Chatterbox 2.0

[tree68]

Hey - Ms Mook - Check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnqpn0pwUNk

Another view of the railcam area!

[tree68]

Temps here have been dropping since yesterday's high of near +80F.  Currently it's +40F, and the "mixed" and "snow" areas on the radar are drawing nigh.

We've had .92" of rain in the past 24 hours.  That's not going to help with the flooding at all.  Just heard a report on the scanner from a neighboring county that a small bridge has washed out.

Good day to find indoor activities.  Ordered some new turnout controls for the model railroad, but they aren't here yet.

Got my taxes done last night.  Time to make an adjustment in my "voluntary contribution" to the IRS so I don't have to write a big check again next year...

[Mookie]

Wow!  Just checked the temp  +19 degrees 77% humidity.  Well, there goes our spring color!  We will be green and brown. 

[Mookie]

BOC - go while it is cold.  Maybe that will all be behind you when you finally have spring. 

Dullsville here.  Biggest excitement is fighting with paper delivery - get it on the porch!  Don't stand in the street and think you are Sandy Koufax!  Umpires throw better.

[blownout cylinder]

Well....good morning...

We are sitting at 20F right now...going for the 'high'-right-of 27F later on....Winter can go now....

Got a bunch of medical appointments of mine own to contend with today so traintime will be limited...again....sigh....

Oh yeah....as per our wintertime visit...4" fell on us....again

[tree68]

Was able to cut up some of the ice storm damaged trees in the neighbor's yard yesterday and today - in shirtsleeves.  Also checked my salt supply, as snow and freezing rain are a possibility for Tuesday.

The snow is definitely melting (mine is all gone) - several rivers are at or near flood stage.  The problems are mostly in the Tug Hill and Adirondack watersheds.  Our creek has "gone down" and unless we get some fantastic amount of precipitation, it'll be mostly normal for the rest of the season.

Mom's old high school has an "alumni association banquet" each year - all alumni are welcome, and they feature certain classes each year.  Mom went last year and ran into plenty of old friends (as did I, and I didn't even go there).  Hard to say if she'll make it to 75 years (class of '44).  If she does, and can travel, I'm sure I'll have a house guest.

[Deggesty]

Carl, from what you told us, we both had a profitable weekend. It is truly pleasant to see the friends from way back--and I hope to see some of my public school classmates in June. As to Miller, I have known him since the summer before he started to college, as he worked on the Building and Ground Crew, along with me, that summer (and two other rising freshmen worked with us, which gives the four of us a certain bond). Miller's brother, Bob, lived across the hall from me my first two years in college (he had just returned from an interruption in his college course, having spent three years in the Marine Corps along with his cousin who also had interrupted his education. I appreciated knowing them both as men (son of the president and nephew of the president's wife did not make any difference). Both had a little more maturity than the ordinary second year college student. The last time I saw Bob was in the spring of 1967, when I was in Jacksonville between trains, and ate lunch with him. (When I saw their father that summer and told him that I had seen Bob, he told me that I should take two suitcases the next time I visited him, for my wife would also need a suitcase; of course, it was another five years before I married. It was another year after Ricki and I married before I saw their father again, and I was able to tell him that I was (at last) married.

[jeffhergert]

That may be the same CN inspection car that worked east over the Iowa Interstate from Council Bluffs.  I saw it in the UP Pool yard about a week ago, and the next day sightings were being reported on the IAIS yahoo group as it worked east.

Saturday afternoon worked west in short sleeves and coats (jean jacket and winter hi-vis yellow coat) packed on my grips.  Hot box detector exit messages were giving temps around 79 and 80 degrees.  Sunday night/early Monday morning working home wearing both coats (when out of the cab) with snow falling.  Detector temp messages were 50 degrees cooler than the previous outbound trip.

Now on Monday afternoon, the couple of inches of snow and ice that were on the ground have all but vanished.  Morning weather forecast said some more snow possible some time on Thursday.

Jeff 

[CShaveRR]

MC, I'm over the hill, too (in some respects), but that's why I'm not working!

Johnny, that's a nice story on "Miller"; I hope the laugh was enjoyed by all, especially him!

