Good morning
Hump Day Yeah! Another cool one. The cars have been pounding the pavement on the highway since 5:30. The early bird gets the worm but I wondered where all these people were going with the pandemic and all.
SeeYou190 Track fiddler But the TV is on all night long No one is watching it, My wife is exactly the same. TV on all night for no reason at all. It has been that way for 30+ years now. She says if the TV is off any little noise will wake her up and she cannot sleep. -Kevin
Track fiddler But the TV is on all night long No one is watching it,
My wife is exactly the same. TV on all night for no reason at all.
It has been that way for 30+ years now.
She says if the TV is off any little noise will wake her up and she cannot sleep.
-Kevin
Judy has the same reason. But the problem for me is, any little noise is when they turn up the volume for the commercials or they have some paid program for some miracle vitamin that will make you new again. They always use a bright white screen in the background to wake you up so you can join in the fun and buy some. The things we tolerate to keep our women happy I tell ya.
Today is Judy's birthday. I didn't forget that one! I can't, I don't have a dog house anymore She can be a bit peculiar. She wants to continue sorting through storage today so we can get rid of it soon. It's a great idea but what woman would want to do that on her birthday.
We've had that Darn storage since we downsized from our house I lived in for 33 years. Seven years and $7,000 spent to keep a bunch of stuff. With that money I could have bought everything three times over again.
We are taking all our belongings that we no longer have room for to an auction house in St Louis Park so we can finally get rid of this storage facility. I'll have to swallow hard as some of that stuff is my Denon monster system with all my Klipsch high-end speakers. Oh well, my ears don't like loud anymore anyway.
There are boxes of sentimental stuff she needs to go through but we should be rid of this money pit by fall. Something we should have taken care of years ago.
I'm hoping things don't take too long so I can take her to El Loro for a nice Mexican dinner.
You're included in our prayers Rob. Welcome back Spacemouse
Make it a great day all
TF
Good Morning All,
I'll have a regular to go please Zoe. 72F and rain forecast so as I try to juggle shop and trailer jobs I will get after the trailer first until the rains come. I have been lurking back and forth but haven't had much to say. Haven't been near the layout for a while and am starting to do the touch up and prep work so we can show the house later this year. Not too much but lots of little things, some new storm doors and some paint and such. The biggest job I see is stripping and refinishing the exposed part of the foundation where the paint is in poor shape. Thinking it would be an ideal cleanup job for a pressure washer with the wet media applicator.
Good to see Chip back. I hope Robs' chemo goes well. I have had a couple of friends get it with good result. Off to the trailer. Ciao, J.R.
Good morning ...
TV ? .... Waste of time.
Movies? .... Bigger waste of time.
Rob .... Best wishes to you regarding chemo.
Chip .... Good to see you.
Model railroading .... The trains operated well when I showed the layout for weekend company. .... Last night, I was running an ore train (NP F-units ABA), a general freight train with CB&Q F3 ABBA, and a genral freight train with 2 CB&Q SD24's. Passenger trains running were my "Heartland Zephyr" with a pair of BLI CB&Q E7's, a CB&Q heavyweight train with a 4-8-2 steam loco, and the Empire Builder with two P2K CB&Q E7's.
Everybody .... Have a good day.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Track fiddler I'll have to swallow hard as some of that stuff is my Denon monster system with all my Klipsch high-end speakers. Oh well, my ears don't like loud anymore anyway.
My surround sound system and hifi were replaced by a bar in front of the TV. Music is all headphones because no one likes my music. How bad can Kabuki Polka Accordian and Bagpipes music be anyway.
My system got donated to a local 2nd hand store. Sigh.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
I like quite a wide range of music Chip. I guess it depends on what kind of mood I'm in. Polka is a happy sounding music. Most of the times I hear it there is some kind of event or celebration going on where everyone is having fun. What's not to like?
The Bagpipes!, that's in my blood. This Ol' Scotch-Irish boy may occasionally get a tear in his eye from some of that delightful sounding music.
It's funny. Well over 15 years ago for Saint Patrick's Day, myself, family and friends pre-arranged one of the bagpipe bands that go through the local pubs in West Saint Paul to make their last stop at Uncle Butchie's.
Just after 2:00 in the morning they circled the house playing their music. We all walked out to the front grinning. I'm sure the Non Irish Neighbors didn't care for that too much. I know some other ones did though. Some Thank You's were received the next day around noon
Well, I got out of the storage shuffle as it started raining and Judy had a change of agenda.......Happy
Now I can work on mybench work until dinner tonight.
SpaceMouseMy surround sound system and hifi were replaced by a bar in front of the TV.
I still have one of the first high-end Sony amps with Dolby 7.1 that I bought about 25 years ago for way high money. It was so modern all that time ago that it still has an input that works with my new Sony Blue-Ray player.
I also still have the same main loudpseakers that I built back then, but the other five speakers are just off-the-shelf items now, and mounted in the walls.
Movies are amazing at my house. Sound is such a big part of modern movies.
I love watching my movies.
Living the dream.
I used to like movies, but lately it's all cartoons and superheroes. I guess I have aged out of the film market.
One local theater is showing Galaxy Quest, but no, I'm not going to a theater quite yet. A restaurant, yes, but not a theater.
Since this is a train forum, how many of us smile when we think of Emporer of the North with Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Track fiddler I'm sure the Non Irish Neighbors didn't care for that too much. I know some other ones did though.
Is there a difference between the sound of bagpipes and a bunch of cats fighting?
maxmanIs there a difference between the sound of bagpipes and a bunch of cats fighting?
Yes... The cats are closer to being in tune! LOL Well actually a properly tuned bagpipe is just not tuned to the same "modern" aka, well tempered scale system that we are used to from "elite" European Culture... It uses a much older tuning system. Many people don't realize that the only "Universal" scale is actually pentatonic which has been used by many cultures and for well over 500,000 years.
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Howdy all! My daughter passed her driving test. I wasn't so sure there for a while. I took her out this last weekend and made her practice a variety of things, parallel parking being one of them. Not sure what happened between Sunday and Tuesday. I swear she thought she could levitate the car into the parallel parking spot. It was embarrasing. If she hadn't done perfectly on the rest of it she would have failed the test. When I asked her what happened between the weekend and the test, she said she didn't know. Nerves I guess.
Good luck with the chemo, Rob. Pulling for you.
TV watching for me is pretty limited. Football, some hockey, and one or two shows that I may or may not catch. The only one I was religious about is the old Top Gear (British version), now Grand Tour. I'm going to miss that one when it's done. That would be plenty of TV for me. However, my daughters love TV (big surprise there) so I watch more than I want to as part of simply spending time with them. Not many more years before they've flown the coop. Gotta take the time while I can. The trains will always be there.
A little mid-day dessert on me guys.
Mike
One of my favorite McCartney tunes — the pipes are haunting.
This was played at my dad's memorial service and, I'll tell you, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Was Paul McCartney really THAT young? I saw him twice in concert, once in '66 and again in '87.
Cheers, Ed
LastspikemikeAnd there's me thinking bagpipes used the catatonic scale....
Good one! Best laugh I've had in some time.
Well tempered, sir!
73
Good afternoon all, it is yet another beautiful day on the West Coast.
Made an appointment to get my eyes tested, it has been ten years and I definitely need new glasses, not that I ever wear them. It has been twenty years at least since I got new glasses. I have always been so active and they would constantly get knocked off my face so I couldn't be bothered.
Back is still killing me but with some improvement but here I sit. Still getting bike time in, I don't make excuses for not staying in shape. I was getting out of the pool the other day and the kid said to me, "Dad, you still "sort of" have a six-pack going, that is pretty amazing for a 63 year old". I was not sure how to take that, but he meant it as a compliment.
I don't watch much TV at all other than movies and for that, I have a pretty good sound system. My 18" subwoofers each have a 350-watt amp built into them and will go subsonic, meaning lower than you can hear, but you can certainly feel a Klingon battle cruiser before you see or hear it. Subsonic will not be heard through cable subscribed outlets, only Blu-ray has that information on it. Subsonic is usually below 16HZ.
The subwoofer market is generally a scam in my eyes as any subwoofer sold in the big box stores will not go as low as a quality speaker to begin with, so you don't need one if you have good speakers. I just had my four bose 601s completely rebuilt as the diaphragms had aged out. When I picked them up the tech took me into the lab to listen and they measured down to 26HZ on the low end, my subs were in the low teens last time they were measured. I use the Bose for the surround in the BAT movie palace. The Bose are great for symphony and any acoustic music not so much for rock and roll so I have two big Paisley monitors for the rock shows. I do have picky taste when it comes to sound to the point where people ask me how I can tune my guitar while I am playing a song. If quality of sound doesn't matter to you don't worry about it, buying expensive audio equipment is a waste to those that can't hear the difference, our ears are all different.
When I worked for the Feds they spent thousands on driving courses for me as I did drive some very sensitive things at times so I guess they thought it was important I was well trained. I lost count of the new learning and refreshers I had. Before I retired they had asked me to go on as an instructor, however I had enough of work. I had no real interest in driving other than it was an important part of the duties I was required to carry out. The courses were a lot of fun though, getting some pretty big trucks out on the skid courses. I probably logged more time in smaller vehicles than anything with airbrakes, that being said when I retired after 36 years and more than two million miles, I had never had an accident.
