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Chatterbox Fall 2015

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 6:40 PM

wonder how much energy those turbines will be producing to the south of us during our"wind storm"

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 Tuesday, November 10, 2015 7:46 PM

JoeKoh
wonder how much energy those turbines will be producing to the south of us during our"wind storm"

If there's too much wind, they shut them down...

LarryWhistling
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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 5:02 PM

evening

calm before the storm here.Ns had an eastbound coal hopper train when I left work.Things are getting busy.Need to take Matt to confirmation class.

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 mudchicken on Thursday, November 12, 2015 8:45 AM

tree68
 
JoeKoh
wonder how much energy those turbines will be producing to the south of us during our"wind storm"

 

If there's too much wind, they shut them down...

 

Those industrial pinwheels won't turn at all if they are caked in ice and snow. We got 6" overnight yesterday which is about half gone this morning. All the Texans and Californians plus the new drivers had to learn to drive in the stuff yesterday...Nothing went well in the traffic department and the body shops now have plenty of backlog into 2016.

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 mudchicken on Thursday, November 12, 2015 9:09 AM

JoeKoh

afternoon

Ns local was around when I left work.Cloudy but no rain yet. Neighbor had her phone out.City or county was digging for something else and cut the phone line.That's going to be a big bill.Chores and need to check Matt's homework.

stay safe

Joe

 

Attack of the dreaded yellow machines! If the county/city didn't call 811, shame on them. If the utility locator screwed-up or failed to even mark the lines, shame on them. (happens a bunch, PDN and I have stories...at least it wasn't a gas line) .... The newsworker at the local treetops tattler (with apologies to "Shoe") ought to look into that, but probably won't. Utilities with underground utilities have issues that run from annoying to ethically frightening.

Hopefully the cat didn't join Dorothy and Toto last night. Avoca, IA got roughed-up more than just a little.

 

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 Deggesty on Thursday, November 12, 2015 9:21 AM

People had their ditchfinders turned on?

We have not had much snow yet, except in the mountains. I don't think there is enough yet to make the ski resort people happy.

Johnny

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Posted by Deggesty on Thursday, November 12, 2015 9:30 AM

Quoting MC: "Hopefully the cat didn't join Dorothy and Toto last night."

Two weeks ago tomorrow, we had several people from Oz roaming around (at least on my floor)--three or four scarecrows (I warned some of them to stay away from fire), Dorothy (with Toto in a basket), the tin woodman (I asked her about her axe, and she told me where she had left it), the cowardly lion (who pretended to prey on one or two of the residents), Glinda, and the wicked witch (I did not get to warn her about water).  We also had Amelia Earhart (one of the physical therapists; I have the impression that she does have a pilot's license). Saturday, I saw that Dorothy had gotten home safely, no longer wearing the red shoes.

Johnny

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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, November 12, 2015 9:55 AM

The wind is the story here.  Across the lake, they closed off the South Pier at Grand Haven, due to the forecast of 20-foot waves (waiting for the pictures); the lake level is high enough that those might be able to clean off the catwalk.  Here, the Chicago Skyway was closed because of the wind blowing debris onto the roadway.  Never heard of the Skyway being closed before, but that bridge is rough to drive with any strong breeze.

We did get some rain and thunder with the wind overnight...how much rain we don't know, as the rain gauge was taken in for the winter afer our first freeze.  The thunder gauge was at the zero level (no wakeups once I got to sleep).

Only minor problems on Metra's BNSF line, not directly weather related. They had warned riders that things might be rough today.  UP West is doing just fine, thanks!

One would think that we'd be ready to rake once things dry out and the wind dies down.  So we will rake when we can...but one of our maples is still hanging on to most of is leaves...and they're still green!

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 Thursday, November 12, 2015 10:48 AM

Expecting wind this afternoon through tomorrow.  Raining now.

Mowed for the final time Tuesday - now it's time to dig out the snowblower and put the mower in its place.  If it dries out a bit and doesn't freeze, I might get the "repotting" of part of my bulb gardens done.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by switch7frg on Thursday, November 12, 2015 11:41 AM

Question Do the railroads in that area use the power to power the lineside signals and lights?

