Running Bear's August 2022 Coffee Shop

[ctclibby]

Kinda hard to believe that far from Williston, since it is just about the westernmost town in North Dakota. The Montana and Idaho people working in the Bakken oilfield were driving or riding as far as I was to get to work. No wonder we were all worn out all the time.

My first few months working out of Williston they gave us a "field" day to prep before going to the well site. That usually meant a day to rest up from our long journeys before we went fracking. After things tightened up, we lost the field day, then the well bonuses, then they cut hours. Glad those days are behind me.

Dave

Ya, hiway 2 in MT is 667 miles, West to East border. I90 and I94 are close to the same although more crooked.
We were running Copper Creek Espresso when the fields fired up and we lost all those kids that were buying breakfast burritos and espresso. We even bought a 40ft toy hauler and went and checked out Williston ( and other local places ) for a place to sit it and sell stuff. Boy, that was a can o worms. We could not prepare hot breakfast burritos on site without a foundation. We are talking edge foundation, and did not have to have a cement floor. We could sell frozen stuff though. Just for giggles and grins we found a contractor that could build said foundation, and we got a pretty good laugh. $50,000 up front with a 2 year down the road build time. Of course I could not build anything without all the"special" permits and licenses. Geesh, we are talking a cement foundation!

 

[logandsawman]

Well, 2 more messages and a phone call, then a text about voting for a county commissioner candidate in a county 150 miles away...Nothing like vote once and often in many jurisdictions... I figure he's using one of the amendment lists and not paying attention. I just wish I could sue them for the no call list violations. They are actually worse than the car warranty.

My wife has experienced a rash of robo calls lately, after a brief pause.

Hers are mainly the car warranty ones.

I get unwanted emails hawking life insurance. I got two per day for a week, always 5-6 pm. I started blocking them after Google got how to do it, still took several days before they quit.

 

[PRR Modeler]

Afternoon All,

Got another inch of rain last night from thunderstorms passing across the peninsula. Started out painting 5 new pieces of fascia and mounting them to the right "wing" of the layout. After some errands I finished up the 5 coal hoppers and placed them on the layout. Tomorrow we need to put Dad's car in the shop for a oil change and alignment. He flies back in on Monday. After that I think I will just run trains for awhile (something different and maybe a mini ops session.

Chet- The club photos look great but that's way too many people around the layout IMO.

Gary- Beautiful scenery.

TomO- I hope you get the issue resolved quickly.

Willie- The flat will give some nice depth to the scene.

Hughie- Gas here is $3.75-3.85. Great photo. Does the RR crossing flash? I know you can't catch that in a photo.



The coal load is WS Mine Run Coal


I hope everyone has a good night.

 

[TLOC]

Morning all. Yep, still hot and humid. Flo, a couple over easy and some bacon and coffee.

Yesterday we bathed the dog. Poo guy as some really bad dry skin issues. The vet has us bathing him twice a week. After the bath I got the yard mowed and edged. I'm being optimistic that we will get some rain later this week. Today is grocery safari day.

At last check, gas was $3.32

Patrick - At least your calls and texts are for your area. In the last March Primary that Willie mentioned I was getting voice mails and text messages to vote for person in a different county, one I'm not even eligible to vote in. Now Beto wants to talk to me from time to time.
Jeff - Onion pie sounds good. I may give it a try.
Guy - Happy fishing.
Gary - Those are some awesome photos.
TomO - How does one hack something that is off grid. Doesn't off grid mean not connected to the outside world?
Willie - I liked your wooden road crossings. I have a few rural crossings that I might try your method on.

I did manage some switching time. For a change I placed the 12 cars used for switching on the in-bound track at Apple Ridge as the start of operations. Then rolled the die, and placed cars accordingly. Took about an hour and a half.
An archive pic
View attachment 149581

STAY SAFE
LATER

The Internet fiber line is hooked up so yes technically we are on grid. But there is no power connection

Seriously though after I hung up from the Electrical contractor I called the County Sheriffs department. They sent someone out while the contractor and his specialist were here. Contractor almost had a heart attack when the Deputy showed up. If I was hacked it is against the law and while the Sheriff’s department may not be of much help he said they have other contacts in Law Enforcement. He took the computer as evidence as the contractor was replacing it with a clean one, (I hope but also have a nagging fear). Those little nagging things have been great to me

over the years. Dad always said, “trust your gut”.

