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The MAY, 2021 Diner: Touring the US Anthracite Region

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  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 6:39 PM

Track fiddler

I was beginning to wonder when the stackers were going to end.  I think I'll go back and count them nowHuh?

 

P.S.  Ricky's a Post Hog! Whistling

 

 

Smile, Wink & GrinTF 

 

I may be a Post Hog....

But how else are we gonna get past the craziness of this page and onto the even more crazy next page? Mischief

Thought I would share a couple of pics from my capture of the Reading Lines Heritage unit that day.

First - The "debris" car - 

  Damaged Well Car by Richard W, on Flickr" alt="Broken Railing Car" />

Yes, I DID "flinch" at the point of impact. I was ready to duck/run, whatever was needed, if needed. (Glad the video recorder was on the tripod, and it was set up closer than I was standing with my camera....) This photo was taken with my DSLR from my standing location a bit farther from trackside.

And, that "debris strike" is exactly why I set up back from the tracks, and always watch the train cars approaching me, although with the relative small size, compared to the actual train itself, I never seen the railing issue until it hit the crossing.

Next, a "close-up screen grab from the video -

  Reading 22K Closeup by Richard W, on Flickr" alt="Reading 22K closeup" />

And, the remaining "still shots" from my DSLR camera - 

  Reading 1067 on 22K through North East Pa. by Richard Woodworth, on Flickr" alt="Reading 22K 1" />

  Reading Heritage leads NS 22K by Richard W, on Flickr" alt="Reading 22K 2" />

Yes, there is a curve to the roadway there, so there is a second "extra" crossing signal, with the lights angled so approaching vehicle traffic are able to see it earlier than they could otherwise.

They kinda got in my way though....

Thanks for counting the 157 cars. Let's me know I'm not the only crazy one... Wink

Time to get the cake frosted before Masked Singer comes on.

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
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 5:01 PM

CNCharlie
Ed, could you give Ken a call? 

I'll be sure to do that tonight Angel

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by PM Railfan on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 4:24 PM

Hello Railfans!

Top of the day to yas! Pretty good day outside to do some chores - so i did. Now the rest of the evening can be used for important things like.... TRAINS!

Batman) Yes you can use compressed air to blow a whistle. However, it wont have the 'full bodied' sound youd get from steam. Steam being heavier than air, the saturated air hits the walls of the whistle body with a little more 'oomfff'. Plus the condensate all over the inside of the whistle will change the sound slightly. Not having the condensate blown out with the expelled air as you would with steam will give you a cleaner, more 'trebley' sound. In other words - itll work, but you wont have that deep, rich tone.

If your in short supply of hot, saturated air.... an ex-wife will work.

PS: nice 747. didnt even know that existed. Looks more like its in Daylight colors than CP colors.

York) tis ok, i pronounce things oddly some would say. And I been into railroads before i took my first baby bottle. And after all these years i still get a kick out of folkses pronouncing "PERE" as "Pierre".

Kevin) Glad to see you chose a knight and not a pink flamingo Laugh

 

Yall have a great evening - remember - MODEL RAILROADING IS FUN!

 

Clear Ahead!

Douglas

 

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Posted by CNCharlie on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 4:18 PM

Good Afternoon,

I was doing yard work when I heard the drone of radial engines. It was a water bomber on a spring test. I thought they had retired the radial engine planes. What a glorious sound!

Ed, could you give Ken a call? 

CN Charlie

  • Member since
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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
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Posted by BATMAN on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:58 PM

A dumb question maybe. Can a steam whistle work with compressed air?

 

https://shackeltonauctions.hibid.com/catalog/280411/elgin-county-railway-museum-auction-starts-closing-may17-6pm/? 

 

Brent

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

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  • From: Ludington, MI
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Posted by Water Level Route on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:41 PM

ricktrains4824
You must not have been in my neck of the woods during that snowstorm.

