Running Bear's December 2022 Coffee Shop

[logandsawman]

Good morning all from the show blanketed northland, currently 22F and cloudy, snowing; looks like we received about 22 inches since Wednesday and it is supposed to be light snow till noon.

I have been doing lots of shoveling. Snow too dense for the snowbloweer, however it may work today cause temps have cooled off and snow more fluffy

Did a some work on my layout with the 3 days off otherwise it was mostly outdoor exercise. Patched things up with the Wife yesterday she is 67 and we have been collecting her SS for a couple years, it does help as long as it isn't spent on household decorations.

Curt - nice shot of the loco shed

Troy - hope the mucus escapes soon, you need a bigger weapon. I think your layout is fine you do well on your own, in fact it is almost a mirror image of my old HO folded dogbone.

Patrick - sounds like the garage may be a deal breaker





This morning our side yard, I had to rearrange the lights looks better for real,

KEN - alert, multiple pictures ahead

here is the more familiar view of the yard



many trees weighted down by snow

The train pic gets to be full sized. We had the lift out removed and got this angle,

lastly a wierd pic where the camera focused on the background. One of my MOW vehicles



time to get shoveling some more

Dave LASM

 

[santafewillie]

I'd be more worried about what part of my body needs to be shaved?

That's Angioplasty. Angiography is just injected dye and some type of scanner.

 

[TLOC]

I'm beginning to hate this Low Salt, Low Fat diet I'm on....everything I like is on the verboten list.

You will find your way. Diets are tough unless you really own them. I am on the low card thing for my diabetes and almost a year later (January) I feel so much better.

I did what my Endocrinologist suggested but I also use a Clinical Nutritionist who helps guide me

best to you

 

[Smudge617]

That's Angioplasty. Angiography is just injected dye and some type of scanner.

oops, edited the post, thanks

 

[TLOC]

My daughters were always distracted by clothing stores. I used to bring a newspaper with me and find a place to sit. These days there is no reason to bring the newspaper. Another advantage to having a smart phone in our pocket.

Thanks for the details and photos of your trip, I'm enjoying them!

My daughter takes after her Aunt, my sister. Thankfully Terry was never the shopper my sister and my daughter are. Terry clothes shops like I do, go in and find what I want, try it on, buy it or not, then move on. My daughter still ticks off her hubby with her shopping. I suggested before they were even engaged to get used to it, or let her shop alone.

 

[TLOC]

One of my daughters told me "I don't know of any kids who have what they have". I replied, "I never knew of two better teenagers" and said no more, my wife was proud of me.

My boys are outstanding people. Even their teachers say so! They are great students, thoughtful of others, in no way selfish and so much more.

I want to tell my daughters to "go to church every day and thank God for those wonderful boys" I was a teenage boy once. I know the alternative.

I may not go to church, but I do thank God every day for all the wonderful gifts in my life.

I'm not spoiling them, I'm rewarding them! If they stay near the top of Santa's nice list, I will continue to reward them!

My ranting is over, I feel relieved, thank you for tolerating me.

You are acting like a grandfather should. It’s tough though to keep quiet at times, I know.

 

[TLOC]

Morning

Cold morning and supposed to get colder this next week, just in time for Christmas. Temps of 12° for Friday.

The small 2 bedroom house beside the kids is up for sale. Owner bought it a couple of months before the boy got the larger one next door. It touches both kids yards. It has the wife thinking about going smaller. We have enough equity to cover it if we could sell the current house. But the oversize 3 car garage becomes a narrow 1950's single car, and no basement. Watching the market, houses aren't moving and we just moved the potential down payment funds into a CD. Either way, I have some rooms to repaint...

Do you or don’t you? Always the tough question on housing especially if you have left 55 behind you. You could always enlarge a garage or convert to livable space. If the yard is big enough and accessible garages are not that expensive. Between the grandkids would be sweet IMO.

 

[TLOC]

This year was a little rough but nothing like the bath I took at the tail end of Bush 2.0's administration. The handy dandy retirement planner that's on the website where most of my 401K funds are says I'm still on track. Remember, until you sell, it's only a paper loss. High risk plans did suffer, but if your financial planner is worth his/her salt you should be in the right places. Those high risk plans are for youngsters who are willing to take higher risks for more rapid gains. If they eat the big one, they still have time to recover being the theory. I've been working with Edward Jones for a good while now. They have done me a good job. They have everything up until 2017. The current employer's outfit has everything from 2017-present. Their retirement planner says the same thing as the Edward Jones software looking at my total portfolio. I decided to stay on at work for another year. Partly because of the market dip and not wanting to retire in a bear market, and partly because since I'm a key man the company sweetened the pot to where I couldn't say no. Plus the wife is three years younger than me. Not exactly robbing the cradle but there are financial ramifications. I want her on Medicare before I pull the pin. Funny that this is all so far in your future when you start out, then suddenly its right in front of you!

