Running Bear's January 2023 Coffee Shop

[TLOC]

Good chilly morning from a weather confused So. Central Wisconsin. Winter has returned minus the white stuff as ground cover. It is a bit jarring to see green grass in early January but “climate change” is real. 16f degrees now feels like 7. But, the house is warm and the TV is off and that’s all good.

Troy’s message this morning sent me to looking at the news online. The clown driver is a hypocrite as are so many who took a stand against him. That is until he conceded to the opposition in his OWN party. Ah, life in Washington as usual. When we WE the voters learn?

The UW Badger Women hockey ranked #2 in the country are playing at 1PM on campus. 1st time back on campus since the weekend before USA Thanksgiving. They have had 3 weekends of away games in the time though. Time off for holiday break but mainly due to 2 weeks of exams. Students return to campus for classes on the 16th.

I’m still a good boy. No online train purchases yet but I have a few things in the cart at a couple sites. MOW hirail vehicles but I am reluctant to pull the trigger. I have 1 left and if I don’t sell it, I really don’t need the 4 I have in the cart. I mentioned the search is on for Walthers pulp cars. I haven’t seen any in a few weeks and when I sold mine on Thursday I couldn’t find any. So yesterday I checked on EBay. There were 5 in auctions of 3 and 2. But with 11 watching both auctions to end at 3pm yesterday and they were already passed what they are worth I didn’t bid.

Mega Millions is up to 1.1 billion USD. Sure I purchased a ticket, someday someone will win it. Think of the Crew you could hire to build Linn Westcott’s “if I had a million $” dream layout. For you youngsters look it up. He was probably the greatest editor and leader of Model Railroader magazine.

The grandson is up in Wausau, Wisconsin as of last night getting ready to play hockey in the Badger State Games. The daughter hasn’t been back since her wedding 14 years ago and she took the team to the rink in Mosinee where she played. But at the hockey shop in Schofield she said the 2 owners remembered her. The grandson plays in another rink in Wausau though that the daughter played countless times in. The SIL let me know the pizza fries at Wausau Mine Co. are still the best. Memories!

enjoy the day

 

[Espeefan]

I can’t image the concessions the new clown driver had to give up to gain the job he “earned”.

Biting hole in tongue. Tasting blood.

 

[Boris]

Our son seems to be stable. All the things the medical people dumped on us, and caused panic, are the same things our son had after the heart attack he suffered. Nothing new, nothing worse. I don't know why they felt they had to do that...

Terry: Seems to be commonplace. During my recent hospitalization, my diagnosis moved from "The Flu", to Heart Failure, to Cervical Spondylosis...all in the course of six days. My discharge was contingent on accepting home oxygen therapy, which was delivered the evening of my discharge, and removed a week later, untouched.

I have no doubt I had the flu...the symptoms were there...only the sudden onset caught me by surprise. The "Heart Failure", was based on a "known" condition, ironically, they moved away from that diagnosis after an Echo, that indicated potential problems that they were not licensed to correct. The Cervical Spondylosis is another known condition dating back to 2013 that now needs attention, along with Lumbar Spondylosis, which they did not "discover". (After an Angioplasty, in which I did not require stents, it was discovered that I have a problem with the Aortic Valve, which will be addressed in the coming month)...

I dare say, I have suspicions why they do this, but will not publicly say so. Over all, that hospitalization lead to discovery of a potentially serious problem. But the trend toward Hospital mergers and incorporation of Medical Practices...the business end of medicine...plays into this along with the plain fact that some medical professionals are alarmists.

 

[bnsf971]

Last Saturday, I purchased a new sleeve for my laptop. I've been watching the tracking info as it has traveled across the country, from LA all the way to the sorting center near here, in Ybor City. Then, after a two-day delay in updates, the sleeve is now in San Diego.
This is with USPS...

 

[Espeefan]

Morning all. The first work week of the year was busy but not too frustrating. No time for trains though. Hopefully this weekend! I did get the Coast Mail down to the club for a run. It needs work, some coupler adjustments and some cars need diaphragms, but it ran. Off to see the grand kids this morning, then the usual Saturday stuff. Maybe resume weathering the tank cars this evening! For your viewing pleasure, The Coast Mail:

 

[Boris]

On a whim, I joined a class action lawsuit against Starkist Tuna in 2013. In 2018, I received a voucher for $5.03 towards the purchase of Starkist Tuna!

