Elliotts Trackside Diner (est 1-1-07)

[sunsetbeachry]

HI ALL:

Its been a long time since ive had a chance to read some and now answer some. Had a Pacemaker placed in my back to try to help in treating some of the pain that has plagued me for so long. Lots of time in hospital and under the sheets.Two long pieces of copper wire down my spine one on each side of same, pacemaker on one side of buns and battery on the other, battery should last 9yrs that is if I live that long [LOL LOL LOL ].Seems to be yorking pretty good. Down to 30mg daily of morphene from 360mgs.

Kathy has been staying with nuns from the hosp. across the street from me. She has been getting very good care and doesn't want to go back home because I'll be taking care of her [LOL LOL LOL ] I've had a chance to watch a lot of TV, read some and look at a lot of books that the nuns bring in, and guess what they have all been RR books both real and model.

I have not had to much time to read here but i've seen some. FERGIE we both fell real bad about you and family losing dad, but I remember that you will always remember all the good times that you shared with him, and our prayers go out to you and yours. TO PHILLIP keep up the good w**k on the photos we both enjoy them..ED we wish that we could have been with you on that trip,I've not seen a real RR that looked so much like a model, or vice-versa. We are both home now and I will be down for about 3 months while all the surgury heals, and slowly be taking over all my jobs here at home to take care of Kathy meanwhile we have a housekeeper that comes in for 6hours a day to help us take of each other.

We can now get out to the rrroom because the gravel has settled and been rolled by son,so that Kathy can get her elec cart up the drive. We still plan on riping out the last of the old layout, and because of all the work that I did before surgury it will go pretty easy. Now all we have to do is agree upon a design of which I have a good idea in my head and start to put down on paper and have her help me so that she can enjoy these little toys as much as I do [she already does ] makes dam good trees too.

To all those in need we pray at friday morning mass that all will be healed, .

        So for all " GOD BLESS and KEEP YOU"                 chuck and Kathy

[egmurphy]

Good Morning Coffee Clubbers,

Still rainy, hot and humid down here.  At least with the sun being hidden, while I still keep the a/c turned on, the compressor doesn't have to kick in as much.  Don't think we'll be heading out to the orange grove for a few days more.  I suspect that the access road is pretty tough going.  But we're getting closer to the start of the harvest.

Tracklayer - very sorry to hear about your cat.  I can only imagine how you feel.  While pressing charges won't bring Tiger back, it may prevent something similar from happening in the future. 

 

Sue - yes, we finally did the Copper Canyon trip this spring.  I didn't post the photos here, but I did post a link to my thread over on TrainBoard where I have  the photos and a trip report.  Here's what I posted at that time.  I suspect it may have passed unnoticed as I didn't include the photos here.

We've done a lot of traveling.  The most recent trip was a 17 day, 4,000 km round trip to Chihuahua, mainly to ride on the train through the Copper Canyon.  Even more spectacular than I expected.  Photos don't do it justice.  We spent part of three days on the train, and a bit more railfanning.  I am gradually posting my photos over on Rail Images, and have a thread going (that I add to from day to day) chronicling the trip that you can see on TrainBoard at:

http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=87843

 

Paul - our daughter and son-in-law just bought some used cutting, raking and baling equipment, and have just started to cut and bale on the property they rent.  We'll see how it works out, but they hope to be able to cut and bale enough so that they can stop buying hay (which has really gone up in price over the past year), and maybe even have some surplus to sell. 

 

Dick - Man, that is quite a ride. Is that on good highways or secondary roads making account for 7.5 hours? I can drive all the way from cental Massachusetts to New Brunswick Canada and be withing 3 hours of Luc, Fergie and John in 7.5 hours!!

Mostly secondary roads.  Tuxpan to Veracruz, secondary most of the way, 180 miles, 5 hours.  Veracruz to Orizaba, highway, 80 miles, maybe 1-1/4 hours.  Orizaba to Acultzingo, secondary (very) roads, around 15 miles, maybe 30-45 minutes.  Plus the usual trip breaks that we make on a trip of that length.