My wife is a year older and for many years out earned me. But the last 21 years at work, we never spent one penny of my income and it greatly increased our savings. That is also the point my regular income really started to be go beyond hers. She retired at 56, 6 years sooner then me in our day jobs. This gave her much insight to our investments and it’s also when we left Edward Jones who we do highly recommend to anybody trying to save. She has handled them very successfully these last 15 years.

Many folks don’t really understand IMO what it takes financially to retire. Inflation and insurance though are the toughest unknowns. I am a true believer in retiring when you feel comfortable enough to retire. I have heard that at work, you’ll know when it’s time to get out. I knew it was time. Unfortunately for many that time doesn’t always coincide with financial reality.

 

[TLOC]

Good morning to all. Cold in my part of Wisconsin,

I feel very lost without my safe and fun space. My hobby room is spotlessly empty. The daughter will be here today to paint all the walls to cover my backdrop hills and trees. Thankfully for a few more days I have the paper mill commission out in the garage to finish detailing and continous testing of the track. It is not a complicated track arrangement, very simple really. But it should with no problem keep a crew of 2 busy for 30 minutes up to 1 hour. That was the goal of the owner, 30 minutes. It definitely does that. He will be in the area tomorrow and will stop by to check it out. The easy push I made over the last 8 days has me at least a week early for delivery. But, he has been requesting additional things not part of the original price that now if he wants I will have time to do. Terry wants me to add trees to the neighborhood end of the layout just to reduce so many of the trees I took off my layout. She says just do it and he’ll be happy. I will run it by him tomorrow. Here is the plan that really ended up being fairly close to the product I have. 30” x 88”

Enjoy the day

 

[Boris]

That's Angioplasty. Angiography is just injected dye and some type of scanner.

Yeah, and I believe that I'm really having an Angioplasty...the generic instruction sheet used the other procedure.

Throughout the summer, I was fine, although maybe a step slower, and having some leg pain. I went through a whole battery of tests in June, which indicated I was OK. I had my "annual" Echo-C in the early fall, which was pretty much status quo. In the fall I started doctoring for lower back pain, and learned I had 3 displaced lumbar vertebrae. Opted for injections, while I thought about surgery. Went to a Pain Management Dr, the Monday before thanksgiving...they were supposed to verify Medicare coverage and call me to schedule. Sunday, after Thanksgiving, started to feel sick...Monday something hit me like a pallet of bricks.. went to the hospital ER on Wednesday, went through a battery of tests and probes, and was admitted...I tested positive for the Flu. (Had a flu shot on October 4), Was in the hospital seven days, then followed up with my care team six and 10 days after release. Cardiologist noticed a change based on the hospital echo, vs the previous one....creating the situation.

If this goes well, as I anticipate, after the new year, I will have to deal with the vertebrae, (3 lumbar, i cervical), and a knee replacement....

Weight: Starting sometime in late summer or early fall, my weight inexplicity increased from about 182 to 202. Since the "flu" it has dropped to 172.
I imagine much is due to the "water" pills and Lasix infusions, as well as the new beta blocker. The low salt contributes. I'm wondering how much lower it will go...(I have to fast from midnight ahead of the procedure). My current BMI is 24.0, which according to the NIH is barely in the high end of "Normal" weight for my height. Have to check with the DRs on this. I am eating a normal breakfast, lunch and dinner.

BTW, the pain management people never contacted me about scheduling until the morning after I was discharged from the hospital. By that time, the spine had decompressed from laying flat on my back, and I declined to continue, for now.

For the first time, I am realizing that I am old....FWIW.

 

[NYC_George]

I have heard that at work, you’ll know when it’s time to get out.

So true. I posted this a while ago. Around 2005 a 4X4 fell from the concrete framing hitting square on my hardhat. I thought, Thank God for my hart hat. Then in to 2008 a 2 X 4 fell from the concrete structure in the photo below hitting my hardhat again perfectly. I said it's time to go the next time it may hit my shoulder or something ruining my retirement golf days I had ahead. I already had all my years in for my union pension, my annuity, my railroad pension for the years I worked there. No more union dues, gas driving to work, lunches, parking $8.00 a day. You save a lot of money just by not going to work.
Swal

 

[santafewillie]

Yeah, and I believe that I'm really having an Angioplasty...the generic instruction sheet used the other procedure.

