Mornin' er.... Afternoon folks!
I do know that Ray has achieved 6000 steps and is learning to use snowshoes, Thumbs UpThumbs Up
Miles, Bear, miles! That's 9656 Km to you. I average over 10,000 steps a day... LOL
I did do about 1/3 mile this morning on snowshoes. Was Fun! The lady forgot to put her new snowshoes in her car so I only got to shoeshoe today. She walked the path behind me on the way out and led on the way back.
We are pretty much dug out here in the Finger Lakes Region. Roads have been well salted which will give me a reasion to wash the car again soon.
73
Opps! Top of the page. Zero plus I guess... We just hit that wierd zone again. Do wish they would fix that glitch.
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
howmus I did do about 1/3 mile this morning on snowshoes. Was Fun! The lady forgot to put her new snowshoes in her car so I only got to shoeshoe today. She walked the path behind me on the way out and led on the way back.
The question, Ray, is were you warm enough?
I remember back in Massachusetts I used to cross-country ski a lot. I still remember a nighttime run with a friend who complained that his brand new digital snow temperature thermometer must be broken. I looked at him and said "No, it really is two below."
Cross-country skiing really keeps you warm. I hope snowshoeing did too.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasleyThe question, Ray, is were you warm enough?
Actually we weren't out that long that I got really, really cold.... Sun was shining which was a plus, but the temperature is hovering about 15°F with a 10 to 15 mph breeze. So -0°F wind chill. I did make good use of my old Scout Training and had 4 layers of clothing on the top half, wool socks (only items of wool I still have) And a good heavy scarf for around my face. Legs and fingers were cold but no frostbite... ;)
I went to 6 different local stores a couple days back and none of them have thermal leggings in stock. That is something I would like to have for this kind of weather. Also do need some good winter mittens instead of my old winter gloves with holes in them too... LOL Back when I was doing a bit of winter camping with the Scout Troop I had all the right equipment. Nothing like camping in tents when it 10° below zero with a wind chill around -30°F. Yep! Been There, Done That! Of course I wasn't 75 then either.
So far there is a lot I do like about the lady I have just started seeing. Time will tell what transpires, I guess.
howmusI do know that Ray has achieved 6000 steps and is learning to use snowshoes, Thumbs UpThumbs Up Miles, Bear, miles! That's 9656 Km to you. I average over 10,000 steps a day... LOL
10,000 steps a day is no mean feat in its self.
(I find to hard to do "steps" when I've got my foot in my mouth!!)
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
howmusI went to 6 different local stores a couple days back and none of them have thermal leggings in stock. That is something I would like to have for this kind of weather.
Well, I actually got out and tried to burn some of the apple branches today. Key word being "tried". It didn't go well. I knew I would need a good base fire going, so I got some dry wood out from under the tarp covering my firewood, cleaned the snow out of the fire pit, and proceeded to prep my fire. I didn't have good tinder, so I used my go to back-up plan of dousing it with charcoal lighter fluid (I had small stuff in there, but no paper/lint/really fine wood shards). The lighter fluid went up, down, and out. Hmm. Grabbed some scraps of kiln dried lumber from the garage. Placed the finest pieces in there, doused them with 2 cycle oil, and lit 'em up. Burned the oil off, and the fire went out. Nuts. Grabbed a couple more clean kiln dried pieces and some mixed gas. Poured the mixed gas on a couple fresh pieces and on the pile in the pit. Did the same as the 2 cycle oil. I finally grabbed my propane torch (which was struggling in the cold), and held it to the meager smoldering bits. After much time, success! Or so I thought. The heat from the fire was melting the layer of ice across the top of the ashes in the pit, which would then kill any piece that would drop while it was burning, snuffing out the warmest pieces. After an hour, I spread out the pieces that were still struggling along and dropped a shovel of snow on them. Barely sizzled. Put my stuff away and snow was all basically still there. I was shocked at how little residual heat there was, or wasn't in this case. Sadly the only thing I really accomplished was to make myself stink horribly of smoke. I had a good dark hot chocolate to ease my frustration.
Mike
Good morning Diners. A large coffee on the go please, Brunhilda.
Just a quick visit as I am rather busy here in the U.K.
The locomotives in this film have small ploughs infront of wheels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G7rDj9PDjc&ab_channel=DRS37425
Try and be back later.
Stay Safe Everyone.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Attuvian1Well, there's some nuance I must be missing. Following "yes" with "dear" is generally considered a bit snarky by my sweetie.
