Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Welcome to the August Diner, this time in sunny Mexico Locked

23701 views
571 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, August 22, 2020 8:42 PM

Evening

I may not even relate here and if I missed anything I am sorry.

Judy beat the crap out of me with her three days off for the rest of the week and took me down to storage to deal with everything that I don't want to deal with.

My 7.0 High End Klipsch speaker system is on consignment at a stereo shop at 35% with the 12 inch subwoofer, Onkyo sound processor and the monster system components.  I kept the Denon with some Boston Acoustics, ...Smaller speakers, bigger sound.

The $750 fiber optic Christmas tree may have even slightly bought a tear to my eye too,  we had it for 20 years.  It breathed and twinkled, it was really cool.  But my train layout is in the living room where it used to go, ... PrioritiesIndifferent

The boxes of stuff gets broken down from five boxes to one to keep and the other four gets donated as well.

After the six years we paid for this stuff three times over again,  it all needs to go,  we are almost done.

It has been hot and sticky doing it.  The air in the storage facility is still and I am just done, ...almost done.

 

There is a light at the end of the tunnel!  No more payment for a bunch of unused stuff soonYes

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Saturday, August 22, 2020 8:51 PM

TF, it's going to feel good when you finish.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, August 22, 2020 9:04 PM

Thanks John.

Makes me feel good to hear you say that because I am just broken getting rid of all my prized stuff.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Saturday, August 22, 2020 10:07 PM

cudaken
Really like the new Rayboi 40 Volt weed wacker! It is about 5' 7" long so my back does not hurt when I use it. Has good power and battery life is OK. Used it for around 40 minutes and still had 40% Power left.

I love my Ryobi 40 volt lawn tools. I only use the weed wacker motor to drive a pole chainsaw. I also have the 14 inch chainsaw and the bigger leaf blower.

Yes Big Smile

Track fiddler
After the six years we paid for this stuff three times over again,  it all needs to go,  we are almost done. It has been hot and sticky doing it.  The air in the storage facility is still and I am just done, ...almost done.

I have been renting a 5 by 10 storage locker for several years. It was originally used as a $50.00 a month extra closet to store cosplay stuff and other things that we only used once in a while. In Florida we do not have attics or basements, so self storage lockers are like an extension of your house.

Now it is only full of train and wargaming stuff. Once the guest bedroom is floored and painted, it will all go in there, and then the sorting/disposal will begin.

Only a few months of rent are left.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, August 22, 2020 10:23 PM

You know

I'm really bummed out that Lion has not been around here anymore 

He Is the most down-to-earth person I know here with his unique sense of humor

I gotta say  Him I like and Him is Missed

 

I just hope Lion returns to us soon

 

Him is Missed-Much

 

 

 

TF

 

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, August 23, 2020 1:16 AM

More Mexican railroading pictures:

Quite the curve!

The first new railway bridge to Mexico in more than a century. It is at Brownsville, Texas and it was 15 years in the making. It eliminated 12 street level crossings in the town of Brownsville:

 Here's a big consist! I count six locomotives. Who can identify what they are?

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
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, August 23, 2020 6:57 AM

Good morning 

Thanks for the Mexican trains Dave.  We have a domino game that goes by that name, it's kinda fun. 

Looks like you have the same plan getting rid of storage Kevin.  I know I'll be glad to be done with that bill.  

Judy has to work on a Sunday so I might as well.  I have a custom door job to do.  I'm glad the doors are already there because there solid core.  They all I need to be sized as none of the jams are right,  width or height.  I never understood what the prior carpenters were thinking when I run into these.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Sunday, August 23, 2020 7:13 AM

hon30critter
The first new railway bridge to Mexico in more than a century. It is at Brownsville, Texas and it was 15 years in the making. It eliminated 12 street level crossings in the town of Brownsville:

 Years ago a bunch of friends and I crossed the border and spent the day at Matamoros, Mexico, just across the river from Brownsville.  It was a fun day.  I didn't take any pictures, and we weren't especially interested in trains back then.  We were more interested in other things, like how many bars we could get to in one day.

Another Sunday morning.  Weeks seem to be going by quickly.