Throughout the summer, I was fine, although maybe a step slower, and having some leg pain. I went through a whole battery of tests in June, which indicated I was OK. I had my "annual" Echo-C in the early fall, which was pretty much status quo. In the fall I started doctoring for lower back pain, and learned I had 3 displaced lumbar vertebrae. Opted for injections, while I thought about surgery. Went to a Pain Management Dr, the Monday before thanksgiving...they were supposed to verify Medicare coverage and call me to schedule. Sunday, after Thanksgiving, started to feel sick...Monday something hit me like a pallet of bricks.. went to the hospital ER on Wednesday, went through a battery of tests and probes, and was admitted...I tested positive for the Flu. (Had a flu shot on October 4), Was in the hospital seven days, then followed up with my care team six and 10 days after release. Cardiologist noticed a change based on the hospital echo, vs the previous one....creating the situation.

If this goes well, as I anticipate, after the new year, I will have to deal with the vertebrae, (3 lumbar, i cervical), and a knee replacement....

Weight: Starting sometime in late summer or early fall, my weight inexplicity increased from about 182 to 202. Since the "flu" it has dropped to 172.
I imagine much is due to the "water" pills and Lasix infusions, as well as the new beta blocker. The low salt contributes. I'm wondering how much lower it will go...(I have to fast from midnight ahead of the procedure). My current BMI is 24.0, which according to the NIH is barely in the high end of "Normal" weight for my height. Have to check with the DRs on this. I am eating a normal breakfast, lunch and dinner.

BTW, the pain management people never contacted me about scheduling until the morning after I was discharged from the hospital. By that time, the spine had decompressed from laying flat on my back, and I declined to continue, for now.

For the first time, I am realizing that I am old....FWIW.

Yep! Angioplasty is surgical, but it turned out that it wasn't a big deal for me. And I hate doctors and hospitals to begin with. I was extremely apprehensive to start with, but the hospital staff turned out to be great. Mine was on June 1 this year. Fasting from midnight wasn't any problem, the procedure started at 6:00 am. Started with the shave, then the IV for the anesthesiologist. You're semi-conscious for the actual procedure and a talkative nurse was present. I never actually saw my cardiologist or his assistant although I heard them talking without understanding what they were saying. There was a curtain of some sort between my upper torso and groin area. Never felt a thing. They inserted a stent and that was it. I was supposed to leave 11 hours later, but for me it ended up being 15 hours because my BP remained too high. I still have high BP, but it is heredity, and not blockage. Losing 25 more pounds would help a bit, but eating is my second favorite hobby.

 

[Boris]

Yep! Angioplasty is surgical, but it turned out that it wasn't a big deal for me. And I hate doctors and hospitals to begin with. I was extremely apprehensive to start with, but the hospital staff turned out to be great. Mine was on June 1 this year. Fasting from midnight wasn't any problem, the procedure started at 6:00 am. Started with the shave, then the IV for the anesthesiologist. You're semi-conscious for the actual procedure and a talkative nurse was present. I never actually saw my cardiologist or his assistant although I heard them talking without understanding what they were saying. There was a curtain of some sort between my upper torso and groin area. Never felt a thing. They inserted a stent and that was it. I was supposed to leave 11 hours later, but for me it ended up being 15 hours because my BP remained too high. I still have high BP, but it is heredity, and not blockage. Losing 25 more pounds would help a bit, but eating is my second favorite hobby.

Thought you had one, here the plan is I get released after the procedure / recovery unless a stent is inserted, then they hold you overnight. Hell yes, I'm apprehensive. This sort of came up suddenly. Truthfully, I was more focused on the spinal issues. The sciatica really bothered me while it was flaring. Since, I had all the recommended shots, the flu was a complete surprise. It really knocked me on my butt. No warning.

 

[NYC_George]

And I hate doctors and hospitals to begin with.

Me too. My wife was discharged a few days ago. They sent all her electronic drug submissions to the pharmacy. I noticed the pain pills proscription didn't get filled. I asked the drug store why. They said, because the electronic proscription for the pain pills didn't come through for that drug. So, I called the rehabilitation center, and they told me she no longer a patient we have nothing do with her anymore. I said resend the pain pills proscription. They said, that's out of our hands now. Make an appointment with her doctor. How about correcting your mistake and resending the proscription. I'll be calling the owner come Monday.
Swal

 

[TLOC]

Yep! Angioplasty is surgical, but it turned out that it wasn't a big deal for me. And I hate doctors and hospitals to begin with. I was extremely apprehensive to start with, but the hospital staff turned out to be great. Mine was on June 1 this year. Fasting from midnight wasn't any problem, the procedure started at 6:00 am. Started with the shave, then the IV for the anesthesiologist. You're semi-conscious for the actual procedure and a talkative nurse was present. I never actually saw my cardiologist or his assistant although I heard them talking without understanding what they were saying. There was a curtain of some sort between my upper torso and groin area. Never felt a thing. They inserted a stent and that was it. I was supposed to leave 11 hours later, but for me it ended up being 15 hours because my BP remained too high. I still have high BP, but it is heredity, and not blockage. Losing 25 more pounds would help a bit, but eating is my second favorite hobby.

Trains are third then?

