Running Bear's July 2022 Coffee Shop

[Bruette]

Good morning Everybody!

Yesterday was another day I felt the heat. I finished early 10:15am, but I had to go to the grocery store for my Mom. I forgot to pickup can peaches and a can of salmon for her on a weekly grocery run. Of course I had to browse the entire store, as I always do. There were only a couple of electric chairs to use so I walked. I'd hate to take an electric chair from someone who needs it more than me. I can manage, I know some others can't.
Later I stayed up late, 8pm watching a movie with my grandson and had pizza delivered. I knew I would not work today, why not have some fun?

Bottom line, I slept late this morning and I'm not leaving the house today. I like to work everyday, but the heat of July is making that impractical.

I always have plenty to keep me busy in the house. The problem is my activity level drops. Now if I could only get my appetite to drop accordingly.

Have a great day Everybody!

 

[CambriaArea51]

Good morning....Coffee Flo on the patio. Rain on the way, we'll see how much is left of it after it hits the lake breeze.

 

[BigGRacing]

Good morning everyone from the Cupola this morning. Jeff your layout amazes me! Jazz, your garden looks amazing, we love the term poly tunnel over there. McLeod, your modelling skills are incredible and TLOC, I can’t afford the nice engines because I enjoy the great food and staying at nice places…..lol…..have to budget for this….lol. I can’t model very well and have to watch the fumes so fresh air and the real caboose will have to do….lol. Love everyone’s great posts and stories and wish all of you a fantastic day!

It says that this caboose was built in 1912, anyone have any good links to caboose history in Canada?

 

[OBTC 1909]

Good morning all! 78 heading for 91 with a heat index of 102. Under a heat advisory till 8:00 this evening. Gonna be another day spent indoors I do believe. Nothing much to report here. Did a little (very little) work yesterday cleaning up my home office area which may eventually be declared a federal disaster area soon if I don't get with it Spent the afternoon watching the Indycar race and later watched the SRX racing finale. Planning to watch the second of the Indycar doubleheader weekend today. No other big plans. Hope you all have a great day!

 

[TLOC]

Good morning from a significantly wet southern Wisconsin but the weather folks did screw the pooch again. How can they be so wrong on these major weather events? I posted the prediction map yesterday and my house was going to be smack dab in the middle of it all. It didn’t happen. Not even close. No hurricane level winds, no Noah’s Ark worth of rain, not much lightning generally a quick summer storm. My new rain gauge, a manual one, it rains into it and you check the beaker for the measurement showed a trace of rain between 6pm and 7:30pm when the world was going to shake. The computer gauges on the 3 stations out on the property all measured less then 1/4”. Up to 2” was predicted. Some areas north and east of us by miles did get hit very hard and parts of Wisconsin east of Madison are without power. The 1am storm this morning again thankfully was no were near as violent as predicted but did leave 3/4” of extremely needed rain, per the new gauge. It is located near the bush at the entrance to the house. The 3 computer weather stations had 2 showing over 1” and 1 not reporting! I was out on a couple trails this morning and other then minor branches we look ok. Rant over!

I went to the LHS for some Kadee washers yesterday. Yes for fricking washers. I switched a few more pulp cars to 36” wheels and 3 were rubbing but 2 others were not. Couldn’t find the hole punch to make my own so a reluctant trip (really) 4 miles to the hobby shop. Got them and asked about my styrene .060 thick order I have been waiting on. Was told they show I picked it up. Gee, a different Tom! Got 5 of the 10 sheets I wanted but it will be enough with what I have in stock, if I don’t screw up.

Retail therapy is on today’s agenda. Sound decoders are the #1 purchase as it is time to get back running on the layout. I need to finish my switch from ESU to Tsumani2 from Soundtraxx. My internal mind debate has started again about buying NRE Gensets for the free lance RR. Decent prices but I have enough ( please no lightning strike) locomotives to operate. But really does a model railroader ever have enough locomotives?

When I was at Walthers on Thursday I did check out the Proto coil cars, but no discount. 20% discount yesterday at the LHS for the Proto line. The ExactRail online look much better and are a bit less with no tax.
A few (3)coil cars and some more Reefer (4)cars and the roster will be at 70 cars on the layout. Then some time at the bench. I have pulled all my Athearn, Roundhouse and Atlas boxcars off the layout. They will be weathered and sold over the next year or so. I have been planning a big 48” long wall flat warehouse but had styrene supply issues. That is solved, time to build.

I just moved from the living room to the south deck, Terry is awake and turned the Sunday news on. I am not interested!

