Good afternoon ..... Honoring D-Day heros today.
Ed .... I'm sad to hear about Oscar/Thor. Picture of him is very cute. I also would prefer to think it was an accident, but people should be careful with dangerous substances.
Mr. B..... Like you, we keep our cats indoors. We did have one get in the driveway several months ago. I went out to get her just barely in time because I saw very large bird (possibly an eagle) fly low overhead as I did that. I suspect the bird saw me and change its mind about taking our cat.
Sheldon .... 1700 is a lot of records.
TF .... Thanks for your latest pictures of Deadwood and the Badlands area. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Kevin ... Thanks for your trip photos so far.
Everybody ..... Have a good day.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Sorry to hear about Oscar/Thor as well. Our cats stay inside. We had outdoor cats when I was younger. One got run over, but the other lived to be about 19. Where I grew up, we had no predators. Where we are now, there are foxes and large raccoons much bigger than the cats.
howmus Just got am email that the NMRA Region Convention in October is on!!! So I am starting to make plans to drive to Wedstford, MA to get to it. YES!
Just got am email that the NMRA Region Convention in October is on!!! So I am starting to make plans to drive to Wedstford, MA to get to it. YES!
I used to live very close to Westford, and actually worked there for 15 years. Where is the meeting going to be? I used to work at Haystack Observatory, an interesting place to drive around. There are a couple of nice small music clubs in nearby Concord. It's a region full of history. You can park across the street and walk across the rude bridge that at arched the flood and walk up to the famous Minuteman Statue. The bridge is wood, so this is a replica, but take a picture for TF just in case.
Incidentally, Ringo from the Beatles actually played the part of Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station, a kids' TV show.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Good evening all. Wall to wall sunshine.
TF Great pictures. I like the stagecoach. Thanks for posting.
der5997. I feel for anyone caught in 'friendly fire'.
Sheldon. Great looking speakers. Well done.
I did not manage to run trains. I am caught doing some housework and working on my two new model army tanks. Maybe tomorrow I shall run trains.
A Thai Curry and a fruit surprise to follow.
Stay Safe.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Good morning
This is the first year I was out of town for Memorial Day and didn't visit my Dad's resting place amongst the sea of stones. I will be following up with that later this week as he and all our people of service will always be remembered.
I was saddened to hear about Oscar/Thor Ed. I would rather believe this was an unfortunate accident than an act of hate which is harder to make sense of. I'm sorry that happened Ed
My phone got quite useless near and through the Badlands. One of the tourists told me this can be quite typical amongst the larger hills and rock formations bouncing the waves around. I'm sure you can understand I quit sending pictures as I grew tired of the frustration.
Here's to catch you up on some postcards. A few pictures in Deadwood
The stagecoach we rode in front of our hotel
A while back in Keystone.
I'll catch you up with what I have of the Badlands later
Enjoying your vacation photos as well Kevin
TF
Thanks for these pics Kevin. Looks like you are finding good weather. Enjoy the ride!
"There are always alternatives, Captain" - Spock.
NorthBritI had an uncle who fought behind Japanese enemy lines in Burma. Not pleasant tales to tell. There again they were nicknamed 'The Forgotten 14th (Army').
gmpullmanWas this intentional? I guess we'll never know, and if so, we will never know who could be so cruel to such a trusting animal — Thanks for hearing my story,
Ed, seems strange to say "Sorry for your loss " for a cat which wasn't even yours, but the loss is real and we feel for you. Intentional? It may have been spilled, or more likely this time of year leaking, anti freeze on someone's driveway. Deadly to cats, but attractive as it apparently is sweet tasting to them. Our Penny roams freely, especially when the weather's warm. Call me foolish, but I pray for safety from all "natural perils, and man made dangers" for her daily.
Good morning all.
Yes, we must never forget what they did.
My grandfather was not with the invasion wave, but came to France later in a support unit and stayed until after the war, mostly helping put France back together....
My father was teen, at home, helping to man the rural volunteer fire department since there were so few young adult men at home. He later served in Korea.
Great photos Kevin, interesting stuff.
