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Welcome to the November, 2020 Jeffrey's Trackside Diner in New Zealand

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  • Member since
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Posted by York1 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 3:29 PM

I don't like hearing of computer problems.

Lately, my laptop has been doing some funny things, which I assume means that the end may be near.  I'm making sure to backup everything that is on it, which I don't do regularly enough.  Yes, I know things can be automatically backed up to the cloud, but that's not something for me.

Since I don't have a cell phone, if this laptop quits, I am offline.  Maybe that's not such a bad idea.

York1 John       

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  • From: Paducah KY
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Posted by moelarrycurly4 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 3:22 PM

I am n the process of setting up a new pc for work. 

my old one had done its' duty. 

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 9:43 AM

The computer is as good as it is going to get.

My RAM cards fried, and they needed to be replaced. Apparently one of the 4Gb memory cards had been no good for a long while, and then the second one failed.

It is running with a single 4Gb card now. Apparently new memory cards require more power than old ones, and in order to run 8Gb I would need a new power suppy.

Also, for some reason, my computer uses Apple style memory cards, and I had to send the cards to Seattle to have them reformatted to work with my mother board.

My son-in-law, who served as tech support for this, is all over me to replace my ten year old Acer computer, but I am not replacing anything non-house related right now.

Everything seems to be working as normal, so hopefully I will be OK for a while now.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 9:32 AM

Good afternoon all from the UK.   A bit of a rush going on by most people before the total lockdown on Thursday.  We have managed to get Christmas Presents bought for all the family.  

Last night we had a Mexican style dinner.  Today I shall be cooking a chicken Jalfrezi Indian curry.

Take care everyone.

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
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  • From: Western transplant to the Deep South
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Posted by Cederstrand on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 9:31 AM

Extra strong coffee in a Union Pacific mug, please.

We're making slow progress in the train room on the two 4x8 tables. Remainder of track should arrive today. Then we can start gluing in the risers and inclines. 

We have a Digitrax DCS52. Wondering if adding a pair of  Standard InfraReady, UT4 upgradable to UT4R radio version would be a good idea? Any thoughts or suggestions?

Have a great day all. Cheers! Cowboy Rob

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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 4:11 AM

OK, it is almost an hour and a half. Watch it in segments. It is well worth it!

 

These folks have done an amazing job to preserve these locomotives and equipment.

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 2:43 AM

I had the darndest job trying to convince her that I was in Hamilton New Zealand, not Hamilton, Ontario!!

I think I'd rather be in Hamilton, New Zealand! Hamilton, Ontario has been home to a huge steel industry for decades. In fact, doctorwayne used to work there. Unfortunately Hamilton (Ontario) is still paying the price for all the pollution.  Hamilton Bay, which is on the western end of Lake Ontario, is still a big mess although it's not as bad as it used to be. For many years the only things that could survive in the bay were ugly red sludge worms. My wife has a cousin who kayaks regularly on the bay because it is close to her home but she still thinks it is disgusting!

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
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,251 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:55 AM

Lost by Bear, on Flickr
Some years ago, I was working early on Saturday morning for a company in Hamilton and as the only one there, answered the phone. The call was from a Florida based company and the young lady sounded, to me, like the perfect Southern Belle, (as a single man back then I went slightly weak at the knees) however I had the darndest job trying to convince her that I was in Hamilton New Zealand, not Hamilton, Ontario!! (I’m not sure I succeeded!)

hon30critter
The TSS Earnshaw is a beautiful ship! Thanks for the links.

Glad you enjoyed it, Dave.Thumbs Up

 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:48 AM

Still it’s a beautiful place and what better way to admire the scenery is from the TSS Earnslaw.

Hi Bear!,

The TSS Earnshaw is a beautiful ship! Thanks for the links.

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
    August 2011
  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
  • 6,251 posts
Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:33 AM

hon30critter
I'm sorry to hear that Covid-19 has messed your business up so badly.

Thanks for your concern Dave, but I shouldn’t really complain, my exposure to aerial tourism and flight training operations catering to international students has been deliberately minimised over several years.
The ffolkess I feel sorry for, amongst them most of my neighbours, are those whose main reason for getting up in the morning is directly or indirectly involved in international tourism, especially the ones with young families and a mortgage. I should also add all those who have lost family and friends to Covid, or still in, or going back into lockdown.
 
