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.
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.
Johnny
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!
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.
Quentin
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
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").
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.
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)
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
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.
Larry 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...
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
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
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.
She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw
Wow! Just checked the temp +19 degrees 77% humidity. Well, there goes our spring color! We will be green and brown.
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...
Hey - Ms Mook - Check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnqpn0pwUNk
Another view of the railcam area!
afternoon
Hey ma nature april fools day was 2 weeks ago!! snow is mostly melted now.chores and errands to do.Need to do some more track planning.We are going to put in 22 degree curves and will have a yard.Been looking at some copies of MR magazine too for ideas.Time to get back at it.
Hah! It happened again. There are 14 entries on this page, but the forum started a new page. It says the reply count is 135, so it's off by two. Is this thread jinxed?
_____________
"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
OK, Joe beat me to the fifteenth entry, so mine started the new page.
Paul - "Fast Joe". And if Jinx will post, we will let it. Always need some nice postings in here.
Tree: I could write paragraphs on the video, but will hold my writings in case you know and have studied the area. Suffice to say that the church cam is no longer there - miss it a lot. When the video starts, the white building across the street is where they sell all kinds of carnival items. Mardi Gras, carnival, all holidays that need special items. And the new cam is across the crossing on the tavern on the corner - the white building over there.
The fire in 2013, I think, was where he circled Kofoto. Lost a lot of equipment, but all replaced now.
Joe - had to re-read your posting. Thought you might be talking about work - then realized you were playing railroad owner.
...Wow, what a neat video Larry. Assuming it to be from a "drone" type "vehicle"...and if so, the operator knew what he was doing. Sure does give us an overview of the area we mostly see from street level of the crossing, etc....{Actually from an upstairs level I suppose}.
Looks like a sprawling metropolitan area....and oh so flat....Wonder if this area is below sea-level....? For as much traffic there seems to be on the rails there {and much of it hi speed}....I've never seen them do much work on the physical plant...Perhaps I've not been on often enough in this past yr. or so to see it....This is an interesting site...Put it in my favorites.
That video is definitely from a drone/quadcopter, although the information on YouTube is in Dutch...
As Madam La Mook will attest, it's a great site - they get a lot of traffic, rail-wise. Best part is that you can leave it running "in the background" while you do other stuff, and the crossing bells will alert you to any upcoming traffic.
The new camera (#3) provides a good option for the evening, when the sun tends to be right in the #1 camera's view.
I wish I understood the language, as all of the cameras have good sound, and you can often hear conversations pretty clearly.
Another interesting feature is the number of cyclists and scooters one sees there, which have their own lanes, to boot.
You can see the satellite view by plugging N 51.46890 E 5.63490 into your favorite map program.
You can even "chase" trains by watching "Railzone Helmond", which station is located at N 51.47534 E 5.66118. The two locales aren't far apart, so if your computer and 'Net connection can handle it, watching both can be fun. The satellite image on Acme Mapper doesn't reflect that area's current configuration, though.
By what you're saying, they have certainly improved the facilities. I used to watch the activity there quite often, but haven't lately. I shall get back in the habit to check it out more.
And yes, I've heard the people talking walking below on the sidewalk, and even some on motor scooters, etc....
I shall try the satellite views soon....and "chasing" the fast passenger units would be fun if its possible....
Up early this morning.
This non professionalism that has been mentioned found a counter example here yesterday. Started having computer internet problems couple days ago and finally called it in to ATT. From time called in to technician arriving phone went out completely.as well. Winter weather had dropped some limbs down on drop wire stretching it till it had an intermittent pull apart.. This home is old and tech replaced drop, network interface, and lead into interior home run panel that I've installed. Could not believe the excellent quality of work Tech had to put in another 11 hour day. Did work for telephone company in my college youth and saw he was good.
Does anyone know if the polar vortex is going to continue all summer ?. Had snow in north Georgia yesterday and outside temp here is 30.3F. Had to bring in all plants yesterday. Still have not cleaned all limbs from winter. The harsh cold has caused many limbs to die and they just keep coming down. Mookie, Carl, tree and others had more snow as well?
CSX had to do some very heavy work on ROW here to upgrade line. Winter slow orders and our short siding was plugging the A&WP subdivision. Report later.
Blue - we looked like a lightly frosted cupcake here after the last "moisture". Had a super nice rain during the day, but then changed to ice overnite and a sprinkle of snow on that with 19 above. A real SUV destroyer.
Our last frost date now is said to be in April sometime. I know better. You don't plant until 5/15.
MookieYou don't plant until 5/15.
Dad always planted the petunias Memorial Day weekend. I try to do the same.
Dan
yep Mookie Matt is excited.He is able to get hands on experience in building a layout.Need to get uptown and do some errands.Ns had some cars ready to switch uptown when I left work.
jeffhergertThat may be the same CN inspection car that worked east over the Iowa Interstate from Council Bluffs.
That may be the same CN inspection car that worked east over the Iowa Interstate from Council Bluffs.
CNW 6000jeffhergert That may be the same CN inspection car that worked east over the Iowa Interstate from Council Bluffs. Did it look like this?
jeffhergert That may be the same CN inspection car that worked east over the Iowa Interstate from Council Bluffs.
Yes it did.
BTW, due to track work, we've been detouring over the CN in western Iowa. The third, and I think final week of it began today. The weeks haven't been consecutive, there has been a bout a week or so break between the episodes. (That's because of the track gang work cycles.) The first week we detoured eastward from Council Bluffs to Arion, IA. They planned on 6 to 8 per day, but only ran one or two (and those were usually empty grain or ethanol trains that came up from KC) eastbound. I read that they wanted to run a loaded coal train, but the CN refused it.
The second week we ran westbound, Arion to Council Bluffs. They have been running a few more trains per day westward, since the coal trains going west are empty. I detoured one trip on that second week. This third week is also westbound and there's a good chance I'll detour tomorrow, from the way the marks look right now. It's nice to see a change of scenery once in a while, even if most of it is parallel to our regular route.
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