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Chatterbox Summer 2016

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, August 14, 2016 5:30 PM

evening

Met pen Pal.Csx had some good surprises.Came home and mowed the yard.Tomorrow we are going to show him Vickers and other spots around Toledo.

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 Paul_D_North_Jr on Sunday, August 14, 2016 5:12 PM

CShaveRR
{snipped - PDN.] . . . I wanted to walk further than I did today.  But Pat says I have to take it easy, and not overdo (the nurses were not scared of that...just sayin'!)  She did allow me to descend a short flight of stairs today, which was effortless. 

Carl, I had the same surgery (I believe) back in 2006, the same attitude from the real nurses, and the same problem with my live-in "nurse".  One day I walked 3/4 of a mile to the hardware store and was on my way back when she showed up with the car to take me home . . . 

Unfortunately, I lived too far from the tracks to walk there (before and after the surgery).  So for about 3 weeks I had to content myself with cleaning out and organizing my 'dungeon' to prepare for selling the house the next year so we could build our new one.  All of that was postponed about a year because of that disease and surgery, but the delay had its benefits as it turned out. 

I suspect your surgery was robotic, based on your description of the physical results.  After considerable research I concluded that was the best option for me (vs. radioactive implants or beam treatments, or chemotherapy).  Probably the "minimally invasive" da Vinci system by Intuit Surgical - http://www.intuitivesurgical.com/ - or similar.  The micro-capabilties of the system are amazing.  I wish I'd bought stock in the company at the time . . . 

My surgeon turned out to be a railfan and model railroader (back issues of Trains and Model Railroader in the waiting room).  I joked with him that it would not be fair for him to use that capability to build contest-level models with it !

Two other guys about the same age in the company where I worked at the time were diagnosed with the same disease.  They both had the same surgery and the same results: non-detect of the PSA for all of us, last I heard (we all retired - them, or were laid-off - me, at about the same time).  Must have been something in the water . . . 

I said then that 6 months later it would all be just a bad memory.  That was exactly right. 

Maybe those lyrics you quoted at the beginning are a little sad.  But my thoughts are what zugmann's tag line were for a while:

"Yeah, I'm still here" 10 years later, and expect to be for many more.  Like birthdays, it beats the alternative.  There are too many men who are not - some quite famous, too - because they refused to recognize, admit, or deal with the issue.  I'm glad you had the courage to. 

- Paul North. 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, August 14, 2016 2:23 PM

Johnny, I have no problem at all with stairs--I keep an eye on where the handrail is, if I should need it.

Today, so far, has been church, a nap, lunch, and a walk around the block.  If I could address specific areas of abdominal problems and pains, I'd be in good shape.  

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 switch7frg on Sunday, August 14, 2016 10:37 AM

SmileBINGO----  the farmhouse, that cleares the fuzzys from the mind like a far away whistle on a clear and cold winter night.

                           CB & friends

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, August 13, 2016 10:07 PM

evening

Marion and summerrail was good. Mother nature sent us some passing showers but not too bad.We also got to "shovel" our meals in.Ns and CSX proved quite busy.Going to meet up with our pen pal in Deshler.Monday he wants to try some new places he hasn't been too.Matt is fast asleep.

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 Deggesty on Saturday, August 13, 2016 8:53 PM

Carl, it is good to hear that yo are able to be out and about--even if youwould like to do more than your guardian wants you to do.

How did you go down the steps--sit down and glide down?Smile How was it going back up? slow?

I can go up and down steps using a cane and a handrail, and I walk some in my rooms without any help, but I still use a walker when I leave my rooms; I just don't trust my knees as I wish I could. I move through a train using a cane and an occasional touch on whatever is beside me.

Johnny

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, August 13, 2016 8:44 PM

Norris, that would be nice.  The truth is I have some up days and down days.  Yesterday was a downer, possibly due to the weather.  Today was better, weaher-wise and action-wise.  Pat allowed us to get burgers in Elmhurst, and take them trackside before we did our weekend shopping (groceries, paper, smoke detector, ink cartridges...you know, the usual stuff).  I didn't do as much walking today, and got by with only an afternoon nap.  We did, however, encounter four freights while trackside:  auto racks, frac sand, coal, and perishable.  

Boredom shouldn't be a problem for me--in spite of what I've described, a lack of energy is what's dragging me down.  I haven't cracked open the sightings logs to check what I just found.  I've still got a book I have to edit (I'm probably right in not looking at that now--you should see the first drafts of some of my own stuff!).