I just received a electronic gift Mastercard, worth $4.06, for participation in a class action against Equifax. No idea how to even use it.

 

[Boris]

Moermusic: My condolences on your loss.

 

[bnsf971]

I just received a electronic gift Mastercard, worth $4.06, for participation in a class action against Equifax. No idea how to even use it.

I got a check from them for $5.12. I didn't sign up for it, but I seem to remember if I didn't opt-out, I was in.

 

[santafewillie]

Good Morning All. Clear and 44° out here in the boonies. According to the forecast, mild pleasant weather will continue for the next ten days with just a few chilly nights. Cloud cover off and on, mostly at night. Shorts and tee shirt weather all the way. My kind of winter so far.

Another average day around the homestead yesterday, household chores in the morning and outdoor chores in the afternoon after my nap. That included splitting wood and making a couple of trips to the dumpster. It had been full but was emptied Thursday pm.
Today will be more of the same with a greater emphasis on garden prep.

Thanks for the many reactions regarding the pictures of the Antiques Store yesterday.

Out in the train shed yesterday, I altered course, but only slightly. I have been yearning to do another structure build for a couple of weeks, and I located the 60' water/oil tank kit that I thought I had.

Six different varieties of panels.

Eight sets of rings.

Now next to it's older brother.

And a few views of other stuff that I have been working on for the refinery.
Partial view of the rehabbed fermentation tanks. Piping and walkways have not been installed yet.

The cooling tower and Ethanol storage tanks.

And finally, for now, the base for the grain storage bins.

The backdrop building representing the rest of the plant will cover that gap caused by a poorly cut piece of backdrop combined with a downward warped section of plywood layout base. Freehand cuts with the Skilsaw don't always work, so I have to be judicious about where I locate them.

Louis - Baltimore - I think that the biggest problem with your city is the corruptness of the ruling class, from the Mayor, City Attorney, Police Department, etc.; that has pervaded the city for most of the last few years. As you posted, "idiots who vote for idiots!".
Dave B - Interesting how different the traffic is on different branches of BNSF. I worked next to the main line from Dallas through Sherman TX up to Tulsa OK, (ex-SLSF Frisco line), and traffic there was mostly mixed freight, petrochemicals, plastics and gravel from a local gravel pit. Closer to home is the main line from Ft Worth to Oklahoma City (ex-ATSF Santa Fe) and that traffic is intermodal, grain, Ethanol and Autoracks. No coal on either line unless UP is detouring on the Ft Worth-OKC line. They usually run on their own line (ex MKT Katy) between the two BNSF ones. But coal traffic is boring to me.
Chad - I agree about the over-extended Christmas season.
Joe - At least the idiots are voting, or someone is voting for them.
Gary - Excellent work so far on the station. I miss the boat though!
Curt - I agree that Garry was a true gentleman. He was a real class act.
Troy - Amazon will replace the mis-delivered package. Continued good luck with the sciatica. Four Aleve a day is still quite a heavy dose.
Moermusic - Condolences to you and your family on your loss.

Everybody have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

 

[Boris]

After the first vote, the detractors had to negotiate so they wouldn't be forever locked out of "plum" committee assignments.

When I worked in DC, I used to sit in Virginia Avenue Tower, with my Radar gun. The Tower, (2nd & C SW), which was across the street from the FBI Building, and close to the House Office Building, was a Restaurant / Watering Hole called the "Market inn". It was patronized by Government Employees, House Members, and occasionally members of the Joe Theisman / John Riggins era Washington Football team. I would stop there for lunch, and enjoyed watching the wheeling and dealing workings of the House members and Lobbyists right at the bar. The art of compromise, aka Democracy in Action. It was especially interesting, when Speaker, Thomas "Tip" O'Neil would walk in and "Set up the house", then start wheeling and dealing...a lost art, the last couple of decades. BTW: The food there was worthy of the stop. So was the atmosphere. Observation, when compromise was commonplace, things got done. Only in recent decades, has obstruction been the name of the game.

 

[Boris]

Joe - At least the idiots are voting, or someone is voting for them.

 

[bnsf971]

Recent "compromise" has consisted of "My Way or the Highway". On all sides.

