Howdy all...Its sunny and 77 here after more storms yesterday evening...I'll have a sweet tea please..Thank you...we are having yearly inspection here in apartments today..no big deal they never amount to much but if you want something done ask right before inspection and they get right on it..I been working on small extension to other end of my fiddle yard it only about 6 inches but will give me a longer switching lead..Got decals on CGW caboose..Got F unit coming inswap deal to do aF unit..always like the long lash ups of F's that they ran...You all have a good one...Jerry
Chloe Kid, When you get a chance, I'll have a double Denver with celery sticks and a diet Dr. P. Thanks..
Well we have returned home and now back at work. Holiday (10 days) was at least 2 months too short .
Have enjoyed the "CAT" stories and adventures. Really glad we are dog people.
It has apparently rained most of the time since we left and another 2 inches is slated for tonight. The lawn is about 16 inches high and unless I get a chance to mow it after supper tonight before the rain starts, I'll be hooped until Sunday, as that is the first day we are supposed to see the sun. Rain until then. SO>>>>>>>>CN Charlie better keep those Rubber Boots handy.
ROB: Have you started the fencing on the new clearing yet? or maybe you are still working on the stumps. Is that a dynamite job or what?
Well I had better attend to work here. Catch ya all later.
Keep smiling ya here. Even if you don't feel like it, you'll sure keep them fooled........
Johnboy out................for now.
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Stong coffee in a SOUTHERN PACIFIC mug, please.
Have a good day y'all.
Rob
Good morning all,Rob, I haven’t used MRC decoders yet, however I have friends that will only buy MRC. The DNS144PS (Digitrax N-Scale w/sound) decoders at $49 each are the cheapest on the market. If you want something super good the Tsunami decoders are only $99 each.
BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret) L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes
Morning everyone!
Zoe I'll have a short stack of French Toast with a side order of bacon to go along with my Dark Roast Coffee (in a FGLK Mug) please.
galaxyteen steam fan... (RANT!!!!!) [explicative removed]...., *WARNING* Be very carefull, teen steam fan...that kind of BLATANT language is a violation of our code of ethics/posting of language here. You could get banned from the forum for using that kind of BLATANT language!
teen steam fan... (RANT!!!!!) [explicative removed]....,
*WARNING* Be very carefull, teen steam fan...that kind of BLATANT language is a violation of our code of ethics/posting of language here. You could get banned from the forum for using that kind of BLATANT language!
Thank you Galaxy. I was wondering of anyone else was offended by some of the language being used.
Dear Mr. Fan..... I can understand your frustration with both the cat and your cousins, there is still a need for certain civility here at the diner. You don't want to be introduced to Vinnie do you! As far as the cat, well my cats (all 3 that I have had in the past several years) have never gotten up on my layout. Once the 2 "boys" did get almost down the stairs, but a stomped foot, clap of my hands, and a good solid yell had them taking the steps back up stairs 3 at a time! The real reason they don't bother the layout is the door is kept closed! I understand you may not have THAT option, but it is the best and possibly only way to keep them off the layout. Other things may work (and may injure the cat), but when you are not there kittie will most likely find the layout again. Cats associate "NO" with the person not the object, so to speak.
Now as to your cousins...... What has already been said about Parenting has a lot too it. I would also add that lack of guidance and good parenting has very little to do with social economic level. It usually has much more to do with inheritance (how the parents themselves were raised).... I have no problems with a kid getting a good swat once in a while (particularly when safety is involved), but I have seen too many instances where it amounted to beating with little guidance being added. My 3 year old granddaughter is very respectful when she is around my train layout. She has never had a spanking yet. She does get a lot of guidance from parents, other relatives, and even old Grandpa. There may be some other reasons why your cousins are the way they are.. I see the coming my way, so I won't go into it.
BTW, I checked with my kitties to make sure they were not in on the raid on Mr. Steam Fan's layout. They responded as follows:
From Manét, "Me Daddy? I wouldn't do anything like THAT"
Blackie used his best French accent and said, "You accuse me of Evil Thing? How dare you! I stick out my tongue at you English Speaking Dog!"
And old Shiela at 21 years of age would have said (lost her to cancer a couple years ago), "You know darned well I can't jump that high anymore! Why do you think I had you set up a series of little hops so I can sit by you at the computer......?