Anyhow…
 
Brent wants to go to Queenstown, which over the years has turned into a tourist trap. Once upon a time working smucks could afford to holiday there, but because of the lack of space the camping grounds disappeared years ago. Still it’s a beautiful place and what better way to admire the scenery is from the TSS Earnslaw.
When I was a youngster the Earnslaw  was still operated by the New Zealand Railways and was a working boat, in that she would, along with carrying tourists, carry freight to the various sheep stations on the lake, I can remember a small road grader being off loaded at one of stations, and another occasion a large flock of lambs being loaded on to the bottom deck, starting their trip to the abattoir. The US tourists were amazed and there were a lot of photos taken.
 
 
 
Glenorchy at the head of the lake had, I suspect the shortest bit of track n NZ, about a hundred yards from the end of the wharf to the goods shed. Though the track is gone, the Goods Shed is still there along with a low side 4 wheeled wagon.


He tangata takahi manuhiri, he marae puehu.  -A person who mistreats his guest has a dusty Marae (Meeting house) A Maori proverb.

Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them, Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:09 AM

BATMAN
Pups had their first meal today, Yuck!

Yuck is right! What is that stuff?!? I suppose it takes all the guess work out of what's going to come out the other end!Ick!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh

Now I know why I'm not breeding pups!

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
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:04 AM

BATMAN
Just completed the Ohio-New South Wales-Ontario endurance race!

Oooops!! Not a great way to start your day!!

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
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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12:44 AM

Just completed the Ohio-New South Wales-Ontario endurance race!

Trackside Treasure: VIA's ex-CP Canadian Cars - Scrapped!

 

Brent

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

  • Member since
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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12:39 AM

gmpullman
Well, I'm just on my first cocktail. My mind gets sharper after the second 

Mine too! Unfortunately, the delirious effects of my two rum and Pepsis have worn off. 

We are in New Zealand so let's not forget about the rail line that crosses an active runway at Ginsborne Airport. I wonder if the engineer had to go to ground school?

Gisborne Airport- Railway track on Runway! - Album on Imgur

Apparently, there is a real steam excursion that you can go on that crosses the runway.

Brent

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

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12:10 AM

hon30critter
2000 miles?!?

I got the data HERE

Don't tell me the internet was wrong?

Well, I'm just on my first cocktail. My mind gets sharper after the second Big Smile

OK, MY BAD! Who'da thought there'd be another SYDNEY! In Nova Scotia, yet!

This one seems to be more better...

https://www.trippy.com/distance/Toronto-to-Sydney

 

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 12:01 AM

gmpullman
Your RDC will need to have her wheels trued-up after an unexpected 2000 mi. round trip 

2000 miles?!? Google suggests that the one way trip is just over 10,000 miles! I think you missed a 'zero'.Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaugh

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
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Monday, November 2, 2020 11:44 PM

BATMAN
I never put anything on a commercial flight unless I screened it first, it did not matter who it was from.

ValuJet 592 Blindfold

Your RDC will need to have her wheels trued-up after an unexpected 2000 20,000 mi. round trip Whistling

Thanks for the chow, Dave! Poutine — Yum Dinner

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, November 2, 2020 11:41 PM

BATMAN
I was out in a T-shirt all afternoon and it was a spectacular day.

Okay Brent, rub it in, rub it in!Smile, Wink & Grin

Actually we may be close to 16 and sunny tomorrow so I'm sure we will be on the deck. That's supposed to last until next Tuesday and maybe go up to 19 so we will make the most of it.

Our deck has a fiberglass roof so we can sit out in all sorts of weather provided that it is not terribly windy. We spend a lot of time on it watching the birds and feeding the chipmunks.

Here is a view from the garden. It's not the best shot but you get the idea:

It was the best investment that we have ever made! You are all welcome to join us for cocktails and appetizers any time you want!

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
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Monday, November 2, 2020 11:17 PM

hon30critter
We have had the first snowfall here in southern Ontario.

I was out in a T-shirt all afternoon and it was a spectacular day.

It is my daughters 19th today and I could not be more proud of her. She is carrying on with her academic achievements into University and it will be interesting to see where she ends up and what she will be doing.

Filled the gas cans today as a storm is due to hit tonight, it is important the kids attend to all their online classes and other work if the power goes out. I changed the plugs in the generator and the fuel filter needs to be replaced, should have checked that before I went to the store.Dunce

The wife was on the phone with the kitchen designer constantly today....They are scaring me.Sigh

Pups had their first meal today, Yuck!

Being in logistics for 36 years I could tell you some real stories of where some things ended up on the planet. It was often my job to get things to where they were supposed to be when something ended up in these parts by mistake for some reason.

Went aboard Airforce one three times I think to solve some minor issues for them when they needed to get something somewhere in a hurry and the plane that was supposed to meet them did not show up. There was some young guy aboard that would not show me the contents of what I would be putting on a commercial flight to save their bacon as it were so I just left without it. I got a call about twenty minutes later asking if I could go back and when I got there in my dirty coveralls and parka the President's chief of staff apologized profusely for the overzealous young intern I had talked to earlier and showed me the contents of the case. I never put anything on a commercial flight unless I screened it first, it did not matter who it was from.Laugh

Time for the tube, hope I can stay awake. Hopefully, our time changes are done with as the Government said they were coming to an end after they took an online poll as to how people felt about them. They didn't really need to take the poll to know that.

I only have been on one cruise and was not a fan as I was most put off by the gluttony watching already overweight people fill their pie holes to the max. It is the same feeling as watching addicts shoot up on skid row, both horrendously bad for them.  I have travelled quite a bit around the world and moved from place to place when I felt like it, no agenda to follow. You really get to know different cultures and I learned to appreciate people are basically the same everywhere, programmed by their parents as to the paths they will follow when it comes to religion, politics, careers, education and so on. Maybe I think that way because I am so opposite of what my parents were. I question everything.

100mm of rain through tomorrow lets hope for blue skies Wednesday.

November 11th is not far off, Waiting out a pandemic sitting in front of the TV with a warm fire going and a full stomach does not seem so bad after some of the WWI photos I have been viewing tonight.

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."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, November 2, 2020 9:48 PM

gmpullman
There's a link to the tracking number in the PM I sent a while back, Dave. Today was the first activity in over a week.

Hi Ed,

I just set up the tracking link so I will get the messages directly. 

I'm not surprised that there was no activity for a week. That's probably how long it took to get to Australia. By the time it gets to me it might make a good Christmas present!Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughLaugh

I'm sure your egg cartons will work just fine while the package suffers all the extra handling. You did take the eggs out first, right?!?LaughLaugh

Cheers!!

Dave

Top of the page! Lunch is on me. We have had the first snowfall here in southern Ontario. We didn't get hit too hard locally but places north of us got nailed! Time for some comfort food!! How about Poutine all around. You can have it in its original form with just fries, cheese curds and gravy, or you can spice it up with some well cooked ground beef and hot sauce! There are lots of other options too!

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 Monday, November 2, 2020 9:25 PM

 Eveing Diners

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

 Day Light savings time is kicking my caboose right now. I wish they stop playing with the time table.

 Work sucked rail spikes today. One problem customer was Jerry's, she picked up her mattress Sunday and today she came in with photos say the mattress was defective! Hum, looks like it fell out of her truck from the road rash! Nope,warrnty does not cover Street Hockey. Other problem customer is mine! Bang Head He says the 3rd mattress is all so defective? I am done with him and he get's to deal with Nancy from here on.

 Ed while that was funny, remember the Christmas Package a few years ago? Some how the Mighty CB&Q's F 7's where relabled in my wifes name and said they where from her friend from Indy. ConfusedConfusedLaugh

 Later Ken and Dirk says Woof, Woof.

I hate Rust

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Monday, November 2, 2020 8:55 PM

hon30critter
I've been checking the mail box every day and I was beginning to wonder when it was going to arrive.

There's a link to the tracking number in the PM I sent a while back, Dave. Today was the first activity in over a week.

