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Chatterbox Spring 2020

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, April 5, 2020 7:37 AM

Paul_D_North_Jr
Milk was also about all gone, which is weird because I saw an article that dairy farmers in the Upper Midwest were having to dump it - supply chain disruption means an excess since schools and restaurants and cheese places, etc. aren't buying any (long story). 

We have farmers dumping here in NY as well.  Apparently the food service industry uses more milk products than the general populace, which means we don't use much dairy at home.  I'm still going through the same amount of milk as I usually do...

Paul_D_North_Jr
Me - I'd use a bleach solution (5 tablespoons per gallon of water) - that's a nuclear weapon to the coronavirus, which would suit me just fine

Our local craft distilleries are now turning out disinfectant - which, ironically, is just their regular product but left at 180+ proof.  We've got two quarts at the fire station that they donated to us - packaged in their regular liquor bottles.  We had some other disinfectants already, so haven't cracked those bottles yet.  

I think they are selling that to the general public, and they're making and selling hand sanitizer, too.  We got hand sanitizer from the state at the FD.  

LarryWhistling
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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Sunday, April 5, 2020 6:17 AM

Our local Giant has designated one door as "in only", adn the other as "out only".  You can still bring your own bags (local chain Weis won't let you do that) as long as only you handle them, put stuff in them, etc.  All of ours went through the clothers washer last week.  Deli counter is closed to walk-up - place your order from the kiosk, then they bring it out and put it on a shelf.  Something of almost everything (including TP), except soups were almost all gone (but plenty in the organic section).  Milk was also about all gone, which is weird because I saw an article that dairy farmers in the Upper Midwest were having to dump it - supply chain disruption means an excess since schools and restaurants and cheese places, etc. aren't buying any (long story).  My wife wiped down all packages with a spray cleaner.  Me - I'd use a bleach solution (5 tablespoons per gallon of water) - that's a nuclear weapon to the coronavirus, which would suit me just fine.  Leaves a pungent smell, though.  Wonder if anybody's tried creosote . . . 

- PDN. 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, April 5, 2020 6:05 AM

good morning

Tree guy did come yesterday.After they finished Stacey gave them the check.Matt and I did the cleanup.Did some other errands and saw some Csx.They have a train at the elevator west of town.Also the new engine coming over for the ND&W is going to be delayed.Seemes they found another mudhole in the swamp by Antwerp.

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 zugmann on Saturday, April 4, 2020 1:02 PM

tree68
That's been a problem - perhaps understandable for some if childcare is an issue.  But there's no excuse for Mom, Dad, and the kids all being in the store at once.  

Stores around here are now metering the amount of people going in.  Too many people think that going to Lowes is a family field trip that has to last all afternoon. 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, April 4, 2020 11:27 AM

Sorry...if we went to the store separately it would cause a lot of questions and lack of recognition.  I already got a "who was that masked man?" look yesterday from someone who usually recognizes me.

There were a few packages of toilet paper still on the shelves yesterday...no variety, just a few multi-packs.  We have one backup package, bought earlier this week at considerable risk to life and limb.  

And I was able to get a refill bottle of hand sanitizing liquid soap at our drug store yesterday.  We're now back to full quota on those.

The best part of the trip yesterday was the sighting of a long (two miles or better) manifest freight...I have to cross the tracks to get to and from the drug store.  I grabbed a couple of pages' worth of notes, and actually got some good stuff.  

That trip to he drug store was done by walking, so I got my exercise yesterday.  Besides that, I finished clearing up the logs and branches that had fallen in our back yard over the winter.  We also have a busted downspout that I'm not sure I can fix myself.

Then a friend mailed me with a strange reporting mark.  Turns out that the cars were already on their third owner, and I had no knowledge of these cars in any of their identities!  Carchaeology can be fun at times!

(Joe, no doubt you've heard of the Shelly Company...they're the ones with these "new" aggregate hoppers.)

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 JoeKoh on Saturday, April 4, 2020 6:11 AM

good morning

Have word that another GP 20 will be coming to the ND&W.It is in ND&W paint.Sounds like the 1603 is going out to another part of their system in Argos Indiana.Hopefully the tree guy comes this morning.Yard is cleaned up.Mower ready to go.

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 of Covington on Saturday, April 4, 2020 4:51 AM

   TP on the shelves this morning.  Everybody's closets must be full.

_____________ 

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

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, April 3, 2020 5:56 PM

blhanel
...one person per cart (discouraging couple and family shopping)...

That's been a problem - perhaps understandable for some if childcare is an issue.  But there's no excuse for Mom, Dad, and the kids all being in the store at once.  

