"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 black coffee, please.
I heard from Kevin. He continues to get the 403-Forbidden message when he tries to post. He said he will keep trying.
Bear, believe it or not, there is a large group of people with airboats here in Nebraska. The state is covered with wide, shallow rivers, which make perfect places for them. The only reason I know about them is that a person was killed last year in an accident.
A Nebraska airboat with a railroad bridge in the background!
We're getting ready for the trip, which means we have to give Daisy the Dachshund a bath. She will stay at the neighbors, and my wife says we can't have them sit with a dirty dog. There is nothing worse than trying to bathe a long-haired dachshund who hates water.
I've started laying track, and it is going slowly. The first layout, I was not as careful, and I paid for it. This time, I'm taking my time and making everything as perfect as I can.
Charlie, I'm thinking of you. Living that way is difficult, and I know it's important that you take care of yourself.
Have a good Tuesday, everyone!
York1 John
Good Morning,
I got up at 7 to put the bird feeders out and was too wide awake to go back to bed. I was awake at 6 and just started worrying. I can't talk to my wife as she is still consumed with anxiety. It is starting year 5 since she had the break down. Covid is the worst thing for her and no signs of it going away. Her big fear is long covid.
Bear, nice news about your daughter. You are right to be very proud of her. My wife talks to her psychologist weekly and he really has helped her. A great profession.
I've packed up more stuff to take to the LHS to sell. I got a nice cheque in the mail last week from the stuff I took in last Nov. I decided to sell my BLI mikado. It runs well but the light mountain can fill in for it. I don't seem to have much desire to run freight trains. I want to get rid of all surplus freight equipment. If it can't fit on the layout then it goes.
Lots of chatter in the news about gas prices. I filled up last week and paid $1.85/litre($5.50 US a gallon )for premium. I last filled early Jan. and still had a quarter tank. The only run I will make this week will be for bird seed and that is only a half hour round trip. If I go to the LHS it is 45 minutes one way and with the forecast snow I may wait until next week.
Are you asleep yet? I wouldn't be surprised withe this ramble.
CN Charlie
Hi Everyone,
Brunhilda, coffee with cream, please.
Since we're in Florida this month, what could be more Floridian than a swamp buggy? I remember first seeing them on TV in the 50s. I think it might have been on Sea Hunt, but I'm not sure. I think Florida and Cajun country in Louisiana is about the only places you find them. If that's in error, Ill stand corrected.
I also have a question. If one wants to change his e-mail address for his MRR acct. is it just a change of address or does he have to do a whole new profile?
What's involved in the process? Does anyone know?
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
Geez Bear, somehow I missed your daughter's accomplishment. You must be very proud. Congratulations!
I realized last night just how far behind I'm falling in my MRR reading. I intended to finish up the March issue so I could start the April one, only to find I had a lot more of the March issue left than I thought. Then, there's still the new scenery book to start working on. Then I found in the stack the latest issue of Great Model Railroads that I've barely looked at. Too many interests, too little time.
While plying Netflix last night as I was on the treadmill, I found an interesting show about the beginnings of the British Commandos. Lot's of firsthand accounts from the men that did it. It appears to be a series, so it could be really interesting. Here's hoping. I sure like finding good things like this to watch while I'm on the treadmill. Makes the time go faster.
Have a good day guys.
Mike
Good morning
Hi TZ. Yep, they're quite the colony bird. Interesting how some birds are and some are not. The wild turkeys 8-10 years ago, I suppose it was, started appearing every so often in different lower populated areas like on the Railroad Tracks by the Bush Lake area ski jump. Only more recently with-in the last 5 years or so I have been seeing them quite frequently just about anywhere.
They seem to be almost as domesticated as the Canadian geese are now. I messed with a Drake Goose once when I was young. He stuck his neck out charging me and I got bit somewhere I'd rather not talk about... Needless to say it only took once to learn my lesson not to mess with wild poultry
Hi John. Thanks You may have gave me a good reason to post some pics in WPF this weekend. I'll see what I can come up with
Congratulations on your daughter's wonderful achievements Bear. It's admirable to hear of her success and I know what proud parents you both are. You two did a great job and it shows
One for the Bear.
https://youtu.be/zHt6tkUEhCI
A short clip of a yesteryear series filmed in the Florida Everglades. Don't worry, I watched the longer clip and Mark was OK Ben's real name was Bruno and won the first place Patsy award in the 67 movie Gentle Giant.
Have a great rest of your morning gentleman
TF
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Good morning Diners. I need something to combat the Wintry, icy basts that remind us that Winter hasn't gone. A bowl of porridge with a shot of whisky please, Brunhilda.
