Jefferys Track Side Diner for April, 2022

[BroadwayLion]

Someone is a very good photographer! : )

["JaBear"]

Caring by Bear, on Flickr

 

[hon30critter]

CNCharlie

I did a silly thing and added up what we have spent on birdseed in the past month. Ukraine is one of the largest sunflower seed sources in the world and supply is getting very short and expensive. I picked up 4 20lb bags today at $50/bag. That might last a week. 

Hi CNCharlie,

We buy our sunflower seed from the local coop. The last time we bought it we paid about $50.00 for a 50 lb. bag. I hesitate to see what the next one will cost!

You are to be admired for your dedication to feeding the birds. The North American bird population has declined by hundreds of millions of birds over the past couple of decades. Their habitats are being destroyed and their food supplies are being reduced. Your efforts are pushing that decline back.

Cheers!!

Dave

[SeeYou190]

The World Is A Beautiful Place

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

I have the next two days off, and I am going to do my best to get the walls textured in the living room by the time I go to bed on Friday.

-Kevin

[NorthsideChi]

Small world. I know the guy that took the photo of the gulf station 

[CNCharlie]

Good Evening,

Our cool weather continues but at least we didn't get the snow forecast for last night. 

TF, hope those meds are doing their job. My wife developed an abdominal infection after some minor surgery and was on intravenious antibiotics every 8 hours. We had to go to the emerg dept for that. Be careful as abdominal infections can get dangerous.

I did a silly thing and added up what we have spent on birdseed in the past month. Ukraine is one of the largest sunflower seed sources in the world and supply is getting very short and expensive. I picked up 4 20lb bags today at $50/bag. That might last a week. 

Made an offer on a Hornby Princess Elizabeth loco with the gold plating but it was rejected. Shipping costs from the UK are very high at about $60 which sure adds to the price. I like the loco and wanted something to commemorate the Queen too. At school from grades 1-9 we started the day singing Oh Canada and finished it singing God Save The Queen. 

Time for tea and tellie. We recorded the Sanditon series on PBS.

CN Charlie

 

 

[gmpullman]

Somebody left the keys in the fighter jet again...

Refuel_Bear by Edmund, on Flickr

Cheers, Ed

[gmpullman]

DrW

Moreover, you could use it for layouts modeling the 1920s until today, just by adapting the gas pumps.

Aye!

Dunkle-Gulf-Station by Edmund, on Flickr

I like that little pot-bellied tire hose reel off to the left 

More photos here:  https://www.loc.gov/item/pa3961/

 

Cheers, Ed

[DrW]

gmpullman

How did this beautiful, glazed terra cotta service station escape the "urban modernization" craze?

Dunkle's Gulf by Brandon Bartoszek, on Flickr

It is in Bedford, Penna.

Cheers, Ed

 

This would make beautiful model. Besides the visual appeal, it has a relatively small footprint. Moreover, you could use it for layouts modeling the 1920s until today, just by adapting the gas pumps.

 

[gmpullman]

How did this beautiful, glazed terra cotta service station escape the "urban modernization" craze?

Dunkle's Gulf by Brandon Bartoszek, on Flickr

It is in Bedford, Penna.

Cheers, Ed

[SeeYou190]

hon30critter

I love your 'The World is a Wonderful Place' photos. They are always beautiful, and calm and relaxing.

Thanks Dave.

I have a few thousand good pictures I have taken over decades as a nature photographer enthusiast. If I share one per day, I might get through most of them. However, I keep making more.

I know a few are similar, and it can seem repetitive at times, but every one I have shared has been a different image.

-Kevin

[gmpullman]

Train watching is so exciting these days 

The Long Line by Craig Sanders, on Flickr

I don't think I've taken a train photo out in the real world in the past ten years...

Cheers, Ed

[York1]

Track fiddler

If it does come to that, you guys may have to bust me out of there Oh what I wouldn't give for a hearty hunk of the Bears rack-of-lamb or a thick slab of the Lions rare wildebeest right now

 

That's the way it always seems to be.  Have someone tell you you can't eat something, and that's when you can't quit thinking about how good it would be.

My wife and I get a colonoscopy every five years.  For the day before, you aren't allowed to eat anything.  That is the day I can't quit thinking about cheeseburgers, supreme pizzas, and spaghetti.

Good luck, TF!  I hope this is over soon for you.

[Track fiddler]

Morning

Fiddler's here, just not moving too quickly lately. 

My mining horseshoe scenery started a week ago, I was really into working on but got put on the back burner.  The other side affect of these two sets of antibiotics may cause drowsiness.  Haven't felt like doing much of anything but sleeping lately.

