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Jeffrey’s Trackside Diner for December 2023

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Posted by Track fiddler on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 6:49 PM

Evening

More than okay to post John.  Any Bridge is a work of art, especially disappearing into the looks of "London Fog" on either endYes...ThanksStick out tongue

 

So Judy asked me what we should do for my birthday this morning?  She was told we need to go pick up Ce Ce, and take her to the Enchanted Rock Garden, so she can pick up some pretty rocks, like I've been promising her since October.  So we did.

Just needed to see that delightful little smile on her little face todayBig Smile

 

Of course we wrapped up the day with a really good dinner, a little later on, and took the local cab home.

Dilighted! ... Judy always does such a great job with every trip around the Sun.  A big lobster tail, and a filet mignonDinner

 

Nifty, today I'm the big 60 Tongue Tied...Pirate...Laugh

 

TF

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Posted by CNCharlie on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 2:13 PM

Good Afternoon,

Our very mild weather continues with 25F for the next several days. Have about 3" of snoe on the ground so very dry. 

No plans for today. My wife and I are quaranteening from each other for a few days as she still is afraid the paramedics brought covid into the house. She isn't up yet so we don't have a lot of contact.

At least I have my mince tarts. Only 4 left so will have to ration them.  

John, you have more winter down there than we do. 

I wonder how Ray is doing. Unusual not to hear from him.

CN Charlie

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Posted by York1 on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 1:07 PM

Good afternoon, everyone.  I need a cup of black coffee, Flo.

The house is clean.  The driveway, with a lot of snow, has been cleared.  The neighbors, who are widows, have their driveways cleared.  The snowplow has been by so we can easily get out.

Now we are sitting and waiting for all the kids and grandkids to descend on us for four days.  We are laughing about our new dog -- she is going to go crazy with happiness having so many in the house to pet her.  Knowing my grandkids, I'll bet the dog will also have her first taste of people food under the dining room table.

Charlie, I hope you can enjoy a little of the Christmas season even though it's under difficult circumstances.

John of A, I don't think I'd worry at all about something said on the diner.  We're all friends here, and while I don't know what got bleeped, I sure wouldn't be upset.

Hope everyone continues to enjoy the winter weather (or summer weather for Bear!).  One dumping of snow is enough for me -- I'm now ready for Spring.

TF, even though this isn't a train bridge, it did appear on a train calendar so I guess it's OK to post:

 

York1 John       

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Posted by Attuvian1 on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 11:56 AM

Water Level Route

Good Morning Diners.  Flo, I'll have some of the goodies that Bear left.  Thanks Bear!

John of Attu, looks like our posts disappeared.  Was that the "out of turn" comment you made?  I thought it was funny!

Just got home from taking the dogs to the vet.  Brutal hit to the pocketbook right after Christmas, but they are family members, so what do you do?  One has heart problems so must get more tests and such done.  The other two have each had yeast infections in their ears.  At least the med for one was good for the other.  

Hopefully lazy day from here on out.  I still have to check my schedule though.

Cheers!

 
Mike (the Minimalist),
 
I noted that our posts had disappeared, too.  Tried to put two and two together with Bear's comment.  He's a good bloke and a gentle soul, and therefore not to be feared.  Ah, but to appear in a Beartoon is certainly a dicey proposition.
 
Arrgghh: the visit to the vet.  Better to have to "check your schedule" than to have to schedule your checks!
 
We hold vets in high regard as the couple that is in many ways closest to us are both vets.  They will be retiring from their joint practice this coming December - if they make it that far.  Neither is in great health, perhaps in some ways due to how much they've poured into their practice and clients over the years.
 
And speaking of vets makes me think of Brent and his wife.  Sure do miss his posts but was glad that he dropped in the Diner in the past day or so to say "hello".  Perhaps he's still over in the Quiet Corner with a cup of Joe.  Missing the owner of the Briggs & Stratton as well.
 
J of A
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Posted by Water Level Route on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 9:18 AM

Good Morning Diners.  Flo, I'll have some of the goodies that Bear left.  Thanks Bear!

John of Attu, looks like our posts disappeared.  Was that the "out of turn" comment you made?  I thought it was funny!

Just got home from taking the dogs to the vet.  Brutal hit to the pocketbook right after Christmas, but they are family members, so what do you do?  One has heart problems so must get more tests and such done.  The other two have each had yeast infections in their ears.  At least the med for one was good for the other.  

