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Chatterbox 4th Quarter

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, December 9, 2013 10:19 PM

I don't think I ever wanted to cancel my daughters...certainly not the grandkids!  (There was one time when canceling one daughter would have been too easy on her, though.)

James, have you ever given consideration to railfanning up in suburban Chicago?  When the weather's a little more agreeable, I mean.

Carl

Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)

CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, December 9, 2013 10:15 PM

My daughter has discovered the follow-on to the "terrible twos."  If you'll pardon the vernacular, it's the "effing fours." 

Grandson isn't a problem for me, but I do get the impression that the little whippersnapper is spending a lot of times testing his boundries...

But the kid is smart as a whip.  And now that I don't have to try to translate "toddler-speak," we communicate just fine.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Posted by Murphy Siding on Monday, December 9, 2013 9:42 PM

     We have 3 boys, the youngest now 15.  All I ever wanted was a remote, so I could mute them at times.  We went to a Vespers program tonight at school.  I can close my eyes, and hear our two bass singers loud and clear over the rest of the choir. MusicMusic

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by Mookie on Monday, December 9, 2013 7:33 PM

Ed - I was thinking the very same thing.  There were times when knowing how to cancel....

Oh, it couldn't have been those two sweet angels....those cherubic faces, all innocent and pure.  Was probably the neighbor dog? 

(Looks like they might be the youngest employees of Mickey D's or your local paper.) 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by edblysard on Monday, December 9, 2013 6:38 PM

Wow,

You figured out how to cancel Matt?

I got two granddaughters who need canceling right now…how do you do that?

Is it an app you download?

Little ankle bitters just broke a curved glass door on a curio cabinet from the civil war era, old hand bent glass….

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, December 9, 2013 5:02 PM

icy slick this morning.Matt was cancelled today. A Cp  engine was leading an Ns stack train as I left work.Also the local uptown had a c-40-8 working. cold cold cold and more work tomorrow.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, December 9, 2013 11:04 AM

Drove home last night in a light dusting, and about an inch fell after I got home.  I was tired and slept like a log, so aside from the fact that my FD wasn't called out, I have no idea what happened overnight.

A light dusting in Utica during the day made the rails a tad slick for our first trip to the North Pole, but after that we were golden.

It's frequently the locals that get in trouble in the snow here - they "know" how to drive in it and away they go!  It's usually the first major snow of the season - their winter driving skills are rusty, but they don't realize it...

Four Wheel Drive - too many drivers forget that while they've changed from two-wheel-go to four-wheel-go, they still only have four-wheel-stop....  Then there's "four wheel drive hockey puck syndrome..."

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by The Butler on Monday, December 9, 2013 10:57 AM

Last night, my girlfriend and I arrived home from visiting my dad in suburban Chicago.  I had to shovel twelve inches of snow from the walk and porch just to get in the house.  I bought a shovel before I left my dad's house.  Wink

The six and a half hour drive took nine hours because of the weather.  In Springfield, Illinois, I was down to twenty-five miles an hour because of the freezing rain/drizzle.  We saw over a dozen wrecks in that area.  My girlfriend noticed that it seems like Pontiac drivers were the least lucky.

Today, it is above freezing (just) and, from what I saw last night, the roads around here will be an easy drive for this former "Northerner."  Folks, be safe, regardless of the weather. 

James


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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, December 8, 2013 8:15 AM

morning

chilly start to the day. tow trucks making the big bucks along I-75 after Fridays snow storm. Need to get Matt to sunday school. Going to see what comes by on CSX for a bit.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by Mookie on Saturday, December 7, 2013 5:54 PM

Murphy - Nat'l Guard - I think all about 5'7 to 6' would be a nice size.  Keep gov and parade - not that I am fussy, you know! 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by edblysard on Saturday, December 7, 2013 5:35 PM

New Years Eve......

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 7, 2013 4:15 PM

Murphy Siding

    For your birthday,  I was going to get you  a parade, a call from the Governor, and a flyover by the Air National Guard.... but I didn't know what size to get.  So, I'll just offer you a happy birthday and a Merry Christmas from another December baby.

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas from another December birthday person as well!!!!!!

Any other December birthdays out there???

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Saturday, December 7, 2013 3:54 PM

    For your birthday,  I was going to get you  a parade, a call from the Governor, and a flyover by the Air National Guard.... but I didn't know what size to get.  So, I'll just offer you a happy birthday and a Merry Christmas from another December baby.

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by Mookie on Saturday, December 7, 2013 2:56 PM

No, no, no people.  There are too many reasons that it isn't my birthday. 

1:  I was born on a Tuesday, not a Saturday.

2:  It is Pearl's Birthday - and my name is not Pearl. 

3:  Who in their right mind would have a birthday in a month that permits 10 degree weather. 

4:  Plus, I have never been this old before! 

5:  But there are benefits to birthdays.  I am still breathing reasonably well. I have 4 grandchildren and 1 great granchild.  And I made it all the way to 70 without either running over someone or getting run over.  And train watching is still my passion (along with the Driver). 

Here's to another 70 hopefully spending it trackside!

Thank you to all for the many good wishes.

Jen/Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by edblysard on Saturday, December 7, 2013 1:41 PM

To the Mookie, may you grace these pages for many many more years, happy 29th!

 

To the men and woman from my father’s generation, who served then, and to those who still serve today,

My children, my grandchildren, and I thank you.

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Posted by switch7frg on Saturday, December 7, 2013 9:58 AM

Smile   Walt & friends, I can remember the joys and terror of driving  in and on snow and ice. It is a real thrill when your 53 ft. trailer tries to pass the cab when you let up on the foot feed when on packed snow. Black ice is another cheap thrill , you don't see it till it's too late when you go from wet pavement to  the ice  in the length of the rig ( real seat grabber) heh heh.   A real joy is a steamer or diesel freight  busting through  snow on the track when you are sitting at the  crossing waiting for the show to begin. I saw this event on this   Diner page a few yrs. ago. Anybody still have this video of that?? 