Speaking of uncompromising, I discovered an issue with my PayPal account. I tried to make a purchase of an N scale Atlas Trainmaster, and Paypal asked me for my phone number to confirm my purchase. It didn't go well for me, it refused to allow me to complete the transaction. "enter s valid phone number" over and over. A call to PP later, I learned their security had stopped the transaction due to suspected fraudulent activity. I checked my bank, which has all my updated info, including my phone number, Ebay, which has all my updated info, and Paypal, which also has my updated info. I then went back while I was on the phone with Paypal, and used my old info, and the transaction sailed through.
The person on the other end of the phone was at a loss to explain it, other than there must be a glitch somewhere.
Now that I've discovered the workaround, they'll probably plug that hole, and I won't be able to use Paypal for anything...

 

[troyphoto]

Troy - Amazon will replace the mis-delivered package. Continued good luck with the sciatica. Four Aleve a day is still quite a heavy dose.

Since that was a nefarious Dancing Red-Dot machine to replace the one the cat broke, the kitty would like to go all "Karen" and "Have a word with the Amazon delivery driver"

I was trying to save a trip to the pet shop. They charge a couple extra bucks, and gas over Amazon. But, that red dot machine keeps the cat from pawing my chair and demanding attention when I'm on roll with wording the words. He seems to know right when I don't want to be bothered playing with the mouse on a string.

And yeah, I'll file with Amazon, but they require a 24 wait to see if the nice neighbor brings it down to us. So about 5 pm tonight, I'll start the claim.

 

[TLOC]

Last Saturday, I purchased a new sleeve for my laptop. I've been watching the tracking info as it has traveled across the country, from LA all the way to the sorting center near here, in Ybor City. Then, after a two-day delay in updates, the sleeve is now in San Diego.
This is with USPS...

You will probably get delivery today.

I use the USPS at least 3 times a week for packages. East of the Mississippi River packages I send are usually 1-2 days late. This may jink me but West of the Mississippi River in over 4 years expect for a blizzard in 2019 my packages arrive on time. Those going west avoid the Chicago postal hub that is a complete clusterf… .

 

[TLOC]

Good Morning All. Clear and 44° out here in the boonies. According to the forecast, mild pleasant weather will continue for the next ten days with just a few chilly nights. Cloud cover off and on, mostly at night. Shorts and tee shirt weather all the way. My kind of winter so far.

Another average day around the homestead yesterday, household chores in the morning and outdoor chores in the afternoon after my nap. That included splitting wood and making a couple of trips to the dumpster. It had been full but was emptied Thursday pm.
Today will be more of the same with a greater emphasis on garden prep.

Thanks for the many reactions regarding the pictures of the Antiques Store yesterday.

Out in the train shed yesterday, I altered course, but only slightly. I have been yearning to do another structure build for a couple of weeks, and I located the 60' water/oil tank kit that I thought I had.
View attachment 159353
View attachment 159354
Six different varieties of panels.
View attachment 159355
Eight sets of rings.
View attachment 159356
View attachment 159357
Now next to it's older brother.
View attachment 159358
And a few views of other stuff that I have been working on for the refinery.
Partial view of the rehabbed fermentation tanks. Piping and walkways have not been installed yet.
View attachment 159359
The cooling tower and Ethanol storage tanks.
View attachment 159360
And finally, for now, the base for the grain storage bins.
View attachment 159361
The backdrop building representing the rest of the plant will cover that gap caused by a poorly cut piece of backdrop combined with a downward warped section of plywood layout base. Freehand cuts with the Skilsaw don't always work, so I have to be judicious about where I locate them.

Louis - Baltimore - I think that the biggest problem with your city is the corruptness of the ruling class, from the Mayor, City Attorney, Police Department, etc.; that has pervaded the city for most of the last few years. As you posted, "idiots who vote for idiots!".
Dave B - Interesting how different the traffic is on different branches of BNSF. I worked next to the main line from Dallas through Sherman TX up to Tulsa OK, (ex-SLSF Frisco line), and traffic there was mostly mixed freight, petrochemicals, plastics and gravel from a local gravel pit. Closer to home is the main line from Ft Worth to Oklahoma City (ex-ATSF Santa Fe) and that traffic is intermodal, grain, Ethanol and Autoracks. No coal on either line unless UP is detouring on the Ft Worth-OKC line. They usually run on their own line (ex MKT Katy) between the two BNSF ones. But coal traffic is boring to me.
Chad - I agree about the over-extended Christmas season.
Joe - At least the idiots are voting, or someone is voting for them.
Gary - Excellent work so far on the station. I miss the boat though!
Curt - I agree that Garry was a true gentleman. He was a real class act.
Troy - Amazon will replace the mis-delivered package. Continued good luck with the sciatica. Four Aleve a day is still quite a heavy dose.
Moermusic - Condolences to you and your family on your loss.