 

Okay, here's the rest of the trip report of our trip to Acultzingo.  If you recall, we left the Westbound freight waiting on the siding for the approaching downhill Eastbound.

Slowing down, the Eastbound gradually pulls up to the waiting Westbound and takes the passing siding.  I did take a shot of the trains passing, but at that distance everything seemed to blend in together.

With the meet over, the Westbound lost no time in accelerating up the grade.




And past the camp towards the tunnel.




And finishing out the trainwatching for the trip, the train had a pair of NS units as mid-train helpers. Uh, maybe not. They're actually green (with white and red) Ferrosur units, just wearing their usual coat of soot.

 

And that was about it for the trip.  It was a great chance to get together with some of my train buddies.  And except for the fuel pump and the hard rock under the tent, a fun trip.

Later,

Ed

[TrainFreak409]

Hey y'all!

I've got great news!

NORFOLK SOUTHERN UPDATE:

I attend training in McDonough, Georgia in two weeks! I need to be in the assigned motel on Sunday, September 16. Training starts the next day. However, I'm too young for a rental car (you have to be 21), so it looks like I will be making a 700 mile road trip. I was hoping to take the Amtrak Cresent to Atlanta and then getting a car, but that ain't gonna happen, since I would not have a ride after that. But I'm cool with driving, since that was my original plan.

On a different note now...

Tracklayer: I am sorry to hear about your unfortunate event. However, I'm not sure how far you'd get by pressing charges against the man. As far as I know, pets and animals fall under 'personal property.' And property destruction charges don't issue proper punishments. But I would definitely go to animal control, I think they would be more effective. If it were me, the dog probably would have been dead on the spot with a steel-toed boot to the side of the head...Good luck with whatever you decide to do about it. Here's hoping for ya.

 

I'm out y'all.

[Cederstrand]

***Sue, enjoyed both your posted photos today. ***Ed, yours too.

***Scott, does this still mean you will be visiting us here on the ol' farm? Will talk with you more via e-mail. How many miles is the drive going to be for you to McDonough?

Well, movers took care of bringing the MIL's stuff from the retirement home to the farm. The cabin is now stocked FULL, upstairs and down. It is insane! Barbara seemed about ready to find a train to run out in front of, and that was after only one morning with her mom. A manic person with early Alzeimers who is both a horder & a neat freak is a unique person to be around. This IS going to be "interesting". I'm beat and need rest. Think I'll go hide in my room now. (sorry for my rant...there could be much worse things in life)

Rob

[jeffrey-wimberly]

SD40-2 KCS 662 coming through a siding on the KCS southern division.

[pcarrell]

TO PHILLIP keep up the good w**k on the photos we both enjoy them.

Thanks....love to, but I'm without a camera at the moment.

[Flashwave]

SD40-2 KCS 662 coming through a siding on the KCS southern division.

 

Little blurry, but cool.

 

Yeah, I should be going too, superviszing the new HO and N's( :P ) Electric Avenue and I'll need to get across the Naptown route before  their locals tomarrow

[jeffrey-wimberly]

The blurriness is due to the poor quality of my camera. Even at that, it's much better than my old one. That's ok, because I have at least one camera of much higher quality coming.

[Flashwave]

The blurriness is due to the poor quality of my camera. Even at that, it's much better than my old one. That's ok, because I have at least one camera of much higher quality coming.

 

Detailwise, it's good. I need a Breakdown train that matches my gear.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I kit-bashed most of my work train.

[Flashwave]

I kit-bashed most of my work train.

 

Does she run smooth? I've dealt with a few admittedly shorter Breakdowns that needed a Breakdown to go with.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

It runs very smooth. I made sure that each car was up to NMRA weight standards.

[Flashwave]

It runs very smooth. I made sure that each car was up to NMRA weight standards.

