Trains.com

Chatterbox Spring 2020

15722 views
402 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, June 1, 2020 11:01 AM

I only go far enough back to remember three lanes in each direction under the BN.  But I didn't move to Illinois until I was 21.

I'm surprised that they haven't torn out the Hinsdale Oasis yet...they can't fit added lanes under that, either.

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)

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Monday, June 1, 2020 10:05 AM

I'm rather familiar with the bridge over the Tollway, the road has been widened over the years from 2 lanes to 4 lanes in each direction and at the last widening they eliminated the shoulder under the CB&Q/BN/BNSF overpass.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, May 31, 2020 7:29 PM

Thanks, Paul!

We've been to the museum in Lincoln, for about as long as I could be torn away from Camp Mookie!  (Pat had a historical question about some needlework, and they were able to help, but not give a definitive answer, IIRC.)

Pat is just getting back into quilting, after a hiatus of a few years.  When our church family lost a couple of newborn infants a few years ago (and we lost a grand-niece about the same time), she stopped quilting to make burial gowns for "Angel Babies" such as those.  I think she made close to a thousand, which were among those distributed to area hospitals that had requested them to give to distraught mothers (she made the "newborn" size, while other folks made smaller sizes).  For a while, when the demand was greatest earlier this year, the Angel Babies gang shifted their efforts to usable face masks.  Again, Pat made a couple hundred of those.  I think her attention shifted back to quilting after the passing of Linda.

Illinois has opened up somewhat--we were able to sit down outside at a restaurant for Sunday dinner today.  Of course, I made sure that our table had a good view...this time of the BNSF main line through Western Springs.  I had three good freights go by.  At the table next to us was a family with a little guy who, we were told, has been crazy about trains practically since birth.  I told the parents that if they were really lucky, he won't grow out of it!

In a few more months, this establishment will become a lot more popular with me, as trains will be required to slow for a shoo-fly around construction of a new bridge taking the tracks over a widened Interstate 294, a mile or so to the west.  (There is no way they could fit even one extra lane underneath the existing bridge there.)

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)

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Allentown, PA
  • 9,810 posts
Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Sunday, May 31, 2020 6:25 AM

Carl, this is probably like a friend or relative telling one of us about a cute train movie they just saw - the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska was featured - but Marie and I saw part of this program on quilts the other night and thought of Pat:

https://www.craftinamerica.org/episode/quilts 

https://www.craftinamerica.org/release/quilts-premieres-december-27

Ken Burns - he of documentary movie fame - has a cameo appearance, as he's a quilt collector.

Interesting look into something I didn't know that much about.  "Long-arm" sewing machines are something I had never heard of.  And Marie enlightened me on some of the advantages of the newer sewing machines . . . Whistling 

- PDN. 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, May 30, 2020 12:01 PM

afternoon

Nicer today and not as humid.House is cleaned on the inside and out.Still some high water in the back swamp.Matt and Stacey went to get his graduation cake.Last night on Csx in Garrett it was take a number.Had 351 working the yard.Q 566,565 and 350 had to come in and work the yard too.Plus both locals were trying to squeeze in to put stuff away.Maybe it will be better today.Need to get cleaned up.

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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, May 29, 2020 4:01 PM

afternoon

Ns sent an eastbound after work.Ran errands with Stacey.Heard thunder but saw where it rained our house.Tomorrow Matt and I get our new glasses.Sunday is Matt's graduation parade.Going to work on that and other 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").

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:40 PM

tree68

Not as hot, but just as muggy today.  A mid-afternoon shower didn't help much.  The overhead door people working on a new door at the fire station wished they could have left it closed - it was nice and cool inside.

The door isn't done, so I get to have a (real) fire truck parked in my driveway tonight.

Headed across the street with the riding mower this morning to attack the lawn at our FD Banquet Hall.  The regular crew has been laid off for the moment.  I mowed half of it a couple of weeks ago.  That wasn't bad.  The half I hadn't mowed could have used a baler...

It looks much nicer now...