When it came time to teach the kid to drive I know I was more qualified than a driving school to do so and proceeded to teach the kid to drive. The day of his test I was sitting on a cement wall between Tim Hortons and the Motor Vehicle Branch when they rolled in from the test. They got out and instead of walking into the far end of the building the examiner and the kid walked the length of it towards me and I am thinking OH OH! this can't be good. The examiner said, "did you teach him to drive"? Now I'm really waiting for it. She said you did a really good job with him, he is without a doubt the best-prepared new driver I have ever taken out. She showed me the exam sheet and said "look, not a mark on it. I was relieved, to say the least.
Well, I think I will hobble out and finish up the pressure washer work and get a giant Rum and Pepsi in hand and watch the Vancouver Canucks destroy St. Louis.
Stay safe and well, all the best to all.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Hi gang,
We are sitting on the bank of the Mattawa river at a beautiful classic northern Ontario cottage. This is by far the nicest cottage that we have ever rented. It is very well equipped and everything is in excellent condition. The BBQ looks to be brand new. The supplied linens are hotel quality. Our hosts even left a bottle of shiraz and a s'mores kit for us! The first bird we saw was a mature bald eagle, followed shortly after my an immature one.
We are looking forward to the next eight days.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Just to be clear--perhaps I wasn't before--I listen to a shamisen-a 3-stringed Japanese stringed instrument, an accordian, and bagpipes playing in a trio specializing in marching polka music. I don't understand why the kids want nothing of it.
It's alright. I can ignore them if I'm wearing headphones.
I had a high school football player from my school (he was in school when I still worked) came by to sell a discount card, raising money for the football team.
I took him to the layout room to show him what I've been working on.
He started naming the locomotives! He knew every single loco I've got. I found out he is a huge train fan, and has started buying some HO equipment. He is not building a layout yet for some good reasons, but I encouraged him that someday he will be able to.
Made my week!
York1 John
Good Evening,
I can't understand how anyone doesn't love the sound of a good pipe(bagpipe) and drum band. Nothing more rousing. Mind you the French in the Napoleonic wars weren't too fond of that sound as it meant Scottish soldiers. They called them the 'ladies from hell'. Very fierce fighters.
My brass Pacific has left Toronto and is 'in transit' so I hope to have it Friday or Monday. I'll be taking my BLI Pacific in the LHS to put on consignment. The proceeds will at least cover the re-motor and decoder installation and a little more hopefully.
Another exciting day of grocery pickups and delivering some to my MIL.
Seems like many of us have or had good stereo systems. I have an Arcam amp and Mirage M series speakers. When we did a reno of the living room, we put the speaker wire behind the new drywall so it looks neat but there is a lot of very expensive wire coiled up in the wall. The speakers are bi-wired so the speaker wires are in a cable that is about as thick as dryer cable. Paid $17 a foot for it over 20 years ago. If we move I might just cut the drywall to get the wire out and then get the drywall repaired.
We do watch a fair bit of TV but most is on the PVR so we can skip any commercials. We mostly watch Brit series that are on PBS and a few other channels. The new Endeavour series has started and we really enjoy it.
Well time for tea and tellie.
CN Charlie
SpaceMouse I don't understand why the kids want nothing of it.
My wife only likes 5% of the music that I like, but I like 100% of the music she likes, so we listen to her music.
Her I-tunes would only have 300 songs, mine has 20,000!
Eveing Diners
Flo, give the gang and I a please and Dirk a dog treat.
Manily wanted to stop by and let you folks know I am above dirt.
Have to have Dirk Pip at the Vet by 10:30 AM. Boy I am getting old, that seems early to me now?
Only sort of semi big deal to me is I have fianlly got my Captioal One card balances below $1,000.00. About a 2.5 years ago I was around $4900.00. I just keep chipping away at it.
Later, Ken and Dirk say's what's a Credit Card Daddy? Woof, Woof.
I hate Rust
cudakenOnly sort of semi big deal to me is I have fianlly got my Captioal One card balances below $1,000.00. About a 2.5 years ago I was around $4900.00.
That is fantastic news!
When we got out of debt, it was like being released from prison.
Congratulations.
Good morning, everyone.
Congratulations, Ken! It shouldn't take long and you'll see a $0 balance on one of your monthly statements.
I have to go to the dentist this morning. Because we live in the middle of nowhere, we drive 55 miles to the dentist. I have to leave in a few minutes.
Had fun with Judy for her birthday dinner last night. She changed her mind and wanted philly cheese steak subs instead of a Mexican dinner. Since El Loro is right down the street from us we have been going there quite frequently and a little burnt out.
I took her to the Northstar Tavern that has a large patio and is know for thier slow cooked meats that melt in your mouth
It had rained all day. It was perfect as right when we we're done with dinner a steady sunshower began. Judy loves rainbows and got quite a colorful one for her birthday. I stopped at Lunds and got her a birthday cake for later in the evening.
I envy you Dave! That Cottage on the River sounds like a great time. Crack a cold one and fire up that new Barbie and just relax enjoying the view. I'm sure you'll break that Grill in properly but is there enough room in that cabin freezer for all your meat cuts? Sounds like you and the wife are really going to enjoy yourself with some good tranquil R&R
That's the one Ed. My favorite Paul McCarthy song that starts a tear. That song Holds special meaning for me as well.
I see you like the sound of the Pipes too Charlie. The history that goes along with the bagpipes is interesting as you pointed some out. And I agree with you that there is nothing better than the sound of bagpipes played by a professional Pipe & Drum band. Not your statement but I am man enough to admit, bagpipes being played by an amateur sure does sound like cats fighting I would hate to be a Scottish parent with my teenager in the high school band practicing his instrument at home
A lot of people don't know the Uilleann Pipes was more of the Irish descent and has a softer sound to it. Most images of the instrument being played is held in the lap. The War Pipes or Highland Pipes are more of the Scottish descent. They can be heard for miles is why they are widely used in Saint Patrick's Day parades. "Manly Yes But I Like It Too"
Well, I made some more progress on my cabinet benchwork yesterday. The cheapest 3ft drawer slides I could find are $40-$50 a piece. Ain't gonna happen as there is 16 drawers. I am back to the drawing board as I'm gonna have to pull some kind of carpenter trick out of my hat.
Have a great day everyone
Track fiddlerand fire up that new Barbie
Don't you think that it might be considerate to ask Ken how he feels about this first?
I Google-Image Searched burning barbies, and to my horror there are actually a few YouTube videos of people burning Barbie Dolls.
I guess EVERYTHING is on the internet.
My oldest daughter loved her Barbies, my two other daughters hated them.
SeeYou190My oldest daughter loved her Barbies, my two other daughters hated them.
That is because your oldest daughter loved them...... You know family rivalry....???
Howdy folks!
Just passing the time until my Lady Friend arrives and we go over to the Seneca Lake State park for a family picnic. This is the first time she has been to my house so I have been frantically trying to clean the place up so she will not be too grossed out! She is one who, when you enter her house, has you take off your shoes... Hope I pass inspection!
Weather is hot here today (going up to 86°F) but down at the lake there is always a nice cool breeze coming from the cool water. We have rented a pavilion there so we should be able to stay safe, etc. I will be picking up some fried chicken from a highly recomended newish restaurant downtown to take and have sweet corn to cook and other items for everyone. This will be the first time my friend and my family have met. I have been introduced to most of her family already.
Stay safe out there!
Hello Ray, enjoy the picnic! Sounds like a pleasant spot, and great company.
Could you please PM me as I tried to add to a conversation we were having back in 2018 but the cursor wouldn't show up in the message field and I couldn't paste in from WORD either! Thanks.
Stay Safe!
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
York1 John - we've just upgraded from a 23" to a 43" screen in celebration of our 55th anniversary. A 55", while numericly attractive for symetry, would simply swamp the room! We record almost everything we watch on a pvr and so zap through the ads and un-interesting news items etc. Documentaries one way or another, and murder mysteries make up most of the rest of our diet, except we've begun to enjoy "Everbody loves Raymond". If i ever get my mini camera to run around th elayout, then that video should look good on the larger screen too...
der5997 A 55", while numericly attractive for symetry, would simply swamp the room!
My living room is 14 feet across. We upgraded to a 55" TV from a 42" a couple of years ago, and it is perfectly sized for us. There is room for a 65" TV, but I think that would be too much too close.
der5997If i ever get my mini camera to run around the layout, then that video should look good on the larger screen too...
I have been thinking about doing the same thing. I've read Mel's posts about his cameras, and I think it would be neat to see the layout from an engineer's view. The cameras I looked at are actually pretty cheap, but I don't know about the video quality.
All three of my daughters loved the Barbies. We still have a toy box full of Barbies, Kens, and the clothes. When the granddaughters visit, the dolls are used again.
Vacuuming the floor after they visit is an experience. Vacuuming Barbie shoes makes quite a bit of noise.
You guys never cease to amaze me. The topic of conversation going from a grill to Barbie dolls
Judy asked me what I was thinking about for dinner while I was reading. I told her I was thinking about grilling. She asked what I was thinking about cooking. You should have seen the confused look on her face when I looked at her and said Barbie dolls
While she had a smile on her face she busted a gut when I explained to her and I did too