Good morning from perfectville. It was 16c yesterday it sure feels like spring has arrived.
The wife came home with a new Dewalt shop vac yesterday as my 50-year-old one from Sears while still working was falling to pieces and needed replacing, kinda like me. It is very quiet.
Bear, congrats on your daughter's accomplishments. It's a good feeling when a big project like raising children has had a successful outcome. My daughter also belongs to the Archery club at University as well as the Equestrian club and runs the mentorship program which helps struggling and homesick students. She has years to go but has already been headhunted by mostly Government agencies.
GMTRacingBrent, 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.
I drove him many times and we talked about travel mostly as we had both been to many of the same places, but you could tell he was glad to get away from the "yes" men.I never mince words and I am matter of fact about everything and never sweat things beyond my control. Some managers were never happy to see me at these events, however, most were.
The ranks of management were always changing and there were positions that they could never fill due to the stress level. They were always trying to promote me which I wanted nothing to do with as I did not want to sit on my butt all day and it would mean a big cut in pay. I suggested to one of our directors once that if I was promoted I would be making the decisions that I am knowledgeable enough to make in my current position. I instantly saw a light go on in his eyes and I was given a tremendous amount of empowerment shortly afterward. The best part was they could not hold me accountable if anything went wrong, except for things beyond our control that never happened.
One funny story, was once I got called at the last minute to go into Vancouver and my vehicle had just been picked up for maintenance. So I hopped into a shunt tractor and headed off as that is all there was. Usually, they only have one seat but this one had two with the second jump seat sitting sideways behind the driver's seat.
So at the end of the meeting, the Minister said "can I get a lift, Brent?" I told him he probably would not want to get into what I was driving. I told him why and his response was sounds like fun, let's go!
He usually flew commercial, but when carpooling with other Ministers and /or Government officials they would have a Challenger. I would drive him right out to the plane. So I would always ask if he was living the high-life with his own ride or taking public transportation? There were some hilarious comments when we pulled up to the plane in a shunt truck similar to this. He was a real good guy.
I have had the "403" issue only a few times. My son gave me his super-powerful, high-end gaming computer and I surf the WWW with that. I have a Mac that only gets used for finance, absolutely no surfing on it. While the virus/malware alarm goes off on the PC the Mac has never ever been attacked. Both kids and the wife all have Macs and have never had a problem. I use both the PC and Mac every day and if I could only have one, it would be a Mac. I also have a Mac tablet I like. I rarely use it. Someone gave it to me and I put manuals for the MRR hobby on it and take it when traveling.
Starting in grade three the kids got given new laptops every two years, by the time they graduated high school we had a stack of them on the shelf. I remember the school board dropped learning cursive and changed to computer coding which now as adults they use all the time, cursive writing not so much.
Time to get on the bike, did over an hour yesterday and felt tremendous all day afterward. I will probably do 40 minutes today as I have errands to run.
As far as career choices, I thoroughly loved my job, it was a perfect fit for me. When you spend so much of your time doing something, you better enjoy it or move on to something you do enjoy before it has an impact on your wellbeing.
When logging operations ceased they took the bridge to the mill.
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."
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Good Morning All,
28F and 2-3" of new snow the day after all but the biggest snow piles had gone. It was beautiful this morning driving in as the snow was wet and coated all the trees in white (which is much better than clear ice by far).
As far as career choices, I thoroughly loved my job, it was a perfect fit for me. When you spend so much of your time doing something, you better enjoy it or move on to something you do enjoy before it has an impact on your wellbeing. Ditto here Brent which is why I haven't tried to retire. With rare exception I look forward to going to the shop or track.
All for now, the truck leaves for Laguna Seca with four cars next week so I need to sort and pack spares. Ciao, J.R.
Good morning Diners. A large coffee and blueberry muffin please, Janie.
Well I have been on this planet three quarters of a century today. Received some really lovely presents. Some from the grandchildren are heading straight to the train room. .
Having a drink or two. Maybe call in later
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
Good Morning All.
NorthBritWell I have been on this planet three quarters of a century today.
What a nice way to kick off a Thursday! David, I hope you have a truly wonderful day.
Been a long week centered around training at work. (Me training others) Have a hopefully fun weekend coming up that I can't wait to get to.
Kevin, if you see this, try downloading a different web browser and see it that allows you to get logged back in and posting again. Something has to work.
Have a good day guys!
Mike
Good morning, everyone. Bacon, eggs, and coffee, please.
I just got in from clearing the driveway of the white stuff. We've had more of that stuff fall from the sky the past week than we've had in the past three months.
Happy birthday, David! It's great your family is there to help you celebrate. It seems they know how to buy the perfect presents for you.