 

                                                               Respectfully, Cannonball

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, December 7, 2013 9:07 AM

A very happy birthday to the lady-in-charge of this establishment!

Birthday hugs from Illinois, Mookie! 

Carl

Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)

CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)

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Posted by Norm48327 on Saturday, December 7, 2013 6:02 AM

Sometimes you get surprised though. Back in the eighties we hired a gal from SOCAL. I didn't think she'd make it to work when it snowed, but was surprised when she showed up after a good snow and some of the locals called in saying they couldn't make it. Wonders never cease. Big Smile

Norm


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Posted by Murphy Siding on Friday, December 6, 2013 11:05 PM

tree68

Norm48327

But, Larry, you learned to drive where the winter roads are slippery. OTOH, those in the south have little experience doing so and when they get ice it creaets havoc on the roads.

Believe me, I know - between being in the military and working on military installations, I've seen my share of folks who have no clue about slick roads.  As a firefighter/EMT, I've responded to more than a few as well...

  I grew up near Elsworth AFB in western S.D.  You could always tell the southern Air Force guys the first time you had snow and icy roads.Laugh

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Posted by locomutt on Friday, December 6, 2013 8:04 PM

edblysard

Norm48327

Hey Mookie,

Think of them poor Texans who don't know how to drive on ice. Big Smile

Sure we do,,,ya just put it in 4wd, point it in the direction ya wanna go, and floor it.

Anything shorter than a VW needs to get out of the way

Course, ya gotta get someone to hold your beer so ya can use both hands on the wheel…most of the time!Stick out tongue

WAY TO GO Ed!!!!!   Some of us Eastern Kentuckians  learned how to drive on narrow roads with BIG Coal trucks, and sharing the roads in bad weather.(all kinds of weather) WE didn't have "can holders" in our cars then..we just stuck the cans between our legs and continued on.Smile, Wink & Grin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mookie!!!!CakeGift Hope it's been a Good one for you!!!Thumbs Up

Weather here in the Ohio Valley; about 28 degrees, 3"+ of snow on the ground, 1/8 to 1/4" of ice, sleet, freezing rain under that snow.

Being Crazy,keeps you from going "INSANE" !! "The light at the end of the tunnel,has been turned off due to budget cuts" NOT AFRAID A Vet., and PROUD OF IT!!

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Posted by mudchicken on Friday, December 6, 2013 7:17 PM

Right now re-introducing my finners to Mr. Brain.

(would flunk any typing test about now)

 

Warming up - just read comments of highway engineer regarding railroad crossingAngryAngryAngry

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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Posted by edblysard on Friday, December 6, 2013 6:01 PM

Norm48327

Hey Mookie,

Think of them poor Texans who don't know how to drive on ice. Big Smile

Sure we do,,,ya just put it in 4wd, point it in the direction ya wanna go, and floor it.

Anything shorter than a VW needs to get out of the way

Course, ya gotta get someone to hold your beer so ya can use both hands on the wheel…most of the time!Stick out tongue

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, December 6, 2013 5:17 PM

Cincinnati is a mess right now. going to pick up my Dad and go to my sisters tomorrow. A very happy birthday to our resident expert trainwatcher Hopefully Mookie you get a new set of mittens so your paws stay warm.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, December 6, 2013 10:19 AM

Norm48327

But, Larry, you learned to drive where the winter roads are slippery. OTOH, those in the south have little experience doing so and when they get ice it creaets havoc on the roads.

Believe me, I know - between being in the military and working on military installations, I've seen my share of folks who have no clue about slick roads.  As a firefighter/EMT, I've responded to more than a few as well...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by Norm48327 on Friday, December 6, 2013 6:51 AM

But, Larry, you learned to drive where the winter roads are slippery. OTOH, those in the south have little experience doing so and when they get ice it creaets havoc on the roads.

Norm


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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, December 5, 2013 9:38 PM

Forty-four degrees (above zero) here in the wilds of northern New York.  We'll stay below freezing all weekend, but just barely.  Overnight teens are forecast for mid-week.

Most of the snow we got a week or so ago is gone as the result of temps in the 40's and rain.

The cold front is almost directly over us right now.  As long as I don't have nasty driving on the commute to work the Polar Express trips Friday...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    June 2001
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Posted by Mookie on Thursday, December 5, 2013 8:32 PM

Norm - OK has annual snow of 3".  I think they passed that in early fall. 

Give me back the old Texas and OK - it was warm, then moderate then spring again. 

Just checked the animated radar - what a mess.  Everything east & south of here has a bulls-eye on it.  And I just know that next storm coming soon will hit us directly! 

Blah!Grumpy

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Thursday, December 5, 2013 7:30 PM

rvos1979
Ran up I-81 today, nothing but power company bucket trucks going towards the ice storm. Headed toward Montgomery, NY, doing a round trip back to Eden, hopefully making it back before the ice gets to Virginia.......

Power trucks already moving does not sound good.   Wonder  where or if there will be major RR problems ?  Power failures of a long term may cause batteries to fail in signal systems and maintainers may run out of standby generators ?

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Posted by rvos1979 on Thursday, December 5, 2013 5:17 PM
Ran up I-81 today, nothing but power company bucket trucks going towards the ice storm. Headed toward Montgomery, NY, doing a round trip back to Eden, hopefully making it back before the ice gets to Virginia.......

Randy Vos

"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings

"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, December 5, 2013 4:36 PM

ma nature is sending us a mess. Matt might bring his boots on Saturday at my sisters.work is still busy busy busy. One more day tomorrow.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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