Health wise, I am feeling as good now as I have at anytime since before 3/2020 when the world changed. Also since my Urgent Care visit a couple weeks ago, things health wise have tremendously improved and I truly was worried that weekend. I have a lab Tuesday to check how the Meds are doing. My Endo and her hubby are coming over this evening for a ride out on the trails. Terry says I need to discuss with her about my Radiation treatments now scheduled in August. The Oncologist says they are a needed Preventative procedure. Operative word there is “preventative”. I am starting to question more and more of my medical, as to is it really needed?

enjoy the day

 

[troyphoto]

Well, howdy there, sweltering internet peeps, and the frigid from the down-under portions of the globe.

It's Troy again.

Not much to report. So I'll do a shameless plug for my ebooks. This is because the "Collection" of Books 1-3 is on special over for 99c on Amazon (US and UK only per 'Zon rules). Here the link. don't worry, I make a whopping 60c off the sale!

Had one of those nights of waking up at 1:30 for the midnight run, then couldn't sleep. wandered into the basement, hit the lay-z-boy, and was out like a light until 6:30. Did some stretching and got in a short walk, about half of normal. Came back and did the tennis ball under the foot to relieve the plantar flare-up.

going to get some Mexican queso dip and a burrito for lunch. Threat of storms rolling in as a colder front comes through. Was hoping to do burgers on the grill later. We'll see if that gets rained out.

this week, the siding guys are supposed to start putting up the 50-year faux cedar siding on our 10-unit row house building. We'll see how they do. Eventually, I'll have to move everything off the patio. Don't want them dropping stuff on my big red grill. Front first though, so I may have time to smoke a pork butt or some more steaks.

 

[Patrick]

Morning all,

82° and partly cloudy this morning. A splash of rain when I went to the grocery store and Walmart this morning. Not even enough to settle the dust on the gravel roads. Still a high of 102° expected later. 2nd load of laundry in the washer, and a 3rd one waiting.

Finally may have been exposed to C19. Sat beside the SIL for 20 minutes yesterday and he tested positive on a home test this morning. He's going for a real test later.

Went to find a medicine dropper and got a baby nose sucker instead for the glue solution for the ballast. I think it will work better. Watched several videos on ballasting, and think I know what gives. My big question is how do you pick up the excess safely to be able to reuse it? I'm think a clean dust buster?

 

[TLOC]

Morning all,

82° and partly cloudy this morning. A splash of rain when I went to the grocery store and Walmart this morning. Not even enough to settle the dust on the gravel roads. Still a high of 102° expected later. 2nd load of laundry in the washer, and a 3rd one waiting.

Finally may have been exposed to C19. Sat beside the SIL for 20 minutes yesterday and he tested positive on a home test this morning. He's going for a real test later.

Went to find a medicine dropper and got a baby nose sucker instead for the glue solution for the ballast. I think it will work better. Watched several videos on ballasting, and think I know what gives. My big question is how do you pick up the excess safely to be able to reuse it? I'm think a clean dust buster?

The clean dust buster will work. I use a regular Shark brand upright I have and put a light cloth Sox over the inlet. I know nylons work well to but those days Terry says have passed her by.
TomO

 

[santafewillie]

Good Morning All. Clear and 79°, headed up to 103° today, after reaching only 100° yesterday. No real change in the long range forecast, hot & dry. The rain in next week's forecast has been removed, but next weekend might be more cloudy with resultant lower temperatures, 96°-99°. Despite all this, the pool temperature has dropped to a more pleasant range of 85°-88°.

Yesterday was a busy day, with yard work in the morning, and the after lunch, I made an additional 5 quarts of spaghetti sauce, with bell peppers and onions from the garden and mushrooms from the grocery store. It was after that that plans changed. Instead of cooking spare ribs, we went to a young lady's 40th birthday party. Her parents passed away separately about 2005/2006; they were our best friends at the time. Over 50 years ago, I dated her mother a few times until she introduced me to her college suite-mate, who is now my wife. Nice party, there were a few folks our age there that we also have known for quite a while, as well as many of her peers and their kids. Catered Mexican food (lots of it), live musician on the patio, and well stocked open bar with a hot bartenderess. Didn't get home until after 10:30, so I slept in later this morning.
Daughter #1 and granddaughter are headed up this morning to retrieve her two doggies. I'll miss Bentley, but forget Lola, as she still barks at me. She also antagonizes Molly, our other granddog that came up on Friday.

Still picking tomatoes almost daily, although the yield is gradually diminishing; they're now at waist height on the plants, which is a lot easier than constant bending over. While some of the plants are still standing straight up above the cages at a height of over 6', many are now hanging over the sides.

Thanks guys for the likes and comments regarding my progress; Tom, Guy, Steve J, Tom O, OB Ken, Hughie, Patrick, Louis,, Curt, Dave (PV), Mikey, Rick, Gary, Sherrel, Chad.