After the Deputy left the “specialist” said he needed 1-2 hours to get everything going again. The boss then left. So Terry and I took drive which included a ferry across Lake Wisconsin on our way to breakfast 45 miles away.

Then we walked around old downtown Portage, Wi and currently I am resting at a bench along the Wisconsin River. Another old business district that reminds me of the Cornerstone of buildings series from Walthers

 

[TLOC]

TomO: I will be really interested on the "you got hacked" part. What is the computer that runs the house? I assume that the wifi connections to the house devices are secure? WPA and not WEP? Any other computers in house effected?
Later

Todd, we are interested as well. The house computer is a Apple Mac Mini. It only looks over the house info network which includes the power functions, the heat pumps, 3 powerwalls, the wind turbines, solar panels and the HVAC systems both for the house and stable. It has its own WiFi network and we thought it was reasonably secur. We have had hardware issues in the past year so there have been a few eyes and hands working that computer. It also can be remotely serviced by the solar specialist’s office at the Electrical Contractor’s business. That ended this morning!

I did call the police and the County sent out a Deputy who specializes in Cyber crime but that is more like credit card theft. He said he has contacts that he will have help him. He took the Mini.

We are out site seeing and only the “specialist” is at the house now.

I never thought to check any other devices at home. A couple IPhones, a couple IPadPro, the grandkids Kindles and Terry has a IMac something in her office that cost 3 arms and a few legs. None of those can communicate with the house system but I will double check everything when we get home.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Good News - Bad News Department!
The house purchase has sort of fallen through ... bad for the Wife, good for me.
(I like where we are, but she wanted to get into a single story)
Single story homes are at a premium out here of finding a larger one unless you go out of the city and have a bunch of acreage with it priced 1.5 mil up!
I said "sort" because we are first in line if the closing does not go through.
I can't get an answer as to why the seller accepted the first offer only because we had placed a bid to allow us a "bump-up" in price as long as it did not jump too much - and we did not receive a request to increase our offer? I think it was because the buyer made a cash offer which may have been higher or lower?

In the bad news department - The vascular doctor has informed me that the C-scan disclosed another fairly large aneurysm that he said should be fixed quickly - as in 4-8 weeks. I have a pre opt on the 17th - no date set for surgery. I'm somewhat concerned as I was told that there is a minimal risk of losing use of my legs and that is frightening to me! I know, I know that they should make you aware, but it is still bothersome?

Seems there was more, but maybe at a later time?
Later, Gang!

 

[BigGRacing]

Gorgeous pictures Gary.

It’s too bad Terry and I have so many places in the USA yet to visit. Canada has always been a favorite of mine and I loved both Ottawa and Montreal. But we need to see stuff here before venturing North.

That’s what my grandmother told me, so many beautiful places to see in our own countries !

We just got back home, started with a great breakfast, Jaz really wanted me having sugar so I had French toast and Charlene had Avacado toast.

Then on to Port Royal

Some railroad history again

and then as Willie knows, Lobster poutine and blueberry ale for lunch watching the highest tides in the world rush up river. Willie, I hope you can see the lobster…..lol

It was another great day !

SirFoldaLot, hang tough my friend, my brother in law has aneurisms as well.

 

[JeffH]

Sorry for the bad news, Sherrel.

I'll pray for you and your doctor!

 

[chadbag]

We just got back home, started with a great breakfast, Jaz really wanted me having sugar so I had French toast and Charlene had Avacado toast.

Not sure how you could eat that, with it looking forlornly up at you with those "puppy eyes" trying to blow you a kiss.

(Looks great otherwise!)

 

[logandsawman]

Good News - Bad News Department!
The house purchase has sort of fallen through ... bad for the Wife, good for me.
(I like where we are, but she wanted to get into a single story)
Single story homes are at a premium out here of finding a larger one unless you go out of the city and have a bunch of acreage with it priced 1.5 mil up!
I said "sort" because we are first in line if the closing does not go through.
I can't get an answer as to why the seller accepted the first offer only because we had placed a bid to allow us a "bump-up" in price as long as it did not jump too much - and we did not receive a request to increase our offer? I think it was because the buyer made a cash offer which may have been higher or lower?

In the bad news department - The vascular doctor has informed me that the C-scan disclosed another fairly large aneurysm that he said should be fixed quickly - as in 4-8 weeks. I have a pre opt on the 17th - no date set for surgery. I'm somewhat concerned as I was told that there is a minimal risk of losing use of my legs and that is frightening to me! I know, I know that they should make you aware, but it is still bothersome?