Nonetheless, today the pain was largely confined to the belly of the beast--right where they were working inside.  I've got one tube in me, and an extra hole that needs to heal.  Tube comes out midweek next week.  The biggest disappointment is not being able to lift myself up in bed enough to roll over without pain.  My arms just don't seem to have the strength.  

I wanted to walk further than I did today.  But Pat says I have to take it easy, and not overdo (the nurses were not scared of that...just sayin'!)  She did allow me to descend a short flight of stairs today, which was effortless.

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 Mookie on Saturday, August 13, 2016 2:58 PM

switch7frg

SmileMs. Mookie, I got  PJ on the phone and he said it was on 34st in omaha. His truck needed a 750.00 rest ( otherwise )a repair at a dealer.  He said  he got a ride to this place,he ask where was a place to get a meal at 3;30 in the afternoon. This was a month or so , maybe in the old part of town. PJ said he  did not have an address of this place. I guess it due to going to so many places and can't  recall all  fo them.  I was just courious.

                                       Respectfully, Cannonball

 

CB - Omaha tells me a lot!  I haven't been there in years and wouldn't be able to find a good place to watch, but UP is very big up there (of course!) and unlike Lincoln, actually has a few mom/pop restaurants that are very good!  I used to go to Omaha a lot for good food, just about anywhere in the city.  

I am thinking there should still be tracks in south Omaha.  844 ran down those tracks many years ago - we happened to be running parallel to it.  Was a big surprise to us.  That would have been very close to 34th st.  There was a Farmhouse cafe nearby - maybe that is what he is referring to - or one of the other mom/pop places.  

Small world, eh what!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by switch7frg on Saturday, August 13, 2016 1:17 PM

SmileMs. Mookie, I got  PJ on the phone and he said it was on 34st in omaha. His truck needed a 750.00 rest ( otherwise )a repair at a dealer.  He said  he got a ride to this place,he ask where was a place to get a meal at 3;30 in the afternoon. This was a month or so , maybe in the old part of town. PJ said he  did not have an address of this place. I guess it due to going to so many places and can't  recall all  fo them.  I was just courious.

                                       Respectfully, Cannonball

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Saturday, August 13, 2016 9:01 AM

CShaveRR

No real smiles today.  Plenty of sleep, and a half-mile walk.  I don't think I'll be allowed to walk to trackside just yet, but the trains through town were calling me...

This is just a down day--plenty of weather, plenty of heat, and little desire to do anything.  The naps in my own bed (two of them, two hours each) have felt good, but then I had to get up.

 

  Carl- 

     Sounds like you're ahead of the curve for most patients.  One of my employees had the same surgery. They thought he would be out of commission for about a month.  That turned into 6 weeks.  He is back at work now, but I don’t let him do anything that even sounds strenuous yet.  I think it was the better part of a month before he could walk a couple blocks. The biggest issue he had was boredom.

      I wish you a speedy recovery.  It sounds like you’re walking your way there already.

 

Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.

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Posted by Mookie on Friday, August 12, 2016 10:14 PM

switch7frg

Smile Ms. Mookie , have you been to Dannerman Bloc lately? , I don't see any signs of tracks there. Seems like a nice little town with down home folks there. One of my trucker friends ( Pin Jumper)  stopped there at the diner. I was just courious.   Respectfully, Cannonball

 

Cannonball, I guess not, since I have no clue where this might be.  But tell me and maybe we can narrow this down.

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, August 12, 2016 8:56 PM

Naps are good...

Better to err on the side of caution than to prolong the whole thing.  You'll be ready for a marathon soon enough! 

LarryWhistling
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Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Friday, August 12, 2016 7:19 PM

Carl,

Glad to hear you are up and taking nurishment. Assume you were at Elmhurst Hospital. I'm sure you prefer your own bed. With no beeping sound effects. Looking forward to your UP sightings.

From Downers Grove Electroliner35

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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, August 12, 2016 7:01 PM

No real smiles today.  Plenty of sleep, and a half-mile walk.  I don't think I'll be allowed to walk to trackside just yet, but the trains through town were calling me...

This is just a down day--plenty of weather, plenty of heat, and little desire to do anything.  The naps in my own bed (two of them, two hours each) have felt good, but then I had to get up.

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 Friday, August 12, 2016 5:19 PM

switch7frg
The most fires are caused by folks who don't have an ashtray, so the cigarette is tossed out the window...

Heck - they do that if they do have an ashtray...

You hit the nail on the head, though - unattended fires (camp, burn barrel, etc) are a major cause of these wildfires.

It'll be fine, he said....

