Running Bear's March 2022 Coffee Shop


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Good Morning All. Clear and 34°, the wind has temporarily died down but will return from the NW shortly. Heat wave hits on Saturday for a few days. At least the rain/tornadoes on Monday took care of our grassfire situation in this part of the state.
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Grocery trek to Denton this morning, with Dollar General on the way home.

Thanks for the comments and likes on yesterday's photos; Guy, James, Chad, Tom O, Dave B, Hughie, Louis, George, Lee, Patrick, Sherrel, Tom, Gary, IB Ken, OB Ken, Rick, Tom H.

Yesterday's trip to the train shed was uneventful. I tuned up some older rolling stock that I hadn't run in a while.
A few random industries today
Loy Distributing, an alcoholic beverage distributor.
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Lone Star Feed and Fertilizer.
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Lee - Your collection of vehicles in both scales is awesome. I never paid a lot of attention to the O scale ones over the years and didn't realize that there were so many available.
Patrick - At last word, the local media has located the red truck parked in Elgin TX, but they haven't found the driver to interview him. He apparently lives in another town.
Guy - That GP38-2 must be at least 50 years old.
Troy - Sorry to read about your friend.
Tom O - I don't remember when you posted that you were leaving, but have a very safe trip. We'll welcome you to our great state of Texas with warmer weather than you're leaving, as well as better BBQ and Mexican food. Yes it is time for the wildflowers. They're alongside of all state and US highways in the hill country just west of Austin. We're discussing a two-day trip down that way pretty soon. We tend to stick to US281 mostly
Dave B - Same old camera, same old auto setting, but I agree that the color is better. These were taken in a blank space on the upper deck. My workbench is the worst place in the train shed for picture taking. That's where any previous ones were taken. I think that it is the lights. Most of the train shed has "Daylight White" florescent bulbs, while the workbench has a "Cool White" LED.
Greg - That's exorbitant costs for COBRA insurance! Mine cost me $450/month and that included drugs. My wife being older was already on Medicare.
IB Ken - Thanks for the update on Karl. Glad that he's doing OK.
Louis - Thank you for the acknowledgement. Late 70's - early 80's music to me was a mixed bag. So many traditional bands got too much into drugs that they recorded a lot of real crap. Aerosmith, David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac immediately come to mind. There were many others. Other bands like Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones grew quite stale. At the same time newcomers like Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads and U2 came on the scene that were a welcome respite. I wasn't too much into some of the punk from the UK though. I'll refrain on commenting on Motörhead for now.

Everybody have a great day.
 
Morning again,

Once again instead of backing up, the server decided not to communicate with the outside world. At least as far as talking with the client software needing to work with the database. Still not sure, but a reboot of the virtual server cleared the issue for now. Nothing like spending the first half of your day firefighting the same fire again.

Going to make the first mow tomorrow and then get my pre-emergent down. Crab grass season will be here before you know it. Got to clean the garden spot out, but thinking it will remain fallow this year. I'm having issue with the buffalo grass invading and may spend the summer dumping roundup on it. Originally had a bindweed (wild morning glory) issues with the yard, but between the weed killer in the fertilizer and applications of 2,4-D the bindweed is pretty much gone as are most of the dandelions, especially in the back yard. Until I can get all the neighbors onboard, it is partially a losing battle.

Willie: There was some thought around the office that the guy MAY have been intoxicated? LOL

Ken: Good luck on the spaghetti in the wiring closet. If you can get it done, it will look like that again in 6 months.
 
Good afternoon all,

Safety day today at work so sitting on my but talking about all the things people do that results in injury or illness. Been through a ton of these but a review will do no harm.

Getting ramped up for a big weekend in the train room, hope to put down more track and more hydrocal. Would also like to put a coat of flat black on the background water tank.

Todd - the Wyoming trip sounds good, the ice photo is what our roads looked like Tuesday morning. I could get up to 45 mph.

Ken OBTC - sounds like you now have your work cut out for you.

Sherrel - I wasn't aware of those earthquakes. I guess other issues have been dominating the news lately.

DJ Ken - I am glad to hear you made some progress on the property tax issue

I have one more photo in the CNW locomotive file, this is an action shot:

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Looks like the mile marker could use some weathering. The track looks good, though, if I do say so myself. This is supposed to be "rural" track which receives little maintenance, hence the sinking into the ground issue. This shot is from my archives, the layout now defunct.