Seems there was more, but maybe at a later time?
Later, Gang!

Your wife must have tons of energy to propose moving. We moved 7 times in 6 years and it will take an act of congress or a nuclear war to get us to move again, both me and wife have had enough of moving. And I am a spring chick at 64 years young. The final move was our idea, all the intermediate ones hinged on outside circumstances.

I hope and pray the aneurysm will not become a big problem.

Dave

 

[MikeInHubCity]

The Internet fiber line is hooked up so yes technically we are on grid. But there is no power connection

Seriously though after I hung up from the Electrical contractor I called the County Sheriffs department. They sent someone out while the contractor and his specialist were here. Contractor almost had a heart attack when the Deputy showed up. If I was hacked it is against the law and while the Sheriff’s department may not be of much help he said they have other contacts in Law Enforcement. He took the computer as evidence as the contractor was replacing it with a clean one, (I hope but also have a nagging fear). Those little nagging things have been great to me View attachment 149584View attachment 149585View attachment 149586View attachment 149587over the years. Dad always said, “trust your gut”.

After the Deputy left the “specialist” said he needed 1-2 hours to get everything going again. The boss then left. So Terry and I took drive which included a ferry across Lake Wisconsin on our way to breakfast 45 miles away.

Then we walked around old downtown Portage, Wi and currently I am resting at a bench along the Wisconsin River. Another old business district that reminds me of the Cornerstone of buildings series from Walthers

The Internet fiber line is hooked up so yes technically we are on grid. But there is no power connection

Seriously though after I hung up from the Electrical contractor I called the County Sheriffs department. They sent someone out while the contractor and his specialist were here. Contractor almost had a heart attack when the Deputy showed up. If I was hacked it is against the law and while the Sheriff’s department may not be of much help he said they have other contacts in Law Enforcement. He took the computer as evidence as the contractor was replacing it with a clean one, (I hope but also have a nagging fear). Those little nagging things have been great to me View attachment 149584View attachment 149585View attachment 149586View attachment 149587over the years. Dad always said, “trust your gut”.

After the Deputy left the “specialist” said he needed 1-2 hours to get everything going again. The boss then left. So Terry and I took drive which included a ferry across Lake Wisconsin on our way to breakfast 45 miles away.

Then we walked around old downtown Portage, Wi and currently I am resting at a bench along the Wisconsin River. Another old business district that reminds me of the Cornerstone of buildings series from Walthers

I could tell that was dt Portage. We go right thru Portage when we go visit MIL’s side of the family in Watertown.

 

[BigGRacing]

Not sure how you could eat that, with it looking forlornly up at you with those "puppy eyes" trying to blow you a kiss.

(Looks great otherwise!)

LOL….one bite at a time…

 

[Patrick]

Afternoon all,

Got one from a "Congressman" . He's a liar as he's a one termer as he lost his seat in the primary, due to being kicked off the Agriculture committee that was the primary reason he was elected in the first place. He was more into rablerousing than doing his job. He's been out of office at least 8 years.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Something you don't see everyday?

 

[chadbag]

Regarding spam political texts:

I got an interesting one a week or two ago. It came from an AZ number supporting a candidate from AZ (and I am not in AZ). It was addressed to a name other than mine. What is interesting is that my brother DOES live in Arizona and the name it was addressed to is his first name, though not the name he goes by. I surmise they somehow linked my telephone number with his voter registration (he is, sadly, registered for "the other guys"). The guy who sent the text identified himself by name and as someone representing that candidate's campaign. I replied to the text, asking how he could support the disgusting policies of that candidate and party. (I went into more detail with him). I did finally get one reply apologizing for bothering me and pointing me to the candidates website if I ever thought I would be interested in supporting him.

I've continued intermittently to text him back, by name, and poke him about the various disgusting policie, and saying that by his silence he is confirming his support for them, etc. I'll keep texting him off and on. After all, he thought it ok to spam me, so it must be ok for me to spam him.

It won't do any good but gives me a chuckle now and then.

 

[Texas Hobo]

Hughie- Gas here is $3.75-3.85. Great photo. Does the RR crossing flash? I know you can't catch that in a photo.

Yes sir, it flashes. I have to of them.

 

[Bonita Grand Central]

Good morning!

I had a very productive Saturday. The weather was beautiful here in Central Ohio, and I got a lot of yard work done. I have a 4-gallon backpack weed sprayer, and went through about 10 gallons of total vegetation killer, most of which went on the gravel drive. That took me a couple hours, then I mowed, which takes a good 3.5 hours. So I got done with all of that around 2:00PM and then jumped into the pond and played with the dog for a while.