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 switch7frg on Friday, August 12, 2016 5:11 PM

Smile Ms. Mookie , have you been to Dannerman Bloc lately? , I don't see any signs of tracks there. Seems like a nice little town with down home folks there. One of my trucker friends ( Pin Jumper)  stopped there at the diner. I was just courious.   Respectfully, Cannonball

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by switch7frg on Friday, August 12, 2016 4:57 PM

Whistling Tree,there seems to be a lot of fires lately. Here in the mountains there has been abandoned camp fires.  Then the valley folk come up here with the camping trailers and the safety chains dragging the pavement.The most fires are caused by folks who don't have an ashtray, so the cigarette is tossed out the window for a median or roadside fire or worse.

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, August 12, 2016 6:24 AM

blhanel

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Carl.  Also wishing we could share some of this torrential downpour with you, Larry.  We're now up to 2" and climbing since 7 PM this evening, and the radar shows lots more coming.  Flash Flood Warning posted...

We may be in for it on Saturday and/or Sunday here.  The weather service released a story a day or two ago about how we have a record amount of moisture in the atmosphere here right now - on the order of two inches.  If it all suddenly fell out of the sky it would be pretty bad.

Overnight they released watch for - heavy rain this weekend.  

I'll be on the road Saturday, so it could make for interesting driving...

The ground here is so dry that a downpour will run right off - we at least need a day of light rain to "presoak" the ground and open it up.

The fire service has been busy - south county departments just dispatched for a garage fire.  It wouldn't surprise me if they have trouble with a grass fire there 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, August 12, 2016 5:55 AM

Carl, let me add my wishes for a speedy recovery.

Me too.

Norm


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Posted by Paul of Covington on Friday, August 12, 2016 12:09 AM

   Carl, let me add my wishes for a speedy recovery.

_____________ 

  "A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner

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Posted by blhanel on Thursday, August 11, 2016 9:46 PM

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Carl.  Also wishing we could share some of this torrential downpour with you, Larry.  We're now up to 2" and climbing since 7 PM this evening, and the radar shows lots more coming.  Flash Flood Warning posted...

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 11, 2016 9:31 PM

samfp1943
Terrific News...NOW Get WELL... Soon! 

Allow me to add my "ditto" here!

LarryWhistling
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Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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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 samfp1943 on Thursday, August 11, 2016 9:27 PM

Deggesty

Carl, it is good to know that you are back home after what was a short stay in the hospital. May you have every care and comfort you need.

 

 

    That is the "Good Outcome" I had hoped you to have, Carl! Bow 

    Terrific News...NOW Get WELL... Soon!  WowYeahWhistling

 

 


 

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Posted by Deggesty on Thursday, August 11, 2016 8:53 PM

Carl, it is good to know that you are back home after what was a short stay in the hospital. May you have every care and comfort you need.

Johnny

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Posted by Paul of Covington on Thursday, August 11, 2016 8:47 PM

   Larry, I wish we could send you some of our rain.   The mushrooms in the yard look like they have mildew on them.

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Posted by CShaveRR on Thursday, August 11, 2016 8:46 PM

Suddenly.../I'm not half the man I used to be.

Bad joke from beautiful lyrics, but I will be sleeping in my own bed tonight, two days after writing my previous post here.  The cancerous prostate is history.  It came out Wednesday afternoon, and the had me on my feet this morning, and cleared to go home this evening.  The fun begins after the catheter is removed.  I do have a bit of pain where the incisions (all five of them for the surgeries and one more for draining the area where the surgery was performed), but I'm hoping medication will keep that pain down.

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, August 11, 2016 8:30 PM

Dry, dry, dry, dry, dry.

Three significant brush fires in the area today.  Responded to one that ran to over 20 acres (mutual aid call - we got there in time to mop up hot spots), another is up to 50 acres and isn't contained just yet.  And another took out a small barn.

There have been a number of smaller fires as well.  One only burned about five acres, but in a swampy area - took several days to control that one.  And they're having problems across the river (Canada), too.

Some people just don't get that they need to be just a little more careful with fire when we're in a drought...

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 Thursday, August 11, 2016 5:37 PM

work done.Ma nature gave us some more rain this morning.Need to get chores done.

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 Wednesday, August 10, 2016 6:55 PM

evening

work still busy.Ns was clear when I left work.Ran errands in town.Ma nature gave us rain at home but left town dry.One more day at work.Getting things ready to go to Marion Ohio for Summerrail.

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 CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 6:46 AM

Interesting to see the SC&S mentioned by the mudchicken.  Growing up where I did, I was quite familiar with the SC&S line between Colehour and Lansing, it hosted the "South Wind" and a few other passenger trains.  Freight service was minimal beyond the Interlake Steel bottle train and some IHB trains on trackage rights.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul

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