The house has been re-roofed. The pointing done. Some of the childrens' inheritence has been spent.
Bear. As John says, congratulations to your daughter's achievements.
Mike. Glad to read that your daughter enjoys playing soccer and a good player as well.
Taking Dawn for her monthly Medical Appointment. Later I hope to see the train room.
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
hon30critter I'm not sure I could listen to other people's woes all day long and stay sane myself
Good evening, diners. It's almost bedtime here, so I'll have a nice bowl of ice cream.
Dave, I didn't know that Sears started with selling watches. That's an interesting part of history.
Zephyr, your dog probably had a great time chasing the turkeys. Our dachshund will chase anything in the yard, but I don't know what she'd do if something ever turned on her.
JR, your experience taking kids to restaurants is funny. For several years, on family trips, we ate lunches in the car rather than go inside and worry about things.
Mike, it sounds like your daughter is a very good soccer player. Enjoy these days. The kids grow up very fast!
David, good luck with the home repairs. Tell the workers to watch out for your railroad!
Lion, that's a pretty neat picture of you and the cat trying to out stare each other.
Bear, congratulations on your daughter's achievements! You can be very proud of her. Her hard work paid off.
Ed, the talk in the diner concerning 'dress' clothes didn't mean anything until we saw the white jacket and bow tie!
Brent, it sounds like your hard work with the lady's estate is almost finished. You will be able to breathe a sigh of relief when that is over.
Mister Beasley, your experience wearing a suit at the restaurant and being the only one 'dressed up' reminded me of flying to Florida last year. The only dress code on the plane was the face masks. I was amazed at how many 'dressed down' for the plane flight.
TF, it might be time for the diners to see some more pictures of your bridges. I know I'm interested since I will be starting some bridge work soon.
It's time for bed. I hope everyone, both people I've mentioned and those not mentioned, have a good night.
Saw my daughter for the first time in 5 months. She was up at the Waikato University to give her last presentation and examination of her case studies, and as a result, all her hard work has paid off, and she is now a Registered Psychologist. Her-in-doors and I are very proud.
Hi Bear!
Congratulations to your daughter! Congratulations to you and your wife for bringing her up properly too! You have every right to be proud. I'm not sure I could listen to other people's woes all day long and stay sane myself. More power to her!
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Texas Zephyr I would not have let him out had I known they were there. I hope they had a pre-arranged rendezvous point.
I would not have let him out had I known they were there. I hope they had a pre-arranged rendezvous point.
TZ,
Tell your pooch that he got off easy because they had room to scatter. If they choose to defend they can be formidable. If no place else, their rendezous point would be where they roost together at night. Don't doze off below it!
John
Track fiddlerAt least I got to see the turkeys.
Good morning, everyone. I just finished my eggs and bacon. I'll have another black coffee.
I'm late this morning -- I just had to shovel of spring stuff from my driveway. We're supposed to have seven more inches of spring stuff starting tomorrow.
I was able to walk through that stuff this morning. It's amazing how quiet it makes everything.
We're getting ready today for another trip. Daughters have arranged another week in a large house that will fit everyone. It's a ways away, but there aren't any large airports near there, so we will drive the ten hours.
Here are some of Florida's Brightline trains, and a picture inside the new Ft. Lauderdale station:
Have a good Monday, everyone.
Good Morning All,
In the 40's already this morning though there is full high cloud cover which will transition to rain later today and tonight. I think an Amtrak breakfst would be great. Food on the few longer trips we took was great. At least ten years ago the box lunches were bansihed by then. We went to breakfast yesterday with Sam the grandson and his parents (oldest son and wife). They had found a smaller family restaurant where we fit right in down across from the old railroad station in New Milford. I say fit right in because Sam is now 2 1/2 and quite full of himself so not being the only child in the place was good. And Sam pretty much behaved himself. We actually quit taking our four out for a few years until we could be pretty sure they understood that not everyone appreciated their antics. That said they have all turned out pretty well.
Brent, bet that Minister rode back with you so he could get a little one on one without the rest of the people running interference or interperting what you had to say. Best way ever to hear what is really going on.
Lion - I always dressed for meals onboard ship. Same blue on blue shirt and denims every meal.
Back to the shop as we get things ready for the next race. Ciao, J.R.
Good morning diners. I'll take an Amtrak breakfast too. A lot better looking than the "lunch" I got on my first ever Amtrak ride. I had to take it out of the plastic wrapper myself.
