Running Bear's June 2024 Coffee Shop

ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


Status
Not open for further replies.
This pest abatement place local to our area breaks down the types of arseholes we have deal with in the Michigan/Indiana/Ohio corners

 
I doubt they are wasps. They will aggressively defend their nests. Spraying a wasp's nest should provoke a strong reaction. The sting of a wasp is one of the worst of any bee. They are even known to bite!

Yellow Jackets build their nest underground.

They might be carpenter bees or honeybees.

Hornets! They like to build their nests in elevated places.
View attachment 191695


Terry, call 911 if you have trouble breathing.
.
Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets and [mud] Wasps. All sting although Bees only once, then die. All of these will build in a convenient spot which depends on the up coming winter weather conditions. Most of the time everybody will 'dig a hole' if winter is gonna be bad and won't get into the roof rafters ( or other open locations ). Most Wasps are 'singles' and build small nests. What we call 'Bald Faced' Hornets ( Black with White face ) are social and build big nests if left alone. These things will hunt you down if you piss them off. I have been chased for more than 100Ft before I got to safety. Yellow Jackets build like Bald Faced but usually not that many offspring and either under the eve or in a hole winter depending.

Honey Bees have stinger, Pollinator Bees do not and both are social. You have to look close to see the difference. Of course, most Honey Bees are commercialized and live in high rise boxes; hard winter, winter and summer. Besides foraging for pollen and water, some of the Worker Bees stay at the entrance of the hive to protect it, and more importantly fan their wings to help keep it warm/cool.

The 20 years we have lived here we have only seen Bald Faced nests in trees thrice. And those nests were the size of a basketball. Shotgun with 00 buckshot when used pretty much moves them to the next county. I suggest hitting them 1st thing in the morning just before sunrise when you can see enough to shoot. And yes, not much winter those years.

All the other types those spray cans from ACE do the trick. They can shoot 15/20Ft wind depending and the bees flood out of the nest and drop to the ground dead. The chemical in the spray covers the breathing ports on their sides so they suffocate.

I am not an expert on Bees. Years ago I was deathly allergic to the venom and had to take shots. Made it to 30YO and finally decided to find out about them because I was still scared about getting stung. After getting informed, they don't bother me anymore ( unless I bother them ) and can land on me without a knee jerk reaction. They figure out that the color or odor they are using to home on to you is not food or water and will go away after a bit of checking you out. I still don't like the buzzing around my head though. If they would just land and get it over with that would be better.

Buzzzzz!

Later

[edit] forgot about Bumble Bees - those big ones from 1 1/2 to 2". Do not see nests if at all. Also don't let one hit you doing 70 on a bike. It will almost knock you off. You will have a 5 to 6" bruise that will be dang sore for a week. Don't ask how I know.
 
Last edited:
"Bumble bees"

aka: Wood bees, Carpenter bees.


They're the reason our condo complex is slowly replacing our siding and trim with a composite. We get the bee guy out every year to look for bee bores into the siding. He uses a long pole to blow a chemical powder into the hole to kill the eggs before they grow. We get a lot of wood pecker in our complex.

Fortunately, our building has the new siding. They've only got about 20 more of the larger buildings to get resided.

Forget to mention my other interesting occurrence today. With the upcoming heat wave, I thought I'd open the windows to get some "cool" air in while I showered after my morning walk.

After taking care of that, I walked to the front (upper story) bedroom window overlooking the parklike area and pool near our building. After I close the window (a crank or casement). I no sooner turn around than I hear THUD!

Yep a few downy feathers on the window I just shut. After I put on a shirt and shoes, I head downstairs, look out at the front steps, and theres a speckle breasted robin, on its back. Feet raised into the air, eyes shut.

Got the garden spade, scooped him up, and tossed him over the privacy fence that blocks the view of the shopping center next to our complex. The area I tossed it is wooded with critters. A feral cat probably had a nice lunch.
 


Tonight's count of Larceny is a Staggering Gentleman,

And, since no one staggers better than Jeff Lebowski, aka, the Dude... here he is with my beverage

stagger.jpg

Recipe:
2oz Bourbon
1/2oz Amaretto
1/2 oz Benedictine
 
Shooting (target long range 1,100 yds plus, clays, cowboy shot 3 gun)
That's some long-range shooting James. Back in 1965 we practiced target shooting in the USMC at 200 yards, standing, 300 yards sitting and 500 yards lying. The only Marine's I remember practicing 1000-yard shooting were snipers. They would give you 5 shots to adjust for elevation and windage. After that you better start hitting the 12 ich bullseye. That was sitting. Are you standing while shooting at these long-range targets over 1000 yards. At 200 yards standing you would pull when the gun site was over the target and hold when it was not. That's the method we were taught.
Swal
 
Tom we only had one trust fund set up. My wife put $10,000.00 in a trust fund around 10 years ago. When I turned over all our finances to the lawyer, she said this $10,000 trust has to be changed today. It's an asset. You call the trust and change it to what I have written on the paper. I worked as railroad engineer for 13 years and then spent 25 years pouring concrete floors and walls on 50 story buildings. I'm no expert on trust funds. Pouring concrete maybe, trust funds no. I always assumed trusts were for sibling. We have none it's just my wife and myself.
Swal
When we had to take over the MIL's affairs, we retained an Attorney specializing in "Eldercare Law". We set up a trust and strictly followed his advice. In short, MIL outlived the lawyers estimates, and ran out of money...New attorney, essentially said the trust was set aside for her care - yeah, it's in there - and we had to use that...now that's almost gone, and she's healthier than either of us...needless to say the day of reckoning is getting closer...and we don't have a clue what's going to happen. Neither did the attorney...Like you, I'm just a railroader not a lawyer. That's why we paid the lawyers for advice...and that was wasted money...
 