 

[Smudge617]

Thought you had one, here the plan is I get released after the procedure / recovery unless a stent is inserted, then they hold you overnight. Hell yes, I'm apprehensive. This sort of came up suddenly. Truthfully, I was more focused on the spinal issues. The sciatica really bothered me while it was flaring. Since, I had all the recommended shots, the flu was a complete surprise. It really knocked me on my butt. No warning.

Ok, so you may have to have an Angioplasty, but until you do the Angiography, their not sure you will need one, so yes I can understand your being apprehensive.

As far as the Angioplasty goes, both santafewillie and myself have had this done, mine whilst in the middle of having a heart attack, so that was no fun, but it was quickly over, I didn't even know the Dr had inserted the stent and was finished till the nurse told me I could get up and walk to the ward, so if you have to have one, believe me you really don't need to worry about it, they carry out that kind of op several hundred time a year.

 

[TLOC]

Yep! Angioplasty is surgical, but it turned out that it wasn't a big deal for me. And I hate doctors and hospitals to begin with. I was extremely apprehensive to start with, but the hospital staff turned out to be great. Mine was on June 1 this year. Fasting from midnight wasn't any problem, the procedure started at 6:00 am. Started with the shave, then the IV for the anesthesiologist. You're semi-conscious for the actual procedure and a talkative nurse was present. I never actually saw my cardiologist or his assistant although I heard them talking without understanding what they were saying. There was a curtain of some sort between my upper torso and groin area. Never felt a thing. They inserted a stent and that was it. I was supposed to leave 11 hours later, but for me it ended up being 15 hours because my BP remained too high. I still have high BP, but it is heredity, and not blockage. Losing 25 more pounds would help a bit, but eating is my second favorite hobby.

Other then the stent my Angioplasty went the same way. I never got a stent and thankfully no blockage.

 

[TLOC]

So true. I posted this a while ago. Around 2005 a 4X4 fell from the concrete framing hitting square on my hardhat. I thought, Thank God for my hart hat. Then in to 2008 a 2 X 4 fell from the concrete structure in the photo below hitting my hardhat again perfectly. I said it's time to go the next time it may hit my shoulder or something ruining my retirement golf days I had ahead. I already had all my years in for my union pension, my annuity, my railroad pension for the years I worked there. No more union dues, gas driving to work, lunches, parking $8.00 a day. You save a lot of money just by not going to work.
Swal

View attachment 157878

Yep, those were definite indicators you knew it was time to get out.

For the first 19 of the 21 years I worked at the last job I loved it. Couldn’t wait to get going. The month I turned 62, I got out. I only waited till 62 for Social Security to kick in. SS is my monthly allowance

 

[ctclibby]

Good Morning All!
25F and snowing ... again.

Yesterday I was not a bad as I could have been. Hit a couple of bars for dem free drinks, and got some from Wife and Daughter's squeeze. Didn't find the DSO at the VFW, so I will give him a call come Monday. Was home before 1500. Dinner was excellent if I say so myself. Meat was not quite as rare as I like so, will do that different next time. This time - in 500 degree oven for 15 minutes, crank oven down to 300 and I let it go for about an hour. Next time - either lower 2nd temp, or less time after the 500 degree stuff. I suppose that I could put a thermometer in it to check too.

Ordered some people - got the 1st 300 yesterday. These are half assed painted and only 6 different poses so I suspect that they will be good for general background stuff. Also think I can modify the pose using a sharp point soldering iron close to what I want to bend/form. The next 600 are supposed to be in sometime before the 1st of Jan. We will see. Still going to have to tiny paint, probably on most of them.

Looks like just about everything got delayed; Amazon, eBay and TLOC. Most of the stuff is stuck in either Cheyenne or Sheridan. Have a couple of RS-3's custom painted for Pacific Great Eastern, Lens and adapter from Amazon, and cars from Tom.

Y'all be good!

Later

 

[Smudge617]

In RR related news.

You may remember in October I bought a Broadway CP SD40-2, nice loco, couple of minor issues, ran very slowly even at full throttle and had tension locks rather that knuckle or Kadee couplings, but nothing serious, or rather that's what I thought.

I thought the previous owner had swapped out the original couplings for NEM pockets, (that's the method I would've used) nope this guy had cut down two Bachmann couplings and had seriously and I mean seriously, glued them into the plastic body, after an hour scraping off the excess glue and pretty much getting nowhere near removing the tension lock I resorted to more aggressive measure's.

I've drilled it out!!

Luckily I'd bought a mini usb electric drill, useless for most types of drilling, but for doing small pilot holes in freight cars or structure kits for wiring etc. ideal, so, three hours later, I've removed ONE tension lock, and correctly fitted a #5 Kadee, all without damaging the bodyshell.

I'm now going to make a mug of tea, that's after giving myself a pat on the back of course.