My wife is content to stay home or visit grandchildren.  I want to go see things and hike some National Park trails.  Maybe it's time that I take another trip by myself.  She is happy to have the house to herself for a while, and I am happy to see things on my bucket list. 

We don't need to rent a storage locker.  We have an entire basement, a garage, and a backyard shed all full.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, August 23, 2020 2:59 PM

Finally, a little bit of rain here today. Just a little.

Shout out to LION  —

 

 CofG_LION by Edmund, on Flickr

I have a friend that wants to chase your tail!

Our peach tree has been providing some delicious fruit. I shared some of the bruised ones and "Mr. P" was quite appreciative.

 Pileated_8-20 by Edmund, on Flickr

This is actually one of the "kids", not quite full-grown.

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, August 23, 2020 4:53 PM

Evening

Nothing better than a good pileated woodpeckerYes  I don't know where Brother Lion is either Ed.  I just know I miss his Roar at the end of everything he says.

Onions onions la la laMusic  Can't wait for those seasonal Georgia Vidalia onions!  Some of the really flat ones you can actually eat like an apple.

We start out with onions, garlic and peppers in anyting we cook over here.  It is cooked first until it's so soft you don't even know it's in there but adds the distinctive flavor.  It's a staple,  Unfortunately were fresh out of jalapeno peppers. 

It's all right.  I have some cayenne for tonight's chicken enchiladas since we're all down here in MexicoDinnerMischief  The trick is to not over-do it

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Sunday, August 23, 2020 5:07 PM

Track fiddler
Can't wait for those seasonal Georgia Vidalia onions!

When I used to travel through Georgia a lot, I would buy the onions right from the farms in Vidalia. 

So good! I would sometimes bring home 50 pounds of them and spread them around to family members.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Sunday, August 23, 2020 7:39 PM

gmpullman

 

 CofG_LION by Edmund, on Flickr

 

Ed,

This isn't going to be one of those Elf-on-a-Shelf memes is it?

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, August 23, 2020 7:57 PM

I would buy 50 pounds of those Vidalia onions any day of the week Kevin.  I think Judy and I could definitely eat 10 lbs and dole out the rest.

I think onions are like turkey and you can't freeze them or it screws them up.  It turns into mush, that's why those seasonal ones are so good fresh!

 

You know,  If Lion could just take a small sneak peek into the Mexican Diner here,  I could see myself getting a little rambunctious and glad that he is hereStick out tongue

 

Lion! ...?   I really do hope you're okay,  I'm starting to get a bit worried here

 

 

 Track Fiddler

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, August 23, 2020 8:31 PM

BATMAN
I hope brother Elias is safe. His Abbey is closed to the public due to the virus but there is no word on what may be going on.

I just sent a note to Br. Elias's Abbey asking about his well being. They may not respond due to privacy issues but at least they can pass on the message.

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
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Sunday, August 23, 2020 8:47 PM

 Eveing Diners!

 Flo, give the gang and I a Beer and Dirk a dog treat.

 Got a lot done today for a change.

 Work in the backyard. Got some saplins cut out, cut the worst part of the yard, picked some limbs and washed the wifes car. If I was 50 years old, easy. But I am not but still glad I got it done.

 Going to get a bid on cutting down some trees. If I can get it done for $1500.00 it is a done deal.

 Dirk will have been with us 1 year this coming Tuesday. Time sure go fast when you get our age. Dirk enjoys the backyard, he thinks it is his private park.

 Maskes I was in a convent store today and there was teenager not wearing a mask yapping with the cashiers. I stood about 10 feet back and waited for her to leave. Finally one of the casiher asked me what I was waiting for? Told her "waiting for her to leave the store, she is not waring a mask. She told her what I said, and she stepped out till I left. After I got in the car, back she goes with no mask. Bang Head

 Later Ken, and Dirk says Let me bite her Daddy, Woof, Woof.

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Sunday, August 23, 2020 8:51 PM

hon30critter
Does anyone remember the name of Lion's Abbey? If I can find it I will send them a note. They may not respond due to privacy issues but at least I can send him a note. Dave

 

I'm pretty sure it's the Assumption Abbey in Richardton, North Dakota.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, August 23, 2020 8:57 PM

 

 

hon30critter
Does anyone remember the name of Lion's Abbey?