Hopefully lazy day from here on out.  I still have to check my schedule though.

Cheers!

Mike

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Posted by Track fiddler on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 8:40 AM

Good morning

Woke up, "The day after Christmas", hungrier than the wolf, perhaps as my stomach was stretched out from the Big Feast last night. 

What else is one suppose to do, but open up the Fridge-o-later, and start pulling out Tupperware.  Then build a plate of Turkey, Mashed Potatoes with Heavy Gravy, dinner for breakfastDinner

TryptophanYes

 

Then roll back over in the rack for awhileLaugh

 

TF

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Posted by Attuvian1 on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 8:29 AM

deletedSad

EDIT.
Good Grief Chloe, a deleted post and I’m on the top of the Page!!!!!
I better get out the Christmas nibbles out quick, before I get “sprung” by John of Attu!!!Smile, Wink & Grin
 
 Christmas treats by Bear, on Flickr
 Brandysnaps by Bear, on Flickr
  
Cheers, the Bear. Dunce

Well, Bear, I may be suffering from the effects of too much Christmas socialization -even without any alcohol.  I can't figure out what may have happened that I could "spring" much of anything (except reactions from my Sweetie).  On the other hand, I did speak out of turn in the Diner a couple days ago. Embarrassed  Perhaps I'm having to deal with some delightful Kiwi idiom here?

Any way, there may still be a cranny or two where I could dispose of a couple of those mince(?) tarts. Have been following the chat between you,, Charlie and Dave about them (and recalling my Mom's mince pies when I was a kid).  And what, pray are those brandy thingies?  I'm a sucker for creamy fillings. Dinner

John of Attu (The Springer)

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Posted by wetidlerjr on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 4:18 AM

Good morning!
Bellevue OH Roundhouse 2016 (NS)

 

BELLVUE_OH RNDHSE.jpg

Bill Tidler Jr.

Near a cornfield in Indiana...

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Posted by "JaBear" on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 1:05 AM

deletedSad

EDIT.
Good Grief Chloe, a deleted post and I’m on the top of the Page!!!!!
I better get out the Christmas nibbles out quick, before I get “sprung” by John of Attu!!!Smile, Wink & Grin
 
 Christmas treats by Bear, on Flickr
 Brandysnaps by Bear, on Flickr
  
Cheers, the Bear. Dunce

 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, December 25, 2023 9:47 PM

Evening

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas

 

TF

 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, December 25, 2023 9:00 PM

Well,  If you lost a wheel in the subway, and you couldn't find it Mister B.  I'm pretty sure Broadway Lion had it in the "Lost and Found" Somewhere in New York CitySmile

 

TF

 

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, December 25, 2023 8:18 PM

Track fiddler

Let's all look forward to another year, until the wheels fall offWink

TF

In all my years of model railroading, I haven't had a lot of wheels fall off, but the time a Bowser PCC car lost a wheel in the subway was the worst.  Of course, it kept going, so I had no idea where that wheel was.  Yup.  Under the last liftoff track cover, the one with all the wires.  It was a lesson in how not to build liftoffs.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, December 25, 2023 7:50 PM

Merry Christmas Kids

I've enjoyed being friends with all of you through the years here.

Let's all look forward to another year, "Until The Wheels Fall Off" Wink

 

TF

PS   Always been a big fan of your work here Peter, and that was one classic quoteYes

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Posted by hon30critter on Monday, December 25, 2023 6:23 PM

Hi Brent,

Good to see you back!

To everyone, a slightly belated Merry Christmas! Dianne and I had a great time at our son and daughter-in-law's home. We got to watch our six month old grandson helping to open his presents. It didn't take him long to figure it out! We also got to watch him have his first few mouthfuls of sweet potatoes. He didn't like them!LaughLaugh

My mince meat tarts didn't arrive on the 24th as promised. Ho hum!

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

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Posted by gmpullman on Monday, December 25, 2023 4:46 PM

gmpullmanEd, earlier this month you mentioned that Tim AKA Metrolink Fan passed away. I may have missed it but I would presume that he’s to be placed on the RIP track.

Hello, Bear. I think that would be great! He is Tim Griffin from South Lake Tahoe, California and passed away at age 51.

 MetroLink Fan by Edmund, on Flickr

He was pretty clever with making printed paper cutouts into rolling stock.