 

Very good.

 *Bows*

 

[grayfox1119]

Good afternoon...cloudy here now as the cool front is approaching with a huge HIGH moving south from Canada that will bring some great weather for another 7 days. We also had the 3rd driest August on record here in Massachusetts, just like PC mentioned for his state.

Guess what I had for supper tonight?:  My Son-in-law is an avid hunter, and and made some stuffed peppers (peppers from my garden ) with vennisen and cheese melted on top.......man was that ever good.

MIKE: I am so sorry to hear about the death of that little 4 year old.....the mother must be devastated after running over the boy. That is yet one more example of why all vehicles should have sensors on the front and rear bumpers. Our 2002 Explorer has sensors on the rear bumpers, and I can tell you, THEY WORK. The buzzed me even when the family cat ran behind the car.

CHUCK: Let see if I have this straight, you have a battery in one half your butt, a pace maker in the other half your butt, color coded wires running up your spine, and all this is controlled by DCC???? This is GREAT, now you can control your trains AND your back pain with the same controller. What guage wire did they use for your control buss?/ LOL, LOL.. Seriously, I sure hope this works well for you.

ED: Wake will not be pitching tonight...back spasms, not serious though, he will only miss a day. Manny is another story, some say he is day to day, Manny said he thought he would be out 10 days. Looks like another TS is forming east of Grenada, and the path could take it near Yucatan once again, so be aware.

tifn

[inch53]

Evening, a barley pop please Cleo

Spent the morning with J Birds, we had a tendy [pretend] tea party, I had tendy coffee. And you haven't done any thing till you changed a pretend diaper on a rock baby. Then the rock grew up and had rock babies of her own [I didn't have to change those diapers]. They're all sleeping now in a bed of sand, J Birds made in the wagon.

DICK, it is sad, his Mother had been in the hospital and on meds since, out of fear for her own safety, but she was at visitation tonight when we were there. Her BIL told us they have to watch her closely for awhile.

No real plans for the long weekend, some time at the campground and Herman's football game tomorrow evening, the rest is up in the air for now. Catch ya'll laters

[Paul W. Beverung]

Evening All: Not much going on today. I helped John work on roads at his place all day. He rented a large wheel loader with a 3 yard bucket so we got a lot done. I guess he'll have it for about a week. The worst is the place where the creek washed out a chunk of the road. It's about 40 ft long and maybe average 6 ft deep. Since it's about a halh mile from the pit it's going to take some time.

Chuck it's good to hear from you. So they got you all wired up. I hope that it works out. I guess it is helping already. My best to Kathy.

Tracklayer: I'd get with the police and the animal control. I've been there and you have to do something.

Well It's time to hit the sack. I'll be going out to John's to help him again tomorrow.

Good Night All 

[Heartland Division CB&Q]

Hello everybody.....

Lots of stuff going on here lately. Also, many are eating rather well.

Chuck & Kathy...  best wishes regarding back device and electric cart respectively.

Jerry ....... good to know you are incontact with Sallie by phone and therapy is progressing.

Fergie..... thanks for the empathy and best to you and your family regarding "Dad".

Mark and also Sue ... appreciate info on NP museum steam and Sue's phtots. My HO NP steam roster is limited to 3 locos. More pix of NP museum locos would be nice to see. 

Inch ...very sad news about the 4 year old. Dick's advice on rear bumper sensors is very good.

Tracklayer.... that's so sad about your cat and so senseless. Please keep us informed if authorities can act.

Dick... that is certainly very bad news concerning your long term neighbor. Prayers for his familiy and friends.

Ed ...... i hope you never run out of Mexican railway photos to post.

Jeff ... i still like the KCS pix, and wonder when you will post captions in Klingon language.

Scott ... i'm very pleased with your news about NS.

Rob ....... in laws can be a blessing. Maybe all will work out.  Sorry to learn about father-in-law's stroke. How much is he impacted by it?