No train shed yesterday, pool and then the party were a priority. Skipping pictures today, even from the archives as I am behind on my day from sleeping in today.

Tom - Great series of photos of Frank's collection/layout.
Todd - I like your observations regarding other truckers. I see that you didn't address "rock haulers", who are quite an issue around here.
Curt - Night scenes look good.
Tom O - So glad to read that you are feeling better.
Jaz - That's quite a post this morning. Surprised that you got it all in in three sentences. Good to read that your leg is doing better as time goes on.
Louis - Take care of yourself.
Patrick - Dustbuster or other handheld vacuum works well with a piece of pantyhose stretched over the intake.

Everyone have a great Sunday.

 

[MikeInHubCity]

Good morning Everybody!

Yesterday was another day I felt the heat. I finished early 10:15am, but I had to go to the grocery store for my Mom. I forgot to pickup can peaches and a can of salmon for her on a weekly grocery run. Of course I had to browse the entire store, as I always do. There were only a couple of electric chairs to use so I walked. I'd hate to take an electric chair from someone who needs it more than me. I can manage, I know some others can't.
Later I stayed up late, 8pm watching a movie with my grandson and had pizza delivered. I knew I would not work today, why not have some fun?

Bottom line, I slept late this morning and I'm not leaving the house today. I like to work everyday, but the heat of July is making that impractical.

I always have plenty to keep me busy in the house. The problem is my activity level drops. Now if I could only get my appetite to drop accordingly.

Have a great day Everybody!

Louis- you sound like me when it comes to power carts & ADA parking. If I’m having a good day, leave it for someone who needs it more than me.
TomO- my SIL is the curator for the LaCrosse County Historical Society. She & hubby lost power at home and had down limbs both at home & the HS that they needed to clean up. No major damage at either place, though. The major cell that was supposed to hammer us bypassed us(Marshfield seems to be a vortex when it comes to major storms) but a buddy of mine said that Oshkosh got slammed good.

 

[Bruette]

Willie, I do take much better care of myself now. Having my wife with me 24/7 keeps me in line if I get delusional, thinking I'm still my demented version superman.

Mike, I usually don't need the electric cart. I had not needed one since 2016. After I partially tore the hamstring muscle in my left leg earlier this year, 5/28, I needed one. After 4-5 weeks I was doing ok. With my internal problems, kidneys and pancreas. The heat causes me to fatigue quickly. One minute I seem ok, the next I'm almost exhausted. If I keep going I'll be lucky to return to normal in under 36 hours. Yesterday I pushed a little to far.

I credit Amazon for my increased stamina. The money and my work ethic motivates me. Not a bad deal, getting paid to do physical therapy.
Not to mention Willie's example. Although I can not begin to match Willie's daily output, nor do I even try. A man has to know his limits!

I believe staying active is key to long term health.

I have had a productive day.
I replaced the leaking faucet in the upstairs kitchen. It was too cheap to bother to repair. No easy task getting my 6'8" body under the sink, but I got it done. Arthritic hands don't make anything easier. Of course I had my super wife helping me!
I managed to find and download the manual for my new phone onto my new phone. For some unknown reason it would not come up on the phone as it should. It took longer working with T-Mobile and Samsung service than the sink did. We never did figure out why the manual was not where it was supposed to be on the phone. Oh well, I have it now in the download folder.

Now I'm relaxing with my beagles on the couch.

 

[TLOC]

Louis- you sound like me when it comes to power carts & ADA parking. If I’m having a good day, leave it for someone who needs it more than me.
TomO- my SIL is the curator for the LaCrosse County Historical Society. She & hubby lost power at home and had down limbs both at home & the HS that they needed to clean up. No major damage at either place, though. The major cell that was supposed to hammer us bypassed us(Marshfield seems to be a vortex when it comes to major storms) but a buddy of mine said that Oshkosh got slammed good.

When we lived in No. Central Wisconsin the dividing line for storms seemed to be a 45 degree angle from Marshfield to Wausau. Many times over the years the north side of Lake DuBay was getting different weather then the south shore, we were on the south shore, east of Hwy 34. Rarely separated by more then 1/2 mile. I have a friend on another forum that lives in Rothschild by the Weston Generating Station. They got very little too.

I haven’t listened to local news yet but Terry say power is still out east of Madtown

 

[TLOC]

Hi,

I needed to show off my newest rain gauge. Much easier then the 3 weather stations hooked up to the IPad out on the property.

I know old school but I am a sucker for yard art and I was looking for a rain gauge, 2 for 1

 

[PRR Modeler]

Afternoon All,

Started out with some chores then placed "little" people in the mine scene that I recieved yesterday. After that I refurbished a old Pennsy Gla hopper that has the metal botton and sliding clamshells on the bottom. I glued them shut, put on new KD coupler boxes and couplers, New wheelsets, weathered the car and added a little bit of coal to the inside bottom (glued in) and that's drying now. Also tested coupler height. I was online and found 2 Bowser H21a kits (circle Keystone) for $30 shipped. I snapped them up since thats about 40% less than everyone else.

Tomorrow is a early start to take Dad to the airport at 0330 (wakeup for a 6 am flight). This was the only flight that's non-stop going to Hagerstown, MD. He's visiting my other 2 brothers for about 10 days.

Thank you all for the photo likes.

Gary- Everything looks great.

Jeff- Great looking layout and the loco looks like a great puller.

Jazz- Thank you. Nice job on the shower. Son-in-law and I are repairing my master shower has had a hole for about a month (covered in vinyl) this week while Dad is gone so we can use his shower. Great looking veggies.

Guy- Thank you. Nice job on the platform. I like the heavy weathering in front of the door.

Louis- Sounds like a fun time with your grandson. I've found it's the little things that stick in your memory and means the most.

Patrick- I found that expels the glue a little to forcefully so I went back to a eyedropper. I use a clean Shark vacuum for cleanup and salvage. My 2 cents.

Willie- Thank you.

TomO- Nothing wrong with that yard art. There are a lot of Flamingo yard art around here.

I hope everyone has a good night.

 

[Smudge617]

Evening Folks

Did quite a bit of work on the layout today, more that I was intending really, but as I'm at work tomorrow I know I won't be in the mood, so why not. Most went to plan, but I did discover three important things I need to remember.

1) Don't leave a cloth you used to remove wood glue on your track for two days.

2) Measure, measure, and measure again.

3) Just because in your head it will look great, doesn't mean it actually will.

G'nite Folks.

 

[BigGRacing]

Evening everyone! Just got home from our weekend getaway and it turned out to be another great day! It ended up having some neat train trivia that I did not expect at all. As many of you know, I pretend that I hunt each fall with my best friend. We dont seem to get as many deer as we used to and don’t really complain, just being at the camp and a nice meal and drink is the best!

I went a little further into Parrsboro along the coast than I usually do; I normally turn at the ships company outdoor theatre, instead I went a little further up the road and look what I found.

and finally a 1/3 replica of the engine at the park in town

 

[Bruette]

I just had a fantastic dinner!
My wife made fresh kale steamed to perfection. Meatballs in mushroom gravy and a side order of perfectly fried onions.
It's official, I'm fat and happy!

How about the 2022 MLB Hall of Fame inductees? Hard to believe these guys were not already in the Hall. Better late...

 

[BigGRacing]

Mmmmm, I am hungry again Bruette……lol

 

[Patrick]

Afternoon all,

Ok, started the first bit. Baby sucker is a bit intense as pointed out above. But I think I can deal with it.

After a little control:

Waiting for the glue solution to dry. Then I'll clean it up. I ran about 3' but only glued in about 1'. Cleaned any residual ballast with the dental pick. I do think it looks better.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

Greetings from the WEST where we are looking at a temp of 89 (the high predicted for today). The skies are mostly sunny 99% from my viewing?

The Spousal Unit and #3 daughter are over looking at model homes - she wants to move into a single story home for her "old age". I keep telling her that we are already there - old age! Prices are astronomical, but I will let her plan away. I like where we are: corner lot, street behind the house, only have ONE neighbor next door (same age as I am and we share a lot of tools - he has key to my garage and I have key to his.), side view of home across the street in front which is on a cul-sac, and I am within TWO miles from HD, Best Buy, Kohls, several banks and sandwich shops, plus five large markets and several smaller ones and only a $41.00 HOA monthly payment. In my book, I would be "cooky" to move. Actually, I think we could install an elevator for less money than even a moving van would be?

Mostly, as I am just rambling anyway, Have been busy all the time doing various things - a lot of "honey do this and that", but we attended her cousin's funeral up North. Al was 99 YO and an Army Vet! I did not know, until his son gave the eulogy, that he was in the Battle of the Bulge where he was shot entering the right side of the cheek and exiting out the left cheek - said he would have probably died except that it was so cold that the blood froze from the wound. I knew that he had some scars on his face, but he had not talked about them. They did an excellent job of reconstruction as most of his upper jaw was destroyed.

The Spousal Unit just informed me this morning that Billy (another cousin of her's) passed during the night. He had Parkinson's and slowly going down, so it was not a surprise.

I am 100% in agreement with Gary on the work of everyone in the modeling department! Louis -- What's with the "LOS DODGERS" uniforms that they were wearing in yesterday's game? I hope that they are not permanent.