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Elliot´s Trackside Diner DECEMBER 2010 Locked

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  • Member since
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  • From: upstate NY
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Posted by galaxy on Friday, December 10, 2010 5:51 PM

fireman216

Hello gang...I would like an ice cold Pepsi...but the doctor swore me off caffeine. I had been having these weird heart palpitations the last few weeks and the made me wear a 24 heart monitor. And they found my heart speeding up with extra beats and slowing down with less beats. So know I get a trip to a cardiologist which hopefully will just mean some medication therapy.

I, too have heart palpataions issues {I call it a "flutter" as that is what it feels like.} I wore a monitor and had a battery of every cardiac test there is and started on one medication, took care of it, then a few years later they can back. SO I wore another monitor anad started another med, then we doubled the dose to make it work. Works now for me. So now I take two meds to control my heart rate. Occasionally I have palpitations, but am told they are "harmless", and that "people who have them don't like them". No doggies! DON"T like em. I also am told I have an abnormality in my EKG that bears consideration of having the complete batttery of tests again every 5 years, notably the Stress test. But I can get winded walking to the mailbox {severe asthma}, let alone JOG on a treadmill for 6 mins straight..I'd pass out so they have to do it with the injection adn MAN does it feel like you are gonna die! Hope medication therapy works for you!

cudaken

  If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. The job offer from Ashly never sounded great, but doable...

.. . My unemployment is $1692.00 a month. I was told I was being paid $10.00 a hour and I would work 40 hours, that is $1600.00 so it was $92.00 less. I would miss the $92.00 but I could deal with it. I was all so told that training was 2 weeks.

 ...The letter stated " I would receive $360.00 a week during training and training was 4-6 weeks! Even if the training only lasted 4 weeks. That is only $1440.00 or $252.00 less than I am getting now not counting Taxes! I am giving my mortgage company $500.00 ever two weeks to try to keep the house. That would leave less than $440.00 (taxes) to live on for a month. Then what if they keep me in training for 6 weeks?

Sounds like a bummer and I hate to be devil's advocate but:

1}unemployment doesn't last forever and now that you have a job-any job-regardless of pay-they will take you off the unemployment rolls.You cannot refuse the job based on getting less than unemployment or they will totally deny you unemployment.

2}You cannot  keep comparing your unemployment to your job pay. the two are mutually exclusive.

3} at least you found/now have a job...many whose unemployment ran out would kill to have your job.

4} you are not living in a tent YET.

5}You said your wife would get her SSI now that you are off unenjoyment. That will provide you with more money-possibly equal to or in excess of your unenjoyment.

6} many of us have had to cut back...take out your internet bill, cable or satelite tv bill, drop out cellphones in addition to land line-keep the land line usually cheaper than cells, drop newpaper adn magazine subscriptions, eat soup and bread more often, turn your heat down to 50* {cold I know but warm clothes will make up the difference}, Make every drop of gasoline count...these are things you can do to lower your monthly outgo. We will miss you online here, but you can acess us via the library computers!

Smile- you could be living in a tent at the edge of town freezing your male parts off and starving to death relying on a daily ration of soup and a slice of bread from a soup kitchen like some people.

 well guys, hope you all have a great evening, and Ken, Ulrich, try to get some good sleep!

 

EDIT: Oh, Hang it all! I got TOp Honors again so here is the credit card Flo....Eat up guys...lets all have porterhouse steaks today...with baked potato, and crisp steamed mixed veggies! And Bananas Foster to finish off our meal!

-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.

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Posted by howmus on Friday, December 10, 2010 6:39 PM

Evenin' folks,

Flo I'll have a bowl of the soup and some dry bread please..... and a glass of river water too, I guess.  I'd have more, but I have overspent the budget this month.... 

Well said Galaxy......  I guess if the world gives you lemons, you just have to make lemonade!  Ken, I know that doesn't make the situation any easier for you, but hopefully your wife will be able to get the SSI quickly.  And keep looking for something better out there.  Doesn't sound like a place I would want to work!

I went and bought the other gift I am getting my son for Christmas.  Yesterday I bought him a chainsaw (14" electric) so today I went to TSC for a 2000w generator they have.  Of course THAT one is sold out and they don't think there will be more coming before the end of the year....  But they can order it if I want.  Oh, they do have the next size (4000w) in stock for $75 more (not bad actually as it is double the power) so...... I bought THAT.  Hence the Credit Card is getting fuller than I like it.  Still have the little granddaughter to buy for and my sister (the one who doesn't believe in Christmas, but must have Christmas Dinner at her house because it is such a beautiful time of year). 

