Good morning everyone. I hope Chloe brings my coffee soon.
I am in Seattle for the last day. I am awake before everyone else, so I am just plucking away at the keyboard until the day begins.
National Car Rental swapped out my gray Malibu for a white Optima. I am good to go again. This car has California plates (boooooo), so as I get closer to home, people will think I am a tourist.
I do not think I have driven a Kia Optima before. It seems good enough. The trunk is huge, I think it is as big as my Impala's. I can buy more stuff on the return trip.
I wish I had a picture of the breakfast we had yesterday ($110.00 for 4 1/2 people!), but I did not get one.
How about some Southern Biscuits And Gravy... dig in.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Good morning from a very soggy West Coast.
I imagine it is soggy in Seattle for Kevins' visit as well.
I will hop on the bike shortly as I took 12 days off from working out and feel very rejuvenated.
I think I may get to the trainroom on this rainy day which will be nice. With all these reno's going on it has been a long time. Had to open up the wall in the garage to the panel for the wiring upgrade for the two additional ovens and outlets for other countertop appliances, under counter lighting. We added some plugs with four outlets instead of the traditional two. It sometimes seems to take longer to put everything back together after the major work than it does to do the work. I spent yesterday doing all that little stuff including finishing the wall repair. While I had the wall opened up I added a couple of circuits to the crawlspace for future use. The home theatre is showing its age and I would like to add more plugs for all that equipment as we will likely be expanding the size and scope of all that.
The kid wanted to go golfing today but the rain put a damper on that. He (and my daughter) were on the golf team in high school and both won a couple of tournaments. When he got busy doing movies and TV golf was a casualty. Now he is a big-time executive he needs to learn to unwind and golf with Dad is good for that.
The kids' girlfriend had a bit of a sheltered life and though she is a super brain and graduated high school two years early, she was quite coddled. She filled up her vehicle for the first time ever and put diesel in the tank instead of gas. It was a $1500.00 fix. Fortunately, they are doing well enough the money part was a non-issue. He is 22 and his girlfriend is 19 and they moved in together a few months ago. He says it has been a real eye-opener on their different upbringings. Both kids would go away to sporting tournaments growing up, the difference is I gave my kids a credit card, drove them to the airport, and said knock'em dead as they got out of the car. His girlfriends' parents accompanied her everywhere she went. She loves her newfound freedom being out from under her parents smothering, while they are still really upset she moved out.
My daughter was 12 and in grade 7 when she went to Toronto to represent her school in a literary competition. We put her on the plane and she posted pics of her week as she went along, including when they took her up the CN Tower for dinner. We picked her up at the airport when she got back and it had not phased her in the least to go off on her own. She is now looking at going to Burma for a co-op project for the University. She still has the credit card I gave her when she was 12 so she is good to go once the pandemic is over.
SeeYou190National Car Rental swapped out my gray Malibu for a white Optima. I am good to go again. This car has California plates (boooooo), so as I get closer to home, people will think I am a tourist.
The rental cars at the airport always had a vast assortment of plates from everywhere, it always made me wonder what kind of journey they had to end up in Vancouver. Of course, we have rented cars here and left them at places like Pheonix Arizona when we flew home and they had B.C. plates on them.
The kid just called and said because it is raining he wants to go buy a set of new golf clubs and wants me to come with him, so I need to get on the bike before he gets here.
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."
Kevin I hope their were Mimosas included in that breakfast. The problem I have with those brunch's is I want more than I should eat.
I forego the local tractor pull this weekend and improved on my breadmaking skills.
The Westminster Dog show had an obstacle course yesterday. I enjoyed it so much more than the traditional 6 identical dogs walk in a circle and for reasons known only to the judge, one wins. There is a considerable amount of running required for the handler during the obstacle course and one guy whose dog could have one, did a face plant.
The show was held at Lyndhurst NY a building representing a British manor house, built by a politician, but unltimately owned by Jay Gould of railroad fame.
https://lyndhurst.org/visit/
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Henry, my wife, and sister are talking on the phone while watching Westminster as I type. It has just started here. I have been emersed in the dog show world for the last 50 years because of my family's involvement and I still find dog shows absolute torture to attend and rarely do. My sister was supposed to be judging at Westminster this year but because of covid closing the border(s), canceled all her assignments and had a new knee installed instead. She should be there next year.
