"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I’m sorry to read your post Jan, but I’m pleased that you’re made your decisions on what your priorities for the future are, no doubt made somewhat easier with you having made peace with the Big Chap Upstairs. That said, I hope your family and close friends, take strength and peace for themselves, from your strong faith. I’ve never really known what to say when friends have told me that they’re dying. I guess that eulogies, some of them, sad, some serious, some humorous, all heartfelt are more for the comfort of the family, and have often thought that it’s a pity that they weren’t said to the deceased, before the time.
Hi herrinchoker and Bear,
Jan, I tried several times to write a response to your post but words failed me. I think that Bear's message echoes my feelings perfectly, so all I can say is "Ditto".
Thanks Bear,
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Springtime is supposed to be a time of new growth and beginnings.
This has eneded up to be a rough month for the patrons in the diner. Randy Ken And now with your revelation, Jan, it has taken a collective toll on the general mood here.
I wish you well on your journey, my friend.
SR_RL_558 by Edmund, on Flickr
My dad was from Massachusetts but he liked to visit Maine and ride the two-footers.
I truly understand your situation. When Dee Ann's mom passed away last month she was given the choice to be put on a ventilator. A simple nod, "no" was all it took and once she removed the oxygen tube she was gone in fifteen minutes.
End of life choices are difficult but the quality of life has to be considered, too.
Most of us are of the age where we have witnessed many "crossings".
Kevin has bestowed upon us some good news of a new birth
Lots of static grass:
Bealville Z train by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Happy 50th Amtrak!
Springtime at Radium by Mike Danneman, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
Good morning Diners. The usual toast and tea, Brunhilda, please.
This day in 1789 George Washington became the first President of the United States of America.
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A Thought for Today
When one looks at the headstone on a grave all we see is the year of birth and date of death. In the middle is the 'dash of life'. No mention of what the person learned or knowledge the deceased passed on to others.
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Thank you all for allowing me to take you on a 'Tour of Scotland'. Thank you for your comments; they are much appreciated.
Our first film is a Railway Walk - Part of the Callander to Oban Line
On the new Waverley Line
More around Edinburgh & The Waverley Line
Relax with your favorite drink.
Flower Of Scotland
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
I am awake early today.
David, thank you again for such a wonderful and entertaining job yo have done as the tour guide on the diner his month.
Your efforts were completely appreciated.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Good morning.
Grocery day. The cupboards are getting slim pickings here. Taking off soon to do our monthly power shop. Two heaping carts lasted almost 6 weeks last time. Fitting everything in the freezer is a real trick. Heading out before every one and their brother gets there.
Last day in Scotland. Looking ahead to ride the Reading Railroad in Randy's honor.
Thanks for doing such a great job hosting the Diner this month David. Your daily contributions we're very much enjoyed and appreciated. If there was any possibility of doing a better job, There would have to be two of you my friend
TF
Track fiddlerTaking off soon to do our monthly power shop.
Earlier this month I rented a U-Haul and filled it twice with supplies for working on the outside of the house.
I have run out of fill rock, LFT polymer modified mortar, 1 1/2" PVC pipe, 4 X 8 X 16 cement blocks, and Sakrete concrete mix.
I have burned through almost 100 3/4" PVC elbows. I thought I bought plenty, but I am now very low.
I will be making a supply run to Lowe's today.
Good morning, diners! Bacon, eggs, and coffee, please, Brunhilda.
Spring has finally arrived. My Maple trees have leaves. The five huge Oak trees are just forming buds now. The squirrels and rabbits have made a racetrack around our yard, and the birds are very noisy.
After the cold, snowy winter we had, this is a pleasant time. The life cycle continues.
I have a long list of projects that were scheduled for spring. It's so long, it's daunting. Therefore, I'll just ignore the list today, and work on the layout.
Have a good day, everyone!
York1 John
WOW! Lots of bad and very sad news here this morning. Won't list them all, but just want folks to know I am holding you in my heart and sending prayers to you for peace and strength!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Jan - Best wishes. Hope you have many happy times with them doggos.
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.
Jan I count you as one of Internet friends and I hope your journey is a peaceful one. You will be missed.
We went to a a Mennonite greenhouse today. There was a stunning Mennonite girl about 17 watering plants. I asked her about green zebra tomatoes and then I noticed the ground was paved in gravel, not the kind with a lot of filler that packs down, just stones and she was barefooted. Ouch.
No green zebras but they had heirlooms I had not heard of and white regular and white cherry tomatoes.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
It's 8:00 p.m. on a Friday.
Even with a long to-do list of outdoor projects, I had planned to ignore that list and work on the layout today.
A person I live with in this house decided that wasn't a good idea, so I spent the day working outside on the to-do list. It's been 43 years, and I still haven't figured out why her opinion always wins out.
Anyway, I don't have much time, but I can at least run a train for a few minutes.
Nine PM here and the Diner is going to leave on the night express from Scotland and jump the Pond to Wyomissing, Pennsylvania in less than three hours.
I don't see a whole lot of volunteers§ lining up so I'll take the helm through the Anthracite Region for the next month.
We will dedicate the visit to our departed friend, Randy Rinker.
Reading_900 by Edmund, on Flickr
Dennis Livesey: Third Place by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr
A big round of applause and recognition for David's hosting of the Diner in Scotland!
Regards, Ed
§ Unless someone is waiting for the opportunity.
Robbie crossed the rainbow bridge at 7:15 tonight. My little Buddy is gone.
CN Charlie
CNCharlie Robbie crossed the rainbow bridge at 7:15 tonight. My little Buddy is gone. CN Charlie
CN Charlie .... I'm sad to hear that. Sincere condolences to you and your wife. We Diners care.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
York1A person I live with in this house decided that wasn't a good idea, so I spent the day working outside on the to-do list
The person I live with cannot understand why I keep making my outside to-do list more difficult for myself.
I really wore myself out today, but I think the worst section is over.
CNCharlieRobbie crossed the rainbow bridge at 7:15 tonight. My little Buddy is gone.
Hi CNCharlie,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! It has been 16 years since our German Sheppard/Hound cross named Jake passed away and we still miss him and laugh about all the silly stuff he used to do. I'm sure you will have fond memories of Robbie for years to come.
gmpullman I'll take the helm through the Anthracite Region for the next month.
Hi Ed,
Thanks for stepping up to the plate once again! (I'm assuming that it is a done deal).
David,
Thanks for doing such a superb job of hosting the Diner in Scotland! You put a lot of effort into it from start to finish!
Thank you Ed.
Randy has left a big empty spot in the forums.
David: I am going to echo Dave's remarks about how wonderful a job you did bringing us through Scotland.
Charlie, I am sorry for your loss. I held my old buddy in my arms as he crossed the bridge not too long ago. It is a tough time to get through for sure, the pain of loss we feel is the result of losing a best friend. Such grief is the high price we pay and is a reflection of what they meant to us and sometimes we wonder if it is worth it. My answer to that is yes it is, every time. Remember the joy and companionship you brought to each other over the years and the tears will change to a smile.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
CNCharlieMy little Buddy is gone.
Mike
SeeYou190 gmpullman I'll take the helm through the Anthracite Region for the next month. Thank you Ed. Randy has left a big empty spot in the forums. David: I am going to echo Dave's remarks about how wonderful a job you did bringing us through Scotland. -Kevin
I don't spend a lot of time in the diner, but I second both of Kevin's comments.
Sheldon
Yes, Dave and Kevin. Thanks for your recognition of David.