 

Larry, if you bale it it, make sure it is cured; I would hate for you to have a fire in your mowSmile

Johnny

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:36 PM

Not as hot, but just as muggy today.  A mid-afternoon shower didn't help much.  The overhead door people working on a new door at the fire station wished they could have left it closed - it was nice and cool inside.

The door isn't done, so I get to have a (real) fire truck parked in my driveway tonight.

Headed across the street with the riding mower this morning to attack the lawn at our FD Banquet Hall.  The regular crew has been laid off for the moment.  I mowed half of it a couple of weeks ago.  That wasn't bad.  The half I hadn't mowed could have used a baler...

It looks much nicer now...

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, May 28, 2020 2:59 PM

afternoon

Ns sent a westbound stack train after work.Mother nature sent a shower.Looks like maybe June 8th will be able to go see my brother.Not sure if we will be able to get him away from the nursing home or not yet.Matt is checking things for college this fall.Will be going to do dishes here in a bit.

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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 2:33 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear when I left work.When I got to work this morning they ran an eastbound with stacks up front and mixed stuff in the back.Reminded me of csx's q 192.Chores 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").

 

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 4:30 PM

   Johnny, it was so long ago that I don't remember if it was army or boat related or something else altogether, but now that I think more about it, I don't think the rule can be absolute.  With a tall flagpole you have plenty of mast to work with, but a short pole at the stern of a boat or on the wall of a house doesn't give you much to work with.  I guess you try to do what looks right.

   I do remember the part you discussed about raising the flag all the way up then lowering it to half-mast.

_____________ 

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

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3:26 PM

Paul of Covington

   By the way, I remember reading somewhere long ago that "half-mast" is actually 2/3 of the way up.

 

It is many years since I read a Boy Scouts manual, but I have a memory that you lower the flag a distance equal to the height of the flag--which would was to the bottom of the mast that I mounted on the side of my house.

I wish that, the last time I was in the house where I lived when I was in high school, I had picked up a copy of the Scouts manual. 

Johnny

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 2:24 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Going to get cleaned up.Matt has his virtual graduation 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").

 

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Louisiana
  • 2,310 posts
Posted by Paul of Covington on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 1:08 PM

   By the way, I remember reading somewhere long ago that "half-mast" is actually 2/3 of the way up.

_____________ 

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

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:10 AM

We don't have a flag, but you're absolutely correct, Johnny.  

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)

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:47 AM

tree68

 

 
Deggesty
Carl, Larry, I trust that you (unless you leave your flags out all the time) first ran the flag up to full staff and then lowered it to half-mast.

 

Had I raised the flag "from scratch," I would have done so.  My flag flies 24/7 and is lit up at night.

 

Good boy!

Johnny

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, May 25, 2020 9:13 PM

Deggesty
Carl, Larry, I trust that you (unless you leave your flags out all the time) first ran the flag up to full staff and then lowered it to half-mast.

Had I raised the flag "from scratch," I would have done so.  My flag flies 24/7 and is lit up at night.

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
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Monday, May 25, 2020 5:16 PM

Carl, Larry, I trust that you (unless you leave your flags out all the time) first ran the flag up to full staff and then lowered it to half-mast.

Since I now live in assisted living, I do not handle a flag. There is a flag in front, which flies night and day. When I lived in my own house and in my daughter's basement (a little over two years) I did fly the flag on specified holidays, including 22 February.

Johnny

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, May 25, 2020 3:11 PM

CShaveRR
...(does anyone still follow that tradition on Memorial Day?)...

I do, although I was a little late with the raising today.  I wonder how many people are actually aware of the custom?

Normally our local Legion posts handle that, but they didn't do any of their ceremonies today.  A couple of local veterans made sure the cemetary flags were at half staff, as well as the fire department's.  I haven't been out since noon to see if they were raised again.

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
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, May 25, 2020 2:15 PM

We had rain overnight, and are due to get still more today.  I'm going to try and get out into the back yard today and do some trimming of weeds and limbs.

Our temperature, officially, reached 90º yesterday...it was still balmy out there well after the sun went down.