Needless to say, I get interrogated by many as to why I am not more involved in the hobby. Some like to call it a sport, at which point I usually take my politically correct hat off and respond, "to me, a sport is something like hockey where you have to leave it all on the ice to win". "Watching people run around in circles being at the whim of a judge to win, is more like being at a pie baking competition and just as exciting". That usually shuts them up.
There is an awful lot that goes into knowing what makes a champion-level dog and it is understood by few including myself, though I know enough to know I don't know much.
I do support my wife and sister every way I can though as it is their passion. I am very proud of them for that and the extremely high ethics they employ in their hobby, I mean sport, no I don't, it's a hobby. I'm going to go to the trainroom and count some rivets now.
Watching Westminster, I know they like hockey better.
Here is the latest from Ulrich for those of you who might be interested. I am glad that he is finally having some success at achieving his dreams:
"Hi Dave,....Our house plans are progressing slooooowly. The title transfer for tze property has finally been completed, the plans are finalized and submitted to the authorities for approval. We now have to sit back and wait until we get the building permit. In the meantime, prices for lumber and other materials have risen sharply, which may have quite an effect on us, as we have very limited funds available.
Although we will be connected to the "grid", we will generate our own energy with solar modules on the roof, have our own water supply - just in case things fold up even more in this country. Better to be prepared!I found a side entrance to sneak into the Diner now and then, so I have been able to catch up on what´s going on. I am enjoying the ongoing garnd tour! Give my regards to the Diner patrons!Cheers,Ulrich"
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Good morning Diners. A warm, sunny day over the pond.
Tea and toast please, Brunhilda.
A quiet night in the Diner last night.
Dave. Thanks for the message from Ulrich.
I hope Ken, Lion and others who are missing are okay and return soon.
A busy Monday with a number of things to do and prepare.
Hopefully see the train room later.
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
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Good morning, everyone. Bacon, eggs, and coffee this morning, Brunhilda.
I've spent the last several days sitting on bleachers watching the grandsons' baseball games. Then, it was a long drive home yesterday. Lots of miles on the car the past week.
Hope everyone in the diner has a good day.
York1 John
Good morning diners. Not much news from my neck of the woods. Hope everyone is doing well.
Mike
Good evening Diners. A coffee please, Flo.
It has been a busy day with one thing and another.
The Government will not lift the restrictions we are living under. Everytime they give a date they change it and put it further into the year.
I managed thirty minutes in the train room trying to build a steam crane for Clarence Dock part of layout.
Creamy, Spiced Lentil Curry with Vegetables.
Stay Safe Everyone.
Good afternoon from a dry but cloudy Left Coast of Canada.
Just got back from getting my second vaccine, so I guess in three weeks I'll be as bulletproof as I am going to be. More restrictions are coming off tomorrow but the U.S./Can border will remain closed until 70% vaccination has been reached. I need to go to the U.S. to finish off settling this Estate I am working on. Can't wait to get that behind me.
I bought two new 5lb fire extinguishers for the house on the way home as the old ones were too old to be recertified.
Bear, that old Ford is pretty cool. Rally and hill climb are two events I enjoy watching. Given the amount of driver training the Federal Government has given me, you would think I would be into all things car and truck, not so.
A bunch of family members are trying to book Hawaii in January. Too many covid hoops to still jump through to be successful. We tend to just go get on a plane if we decide to go, very last minute. Besides, the wife and I go to get away from people we know for a few weeks so being gone to Hawaii without people knowing we were even going fixes the "can we go with you and share a condo?", problem.
We currently have three owls living out back. The rabbit population has sure declined recently.
Someone asked me to lay down the guitar track for this Gordy song so they can do a vocal over it. The person is handicapped and can't play an instrument but they can sure sing. Hopefully, I can do it in one take, and then I send it to them on youtube. The kid used to just sing along with Gord and then I asked him if he wanted me to do the guitar part and send it to him, that way Gord wouldn't cramp his style. I have sent him a couple of others, he sings like an angel.
Well best go grab the axe.
Good afternoon to everybody .....
Henry ..... Your bread looks great !
Dave .....Thanks for the forwarded message from Ulrich. Without your post from him I would hear nothing from him. I certainly miss his particpation here in the Diner and the rest of the Forum.
Brent .... Apparently, your dogs own the furniture. LOL . .. Owls are good for getting rid of unwanted critters. They can also get rid of critters we want to keep, and so we keep our cats inside. Once we had an owl crash into a window because one of the cats was inside looking out. ... I like the photo of a CP steam locomotive on Stoney Creek Bridge.