Yes, Ringo was an important part of that band, and is an outstanding musician. Far and way my favorite "solo" Beatle.....
For those who don't know from my previous posts, I'm a big music fan, liking many styles and eras of music.
I have been designing and building HiFi speakers since age 16 and have over 1700 vinyl records, mostly in near mint to exceptional condition, always played on high quality equipment.
One example:
Have a nice day all,
Sheldon
I agree, John. We do owe a lot to that generation.
It was only afterwards (not that long ago) I found out my father was a child evacuee at the start of the war. Apparently he left where he was 'placed' and joined the Army. He lied about his age and was a 'boy soldier'. By the time he was 'traced' he was already in Africa - then old enough. He was at El Alamein to meeting American soldiers in Tunisia.
Then came Italy and the hard fought battles. Anzio and onwards to Venice.
I had an uncle who fought behind Japanese enemy lines in Burma. Not pleasant tales to tell. There again they were nicknamed 'The Forgotten 14th (Army').
Yes. We do owe a lot lot that generation.
Good morning, everyone. Donut day!
June 6. I've often wondered what my father went through that day. He did not tell us anything about it. We got glimpses of his ordeal when he would slip and refer to something, so we know it was on his mind his whole life. He was one of the 'lucky' ones. Across the Channel, onto the beach, through France, into Germany with the U.S. 3rd Army.
His worst we found out from my mother -- he helped liberate a concentration camp. He had some small pictures that I saw when I was younger, but those disappeared. We believe my mother threw them away so that he would not see them.
The people of that generation amaze me.
He grew up on a dirt-poor farm. His teen years were spent trying to find work in the Great Depression. He rode a train (not legally) and ended up in Utah to work in the copper mine. Then he enlisted. He was on guard duty at a lighthouse in Washington state the day after Pearl Harbor.
He and my mother were shipped to various forts for the next several years, and then he was sent to England.
He and his men ended up after peace was announced living with a German family for several months before coming home.
Those same men came home, didn't complain, and proceeded to build the U.S. into a superpower. What a generation!
In the three days he was in the hospital dying, he told me more about his life than he had told me in 55 years.
He and my mother made a trip back to Germany in the 1980s. During the war, he and his men camped in tents, but the officers got to sleep in the large houses, (he called them castles). When he went back, he found one that he remembered. He had always wondered what it looked like inside. He and my mother went to the front of the 'castle', and the people living there (it was a private residence) invited them in. They had a great time as the family showed my father around.
Sorry this has turned into a book. We owe a lot to that generation.
Not much planned today. Church, donuts, nap, watch baseball on TV. Sounds like a great day!
York1 John
We shall never forget:
D-Day: The Normandy Invasion by The U.S. Army, on Flickr
National D-Day Memorial in Bedford VA by Curtis Warwick, on Flickr
Regards, Ed
Good morning Diners. A piece of that seafood pie, Bear as left please, Flo, and a large coffee, no milk.
Kevin. Great photographs. Thanks for posting.
Cats I hate to hear of cruelty to animals. We have had cats most our married life. They gave us great joy and happiness.
6th June 1944. My family in the Military were elsewhere, Italy and Burma. Wherever they were they are not forgotten.
Children. We hope we did right with our two. The grandchildren visit and everytime they say they want to stay longer.
I must run some trains today.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
May they and your son and his partner have many years of “happiness”!
Thanks Bear! Your kids and our kids are headed in the right direction thank goodness.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
My young fellow and his girlfriend came and stayed last night, I cooked a roast chicken dinner and we savaged sampled a bottle of Appleton’s. Her-in-Doors was a very Happy Camper! They are both Young Professional’s and speak a slightly different lingo to Her-in-Doors and myself, which to our minds means we’ve done a not to bad job in raising the young bloke to do better than us.
Hi Bear,
I am very happy to hear that your son is succeeding in life and that he has a good other half. We are thrilled with our son's success and with his final choice of a partner. She is fantastic! (I say 'final' choice because there were a couple of pretty iffy prospects along the way). I wish you and your family all the best!!
Cheers!!
BATMANNot intentional, but quite problematic when the rodent wanders off before it dies. Poisons are just all-around bad planning.
That possibility would help restore my faith in fellow man, Brent. Accidental but stupid. Thor's family said he began to look lethargic the day before. That would have been the time to act. Vet said fluids, or a blood transfusion sometimes works if caught soon enough.
Well, we do the best we can do —
C'est la vie, Ed
Yep, that ballast is certainly different. Very cool pics Kevin, barns, and churches.
Had the kid and girlfriend for dinner as it was the girlfriend's birthday. She asked the wife for a specific meal and got it. She is a great kid that grew up with extremely overbearing parents and has become a completely changed person since hanging at our house.
I am so behind the tech times, the kid is telling me what is going on at work for him and I just don't get as much of it as I should being all tech. It is going well for him and that's what matters. He must have given me 4 or 5 big hugs while he was here and I could see his girlfriend feeling a little envious of our relationship. She will get her share of hugs as we break down the defences her parents made her put up.
The kid says he may need to attend a conference in New York and the girlfriend can't get away. He asked if I want to go instead. It depends on when the borders open up but I may go if the offer still stands. I have never had the slightest urge to go to NY but if it is a free trip I may tag along. All our trips together have been for hockey tournaments so this would be a little different. I will wander the streets while he attends business.
I sold the three solar heating panels for our pool yesterday for more than I paid for them new, now that's a deal. Not blowing up the pool this year as it gets very limited use. We got our money out of it though and then some. A lot of long conversations while floating around.
I watched Stephen Kings "Mr Mercedes" series on Amazon and really enjoyed it as the acting was superb. The only bad performance was Kate Mulgrew. In some scenes, she had the down South accent and then didn't in the next. Anything that keeps me staying up to watch the next episode is good in my books. I need to find something else now. Suggestions? I really like limited series.
Time to take the fleabags out for a final romp and then it is rack time. I keep tabs on the ISS and it came over the other night around the time I was out with the dogs at 2200hrs. It is quite bright as it passes over but it was much brighter when the shuttle would be attached to it. I see a signal from Voyager 2 was re-acquired, that is so cool.
Kobayashi Maru.
All the best to all.
Edit; Ed, just read about Thor. It could be he ate a mouse or rat that someone used poison to kill. The wife saw a lot of that when she practiced. Not intentional, but quite problematic when the rodent wanders off before it dies. Poisons are just all-around bad planning.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Its just after midnight so — good morning all
up831A little more current, I've also noticed that Ringo Star's drumming gives equal weight to the kick drum as well as the snare.
I've always believed Ringo deserved more credit for his contribution to that band.
I don't often post music tracks but a while back I stumbled upon this very talented young lady:
I sure do like Big Band and swing. Music tastes change with my moods but I go through a Glenn Miller phase every now and then. Theater pipe organ, classical piano, then on to Springsteen and Pink Floyd. Some variety.
That ballast sure looks neat, Kevin. When I see those blends offered by the model retailers I wonder what they were thinking but you have proven there is a prototype for the salt & pepper look.
I'm still absorbing the enjoyment of our visit yesterday and, of course, dozens of things pop into my mind of things we should have talked about. The Intermountain ball-bearing wheelsets, the Stratton & Gilette box car (did you see it?) forgetting to take photos
So while still feeling great this morning we got some terrible news
Let me fill you in about "Oscar"
As it turns out, Oscar is one of the neighbor's cats. We kind of suspected this and Dee Ann put a collar on him with our phone number on it. We got a call later that day (only a week ago) and talked with his family, whom we happen to be familliar with and they were glad we had him neutered and all. We explained that we thought he was homeless.
OK, so Oscar (or Thor as his real family named him) made his rounds around the neighborhood. We can share.
This morning Dee Ann got a call asking for his vet records. Thor was in bad shape and they were taking him to an emergency animal hospital. Later we got a call from his family and found out he had been poisoned and his organs were shutting down. There was nothing that could be done.