Catch you all later!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

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Posted by Packer on Friday, December 10, 2010 7:30 PM

Hey guys

Well work was hectic today. Reminds me why I want to quit so badly. Previous shift left everything a mess and did none of the other work they are supposed to do. Guess who picked up the slack? me, of course, while juggling a very busy day and the stuff I was supposed to do (on top of the stuff the previous shift should have done). I've gotten on to them about it, but they all usually dissappear when I pull up. Was supposed to leave at 3, but didn't get out till 4:30. At least I get paid more for it, lol.

Got gas again today. Since I put that berryman's (sp?) fuel system cleaner into the car, the mileage increased from 17.7 to 18.4. Probably will go up when I get a chance to swap clutches.

Ken,  congrats on the job.

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.

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Friday, December 10, 2010 7:34 PM

Congratulations on the job Ken. It's not easy finding a good job these days.

 

Don't remember off hand who asked me about flat cars recently but I'll be posting a link tomorrow to my second lot of items. There's a couple of flatcars listed.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by teen steam fan on Friday, December 10, 2010 8:58 PM

Hey guys. 

Congrats Ken, Hope things work out for you. 

Welp, went put riding again in the snow. Drifts drifts and more drifts. Oh, did I mention we have big drifts? Sigh Snow isn't bad, its the drifts I hate. 

My mom got sucked into a ditch last night. So it was me and my dad taking my Jeep, 4x4 high all the way down to Peotone, Took us 45 minutes to get half way and I can make the trip in 25-30 minutes in good weather. It was that bad. A girl my sister dances with called her dad and sent her brother out to recover them. Caved in the quarter panel and cracked the back bumper, and got the rear tire down by breaking the seal off the bead a bit. 

Talking of snow, I'm almost done building two snowploughs. They are freelanced off UK types built out American equipment I had lying around.

Hmmm, Steak. Dinner Thanks girls. 

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

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Posted by BamaCSX83 on Friday, December 10, 2010 11:48 PM

Happy late evening y'all.  W*rk was interesting to say the least.  We are still working through remodelling the store which is slow going with only two of us available to work on remodelling the store because we are essentially the only two that completely know how to do planograms, so yeah, its slow going.  I have officially decided that I am going to model the complete CSX Dothan Subdivision, from Montgomery, Al, to Bainbridge, GA (IIRC), it means more trackwork and benchwork to put down, and probably triple or more levels, but oh well, I wanna do it, so I'ma gonna do it.

Nothing else happening in my neck of the woods, going to turn in and head off to check for leaks in my eyelids. 

Goodnight, prayers, and best wishes to all, and as it seems to have become my way of saying it, later taters!

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12/11/2010
Posted by wetidlerjr on Saturday, December 11, 2010 5:30 AM

Good Morning ! from Tipton IN.

Bill Tidler Jr.

Near a cornfield in Indiana...

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Posted by blownout cylinder on Saturday, December 11, 2010 5:39 AM

Good Morning...

I am having a good holiday vacation by having a medical LOA --now that me heart defibrillator is getting 'installed' on Wednesday I'm getting ready to head off to the trainshow on Sunday at London's Centennial Hall ...apparently we have 75 vendors at this little event --- Smile, Wink & Grin

I hope this gets done properly--the last time I used Google Chrome it squashed all my posts---

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...

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Posted by cudaken on Saturday, December 11, 2010 6:54 AM

galaxy

 

 

 

 

 cudaken:

 

  If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. The job offer from Ashly never sounded great, but doable...

.. . My unemployment is $1692.00 a month. I was told I was being paid $10.00 a hour and I would work 40 hours, that is $1600.00 so it was $92.00 less. I would miss the $92.00 but I could deal with it. I was all so told that training was 2 weeks.

 ...The letter stated " I would receive $360.00 a week during training and training was 4-6 weeks! Even if the training only lasted 4 weeks. That is only $1440.00 or $252.00 less than I am getting now not counting Taxes! I am giving my mortgage company $500.00 ever two weeks to try to keep the house. That would leave less than $440.00 (taxes) to live on for a month. Then what if they keep me in training for 6 weeks?

 

 

Sounds like a bummer and I hate to be devil's advocate but:

1}unemployment doesn't last forever and now that you have a job-any job-regardless of pay-they will take you off the unemployment rolls.You cannot refuse the job based on getting less than unemployment or they will totally deny you unemployment.