The Doc said the upper stomach ache is quite a common adjustment phase to the medication and should go away on it's own.  I called when Lion and Maxman suggested they have something for that.  The Doc said to let him know if it doesn't go away in a day or two.  Well, It did

Just laying low.  If the pills don't start doing the trick soon, the next step is to be admitted and hooked up to IV's continuing the liquid diet.  Don't want any part of that!  I'd rather be hungry dealing with pain at home then locked up in the Clink.  If it does come to that, you guys may have to bust me out of there

Oh what I wouldn't give for a hearty hunk of the Bears rack-of-lamb or a thick slab of the Lions rare wildebeest right now.....

 

Have a happy hump day gentlemen

 

 

TF

[York1]

Good morning, diners.  Bacon, eggs, and coffee, please.

It's good to be home.  It's always fun to leave town, and it's always fun to return home.  Had a nice trip and got to see a lot of the country.

I haven't read through all the posts -- it looks like that will take me a while.  With the number of cats in the photos, the diner shouldn't have any rodent problems.

Today it's warm enough to start some outdoor projects.  I guess the layout will have to wait.

I did run some trains last night on my new tracks.  Earlier, I had run just locomotives and everything was great.  Now I added some rolling stock, and found several track issues.  Nothing serious, but it's good to find the problems before I go too far.

I hope everyone has a great day today.

 

["JaBear"]

The Bears Here!!!

 

There was some discussion early in the month regarding the unsavoury smell emanating from meat processing plants, it wasn’t noticeable inside.

 

My first full time, though seasonal, employment was at one of the local Freezing Works, (NZ for Meat Processing Plant) w**king in the offal room, firstly “pulling” sweetbreads, then “promoted” to the Brain Room. The Brain Room a was a promotion, it was crewed by 6 young guys, as long as we did the job, we were left alone, and I was put on the end of shift clean-up, which meant an extra 5 hours a week overtime. Though the Brain Room was down in the bowels of the plant, (which employed over 2000 at the height of the season), and we didn’t see the sun, in fact one day late in the season it was a cold but clear blue day when I went in and at the end of the ten hour shift there was three inches of snow outside, the money was really good, I was earning 4 x more than my ex schoolmates who had apprenticeships.

 

Due to a “curious incident” not long after the start of my second season, I got what was considered the Dream Job, full-time year-round employment, in the Wholesale Butchery Department. The job was great as there was variety, depending on demand we killed pigs at, least two days a week, and once up to speed got to change stations on the chain, and the rest of the time we got to make sausages and other small goods, corn beef, and reduce carcasses to the various cuts.

 

 At that time the Penrod 74 Oil Exploration Drilling Rig was operating down in the Great South Basin and we supplied the meat. I’m sure that Br. Lion would have approved as the prime beef rump steaks had to be a uniform 1 ¼” thick!  

 

So, what’s this got to do with railways. Well as I have said previously by that time, no stock had been delivered by rail for some years, but insulated railway wagons were still used to freight the frozen meat to the local port, usually in the Vr class, one of which I photographed at the Weka Pass Railway.

 

Vr by Bear, on Flickr

 

We at the Wholesale Butchery Department also had our own section of a freezing chamber and while most of our products left by road transport, occasionally we would load out a Wa 4 four wheeled insulated wagons, with frozen pork carcasses destined for a bacon manufacturer up in Christchurch. The works shunter was a rubber tired Ford tractor, either a 3000 or 4000, my memory is unsure of which, equipped with buffers at both ends.

 

The photo of this Wa wagon is courtesy of the National Railway Museum of New Zealand, and though the photo depicts this one in dedicated fish service, it is typical.

 

W by Bear, on Flickr

BroadwayLion

I have alwqays been amazed that people living in such places seem to have a smile

 

The thing that amazed me in Fiji was that even though some of the housing had swept dirt floors, the kids all went to school, each day in clean crisp white shirts!

 

Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.

Cheers, the Bear.

[BroadwayLion]

Some people claim that there is poverty in the United States.

Despite whatt must be bone crushing poverty, I have alwqays been amazed that people living in such places seem to have a smile. Note however the satellite dishes atop the 'structures'. Ergo they must have electricity although running water remains a question.

 

[BroadwayLion]

SeeYou190

 

 

gmpullman

One of my favorite railroad depots.

 

 

That is a beauty Ed.

Slow day in the Diner for sure.

HELLLLOOOOOO

Is there anyone out there?

-Kevin

 

 

Went to i-Doctor. New lenses prescribed. Houor long trip ran to over three hours. Hade it back to the monastery in time for my haircut. Even so the barber had to wait for me to come home. He comes out on occasional Tuesdays to give us all free haircuts. His gift to the monks.

Now, then, Today... While the Blossoms still cling to the vine...

I might read a book, I might play with the computator, or I might sleep. Sleep is always fugn sincce I get so little of it at night as witness the fackt thatt I am sitting here playuing with the 'puter and have been doing so for more than two hours!