Paul ......... you work too hard. 

Good to read from Der, Philip, Jim CG, Ryan and others. Is luc okay?

I'm still working on some Geeps in the model train room when I can.

Shelley & I are still driving back and forth to the hospital. Her sister, Janet, remains unable to breath on her own without the machine. My concern for Shelley increases daily because it's really hard on her emotions.

Keep up the good work.

[Tracklayer]

I want to thank you all for your kind words and support in my time of loss. Tiger was an outstanding a beautiful cat to say the least, and didn't deserve to leave this world like he did. He was my constant companion for 14 long years through some of the toughest times in my life. I'm still very sad and angry about what happened, and really have no options in order to get justice except to break the law and/but, I don't want to do that. That jerk and his dog will get what they have coming to them one day, but it'll be God that gives it to them, not me...

Tracklayer 

[wetidlerjr]

Good morning ! from Indiana.

09-01-07

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Jeff ... i still like the KCS pix, and wonder when you will post captions in Klingon language.

I don't have the graphics and fonts for it.

 

Good morning.

There's a 50% chance of rain today with a high of 88.

Today's Weather for:  
Sundown, LA  71446-6114      9/1/2007 
 
Heat Index:  78°F
Humidity:  74%
Dew Point:  66°F
 
So Far Today
High:  74°F
Low:  72°F
Rain:  0.00"
Rain Rate:  0.00"/h
Gust:  6mph NNE
 
Today  High: 88    Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s. Light and variable winds becoming northeast around 10 mph in the afternoon.  

Tonight  Low: 68    Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Light and variable winds.

[pcarrell]

Mornin' All!

What a beautiful day out there!

Supposed to get up to 81 degrees today with low humidity and lots of sunhine.  Should be a great day!  Looks nice now, that's for sure!

Well, this last few days I've been busy learning how much I didn't know about cameras.  I mean, I knew I didn't know anything really, but I had no idea how much nothing I didn't know!  Does that make sense?

I have remembered you all in my prayers, asking that God would show Himself to each and every one of you in a special way.

God Bless!

[gear-jammer]

Good morning.  Coffee, please.

Garry,

Here are a few more posts.  Remember these are cell phone photos.

Everything needs work, but it was great to see such a NP collection.  I probably posted these in July, so I hope that I am not boring those who are not NP buffs.

I am canning salsa this weekend. I went over to eastern WA and bought tomatos, onions, and picked the jalapeno peppers.  Even with gas prices I came out ahead. So back to work on my marathon canning session.  I started on Thursday afternoon, and I hope to finish today.  I also will be canning jalapenos for cooking.

Later,

Sue

[JimRCGMO]

Good morning, Janie - glass of Ed's orange juice, cup of TH coffee and a couple of waffles please, with some Maine maple syrup. Thanks!

Jeff ... i still like the KCS pix, and wonder when you will post captions in Klingon language.

I don't have the graphics and fonts for it.

Hey, Jeff! If you check this page, there's a downloadable Klingon font that you could maybe use. The article indicates it might take some fiddling and practice, but could be done.

http://www.eatoni.com/wiki/index.php/Klingon 

Other Klingon font pages with ttf Klingon fonts to download:

http://star-trek-fonts.fanspace.com/

http://www.code2000.net/#dn 

For the graphics, you might do a search for Klingon, or check Paramount's Star Trek website for possible pics. That, or one of the Trek fan websites. HTH!

Flashwave, and Tracklayer - and don't be shy about coming into the Diner again. You don't have to just look through the window. Besides, when guests press their noses against the glass (usually, to watch in amazement as PC is eating a whole pie at once ), one of our twin (virtual) servers has to go outside and clean off the window after they're left. So come on in, and save the ladies a little time while you sit, sip a cup, and chat a bit.