Kevin ... Thanks for the updates about your travels.
David .... I understand your frustration with government restrictions, but I won't say anymore here where it is best we not talk about politics.
I was thinking I miss Jan Herrinchoker particpating here. His last post was sad to me as he indicated he was dealing with serious health issues.
Also, I miss Ken and his rounds of for all of the Diners. I hope he returns soon. (Very soon! I'm thirsty.)
Everybody: ...... Happy Model Railroading !
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Hi Everyone,
Brunhilda, coffee with cream, please.
Today was a little (stress little) cooler here. We really need rain, like a good drizzly all day slow soaker, and we need several days of that. The west is in a big drought. I'm sure you've all seen the water level in Lake Mead and elsewhere.
Normally, I'd be going to an office furniture trade show this week, but it was cancelled last year and this year it's postponed til October. However, this Thursday we might take the granddaughters to the botanical gardens to see the G - scale layouts. Oughta be a great time. Also looks like they might be starting the monthly Great Midwest Train Show again. When I can go, I'll be on the hunt for some UP "Be Specific.." 40' boxcars. I think Atlas makes them in their Trainmaster line. Around this time of year, the railroads where I grew up used to stage multiple dozens of these cars in strings for the grain harvest. It was really neat seeing all of these boxcars in a row all saying " Be Specific Ship Union Pacific." It was quite a sight.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
Good evening fellow diner patrons, I have a long post for everyone today as we begin our trek back East..
It has been a long day.
The little gray Malibu is no more. National took it back to fix the check engine light.
It has been replaced with a white Optima.
This is my daughter's new house in Seattle. This is what you can get for $700,000.00 in that area. The house is only lacking some finish landscaping and some inspections from being ready to move into.
That money DOES NOT get you a back yard! (but you do get an air conditioner)
My daughter has the sweetest old gray kitty. She has had this cat since she was 17 years old.
Our visit in Seattle was wonderful. The rain kept us just hanging out at her apartment, playing boardgames, building puzzles, and talking for hours and hours. It was the best visit ever.
This morning we left damp and dreary Seattle behind, and headed for the Rocky Mountains.
The weather got better the further East we moved in Washington.
This canyon is near the border with Oregon.
The canyon is spanned by a pair of beautiful concrete bridges.
Before we left Washington completely behind, I went exploring down an old grown-over roadway. I found these abandon railroad tracks coming off of the mainline and had to follow them.
I found these wonderful abandon buildings at the end of the siding.
We made it to Oregon, and the scenery was beautiful, and the skies were clearing up.
We travelled down US Route 395 in Oregon from Pendleton to John Day.
This road should be on your list of roads you need to travel in your lifetime. It was magnificent. The road is called the Battle Mountain Scenic Highway. There are dozens of places to pull off and take in the scenery. The long detour off of Interstate 84 was well worth it.
I saw these barbed wire fence poles made with diagonal reeforcements and weighted with large rocks. I have no idea why.
There was a small town named Fox along the road with simply way too much charm and character.
At the end of the road we found the town of John Day. We ate our dinner at The Outpost restaurant just because it looked cool. It was great. I had the Cowboy Sandwich which was two chicken filets, cheese, jalepeno peppers, and onions on a bun.
So yummy!
The sun went down before we left Oregon, so I did not see Idaho since it was dark when we made it here.
Until tomorrow...
The World Is A Beautiful Place.
Good morning, everyone. A pot of black coffee please, Flo.
Kevin, wonderful pictures, and it sounds like a wonderful trip.
I had my second-to-the-last physical therapy session this morning. This will not be over soon enough. Very unpleasant.
It was very nice to see all of my grandchildren over the weekend. Even sitting out in the hot sun on hard bleachers is OK when a grandson is up to bat in the baseball game.
I came across this picture of some students on one of our camping canoeing trips. It's not a railroad bridge for TF, but it made great creaking cracking noises when we drove over it. Several of the van drivers weren't sure they wanted to drive loads of kids across it.
Under the bridge is a neat formation called the Norden Chute. All of the water in the river is squeezed down to about 20 feet across between some rock sides.
Have a good day, everyone.
Is this where the railroads got the idea for ditch lights?
Howdy ....
Kevin ....... Thanks for continuing to show pictures of your trip. It is very good you could visit your daughter. I already heard housing is expensive there. I think you can get much more for $700,000 in other locations.