Oh Whale!

[hon30critter]

SeeYou190

I guess there isn't anyone out there tonight.

Hey Kevin, I'm still out here!

I love your 'The World is a Wonderful Place' photos. They are always beautiful, and calm and relaxing.

Cheers!!

Dave

[SeeYou190]

I guess there isn't anyone out there tonight.

This is one of the best photographs I have ever taken:

The World Is A Beautiful Place

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

I will see everyone again tomorrow.

-Kevin

[SeeYou190]

gmpullman

One of my favorite railroad depots.

That is a beauty Ed.

Slow day in the Diner for sure.

HELLLLOOOOOO

Is there anyone out there?

-Kevin

[gmpullman]

 

One of my favorite railroad depots:

B&O Station by Todd Dillon, on Flickr

Hey! Who parked that truck there? Spoiled the scene.

I recall passing this spot many times, first on the pre-Amtrak, B&O Capitol, later on the post Amtrak Capitol. Always a pleasure.

Cheers, Ed

[SeeYou190]

Good morning all.

I just got off the phone with one of my daughters. Not going to bore anyone with what we talked about. It is so incredible how good it makes me feel when I talk to one of my babies.

Great way to start the day.

-Kevin

[MisterBeasley]

BroadwayLion

Someone say LAMB...

When The Lion lays down with the lamb, he usually brings mint jelly....

[maxman]

Track fiddler

Evening

So get this.  I'm taking two antibiotics to get rid of an infection in my colon.  The one I take three times a day is giving me an upper stomach ache to get rid of my lower stomach ache .....Go figure

Thanks for listening as I needed to vent.  With that said, I will quit my bellyaching now

 

 

TF

 

It is always scary to read the possible reaction list included with any medication.  But when you ask the doctors they always say that such reactions are rare.

But don’t worry.  If you do get a reaction they have another medicine for that.

[BroadwayLion]

Someone say LAMB...

["JaBear"]

Track fiddler

Good Grief Bear!  It must get really cold some nights on the ramp over there

Gidday Mr. TF, it certainly doesn’t get as cold as you guys, apart from Kevin,   but the level of physical energy required to carry out most line maintenance tasks, is not enough to create one’s own body heat. Also, one should be seriously concentrating on the job in hand, and not thinking about skiving off to get warm. Without wishing to sound pompous, a lapse in concentration or short cutting the job, could have terminal consequences for the travelling public, hence why I saw the need for layers to help keep warm, one less distraction!

 

Batman, we were issued with two pairs of overalls a year, and after the first year most of us cut the sleeves of our old pairs for summer use, never went commando though.

Even here, a lamb roast is far better value than loin chops.

 

NZ lamb by Bear, on Flickr

 

The world is a beautiful place, Ohope, eastern Bay of Plenty.

Ohope by Bear, on Flickr

 

Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.

Cheers, the Bear.

[hon30critter]

Hi Brent,

The videos are really cute! The dogs look like they are having a ball, that is except the last one out who I suspect is Mama. Can't blame her for being a bit slow.

Personally I have to admit that I am not a big fan of wet long haired dogs covered in saliva, but I am sure you are used to it. I guess that's what towels are for.

Thanks for the entertainment. Hope your turkey came out well (I'm sure it did!).

Cheers!!

Dave

[SeeYou190]

NorthBrit

"If any of these reindeer move they are dead meat," 

I am pretty sure that is exactly what she is thinking.

BroadwayLion

Well, it *is* a cat!

Yes, a cat in every way.

She sat on my lap just now,looked me right in the eyes, and growled at me. Then she got down and walked into her room.

I wonder what that was about.

DigitalGriffin

Raise your hand if you aren't done taxes....I am so far behind this year.

We finished ours over the weekend. We expected to owe $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 per our estimates. We ended up oweing less than $7,000.00 when everything was done and double checked. That was a welcome surprise.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

So... we woke up "early" this morning and went to an office park to have our taxes printed on paper. Then we went and bought a big manilla envelope. We wrote the check, put everything in, sealed it up, went to the Post Office, and mailed it away via Certified Mail.

Then... when we pulled in the driveway my wife started panicking. She realized we forgot to sign the tax forms! 

We drove back to the Post Office. The workers there found our taxes, and we were able to open the envelope and get the forms signed.

I have never seen my wife so terrified. When she realized we had not signed the forms she acted like it was the end of the world and doom was in sight.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

So, that was my "morning".

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

The World is a Beautiful Place

-Photograph by Kevin Parson

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

I hope everyone is happy and safe tonight.

-Kevin

[BroadwayLion]

Track fiddler

Thanks for listening as I needed to vent.

 

If you need to vent, that is a different medication!