Before I inherited these guys I was a dog person. Honest!
Today is the annual Strawberry Festival at my church. I will be setting up and providing a sound system for the event. Right now the weather is not co-operating so I have no idea whether I wilkl be setting up outside or inside..... Fun! This is one of the big social events in the community here, and we often get around 800 people for it. Entertainment is provided by both church, community, and school groups. When I was teaching Middle School Chorus, I always had my Select Group come and perform. It is good PR for the Music Program as well as a chance for the musicians to give back to the community.
Ulrich, so very sorry about the letter. Still hoping and praying something works out for you!
Ooooooohhhhhhh! The sun just appeared outside! Oh, now it's gone.
Best get moving!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Sir MadogI am pretty much at the end of my wisdom. There seems to be no suitable job for me. Petra also does not find a job, no wonder, she left teaching 25 years ago. Both of us are pretty depressed - where will all this end?
What is your background? What kind of work do you do? There's gotta be some way to make things work out.
Morning, Zoe - I'll have a short stack of pancakes, slice of butter on top, and that pitcher of maple syrup, please, plus a glass of Ed's OJ and a CAW mug of coffee. Thanks!
jeffrey-wimberlyYeah, he showed up near dark. His response was astonishment. He considers me a miser because I can live off of less than $700 a month and he spends more than that in two weeks.
TeenSteamFan, (as I understand it) the biggest difference about you is: 1) Your parents taught you about PRIVATE property, and respecting others' belongings, and 2) You understand about taking care of YOUR things. Now, as for your cousins,... Hey! How'd this soapbox pop out of the corner like that, and end up under my feet? But good to hear that you have obviously learned good sense and personal responsibility - and I haven't noticed that that is tied to any economic condition, as much as the parents took the time with their kids (instead of letting them run wild - which is an apt description, IMHO). Ditto what Chris said, too! Okay, box, back in your corner! By the way, TSF, you could get a big can of compressed air and if the cat gets up on the trains, squirt him/her with it (ears, nose, other places...) - should get the cat's attention and be a 'disincentive' to getting up on the layout. Every time you catch him/her there!
Robby, not sure if I'd suggest that you have your wife come along when you go see the 'repair' shop - could you hold her back if she got really hot under the collar? Hard part is trying (notice I said trying...) to stay cool while explaining to them what their expected reasonable thing that they should've done was. Do you have another place who could do the repairs, maybe? At least, you can indicate to your insurance company what you think of this 'repair' shop, and suggest they might need to have another option for their clients.
Ulrich, I guess it's as you said, 'good' news that your mother's health is not deteriorating and that the medications are holding things (somewhat) at bay now. Sorry to hear about the job letter. I will pray for an opening for you and Petra to be able to get to a better situation (even outside of Germany, if need be). Remember, try to move west - that will get you closer to this continent, anyway.
We had a front move through (or maybe just a summer afternoon pop-up storm) yesterday afternoon, giving us a little less than half an inch (about 1 cm.) of that clear wet stuff. Then we'll be back to hot and humid today. Ah, well, so long as the fans and A/C hold up.
I'll be at the window booth, trying to avoid that soapbox for a bit.
Blessings,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
Sir Madog Sorry, Zoe, nothing for me.
Sorry, Zoe, nothing for me.
Cheer up Madog...I will buy you lunch....on me!
Things are nto so good all over. Keep your chin up and be sure your present attitude doesn't show up any up and coming interviews! Employers like to hire "bright shiney happy people"!!! SO be a "bright shiney happy people" and see if it helps.
Then again with the world wide economic downturn, many others are suffering with you!
Good luck! keep :
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Good Afternoon Folks,
no, it is not a good afternoon for me, despite the nice weather we have. Today´s mail brought a letter, which I was eagerly awaiting. It has been a month now, since I went for that interview - but no luck! For whatever reason, they have turned down on me.
I am pretty much at the end of my wisdom. There seems to be no suitable job for me. Petra also does not find a job, no wonder, she left teaching 25 years ago. Both of us are pretty depressed - where will all this end?
Morning. Just coffee please. Not much to report since I was in here last. Pretty dark about everything.