You need to say it with maximum shame, and hang your head in shame,like the bad boy you are.
https://youtu.be/8jqO1fKqrWs
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Good afternoon, diners. I'm just getting ready to start the cooking for this evening's meal. Chicken, baked potatoes, and butter beans. Actually, all of that is the preliminary food. I go through that just so I can get my big bowl of Sunday night ice cream.
Pre Covid, tourism directly employed 9% of the work force, and was worth 20% of our international earnings, so it’s actually hurt the whole economy.
That's really too bad, Bear. The bad part is that for your country, there probably won't be a fast recovery. Tourism may take a while to build back up, and meanwhile, the small business owners can't afford to wait it out. I did not ever believe that something like this could happen worldwide.
I feel a little guilty -- in my state, life goes on much as it did before the virus. Farm life and the economy goes on pretty normally. Except for the masks at the doctors' offices and the hospital, you would probably never know anything happened.
No layout work today. My wife is getting a getting a break from the noise in my room as I take apart the layout. Tomorrow morning back at it. After she gets up. Could be afternoon.
While this isn't a snowplow, the picture was from west of us on the Burlington RR, 1948.
From the collections of the High Plains Historical Society
Have a good Sunday, everyone!
York1 John
Henry, how's the pain? You said the medicine seemed to work. Hope so.
NorthBrit Good morning Diners. A large coffee on the go please, Brunhilda. Just a quick visit as I am rather busy here in the U.K. The locomotives in this film have small ploughs infront of wheels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G7rDj9PDjc&ab_channel=DRS37425 Try and be back later. Stay Safe Everyone. David
Eh??? Even their trains run on the wrong side of the street!
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Sometimes Judy runs on the wrong side of the kitchen in the morning that makes the round-abouts later in the day seam easier.
But not usually. Usually she's pretty nice!
TF
Good evening everyone.
The Olympics are on, and I am loving it. I am staying up until 4:00 AM or so, and I am getting to see a lot of the good stuff live.
I will miss the Superbowl this year for the first time in 40 years or so, and that makes me very sad.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Hi Everyone,
Brunhilda, I'll have a glass of wine, please. It's been a long day.
went to the DuPage train show today and the family came along with me. I had hoped that there would be 2 or 3 modular layouts set up so my granddaughters could see trains run. I must say that the show was a little bit disappointing today. I assume that because of Covid and all is why they scaled the show back some. There were only two layouts and one of those was for sale and had no scenery. It was a 5.5'x16' N scale layout. The other layout was a little S gauge layout and that was nice. I saw a couple of things that were tempting, but I didn't buy anything. Maybe next time.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
Good morning Diners. Tea and toast please, Chloe.
Having some work done on the house today, so a busy few hours.
No snowplough, but I love the snowy scenery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF2Cx53FNCc
Good Morning Everyone. Chloe, I'll take the special with a black coffee please.
Got a mix of snow and freezing rain overnight. The drive skate in to work was taken nice and slow today. I actually got my truck to slide a little sideways backing out today as I wanted to see how slick it was. I was barely moving in reverse (1-2mph?) and when I hit the brakes, everything locked up and the front of my truck slid a bit to the right as the whole thing slid backwards a foot or two. My street wasn't any better, but the city was out salting things.
That's all for now. Stay safe out there.
Good morning, everyone. Bacon, eggs, and coffee for me this morning, Chloe.
As soon as the person who lives in my house wakes up, I will get back to work on the layout. I love looking forward to something. I'm very glad I decided to scrap the old layout and start over. It has kind of reinvigorated my love of the hobby.
SeeYou190I will miss the Superbowl this year for the first time in 40 years or so, and that makes me very sad. -Kevin
That's too bad. To tell the truth, I probably won't watch it, either. I love games, but I really don't like either team playing this year. I really hate the Rams, so I guess I hope Cincinnati wins.
up831I had hoped that there would be 2 or 3 modular layouts set up so my granddaughters could see trains run. I must say that the show was a little bit disappointing today. I assume that because of Covid and all is why they scaled the show back some.
That's too bad. I'm headed to the Lincoln, NE, show in two weeks. I hope it is better than what you experienced. You are lucky to be able to take your grandchildren to the show. Mine all live so far away.
David, good luck with your house repairs.
Mike, be careful driving and watch out for the stupid drivers who think ice means you can drive faster. I remember being a teenage driver and going to a wide open parking lot and seeing if the car would slide on the ice. Lots of fun.
Everyone else, I hope you have a good day today.