We just had an amazing weekend,  in spite of the fact that I was in the Land of No Trains again.  Saturday morning there were eight of us at a gathering of my high-school classmates for breakfast, including a few who hadn't been together at the same time before, so it was an interesting and fun reunion.  Pat fits right in with my old schoolmates.  One gal who wanted to come couldn't, because of her work at the local library...so Pat and I dropped in on her there!

Saturday evening my daughter and her family came up from this area to join us at my sister's house.  In a weak moment, I agreed to play ping-pong with Kates and Nico.  I was neither better nor worse than they were--none of us could hit it straight (I've not done this for about 50 years...).

Sunday was the big day.  Much of my extended family filled almost two pews at the church where I grew up.  After the service, there were three birthday cakes, one for each of the ladies who are turning 90 this coming week--one of whom is my mother.  So there were a bunch of old friends around.  The daughter of one of the other two ladies was the most insufferable bully toward me in school almost 60 years ago.  We'd buried that hatchet later in school, but I hadn't seen her in over 45 years, so that was neat.  The other lady had a son close to my age, who was the first person who ever was part of my train-watching (or train-riding) escapades, when we were about 11 or so.  I showed him a video or two from Paradise (here).

After church, my younger sister put on an amazing dinner/party for our family:  24 of us were there (had everybody been able to attend, it would have been 27).  My mother, instead of attempting to extinguish 90 candles, was allowed to lift the cake off the table (it was a heavy carrot cake), which she did successfully.  After dinner we took a number of pictures--Mom, we three kids, seven of her eight grandchildren, and six of her seven great-grandchildren, and seven assorted spouses.

At that age, people don't really want birthday presents--they're more into unloading clutter, etc.  But I think I gave her something special, anyway.  About a month and a half ago, I got onto the Facebook page for alumni of a high school in Muskegon, in the district where she had taught middle-school science for over 20 years.  I asked for birthday greetings, remembrances, etc., and I got a few pages' worth (because of the degree to which Mom was involved with her students, I knew a great many of them from her earlier years of teaching).  Before we went up, I printed them out, and gave them to Mom at the party.  She really appreciated hearing from these people, and had a few remembrances of everybody who'd sent something.  I think that is a keepsake she'll treasure for a while.

Heading back home today, I got a few more freight cars to research and include in my report to the other freight-car freaks.  I also paid another visit to MC's Gary project.  Near there, we saw a CN RDC (inspection car?) on the former EJ&E line that will soon be removed in favor of the recently built line around the upcoming expansion of the Gary airport. 

[JoeKoh]

evening

sprinkles here in nw ohio.got my errands in town done.have some chores to finish up here.Ns had some empties to pick up at work.Here in Defiance csx was moving.The yard is a mess.Saw a westbound stack train and an eastbound frieght with a decent looking warbonnet on it.

stay safe

Joe

[Modelcar]

The "green" is pushing out all around us now....However, by Wednesday morning they are saying we'll be in the low 20s....

I have rolled my lawn twice, and it's been fertilized...and it was mowed {by me}, yesterday for the beginning of the process now for 6 or7 months.  Pretty dark green color.  Great time of the year.  If....the unusual weather finally does settle down and give us what is normal this time of the year.

Yesterday, it was 80 degrees.  And just now, it's pouring down rain.

[samfp1943]

Well, Here it is Monday,

14th of April and it is snowing around here. The temp is at 31 Deg. and it is just a light snow ( about 1") but there is something obscene about snow at this time of year in South Central Kansas.

 Not sure what all is going on over at the neighbors(BNSF) the usual parade of traffic has not yet kicked off, which is kind of unusual. By this time a couple of the Westbound Domestic Stackers have blown through. and the Eastbound International stacks, as well.    Expecting rain  most of the day, looks like it will be an 'indoor' day!

Everyone have a great day, and if you're working, be safe!

[Deggesty]

I had a great time in Bristol, Tennessee, Saturday. As I mentioned on another thread, I attended the annual alumni gathering at my college. 

Saturday morning, I, along with a few of my classmates, attended the breakfast given for all who graduated fifty or more years ago, and enjoyed seeing some who graduated before I started there (our affinity is having majored in a physical science and having been close to our physics professor). Some we wanted to see were, of course, not there because of physical problems, personal or family. This year, this breakfast and the breakfast for the science and math alumni were combined because one of my classmates who was also a chemistry major had complained about not being to visit with all of the science and math alumni of our era, so we were able to spend even more time with several of our friends.

The lunch, for all alumni, brought opportunities to see even more of our friends. The highlight of the lunch meeting was the inauguration of a chair named for our long-time physics professor (he was with the college for more than fifty years).

In the evening, I went to a small dinner meeting with others of my official class (I am really of the class the year before this one, but I went to keep those there happy, and saw a few people whom I did not see at lunch). While we were there, the new president came in, and we all had a serious talk about what the man (Dr. Liston) who was president while we were there and for several years after we had finished had accomplished in his years there in building the college up academically.

I commented that Dr. Liston had been available to any student who wanted to see him (this was a small college back then; he knew who every student was)--and his availability continued after we had graduated. It was always a pleasure to step into Miss Powell (his secretary)'s office, hear her say when she knew he was not involved with someone else, "Dr. Liston, Johnny Degges is here to see you"--and his response was always, a hearty, "SEND HIM IN!" I did add that there was one exception, concerning his younger son (who, with his wife, was present at our dinner): if Miss Powell said, "Miller is here to see you," his response was, "OH NO! WHAT HAS HE DONE NOW?" Everybody present at the table, including Miller and his wife, who was sitting by me, laughed.

I'm in Savannah, Ga., now, on my way to tour some of Florida before visiting my sister-in-law in Baton Rouge.

[mudchicken]

Hope you get half of the predicted snow amount like we did. (and it showed-up late). Leaves had started to bud out, the freeze will be stunted in the cold and ice now. I did get the first dose of fertilizer down.

Debating working over the hill tomorrow.

[Mookie]

Murphy, while I cringe at the spellings, there is actually a Reeper.  Made in New Mexico - it is a take off on Jeep and Hummer - but more of a golf cart style or ATV style. 

Myself - I am more an armored tank style since everytime we go out in city proper, I am sure someone is going to mangle us. 

BOC - my nose has been telling me for some time that those trees are busy.  No leaves yet, but we had lots of rain today (ah, thank you!) and magically, the grass turned green, so can leaves be far behind. 

Snow tonite.  On top of wet.  Staying home and reading the funny papers tomorrow. 

[Murphy Siding]

I went to a racecar car show Saturday. One of the cars had some fairly expensive graphic on it. It had sort of a black, gothic paint scheme, with big images of the Grim Reaper on the sides. On the back, in big, scary letters it said "Fear the Reeper". I thought "yeah- he might keel you!".

[blownout cylinder]

Good evening/afternoon...

We are sitting outside on our back deck watching the birds here...anyone noticing any leaves budding out yet in their various venues of occurences? None here yet...even the kitteh bits are missing....

Did a bit of walking around the neighbourhood here..took the camera and took some shots of the CN/CP lines here....

Welb, better get up and fiddle with some noises tonight...heeheehee....

[Modelcar]

......I know....Time flies.  Didn't realize you had it that long....Was thinking maybe 3 yrs....

[tree68]

Modelcar

Larry....are you saying you have 100K miles on that not very aged Dodge truck...{believe that's right}...already...??

Oh, yeah.  

When I was working, it was 200 miles a week just to and from work, never mind other errands, trips, etc.

Now, it's a 180 mile round trip many, if not most weeks to work the trains, never mind other errands, trips, etc.  I usually stay over and work several days in a row, though.

It's about 20,000 miles a year.

On the good side - it's almost paid for.

[Modelcar]

Larry....are you saying you have 100K miles on that not very aged Dodge truck...{believe that's right}...already...??

[Modelcar]

....Anyone interested in railroad activity, construction and re-construction of the RR physical plant....take a look at the Roanoke video cams this morning.....A beehive of activity. 

[jeffhergert]

Once while on the road, I had a wardrobe malfunction of my own.  One of the riveted buttons on my bib-overalls where the over the shoulder strap attaches broke.  I fixed it with a small bolt, nut and washer.  It wasn't pretty but was functional. 

Jeff 

[JoeKoh]

evening

busy day.helped Dad and Helped Matt at his school carnival.won some of mookies favorite cupcakes at the cakewalk.Delivered and mailed birthday wishes too.Nephew bought some furniture as well.Time for bed.

stay safe

Joe

[Mookie]

Now that I am done laughing...

Tree - I had you in mind when I posted my needle/thread - because I know you are self-sustaining.  Having known you a year or two - I figured you probably had some talents in that area.  Just not quite up to seat covers!  Fantastic!

Murphy - you made my day and week!

Houston Ed - we have a picket line in the street out front - of weeds.  Our landlord won't let a weed get anywhere near the property.  I am suspecting he has tiny little scissors to use to make sure the lawn is even.  I do think it has crossed his mind, however, that the weeds are free! 

 

[zugmann]

Mookie

 or your pants split, you can whip out your handy little....

uh-oh     (little???)

Mookie

...sewing kit

Phew.

[Mookie]

Murphy Siding

Mookie

If you are at work in an office, on a locomotive engine waiting for a signal, waiting for the diesel to finishing filling - and a button pops off your shirt or your pants split, you can whip out your handy .....

Duct tape. About a week ago, A button came off my pants. I figured I could fix that. How hard could it be? Well.....the button was broken out in the middle, so I had to find a new one. No problem. We have Grandma's collection of 5000 buttons in an ice cream bucket, so in less than 10 minutes of digging, I was ready to go. Trouble is, I needed one of those little *needle threading thingies*. No luck. Ten minutes later, I got the needle threaded and proceeded to sew on the button the way my mother had taught me 40 years ago. Everything was good....almost. A couple days later, I was getting dressed, and the button was gone. Huh? It turns out that I sewed the button on the pants facing inward instead of outward. Duh.

details, details! 

[Murphy Siding]

Mookie

If you are at work in an office, on a locomotive engine waiting for a signal, waiting for the diesel to finishing filling - and a button pops off your shirt or your pants split, you can whip out your handy .....

Duct tape. About a week ago, A button came off my pants. I figured I could fix that. How hard could it be? Well.....the button was broken out in the middle, so I had to find a new one. No problem. We have Grandma's collection of 5000 buttons in an ice cream bucket, so in less than 10 minutes of digging, I was ready to go. Trouble is, I needed one of those little *needle threading thingies*. No luck. Ten minutes later, I got the needle threaded and proceeded to sew on the button the way my mother had taught me 40 years ago. Everything was good....almost. A couple days later, I was getting dressed, and the button was gone. Huh? It turns out that I sewed the button on the pants facing inward instead of outward. Duh.

[Murphy Siding]

edblysard

Mookie

Murphy - I love your idea.  Did I mention, he wants to keep it - shall we say - cheap? 

He's thinking pea gravel, but I think that will still be more $$$ than just a live ground cover.  He has been putting wood chips there, but they keep disappearing.  Driver doesn't have the heart to tell him that they decompose. 

Do what I do…weeds.

No maintenance, no fertilizer and no mowing…easy as can be, and odds are you won’t even have to plant them!

And believe you me, the neighbors will be sure to point out how well your little project is growing.

[tree68]

Gee-  I feel guilty for saying that I know how to use a sewing machine....  And do, on a fairly regular basis.

Every try to make an EOT out of foam and plush material?

Next project is a seat cover for the truck.  Just rolled over 100K miles and the seat's getting tired...

[edblysard]

Mookie

Murphy - I love your idea.  Did I mention, he wants to keep it - shall we say - cheap? 

He's thinking pea gravel, but I think that will still be more $$$ than just a live ground cover.  He has been putting wood chips there, but they keep disappearing.  Driver doesn't have the heart to tell him that they decompose. 

Do what I do…weeds.

No maintenance, no fertilizer and no mowing…easy as can be, and odds are you won’t even have to plant them!