Our Postmaster General is new to the job. Doesn't even know the cost of mailing a post card. I guess he needs a little more experience.

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Monday, November 2, 2020 7:04 PM

gmpullman
Speaking of global travel, I just checked in on a package I sent to Dave in Ontario! USPS TRACKING HISTORY November 2, 2020, 10:13 am Arrival at Transit Office From Exchange AUSTRALIA Your item arrived at the processing facility in AUSTRALIA on November 2, 2020 at 10:13 am.

That's hilarious! I've been checking the mail box every day and I was beginning to wonder when it was going to arrive. I guess I'm going to have to wait a while longer! I sure hope the package survives all the extra handling!!

AntonioFP45, I sent you another PM.

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
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  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, November 2, 2020 5:17 PM

Timmy your cat reminds me of Chessie.

Mr. B  Durango and Silverton was having a fist fight with the forest service about rebuilding a washed out section of track.  They also got blamed for another forest fire.  I don't know if they can get to Silverton anymore.

East Broad Top is being resurrected, though they don't have steam yet.  Cass is a bit further from you but well worth the trip.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, November 2, 2020 4:11 PM

Computer is getting better, still unstable and painfully slow, but I can type quick responses.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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    July 2016
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Posted by Backshop on Monday, November 2, 2020 4:08 PM

We've been on several cruises.  We like them because it's like going to several destinations without having to change hotel rooms.  Our first was to Alaska.  Then we did a Baltic cruise and saw St Petersburg, Berlin, Stockholm and Helsinki. Then came Norway.  After that was Oz and NZ. Our last was Amsterdam to Rome.  The ship broke in Barcelona and we had to fly to Rome.  Our Summer Solstice cruise to the North Cape of Norway was cancelled this past June, due to Covid. All were on Norwegian Cruise Line.

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Monday, November 2, 2020 3:00 PM

Speaking of global travel, I just checked in on a package I sent to Dave in Ontario!

USPS TRACKING HISTORY
November 2, 2020, 10:13 am

Arrival at Transit Office From Exchange
AUSTRALIA
Your item arrived at the processing facility in AUSTRALIA on November 2, 2020 at 10:13 am.


October 25, 2020
In Transit to Next Facility


October 21, 2020, 1:59 pm
Departed USPS Regional Facility
CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER 


October 20, 2020, 2:36 pm
Arrived at USPS Regional Facility
CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER 


October 20, 2020, 5:36 am
Arrived at USPS Regional Facility
CLEVELAND OH DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

 

 Apparently the USPS thought the Diner was heading in that direction and put the package on the same boat!

I live less than 300 miles from Dave, as the gold finch flies, and someone confuses Canada for Australia?

This should be fun!

Cheers, Ed

 
 
  • Member since
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Posted by York1 on Monday, November 2, 2020 11:35 AM

David and Beasley, we love cruises, too.  Unfortuantely, we have never done one as extensive as the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.  What a trip.

We did the Inside Passage to Alaska, which was a nice one.  If anyone wants to cruise but gets seasick, that is a good trip -- the waters are very calm.  I loved eating breakfast on deck in 30°F weather watching the whales while I ate.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, November 2, 2020 10:50 AM

I moved to Delaware two years ago, but my profile still has me in Massachusetts.  I can't change it.  They've been promising new forum software for a year now.  I blame it on Covid, because I blame everything on Covid.

The GF and I also like cruises, but once again, Covid has kept us off planes and boats.  I'm high risk.  I'm not paranoid like a lot of younger people, but I don't take unnecessary chances.  We would like to do an Alaska cruise.  Not a cruise, but a trip to the Durango and Silverton is on my bucket list, too.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Monday, November 2, 2020 9:50 AM

Good Morning,

Supposed to get up to 55F today. Almost a heat wave! 

We are code red here today which means all non-essential businesses close and limits as to numbers going into stores. They should have done it 2 weeks ago. 

TF, I get that same message on PM's if I use my tablet but not with the laptop. Not sure why. I have tried several different internet providers and get the same message with all on the tablet. 

Time for more coffee.

CN Charlie

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