Will be checking in later, Dave LASM
 
santafewillie said:
Lee - Your collection of vehicles in both scales is awesome. I never paid a lot of attention to the O scale ones over the years and didn't realize that there were so many available.
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Thanks Willie. They’re out there you just have to look around thanks for posting those nice pics I really like the Feed Store with Grain elevator you did a good job on that.
 
santafewillie said:
Good Morning All. Clear and 34°, the wind has temporarily died down but will return from the NW shortly. Heat wave hits on Saturday for a few days. At least the rain/tornadoes on Monday took care of our grassfire situation in this part of the state.
View attachment 143510

Grocery trek to Denton this morning, with Dollar General on the way home.

Thanks for the comments and likes on yesterday's photos; Guy, James, Chad, Tom O, Dave B, Hughie, Louis, George, Lee, Patrick, Sherrel, Tom, Gary, IB Ken, OB Ken, Rick, Tom H.

Yesterday's trip to the train shed was uneventful. I tuned up some older rolling stock that I hadn't run in a while.
A few random industries today
Loy Distributing, an alcoholic beverage distributor.
View attachment 143513
Lone Star Feed and Fertilizer.
View attachment 143514
View attachment 143515

Lee - Your collection of vehicles in both scales is awesome. I never paid a lot of attention to the O scale ones over the years and didn't realize that there were so many available.
Patrick - At last word, the local media has located the red truck parked in Elgin TX, but they haven't found the driver to interview him. He apparently lives in another town.
Guy - That GP38-2 must be at least 50 years old.
Troy - Sorry to read about your friend.
Tom O - I don't remember when you posted that you were leaving, but have a very safe trip. We'll welcome you to our great state of Texas with warmer weather than you're leaving, as well as better BBQ and Mexican food. Yes it is time for the wildflowers. They're alongside of all state and US highways in the hill country just west of Austin. We're discussing a two-day trip down that way pretty soon. We tend to stick to US281 mostly
Dave B - Same old camera, same old auto setting, but I agree that the color is better. These were taken in a blank space on the upper deck. My workbench is the worst place in the train shed for picture taking. That's where any previous ones were taken. I think that it is the lights. Most of the train shed has "Daylight White" florescent bulbs, while the workbench has a "Cool White" LED.
Greg - That's exorbitant costs for COBRA insurance! Mine cost me $450/month and that included drugs. My wife being older was already on Medicare.
IB Ken - Thanks for the update on Karl. Glad that he's doing OK.
Louis - Thank you for the acknowledgement. Late 70's - early 80's music to me was a mixed bag. So many traditional bands got too much into drugs that they recorded a lot of real crap. Aerosmith, David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac immediately come to mind. There were many others. Other bands like Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones grew quite stale. At the same time newcomers like Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads and U2 came on the scene that were a welcome respite. I wasn't too much into some of the punk from the UK though. I'll refrain on commenting on Motörhead for now.

Everybody have a great day.
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Willie, we begin the trek, between 8 and 9am, Friday. A couple nights in Nashville, a couple nights in New Orleans and then Austin.

I will look at US 281. I know the son thinks we should do San Angelo, to Armarillo while the wildflowers bloom. He said we will enjoy tje oil fields now instead of our Oct/Nov trip. I have Corpus Christie and San Antonio figured out and what state highways to meander on.

These went out to the post office this afternoon
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TomO
 
D&J RailRoad said:
Meeting with the Board of Equalizations was somewhat beneficial. I was able to get my property value reduced a bit.
The next step will be the County Board of Supervisors who will be setting the millage, tax rate, levy rate or whatever they want to call it.
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Around here I think they have limits of some sort on how much stuff can increase. I've actually seen property tax go down year to year because the average increase in value pushed the tax too high so they lowered the rate to compensate (so that they hit their targets) and it ended up my tax actually went down a small amount (maybe my increase was not as lare as the average? IDK). I am not saying that is how they do it, but that is how it looks to me when I look over the bills and compare.

We rent the house we live in but our building lot we've been paying taxes on for the last 5 or so years...
 
Afternoon All,

Started out with some chores then worked on the tower for several hours. After getting the 4 walls and floor together I painted the inside a Tamiya Grey-Green and the outside a Tamiya Buff. The trim will be a craft paint called Asphaltium. It's the closest I've found to Pennsy dark building trim color. After the paint dried, I added a light and tower details. I had to add the details before adding the bay windows and roof framing. I also had to repair one side of a bay window (in 3 places) ...did I mention how fragile everything is?

IB Ken- Good news about Karl.

Todd- Interesting photos.

Ken (IL)- Continued best wishes with the new job.

TomO- Enjoy your trip and safe travels. Nice scenery and flat car.