Cheers, Ed

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Posted by CNCharlie on Monday, December 25, 2023 2:41 PM

Brent, great photo. Our first Westie was mad for mandarin oranges. We would wrap a few and put them under the tree. He wouldn't touch until we peeled them and gave him sections. Not like Pippa who was sure the world was at her command. She also loved the snow and playing snow plow with her head. She hated summer. Sure miss a dog in the house. 

Mr. B, making me drool. Eggs Bennie are one of my favourites. Been a few years since I've had them. 

CN Charlie

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, December 25, 2023 2:01 PM

Yes, it's good to see you here again, Brent, and everyone else as well.

We had genuine Eggs Benedict for breakfast.  I did the eggs, muffins and Canadian Bacon, while the GF did the Hollandaise the old fashioned way, without a blender.  Delicious.  Rare Wildebeest for dinner, Lion.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by BATMAN on Monday, December 25, 2023 1:26 PM

Merry Christmas to dog lover Charlie.

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

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Posted by CNCharlie on Monday, December 25, 2023 12:20 PM

Merry Christmas everyone!

Nice to hear of your festivities.

Bear, mince tarts used to be common here but the ethnic mix of Canada has changed greatly in the past 50 years. The grocery store offerings reflect that. My wife's family came from Poland 100 years ago and she never had mince tarts at Christmas. My family came from England 120 years ago so my Dad loved mince tarts and passed that love to me.

No Christmas here. My wife thought she was having a heart attack yesterday so called the paramedics. They came and they gave her the all clear but she then was convinced they probably brought covid into the house. She spent all night cleaning. There are other elements that she says are my fault so Christmas has been cancelled. This is a difficult time of year for her so a celebration has aoways been in doubt the past 5 years.

Anyway, please post what you are doing as I really like to hear.

CN Charlie

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Posted by Water Level Route on Monday, December 25, 2023 9:35 AM

Merry Christmas everyone!

Brent, glad you stopped in. Please don't be a stranger. 

Not a lick of snow in sight here. Makes me sad. Send some of that my way, would you John?

 Just finished breakfast with the kids. A couple breakfast casseroles that are tradition for our family. Blueberry French toast and a ham, egg, and cheese one. So good!

 Wishing everyone peace, joy, and happiness today!!✨

Mike

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Posted by York1 on Monday, December 25, 2023 8:55 AM

Merry Christmas, everyone.  Since the diner is open for Christmas, I'll have bacon, eggs, and black coffee.

It's blowing hard, and the snow is getting deeper.  The fireplace is going nicely.  The house cleaning is basically done, and the kids don't all get here until tomorrow, so today is a great day to sit by the fire, watch the snow, and enjoy the storm.

I had fun this morning watching our dog run around.  She ran 90 mph laps in the back yard, jumping in the snow and having a great time.  The wind is gusting to 40mph, so we are already getting some good-sized drifts.  The dog went right through them.

 

JaBear
“Nothing's as mean as giving a little child something useful for Christmas”-Kin Hubbard.

Remember those days as a kid?  Unwrapping presents with great expectations, only to find a pair of socks or some underwear.  My mother was good at disguising the packages.

Have a great Christmas, everyone.

 

New Orleans Christmas on Canal Street.  I used to teach at a school on Canal Street, and even though it was warm, Christmas was beautiful.

 

 Trolley, New Orleans at Christmas..in explore..IMG_9437a by dklaughman, on Flickr

 

City Park, New Orleans.  They have a great display in City Park, "Christmas in the Oaks".

 

 Alligator with antlers, a Cajun Christmas..IMG_9778a by dklaughman, on Flickr

York1 John       

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Posted by wetidlerjr on Monday, December 25, 2023 7:18 AM

Good morning!

1703510109170.png

Bill Tidler Jr.

Near a cornfield in Indiana...

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Posted by Track fiddler on Monday, December 25, 2023 7:07 AM

Good morning

MERRY Christmas everyoneSmile

Good to see ya, thanks for stopping by Brent, Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: A Comfy Cave, New Zealand
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Posted by "JaBear" on Monday, December 25, 2023 2:49 AM
Gidday Chloe, Diners, and good of you to drop in, Batman.
 
Hope you’re all having a Good One!
 
Her-in-Doors and I had a very pleasant Christmas lunch with our son and his partner in Hamilton, and am finishing off a Great Day munching on a fruit mince pie, and sipping on a very smooooth Plantation Peru Single Vintage 2006 rum, that my young fellow thought I might like! (He was Right!!)
 