Today: visiting stores, the gas station, the bank, and getting the luggage out of the basement. Normally, I wouldn't need to use the bank since we would just use the card for everything, but in these unusual times, I feel better having cash with me on the trip. Will only be gone a week, but we are looking forward to the entire family getting together again.
It's great to hear from everyone. Hope everyone is having a great day.
York1 John
It is currently 15 degrees with about two inches of snow on the ground, with more expected this afternoon,
Yesterday I finalized a trip to Chicago the first week in April; I have to go to a conference. Since I live in Dodge City, I wanted to take Amtrak. My first trip was cancelled because Amtrak cancelled the return trip. I was allowed to extend my stay a day so I could still use Amtrak. Looking forward to it.
Happy Birthday, David. That was a neat cake that Mike posted. It looks like it can actually be eaten and enjoyed, as opposed to the "show cakes" that are on television.
John, I agree about taking a cash reserve when traveling. In the old days, one would get traveler's checks; I don't know if they still even make them. We are still banking with a Texas bank, and have run into issues with debit cards from time to time here, so cash is a good backup.
Train show in Garden City this week end. I am not sure if I am going to be able to make it as my wife still doesn't want me driving on the highway; still a couple of months before my right eye can be corrected. I have no depth perception, and that is not smart driving in unfamiliar places. I do want to talk to the Free-mo folks who are going to be there. Spring Creek Trains will be there as well; they always have something I want/need.
Happy Birthday David
https://youtu.be/_N-ogA-aJYs
Did you ever get a start on restoring that water damaged walk-through lift bridge? I could certainly see how impressive that was at one time looking at all the work you did
TF
NorthBrit Well I have been on this planet three quarters of a century today. David
Well I have been on this planet three quarters of a century today.
And I am exactly 1 day older than you.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Attuvian1Tell your pooch that he got off easy because they had room to scatter. If they choose to defend they can be formidable.
Hi Everyone,
Brunhilda, coffee with cream, please.
Just dropping in to say hello.
The two guys on the bench. Which one is Kevin?
Yes, he is missed.
Tin Can: Nice to learn you live in Dodge. What brought you there? The cattle drives are long gone. . In my early days as a musician, I played there frequently. Dodge has an interesting history. Hope you can get to know about it. Several very famous characters from the old west put some time in Dodge. In fact, the entire state is loaded with western history from Freestate and slave state wars along the Kansas-Missouri border to Indian wars in the central and west, all fascinating.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
MisterBeasleyAnd I am exactly 1 day older than you.
I don't know if I did this already, but if not, ... (Late) Happy Birthday, MisterBeasley!
up831 The two guys on the bench. Which one is Kevin?
York1 MisterBeasley And I am exactly 1 day older than you. I don't know if I did this already, but if not, ... (Late) Happy Birthday, MisterBeasley!
MisterBeasley And I am exactly 1 day older than you.
Of course you didn't John, but you did just now
If MisterBeasley is exactly one day older than David, that means 'he was born yesterday' ... No pun intended
Happy belated birthday Mister B.
https://youtu.be/FQwdy2wPpjU
MisterBeasley NorthBrit Well I have been on this planet three quarters of a century today. David And I am exactly 1 day older than you.
And today is also the 75th birthday of Tom Scholz, the lead guy and founder of the rock group Boston.
I knew him back in college. He was the keyboard guy in my dorm band. I went on to obscurity, while he went on to fame.
I will have the first guitar he ever tried playing. It's upstairs. I haven't played in years.
Jim:
I was able to get a job in administration at the local community college. In my 21 years in higher education, I can absolutely say that from the top down, we put students first. I love that; love helping students and trying to make a difference in their lives.
There is so much history here; from the Spanish conquistadors, to the cattle drives; the railroad, and settlers going west. I hope to learn about all of it.
Evening
Everyone keeps disappearing around here.
And now where did my buddy Ed go? I haven't seen him for three days which is a bit out of the norm.
He hasn't posted a good Bridge or a Green Machine lately but he's certainly worth his keep around here...
Perhaps a little lure to bring him out of the woodwork.
Images courtesy of Pinterest
Tin Can IIJohn, I agree about taking a cash reserve when traveling. In the old days, one would get traveler's checks; I don't know if they still even make them. We are still banking with a Texas bank, and have run into issues with debit cards from time to time here, so cash is a good backup.
Travelers Checks are no longer issued or honored.
When I travel I buy a couple of Visa Gift Cards, about $500.00 on them. The kind that you cannot refill nor have recurring charges.
I have a company credit card, but that is all. It is paid in full every month. I use it for 'company' expences, such as hotel or travel, but tnot for the other stuff. Too many receipts to keep track of that way, and any leftover money I can use for other things later.
Things better not seen on the company cards. : )
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I think my worry, most likely unfounded, would be some kind of tech attack that would shut down credit card networks.