Here's hoping Kevin can rejoin us soon. We need to keep the good guys around here.
My youngest had two indoor games yesterday. They lost both, but not because of my daughter. Out of the 8 total goals her team scored yesterday, she scored 6 of them. And no, she's not a ball hog. Very much a team player. It's her years of club soccer (and our money) shining through. She's a great player if I do say so myself.
Hope everyone is doing well, and hoping our shy diner members pipe in a bit more this month.
Later guys.
Good morning Diners. An Amtrak breakfast eh! I'll give it a go.
A busy day around the house with workmen doing doing minor repairs. I am not like Kevin in doing repairs. I had a stroke when I was 17 years of age and have partially lost the use of the right side of my body.
Talking of Kevin, I saw that he had logged on for a short while then 'disappeared' again. I hope he gets the 'gremlins' sorted out.
Great pictures etc. of Florida etc. and a Beartoon as well.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require.
LION found some of these Orange-Pecan Sticky Buns in the oven...
Always an honor to be featured in a crafty BearToon, Bear
Sure ain't the same without Kevin in the Diner...
Hope he can join us soon!
Into the sun at Ocala:
CSX at Ocala, 2008 by Fred Clark, Jr., on Flickr
TOP of the page! How about an Amtrak breakfast?
DayTwo012 by Craig Sanders, on Flickr
Speaking of things that just ain't what they used to be
Regards, Ed
Here is vintage film of the cab view from a Seaboard Air Lines F series engine. The film quality is pretty poor, and it is rather redundant so please feel free to skip through.
Far away from Florida —
N.P._Logging in by Edmund, on Flickr
Spalding Junction, Idaho.
Just a neat photo from the Library of Congress.
I like the alternating stacks of telegraph poles, yes, tapered (there was some discussion about that a while back) only the bottoms dipped in creosote. Look next to the U.P. Streamliners flat car and you see a rail stand made from two stumps.
Spare rail was placed along the R-of-W on some roads. Yes, locomotive bells were still kept polished brass. The engineer sure looks intent.
Just how much stress can those stake pockets take? I sure wouldn't want to be standing alongside if one of those stakes gave way
Still more logs:
Stacked by Edmund, on Flickr
Dangerous business!
Keeping logged-in,
Here's Y-T dressed for dinner
Ready to serve by Edmund, on Flickr
and my helper:
K-V by Edmund, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
MisterBeasleyWe've been on a few cruises. We aren't interested in fancy dress balls or suits and ties for dinner. When you have to fly somewhere before you board the boat, luggage space is kind of at a premium, so "business casual" will serve nicely for dinner. No jeans, shorts or tank tops at dinner, though.
Gee.... I never dressed up for a dinner when I was on a cruise!
Oh Wait.... That was in the Navy, wasn't it?
ROAR
Good morning, I am on my second cup of coffee and I still can't face the day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCu2BClWs3E&ab_channel=GordonLightfoot-Topic
It is another sunny warm day which will be nice for the nephew's wedding today at the golf course.
Well, I made it through the service yesterday and when we got home the wife said "and you didn't even burst into flames"
We had to travel quite a ways to this service, it was quite a large church and there was a large crowd. The Bishop who flew in and three other priests of various ranks all conducted the service that was so long it needed at least one bathroom break. Every time I thought it was over and was about to bolt they started singing again. An eternity later the reception was on.
When I arrived the Bishop's assistant asked me if I could wait around after the service to see him. So after most of the people had left he asked to use the office of the resident priest and we went in and sat down and he pulls out a bottle of really nice Scotch and we had a good visit for an hour or so. No business, just casual chit-chat. I have had to talk to him and two U.S. East coast Bishops often with regards to this Estate. When it came time to leave he pulls out a bottle of Glenlivet 21 and gives it to me as a thank you. He has been a great guy to work with, we have had many good laughs.
I have this large metal cross that was blessed by the Pope and given to this lady along with photos of the blessing/presentation that took place at the Vatican just before WWII. I asked him what I should do with it and if there was any protocol regarding what to do with it. He said nope, do with it as you please. I told him I'll keep it in case of a Vampire attack, he split a gut at that one. I thought someone would want this thing along with the photos of it being blessed but there have been no takers.
My usual attire is a Canucks hoody and sweat pants or a Canucks hoody and jeans. I got a lot of ribbing and other comments from friends on being dressed up yesterday. I think I will wear the double-breasted suit today, my cousin says they are back in style right now. Besides, it needs airing.
