April 2020 Coffee Pot. 16 years old [April 1]. Bacon and Country Ham to smell up the kitchen. Some Eggs and Hot Coffee.

[KRM]

Back from the store. Almost got everything on the list.

Winter is still in charge here. Changed the oil and filter and serviced the new zero turn mower yesterday. Woke up to 26 degrees and a fresh cover of snow on The North Bluff above Marseilles today.

Decided to change some motive power on the layout yesterday. Pulled off the post war #41 and replaced it with my 1615 switcher. Also replaced the modern RI 2031 AA set with my MPC B&M 8654 and 8655 GP9 set. Thanks to RT for the new traction tires it is running fine again!!

Then I ordered a web cam for my PC from Dell.com. Hope it is not on back order.

See the money for nothing from the “money will fix everything” Government is in the bank account today. Hope the grand-kids don’t mind paying it back.

Oh well be good.

[ChiefEagles]

Chilly good morning.  47 [what a difference] and cloudy.  Shower over night.  Suppose to fair off.  Chilly tonight.  Cover plants in pots [have not planted in garden yet] tonight.  Wifey put a few thing back in greenhouse.

News media now having economist saying economical downfall.  Worse since the big depression.  Biggest problem.  News media.

Chores today.

My helper guy coming tomorrow.  His day off.  I asked if he wanted to rest.  He said no.  Fine with me.

Stay well.

[dougdagrump]

fifedog

 Even had a wild turkey fly across the road in front of us, just north of Romney. 

Hope the bottle was empty, wouldn't want to see any "mouth sanitizer" go to waste.  

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

Dry but cold this morning.  Semi busy at work yesterday.  No running on errands last night.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[fifedog]

Mornin' boys.  Clearing and 34 along the Patterson Creek cut-off.  I'll be working in the train room, concentrating on painting scenery in my "Trough" area. 

Yesterday, took Wifey for a drive, and headed south on WV28.  We actually were traversing the area that my train layout represents.  In early Spring, it is easy to view the South Branch Valley RR for most of its route.  We also circled around the South Branch Stockyard, and SBV engine house, in Moorefield.  And we stretched our legs out at Fort Mulligan, in Petersburg.  We observed the emerging colors, feeder streams, and rock formations along the line.  Even had a wild turkey fly across the road in front of us, just north of Romney.

[8ntruck]

Hope everybody had a nice Easter.  Ours was pretty quiet - just my wife and I.

I haven't checked in here for quite some time, as I have been working on a couple of remodeling projects around the house.  Finally got the drywall hung, and am preparing to start the mudding and sanding.

I discovered that the sink in the basement was overflowing Sunday afternoon.  Tried a couple of drain snakes to no avail.  Called Roto Rooter out, with the same effect.  He did confirm my suspsion that there was a hole in the pipe - which is under the basement floor.  This afternoon, I broke a hole in the floor around the drain pipe and discovered that the 2" iron elbow under the floor was rusted through.  I still need to dig more of the pipe out to find a solid connection point for the replacement plumbing.  On the bright side, I did treat myself to a new De Walt hammer drill to aid in the floor excavation.  Ah, the joys of living in a 100 year old house......

We were hoping to have gone to our property in Michigan a couple of weeks ago.  However, with the Covid 19 situation, we decided that we would be better off staying put where we are now.

About all for now.

[Banks]

Hello there,  

should be sleeping but wide awake . 

   glad everyone had a good Easter

We did well. Watched littlest grandaughters do an egg hunt from the car in their driveway when we dropped off their Easter things . Even the older 2 were glad to say hello when we dropped off theirs

Then watched American Music Theater's Jesus online.

   Came downstairs this morning to find water pouring out of  the dishwasher. Had a he!!uva mess. Sopped up the water in the kitchen with towels wringing them out in the sink. Most of it ended up in the basement soaking a bunch of boxes and filled up a toolbox..Cranked up the dehumidifier and got things sorted out.

Later I tore apart the dishwasher fill solenoid. Didn't find much. A little rust but nothing to make it stick. Put it back together and everything seems fine. Guaranteed we won't be going to bed with the dishwasher running anymore.

Found out Sunday evening that a friend from drags and hillclimb was killed Friday. Details are sketchy but his truck slipped off a jack and crushed him. He left behind a son in his early teens.

Best try to sleep.

Prayers for those in need and this pandemic to end soon.

[traindaddy1]

 Walt Disney World announced that 77,000 cast members will be temporarily furloughed next week. A real blow to Orlando.

Daughters are teaching classes from their homes (NYC & Orlando)

The sun is still shining in Florida and despite all, "We're In It Together" spirit is very evident.  

To all our Medical and Service people. 

Stay safe. This too shall pass.

[KRM]

Winter is sill in charge here.

I did my first ZOOM meeting today with the kids I set up and it worked well. Sure not the same as seeing them in the flesh. But we did have fun.

A early trip to Krogers tomorrow when I get up. I will let the wife sleep, crap she would never get moving that early anyway. We have a small list and I will burn through the store in no time.

 Got to agree with Don about the return to normal. Slow and easy, better than fast and stupid. Will work for me. 

 You guys stay safe and deal with it!

 

[dbaker48]

Evening,

SJ. Sorry to hear of the "State of Affairs", in Michigan lots of things seem a bit unreasonable for sure.  The Gov here was discussing getting "back" to normal, his speech made a lot of sense, priority being a gradual return, with priority being ensuring not to slip backwards regarding health.  Also working a "Regional" approach with the consensus of Oregon and Washington, talking with Arizona and Nevada as well.  Potentially opening restaurants with reduced seating possibly as much as 50%, waiters/waitresses wearing masks and gloves, customers having temperature taken at entry.  Possible openening restaurants in two weeks if trends continue improving. And more safeguards.  (Gas is $2.15 here.)

This really surprised me today was watching Smithsonian, they had a special regarding the Titanic.  Basic story is that there was a fire in the coal bunker, which was known prior to sailing.  The fire weakened two of the bulk heads, and they gave under pressure, causeing a rapid sinking of the ship.  Information was covered up during the 1912 investigation.  Interviews with the firemen were ignored, and subsequent testing and review of testimonies proved the theories.  I haven't done a good job explaining all the content in the show, but it was over whelming.  Going to see if I can confirm some of the information they referred to in the show.  The show was very intriguing!

Just thought I would share.

Weather here was AWESOME today, got to 81, couldn't do any yard work everything is still wet from all the rain we have had.  Tomorrow is suppose to be warmer, so will do it then.

Take care all and be safe!

[sir james I]

Sun and 40 today. Wind gust to 45 yesterday but no real damage except scattered garbage cans. For the first time in a while we went shopping. Found some Walmart brand TP this time out. Last time there was none to be found. Anywhere. They also had some 4 packs of Angel Soft but I wanted more than that so we won't need to go out again for 10/12 days. Oh by the way the state of Michigan is closed. Our dictator governor seems to issue new "acts" on a daiy basis. Gas is at $1.29 some places but we can't go anywhere. It'll fly up come summer 

S.J.

[dbaker48]

Greetings,

Sure looks like there was a lot of nasty weather around the country yesterday and last night!  Looks like the north east and central areas have more today as well.  Prayers for all.

We are actually supposed to have 80's today!  That's a huge difference for us since yesterday.  My big plans for the day is yard work. Need to get outside and air out a bit.

Did get some good news, we are suppose to be getting a refund on car insurance!!!!  Due to the effect of reduced driving due to the corona virus.  It could be as much as 15-20%!  Thats unbelievable!

Well take car all and be safe!

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

Traffic back to normal light pattern today.  Doug, concerning politcos, it is do as i say, not as I do.  Spent two hours grocery shopping last night as wife is terrified to leave house.  Consequently did not do much else.  Weather much colder this week.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Sunny, breezy and 74.  Beautiful day.  Chores to do here while Wifey went to FIL's.  Not me.  Too much to do.

MI Gov needs to be declared incompetent. She is nuts.  Rifle forum buddies from there are mad.  Be in a store and can't buy seed or paint. Can't fish. Wants all to go to grocery stores I guess and buy it.  

Stay well.  

 

[wrmcclellan]

Morning from 30's (??) nawth Texess lock-down...maybe 56 today...another cold one tonight.

Anj - glad the vehicles are OK!

 

[anjdevil2]

Good Morning !!

Flint - yeah, the unfortunate thing here is that Murphy was only elected because the urban populace of Camden, Hudson and Bergen Counties voted for this idiot. I'm not going into politics as a whole, but we are losing our freedoms including 2A, because of idiots like our Millionaire Governor.

Breezy and up to 50 today with bright SUN right now.  SNOHIZIO tonight up NAWTH of here, maybe.  Glad the major wind storm has passed for now.  Jenni and I did check the temp garages and the cars are safe and dry...for now.  I will be making a garage this summer - I can't take this everytime the wind blows I fear for the cars stress!

Got up in the train attic last night after cutting up some shelves for the Princess - she's only waited a year for them - cleared out and rearraigned some things and now have a little more room.  Uncovered and case of 15-20 cabooses (cabeese?) and will get them cleaned up and on the Spooky Town siding - they are all lighted caboose and that will go nicely on the siding.

Next project will be the wiring and the drops - might start tonight or sometime this week.  We will see.

That's all from Central Jersey - 

[KRM]

This is from last Oct.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot had a mini-me trick-or-treating

 

I could sure use a haircut.

[dougdagrump]

The one that really made me laugh like crazy, glad I wasn;t drinking coffee at the time, was the mayor of Chicago. A couple of the places deemed non-essential were barber shops and hair dressers Come to find out her honor the mayor got her hair done, her justification was essentially she is the public face of the city thus she needs to have a proper appearance.  

[Flintlock76]

'devil, I've been reading the North Jersey papers on line as I'm still curious as to what's going on back home.

I see quite a few people got an education recently concerning how "easy" it is to buy guns in New Jersey.  Easy for the bad guys, not so easy for the good guys!  

"I didn't know you had to do...."   "You mean I just CAN'T..."

I took a grim satisfaction in seeing people find out the mainstream media hasn't been telling the whole truth to to them.

You take it easy with the nasty weather up there!

[anjdevil2]

Happy Easter Monday - 

Cut the lawn on Saturday and dyed eggs with Mom and Jenni.

Had 7 at the house yesterday.  Ham and chicken parm, eggplant rollitini, Penne Vodka & Italian bread.  Dessert was Lamb cake, rum cake and tiramisu.

After dinner, we played a game of head words? and then installed two new porch lights and solar powered walkway lights that Dad never go around to doing so the back porch is finally lit and the walkways look nicer.

I received 200' for 18g black and red stranded wire for my drops and the red .110 connectors.  The black connectors are not scheduled until June (!!) so I'll just use the red ones - I have 100, so unless I'm doing 50 drops ----- lol.  Will need to run over the Princess's house later to cut some shelving for her.
With a combination or Fastrack and Atlas O, it shouldn't take too long to run.  I have my label maker to make sure I know what goes to where.

I completed the NAVY taker, I just need to find the chassis for it.  I used a 4000 grit sanding sponge to remove the Sunoco decal and it looks great.  I wanted a used well worn tanker to simulate some abuse but not weathered.  Should look good next to the factory and tanks I'm using.

The Fuhrer, I mean Governor Murphy wants to keep us locked until the end of May - he is getting a little too power hungry and I'm hoping there is some resistance. Most everything is open except for hobby stores and things like that.  I can go to Wally World or Shoprite or even Dairy Queen.  ALL the restaurants are available for take out - but sometimes, you just want to get out da house......We go out for short car rides just because - 

Storms - winds up to 50 MPH and LOTS o rain now, suppose to have hail and thunder with possible tornadoes later.  Wasn't this supposed to happen last month??  Up to 50 Degrees

Calling for SNOHIZO on Wednesday......

[KRM]

dougdagrump

Kev, Zoom is pretty cool but there have been a few issues, the BetterHalf had a ZOOM meeting with some of the other officers of the Children's Hospital Auxillary. At the end of the meeting somebady had hacked in and left a ZOOM bomb, we'll just describe it as anatomical photos that you would never find in any medical books.  There have also been reports of hackers using it to steal personal and financial info.