Pat and I, before the noon raising of the flags to full staff (does anyone still follow that tradition on Memorial Day?), went up the street to our local cemetery to see whether flags had been placed by the soldiers' markers.  They had, but it was hardly a reverent placement--they still had their UPC tags attached.  (Thankfully, they were made in the U.S.A.!)  We did what we could before coming back for our lunch.

 

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)

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, May 25, 2020 5:08 AM

Good morning

Rain has been going around us here in NW Ohio.Another warm day today.Went back to the old hometown and took time to remember.Ns sent a westbound grain train on the NKP.Csx had q 191 going west with containers.Going out for a walk along the city walk path.Will look at what CSX can send.(If Garrett is unplugged).

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").

 

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
  • 13,681 posts
Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, May 24, 2020 2:13 PM

Good morning!  We just "attended" our church service as it was streamed.  Pat has given up on me and contracted a mowing service to make sure our grass stays short (we were getting complaints from the wildlife that had to go through it completely covered).

Johnny, I wish I could contribute some of the rain we've been getting lately...we've already had a record rainfall for the month, and there's more coming for pretty much the rest of the week (it's sunny at the moment, though, and up to 86º this afternoon).

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)

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,754 posts
Posted by diningcar on Sunday, May 24, 2020 12:52 PM

[quote user="Deggesty"]

Nice cool spring morning here--42 degrees at 6:51. We had rain yesterday morning--and we needed it and more.

 Just turned on the AC in humid eastern KS with outside temps in the high 80's
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, May 24, 2020 12:45 PM

Deggesty

Nice cool spring morning here--42 degrees at 6:51. We had rain yesterday morning--and we needed it and more.

 

Where the rail train goes, the steel gang is sure to follow.  (now if they had the tie plates and anchors to go with that secondhand steel, the sidings /yards/backtracks et al would really benefit.)

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
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Sunday, May 24, 2020 7:52 AM

Nice cool spring morning here--42 degrees at 6:51. We had rain yesterday morning--and we needed it and more.

Johnny

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Sunday, May 24, 2020 6:43 AM

Saw the Tonka toys on the cam.  Missed the rail train.  Got some yardwork done, with more to follow.  I've got several projects that have been ready to go for a while, just have to get them done.  

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
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, May 24, 2020 5:27 AM

morning

Deshler was interesting yesterday.Old friends new friends and trains.Had a rail train go east.Also had a Mow "tonka toy" train go around the Se connection and go east as well.Going to get stuff put away.

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").

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,319 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, May 22, 2020 3:39 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Guy tried to mow this afternoon but mother nature sent him a stray shower so he stopped.Getting things around for Deshler.Going to be nice tomorrow.

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").

 

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • 1,689 posts
Posted by Erik_Mag on Friday, May 22, 2020 2:57 PM

I'm not really sure just how the SD County health department classifies what is and what isn't a COVID death. I do wonder what the motive was for Colorado's classification scheme or for that matter what the CDC's motives for their classification scheme.

"Non-essential" retail stores and dine-in restaurants are supposed to be opening up in the county with social distancing guidelines. The latter will be nice as "dining out" for my wife and I has been getting take-out or drive-through and eating the meal in the car.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, May 22, 2020 9:21 AM

Erik_Mag
San Diego County gives daily updates on the numbers with one report being the total (i.e. cumulative) confirmed cases per zip code, with per capita stats for zip codes with more than 10,000 residents.

Colorado just got slapped for how they reported deaths.  They were reporting all deaths that involved COVID together.  Now that they've "corrected," they will report the deaths either as COVID caused (ie, the death is the direct result of the virus), or COVID involved (Aunt Fanny's long-standing health issues finally caught up with her, but she also tested positive for the virus).   For Colorado, that involved moving around a quarter of their deaths into the new category.

If the entire country reported like that, it would greatly change the picture.  As it is right now, it's possible that even a massive trauma from a motor vehicle collision might be classified COVID if the deceased tested positive.

And that's the CDC guideline.

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...

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy