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Jeffrey's Trackside Diner, February 2018 Locked

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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, February 23, 2018 11:22 AM

Hello, Folks

Good choice on the tuna steaks, Mr. Otte. I'll have mine cooked just a bit more thoroughly, that looka more like tuna sushi. And perhaps in a teriyaki maranade?

Not much happening around here. Last weekend in February, though.

How about a look at the old Mesta Machine Works in Homestead, PA.

 RPOetc2-22_0009 by Edmund, on Flickr

Mesta made much of the machinery for use in steel mills. Huge machinery!

I'll stop by later...

Cheers! Ed

 

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Posted by Steven Otte on Friday, February 23, 2018 8:55 AM

Good job, cudaken! Keep it up! Since I don't want to be the reason you fell off the wagon (or, as we call it here in the States, the boxcar), here's today's lunch special: sesame-crusted tuna steak!

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, February 23, 2018 8:14 AM

BigDaddy
chain link fences, RV's and boats in the driveways or weird colors on the houses.

.

There is why I sometimes think an HOA would be nice. 

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When I bought my house in Cape Coral 20 years ago, there were strictly enforced codes against all these things. And codes against parking vehicles on lawns, pickup trucks in driveways, BBQ grills in the front yard, etc.

.

Cape Coral now has over 150,000 residents, it is no longer majority-retired, and all of these codes, along with enforcement, have been relaxed.

.

Neighborhood HOAs are popping up everywhere to address these shortcomings.

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-Kevin

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Living the dream.

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Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, February 23, 2018 8:07 AM

As the current HOA president, I'd have to put a lien on your house until you pay your dues.  You are presented with the rules and convenants before settlement.  You don't get a choice.

We don't care about shrubs and curtains, we don't want chain link fences, RV's and boats in the driveways or weird colors on the houses.  The previous president did not care that his treasurer, who lived across the street from me, moved an RV to his driveway.

We also have a community waterfront, a private road to maintain and a fair amount of land that needs mowed or landscaped.  What we don't have is any receipts or contracts from the previous administration.  There certainly is room for mischief in a HOA.

 

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, February 23, 2018 8:01 AM

NWP SWP
I was surprised recently learn if you don't pay HOA dues you can be foreclosed upon

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This is only true if it is also a "deed restricted community". Several neighborhoods form HOAs to get beautification projects done that the munincipality will not fund. Some form HOAs for security (gates, guards, etc.).

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The deed restricted commuitites are generally higher end communities where proprrty values are dpendent on your neighbors ability to keep their property well maintained. Those lush neighborhoods full of multimillion dollar homes don't just happen by chance, and they won't stay that way just by good intentions either.

.

Some mid level communties are also deed restricted that have no reason to be. These are generally marketed to upper middle class buyers that want to feel like they made it. Kind of like a Porsche or a 30 foot sport fisher. They are status symbols. These are where the over reach and big problems happen.

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HOAs have good points and bad points. For some people they are very important, for others they are a nuisance.

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I do not have an HOA, but people have tried to organize one now and then. We would not be deed restricted if we did it. Sometimes I think it would be a good idea. Most times I don't.

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-Kevin

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Living the dream.

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Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Friday, February 23, 2018 7:37 AM

The Whole HOA thing is crazy. Glad we don't live where there is one. 

 

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Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:57 PM

I don't live in a subdivision I actually live in the country, but I have heard many a story of HOA overreach and if I ever was rich enough I would buy a HOA restricted house then sue for them to leave me alone Laugh seriously though I did some reading an HOA can limit what sort of blinds/curtains you have in the front windows of your home and theoretically have limitless power ungovernerned by the constitution and it's unalienable rights, pretty crazy if you ask me... 

Steve

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:38 PM

Steven NWP - My "fence" is non-existent, my "patio" is a wooden deck out the back door, and my "plants" are trees and bushes.

And if anyone wants to tell me that those aren't allowed, I have a acoustic drum set to put out on said "patio" to allow for some fun... Mischief

Actually, I told some friends of mine that they just might hear me do that this past dove season, as some of the hunters were a bit too close to my property. I said they just might hear me yell, in my best "animal" voice, "DRUM SOLO!"

Shame that they had all cleared out each day by the time I got home from w*^k...

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:36 PM

NWP SWP
Home Owners Association, basically a PITR that tells you what plants you can put in your garden, what type of fence you can have, what sort of patio is allowed, whether or not you can have a small shed as a train room.

We have some gated communities with similar restrictions, but most subdivisions are free from such encumbrances. The local bylaws seem to be sufficient.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:27 PM

hon30critter

 

 
NWP SWP
I was surprised recently learn if you don't pay HOA dues you can be foreclosed upon,

 

Just out of curiousity, what is HOA? I'm in Canada so I'm not familiar with the acronym.

Dave

 

Something I don't have in the country side.... Home Owners Association.

I would hate it... All your neighbors get to say what you can, and can't do, along with what you must do and when, even on your property.  

No thanks!!!!

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    January 2017
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Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:26 PM

Home Owners Association, basically a PITR that tells you what plants you can put in your garden, what type of fence you can have, what sort of patio is allowed, whether or not you can have a small shed as a train room... they generally exist in subdivisions... I don't live in a neighborhood/subdivision but if I someday did I figured I wouldn't pay the dues and avoid the annoyance or "responsibilities" as they call it...

Steve

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:19 PM

NWP SWP
I was surprised recently learn if you don't pay HOA dues you can be foreclosed upon,

Just out of curiousity, what is HOA? I'm in Canada so I'm not familiar with the acronym.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    January 2017
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Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:10 PM

I was surprised recently learn if you don't pay HOA dues you can be foreclosed upon, this was extremely surprising to me, I looked it up out of curiosity...

Steve

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, February 22, 2018 10:02 PM

hon30critter
A couple of those boxes look like they have been pinched a bit. I'd check the contents ASAP. I hope nothing is damaged.

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Dave, I opened up about half of them, all is OK. There is plenty of packaging material in there. I believe it is all good.

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mbinsewi
mbinsewi wrote the following post 7 minutes ago: SeeYou190: I'm glad code enforcement didn't show up and stop the delivery. Really??? Whats that all about?

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No commercial vehicles DOT class 5, 6, 7, or 8 are allowed to operate in single family residential neighborhoods after 8:00 PM. The delivery company showed un in an International Model S class 6 truck.

.

I guess none of the neighborhood busy-bodies were home tonight.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, February 22, 2018 9:51 PM

SeeYou190
I'm glad code enforcement didn't show up and stop the delivery.

Really???  Whats that all about?

Mike.

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Posted by FRRYKid on Thursday, February 22, 2018 8:50 PM

Evening All!

Computer Problems: When I started my laptop this evening, I discoverd yet another problem: The battery is shot. I got a warning that the storage capacity on it is low. Given that I don't take the laptop off the power cable, I can manage with with for a while. However, I have ordered a new battery for the machine. Hopefully, should get it next week. (Wouldn't be the first time I have replaced a battery on a laptop.) I had to find the box for my laptop. Thankfully I had it in the other bedroom and could find the model number. (Forgot just how long I have has this machine: December of 2012 is when I bought it.)

Right after work, Mom took me out to the ranch as she was having problems with their computer. I couldn't replicate the error Mom was getting but I ran a bunch of diagnostics using a copy of the same program that I have on my machine. (They let one have it installed on up to five machines.) I hope that they solve the error. I might have to run those diagnostics again, but if it controls the problem, so be it.

I, however, did take the opportunity to get some more parts and pieces to the layout.

Still waiting for the weather to improve.

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, February 22, 2018 8:47 PM

Kevin:

A couple of those boxes look like they have been pinched a bit. I'd check the contents ASAP. I hope nothing is damaged.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, February 22, 2018 8:37 PM

up831
Kevin: Is that picture a prophecy of your kitchen countertop six months from now?

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Oh... you better believe it! My wife made me promise no trains in the kitchen, living room, or dining room once I get my train room, but we all know how that is going to turn out.

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Cabinets just got delivered. They were supposed to be here at 3:00, they showed up at 9:00. I'm glad code enforcement didn't show up and stop the delivery.

.

They are all piled up in the garage now. I guess the car will be sleeping outside for a few days.

.

.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2017
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Posted by NWP SWP on Thursday, February 22, 2018 8:07 PM

Evening diners,

Not much going on today,

Modeling front, my layout is gaining traction, slowly... please stop in my thread which will be retitled to "2x8 plus 2x4"

Steve

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, February 22, 2018 7:02 PM

Ken good for you!

My wife lost 30 lbs, but it has been diarrhea and nausea, not that the weight will be missed.

Can there really be this much curling at the Olympics that it is on every single day?

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by cudaken on Thursday, February 22, 2018 6:58 PM

 Eveing Diners

 Flo, give the gang a Beer and Steven and Mr Spiff Man Rick a RBF.

 VA Health Front Got some good news over all!

 1 Lost another 4 pounds, that is 26 pounds in the last 6 months.

 2 Triglycerides 101

 3 Total Cholesterols 138

 4 HDL 50 which is good

 5 LDL which is the bad cholesterol was low at 57.8

 6 A1C was 6.0! Last one was 5.5, but with the hoildays what can I say? I love stuffing! Dinner

 Reason my Cholesterol is so low? I am eating more more salmon than a Grizzy! I am all so eating a lot of tuna and shrimp.

 I am beat, so later.

 Ken

 

I hate Rust

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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, February 22, 2018 6:54 PM

gmpullman
I've installed an ADA toilet for my parents a few years ago. Along with hand-grabs. When I'm ready for that I'll have one installed, too. But on mine you will be able to hear track sounds when you flush it Smile

grrrrrr I always wonder why they installed an ADA toilet in the obstetrics doctors locker room; my legs didn't touch the ground.  Most doctors have disability insurance. In fact I am sure one of the obstetricians, who bragged about his disability insurance, intentionally shot his trigger finger off while "cleaning his shotgun"

On the other hand, to quote Larry the Cable Guy, "I like to go in the cripple stall because they have rails on the side so you can get a good grip" 

No offense meant to anyone except maybe Larry and Robin who shot his finger off.

 

 
 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by up831 on Thursday, February 22, 2018 6:29 PM

Goo evening Diners,

Brunhilda, I'll have an extra large coffee with lots of cream, please.  And set up Ken and the gang with a Beer, please, and an RBF for everyone else.

Dave:  You're right!  Canada will be back.  And we'll be right there to greet them.  Hey, it was a great game!  Two teams so evenly matched, and it could've gone either way.  It would be nice if the men could have the same matchup.  Unfortunately, the Russians and the Czechs usually have something to say about it.  Personally, I consider USA and Canada as sibling rivalry.

Kevin:  Is that picture a prophecy of your kitchen countertop six months from now?

Big SmileBig Smile

Looks like you've a lot of projects going at the same time.

Well, tonight is the women's free skate, in which the Russians are expected to clean everybody's plow, so to speak.  I don't know the other events tonight.

Hello to everyone, and I hope everyone is OK, safe, and warm.

Less is more,...more or less!

Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Thursday, February 22, 2018 3:01 PM

Good afternoon all.

Flo - A RBF please. Thanks.

SteveO - Some of those "not right" posts are tame compared to what really goes on. Although a few were humorous.

Steven NWP - Sorry about your friend. 

Ed - Would this be the wrong time to ask why the chicken crossed the road? I couldn't resist.

And, don't start with the repair issues in bathrooms.... A "quick fix" at my grandmothers turned into a MAJOR repair, when we found that the drain had been leaking for quite some time, therefore rotting the floor, joist, and the wall behind the vanity. Yeah.... That got fun....

Ken - I hit the jackpot the past two days... The first, the owner and DM had placed a challenge, as we needed desperately a maintenance package sale. A bonus if we could hit it, and then they both said that they knew it would be me. Well, my first customer after that bought a item, on our 40% off closing sale discount, and purchased a multi-year maintenance package, worth about 2/3 the price of the item, as those are not included on our closing sale discount. (They used their saved money from the closing sale to get the maintenance package, so effectively they paid for the item, with a single year package, but got the multi-year free.)

Then, yesterday, the DM sent out a challenge, a bonus spiff to the first one who made a sale with one specific finance company, and an extra bonus spiff to go with if it included a maintenance package. 

My first customer of the day yesterday? Yep... Bought an item, through that finance company, at their request, and wanted the maintenance package. And yes, I was the first one to get it... 

Shame, I'm hitting a hot streak and we close in less than 2 weeks... Rats!

Jimmy - Nice pics on the Wheeling. Medical field is challenging, but if you can do it, it is a good field.

Weather - Cooled back off today, then will be a roller coaster style for the next week.

Hope all are well, and all enjoy the day!

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

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Posted by maxman on Thursday, February 22, 2018 2:03 PM

hon30critter
We were lucky (read VERY lucky) to get the animal removed before the contractors came face to face with a racoon with brand new babies!

Yes, it is best to avoid any animal with rabies.

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, February 22, 2018 1:25 PM

No activity in the diner this morning.

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I finally woke up after the late hockey game. I am still excited about the USA victory! What a game!

.

I cleaned the garage up a bit. The kitchen cabinets are supposed to be delivered today.

.

I am surprised at how much painting I have done the past week.

.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, February 22, 2018 2:06 AM

SeeYou190
I am hoping for an upset!

Kevin, you got what you asked for - I'm upset!!! (Canadian eh!).LaughLaugh

Congratulations to the US team for a game well won.

Don't get too complacent though. We will be back!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, February 22, 2018 2:00 AM

SeeYou190
Getting ready to watch the Women's Hockey Gold Medal game... USA vs. Canada. . I am hoping for an upset! Go USA!

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What a great game. Definitely worth staying up until 3:00 AM for. I have not been that much on the edge of my seat since the Atlanta vs. New England Superbowl.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, February 22, 2018 12:18 AM

maxman
Umm, yes there is.  That is made for us older folks who have suddenly developed stiff joints and have difficulty bending over as far as we used to.

Oh, I agree, maxman — when there's a need. These new tall ones are geared more for style. I found out about the taller sink bases when I put a pair into my own place a few years back. Take a look at the selection some time. They all look like bedroom furniture!

 basin by Edmund, on Flickr

Today, I was simply hoping for a direct replacement. This is in a condo for a young couple with pre-school kids. Something durable, and basic. I wasn't directly involved in the selection process — a bad harbinger.

I've installed an ADA toilet for my parents a few years ago. Along with hand-grabs. When I'm ready for that I'll have one installed, too. But on mine you will be able to hear track sounds when you flush it Smile

Come to think of it, I DO have a tall hopper! Compliments of the Pullman Company! I just have to hike down to the caboose to enjoy it.

 IMG_9945 by Edmund, on Flickr

 IMG_9948 by Edmund, on Flickr

 

 

hon30critter
Our latest bathroom reno was easy for me - I had someone else do it!

After today, I have Mrs. Pullman convinced that this is a very good option as well, Dave!

Thanks, Ed

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Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 11:45 PM

Hey Ed!

AH, bathroom repairs!Bang HeadAngryCryingIck!Grumpy

I learned a long time ago to never assume that a bathroom repair would be a simple job. I always assume the opposite and I have been right every time!

Our latest bathroom reno was easy for me - I had someone else do it!Smile, Wink & Grin They got to deal with all the nightmares like mouse poop galore in the ceiling and a huge wasp nest (fortunately defunct). Things could have been really exciting for them however. The morning the reno was to start we had a racoon break into our attic right over the bathroom! We were lucky (read VERY lucky) to get the animal removed before the contractors came face to face with a racoon with brand new babies!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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