There were a fair number of couples, and some cases where a younger person was assisting an older person.  The latter I can understand.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
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 blhanel on Friday, April 3, 2020 5:39 PM

tree68

Went grocery shopping today - a few items needed restock in the pantry.  About the same number of people in the store as I'd expect most mid-day weekdays.  Plenty of bread, although they were out of my favorite seeded rye.  Didn't check the toilet paper aisle as I have plenty on hand (no, I did not hoard - I bought a big package weeks before the panic).

Some had masks on, a few had gloves on.  The checkout clerks were regularly cleaning their stations.  Plenty of social distancing being "enforced" via lines on the floor.

Aside from that, just like any other grocery shopping trip...

 

Our regional grocery store chain (Hy-Vee) has done pretty much the same, and just announced upcoming additions: one person per cart (discouraging couple and family shopping), one-way aisles, and additional shields behind the cashiers (when there's another checkout behind them).

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, April 3, 2020 5:10 PM

Hello

Absolutely beautiful outside this afternoon.Ns was clear when I left work.Where did the nieghbor's leaves end up after last year? Under my deck of course.Cleaned out the shed.Put the statues where Stacey wanted them.Did get the swing out but it's on the back porch.Our tree guy couldn't come today.Hopefully tomorrow morning.Then we can put up the swing.

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 MikeF90 on Friday, April 3, 2020 4:33 PM

BaltACD
If masks get mandated in public - I guess I'll have to use my race helmet and balaclava to cover my nose and mouth.

Have not found the reference, but I did read that local health officials are strongly recommending the wearing of masks in public. However, I have not seen any kind for over two weeks - right up there with hand sanitizer and unicorns. I have also seen instructions online for making your own, assuming you have a sewing machine and the requisite cloth. SFBA counties have just issued stricter isolation and quarantine orders and statewide stay-at-home is extended to May.

I was able to visit the optometrist who was seeing one patient in the office at a time. He did recommend seeing an opthamologist as I have some signs of glaucoma in addition to worsening cataracts. The latter doctor will be available in a week. Last medical need was a dental office visit for cleaning, unfortunately they won't be open until May due to lack of proper masks.

Stay well, everyone !

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Posted by BaltACD on Friday, April 3, 2020 4:00 PM

tree68
Went grocery shopping today - a few items needed restock in the pantry.  About the same number of people in the store as I'd expect most mid-day weekdays.  Plenty of bread, although they were out of my favorite seeded rye.  Didn't check the toilet paper aisle as I have plenty on hand (no, I did not hoard - I bought a big package weeks before the panic).

Some had masks on, a few had gloves on.  The checkout clerks were regularly cleaning their stations.  Plenty of social distancing being "enforced" via lines on the floor.

Aside from that, just like any other grocery shopping trip...

Went to the store last Sunday - they had errected plexiglass shields in front of the cashiers.  Seriously diminished number of customers - the area storing the shopping carts was nearly full - generally only 15 or 20 are available.  Paper products were gone except for a couple of dozen roles of house brand paper towels.  No sliced ham products - just bone-in ham shanks.  Baked products were available - just not my prefered kind an brand.

Besides going to the doctor and drug store for what the doctor prescribed, the truck hasn't turned a wheel since Monday.

If masks get mandated in public - I guess I'll have to use my race helmet and balaclava to cover my nose and mouth.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, April 3, 2020 2:29 PM

Went grocery shopping today - a few items needed restock in the pantry.  About the same number of people in the store as I'd expect most mid-day weekdays.  Plenty of bread, although they were out of my favorite seeded rye.  Didn't check the toilet paper aisle as I have plenty on hand (no, I did not hoard - I bought a big package weeks before the panic).

Some had masks on, a few had gloves on.  The checkout clerks were regularly cleaning their stations.  Plenty of social distancing being "enforced" via lines on the floor.

Aside from that, just like any other grocery shopping trip...

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, April 2, 2020 3:01 PM

afternoon

Ns Mow was working in the siding up town.Nice sunshine today.Tree guy is coming tomorrow morning.Glad tomorrow is Friday.

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, April 1, 2020 2:53 PM

afternoon

Ns sent a westbound stack train after work.More lines taped down around the warehouse.Work to do here.

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 BaltACD on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 9:46 PM

zugmann
 
blue streak 1

Had to mail a package yesterday.  USPS told me that business there is up 75 -80% more. Maybe they will not have a loss this FY ? 

The USPS Fairness Act is in Seante, which would repeal "the requirement that the U.S. Postal Service annually prepay future health benefits". 

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2382

Since the days of George Washington the Post Office has not been profitable - why in the 21st Century do we think a government service should be profitable?