 Yeah, this part bothers me. My unemployment extinction ends 2-27-2011. So even if I keep the job for only a month or 2 that will get me into spring. I all so know if they find out I turned down a job, I would lose my benefits.

2}You cannot  keep comparing your unemployment to your job pay. the two are mutually exclusive.

3} at least you found/now have a job...many whose unemployment ran out would kill to have your job.

4} you are not living in a tent YET.

 And I don't want to either! That what I am worried about, keeping the house.

5}You said your wife would get her SSI now that you are off unenjoyment. That will provide you with more money-possibly equal to or in excess of your unenjoyment.

 We talked with SSI Friday. She would not receive her first check till the middle of February. While better than nothing it would be approximately $253.00 a month.

6} many of us have had to cut back...take out your internet bill, cable or satelite tv bill, drop out cellphones in addition to land line-keep the land line usually cheaper than cells, drop newpaper adn magazine subscriptions, eat soup and bread more often, turn your heat down to 50* {cold I know but warm clothes will make up the difference}, Make every drop of gasoline count...these are things you can do to lower your monthly outgo. We will miss you online here, but you can acess us via the library computers!

 Boy, if you only knew my wife. Turn the temp down to 50? I have to fight with her to keep it down to 70. She is all wises cold. No cell phones, only luxury we have is cable TV and internet. Internet is a must, best way I have found get a job. Cable TV will have to go. Far as the Library lone computer, every time I am in there someone is on it.

 Make ever drop of gas count, with Sue that is a joke! When I drive are car, I get 19 to 21.5 MPG around town. Sue on the other hand gets 14 to 15.5 MPG. I have offered to show her how to get better mileage her retort was "I drive like I drive"?Then there the stupid Kohles Department store coupons. She keeps signing up new E Mail accounts under different name's, Kohles sends her a free $5.00 off coupons. If it under $5.00 she gets it for free. Bet she has gotten well $200 in coupons. It not like she can get stuff there we need, like bathroom tissue, dog food, garbage bags. No, she just brings home crap (way I see it) and I bet she has spent over $200.00 in gas getting the junk!

Smile- you could be living in a tent at the edge of town freezing your male parts off and starving to death relying on a daily ration of soup and a slice of bread from a soup kitchen like some people.

 More than likely I will keep the job. I keep reminding my self it is only 4 to 6 weeks then I will get the $400.00 base. I all so need to read the packet I got and see if there is a commission rate is listed. I am a pretty good salesperson and might make good money there. Plus I can keep looking as well with only working 40 hours a week.

 Guess what is bothering me the most is I was not told all this up front! If I had been, then it would have been easier to sallow.

 

 Ken

I hate Rust

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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Saturday, December 11, 2010 7:07 AM

Good morning. It's 56° and cloudy. The high will be 70° and there's a 50% chance of rain. Low tonight is projected to be 31°.

Looks like more work today with the drywall compound. Didn't get it in around as much track yesterday as I would have liked. I hope to get it done today. Tonight I'll be going out to dinner with my sister then we'll go see a movie.

I have another lot of HO model railroad stuff together. The list can be found HERE.

 

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


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Posted by Robby P. on Saturday, December 11, 2010 7:12 AM

 Good morning.  No snow but its coming!!

 Just a normal; Saturday for me.  Clothes, clean the house, and maybe some basement tome later.

 Ken.........Its a job.   I hope it all works out for you.

 "Rust, whats not to love?"      

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Posted by JPowell on Saturday, December 11, 2010 8:25 AM

Good morning Gang!

  Hope everyone has a great Saturday! For those of you in the Minnesota/Iowa area... Stay home and don't go out in that blizzard! Speaking of blizzard... wow did we get alot of SNOW here in the Syracuse area. I just wish my "big" snowblower didn't have BAD gas in it so I could have saved $500 @ Lowe's for a new smaller one!!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Well gang... I'm off. Need to start doing some shopping for the big day!

Take care!

//signed// John Powell President / CEO CNY Transportation Corp (fictional)

http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s303/nuts4sports34/

Hunter - When we met in January of 2000, you were just a 6 week old pup who walked his way into this heart of mine as the only runt in the litter who would come over to me. And today, I sit here and tell you I am sorry we had to put you down. It was the best thing for you and also the right thing to do. May you now rest in peace and comfort. Love, Dad. 8 June 2010

I love you and miss you Mom. Say hi to everyone up there for me. Rest in peace and comfort. Love, John. 29 March 2017

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Posted by GMTRacing on Saturday, December 11, 2010 9:16 AM

Good morning all,

   28F with a bit of snow still on the ground. Feels warmer than it is though and the sun's out.