I’m not sure as to why we’re that different to Canada but the supermarkets have a large selection of fruit mince pies, at very reasonable prices, at this time of year.
 
gmpullmanEd, earlier this month you mentioned that Tim AKA Metrolink Fan passed away. I may have missed it but I would presume that he’s to be placed on the RIP track. If it is so decided is his surname available, cos I think I can add him to the RIP track started by Kevin.
 
“Nothing's as mean as giving a little child something useful for Christmas”-Kin Hubbard.
 
Thoughts and Best Wishes to All that need them. Kia Kaha.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile
 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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Posted by BATMAN on Sunday, December 24, 2023 10:37 PM

Just thought I would pop in and wish all my old friends in the diner a Merry Christmas. I hope you all get to spend some time with cherished friends and family.

 

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

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Posted by York1 on Sunday, December 24, 2023 8:32 AM

Merry Christmas Eve!  Chloe and Flo, it's too bad you have to work on Christmas Eve, but since you're here ... I'll have bacon, eggs, and coffee when I get home from church.

In February, I had used the snow blower and I expected to use it again, so I left the gas in it and put it in the shed.  I didn't use it again and forgot about it.

Yesterday, I remembered it still had old gas in it, and I fully expected I would have some issues getting it started.  I pulled twice and it fired right up.  It made my day!

They are predicting snow beginning tonight, with a total of six or eight inches.  Great for Christmas --- not great for our kids families all driving here from the south.  They will hit it just right during the storm.  Once they're here, it's no problem.  We can all hunker down with the fireplace going.

I sincerely hope everyone in the diner has a great Christmas!

 

 Christmas Train by Sammy Daly, on Flickr

York1 John       

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Posted by Track fiddler on Sunday, December 24, 2023 7:35 AM

Good morning

Where's my manners?  Had forgotten to thank you for the relaxing Christmas video you had posted Bear, enjoyed.  A very Merry Christmas to you today, and a Merry Christmas Eve to everyone elseSmile

We got the floor done early thursday afternoon, and sure have been enjoying my four day weekend so far.  We went to visit my great niece CeCe yesterday, and have more family plans today and tomorrow.  I'm bummed Judy has to work both days, but gets off earlyBig Smile

 

Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the house, all the creatures were stirring, even the grouseLaugh

WhistlingImage courtesy of PNGTree

 

Happy Holidays 

 

TF

 

 

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Posted by Water Level Route on Sunday, December 24, 2023 7:29 AM

Good Morning Diners!

 Bear, Merry Christmas! Everyone else, Merry Christmas Eve!

 Had a wonderful Christmas with my family yesterday. In lieu of a gift exchange, my parents do bingo with bunches of little kitchy gifts. It's fun, but then what to do with the stuff you win? At least most of what I got this year is useable in some form or fashion. 

Getting ready for the wife's family coming over today. 'Tis the season!

Mike

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Posted by wetidlerjr on Sunday, December 24, 2023 5:22 AM

Good morning! 

A Charlie Brown Xmas A house from A Charlie Brown Christmas, covered with snow, Christmas lights, and a gold first place medal. The phrase 'Tis The Season is written below, surrounded by a blue background. sticker

 

Bill Tidler Jr.

Near a cornfield in Indiana...

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Posted by "JaBear" on Sunday, December 24, 2023 5:06 AM
Gidday Chloe, it’s 0006 on Christmas Day, so am sitting back with a cold one having cooked the chicken, prepared the shrimp cocktail mix, before Her-in-Doors and Self head over the hill to have Christmas lunch with the young fellow and his girlfriend, all that has to be done is to pick the salad leaves from the garden. Looks like it’s going to be a wet warm muggy day but hey…!!!
 
CNCharlie, the Coastal Pacific is still on my to do list but I think I’d just travel from Picton to Kaikoura, overnight, then return. State Highway No 1 runs beside the railway along the Kaikoura coastline of which a fair amount of seabed rose in the 2016 earthquake necessitating in a major rebuild on both the railway and the highway.
I think I’ve posted these before but here’s two photos I took on our 2021 winter holiday looking north from Picton.  
 
 Kaikoura by Bear, on Flickr
 
...and...
 
 Amtrak 1970s by Bear, on Flickr
 
I wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.
Cheers, the Bear.Smile
 

"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."

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