This HAD to have been intentional. Is there no limit to human cruelty? I've encountered many cats in my time and this guy was one of the friendliest I've ever (briefly) known.
Oscar_5-1-21 by Edmund, on Flickr
He was barely a year old. I'm sad, then I'm angry, then I'm sad again. Was this intentional? I guess we'll never know, and if so, we will never know who could be so cruel to such a trusting animal —
Thanks for hearing my story,
up831Kevin: How did you find all of those neat attractions to visit? Hope the remainder of your trip goes wonderfully.
I google model train attractions for the area we are in. We also get off the highways and stick to 2 lane roads.
Today we could have gone to Mr. Muffins Trains in Atlanta, Indiana, but I have been there three times already. It is an incredible Lionel layout that everyone should visit if they are ever North of Indianapolis.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Kevin, I love that ballast! I was going to use cinders for the mainlines but now I'm having second thoughts. The ties would show much more clearly with the salt and pepper ballast. It would need to be toned down a bit but it is an interesting option.
Happy travels!
Good evening fellow diner patrons.
We started out today in Lafayette, Indiana. The BNSF made a very brief visit with us at a crossing.
After we left Lafayette, we travelled through the Indiana farm country and saw an endless progression of beautiful barns.
Indiana has some of the best limestone quarries in the country. This county couthouse has a plaque and display in front of it describing how the stones were quarried and finished.
The train star of the day was found at Linton's Enchanted Garden in Elkhart, Indiana.
We arrived there just as they were closing. The last train left the garden area, and I was able to walk around the displays. There are some wonderful miniature buildings back in the Enchanted Gardens. This would be a great place for a 7 1/2" gauge live steam railroad.
After we crossed into Michigan, we encountered another train.
We saw this beautiful bridge in Michigan. It is a roadway bridge, but still worthy of sharing.
The ballast on the railroad tracks in Michigan was like none I have ever seen before. It was half black and half white, and had a nice salt-and-pepper look to it.
That is all for today. Tomorrow we are heading for Mackinaw City, Michigan.
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
Good evening Diners,
Brunhilda, coffee with lots of cream, please.
This past week we've had something of a heat wave here, which I don't mind at all. Been in the low 90s F. Although I'll admit I don't do heat quite as well as I used to.
Kevin: How did you find all of those neat attractions to visit? Hope the remainder of your trip goes wonderfully.
I've been listening to some old Glenn Miller tracks, specifically from the 1940-41 band. That was when the band was reportedly at its zenith. The bass player was of particular interest to me. His name was Trigger Alpert. It was reported that he brought some needed swing to the band, and I believe it. The music at that time was mostly downbeats with not much up beats or back beats. But, in Miller's music the down beat was very percussive and it was relentless. I think it was largely due to this guy. Rather than bore anyone by going on and on, i am just amazed by it all.
A little more current, I've also noticed that Ringo Star's drumming gives equal weight to the kick drum as well as the snare. One could say, so what else is new? True, but I've noticed that when other people do covers of Beatle songs, they more often than not, hit the snare, but subdue or not even mike the kick drum. Pointless trivia I suppose. Anyway, thanks for listening.
(Edit): Tomorrow June 6th, is the 77th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion AKA: D-Day. A special hats off and sincere thanks to all who have ever served. And, special remembrance to those who didn't make it. May they never be forgotten.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
howmusCarbohydrates basically digest into sugars, I think (remember that from somewhere)
Yep, they do. When I got smart I went to an extremely low carb no sugar diet and went off all pain killers and anti-inflammatories within a week and I was taking oxycocet and Tylenol just to get out of bed. Eating sugar(carbs) is like taking inflammation medication and like I said it doesn't affect just the joints but the plumbing as well.
Like you Ray, I felt so good eating what our body was designed to eat instead of what big business wants us to eat I got back into incredible shape. I was in very good condition before the Arthritis got its claws into me though. I had about 15 very bad years while my spine fused.
BATMANRefined sugar also really inflames the gut and digestive tract which over time can lead to cancer. We all know people that have/had cancer. The ones I know/knew had high sugar content in their diet.