    In the shop for another Saturday. Pretty much the only day I get to acomplish stuff without the world under foot.  Not too much to report on the MRR front but i am trying to keep up with the HD list so I can eventually get back into the basement .

   Hope everyone is hangin' in there. Ken - at least it's a foot in the door even if financially impossible at first.

   Catch y'all later, J.R.

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Posted by howmus on Saturday, December 11, 2010 9:34 AM

Mornin' everyone!

Zoe, I'll have the #2 special this morning.  Over easy on the eggs, bacon, home fries, and a double order of sourdough toast.

Rather dull and gray outside this morning in the Finger Lakes region of NY.  Currently 33°F with a high of 34° later this afternoon.  Tomorrow they are saying Rain....  About 1/2" worth.  Luckily the temp will get up to 38° so there should not be a lot of ice on the roads.

I'm just waiting for my son to arrive and take the truck to get their tree.  Should be calling any minute now.  When he brings the truck back I get to watch the granddaughters for a while so they can do some shopping.

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! 

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Posted by TMarsh on Saturday, December 11, 2010 10:00 AM

Good Morning! Fried potatoes with onions and green peppers and coffee please. Thanks.

I’m keeping my mouth shut on the weather.

Me no pick up Mom today. As strange as it may sound, I’m kinda glad. Last night she was with the doctor as he was giving her her discharge he walked her about 10 feet and she got dizzy and weak. Sat her down, took her BP and it was 40 over 20. He said “call Todd, you aren’t going anywhere” I’m glad this stuff is starting to happen when the doctors are around. Maybe, just maybe they can figure something out.

House front. Another dumpster will be swapped out with the current one on Monday. In the mean time I will do some things I can do that do not require a dumpster.

Larry- About the LHS. I try to support my LHS with most all purchases I make if I can. Not a criticism. Sounds like one I know, but it’s not.

Naturally I’m not going to give up something just because they don’t carry it. I do order off the net but usually for items that the LHS doesn’t have or will have to order anyway AND if the price is lower than the LHS including shipping and/or gas. I know some feel I should support my LHS no matter what, but my wallet says save when I can and I can get more. Luckily for me though, both LHS’s near me, so to speak, are 20% discount so the internet prices are generally the same anyway so I’m not saving anything usually other than tax, of which I have no problem paying, but that usually is offset or cheaper than shipping or if it isn’t… nyah. if I have to order, I usually order from home as trips to Springfield at this time are scheduled and may not align with the delivery at the HS and well, it’s more convenient since I have to wait anyway. I guess I just prefer to stroll the LHS than a computer screen, but some aren’t as lucky to have LHS’s so close or discounted, and others just like to get their stuff easily in their spare time at home. Either way works for me.

Sorry G-man, I’d love to give you some pep but I don’t seem to even have enough for me lately.Sleep

Ken- Not really following the interview here. Did I understand the lady called the letter the Slandered Job Offer? So she knew you where told wrong? Or the letter is wrong? Sounds fishy, BUT bright side…..you have a job. Makes for a more understanding bank sometimes too. ( you are showing movement forwards instead of stagnation. Or, to wrongly lump with others, (which they will do), just ride out unemployment content .) I agree with G, well, except for the 50degree thing. And the internet and cable part, but that depends on the finances. And I sure do know about the internet a must for the job hunt. Here, you can’t even fill out an app for Hardee’s without them saying, “you must apply on online.” ??? if I need a job, I may not have an “online” till I get a job. I’ve not seen many open terminals at libraries either. Or so I’ve been told. Soup sounds good though. I loooove soup. Brenda just whipped up a batch of cabbage soup last night. House still smells great. Anyway, like they said, it will be tight, a lot of us have that. Some worse than others. Just ask Ulrich. Like they said, with the wifes SSI and any kind of bonus you may get you may find yourself above what you had. And like I said, this job sure don’t mean you have to quit looking.

J.P.- Bad gas got me on a generator a few years ago. ( Laughjust re read that. Funny!) Even went so far as to replace the pickup. Then drained gas and put in new and it took off great. Funny thing is the gas was only about three months old. (Iknow, Iknow what they say. However, I have always over wintered gas in my mowers and the gas in the generator now is at least 5 months and it starts on the second pull as late as last Wednesday.) AND it was the very first time I’d added Stay-bil to the fuel can. Dumped the rest in the truck, never used the stuff since.

Welp, getting a very, VERY late start today, but I’s just plain tired and said what is an hour or two? But I now must get a move on so…

Y’all have a Great Day now ya hear?!!!

(Bad gas got me.......(chuckle))

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. Laugh

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Posted by galaxy on Saturday, December 11, 2010 11:17 AM

TMarsh

Sorry G-man, I’d love to give you some pep but I don’t seem to even have enough for me lately.Sleep

Ken- ... BUT bright side…..you have a job. Makes for a more understanding bank sometimes too....I agree with G, well, except for the 50degree thing. ...

I'll have to tell you all sonehting that may make you stop  crying in your {soup kitchen} soup. It's no secret I am on disability. Before I got my disability approved finally after three tries and going through 2 levels of hoops twice, and 3 levels of hoops to see an Administration Law Judge the third time who approved my disability claim, I had to live on welfare. It took me a year of panhandling to get welfare as i was considered "able bodied single male with no children", even with my pending disability application.

I got $325/month to pay rent, electricity and {some} heat. I got $75/month in food stamps. I had NO CHOICE but to keep the heat set at 50* from onset of cold to about the middle of Dec. until I got my HEAP {Home Energy Assistance Program} AWard letter to tell me how much more propane I could afford for the rest of the winter based on the price it was at.Then, and only then could I change the 50* setting, but by mid-March, I had to turn back down the heat to 50* to save some propane to start off the following winter.  EAch fillup came with cash payment required on delivery.

The rent was $250, paid in 2 installments as my $325 came in bimonthly installments. I was fortunate enugh to rent a dump of a drafty cottage with an understanding landlord who allowed me bimonthly payments without charging late fee. But boy was he there at the door with hand out on the 1st and the 15th. My electric I had to hold to $25 a month, allowing 1 30 gals of electric hot water a day and one light in the LR and a night light in the kit and bath to see by.One clock and the {air broadcast stations only} TV for rntertainment. I used the stove only once a day to heat somehting it was electric too.

I had no phone for a long time, people had to call my landlord who had to bring the cordless phone out to me...only my  mother or other important DSS calls were allowed. When I got a phone it cost me $20 because I got a disount for having Medicaid.

The food stamps., although I shopped frugally didn't always last. I used to volunteer weekly at a food pantry I walked 5 miles to and from there  to be able to bring home a bag of extra groceries a month. I would visit soup kitchens for extra hot meals, as I rarely used the electricity on the stove if I could avoid it adding to the electric bill,  

I got medical care only what medicaid covered and scripts only that they covered. I had to save pennies to afford bus fair to get to DSS appointements. I used to go around collecting cans and bottles to take back for the nickel deposit.

I have had good insurance in my life, And had no insurance, and had Medicaid only, and have had medicare/medicaid. You get treated the worst on medicaid only as they only get a pittance of payment from the state... having no insurance is better as they assume that they can sue you and get maybe more out of you than medicaid woudl pay. I racked up about $100k inhospital bills before  I got my disability nd medicare. I still have medicaid to pick up what medicare doesn't. but I PAY $172 a month out of my disability check to have that medicaid as secondary coverage to my medicare so I pay little out of pocket. Medicare at least they treat you good.

When I finally got approved for my SSD, teh amount of money was stageringly high compared to what I had be used to. Now it seems not enough.

My parents would sometimes help me out by buying much need things like toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, laundry soap etc. adn occasionally clothes  that foodstamps couldn't buy.

Now, MOH helps with teh bills, but MOH is low income and I would be in teh poor house again if I had to survive on my SSD only. I would manage, though I guess. At least there are two of us now paying the bills. WE both live like we are poor, as that is how we have extra money for thing like tirps to see/ride steamtrains, and have a hoby like model RRing. Plus his father and my father occasionally give us cash gifts atht help us along.

MIND YOU ALL...I had worked 2 jobs at a time, all the time in my working life from 17 til 35 years of age, prior to becoming unbearably disabled, a combination of mental illness and physical illness. SO I worked, I payed my SS taxes and when I needed it, SSD was there like it is supposed to be for anyone who becomes or is disabled. My fear now, is that with cut backs with SS that i may get cut out of the system and or have my benefits greatly reduced. I can not concieve going back to work now, companies will hire "token " disabled people, but most places will not hire someone who has spentthe last 8 years on disability.

I DO feel sorry for Ken if his wife cannot control her spending, though. At least I don't have that problem.

I feel sorry for those who have lost their homes and are in tents on the edge of town living off gruel everyday.

WEll, enough dpressing stuff, I have the train nut friend of ours coming today. I wrapped his xmas presents. Trains stuff, of course. A Maywood station, a pickup vegetable dealer who sells out of his pickup and some people to populate his station, all in HO ofcourse...

well gotta run.

AHvea  great day

-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.

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Posted by AmanaMedic on Saturday, December 11, 2010 12:22 PM

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood (I guess) Morning.

JP: Yup, 'sposed to be blizzarding later today. We be getting rain, rain, and more rain so far. My guess is it is to ensure THAT all of the salt brine the IDiOT (Iowa Dept. of Transportation) put down on the highways yesterday...gets thoroughly washed away before the rain freezes and the s**w starts. Which means, we'll have a lovely layer of ice, then s**w, then blowing/drifting s**w, then sub-zero cold followed by a week's worth of temperatures too low too allow road salt to do it's thing.

I hate living in Iowa some days... Specifically From about Nov. 1 to April 30 (s**w season). I also hate living in Iowa from June 1 to Sept. 30 (hot season).

GALAXY, CUDA KEN, et. al: 50 degrees on the thermostat??? Been there. Done THAT. This old house still has the old, very old oil-burning furnace, mostly original (drafty) windows, and other "issues." So...to run the furnace meant setting the thermostat at 50. Yes, it was cold in the house. Yes, we wore coats inside. But...we made it through. With oil prices this year currently over $3/gallon....the furnace is off. We have strategically deployed space heaters, which brings individual room temps. up to a very comfortable 70 degrees. The Wife figured we SAVED over $2,000 last year by doing this vs. trying to cough-up the bucks to buy oil (cash on delivery).

I had a much, much longer rant...but decided against it. I'm all for helping those truly in need...not a problem with THAT. I also agree with...Ben Franklin (I think it was) who warned against "making people comfortable in their poverty."

KEN, I truly wish you the best of luck in THAT new job. For whatever it's worth (maybe nothing at all)  I've had a number of J*O*B's: THAT's "Just Obtaining Bucks" over the years, because I was out of w**K, and needed something/anything to pay the bills. I also sold-off a bunch of stuff on theBay as well to keep up on payments and bills. I sold-off some things I really didn't want to...but to keep "current" on bills/payments, "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." I've been grunt labor at a tree farm, grunt labor at an auction house ($8/hr. no bennies, all the abuse you could take), I've delivered and assembled office furniture (only guy on the crew WITHOUT a criminal record...), delivered/serviced/sold/rented home medical equipment and supplies, and now part-time for life reporter/photographer. Maybe, just maybe our new owner will make it full-time.

THAT's right boys and girls... Mr. Publisher and Mrs. THAT Editor have been trying to sell the newspapers. Last we heard, the deal is "in the hands of the lawyers." Seems they voted for "hope and change," but when they realized the full impact on small business...especially starting 1 January, 20 and 11...they decided it wasn't such a good deal...for them. So, they moved up selling the operation by about 4-5 years. They are scrambling to get the deal sealed BEFORE 12/31/10, so starting 1/1/11...any/all new taxes, insurance requirements, regulations, etc. are ALL the new owner's problems... I guess they didn't get the "hope and change" they thought they were voting for... But, they were more than happy to share my "Christmas bonus" with the federal government. Yup yup. Got a surprise check yesterday at "Facetime." THAT Editor said it was a "Christmas bonus." 'Shore nuff...a nice little check, with a payroll stub. Seems they gave some to Social in-Security and some to Medicare as well!!!

Previous employers have just handed out cash... I don't want to sound ungrateful, heck, I wasn't expecting (I NEVER "expect" a bonus) anything especially in a year THAT saw our advertising go down the toilet; BUT I don't want to "share" it with the government either!!

I'm a-gonna grab a plate of cheeseburgers, a bucket of Coke, and have me a seat at the RC for a bit. With "no deeds to do, no promises to keep" at all this weekend...maybe, just maybe I can finish up the ex-Rock Island ballast hopper.

A good, SAFE day to us all,

Chris

The Cedar cRapids Industrial Branch: Proudly Shipping Yesterday's CrunchBerries Tomorrow!

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Saturday, December 11, 2010 12:49 PM

 Afternoon folks.

 Flo, I will take a Big Boy Sub, Tender of Fries and a Diet Dew.

Todd I was missed led during the first interview. I was told it was $10.00 a hour + commission. Now I knew I would not earn any commission during training. But I figured I would make the $10.00 a hour, won't you? If I had been told up front about the $360.00 a week during training I would have felt different about things.

 I all so understand why they do it! To get on the floor (start selling) you have to pass a test. Some people would be happy with the $400 a week. (if they are, there not sales people) So, that is why they have it set up to where you have to pass the test to get the $400.00 a week.

 Galaxy I am sorry you have had a tuff life, I have been there my self. Twice in my life my 68 Road Runner was my transportation and home.

 Far as hours worked, this is my first job scenes I was 26 that is 40 hours. From 27 till 54 years old I have worked 50 plus hours a week. 

 My self, I can get along with out much of anything. My wife on the other hand is spoiled. Cannot get her to turn lights or TV off when she leaves the room,  keep the heat down or buy economically priced food. Like we really need the silly Steakem's sandwiches or Corn Dogs.

 Far as her gas mileage, I wished it was because of speeding! She cannot keep a constant speed, accelerate, slow down, accelerate, slow down. Our Town Car will tell you how many miles of gas you have left, average MPG, instant MPG, and trip. I all wise have it on instant MPG, she all wise has it set to how many miles is left in gas. 

 Far as the new job. I am going to look at it has a opportunity. I am a good salesperson and have no reason to believe I won't make a good living there. Plus, it is only 6 miles from home! That sure will help with gas money.

 No more belly aching, it is what it is. Think it was more of the shock of finding out the way I did than anything!

 Trains are running great today. Using the mine section as a stand a lone (C Line), and not part of the A Line. Have two short steam engines running on the closed loop A line. Track seems a lot longer running 2 10 car trains, then 2 20 car trains! Whistling

 Heading to the LHS and the Library.

 See you all for dinner.

           Ken.

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 11, 2010 5:30 PM

Better to say hello, before the Diner disappears into the nirvana of page 2 Whistling

Zoe, as I am burning midnight oil again, would you please care to get me my usual insomnia special?

Ken - cheer up, mate! It´s a job, a start into a normal life again, nothing more, but also nothing less. I am sure you will be doing fine!

Trying to have sleep catch me, now...

 

SleepSleepSleepSigh

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Memphis, TN
  • 3,876 posts
Posted by Packers#1 on Saturday, December 11, 2010 5:54 PM

Hey ladies and gents...

Thought it was about time to poke my head in and say I'm not dead. Just been real worn out the past few weeks. Also ahven't had anything to do on the layout because I'm at a standstill until I ballast the track. but anyways, jsut wanted to say hola and that i'll try to check in more haha.

I doubt I'll get top, but I got the tab fellas

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Williamsville, ILL
  • 3,698 posts
Posted by TMarsh on Saturday, December 11, 2010 6:11 PM

Ken- Just to be clear, mainly for my mind, I didn't think you were bellyaching. Just upset because of the way the sales pitch for the job went. I was just confused over who labeled the letter ......what ever you called it. Can't remember now what you called it. Odd.

G- Oh boy do I undestand what it's like to have to turn the furnace down. Had to do that a few times as a youth. We had propane also. When propane went through the roof, the coats weren't just for outside anymore. What I meant by disagreeing was I don't like it not you should not have to. Hope you didn't take it wrong.

You know,all in all, every one of us has something many people don't.  There are many many people way far worse off than any of us here. That is something to be grateful for. 

Check out the derailment video on the Some Bad Track thread.

Time for the Christmas party for the truckers. They are having it at the Restaurant uptown so I'll be on the recieving end tonight. PLUS. I don't have to drive but a few blocks. Actually it's halfway across town, but that's only a few blocks.Laugh 

Been raining today most all day and now the temps are dropping like Presidential supporters. Gonna get icy I'm a feered. Hope not. I hate ice except in my soft drinks.   

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. Laugh

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Saturday, December 11, 2010 7:12 PM

Evening all,

Robby I went without satellite or cable for a while right after my divorce.  I bought one DVD each payday and I was good to go for a while.

I went to the train show at Lakeland College today, almost a bust until I found a table selling blue box kits for $3 each.  I bought 63 two day hoppers, unassembled and undecorated.  These will receive the LS&W markings sometime after the holidays.  I also picked up 4 more train signs; South Buffalo, Buffalo Creek, Lackawanna, and Akron-Canton & Youngstown.   I also found WS Hall & Duke and a set of WS roofers cheap.

I needed some fine ballast so I stopped at Hobbytown on the way home.  I will be sifting through this ballast to see if there is gold dust in the bottle somewhere… They were asking almost $14 for a shaker!

I thought Dorothy forgot about my birthday today but here she had hidden a over the top shop creeper and a hand full of micromark tools in the layout room for me. 

Ok back to work, looks like rain then snow tomorrow.  One weather guesser said Monday the snow will come in feet and NOAA said trace to 3”.  Both agree the temps will be in the negative most of the week…

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Saturday, December 11, 2010 7:54 PM

LSWrr
Evening all,
I needed some fine ballast so I stopped at Hobbytown on the way home.  I will be sifting through this ballast to see if there is gold dust in the bottle somewhere… They were asking almost $14 for a shaker!

It's here for half that:

http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=None&Item=WDSBALLAST&ID=20010851

-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.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Saturday, December 11, 2010 7:59 PM

Lee ... Just read the fine print in your post. HAPPY B'DAY!   Happy B-Day ... Sounds like you had a good trip to a train show. That's a lot of hoppers.

Ken ...  That may end up being a very fun job! Congrats!

I was using frequent flyer points to AZ, and look at the accommodations ........

Actually, it's not real. It's a prop. Smile, Wink & Grin

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Euclid, Ohio
  • 2,822 posts
Posted by LSWrr on Saturday, December 11, 2010 8:10 PM

Opps...23 hoppers not 63.

I normally pay $8/shaker from my LHS, but I'm stuck on a layout project and needed it for this weekends projects.  I'll be taking an inventory and making an order next month....

 

BM1 Lee Soule USCG (ret)
 L.S.&W Railroad Serving the Lower Great Lakes

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Saturday, December 11, 2010 8:34 PM

Evenin' Folks!

Flo, just a decaf for me tonight.  I'll go sit in the back by the fire.

Never made it downstairs to the layout today.  My son showed up late morning to borrow the truck, then returned it mid afternoon and dropped off the granddaughters at the same time....  The next two hours ran me completely out of steam.  Olivia was a very good girl and helped grandpa, but the little one, Emily Grace......  Talk about a ball of static electricity!  Art said she would probably lay down and take a nap....  Yeah, Right!  She was into everything, tried every button on every piece of electronic equipment......  Took all of my time just getting everything back working right again.  Then she terrorized the cats for a while....  Blackie has taken a liking to her but today she was playing too rough.  They both went and hid under my bed until the girls left.  Both of them sat down for a while and drew some pictures for grandpa, but most of the time Emily was running through the house creating havoc.  We then went out to a Mexican Restaurant here in town, whereupon Emily fell asleep in her chair....!  Now does this look like a little girl who would be in trouble for long?

I think she has entered the terrible twos!  She still has her grandpa's heart though, and gave me a big kiss when she left.

Printed up my Christmas Cards today and also the photos that will be included in them.  Hopefully tomorrow after church I can get them all signed and stuffed in the envelopes ready to be mailed.

Sure hope you folks in the path of the storm this weekend stay warm and safe!

Catch you all later!

73

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: Southern California
  • 1,475 posts
Posted by New Haven I-5 on Saturday, December 11, 2010 8:56 PM

Packers#1

Hey ladies and gents...

Thought it was about time to poke my head in and say I'm not dead. Just been real worn out the past few weeks. Also ahven't had anything to do on the layout because I'm at a standstill until I ballast the track. but anyways, jsut wanted to say hola and that i'll try to check in more haha.

I doubt I'll get top, but I got the tab fellas

  Same here Packer, except I've been gone for months. Nice to see everyone here though! Have a nice weekend!

- Luke

Modeling the Southern Pacific in the 1960's-1980's

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Saskatchewan
  • 2,201 posts
Posted by last mountain & eastern hogger on Saturday, December 11, 2010 9:21 PM

We can see Garry, The Prop is spinning !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Johnboy out.......................for now

from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North.. 

We have met the enemy,  and he is us............ (Pogo)

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Saturday, December 11, 2010 10:32 PM

Yes, Johnboy.

Here is the link to the Pima Air Museum in Tuscan......... It's really quite amazing! ... It's not trains but it is very near the UP mainline through Tuscan. ..... They have many planes. How about that SR71 Blackbird? The B17? The B29? The B36? The B47? The B52? ... The old Air Force One? ... The TWA Cosntellation?.......... Dozens more.... Even Russian MIG's. ... Copters, too.  We were there for an afternoon.

http://www.pimaair.org/

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 12, 2010 12:11 AM

Good Morning,

Did not catch much sleep last night and feel kinda worn out.

Chloe, coffee in an IV bag, please!

Lee - Happy B-Day and a big Cake from Petra and me! (Even if it is a little late now)

Ray -

howmus

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h259/slow_rr/Emily_11_10aw.jpg

- I don´t think there is a way to be mad at someone who can give you this look! She is just adorable!

CUL, Folks!

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