will be staying in tonight and tomorrow and watch Twilight Zone on the tube to bring in the new year. I think I have seen them all more than a few times but I like them.

You all have a safe night and a Happy New Year!!!

 

[8ntruck]

Haven't checked in here for a while. 

Here is hoping that everybody had a merry Christmas and will have a happy new year.

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Cold day.  Did a few errands.  Had a nice dinner with friends tonight.  I wish every one here a Happy New Year.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana