fec153Jeff- Got your KCS box. Its a 50 footer in red. Plastic wheels but K/D's. Found a box for it but waiting for Deb to wrap it. I think its worth the 400. Uh,400 pennies,that is. Will mail it ASAP.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
G' afternoon....
Welp, the wind is blowing, the roads are slick, and I'm just waiting for the next rollover (or worse) to go out on.
"what goes around, comes around. It will be interesting to see just how you end up being blessed in this" Thanks Der John, but you see...despite having the nickname "Lucky," my brand of "luck" or "karma" usually is about 180 degrees from most people. I'm sure I'll be "blessed" with a more expensive than anticipated bill at the optomotrist and eye glass place. To add insult to injury, the FD gives us a yearly stipend...to thank us for our time and put some bucks toward anything lost, damaged, or ruined during the year. Welp...THAT check made Christmas possible... The ONE TIME I leave 'em on, and don't get stuck standing on the road directing traffic... I drop them into a snowy ditch and don't realize it right away.
But... it could be worse. It's just a momentary mental lapse THAT will cost me a few (OK, a lot) of bucks... In the end, for all my b***ching and whining about it, I'm not facing health issues, I don't have a dying friend, my family (both sides) are all healthy... this is just a PItA.
THAT said...
JEFF: Sorry to hear the test results. I've been wondering when they'd get around to mentioning taking the leg. I'm just pessimistic by nature/expect the worst. Here's hoping they get things turned around for you right quick!
PC: Sorry to hear about your friend. I'm not a minister, I don't even play one on TV, so I can't even imagine what it would be like to face a request to perform the funeral of a friend. On one hand, what an honor. On the other... what a daunting challenge. I have no doubt you'll rise to the challenge, and give your friend the greatest possible send-off.
Somebody around here said "it doesn't feel like Christmas this year."
With all the bad news floating around the Diner this year... I'd tend to agree.
So, I'm tacking up a pic from a recent shoot I did at the First United Methodist Church in North Liberty, Iowa. They used to have purple as the color of Advent...now they've gone to blue. They say it's the color of "hope and joy." Note, this "hope" is NOT what is being pedaled by a certain politician in Washington, D.C. I'm not a very religious person...but I think we could ALL use a dose of "hope" this Christmas...
Time to see if THAT has received everything I filed last night/today... and time to get a weather update.
Very best wishes to all...Rerun and I will stop in later.
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
Hey Rembrandt-Guess what? Boxcar is at the postoffice. You can expect it sat. or monday.
Best wishes.
Flip
PC ... IS that a PC Santa?
I'll say Merry Christmas now. We'll be traveling the next few days.
Prayers continue for Jeff's situation, for Ulrich's heart condition, and for Rob's very serious disease. Alos praying for various other diners and their families.
Have nice Christmas.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
fec153Hey Rembrandt-Guess what? Boxcar is at the postoffice. You can expect it sat. or monday.
Good Evening
*** clinglingling---stomp stomp-----sheeesh ---- kinda brisk out there!---Chloe!! Where'd everyone go?---***
Welp--got some of that running around done--picked up more supplies for the guest room(s) and had some cleaning to do and had to take the little one to the vet for the ol' Rabies shot and the check up---the vet makes a deal out of 'Spring'--always tells people that this fellow is a jumper--watch out for 'Spring' the springing 'Spring' etc
The layout has been put up a la Murphy Bed style---I'm going to get a thread done on building this thing once I find out where all my written notes went to. The photos seem to be not very explanatory by themselves. Oh well----
I have several people showing up for Christmas dinner this time---something like ---20(?)---just to make for some interesting times trying to ascertain just how much of some things one needs to get---
Jeff: Prayers for your health If it's not one thing it's another it seems like--
Chloe---I'll have a super sized crab salad with tartar sauce and a large RBF--- think I'll sit at the RC and see what's up in the stack o' mags here
[edit]----I see I stretched this post again-------
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
I LOVE RUGBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chloe, I'll take two dbl. bacon cheeseburgers with extra bacon and extra cheese please, and a gallon jug of powerade.
Practice today was awesome. did some drills with rucks, that was fun. Definitely signing up for this team.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Afternoon all from Sunny/SoggyCal:
Head up to Vancouver tonight on the "Coast Starlight" for Christmas with my son and his family. Really looking forward to it--not only the Holidays with them, but the train ride itself, of course, LOL! The "Christmas" Starlight is usually a lot of fun.
Assuming that UP doesn't act like it's normal ignorant self, I should arrive in Vancouver about 6:00 or so tomorrow evening. I understand there's quite a bit of snow in the Cascades, so the trip should be pretty spectacular (we usually hit the Oregon Cascades about very early morning--one BEAUTIFUL mountain range!). Just wish that the "Starlight" went through the lower Cascades around Mt. Shasta and the Sacramento River Canyon during the day--that's a really beautiful trip. But you can't have everything (he said with a sigh).
It's sunny and soggy here in the Valley, but wouldn't you know it, fifty miles east in the Sierra, it's still snowing. Like I've always said, if you get tired of the weather around here, WAIT for five minutes, LOL!
Keith: What a beautiful painting! And it couldn't be more appropriate for this time of year.
Jeff, Rob, Ulrich: Healing prayers for you all. May God be with you.
Went over to Railroad Hobbies in Roseville yesterday to see if they'd started getting in the Walthers "City" series of passenger cars (they did, but sold out). I've got this wonderful BLI set of "City of San Francisco" E-6 A-B-B diesels (GASP!) and they need a train to go behind them--desperately! Mike assured me that they'd have another shipment in between Christmas and New Years, I put in an order for the first two cars.
BUT--I found the infamous Woodland Sceinics "Mountain Lion" set. Remember way back on the Forum when a bunch of us were grousing about the fact that there were no HO scale Cougars? Well, someone must have listened over at WS, and here they are. 3 adults and 3 cubs. Neat set. Kinda 'cuddly', but I'm glad they're HO and not full scale. I'm going to put them around the layout when I get back. I mean, let's face it, those Prieser deer that I have in my forest have somehow reproduced themselves to where everywhere I look, there's antlers sticking out of almost every little bush, LOL! Now I can let Nature take its course (he said with an Evil Grin!).
So--gotta get the rest of the packing done, and then I'm heading down to the train station here in Sacramento. I catch the train at 11:50 or so (assuming, of course, UP isn't being its usual ignorant self--oh wait, I already said that, didn't I?).
Warmest wishes for the Season. Merry Christmas to all.
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Evenin' folks!
Flo just a cup of decafe for me. A R&GV Mug for it would be nice....... I'll go sit in the back booth and stay warm. It is currently a toasty 17°F here in the Finger Lakes.
I have finally conned....... er, found all the people that I need for ushering for the rest of the month....... Actually being head usher for the service is something I enjoy. Making phone call after phone call to find ushers this time of year isn't.....
Spent about an hour and a half painting rail tonight. Ran out of paint in the little cup I used and my back gave out at the same time. I figured it was time for a break. Still have 4' or so to get done. Where I was painting is a location that can be seen from both sides of the track so I had to paint both sides of each rail.
Tom, have a safe trip and a wonderful Christmas with your family. Last I heard you weren't going to get to Vancouver this Christmas.............. Glad you are able to do that!
I have one more big box to wrap tonight. Might just about have enough energy left to get it done....
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Hey ya'll, and RBF and some caramel popcorn for me.
I got a package today, in it is a locomtive that is older than most people here. A rivarossi U25C. I tested out with my DC powerpack and it actually runs pretty darned good. I'm going to concentrate on getting Kadees on it and milling down the wheelsets so the flanges aren't so deep. Then comes detailing and DCC. I am missing on of the sheet metal pilot pieces, but I'd end up making it have flat pilots anyways.
Vincent
Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....
2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.
I love getting mysterious gifts like that. I have several locos that run very well that came with no return address, no info on who sent them, just little things like notes that say 'I hope you enjoy this as much as I have'.
Good Evening, Chloe - uh, nope, after reading about Chris and Barry's "Adventures With Greasebombs", I will NOT be having any, thanks! Think my cholesterol and blood pressure both went up just from reading their accounts... I think I'll have a D&RGW mug of coffee, and an oatmeal raisin cookie, thank you.
Ulrich, (as with the others) I am much relieved to hear from you, and I hope they find out what caused that episode (and how to fix it) ASAP! Merry Christmas to you and Petra, and build up your energy as much as you can. Maybe eat some of Petra's fine cooking... Enjoy your time visiting with your son, and getting to meet his girlfriend. Hope he does great on his exams, also. I would guess, that with how tall you are, he is probably not very "little"...
Rob, you be taking good care of yourself, also, okay? (and rest up to build up your energy, too.
Ray, so did you exempt that lady on the beach from usher duty? You softie, you!
Chris, if I had a home connection for my laptop, I might see about that online backup. As is, I have an external drive I backup to weekly. But hey, you 'slacker' - only 800 iTunes songs? Not counting my podcasts I've downloaded, I have a bit under 4000... But I usually have over 300 CDs in my media-case that sits in the living room. Now if Ray uses iTunes, he probably has both of us beat! Thanks for putting up that photo of the 'blue tree'. Good one!
Garry, may you and Shelley have safe travels (both to Cincinnati and on your trip to Nashville). No particular plans for Christmas. i've debated about properly reaming out my daughter (after all the times I reminded her not to forget to get her mother cards for birthdays, holidays, etc.), but decided against it, as I figure it may be more due to her having trouble saying 'no' to visiting her in-laws on every holiday. I'm thinking about getting another roast to fix in the crockpot and trying to clear away some of the clutter while the Christmas music is playing. Too hard to find a smaller turkey *** (and to cook it) that I would like for Christmas (or Thanksgiving, either one). I may try to call my brother in L.A. area (if they're in town this year and not off somewhere).
Jeff - Is that BillMeLater just with Trains and Lanes, or are there other places that have that? And annoying as all $%^&* as that alarm was, I bet it's designed to wake someone up so they don't wake up (or not..) in a puddle of their fluids from a leak. Might beat some of the alternatives... Will pray that the doctor(s) can keep your leg/ankle/foot. As DerJohn said, there have been amazing advances in treatments in the past few years.
blownout cylinder fec153 Barry- How the heck do you TOAST a western omlette?? Coffee? Champagne?? Flip
fec153 Barry- How the heck do you TOAST a western omlette?? Coffee? Champagne?? Flip
Barry- How the heck do you TOAST a western omlette?? Coffee? Champagne??
Vincent, sounds like some good trading there. But my era doesn't involve much in the way of TOFC's, either. Will you be putting in a keyed ignition on your car (eventually)?
Sawyer, hope your nose heals up okay (and that you remember not to do that again when you get to the next practice or game).
Hmm, maybe once I get the wiring in, I'll try that gleaming thing. As for cork, I am in pretty good shape on that. Somewhere, some place I lived in during college, there was a roll of cork (about 3' or more wide), which I used on top of the plywood on my current layout sections, and I still have some more (maybe a couple of feet in length by the width). I had made my own cork roadbed from the original roll. Had it in my storage shed with other stuff (including my MRR items) for those years after my divorce until I restarted with MRR'ing a handful of years ago.
JR - I hadn't recalled an update lately on how your house is coming along. Is the storage container thingee gone out front, and how's the house looking now?
Todd, I dunno, it sounds like you understand women fine. It's just that (like some of the rest of us...) you don't like the reality of how things are, right? Happy gift-hunting!
Jerry - I like the looks of that RS-3. Enjoy your time with the family over the Christmas holidays.
Calif. Tom, good to hear you got those W-S cougars. I should've emailed you instead of posting here in the Diner. Your train ride sounds like a fun one - it's been way too long since my last one (say about 40 years plus a few months...), and it was by coach to Great Lakes (Navy boot camp) in (Michigan?). Somewhere up north...
PC, will include your friend (and your preparations for his funeral address) on my prayer list. I have confidence that you will do him right when the time comes.
Yep, this time of year (or any other), it's fun getting surprises (in the mail or under the tree).
Chris was talking about karma (sorta), and I had a funny kind of thing happen at w**k today. I'd got a call yesterday from one client, and one co-w**ker got the same person on a phone call first thing this a.m., and when he got done he said he'd told her to come in mid-day (and then told me he was gonna be gone from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ) Well, it turned out that by the time said 'problematic' (and long-winded) client arrived, I was busy with another client, and my co-w**ker wound up getting to deal with the problem one. That'll teach him to do that.. Wouldn't really wish certain clients on any of my co-w**kers.
I'd best be heading for home now - where did the time go? Prayers for the whole Diner, as it sounds like the biggest majority of us can use some.
Blessings and prayers,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
JimRCGMOJeff - Is that BillMeLater just with Trains and Lanes, or are there other places that have that? And annoying as all $%^&* as that alarm was, I bet it's designed to wake someone up so they don't wake up (or not..) in a puddle of their fluids from a leak. Might beat some of the alternatives... Will pray that the doctor(s) can keep your leg/ankle/foot. As DerJohn said, there have been amazing advances in treatments in the past few years.
JimRCGMOGood Evening, Chloe - uh, nope, after reading about Chris and Barry's "Adventures With Greasebombs", I will NOT be having any, thanks! Think my cholesterol and blood pressure both went up just from reading their accounts... I think I'll have a D&RGW mug of coffee, and an oatmeal raisin cookie, thank you.
Excoooose meeeeee---There was no issue with those greaseburgers---ev'body seem to have dese issues but me---nevaaaaa!!!
JimRCGMOPC, will include your friend (and your preparations for his funeral address) on my prayer list. I have confidence that you will do him right when the time comes.
We'll do the same from here as well--- PC: Take care--
JimRCGMO As for cork, I am in pretty good shape on that. Somewhere, some place I lived in during college, there was a roll of cork (about 3' or more wide), which I used on top of the plywood on my current layout sections, and I still have some more (maybe a couple of feet in length by the width). I had made my own cork roadbed from the original roll. Had it in my storage shed with other stuff (including my MRR items) for those years after my divorce until I restarted with MRR'ing a handful of years ago.
How long did you have that cork roll around? There is a roll of this in our neighbour's garage that he is trying to find out how long it does last---
Chloe. I'll just have a refill on that coffeee please---
Yes, yes, yes, I understand women perfectly. I just wish I could translate BEFORE and not after the fact.
Jeff- Don't know if you're a religious man, but I hope you'll take comfort in knowing you are being prayed for.
Garry- Have a safe trip and enjoy yourself.
PC- Sorry to hear about your friend. Hard as it may be, it is quite an honor to be asked. I hope your daughter doesn't feel as mine did. What she can't afford is the responsibility of the parent. Though it's her life and she can do what she wants, It's our job to support it. Todd said "try me" but Brenda gives in and that led to some of the finance shortages. Not a real happy camper I am. I don't think you'd learn anything from me in the "husband 101" course. Well, maybe love her with everything you got and life will be good no matter what.
Now that's just getting too mushy. Time to move on.
Chris- I agree with DerJohn. You're reward may appear in some way you may not even realize until later. Could be anything from a narrowly missed accident to a delicious Burrito the size of your head.
Today I almost committed a crime so I would be in jail over the holidays and I'd have an excuse NOT to be in town shopping. Unfortunately, I have a spotless record and don't want it to be tarnished. That, and I'm afraid I'd be given a cavity search. I found nothing so I shall have a restless night dreaming of venturing back to Springfield tomorrow. I'd be safer roaming Tom's layout with a raw steak around my neck saying here kitty kitty. I think I'll try and find one of those calendars Ray uses.
I did find a Boo-fay that has a $4.99 lunch. So I got that going for me. Now you watch, it'll have some catch like with 500 paid meals or something like that.
Prayers for those traveling and in need. Especially three of us.
Todd
Central Illinoyz
In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.
I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk.
Tall glass of cool lemon water, please.
Went to my old Doc today and it went well. There is much to consider though.
Long day doing more than I should have. Hope y'all are doing well.
Rob
Good Evening, Chloe? double greasebomb burger me please...and one for Rerun here too...
The local weather speculationists are still undecided about what the latest "weather event" is gonna be, what it's gonna do, when it's gonna hit. They've been screaming "ice ice baby!" now it's "rainin', a-rainin', a rainin' rainin' rainin' all over the world..." Apologies to Ice-T (???) and Brooke Benton. Either way, its supposed to be pure crap through Friday. Christmas with my folks in Cedar Rapids has been moved back to Sunday. Thanksgiving is with Loving Wife's family, Christmas with mine...and I try to hide from both sets on the other major hollidays...
Hey JIM: I just looked...I really must be an iTunes 'slacker,' turns out I've got 764 items in there. I could have more, I just don't dump entire CDs into it...usually just the 2, 3, or 4 tracks I bought it for. It's "the soundtrack of my life." I think a good counselor or shrink would be able to write a book on me if they understood the significance behind each item... Yeah, some I just like to listen to. Others...there's a memory (or two) associated. Heh, maybe when Al Zehimer comes for me I'll just listen for pleasure's sake...
TMarshChris- I agree with DerJohn. You're reward may appear in some way you may not even realize until later. Could be anything from a narrowly missed accident to a delicious Burrito the size of your head.
Maybe monkeys will fly out of a certain bodily cavity, singing "Stairway to Heaven" in perfect three-part harmony too while I'm gnawing on a can of mixed nuts with a bow on it.
I think Loving Wife wanted to continue our "tradition" of opening Christmas presents early... I just didn't feel very "Christmasy" tonight. Maybe I need to look upon THAT blue lighted tree some more myself. Best wishes, as always, for those with real problems and challenges tonight.
Chris (and Rerun)
Good Morning,
Chloe, I ll have a coffee in my new LKAB mug and a cinnamon roll, please. I´ ll stay here at the RC and watch who will drop by in the next hours. Whaddya say, what´s in the bag? Oh, it is just homemade chocolota chippers that Petra made - for you, Flo, Zoe, Janie and Vinnie. Just to say thank you to you for all your effort in keeping this place going. After all, it is Christmas...
I did not sleep well last night - just too many thoughts in my head. I am deeply worried about my health. I still feel numb and there is no improvement in my speech. I have to repeat everything twice and there are words which I cannot pronounce at all. Petra says I am mixing English and German - maybe there is a short in one of the bus wires in my head.
Jeff - to say I am concerned about your health would be a gross understatement. Petra took me to our church yesterday evening. There is a little corner for prayers and pledges. There is now a candle burning for you ...
I haven´t been to church for over 10 years and it was quite an experience to go there. It was a special mass with a lot of music - Bach´s Christmas Oratory. I am not a religious man, but I feel a lot more comfortable now, knowing that there is someone watching over us.
Tom - you are now on your way to Vancouver. I hope you have an enjoyable train ride and a good time with your relations. I remember taking this trip the other way around, from Seattle to Los Angeles, back in 1974 My "American" parents took me to Disneyland in Anaheim, and we decided to go by train. In those days, Amtrak still had traces of the grand old days of the super trains left - silver cutlery, silver finger bowls and thick white linnen table cloths in the diner. I will never forget this ride!
Petra is busy preparing all the goodies we will have in the next days. She is so happy that our son is joining us today and is eager to feed our "little one". Well, he is not really a little one, turning 23 soon and measuring up 6´ 2"...
A peaceful and enjoyable Christmas to all of you!
Good Morning--
Had to wake up my other sister this fine morning to get her going to TO today--she wanted to go early there to see some friends there before coming here tomorrow---got the other 3 down here already--had to pick them up at the airport at 4am this morning--flight was somewhat delayed because of a hoohaw on the plane of all the dang things --- some people just have to be the center of attention I guess
I'll be in and out over the next few days as the family and such are going to be all over the map--heeheehee --- and that may mean visitations at funny hours--
Ulrich, Jeff: Candles have been set at our house --prayers for you and yours this holiday season
Chloe, I'll have a coffee and some toast with jam please---I'll be at the RC with Ulrich here--
And so--in case we forget what holiday it is:
Have A Very Merry Christmas A Happy New Year!!!!!
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Mornin'!
Good to see Ulrich back in here! Hang in there buddy! Lots of folks are prayin' for ya! (like me!)
And Jeff, when is it you find out more on that leg?
pcarrellAnd Jeff, when is it you find out more on that leg?
Good morning. Coffee and a jumbo caramel roll please. I smell them baking. mm-mm-MM!
Today: Occasional rain and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 39. Breezy, with a east southeast wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Tonight: Occasional rain. Low around 39. Breezy, with a east southeast wind between 17 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Supposed to get about an inch by tomorrow.
I've made up my mind. I'm not going shopping at all today. If there is no present under the tree, well then maybe next year she'll say what she means or realize I'm not jumping through hoops every time she says boo. I'm the man of the family and that is the way it will be.
So, a modeling I will do as it is raining now. Maybe I'll hunt for an avatar. Maybe I'll take a nap, watch a little TV, scratch the dog. Who knows.
edit: WARNING!! A SIMPLE THOUGHT HAS TURNED INTO THE FOLLOWING LONG RANT!!
Ya know, I've been thinking about all this "Happy Holidays" "Seasons Greetings" anything but "Merry Christmas" And I noticed very few people say something other than Merry Christmas. The Stores and the media are the ones who spread the un cheer. Come to think of it, between the restaurant customers and my travels throughout the city, yesterday, not today I already said I'm not going, of all the people, strangers mainly, I recall one person who said 'Happy Holidays". One. EVERYone else said "Merry Christmas". Funny thing, the one who said Happy Holidays is the High School Principal. A very nice guy and a fellow Trustee at our Church. I guess as a leader in the public school system he must not show any political or religious favor. Weird. I guess they don't get the days off. I mean gee, as far as I know the ONLY reason we celebrate the 25th of December is the birth of Jesus. So, you take a holiday you are adamantly against. I wonder what they would say if, the business said you will work Christmas just like any other day. No day off, no early dismissal, no extra pay, no bonus, just another day. Of course I've personally never met, that I can recall, any of these don't offend me with your holiday people, so I can't say it would really be an issue. From what I see, it's Christmas time or well, Christmas time. They believe or they don't really care.
OK, here's where the REAL ranting started so I'll give another WARNING if you want to skip.
I think it's our Government scared of offending the tiny majority, has to be a majority because that's how our country is run, this tiny majority may stomp there feet and, and, and, what? Stomp their feet? We need to get someone who will REALLY read the Constitution, and all the other documents of the time. The Declaration of Independence for instance. Really read them, not just hit and miss, and then tell me our forefathers were not a God fearing people and that they in no way intended this to be a Christian country. HOGWASH!!! Stand up law makers and Judges! What are they going to do? Leave? I mean for crying out loud, they can stand up and cry about how there is no God at the top of their lungs, sing the praises of Allah, dance in the streets dressed like some weirdo in womens fishnet stockings and a bra on Gay rights day, or punch a Mule in the butt, but as soon as I say Jesus, I'm a criminal and must be hushed. The LARGEST religion in the world. Christianity, and I'm squashed. I don't go preaching like a mad man, and our ministering or spreading the word is not like the Bible thumping you hear about. Just a normal not afraid to say I go to church and talk of the things we do as in normal conversation not pushy buy always an invite to attend kinda thing. So why are the Hairy Krishna's allowed to stand in airports accosting people in the name of Religious Freedom, but I can't say Jesus unless I pronounce it Hey-Zoos. Sorry for the rant so early in the morning, but it really bugs me to see something in effect (or is it affect), potentially taken away for a reason I have only heard about and never witnessed. EVER!
Edit: RANT OVER SAFE TO UNPLUG EARS.
Well I best get a move on if I want to get some stuff done before heading into town. What? Oh, ehem, yah, uh, er, ahem, well I, uh have decided to go test my theory and wish people a Merry Christmas and see how many grumble or complain. Yup, that's the plan. NOT to buy any presents. Unless something catches my eye.
Have a Great Day!!!
Good morning. Its sunny!!!!! Almost forgot what the sun looked like.
Not mcuh planned today. Maybe finish up some shopping, and I was going to "hang out" at the wifes work. No kids today, and her staff is off. Its only 8:50am and since 8:00am its been three trains!! Her job is about 100ft from the Norfolk Southern line. I hope to get some video.
Todd......I agree. You have the right to religion, but you have to walk on egg shells. I have several tattoos( on both arms) and almost all of them are religious. When I wear short sleeves to work, I am waiting for someone to tell me to cover them. Hasn't happened yet, but I'm waiting for that day.
Plus I read somewhere, that the group wanting to stop the "Merry Christmas" is also wanting to stop all of the Christmas stuff (parades, tv shows, malls, etc...).
Well I better get the camera ready.
Everybody have a good morning.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
Robby P. Todd......I agree. You have the right to religion, but you have to walk on egg shells. I have several tattoos( on both arms) and almost all of them are religious. When I wear short sleeves to work, I am waiting for someone to tell me to cover them. Hasn't happened yet, but I'm waiting for that day. Plus I read somewhere, that the group wanting to stop the "Merry Christmas" is also wanting to stop all of the Christmas stuff (parades, tv shows, malls, etc...).
I'm just going to say a couple of things about this. I would like these people to see the faces of the kids that we had in the local childrens hospital when we started in on our little christmas caroling concertina we did. There is not a lot of joy in a hospital for them at this time of the year--like there is any at any other time of the year---and they love it when we sing to them. Wonder if these miserable louts would even be kind enough to even visit these children And another thing. You can have any other holiday from any other religion--the group mentions does have an animus for christianity after all--EXCEPT Christmas-----I just love it!! Christianity as the RADICAL OTHER. These poor people need Him and they can't stand it---
I'm getting off this heat treated -----
Good morning. It's 58 and cloudy with rain. Showers and isolated thunderstorms this morning and afternoon. Chance of rain is 70%.My schedule for today is pretty much open. A Home Health nurse should be coming out around noon to change the dressing on my foot and reattach the suction line for the wound vac. It had to be removed yesterday so the doc could examine the wound and do a debridement on it. The vac can't be reattached within 24 hours of such a procedure. Beyond that I have nothing planned except ,aybe some light work getting the layout cleaned up. Lately it's been the catch-all for pieces left over from projects, packages I'm preparing to send out and some things that just don't seem to have a place. There are also a few Pola structures I have to find a place for. Failing that they'll go into the storage bin under the layout. There's stuff in there that hasn't seen the light of day for years, some of it dating back to my N Scale days in the 80's.
Good Morning Diners!
It's a balmy -7C here right now and it is supposed to be that for the rest of the day. Can you say 'Heat Wave'?
I'm off on my 1 remaining day of holidays for this year as I have to do the running around to get various food stuffs on a list my wife has prepared for me. She is at work today after being up until 2 a.m. making the dessert for Christmas. It's called 'Frozen White Christmas' and it is really good.
Jeff, Gosh that was, how shall we say, disturbing news regarding your leg. I really admire your attitude in dealing with all the health issues you've been facing. Anyway I hope you can enjoy the holiday and that there is good news before the end of the year.
Ulrich, Great to see you back in the diner!
Jim, I wish you lived a little closer as I'm sure we could find a space for you at our table this year.
Amazingly I've managed to do a little here and there on the layout and put in another half dozen large trees in the village. It looks a lot better. I also re-soldered up the headlight for my Hudson that I had disconnected when I installed a decoder. It is on all the time but that is fine for a passenger loco.
Well it will soon be time to start out on my errands. I'm just waiting for the back to work traffic to die down a little.
CN Charlie
TMarsh (and others) Your rant has really struck a nerve. I don't normally post in the 'Diner' thread, but your big head, ignorant rant is in need of a response.
First off, there is no historical, documented, archealogical proof that Jesus ever existed, let alone that his birth was actually December 25th. The date of December 25th was chosen centuries ago as a way to assimilate non-christians and their traditions. Many Christmas (and christian) traditions and symbols do not have Christian roots but instead are based on ancient pagan traditions and symbols. The 25th was chosen becuase of its close to the winter solstice, an event celebrate in many ancient, non-christian societies. Christmas symbols like Christmas trees, mistletoe, yule logs, etc have nothing to do with Christmas. Do a little open minded research into the background of many of the Christmas traditions and you will see that they are rooted in ancient pagan traditons.
Most scholars that have studied and analyzed the biblical stories of Jesus' birth belief that he would have been born in either Spring or Fall - if born at all. The information in the stories do not match a December birth.
So, according to your thinking, all other non-christian holidays should be ignored. SInce these religions, and their holidays, are celebrated by a minority of people, they therefore are worthless. All people should work on Christmas or non should. I'm sure the policemen, firemen, hospital workers, hospitality (hotel, restaurant, etc) workers would love that. Also, since the telemarketers will be working on Christmas I'm sure you won't mind getting a few phone calls soliciting you to donate to any number of fine charitable organizations. I mean, after all it is Christmas day and what better way to show your goodwill toward man then to donate when call on that day. Can we call you on Easter too. Recognizing the diversity that makes up our society is what makes our society stronger. Recognizing the rights of others who think or act differently that you do, and respecting them, maybe by saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas shows that the world doesn't revolve you and your religious beliefs.
As far as the Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas greeting goes, say what you want, most people are not offended in the greeting of Merry Christmas but instead see the gesture as one of friendliness. I see you suffer from the common misconception that many people suffer from in thinking that because you are in the majority group that what you say, want, need, demand and think must be correct and done. That is not the belief this country was founded on. This country was founded on the belief that the minorities views and rights must be protected, not trampled upon by the majority. Consider that we just observed Thanksgiving. The puritans came to North America to flee the religious persecution they were experiencing in Europe. They were part of the minority and were unable to practice their religous beliefs as they wanted because of restrictions imposed by the state sanctioned religion. That right to religous freedom is at the foundation of our founding as a country and of our society. Does it allow Hare Krishnas at airports, I guess so, but I can't recall the last time I saw any religious group handing out propaganda at an airport. It is also this belief that allows fundamentalist Christian groups to protest at the funerals of servicemen killed defending this country. According to your statements, they should be allowed because they're Christians and in the majority so their protests must be right and accepted by everyone. It is also this "accept Christianity or else" mentality that lead to such historical events as the Inquisition, The Crusades, the destruction of ancient civilizations and other human tradegies all in the Jesus.