Another none-snowplow picture. In my 20 years in New Orleans, we had snow twice. It lasted several hours, but we were very excited. Here is the St. Charles streetcar in the snow. Fun times!
Good morning all from a sunny West Coast.
The grass is starting to grow, the weather people say we are having April temps, very unusual. I'll be dusting off the Deere early this year.
Taking a week off from working out to let the body rest. I am up three pounds from having a rum and Pepsi a little too often, so no booze for a while, although Scotch or wine is okay I'll just take a break. I usually only have one drink at happy hour or two while watching hockey. Green tea is also good.
I have really bad arthritis but can live completely pain-free if I avoid carbs, so I only eat meat, veggies, and low-sugar fruit. I did misbehave on Saturday as I had two rum and Pepsis and a large hunk of cheesecake. I was in pain and my hands would not work yesterday, a wasted day except for running trains. I will now behave for the next six months. Even if I don't work out my weight will return to normal just by eating healthy unprocessed food.
I have enjoyed watching women's hockey at the Olympics, tonight Canada of America plays the United States of America. Super G is also high on my list, I use to do the Super G course at Whistler hurling myself down the mountain as fast as I could, it was the most fun I could have on skies. I was fast for an amateur but no threat to any serious competitor. In addition to your lift ticket, it cost a dollar a run back in the day to get timed. I had a few wipeouts but only remember one really spectacular fall when my ski popped off. I bounced and rolled and got some serious air time in the process. When I finally stopped several hundred metres down the hill I lay there taking inventory for damage and sensing none proceeded to get up to vast numbers of people applauding that were going up the chairlift.
I had gone to a house that belonged to a friend's mother as she had passed away and he was overwhelmed in dealing with the Estate and needed some advice. It was a 5000sqft place built by his Dad in the 1950s and all the 1960s era furniture still looked to be in really good shape. I told him to call the movie people and they cleaned him out. Most of it went to the Superman series for set decoration. He said his Dad spent $12000.00 on the lot and building the house which he did himself in 1953. My friend just put 5.6 million in his pocket from the sale 69 years later. He is my age, has a nice house and quality of life, and has no idea what he will do with the money.
Ray, we use to do a three-week ski trip every year hitting three or four mountains along the way. We would always spend a week at Chateau Lake Louise and would take time away from downhill and go cross country skiing or snowshoeing. I was never a fan of cross country skiing, it was too slow for my liking, however, one trip I did love was heading out across the ice and up into that valley at the far end of the lake. When we would be coming back across the lake it would be in the dark under more stars than you can imagine and seeing the Chateau and all the ice castles on the lake all lit up was an amazing sight. Then the well-deserved prime rib dinner followed by ice skating through the ice castles on the lake. Good times.
My Great-Grandfather was brought over from England as the chief carpenter in the construction of the joint and built the grand staircase himself.
Playing hockey on Lake Louise was a lot of fun as well. You can see the tracks the cross country skiers have made in the snow heading across the lake. Absolute splendor those days.
Time to move I guess, I need to put new strings on one of my guitars as I have been asked to lay a track down for someone. I even have a new mic for the job.
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."
Brent, when I used to ski at Sunday River in Maine, there were several chairlifts that were just off the side of expert slopes. Mostly, it was just fun to watch good skiers on tough slopes. Once in a while, there would be a spectacular wipeout, and people on the lift would yell down Olympic scoring numbers for the fall.
One skier who got rated by the folks going up was apparently disappointed in his score, and shouted back, "Russian judge!"
Other times, I've seen falls and skied down to make sure they got up. Sometimes they were struggling, not willing to admit they were hurt enough to need a sled ride down, or really not advanced enough to even be on that slope. I would talk to them, told them I wasn't the Ski Patrol but I had their number on my cell phone. Some mountains were charging a fee for a sled ride down, but Sunday River didn't do that, so I was always able to get them to wait and eventually get taken down. I did my good deed for the day.
York1 I'm very glad I decided to scrap the old layout and start over.
Pictures, Please!!
Terry
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
York1I feel a little guilty -- in my state, life goes on much as it did before the virus.
I had an unusual visitor the other day, NZs smallest native bird, a male North Island Rifleman, (Titipounamu) came right into the house and perched on a curtain rail.
Wow Bear! That's amazing! I'm envious. I love seeing the wee beasties up close.
I take it that you don't have screens on your doors, or at least you weren't using them when the little fellow dropped in. We need screen doors from mid April until mid November. Otherwise the house would be full of flys and mosquitos (and probably chipmunks).