Everybody have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

Nice pictures for the loading track in the ethanol facility. I love the fermation stairway build.

 

[NYC_George]

Good Morning All. Clear and 44° out here in the boonies. According to the forecast, mild pleasant weather will continue for the next ten days with just a few chilly nights. Cloud cover off and on, mostly at night. Shorts and tee shirt weather all the way. My kind of winter so far.

Another average day around the homestead yesterday, household chores in the morning and outdoor chores in the afternoon after my nap. That included splitting wood and making a couple of trips to the dumpster. It had been full but was emptied Thursday pm.
Today will be more of the same with a greater emphasis on garden prep.

Thanks for the many reactions regarding the pictures of the Antiques Store yesterday.

Out in the train shed yesterday, I altered course, but only slightly. I have been yearning to do another structure build for a couple of weeks, and I located the 60' water/oil tank kit that I thought I had.
View attachment 159353
View attachment 159354
Six different varieties of panels.
View attachment 159355
Eight sets of rings.
View attachment 159356
View attachment 159357
Now next to it's older brother.
View attachment 159358
And a few views of other stuff that I have been working on for the refinery.
Partial view of the rehabbed fermentation tanks. Piping and walkways have not been installed yet.
View attachment 159359
The cooling tower and Ethanol storage tanks.
View attachment 159360
And finally, for now, the base for the grain storage bins.
View attachment 159361
The backdrop building representing the rest of the plant will cover that gap caused by a poorly cut piece of backdrop combined with a downward warped section of plywood layout base. Freehand cuts with the Skilsaw don't always work, so I have to be judicious about where I locate them.

Louis - Baltimore - I think that the biggest problem with your city is the corruptness of the ruling class, from the Mayor, City Attorney, Police Department, etc.; that has pervaded the city for most of the last few years. As you posted, "idiots who vote for idiots!".
Dave B - Interesting how different the traffic is on different branches of BNSF. I worked next to the main line from Dallas through Sherman TX up to Tulsa OK, (ex-SLSF Frisco line), and traffic there was mostly mixed freight, petrochemicals, plastics and gravel from a local gravel pit. Closer to home is the main line from Ft Worth to Oklahoma City (ex-ATSF Santa Fe) and that traffic is intermodal, grain, Ethanol and Autoracks. No coal on either line unless UP is detouring on the Ft Worth-OKC line. They usually run on their own line (ex MKT Katy) between the two BNSF ones. But coal traffic is boring to me.
Chad - I agree about the over-extended Christmas season.
Joe - At least the idiots are voting, or someone is voting for them.
Gary - Excellent work so far on the station. I miss the boat though!
Curt - I agree that Garry was a true gentleman. He was a real class act.
Troy - Amazon will replace the mis-delivered package. Continued good luck with the sciatica. Four Aleve a day is still quite a heavy dose.
Moermusic - Condolences to you and your family on your loss.

Everybody have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

Looking good Willie.
Swal

 

[TLOC]

Morning all. The first work week of the year was busy but not too frustrating. No time for trains though. Hopefully this weekend! I did get the Coast Masil down to the club for a run. It needs work, some coupler adjustments and some cars need diaphragms, but it ran. Off to see the grand kids this morning, then the usual Saturday stuff. Maybe resume weathering the tank cars this evening! For your viewing pleasure, The Coast Mail:

Looks good

 

[Chrιstιaη]

Can I solder the wires directly under the Kato Unitrack ?

Of course I can ! And I'm very pleased with the result.

 

[kbkchooch]

Good day all!

I did a thing last night!

it’s beginning to look a lot like bench work

I just have do declutter the top of the old benchwork and build an access bridge next.

 

[troyphoto]

You all can rest easy. The Amazon driver is safe.

Wife and I did the peek-in-fences bit, and it was the retired Navy Corpsman's wife two doors down that had it. She gets plenty of Amazon deliveries, so she opened it.

She did have a funny expression on her face, wondering why we ordered something with that shape. If it weren't for the packaging, I'm not sure she would have believed me.