We were on the turnpike near the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel.  I live on the west coast of Michigan.  I'm totally comfortable driving in a lake effect snowstorm, or any snowstorm for that matter.  Not to say there weren't concerns about some of the other drivers, but when aren't there? Laugh I've always liked the challenge of driving in adverse weather conditions.  At one time I wanted to become a storm chaser somewhere in tornado alley and chasing those storms down would not have bothered me.

Mike

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 2:57 PM

A confession:

Before I got interested in railroads, I pronounced this month's railroad the same way we did as kids playing Monopoly:  We pronounced Reading as reeding.  I still catch myself pronouncing it that way.

York1 John       

  • Member since
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  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
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Posted by BATMAN on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 1:45 PM

Good morning from the Sunny West Coast where it is 23c.

I loved my job and would do it again for another 36 years in a heartbeat. We had 23 positions in Vancouver and they were never all filled. There were around a dozen of us that remained for years and the rest came and went not being able to handle the pace. As a result, we were short-staffed and the regulars worked copious amounts of hours and were paid really well and treated like gold.

Stress would get to those that did not stay long but those of us that did stay were never the least bit stressed as we knew there was no point in stressing over anything beyond our control. Mistakes could cost six figures in the wink of an eye and I know we never made one.

I got eight weeks of vacation every year and three weeks sick time that accumulated for 36 years. We were allowed to take as much time off as we wanted as we would often just hit the exhaustion wall. 

I had my own parking spot at Vancouver Airport and there were a few times I walked into the office at the end of the day, looked at my computer to see if there were empty seats on a plane going someplace warm, and tell the boss I would be back in a month. I would phone my parents or sister to tell them I was bugging out and grab the go-bag I always had in my car and go get on a plane.

I remember sitting on a plane that was going to Hawaii one Sunday morning after a 15-hour shift and two of the guys from the airline in their dirty coveralls walked down the aisle and back and as they came by I said "how many Mike" the response was 87. The lady across the aisle from me said 87 what? I said "kids". Why are they counting the kids? Because the plane is so close to maximum takeoff weight they count the kids and subtract 28kgs per kid. The look of terror as we rolled down the runway was memorable.Laugh Yet I bet she drove to the airport in a car that was more likely to kill her. Hmm

Played my guitar for three hours this morning as the fingers were working pretty well. Even got halfway through Classical Gas before they crapped out.

My trainroom is now empty of all the boxes that were moved into it for the renovations and is looking quite inviting again, I think I hear a lonesome whistle calling. My perfect wife also gave it a really good cleaning that I was expecting to have to do myself.

The kid is coming for lunch and the wife is making eggs benedict with smoked salmon instead of ham. Can't wait for that.

Charlie, I love sailing and you are right there is nothing more relaxing. I sailed through the Whitsunday Islands in Australia and I hope to do it again before I croak. We would drop anchor and just go diving right off the boat and watch the sun go down with a drink in hand. One of my best trips. I took 3 months off for that trip with my paycheck going in the bank every two weeks while I was there.

My boss had a Fraser 36 that was not far from the airport. If we had a flight delay that could often be hours long we would go sailing while getting paid the whole time. Your tax dollars at work. Laugh I had two radios and a phone so always knew where the plane was.

John Deere time.

All the best to all.

Got to love a railroad that has its own airforce. I have been on this very plane to Hawaii more than once.

Brent

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

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 1:33 PM

Just got back from my physical. All is good, and I am ready to hit the road!

I am very excited for some new adventure.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 1:05 PM

157...... That's a lot!  Kids don't try this at homeLaugh

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 1:05 PM

Speaking of dentists, I just got back from one.  I have to go again.Sad

Not my favorite thing to do.  Or a visit to the physical therapist.  Maybe I'm older than I think.

York1 John       

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 12:58 PM

I was beginning to wonder when the stackers were going to end.  I think I'll go back and count them nowHuh?

 

P.S.  Ricky's a Post Hog! Whistling

 

 

Smile, Wink & GrinTF 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 12:40 PM

YAY! Looks like the video embed worked!

For those interested, the debris strike occurs right around the 1:10 mark.

And yes, the RR got a call about the issue.

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
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 12:37 PM

Good afternoon all.

Zoe - A Coke float please. Thanks.

Glad to see JR stopped by. Now, where are you CudaKen?

If I can get this to work, here is my capture of the "new" Reading unit, with a surprise debris strike at the crossing to go along with it.

Hopefully the embed works...

TF - Nice catch of the local.

Mike (Waterlevelroute) - You must not have been in my neck of the woods during that snowstorm... You would not have enjoyed it while driving through if you were not used to it. Lake effect snow storms are not fun to drive in most times...

Kevin - That area is a combobulated mess to navigate through.... Friends of mine were travelling to Pittsburgh (near the airport) and ended up in Wheeling WV... Tongue Tied  

Lion - I believe I have had Tonio's once... Years back when we vacationed in the poke-e-onose one summer. Tried to get in to the raceway on our way home, but they were hosting practice that day, so no go on entry... But saw all the carriers arriving, so there was that. 

Trains - Got a couple of covered hoppers painted, will do decals later this week. A box car got it's first "patch-job" coat yesterday, but will need a second later.

Well, I need to get the ribs started for tonights dinner...

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.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 12:00 PM

Good morning

I appreciate it Mike and also Charlie for the kind gestures of easing my mind about the vaccine and alergical reactions.  I as well am allergic to penicillin and so many things it takes a while to count.  Still a bit skittish but at least I'm considering it, I haven't made up my mind yet.

I seen that Viaduct bridge two more times Ed.  I like that area you used to railfan at.  Watched the anthracite mine-war video over coffee this morning.  It seems it would be pretty hard to mine more coal with only 50,000 workers after 40,000 went to fight for our freedom.  What got me is they paid them more but they knocked off early.  Someone pays me more I hang around till the Heyday's over!

The dentist yesTongue Tied  Athough I have no problems at the time, an appointment for preventive maintenance would be good.  Apparently my idea of the dentist lately is picking up a pack of tridentLaugh  Four out of five dentists surveyed did recommend it dontcha knowWhistling

Kevin, you were Wise to caulk the perimeter of Sir Knightlight.  It's not the water, wet-dry wet-dry on exterior products that takes a toll on them.  It's the water that just sits there, never drying out becoming stagnant that starts the corrosion.

Garry I'm glad you and the wife were okay after that wicked storm.  I actually like a mild storm but not when they damaged things or hurt anybody of course.

 

I'm glad I noticed the drive seal on the rear end of my truck was leaking, splattering all over the gas tank the other day.  I took it to my mechanic Damien's place this morning. Better 2- $300 now than 12- $1400 later. 

I chose to ride my mountain bike home because it was such a beautiful morning.  I was fortunate enough to get held up by my little blue friends on the way.

Notice the fuel economy sign?  He gets way better mileage than my truck to say the least and has more power doing it.

I wonder where the heck number 35 went?

 

Those crabapple trees sure are gorgeous in the spring with the happy chirps coming out of them.  A picture sure does nothing for the vibrant color and the great smell of those things.

 

Lunchtime!Dinner  Have a great afternoon gentlemenWink

 

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • 2,123 posts
Posted by CNCharlie on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 11:53 AM

Good Morning,

When I was working I found sailing to be a great stress reliever. Even a weekend on the boat could do it. As soon as I stepped on the deck and sat in the cockpit I could feel better and when the wind filled the sails the stress was gone. I travelled a lot for work and a domestic holiday trip always felt like work. Crossing an ocean on a plane was required as was 3 weeks. I had 4 or 5 weeks holidays for most of my work career. 

A little more yard clean up is on the agenda this afternoon and I have to fetch mire bird seed. We have gone through 25 lbs, since Saturday. We had a flock of white throated sparrows stop for a couple of days. They sure have a lovely song.

CN Charlie

 

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,862 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 11:45 AM

One week is typically not enough to fully destress but at least it would be something.  Over the holidays I took two weeks off and actually felt ready to come back to work when it was over.  That didn't last long! Laugh

Pennsylvania is beautiful.  So much better to see from a car window than an airport window.  Drove through Pennsylvania once during a late spring snow storm.  It was my first time seeing it covered in snow and it was breathtaking.  Might help that I love snow, but I think anyone could have appreciated it that day.

Mike

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 11:01 AM

Not counting airplane changes in Philadelphia, I have only been in Pennsylvania one time, and that was by mistake.

I was going to an antique store in Wheeling, West Virginia, and I was taking the back roads through Ohio to get there. I mis-navigated and went too far East, and wound up in Pennsylvania.

I drove around, took a few photos, and found a place to eat. That way I can add Pennsylvania to the list of places I have visited, but not really.

I have spent more time in Pennsylvania than I did in either Mexico or Canada!

Judging by what I have seen in the diner this month, I am going to need to get to Pennsylvania again and spend some more time.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    March 2017
  • 8,173 posts
Posted by Track fiddler on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 10:38 AM

And the skets look lovely all times of the year so I'm inStick out tongue  I just hope they can put the raw wildebeest topping on the pizza a moment before it comes out of the oven so it's still rareDinner

 

 

 

TF

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
  • 9,592 posts
Posted by BroadwayLion on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 10:26 AM

 

HEY If we are in the poke-u-nose, we can stop by Tonio's Pizza in East Stroudsburg... I hear the Pizzas are ok but the sketts are well worth the drive!

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
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  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
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Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 8:36 AM

Water Level Route
I need a vacation, but alas, none on the horizon.

Now that I have not worked for fifteen months, I realize how worthless vacations always were.

It took me a full year to completely decompress from work stresses. I had no idea how much stress I was exposed to until I was removed from it all. A week or two away never got the job done.

TOP OF THE PAGE!

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone. Have a cool glass of wonderful Horchata on me.

We have entered the wonky page numbers. How fast can we get through them... GO!

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,862 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 8:32 AM

gmpullman
Dentist today  Oh boy!

Tomorrow for me.

In the words of one of our forum friends, Work Sucks Rail Spikes!  Gads, what a crummy week and it's only Wednesday!  I need a vacation, but alas, none on the horizon.  Might just try to take a few days to get some stuff done at home and simply get away from work for a while.

I bought an Athearn F3 A/B set recently that I got decoders installed in.  Who knew the Econami emits blue light when it's powered up?  With the see-through grills on the A unit, it looks like a nuclear powered locomotive! Laugh So, I took the shell off and placed a little black electrical tape on the top.  Well, what do you know, lights are on the bottom side of it too!  Oh well, I'll deal with that later.  In the B unit I put a simple NCE replacement board style decoder in and it isn't behaving quite right, but I'm not sure if its the decoder or locomotive.  Inconsistently takes more throttle to start it moving.  Probably drivetrain related, but we shall see.

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!

Mike

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 7:39 AM

gmpullman
There's a lot of work that goes into the sorting, cleaning and sifting!

Wow, no kidding. That is a lot of work.

gmpullman
Dentist today  Oh boy!

I have a physical this afternoon. Oh Boy!

NorthBrit
We saw a couple of episodes of Snowpiercer.   Not for us.

I saw the movie with excitement. Trains and Sci-Fi together in a dystopian society... what could be better?

Just about anything would have been better.

After the movie was so bad, I have no desire to see the series.

The train scene in Solo was much better, as would be expected.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 4:35 AM

Good morning Diners.   The usual tast and tea, please Brunhilda.