Sherrel- I'm very sorry about your MIL. It sounds like the last week with Mom when she passed in August.

Guy- I think we all feel your pain and have been there with Honey-Do's.

Steve- I agree with you. BLI has pretty much priced themselves out of my budget.

Willie- A nice assortment of buildings.

Troy- Sorry to hear of your friend passing.

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I hope everyone has a good night.
 
Celebration time. Lab results from yesterday at 11am are posted and 12 of the 13 tests are within normal ranges. Those 12 results posted last night.

The exception is the A1C that was 8.9 and the highest ever for me on Dec. 16th to 6.2 yesterday. That result was just put on MyChart of UWHealth. That and the 14#’s lost in the last 6 weeks are making me a happier Tom.

Watching the carbs has really changed my eating habits, 40-60 carbs for each of breakfast and lunch and 50-70 carb limits for dinner. When we get back I have an appointment with the Diabetic Diet Specialist who previously mentioned to me, first control the carbs, then we will handle the calories and sugar. I have gone from the occasional yoplait lite yogurt to zero sugar, 50 calories and 5 carbs of Cobani Greek yogurt. That is breakfast along with canola 4 days a week. I just know dropping the diet sodas are next!

Happier Tom
 
D&J RailRoad said:
Today, I'll go meet with the County Board of Equalizations to contest the 48% increase in my property tax.
The basic approach: Nobody gets a 48% increase in pay and the county needs to live within the constraints that the citizens have.
I'll be preparing some effigies of the Board of Supervisors in the event they laugh me out of the board room.
Their concept that, someone will always own the property so they will get their money, isn't going to stand.
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48% increase is outlandish. Mine went up 11% in 2021 and I lost the protest. The adjuster pointed out that his predecessor did not keep up with appraisals and over 12 years the valuation went up. Not that it mattered to me, as the State of Texas has most property taxes frozen when the owner reaches 65 years of age. So while the value went up, my taxes did not go up. It will only affect the next owner.
 
KEN - Glad that you were able to extract "some" relief on the valuation.
For some reason I thought that VA was a more conservative state than it has appeared to be of lately? With the school issues and all lately, it appears that I am mistaken?

Patrick - Lots of luck with the dandelions! I even have to fight them out here. What is worse is that the gardener, who mows many yards spreads "devil grass" (bermuda back home) seeds which has taken over half of my yard. There seems to be no cure to get rid of it other than new sod after 8-10 years. Then it will come back slowly again.
I laughed about your power cords in a box - so true!

LEE, DAVE, and WILLIE - Very nice photos - Me likey!

Well - they say that when life gives you Lemons that you make Lemonade!
I just wish that I liked Lemonade ....
A tree in my yard!
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Good afternoon, all! A beautiful day, temps in the low 70's and sunny.
Made a curbside at the grocery for stuff needed this weekend's family gathering. (a first since Dec. 2019)
The weather prompted me to get outside and do some of the chores I needed done before the hot weather sets in. I purchased a pneumatic stapler and it sure made some repairs quick and easy.
No train time today.

STAY SAFE
LATER
 
TLOC said:
Celebration time. Lab results from yesterday at 11am are posted and 12 of the 13 tests are within normal ranges. Those 12 results posted last night.

The exception is the A1C that was 8.9 and the highest ever for me on Dec. 16th to 6.2 yesterday. That result was just put on MyChart of UWHealth. That and the 14#’s lost in the last 6 weeks are making me a happier Tom.

Watching the carbs has really changed my eating habits, 40-60 carbs for each of breakfast and lunch and 50-70 carb limits for dinner. When we get back I have an appointment with the Diabetic Diet Specialist who previously mentioned to me, first control the carbs, then we will handle the calories and sugar. I have gone from the occasional yoplait lite yogurt to zero sugar, 50 calories and 5 carbs of Cobani Greek yogurt. That is breakfast along with canola 4 days a week. I just know dropping the diet sodas are next!

Happier Tom
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Wow! Congratulations on the A1C and weight loss! Great accomplishments!
 
Sirfoldalot said:
For some reason I thought that VA was a more conservative state than it has appeared to be of lately? With the school issues and all lately, it appears that I am mistaken?
Click to expand...
Sherrel: It doesn't matter where you live, tax assessments will follow property values, so even in states where the rates are low, it will result in a budget busting tax increase. I appealed my assessment once, a few years ago, and proved my point. they lowered my assessment and taxes that year. in advance of the next year,they sent an appraiser out who physically examined the property. My assessment went down 25%. His work sheet, based on what the builder submitted when he received the permit, showed an additional bedroom, a fireplace,a finished basement, with additional living space that was never part of the property. He corrected the work sheet, and the following year, the assessment went down further. Rates here are still ridiculous, like in Cali, but...once the assessment worksheet was corrected, I pay less. With annual assessment, based on market value, it's easier to track the accuracy of the assessment.