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by Norm48327 on Thursday, November 12, 2015 12:51 PM

Carl,

The Maple trees in our neck-o-the-woods did their usual thing and dumped their leaves toward the end of October. Something I don't ever recall seeing before though, the Oaks have all dunped their leaves. The branches are bare. They usually don't do that till the sap begins to run in the Spring.

Norm


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Posted by Mookie on Thursday, November 12, 2015 12:59 PM

Obviously we live in the very best part of the country - for now.  We got a shower, we got some wind - but no more than 30 mph, which is normal and we were cloudy all day.  The front zipped past us - like we were standing still.  (hmmm?)  We stayed in the 40's until every thing was gone.  

Johnny - I like your description of your visitors.  Very "novel" idea.  

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Thursday, November 12, 2015 1:10 PM

Norm:  We also have had wierd tree leaf action here as well this autumn. 

1.  Pecans lost leaves early except one in front is still green only on top.  BTW  no Pecans this year.

2.  Oaks still hanging on to leaves but with a lot of acorns.  Usually acorns and Pecan production mirror each other.

3.  Japaneese magnolia still green which usualy looses very yellow leaves earlier.  It blooms middle Jan.

4  Maples no color

5.  Other trees no color probably due to too much rain since August. Have grass growing where it never has before.  If it ever dries one pass with mower to mow grass and blow leaves into piles.

Well our latest drought ended this morning.  Weather guessers thought that more than 30 hrs without rain too long.  Must keep the rain forest here green 

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Posted by Deggesty on Thursday, November 12, 2015 2:40 PM

Deggesty

People had their ditchfinders turned on?

We have not had much snow yet, except in the mountains. I don't think there is enough yet to make the ski resort people happy.

 

If I had waited to read this morning's paper before making the above post, I would have reported that Brighton (at the top of the road up Big Cottonwood Canyon) and Alta (at the top of the good road up Little Cottonwood Canyon) will open a week from tomorrow--and Solitude (way down in Big Cottonwood Canyon) and Snowbird (a little way down in Little Cottonwood Canyon) will open the day after--almost a week before Thanksgiving! Others in the state will also open in the next week or two.

Johnny

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, November 12, 2015 2:57 PM

afternoon

had both hands on the wheel coming home.Ns was clear when I left work.Had to recover some ends of my downspouts and pick up a couple sticks but that was about it.Tomorrow it's Friday(the 13th).This weekend it's happy birthday times.Great niece will be 1.Grandma isn't talking.

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 mudchicken on Thursday, November 12, 2015 6:16 PM
Just when you think things can't go lower dept. Some lowlife stole 500+ microfiche cards out of one of the local courthouses containing images of old ditch plats and original road records/plats. Something really smells. (Courthouse staff in the recorders office is fit to be tied.)
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 tree68 on Thursday, November 12, 2015 9:39 PM

I can only think of three reasons someone would steal something like that: because they could (with no underlying reason), because they somehow value stuff like that (like saving old RR paperwork), or because they've got something to hide.

Meanwhile, we're getting lake effect rain here...

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 JoeKoh on Friday, November 13, 2015 7:14 PM

evening

busy day at work. Ns sent an eastbound when I left.Did errands in town afterwards.Have chores in the morning.

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, November 13, 2015 11:23 PM

The wind has settled down, but we're still getting some rain.  Peak gust here in the valley was about 23 MPH last night about 2 AM.

Day one of the WPBS "Buy Local" auction done.  One more night.

Sad news coming out of Paris.  Hopefully we don't see it here, although it's a real possibility.

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
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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, November 16, 2015 5:10 PM

evening

Ns hasd a westbound autorack train go into the siding when I left work.Busy time has arrived.Need to get chores done.Will try to see if the kitties in Cincinnati can stay undefeated.But I'll probablyZzzZzz

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 JoeKoh on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 2:32 PM

evening

no rain yet.kitties bungled their game last night.Ns was clear when I left work.Chores to do.Will be watching the battle for I-75 tonight.

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 mudchicken on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 3:34 PM

Joe: Should have just gone to bed instead of staying awake to watch the Bungles. Hope they don't catch the disease doing a number on the Donkeys. 

Ground blizzard is over. Largely was a non-event except for the ditch denizens who didn't get the message from the previous week's storm.

It's gonna be a struggle to get to Friday. (burnout is already here - I'm off next week)

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 JoeKoh on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 4:29 PM

work busy.Ns sent an eastbound out of the siding when I left work.Making plans for Thanksmas the Saturday after Turkey day.Have to pick up brother on our way down I-75.Need to get cleaned up and get Matt to confirmation class.

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 Wednesday, November 18, 2015 5:17 PM

Nice day today.  Got one section of the bulb garden cleared and refilled with topsoil.  considering it was all clay...  This should also help get rid of some of the weeds I've been dealing with.

I'd do more, but I think the weather is going to turn, and the home store doesn't have any more of the "generic" soil out this year.

Got the frame done for a new enclosure for the back porch, too.  It was even warm enough to get some stain on it!  The corrugated clear stuff might go on tomorrow.  It's more to block the prevailing wind than anything else, but it helps!

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 Mookie on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 5:47 PM

Tree -since you are into bulbs - gladiolas - my favorite - just in case you were wondering.  All colors welcome!  And....Honey Suckle - ah.....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 7:45 PM

Mookie
Tree -since you are into bulbs...

They add some color early in the season.  Memorial Day brings the petunias (a paean to my Dad), which ought to grow better in the new soil, too.

I've got tulips, daffodils, tiger lilies, and iris in.

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 mudchicken on Thursday, November 19, 2015 11:54 AM

Joseph: Hope you are watching the saga that started w/ TLEW in your backyard over becoming a common carrier vs. a plaything. (STB Docket FD-35970)

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 JoeKoh on Thursday, November 19, 2015 5:01 PM

evening

Ns was clear when I left work.MC that has been an ongoing soap opera.The Nimby's complained when NS stored coal cars in their back yards.Even the village of Waterville was upset.Maumee only has so much room in their yard by the anderson's.Supper and chores.

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 Thursday, November 19, 2015 9:03 PM

Ran out of time, ran out of weather, and I don't have enough bagged topsoil to do an entire bed, so I guess I'm done converting my bulb garden for this year...  I got a lot of it done - we'll see how it looks in the spring.

Of course, I had to buy a new wheelbarrow - one of the handles broke and fixing it would have taken all day.

Off to the railroad tomorrow.  Looks like we'll have some pretty full trains.

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
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  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, November 19, 2015 10:34 PM

Haven't owned a wheelbarrow (borrowed one once).  If we bought one we'd have to get a shed to put it in...garage is pretty full now.

(At least we can fit our car in our garage--there are some people who use it as a storage area...isn't that what dungeons are for?)

Raking will have to wait until sometime next week.  Today I cleaned out the gutters, drained and stored the rain barrels, and got the twigs and small branches ready for pickup.  Pat cleaned the patio, but that seems to be the fallen leaves' favorite hangout.  We have to go into the city tomorrow (by train, of course!), and Saturday it's supposed to rain or snow here, and they're talking up to seven inches of accumulation.  Rude awakening, but that figure is down from the nine they were saying last night.

Monday night we pick up our California family from the airport, and they visit with us for a couple of weeks.  Daughter's doing fine in the healing process, though her markers suffered a slight setback, attributable to the short amount of time that she was off chemodue to anemia.  She had a solo trip to Louisville this past weekend, where she presented a paper at the meeting of the American Musicological Society. She was tired after the trip, but was very happy to get back in the swing of things, and said her presentation went very well.

We had wanted to go there, but we had paid for the Trains Gala tickets before we even knew she had cancer...so we went to Milwaukee instead.  It was a good time for us.  And did you hear about Jay Eaton?  He was the lucky winner of an hour's worth of throttle time on C&O 2-6-6-2 1309, when the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad finishes restoring it.  That will be next summer, they promise, barring unforeseen circumstances (of which they've already had some).

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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