Tracklayer, sorry to read about your loss of Tiger. I'm with the others - I'd at least tell the local ASPCA or file a complaint with the animal control officer, so they have a record to warn others about the nasty owner dog (whatever, or both). As Dick and others mentioned, it could be a child next time.

Laundry time for me, now that I've finished off my waffles. I'll see everyone later in the day.

 

Blessings and prayers for those with health problems, or otherwise hurting and in need,

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[JimRCGMO]

I am canning salsa this weekend. I went over to eastern WA and bought tomatos, onions, and picked the jalapeno peppers.  Even with gas prices I came out ahead. So back to work on my marathon canning session.  I started on Thursday afternoon, and I hope to finish today.  I also will be canning jalapenos for cooking.

Hot doggies, PC! Y'hear that? When the twins get in a case of Sue's salsa, they'll be having a Mexican buffet for lunch! Yippee!

Speaking of lunch, looks like I'm buying. Anyone for some fajitas for an early lunch? And no need to worry, Janie said they have several more bottles of this in the back   

 

Chow down time, 

Jim in Cape Girardeau 

[pcarrell]

I am canning salsa this weekend. I went over to eastern WA and bought tomatos, onions, and picked the jalapeno peppers.  Even with gas prices I came out ahead. So back to work on my marathon canning session.  I started on Thursday afternoon, and I hope to finish today.  I also will be canning jalapenos for cooking.

Hot doggies, PC! Y'hear that? When the twins get in a case of Sue's salsa, they'll be having a Mexican buffet for lunch! Yippee!

Lets see....she's in Washington, I'm in Indiana.  I have a comfortable van for traveling.  I think I can pack the family in there and it ought to take somewhere around 30 hours to get there.  I'll bring the chips!

[Printer]

Ack, I overslept today.
Coffee, cream only and how about the sausage lovers special this morning. The Doc says lay of the fatty stuff but once in a while I just feel the need.

I'm still very sad and angry about what happened, and really have no options in order to get justice except to break the law and/but, I don't want to do that.

A noble stance, To break the law to get even or enact revenge makes us no better than the wrong doer. We lower ourselves to criminals. It's better to have some ethics and scruples and hold your head high than to stoop to the gutter yourself.
I too have a cat that has become my best buddy. Born with almost no tail, I call him "stubby". He will walk down the road with me to visit my daughter. That's just over a mile and he'll stay with me every step of the way, there and back. Who says you can't walk a cat. He and the dog, Minnie, are best of buddies. They rub against each other and will nap on the deck together.


Oh and sorry about the nose prints on the glass. I'll quit doing that.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Something I just posted in WPF, My Athearn BB SD40-2 KCS 666. DCC equipped but still needs some paintwork.

[Cederstrand]

and make it strong, please and thank you!

Well, the only news to share is the MIL already ran away from home here. Won't bother with any of the details, but she's definitely got some mental health issues. Very sad. More on this another time. Besides, this is and I would rather think about trains today, if it is possible.

Thanks for the coffee! Rob

[SilverSpike]

Sue and PC, speaking of chips and salsa, Ben and I just fried up a batch of fresh hot corn tortilla chips this afternoon. Then we made fresh nachos with queso, salsa and some jalapenos.

Sue, and speaking of bottled up salsa, I have a salsa recipe that I almost had jared for mass production many moons ago by a fresh pasta/sauce food manufacturer in New Orleans, Kajun Kettle Foods.

Happy railroading....

Ryan

[SpaceMouse]

Hey guys, we have bunch of talented photographers here so I have a request. I need a bunch of photographs that I can use in developing a series of eBooks. The photos I use will not get compensation other than bragging rights. But hey, it's cool to tell people that you have published photos right.

What I am looking for is anything that shows abundance, which is virtually unlimited in scope. These can be nature shots. They can be people being happy. They can be smiling kids. They can be family shots or people in love. They should be good quality, of course.

I like this one my wife took.

They should be pictures that uplift the spirit.

Send them to me at [e-mail].

Thanks guys.