Brent.  We saw a couple of episodes of Snowpiercer.   Not for us.

Ed.  Thanks for posting the films.     They are bringing back memories of a time passed. Smile

 

Our youngest grandchild has just joined 'The Rainbows'   (Youngest class of Girl Guides)   We have bought her her  uniform and is coming over after school to try it on.   Methinks she will stay for tea and some dinner before going home. Big Smile

 

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: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:09 AM

Something to watch while you enjoy your morning tea or coffee —

There's a lot of work that goes into the sorting, cleaning and sifting!

I hope everyone is doing well.

Dentist today Surprise Oh boy!

Regards, Ed

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 10:53 PM

Good evening .... 

It has been stormy here lately. We awoke at 4:30 am this morning during a severe storm with tornado warnings. We lost power for 4 hours. Later, we spent much of the afternoon picking up broken tree branches. Several buildings in this area were damaged, but our property is okay. 

I'm glad to see interesting posts about the anthracite coal region so far this month. 

Everybody: ..... Have a good night. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 9:56 PM

BATMAN
I usually just watch movies.

Yes, I am a movie watcher too. I just cannot dedicate the time to very many series.

I have been watching Better Call Saul, I just finished season 4, and it took me like 6 months to get there.

gmpullman
Here's something that will make Kevin cry:

Crying

CNCharlie
Kevin, just reading your posts makes me tired. Water lines here are buried at least 6 feet. 

My fresh water line into the house if only about 8 inches deep. My sewage out line is 4-6 inches below the grass. The new irrigation lines are only about 6-8 inches below the surface.

The water main from the city is only about 6 inches beneath the street surface.

Track fiddler
Trust this force Luke. This is their 10 times as strong top-of-the-line stuff.  There ain't no better but you will need a Sawzall if you ever want to remove it.

Nobody else was making suggestions, so that is what I used.

I removed Sir Knightlight from his pedestal, and removed the thin-set with my electric hammer. It sure was easy to remove when it had not even had 24 hours to harden!

I used the entire tube of PL-Max to glue the statue in place, and also put a good 1/4" bead all the way around the base's edge.

It looks good.

The World Is A Beautiful Place.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 9:17 PM

Let's have another look under the Erie's viaduct over the D&H and the Starucca Creek:

 DH, Lanesboro, Pennsylvania, 1974 by Center for Railroad Photography & Art, on Flickr

I was in and amongst that crowd there. Got a few old, fuzzy movies from it:

My title says 1973 but it could have been '74. Lots of water under the bridge.

Could almost pass for a little slice of Switzerland right in the heart of Pennsylvania:

 180529_28_lanesboro by lmyers83, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

  • Member since
    August 2007
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Posted by CNCharlie on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 9:09 PM

Good Evening,

Sure is quiet without Robbie. Still can't quite believe he is gone.

Had a fellow from a movie production company stop by as they are looking for a mid century modern house for a location and our house might be suitable. We won't do it though.

TF, my wife has allergies and has to carry an epipen in summer for wasp stings. She is also allergic to penicillin. She got the shot. They made her wait a half hour afterwards and had a nurse and paramedic standing by. Seems to me covid would be rather worse than an allergic reaction unless your doctor advised against it. 

The prodction runs of some brass steam sure was low. They did 300 of my Pacific , 150 of the CN Hudson and only about 50 of my CP Hudson. Mind you there are many other runs of Royal Hudsons. Some engines had runs of 25.

Had prime rib burghers on the grill tonight. 

Kevin, just reading your posts makes me tired. Water lines here are buried at least 6 feet. 

Ken, where are you?

Time for tea.

CN Charlie

 

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 9:03 PM

Well, since my biological clock has been doing some kind of crappie flop thing, I've been waking up at 3:30-4 almost every morning.  I think I'm gonna hit the rack Kids.

 

Nighty night.  Have a great evening and sleep well tonight.

 

 

 

 

PH

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