I've read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. And frankly, when I do it brings tears to my eyes. When you read it and understand it in the context of when and why it was written. They are amazing documents. Consider that the person(s) who wrote the Declaration was not this devote Christian that most people what to think Jefferson was. He was a Universalist. He had a belief in a higher authority, a supreme being, I've not seen or read anything where he was this devote, God fearing Christian to whom Jesus was the answer to all his concerns.
What sets this country apart from others is the watchful protection of the rights of the minority, yes even at the expense of the majoity sometiimes, by the government and the majority.
I don't know about others, but I'd prefer to think of God as something to be loved, that is accepting of all regardless of their beliefs and faults instead of being "God-fearing" and living my life in fear that if I do, say, or even think of the wrong thing that God will somehow seek revenge on me for my actions or turn me away.
TMarsh - do a little reading and give a little thought to what you say next time instead of showing such ignorance.
Good mornin', Chloe? stack of pancakes please 'n thank-you...with butter and maple-flavored corn syrup. Oh, and a bucket of coffee. Also, can I get some sausages to go? Rerun could use a little breakfast after he finally comes out from his blanket bunker.
TODD: AMEN BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As noted previously, I'm not overly religious...BUT, I've made it a point to say "Merry Christmas," AND mean it. Partially because THAT is the "reason for the season," partially to irritate certain people, partially to stand up for traditional American values. Yes, Christ's birth is the No. 1 reason...by far.
Good luck in your shopping today, and "let's be careful out there..."
ULRICH, JEFF, ROB: Best wishes and "good vibes" continue in your direction.
Like ULRICH, I couldn't sleep last night either. So, was wide-awake when the ice storm/winter weather event knocked out our power a little after 0400. It came back on shortly after 0700. Never have heard what happened: tree down, wire snap, fried squirrel, blown transformer, aliens from outer space... Just wondering if it will stay on. We're pretty well glazed over, and it's supposed to be "just warm enough" to be freezing rain...all day. Yippee.
THAT called, said I should stay home today (today is "Friday" for THAT and her papers). Seems she was "slippin' and slidin'" around Solon. I'd already filed everything in anticipation of being iced-in. Sounds like she got "gift baskets" for everybody... I'm wondering if Mr. Owner/Publisher will slip a "bonus" in with the paycheck he's mailing me today.
Today: One way or another, I'm going to put all the nonsense of this week OUT of my head, forget about budgets, financing, repairs and replacements. Today...I'm gonna find something to do at the RR table.
It's a "screw-off" day.
Be safe, and MERRY CHRISTMAS...
EDIT: Silver Pilot, I just saw your post... normally, I'd engage you in spirited debate. BUT, this is not the place for it. I won't jeopardize The Diner. I will say however, when a Fire Department is ordered to take down a sign saying "Merry Christmas" because it "may offend" somebody...then things are headed in the wrong direction. When "Christmas" can't be celebrated in schools...but a completely fabricated holliday can and is...or when a religion foreign to this country is celebrated, but NOT Christianity...there is a problem.
“The Constitution was never meant to prevent people from praying; its declared purpose was to protect their freedom to pray." - Ronald Reagan.
Merry Christmas, Silver Pilot.
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe, how about a nice big bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar, and a lot of dark roast coffee in a FGLK mug. Thank you ma'am, I'll be in the back booth by the stove keeping warm.
It is a nice seasonable 19°F outside my window this morning. The high may get all the way up to 22°F. There are also a few little white things floating around out there as well.
I will be spending some time making up a very large batch of my "World Famous Bread Stuffing" for the Community Lunch Program's Christmas Dinner here in Geneva. Figure I'll get it made up today and in the fridge ready to take with me to church on Christmas Eve. Tomorrow I will be making a large dish of Winter Squash for Christmas Dinner at my Son's Inlaws (I got invited since my sister is in Mexico).
Prayers for all in need!