You mentioned Idaho, and it reminded me of when we saw Shoshone Falls in Idaho a couple of years ago. We also went to a local restaurant that served huge baked potatoes with a selction of yummy toppings.
Yes, the world is a beautiful place ..... Shoshone Falls, Idaho.
Bear...... Thanks for telling us you have heard from Herrinchoker. I hope he can return to the Diner soon.
Ken .... We miss seeeing you here.
John York 1...... That is an intersting old bridge.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Lion is prowling the diner again!
ROAR: )
We decided not to eat outside because our wireless thermometer said the temp was 87.
Only after dinner was almost ready did I remember we were having connection problems because the batteries were almost dead and it was 87 degrees in my shirt pocket.
No doubt it would have been hotter in my pants pocket
It was a nice 75 outside, while we ate Lion approved suitably rare steak inside.
SeeYou190I saw these barbed wire fence poles made with diagonal reeforcements and weighted with large rocks. I have no idea why.
Hi Kevin,
More great pictures!
I believe that post would be located at one end of a long line of fencing and it is used to keep tension on the fence wires. If the wires are loose or slack the cattle will push them down and just go over them. There is a lot of force used when stretching the fence tight. It is a dangerous job if a wire breaks.
Some of you were talking about strawberry rhubarb pies a little while ago. Here is Dianne's recipe for an easy rhubarb pie that is delicious.
Rhubarb Cream Pie:
Filling - 1 cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon grated orange peel, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 eggs, 3 cups diced rhubarb.
Blend sugar, flour, orange peel and butter. Add eggs and beat until smooth. Pour over rhubarb in pie shell. Top with pastry lattice. Bake at 450F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat the 350F for 30 minutes.
The pie will form a beautiful golden crust on the cream filling. The pie is very slightly tart and very tasty. Everyone raves over it. Enjoy!
We just had some tonight. It's hard to not go back for a second slice.
Dave .... The pie sounds yummy !
Lion ..... Zebra meat does not look good to me.
Henry .... LOL at your joke about your pants pocket.
Everybody ..... Happy Model Railroading.
Here's one for the bridge guys. While this isn't a railroad bridge, the occurance is still interesting, and sobering!
hon30critterI believe that post would be located at one end of a long line of fencing and it is used to keep tension on the fence wires.
Thanks, that makes sense. I have never seen one before. Maybe this is something they do in Oregon? I did not see any like this in Idaho today.
Good evening diners. Today we trekked across the State of Idaho on US20/US26.
There are some wonderful landscapes along this highway.
This area is called the High Desert Region. There is only scrubby desert flora in most places, and the ground is sand beneath the surface.
There are lots of abandoned farm communities along this road. I usually do not photograph dilapidated buildings, but these were too good to pass by.
This old UNION PACIFIC caboose was being used as a tourist information center at the base of a road that leads to a ski camp.
The road we were on took us by the Craters Of The Moon National Monument. This site was created by the collapse of an ancient volcano. I have never seen terrain anything like this. It looks like a post-apocolyptic-dystopian-wasteland. I was amazed and entranced by the look and atmoshpere of this place.
I will let a lot of pictures describe it better.
The pictures do not do the park justice. This is one of those things that really needs to be seen in person in order for it to be appreciated.
For dinner, we stopped at this diner in Arco. It was called Pickle's Place so I had to have the fried pickles with my "Idaho" burger. Their Idaho style burger has an egg on it.
Arco has the distinction of being the first city in the world powered by a nuclear power plant.
That is all for our travels today.
Good morning Diners. A large coffee please, Janie.
Lion. Good to see the pictures of the 'pussycats'.
Kevin. Great pictures. Loving the scenery. Great ideas for anyone modeling the areas.
My car has had its annual service. The Manager said I was looking after the car well.
I need more coffee. (I was down on my intake yesterday.)
A few jobs around the house then run some trains.
Good morning, diners. Bacon, eggs, and coffee, please.
We'll be right at 100° today, and tomorrow over that.
Kevin, you are really seeing a lot of great things. I also like that you stop at local places to eat. That's something we usually don't do unless my wife is not along.
UP's Big Boy will be traveling through my area again in August. That will be great.
Not much else to report from the Great Plains. It's hot, it's humid, the corn is about three feet tall, restaurants are open -- I like normalcy.
The layout room is dark and cool. I think I will spend the day there.