Curt: Nice!
 
McLeod said:
Good Morning!

I enjoyed that; it put a smile on my face!

Now I need to find a home for my beloved old leather couch that is barely showing it's age. I've taken many-ah relaxing, genius generating nap on that old couch. I'm very sad, indeed, to see it have to go. - But, I did open my big mouth and say the wife could have the living room to do whatever she wanted in.
The over-priced new couch set she picked out was made in China 😞.
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Guy- that’s why when I get a new recliner(currently using a hand-me-down sofa that the in-laws had in their cabin from Up North), I will be sure to get a made in the good ole USA, preferably Marshfield brand, since that’s built right here in town(at W 9th St & S Chestnut Ave).
Lester(& everyone else who has served)- thank you for your service to this great nation & our allies.
TomO- prayers & well wishes for a safe & enjoyable trip with YOH & son, as well as s safe return journey. Great news on getting some lbs off & that awesome A1C drop. I hope you’re not trying to insinuate that you’re somehow normal. Normal is a city in Illinois(near Bloomington).
😂😂
That’s one of my biggest struggles. The wife is type 1 & needs a certain amount of carbs, so that her bs doesn’t crash(it dropped under 50 last night). I have issues avoiding the carbs, while making sure she gets enough carbs so that she doesn’t bottom out. I think I’m going to have to start making different meals, so that she gets the carbs she needs, while I get the high protein/high fat/low carb content that I should be eating. My A1C was north of 8, back in November. I need to get it down, before I see my PCP in 2 weeks.
Sherrell- thoughts & prayers for your MIL & your family. As others have said, I pray that she passes away peacefully.
Louis- now that you mentioned Lemmy- hopefully you & the rest of the fellas in this group(especially those of us 50+, which that seems to be most of us) routinely get that PSA & DRE done at least on an annual basis. I’ve been getting mine checked & it’s been holding steady in the 1.1-1.4 range for about 3-4 years now. That was one of the reasons why I switched PCP(same office). The previous one, i had to fight with him to get that done annually(family history- Dad got it at age 49, and passed away a lil over 2 years later).
 
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Tom O- when Aspirus referred me to UW Neurology a few years back(they did not have any neurologist at the time- just a couple PAs), I ended up with one who was originally from my old neck of the woods in South Jersey. She was from Haddonfield & I went to grade school there for a few years(1st- 3rd grade). Friends school, because I wasn’t being challenged(therefore not focused enough) in public school. I was already going to first grade class for reading & math when I was in kindergarten. Switched back to public for 4th because the parental units’ financial situation had changed. Dad left his fulltime job to enroll as a fulltime college student at the local community college & worked part-time nights/weekends & Mom went back to work fulltime & worked part time evenings for a few years.
 
Good morning Everybody!

Yesterday my wife had jury duty. She watched 4 movies as she waited and waited.
Thankfully she was not called to serve for a trial of his time.
I guess there is a little upside in not prosecuting people. 😮

I spent the day as our accountant. I'm still recording last years transactions.
My late sister was a CPA. She worked as a comptroller for the state of Maryland.
In addition my sister had her own clients. I respect her dedication.
I could never sit at a desk all day every day. I don't care how much the pay!

I confirmed we made over $40000 working part-time for Amazon.
Not bad to be paid for my physical therapy. Beats sitting at a desk all day!
It pays to cherry pick when we work.
Amazon is still getting people to work for $18/hour as contractors, not me. We often make up to ten times that amount.
Amazon will pay extremely high rates, but only when they are desperate. Early mornings at least 2-4 times a week.
Amazon has changed drastically in over 5 years. Thank God for same day delivery.
Add that to our primary work, consulting, sales and other services, the IRS will be happy.
We still have to file and pay our income tax. We will pay our due, but not until April 15th.

Property tax... I don't like to think of it.
Baltimore city has the highest property tax rate in the state of Maryland.
In addition as a business Baltimore city charges us property tax on our inventory and equipment.
That is the price we pay to be centrally located, but that saves lots of fuel and fees.

On the bright side, Maryland has approved a thirty day gas tax Holiday!

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's."

We have no real reasons to complain, we are doing well, thank God.

Have a great day Everybody!

God Bless Us Everyone
 
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