 

 

I seem to recall it is this one:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_Abbey_(North_Dakota)

It seems like LION'S photo hosting sites are down as well.

 

SpaceMouse
Ed, This isn't going to be one of those Elf-on-a-Shelf memes is it?

Maybe not, But —

         How about the cat-in-the-roundhouse?

 Roundhouse_cat_sm by Edmund, on Flickr

 [[edit]]  How did I get to the top? 

Well, everyone is entitled to a "Free Lunch" on me DinnerBig Smile

Regards, Ed

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, August 23, 2020 8:58 PM

York1
I'm pretty sure it's the Assumption Abbey in Richardton, North Dakota.

Hi John,

I believe you are right. I just sent them a note asking about Lion's well being.

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
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Sunday, August 23, 2020 9:21 PM

Good evening from the stunning West Coast where it was in the mid 20s today.

Just waiting on game one between the Canucks and Golden Knights. Once again it is the best of seven.

hon30critter
Hi Brent, The Orca pictures are beautiful!

Thanks, Dave I love everything about the Orca and the relationship to the Native heritage the West Coast offers. When the Canucks put the native Orca artwork as their logo I was thrilled. We fished a lot out on the chuck and the Orca kept close company with us on more than one occasion. Of course, when they showed up that meant the fish disappeared in a real hurry.Laugh That was okay though as it was such a spiritual experience being in such close proximity to them, fishing was completely forgotten about. On more than one occasion we had them come up to the boat and I could give them a rub on the snout. Those were days to remember and we did not care about fishing when that happened. I can't imagine living anywhere else. This is not us, but you get the idea. You feel no threat and totally at peace with them.

The Whale - Movies on Google Play

Ken, you keep on wearing your mask. It makes me feel really proud when I see the compliance here by those wearing mask. Effort reaps results and we are seeing the results here.

Just about time for the puck to drop. We had a relationship with the previous owners of the Canucks and sat in their box more times than I ever could count watching them play. The kid carried on with the team in other ways as well, so we are well connected so please forgive my/our enthusiasm.

All the best to all.

GO CANUCKS GO!

Canuck Logos - Canucks Community

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, August 23, 2020 9:31 PM

Evening

It's a Sunday night and a little low on thoughts here

But I do know this 

One is very fortunate if they have one true friend after a whole life  (Those Killer Whales are cool Brent)

One True Friend 

 

I do like my Judy

 

 

TF

 

 

And Go Canucks Go!

  • Member since
    April 2002
  • From: Paducah KY
  • 1,183 posts
Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Sunday, August 23, 2020 10:38 PM

So I went out about an hour beifre sundown to mow.

engine on mower was reving up waay to fast after starting and it started screeching. The screeching I knew was caused by a frozen start clutch on the shaft. So a wheeled mower up to sunken patio and took it apart. cleaned clutch and relubed the one part. Then I notced that one of the bolts had fallen off that holds the carb on, no wonder it took off with high idle. I had to go find some bolts to install it back. NOw it is 0 dark 30, So i stick my magenetic flashlight on the front and mow at 9 pm. I was determined to mow. so I did. Mower runs better. 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, August 24, 2020 12:00 AM

moelarrycurly4
engine on mower was reving up waay to fast after starting and it started screeching. The screeching I knew was caused by a frozen start clutch on the shaft. So a wheeled mower up to sunken patio and took it apart. cleaned clutch and relubed the one part. Then I notced that one of the bolts had fallen off that holds the carb on, no wonder it took off with high idle. I had to go find some bolts to install it back.

Hi MLC,

Congratulations on being able to diagnose and fix your riding mower.

That ability is something that I really respect in others and that I pride myself on. I give credit to my dad and my older brother for teaching me to fix things myself. Many of my repairs were certainly not state of the art. In fact, they were rather crude, but the point is that they worked! I got nearly 350,000 miles out on an MGB that was rusted out when I bought it with almost no money in my pockets. That has to say something! Maybe it says that I am a stubborn idiot!!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughLaugh

Cheers!!