Then we had burgers, corn on the cob and onion pie for dinner. Lit the burn pile around 9:30, and then had grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream and reduced balsamic vinegar glaze, while listening to classic rock at the bonfire.

Then Sunday, I ran errands and cooked my summer stew... Kielbasa sausage cut up in stewed tomatoes, onion and zucchini... Heavy on the Oregano, with some Basil and Mrs. Dash. It's the only "soup" I can eat when it's hot outside.

I did spend some time on the layout yesterday, coming up with plans for my river scene. It's the only part of my layout without any scenery yet. I'm waiting for cold weather before I actually do any significant work on it, but I am planning and acquiring stuff to build the waterfront area now.

73* and you're waiting for cold weather? It's 8;00 PM here and it's raining and thundering and lightening and it's still 85* If it was 73 here I'd have a sweater on at least. You lucky dogs get to go out and do all those outside gardeny things and here we stay in the house all day like you do in the winter. 97* was the high today. Not as bad as some places but bad enough.
I haven't touched the Bonita Grand Central in two days now because I got interested in going through the posts on this site. Some really nice railroads on here and some great builders too. I like to get ideas from others and this is a great place for that. So for tonight I will peruse all the ideas I can find from all you experts. I've been following Hawkes Junction and thinking about selling my new house for a bigger one. Pete

 

[D&J RailRoad]

dang Sherrel, an aneurism? Seems you would want to stand down from your moderator job with a condition like that.
Well folks, I cancelled my trip west due to my recurring back condition. I left Detroit area yesterday morning about 7am. My leg wasn't feeling to good but I pressed on assuming it would correct itself. Not so. I kept getting worse as though it were asleep. I stopped several times trying to walk the feeling out of it but no dice. I was west of Indianapolis about 40 miles when I had to stop again due to the pain. Decided I just can't continue the trip like this if it's going to get worse, so I turned back east and headed home.
Drove all night and pulled into the driveway at 5am, about 950 miles for the drive.
Called the doc but still no return call.

 

[Jaz avalley]

I'm on a flipping diet and I'm diabetic, and Jazz posts that, I'm rapidly going off that woman,

Okay
what kind of diet
there is always a Keto version we can deal with the no sugar version
you need to investigate erythritol, this comes in sugar sugar version, also comes in icing sugar version,and cones in cooking sugar version.
phwwww calories. Plwwww carbs. Phwwww sugar spikes.
you need eggs, a;Monday flour or coconut flour, fyi coconut flour sucks up more liquid.
you need muffin papers - for portion sizing, no cheating pls.
u can buy montezuma 100 percent cocoa chocolate yes high in calories but strong in taste and low in sugar - hopefully enough even for a diabetic,
I suggest you use 100 percent butter, high calories but

you bake the smallest portion, ie 1 egg you make 4-6 muffins, and you check the calories carefully, and honestly,
this is you evening treat after all other food is consumed, you can cut it in halves or quarters and savour with coffee or tea - use the erythritol for the drink if your a sugar fiend,
the wife guards the rest.l..hehe….or you share and watch each other like hawks, Tescos sell erythritol in these forms, look at their sugar aisle or their Keto aisle….do not be tempted by the brownie mix this is safer. Chocolate will need to be purchased on line,and in hot temperatures they will not send,but worth the wait.
I can do extra photos, of products
but this one is my go to after I got used to the low sugar level but the thankfully strong chocolate taste.

this is a waffle (you can have this) and banana version
there is a Keto and banana pancake version with yogurt, I suggest less yogurt but full cream version, low fat is yucky yucky yucky.bananas are very sugary so go strawberries or blackberries much safer,
IF your diabetic diet can cope.
quality over quantity.

 

[OBTC 1909]

TomO: I used to be a certified digital forensic analyst and worked on computer/network breaches a few times. I haven't done a forensic investigation in 6 years or so. I let my certification expire after I retired from the PD.

It's certainly possible to do a forensic exam and find evidence of a "hack". Given that your Mac was open for remote connections could certainly make that easier. It's also entirely possible that you weren't hacked, so to speak but that the people you trusted with the login credentials to remotely connect to your system were the ones who were actually hacked and your login credentials were stolen from them. Also possible that the bad guys were in your contractors system and then pivoted to yours from theirs. Lots of things that could have happened here.