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by zugmann on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 7:40 PM

blue streak 1

Had to mail a package yesterday.  USPS told me that business there is up 75 -80% more. Maybe they will not have a loss this FY ?

 

 

The USPS Fairness Act is in Seante, which would repeal "the requirement that the U.S. Postal Service annually prepay future health benefits". 

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2382

 

 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 7:33 PM

Had to mail a package yesterday.  USPS told me that business there is up 75 -80% more. Maybe they will not have a loss this FY ?

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 5:29 PM

evening

Had some errands after work.Ns was clear.As being essential work is putting all kinds of spaces around.We can only sit 3 to a table at breaks and lunches.More things to do here at home.

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, March 31, 2020 3:58 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
  I've noticed that grocery stores, pharmacies and some other places have taped lines on the floor by the cash registers to help maintain the proper spacing.

Our little post office has this - and a curtain (clear) in front of the counter...  The local store/deli has tape on the floor now, too.

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 BaltACD on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 11:08 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH
I've been working from home since March 20, and while I'm not too crazy about it, at least I'm still working.  I've noticed that grocery stores, pharmacies and some other places have taped lines on the floor by the cash registers to help maintain the proper spacing.

The tape manufacurers are now making a killing with all the tape stores that are still open are placing on their floors.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 10:14 AM

I've been working from home since March 20, and while I'm not too crazy about it, at least I'm still working.  I've noticed that grocery stores, pharmacies and some other places have taped lines on the floor by the cash registers to help maintain the proper spacing.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by diningcar on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 9:28 AM

Sports events cancelled, golf courses closed, pool halls closed, favorite pub closed. In dealing with this my wife and I set in front of the TV and if the offerings are not what we like we talk. It is amazing, she is  a great conversationalist and she has an interesting job. Now I know where that extra money in our account comes from. I must have had good judgement when I married. 

All in fun of course, and yes I did marry well

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Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 8:14 AM

Mississippi did have the county names on the plates. The first one or two digits on Alabama and Tennessee plates indicated the county; Alabama's system was alphabetical; Tennessee's was by population; both had exceptions. Idaho used the first letter of the county name (with a number, if necessary).

South Carolina simply indicated the weight range of the car with a letter.

Johnny

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Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 8:03 AM

tree68
 
BaltACD
Inspection of occupants of vehicles with out of state plates for covid-19, as well as informng them the self quarantine themselves for 14 days.  I don't know if there is any acual legal basis for this - if it were to be challenged. 

We could use that on the roads coming out of NY City.  When you see the infection numbers for NY state, know that 96% of that number are in NYC and the five counties around it.  My county currently is holding at about 12.

Is the NY license plate scheme such that the area where the plate was issued is displayed on its face?

Florida, at one time had the county of issue displayed on the bottom of the plate.  Indiana, at one time had the county of issue identified by a numerical code.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 7:40 AM

BaltACD
Inspection of occupants of vehicles with out of state plates for covid-19, as well as informng them the self quarantine themselves for 14 days.  I don't know if there is any acual legal basis for this - if it were to be challenged.

We could use that on the roads coming out of NY City.  When you see the infection numbers for NY state, know that 96% of that number are in NYC and the five counties around it.  My county currently is holding at about 12.

 

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 BaltACD on Monday, March 30, 2020 9:27 PM

Deggesty
 
rvos1979

In Florida tonight, where an interesting turn of events has occurred. All of the cars are now being routed into the scales entering the state, and trucks are not required to enter the scales. I never thought I'd see this day......... 

Randy, have you been told the rationale behind requiring cars to go through the weigh station? Is it to check for disease carriers?

Inspection of occupants of vehicles with out of state plates for covid-19, as well as informng them the self quarantine themselves for 14 days.  I don't know if there is any acual legal basis for this - if it were to be challenged.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Deggesty on Monday, March 30, 2020 9:14 PM

rvos1979

In Florida tonight, where an interesting turn of events has occurred. All of the cars are now being routed into the scales entering the state, and trucks are not required to enter the scales. I never thought I'd see this day.........

 

Randy, have you been told the rationale behind requiring cars to go through the weigh station? Is it to check for disease carriers?

Johnny

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Posted by rvos1979 on Monday, March 30, 2020 8:40 PM

In Florida tonight, where an interesting turn of events has occurred. All of the cars are now being routed into the scales entering the state, and trucks are not required to enter the scales. I never thought I'd see this day.........

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 tree68 on Monday, March 30, 2020 2:44 PM

JoeKoh
Had a person request to camp in Deshler.

Hope things are back to normal when I head out there later this summer.

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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