My town had a fiber optic cable cut several years ago, and most local credit card transactions, including some gas pumps, were disabled for several hours.
My fear would be that somehow, an enemy did something like this while we were 500 miles from home.
I would believe that cash might be the only way to function (maybe).
Yes, I know, I'm paranoid.
I've been a Cash is King sort of guy my whole life. When I run out of money in my pocket I go to the cash machine and re-up. I only go to the cash machine at my bank because I've heard of those Fisher stories at public ATMs and gas pumps.
Maybe I'm the one that's paranoid but it's so rare I use my debit card anywhere that I forget how to use the machines at the gas station when I do. And by no means I do banking, use a card or account numbers over the internet. Only PayPal.
I have one Visa for when we stay at the hotel because you have to.
I don't know, that's just how I roll. I have no debt and I've never had a single problem. If ya don't put anything out there, there's nothing for anyone to get.
POST HOG! POST HOG!
MisterBeasley And today is also the 75th birthday of Tom Scholz, the lead guy and founder of the rock group Boston. I knew him back in college. He was the keyboard guy in my dorm band. I went on to obscurity, while he went on to fame. I will have the first guitar he ever tried playing. It's upstairs. I haven't played in years.
I didn't know it was Tom Schultz's birthday today Mister B. And that's pretty cool you knew Tom in college and have the first guitar he fiddled around with upstairs.
I had both the original Boston and the Don't Look Back album when I was a young Kid. I'll never forget how my dad used to yell up the stairs "Turn That Noise Down"
It's been pretty quiet around here so maybe a little Noise would be good.
One for you Mister B.
https://youtu.be/t4QK8RxCAwo
MisterBeasleyAnd today is also the 75th birthday of Tom Scholz, the lead guy and founder of the rock group Boston. I knew him back in college.
Track fiddlerIf ya don't put anything out there, there's nothing for anyone to get.
TGIF! I can't wait for quittin' time today. Been one of those weeks.
Have a good day everyone.
Hmmm. Quiet day in here today. Maybe everyone has a stomach ache from all the cake? Maybe this will help. Drink up everybody.
Good evening Diners. A hot chocolate drink please, Chloe.
A belated Happy Birthday to you Mr B.
My daughter is forever sending me lovely messages. I received this from her yesterday.
To My Dad
So much of me is made from what I learned from you.
I may have outgrown your lap, but I know I will never outgrow a place in your heart.
It doesn't matter how far I go in life.
I will always be your little girl.
Thank you for the love and support
I Love You
Always and Forever.
----------------
Mushroom Pasta is the Order of the Day.
Thoughts & Peace to All who Require
Good afternoon
Well, Judy and her sister decided to surprise my brother-in-,law and I. They got side by side suites at a hotel in Wisconsin for Steve-O's 60th birthday.
Rounded up food and cheer this morning and it's not too far of a drive to the half way point so we're off. Catch you guys later on in a few
Glad you liked the Gentle Ben clip Bear. I was thinking every kid must have liked that one as I looked for it. I've enjoyed all your Beartoons through the years, so it felt good to finally send something back
Have a great weekend gentleman
Good afternoon, everyone.
We're all packed and ready to leave. It will be tomorrow night before we get to our destination.
Mike, no thanks on the pink stuff. My mother used to give me that, and I hated it so much, just thinking of tasting it makes me sick to my stomach!
Bear, we have a program called "Air Disasters" on TV that I watch. Someone told me that if I watched it, I would never want to fly again. It is just the opposite. After watching the painstaking investigations into every plane problem, they have made everything so much safer. It seems like when they found a problem, they would make sure that problem never happened again.
David, that is a wonderful message from your daughter. You are really a special father to her.
TF, enjoy the weekend with the in-laws.
Tin Can, Dodge City is a very nice place. I remember all the cowboy shows from the 1950s that mentioned the place. What a great history.
MisterBeasley, that's pretty neat about the guitar. I don't think anyone in my high school or college ever became famous. Several of them ended up in jail, but no rock stars that I know of.
I'm checking out for a while. Keep the diner's waitresses busy and leave good tips. Since I now have a cell phone I may be able to look in on the diner every-so-often. Have a good weekend!
Good Afternoon,
Winter is still here in full force. At 7 am the windchill was -35. It has warmed up a little, temp is -2F and windchill only -22.
Belated Happy Birthday to David and Mr. B!
Nothing new. Time for more tea.
CN Charlie
York1 MisterBeasley, that's pretty neat about the guitar. I don't think anyone in my high school or college ever became famous. Several of them ended up in jail, but no rock stars that I know of.
The other high school in my town, the one I didn't go to, had Joey Heatherton. I still remember her writhing around doing mattress ads. She was the daughter of Ray Heatherton, the Merry Mailman.