Ulrich- Yeah, you're probably right. Most Brits don't really care about that. They are just glad we uncivilized ruffians found a piece of ground to colonize and get out of their hair. Unfortunately the rest of our neighbors on this continent get drug down by association. We Americans.
(Ahem)- The preceding was said in jest. Though they have their share of hoity toities, and I have met some, most of our friend in GB are wonderful down to earth people who have no ill feelings towards most, especially the United States. Nor do we towards them. Besides they did have one of the funniest shows on TV.
Well that's all I have to say. Well, not really, but trust me you don't have the time or the desire to listen to me rattle on just to hear my head roar.
Have a Great Day!!!
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.
All you need to deal with the cat is a squirt bottle full of water. It helps if you can set it so it has a decent range. It won't take long before the cat starts changing its mind if you simply reach for the bottle...
Plus its just devilish fun...
Can't help that though, gotta do whatcha gotta do...
John
If you can read this... thank a teacher. If you are reading this in english... thank a veteran
When in doubt. grab a hammer.
If it moves and isn't supposed to, get a hammer
If it doesn't move and is supposed to, get a hammer
If it's broken, get a hammer
If it can't be fixed with a hammer... DUCK TAPE!
Good Morning Everyone,
no news about my mother, which is good news. The cancer is at a really early stage, so they try to control it by medication, as surgery is out of question. Thanks for all the prayers and wishes - again, it is a comforting thought to know, that there are people, who care.
No news about my job, as well, other than that the government has stopped hiring for the moment, for budgetary reasons, as I understand. That leaves me in the game, but still with an uncertain outcome. Petra and I are looking for a place to go to, we both are pondering to leave Germany at the best chance, which hopefully may come soon.
teen steam fan - that´s quite a damage the cat has caused on your layout, certainly a reason to rant about those critters. Some time ago, there has been a thread on how to "control" cats in this forum, the best way seems to be making sure, that they cannot get anywhere near the layout. Hope you will be able to repair the damage.
Jeff - I am glad the work on your car is progressing. Without wheels, life is pretty miserable. Unfortunately, my old Merc is also starting to fail - it´s nothing big, but a load of small, but annoying things. I doubt, that the car will pass next year´s inspection, though, unless I dump a ton of money into it - money I simply don´t have. After the rent is paid, Petra and I have a little less than $ 800 to pay our bills and eat - considering the price level here, this is hardly enough to get by. I am glad, that Petra is such an excellent cook, who understands to make something out of nothing
Robby P. - I like that cement plant of yours - nice job!
TMarshI think some Brits are still upset over that whole tea in the harbor thing a few years back.
Todd - I don´t think the Brits still fuss about that little party they had a few years back in Boston. Actually, I have met some, who understand the Independence War as a great British victory. Wasn´t it a bunch of British colonialists, who successfully fought back German mercenaries? If I understand history correctly, the British troops were mainly recruited in Germany those days
You all have a good day!
Dodged the rain/storm bullet. The bulk skirted just to the east of us.like JUST east of us. Had a nice gentle rain we could have done without, but, considering what others around us got, I'll take it and not complain.
Jeff- H**l for a case of Lone Star or Pearl I'd had it in and running the day you got the tank. (easy to say from 700 miles away)
Parents? Parents? Why must we blame the parents? It's not their responsibility to raise their children. You have to understand that today is not like yesterday when a child was raised to respect an adult. Teachers were respected. Parents listened to other adults and acted to correct the situation. When children were held accountable for their actions . When there was a punishment for their crime sometimes making it uncomfortable to sit down for a while. Back when the principle in HIGH SCHOOL would ask "three swats or call your parents" and you would choose the three swats and hope he didn't call your parents anyway. (50/50 chance really, but still pretty good odds all things considered.) It's cruel to punish a child for acting out. After all, now we have all these horrible things happening that didn't happen then, like the school shootings, prisons and jails full, kids causing trouble in record numbers, mouthing off to adults and......., wait. Does anyone see a correlation here other than me?