Didn't get a good sleep last night as the wildlife was visiting and the dogs were letting us know. We set up some cameras to see who shows up at night and there was plenty of deer passing through along with some coyotes and plenty of rabbits and owls. We often will have many deer laying on the front lawn when we wake up in the morning. It is the septic field so it makes us wonder if the grass is tastier.
My work attire consisted of coveralls and a Gortex jacket or parka when it was cold all supplied by the Government. Whenever the bigshots, including Government Ministers from Ottawa, would be in town for a meeting on an upcoming event I would be asked to attend to advise them on where we could run into snags and how to prevent or fix them. These meetings would be held in the Government offices in Vancouver and I would leave the airport often very dirty and /or wet and walk into the boardroom and sit down. Once I got held up and came in late and I was really grubby that day. This young arrogant assistant of the Minister looked up and said, "nice of you to dress for the occasion". I rebutted by saying, "these are the clothes you give me to wear, would you like me to leave"? The Minister turned to this guy with a look that could kill a career and said sarcastically said "your call", having saved their bacon so many times this kid turned a brilliant red. It's funny, I never saw that guy ever again.
This one Minister was a really cool guy and at the end of the day could get a limo to take him back to the airport for the flight back to Ottawa, but he would often ask me for a ride as I was going that way anyway. I would just tell him to excuse all the regs manuals on the floor and seats as he climbed in. We had some great conversations on those trips and he would get me to go through the Tims drive-through as he wasn't a fan of the food they had on the plane. He would hand me his Government Credit Card to pay, I also had a Government Credit Card but for some reason, "Tims" was not a valid expense for me.
Time for a third cup and then a long walk through the woodland. After three cups I am glad there are lots of trees, the dogs have competition.
All the best to all, fingers crossed for a free bar at the funeral, oops! I mean wedding.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
NorthBrit I kind of miss the days of dress-up dining. It seems the days of places enforcing a dress code have long gone. The fear of 'losing customers' being a reason. Yet those wanting a 'sophisticated setting' now go elsewhere. Even to having dinners with friends. David
I kind of miss the days of dress-up dining.
We've been on a few cruises. We aren't interested in fancy dress balls or suits and ties for dinner. When you have to fly somewhere before you board the boat, luggage space is kind of at a premium, so "business casual" will serve nicely for dinner. No jeans, shorts or tank tops at dinner, though.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley I kind of miss the days of dress-up dining.
I hated wearing a tie to work. When I retired, most of my ties were retired also.
I had to go to a fancy wedding a few years ago. I had to buy a suit, a tie, even shoes and socks.
We went out for a fancy dinner at a nice restaurant some time later. The GF wore a nice dress and I wore the suit. Our waitress came over to our table and thanked us for looking nice. We looked around and realized that "beach casual" had even taken over this upscale restaurant with white linen tablecloths and every place setting had an entire consist of forks. But, other diners were in shorts, tank tops and jeans. Footware was flip-flops.
York1 Good morning, everyone. Just black coffee this morning -- I'll have donuts later. I wore a tie or suit everyday for 45 years. In fact, I have a suit on right now, ready to head out the door. When I retired, I kept about 10 different ties, and I got rid of probably 30. As it is now, I wear a tie once a week. Headed out the door -- here's one of the new Brightline stations in Florida -- very nice to see something new with passenger trains: Have a good Sunday, everyone.
Good morning, everyone. Just black coffee this morning -- I'll have donuts later.
I wore a tie or suit everyday for 45 years. In fact, I have a suit on right now, ready to head out the door.
When I retired, I kept about 10 different ties, and I got rid of probably 30. As it is now, I wear a tie once a week.
Headed out the door -- here's one of the new Brightline stations in Florida -- very nice to see something new with passenger trains:
Have a good Sunday, everyone.
You might call it the "Bright Line" but those rails are anything but. And where did you put the third rail! : )
The cat is Callista, named after Pope Callistus the first (222 AD), Pope and Martyr.
We took in the kitten and opened a book of saints to see who's day it was. Callista jumped out at me. She has the correct color vestments for a Pope and Martyr.
Good mornig Diners. A full English please, Chloe.
I have two suits. One for Formal Nights on cruises, the other for weddings and funerals. The weddings and funerals one hasn't seen the light of day for some time now. I think it still fits me.
From being a boy to retiring from work I always wore a tie (and liked it). I even wore it when at home. I didn't feel dressed otherwise.
Now I do not wear a tie. Casual is my look. I should do away with my ties, but in a way I cannot. Each one is for certain occassions. If ever the time comes back I can still put a Windsor Knot in a tie.
A busy day around the house before I can run any trains. I had better get started.