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
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Monday, August 24, 2020 7:51 AM

Good morning.  Just coffee this morning.

Another day with nothing to do except play with trains.

Another picture of the train cars headed out of Mobile to Mexico across the Gulf:

 

York1 John       

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, August 24, 2020 8:59 AM

Good morning

A black coffee please.

Felt good not to have to jump out of bed early this morning, especially after cocktail nightWhistling

Glad to have a day off.  Yesterday was extreamly muggy customizing those doors.  The people I was working for are from Ecuador so I guess their use to the heat.  I'm not, I went six doors down to change my ringing wet shirt twiceLaugh

Another hot one today as they say the humidity index of a 105.  I guess I'll find inside stuff to do.  Cleaning my layout deck would be good.  I have to extend my terminal joiners before I can lay my track.  I wish I would have known the PECO ones are only 8 inches.  The Atlas ones are 12.  Should have got those.  Oh well, I'll make it work.

That freight car barge is huge John.  Makes me wonder how much of it is under the water to make it float?

 

Have a great day and stay cool.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, August 24, 2020 10:36 AM

Track fiddler
Another hot one today as they say the humidity index of a 105

I thought humidity index (heat index) was something we only did in South Florida. Maybe we will need to start having "wind chill factors" in the winter time. No, maybe we shouldn't, winter is a confusing enough day already.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
  • 4,256 posts
Posted by Cederstrand on Monday, August 24, 2020 11:16 AM

Scrambled eggs, fully loaded, please and thanks.

***Ed, does roundhouse cat receive free travel down the line? Big Smile

Haven't felt up to doing much, so have been watching, "Behind the scenes visit to Model Railroader Magazine" today. Well done!

Have a great day all.

Cheers! Cowboy Rob

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, August 24, 2020 11:25 AM

Five days ago the weather service predicted that on Monday morning, Hurricane Laura would be right over my house.

Here we are, five days later, and it is on the other side of Cuba, and we are experiencing zero effects of the storm.

More proof that the safest place to be in a hurricance is dead center of the probability cone five days before predicted landfall.

I'll bet the lines of people returning chansaws and generators at Home Depot this morning are very long.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, August 24, 2020 3:15 PM

Afternoon

I don't know how you do it Kevin.  Living in Hurricane Alley that is.  The price you pay for Paradise to escape 20° below zero.  But then again it takes a certain breed to put up with that heat you get.

Got my terminal joiner wires extended.  It's kind of nice they had the wire ends pre soldered so it didn't take that long.  With the heat wrap tubes I will have to drill a bit bigger hole now.

Don't know what you guys are doing but I'm sucking down a cold one on a hot day getting ready to clean my pigsty of a layout deck, it really needs to be done.

Well that's next.

 

P.S.  The Forum has been down here again for me.  The only way I can get on is incognito mode and have to login again which takes more time then usual, I have to do it twice.  And my messaging still doesn't work after 4 months and two phone calls of being told someone would fix itIndifferentSad

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, August 24, 2020 4:41 PM

Track fiddler
I don't know how you do it Kevin.  Living in Hurricane Alley that is.

We get four months every year of 100% pure paradise interrupted by one day of winter. I hate being cold, I hate snow, I really hate ice, and I hate to see people all bundled up.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, August 24, 2020 5:16 PM

Evening

Very glitchy coming in here, I had to pull a few tricks out of my hat.

I'm just the opposite Kevin.  I love the cold and hate the hot summer.  When it's cold I go from the building to my truck or from my truck to the building.  I don't work outside anymore in the winter unless it's nice.  And that's the other thing I like about winter is there's not as much work and I plan ahead for that.  I have multiple days off all winter long and my semi-retirement becomes like a full retirement breakLaughYes

Kingsford grill cooking is still done out my sliding glass door for good food all winter.  And the nice agreeable days in the spring and fall I do thoroughly enjoy and take advantage of.

Too Cold winter and Too Hot summer take up 3/4 of a year up here.  I call it junk weather but hate the heat more than the cold.

We have to enjoy that quarter year of prime weather when we get it up here scattered aroundWink

 

 

TF

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!