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter I love seeing the wee beasties up close.
York1That's too bad. To tell the truth, I probably won't watch it, either. I love games, but I really don't like either team playing this year. I really hate the Rams, so I guess I hope Cincinnati wins.
Ho John,
I thought I shared my "Super-Bowl Party" story in here before, so I appologize for being repetitive.
When my wife and I were first married, 30+ years ago, we were the only people in the family that did not like sports, and did not drink. So, on Super-Bowl Sunday, we always watched all the little kids in the family while the "adults" partied.
As the years went on, all my little nieces, nephews, friends, neighbor kids, etc, just kept on coming to my house every year for the Super-Bowl Party. There were 20-30 "kids" that grew up, and still held the tradition of the Super-Bowl at "Uncle Kevin's" house. So lately, I would have these young adults show up with their new husbands and kids, and we still kept the tradition going.
I remember one family friend, Courtney, who had been coming to Super-Bowl at my house since she was two years old, bringing her husband for the first time, and he just could not believe how many people that didn't give the first tinker's damn about football would meet up every year for a Super-Bowl party.
Now too many of these kids, in their 30s now, have moved away. It has been five years since one of my own daughters has been here. Covid-19 pretty much drove the last nail in the coffin of the parties. in 2019 only a handful of people showed up. There was no party on 2020 or 2021.
A tradition like that was priceless. So many of the best days of my life were Super-Bowls.
Good morning Diners. A large coffee and blueberry muffin please, Janie.
The Heavenly watering can is working overtime.
Bear. Lovely pictures. Thanks for posting.
Kevin. Party Traditions.
When I married Dawn we would go to her parents house for Christmas Eve. It was virtually 'open house' with family and friends visiting.
When my In-Laws died we 'took over' the tradition. Seeing family from London and Scotland at the same time was great.
When Dawn came down with 'Novichok' our daughter took over the Christmas Eve tradition. The past two have been 'muted' affairs due to Covid. Hopefully this years party will be much better.
Sit. Relax. Have your favorite drink in hand. A trip on the Flamsbana.
I remember it well, both in Summer and Winter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygjw-n1bOnE&ab_channel=RailCowGirl
Stay Safe Everyone
Good morning all. Flo, a raspberry danish and a black coffee please.
Kevin, what a sad story, but isn't that just kind of how life goes? Some of my favorite memories involve getting to see my extended family around holidays/birthdays/etc. We lived 3 hours away from the rest of my family, and while it may not seem like much, it hinders how often family can get together. In 2020, one of my cousins organized a "cousins only" series of skype calls and while it was wonderful to get to talk to them all again (it had been years since I'd seen most of them), after it was all said and done I came to the realization that while I missed all of them, I missed what we all once were even more. If that makes sense. I wish I had more time with my extended family while I was young.
Our Super Bowl gathering will be the usual group of us and my wife's family. 10 of us in total. Only 3 of us even care about football. In the past, I've done some a number games with prizes to help keep everyone engaged in the game. Things like football bingo or super bowl trivia (non-football related facts mostly). Last year, the bingo game got rather heated for some silly reason, so we will only be doing squares this year. I even always made sure to have enough so everyone won a prize. Not this time.
LIONS, TIGERS, and BEARS...
I don't know Brother Lion... If those were your breakfast, no wonder you can't climb the stairs anymore... LOL They look delicious, I gained a couple lbs just looking at them.
Good morning, everyone. Just black coffee this morning, and I'll eat some of Lion's donuts.
My layout tear-down is almost finished. I'm going to drive the 50 miles to a Menards to get some stuff. The next day, I'll drive 60 miles to Spring Creek Model Trains to start buying some track, turnouts, etc. As I mentioned, this is putting some fun back into the hobby for me. I'll try to get some photos. I love this store:
Kevin, that sounds like a wonderful time with the parties. I wonder if you put the word out, that some of those people may find their way back to your house over the next years?
In the 1970s, the Super Bowl was in New Orleans. A friend was going to the game (at that time, normal(?) people could still get cheap tickets) and he asked if I wanted to go. I just didn't feel like it. Ever since then, I have regretted my one chance to go to a Super Bowl. If tickets were available, I wouldn't dream of paying the prices they now cost.
Bear, those are really neat photos of the bird. I'm not going to show my wife -- she loves birds so much she will want to move to NZ on the chance some bird would fly into our house.
Thanks to everyone for posting in the diner! I hope everyone has a good day.