 

 I knew this Doug. They have changed their meetings now where you have to put in a password to enter the meetings to help with that. Used to be just the meeting number. My daughter said that the facebook video calling is the worst for hacking and stealing. Only a matter of time and they will find a way to hack anything. You got to try the best you can to be safe out there.

 

[Flintlock76]

wrmcclellan

Morning folks from bright and sunny lock-down. 39 and headed to 50 today? Thought it was April? 

Buckeye - you completely missed the point of those classes. The purpose was to create all kinds of graphs of stuff you did not understand and unable to explain to anyone else...this making the graph creator appear to have knowledge no one else has. The ones who did well are now research doctors, bank presidents, head economists, research scientists, and/or work for the federal government

 

And many of them demonstrate repeatedly the truth of the old saying "They're too smart for their own good!"   

When I was a kid I always wondered what was meant by that.  It didn't dawn on me until I grew older and witnessed various business and governmental failures on so many levels.

[dougdagrump]

Kev, Zoom is pretty cool but there have been a few issues, the BetterHalf had a ZOOM meeting with some of the other officers of the Children's Hospital Auxillary. At the end of the meeting somebady had hacked in and left a ZOOM bomb, we'll just describe it as anatomical photos that you would never find in any medical books.  There have also been reports of hackers using it to steal personal and financial info.

[KRM]

Just finished my first Zoom meeting with the daughter and grand-kids. WOW man,,, Just like Star Trek..

[ChiefEagles]

Storms swept through.  I slept through.  Not a lot of rain like some.  No wind damage like some.  

Going to shower and shave [haven'tg shaved in three days].

Go out and look for another hidden trailer park in our part of the county [got a call about].  Report to team.

Stay well. 

[wrmcclellan]

Morning folks from bright and sunny lock-down. 39 and headed to 50 today? Thought it was April? 

Buckeye - you completely missed the point of those classes. The purpose was to create all kinds of graphs of stuff you did not understand and unable to explain to anyone else...this making the graph creator appear to have knowledge no one else has. The ones who did well are now research doctors, bank presidents, head economists, research scientists, and/or work for the federal government

[KRM]

It is morning,

 From low 70s yesterday to 34 right now with a steady 30 mph wind.

I have found that you don’t realize how anti-social you are,,,,,,,,till there is a pandemic and your life doesn’t really change. 

Have a good day.

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

Shutdown, what shutdown!  Could not tell from the traffic today.  Mowed yesterday before the weather turned bad this week.  Temp dropped 15 degrees from the time I left home to when I got to work.  Ugh.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[dbaker48]

Happy Easter!!  Glad to see everyone had a good day, we dis as well.  Chris came over and the 3 of us had a very nice ham dinner.

Found out yesterday Kay's mom is being released from the care center this coming Wednesday.  This is going to be REAL interesting for sure.  So far she has only called here 3 times today, wanting to know why she hasn't been picked up and brought home.  

Take care all and be safe!

 

[KRM]

Thanks Buckeye, you said it better than I could. I did not have all of those classes, heck I was working from 13 on just because if I wanted something, I had to work for it. I did work 9 years in the engineering group at Caterpillar without the degree after I had my arm smashed. I was the guy with 22 years of doing what they designed and was the go between the shop floor where it happens and the guys who make it up. It was a good match. But I knew then, a good decision can’t happen without data.

 Dennis, your so right about going to the drags and watching them on TV!

 On to other things, We had a great time today, Our daughter and her two kids came over with a Ham and potatoes and other fixings and we cooked here, had a nice meal and there was plenty left for her to take home for her other side when he gets out of work tonight. The grand son wanted to ride the dirt bike. Well it is way tooooo wet. So I had him walk out in the yard and asked him if he thought it was a good idea. He said nope, I don’t think so Binka, so what can I drive. I let him sit on my lap and drive the old Gator CX up and down the lane and all around where it was dry enough to do it. It was so good to see those guys and we were at a count of five people well within range of okay. I hope you all had a good Easter and praise God for the blessing of the day.