I don't doubt what you are saying in the slightest. I use no refined sugar at all now. Removing that actually started when I became diabetic, but I was still eating way too much carbohydrate and fat. Carbohydrates basically digest into sugars, I think (remember that from somewhere), so my just feeling a whole lot better is much of what has led me to up the excercise program. I am at a point now where my doctors do not want me to lose much more weight and are very pleased with the wieght I am at. I would like to get another 15 to 20 lbs off and hope to do so now that the Virus (or lack there of) allows me to be out and around more.... I really enjoy running 3 or 4 5k's every week at least. Need to work more on upper body strength but I am not too bad in that respect for a 74 year old guy.
I do really wish I had started this 20 or more years ago! Have a feeling I would have lived a more enjoyable life and might have found a lady to enjoy it with... (grin).
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
I just get the basic blood test that looks for trouble, they usually take three to five tubes worth out of me along with the poop and pee screen. I think anyone diagnosed with a condition would get a more refined test that likely could require fasting. I did do some quick reading on the changes made in having to fast or not and whether or not they apply to someone is up to the Doctor and/or if the lab is up to date with new equipment.
It doesn't matter what condition someone might have, in the end, the individual should learn all there is to learn about their individual issues and they will do more to help themselves in the end as we are all different. I would be bedridden if I relied solely on the medical establishment. Proper nutrition changed my life completely around. I was on medications for a number of years while waiting for my spine to fuse from arthritis. I started doing way better when I started to read and read and then told the Doctor what meds I wanted to try. Now my spine is completely fused and looks like a melted candle on an X-ray. I take no meds since removing refined sugar from my diet. I love Rum and Pepsi but rarely have it as I'll be on the pain train in short order. Refined sugar also really inflames the gut and digestive tract which over time can lead to cancer. We all know people that have/had cancer. The ones I know/knew had high sugar content in their diet.
I convinced two of my old geezer (same age as me) friends to go off refined sugar as they were on Proton-Pump inhibitors for severe indigestion that would inflame their guts. That drug is nasty long-term. Not only did their gut improve enough they didn't need them anymore, and they lost a ton of weight. One just bought a new $5000.00 bike and started riding again. He did 75 kms yesterday.
It's funny how some people's cars are in perfect shape but not the people.
York1Brent, my doctor says don't fast, while my wife's doctor wants her to fast for the blood work. Not sure why.
In my case it's a blood sugar thing. Are these tests before breakfast? That's usually the case. "Fasting Blood Glucose" is an indication of how well the body is handling blood sugar. At least, that's what I've been told.
Shirts all ironed (17) so bring on summer! Thought of running a train while the ironing was happening - but didn't want to bring out all the gremlins at once!
Good evening all. Just a quick catch-up. The last of the grandchildren have gone home. The house is quiet.
No to run trains. It is dinnertime.
Mexican Style Beef with Guacamole. Coconut Yoghurt to follow.
Stay Safe Everyone
Brent, my doctor says don't fast, while my wife's doctor wants her to fast for the blood work. Not sure why.
MisterBeasleyBrent, I think fasting for blood work depends on what tests I'm getting. I have diabetes and I take meds for cholesterol so my blood chemistry depends a lot on what I've eaten earlier.
Yep! My doctor(s) always orders fasting blood work. This last time my A1c was 5.1. My doctor actually asked me if I had ever been formally diagnosed as diabetic. I told him yes! He replied that 5.1 is non-diabetioc. I grinned and told him my former doctor put me on some major meds when it got to be about 7.4! His eyes got very big and he just stared at me. I guess my lifestyle and excercize regimen are working for me.... Even now if I eat te wrong thngs my blood work later will bump up to where I don't like it (even though it is still OK).
Just got the lawn finished (Mowed, Trimmed the sides, and blew the errant clippings back onto my lawn. City likes us to not leave it in the road...). Temperature is 88°F out there! I didn't do it all at once.... LOL
Oh.... Caught another mousie down on the layout. Commited suicide for some nice sharp cheddar cheeze I used.... That makes 6 total. Grrrrrrrr!