I choose not to get involved in the cat conversation. I myself do not care to have a cat. However, there are several fine folks in here who have cats as loved members of their families. Like the funny looking caboose in another thread, if you like them, then by all means have as many as you like. To each their own. Cats, like sandals, are fine with me as long as they are someone elses. I just don't want one. As, I'm sure there are plenty who wouldn't have a dog. Ooops. I just involved myself in the conversation by un-involving myself
Robby- I might just be a bit upset myself.
Jeff- Did the BP employees by any chance say there were more tools out there than just in your tray? Or did they just stand there like, "it ain‘t my yard" .
I think some Brits are still upset over that whole tea in the harbor thing a few years back.
Prayers for those in need.
teen steam fanAnyone want to hear about the cat getting stuck in an air duct?
do tell. and like i said, get yourself an airsoft gun and some stakeout time; I guarantee you a few shots and that cat will not go NEAR your layout. and since those guns are designed for shooting at people (airsoft wars) it'd work for your cousins too but I think their parents would hate you and I dnt think your parents would approve...
Robby, geez, now that's screwed up!
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Good evening.
We have returned home. Tons of stuff to do.
Have you heard the news? Jesus was struck by lightning in Ohio. Anyone traveling on I-75 in southern Ohio in recent years could not help but see the 62' statue of Jesus. We saw it just three days ago. It's gone now. Lightning hit it.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_lightning_strikes_jesus_statue
Ulrich ... Sorry to learn about you mother's condition. Prayers for her.
Speaking of lightning, we're in a storm now.
Tean Steam Fan .... I solved a cat vs. layout problem years ago. I made trees by spreading Woodland Scenics foilage over thorns. We had a bush in the garden with some really sharp thorns like needles. I planted several of those trees on the layout. The cat soon stopped jumping up on the layout. The trees actually looked authentic. (ssshhhhhh .... Don't tell your sister if you do that. ) Meanwhile, I hope the cat does not use ballast for litter.
Happy model railroading.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Well we got the gas tank all hooked up today. Connecting the vent line was the hardest part as it has to go through the frame then bend around and connect to the tank. It took two big guys to muscle the tank around so there was enough of a gap to get an arm into. Problem was the line didn't want to bend very much. Once it was in though it straightened out quite a bit. One unfortunate thing did occur however. In all the moving about a couple of beers were knocked over onto the large drip pan we we're laying on and created quite a mess. It was heading right for the tools. Before that could happen I whipped off my shirt and used it to clean up the mess. Two BP employees were on hand to witness the cleanup which took less than 50 seconds. The only consequence is I now have a shirt that smells like Budweiser. Good thing laundry day is coming up soon. By the way, the tools were saved from a soaking and the environment was not compromised.
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
Robby...I like the building..Cornerstone kits are very well made.
A true friend will not bail you out of jail...he will be sitting next to you saying "that was friggin awesome dude!" Tim...Modeling the NYC...is there any other?
Chris......Do you mind if I use the "soap box"??? Thanks.
*RANT*
"Clears throat"........Well the body shop called to update us on the Sonata. Well for THREE weeks its been going to paint...THREE WEEKS!!!! The lady said it was going to the paint line, and they found a suspension problem!!!! They should have found that when the car was on the frame lift in week one!!!!!!!!!! The wife and I are FURIOUS!!!! Its going on eight weeks to fix this car. I'm calling them in the morning to tell them what I think of the whole situation. We are also going to see them Thursday. The wife is more mad than I am. Its been a nightmare. They should have totaled it from day one.
Ok the "soap box" is open again.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
teen steam fanMe, I have a 1952 Farmall,
I'm not really sure what color my collar is... I've had "white collar" jobs, I've had "blue collar" jobs. Either way, and don't doubt me... idiocy and self-centered arrogance know no color!! What it comes down to is personal responsibility, and basic old-fashioned common decency coupled with some simple respect for others and their belongings. There's just too many knuckle-dragging reprobate chowder heads out there THAT lack these traits which are essential to a civilized society.
teen steam fanZZ Top blasting from my Jeep.
It seems to me, there's been a plethora of discussions on cats and how to evict 'em from the layout. I'm in favor of dispatching kitty to wherever it is they go when the 9th life has been spent... But then, ya go back to respect for others and their belongings...can't really execute your sister's cat, unfortunately. There must be some deterrent to keep kitty off of there. Live wires on the power poles? Switch to three-rail and keep the center rail "hot?" An old buddy used to put Tobasco Sauce where he didn't want his cats to go...hot pepper too. Seems like once kitty got a nose full of hot pepper, it learned fast where to not be!!
Chris
The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!
Chips & salsa, please.
SteamFan, take a closer look at my previous "cattle" car comment....or the one I just wrote. I think we're on the same page. And I'll third those previous comments about parenting.
It"s here! Well, almost. Found one of those parcel slips in the mailbox this evening and it's from THAT online vendor. My wife's MRRing stuff has arrived. We'll pick it up tomorrow.
Thunder Boomers here. Keep 'em coming Ma Nature.
Cheers! Rob
Good afternoon, I'll take a plate of cheeseburgers (for me and Rerun) with a large Cherry RC Cola please 'n thank-you...
Ahhhh, another tale of kitty-created disaster. ***WARNING, ANTI-CAT STATEMENT FOLLOWS***
TEEN STEAM FAN: Cats are inherently EVIL.
THAT said, Mr. Rerun almost became an outdoor dog early in his career when as a pup, he pulled some freight cars off of a shelf. He then proceeded to chew them into near oblivion. He also got ahold of some limited edition die-cast fire apparatus. I came home from w**k to find a fleet of FDNY pumpers on the kitchen table in various states of destruction. It looked a little like something from the FDNY shops post-9-11. I was able to repair most of the Engines, 2 became a parts source as they were just too far gone... Steps were taken post-haste and forthwith to isolate Young Mr. Rerun from the expensive stuff. Funny thing was, he ignored the Hot Wheels and Road Champs stuff...went straight for the Code 3 Collectibles! My dog knows quality when he sees it!
Then, there was our wedding day. A very young nephew escaped the "supervision" of his parents and found the trains. "Trains CRASH!" he happily said as my mother found him sitting on the floor, bashing rail cars and locomotives together.
With critters, doors and deterance.
With kids... ***WARNING, RANT ENSUES***...where are the parents?? WHY are your mother's cousin's kids allowed to run wild, do whatever, break things, etc.???? I was taught THAT such actions would surely result in DEATH! Let me guess, when the little darlings break something, it's just shrugged off right? YOU probably get "in a jam" for barricading your door, and/or getting upset when YOUR things are broken. It just shouldn't be THAT way. Loving Wife and I were talking about this just the other day. She still regrets not putting everything up out of the nephew's reach. I still maintain THAT WE shouldn't have to have worried about THAT... THAT it falls upon the parents to...*gasp!* PARENT. I saw it again over the weekend as a bunch of young kids climbed all over a small apple tree, pulled developing apples off and threw/dropped them all over the place. ONE PARENT told a kid "it's not our tree...leave it alone." But, THAT same parent, not long after said to the kid "I've asked you several times now to leave the tree alone." "ASKED?" "ASKED?" How about "I TOLD you to leave it alone...now your butt is grass and my name is Toro!"???
OK, OK...rant ends, soapbox goes back to the corner...for now!
In other words, TEEN STEAM FAN, I KNOW your pain... and it's all 100% preventable. Kitty-proof barriers to the RR, and a CLOSED door to the kids coupled with some responsibility on the part of the "adults."
As Mark Levin says: "THERE, I SAID IT!"
Gee...I'm in a foul mood again...
Coffee refill, please.
***TeenSteamFan, perhaps your sister's cat was trying to make it look right from a cat's perspective? Hey, were those some new cattle cars I spotted on your layout?
Hope everyone is doing well.
Afternoon all!
Chloe I'll just have a RBF to tide me over to supper.
Robby P.Its afternoon already??
Yes it is, by golly! I spent much of the day at the R&GV Museum conducting tours for several classes of 5th. graders. They were on a field trip from Brighton, NY. I consider this stuff fun! I have always enjoyed teaching 5th. graders so this was right on track for me. Got some history in, a lot of information about how railroads run both now and back then. Mosty important, I did a bit of "Operation Lifesaver" stuff with them as we looked around the museum.
After they all left, I hung around shooting the breeze with some guys for about an hour and a half............
Ulrich, so sad to hear the news about your mom. My prayers also go out to you and yours!
OK, now I best get to w*rk......
Later!