Good morning. It's 74 and clear.


What's black and tan, and looks good on a lawyer?
A Rottweiller.

Why don't sharks attack lawyers?
Professional courtesy.

What do you call 1000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?
A good start.

What do Bigfoot, Superman, and an honest lawyer have in common?
They're all fictional characters.


Thank you! I'll be here all week!
 
hello everyone good morning.

-vacation day nr.5
-around 11am (CEST)
-cloudy and a bit of rain
- around 15 celcius
- today will go back downstairs and work on the turnout motors. the goal is by sunday to have all switches done and dcc proved and running. maybe even start a bit on the scenery side on my n scale layout.

picture of today, my fresh mowed backyard (did yesterday when we had 2 dry days and sun!)

IMG_0154.jpeg


wish yo all a good friday and a great start for the weekend!
 
What's black and tan, and looks good on a lawyer?
A Rottweiller.

Why don't sharks attack lawyers?
Professional courtesy.

What do you call 1000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?
A good start.

What do Bigfoot, Superman, and an honest lawyer have in common?
They're all fictional characters.

Earlier this morning I was given some minor bad news.
The above has cheered me up no end.
Thank you.
 
Good Friday Morning All. It's clear and 71° on my back porch this morning. Mid to low-90's for the next 5 days, then the rain forecast for Thursday has been advanced to Wednesday. As we all know, it's just a guessing game to the NWS. Pool temperature jumped to 83.5°, so maybe I'll get to the shade umbrellas today instead of waiting. Ultimately they shade about a third of the pool which keeps the temperature from rising nearly as much. I also lost some of the late afternoon shade because of the fallen tree branches. Air quality alert today for the area; it extends only to the county line 1.25 miles south of me, the bad air (from the DFW Metroplex) actually doesn't usually get this far north, most of the time.

Yesterday's weekly grocery trek was uneventful. Prices of groceries seem to have stabilized and nothing but eggs have gone down; although not to the levels of 4 years ago. Gasoline has gone back up all over town to $3.15/gal; except for the rural convenience store 6 miles from home, where it is still $2.93/gal. Guess where I filled up.
Cleanup is proceeding slowly, since I was away all of the morning. I had previously stashed some stuff in the tree row along the road out front, that I had found while walking along the road. Yesterday I collected all of that and returned it to where it had come from. Debris close to the road is being discreetly moved into the ditch for the county to remove before they can mow the road easement that they're responsible for. I have finally moved enough smaller branches so that I can now bring out the big chainsaw now and start on downed trees themselves.
Went back to town for supper last night at Outback because we had $20 worth of credits that expire soon. I ordered the 16 oz Prime Rib as it not only provides supper, but two additional leftover sandwiches later. The manager who had greeted me at the door and commented about "I know why you are here", came back a few minutes after we ordered and apologized that they only had a 9 oz slab left. OK, I took it because 9 oz of Prime Rib is better than no Prime Rib. I was surprised when I got the check, and she had comped my share of the meal instead of just charging for the smaller 8 oz meal, which along with our $20 rewards made for a much less expensive meal. But, no leftover sandwiches!:(

Mixed bag today, as my wife leaves for an overnighter in Dallas around noon, to watch our granddaughter's dance recital; the second of four this month! Wife doesn't drive in rush hour or in darkness, so she won't be coming home until tomorrow. Sunday we'll return for a Father's Day brunch. I have to mow again today, after just mowing last Saturday and Sunday. Still have to dodge fallen trees, but not as many. I'll call the tree service this morning and see when I can schedule a time for them. They actually charge me more since I don't let them have the firewood which they sell as a side business.

I didn't visit the train shed yesterday. I just got involved in too many other things. Then it came to a choice of heading out there or guzzling beer in the pool, the pool won.

Tom O - You never let on what the police cruiser was all about. Inquiring minds want to know!
I don't really understand the allure of gold. It's not like you can use it at the grocery store, gas pump, or monthly bills. No one that I personally know has realized any real gain from selling it at one of those "We Buy Gold" places, unless it was something that they inherited as opposed to purchasing.
You will be finding pieces of debris around your property for years. Usually found when your mowing.
I understand that, but fortunately I mowed quite a bit in the two days preceding the event and found most of the little stuff pretty quickly.
Todd - It seems like "Murphy" sure has been leap-frogging across the country lately. Normally just Terry, but recently Swal, Troy, me and now you!
Swal -
I'm just cleaning out the house of everything in case I have to sell it.
From what you have described in recent posts, isn't selling the house counter-productive??? If I recall correctly, the house is exempt, but if you sell it, then half of the money becomes money that they can further use before Medicaid kicks in. Perhaps I have misunderstood you along the way.
Mike - Welcome to the world of less than adequate Walther's instructions.
Curt - Welcome back.

Today is known as Flag Day here in the states. Proudly fly your Stars and Stripes today. It is also Donald Trump's 78th birthday. He used to be our oldest President, a record that he didn't hold for too long.
Everyone have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend.
 
Good morning!

Never read or heard a lawyer joke that didn’t match an actual attorney. I play golf with a few attorneys and they will admit they are true living breathing cash machines.

Tina the Musical last night was outstanding. The girl sitting next to me was attending her 1st musical and said she didn’t even know who Tina Turner was! Her partner and the ticket holder just told her to enjoy it. She did but I think I have a few bruises from her elbows flailing all over the place with the music! The partner and I have sat next to each other now for over 8 years and this must be her 20th different partner but by far her youngest conquest! She says she’ll never marry again so she’s going to enjoy herself. Makes good sense to me!

Time on the layout from 11am till 4:30pm was well spent. Accomplished much and I’m very happy. Today I have no plans to even go downstairs let alone to the layout. Trying to avoid burn out as since Monday I have at least 30 hours in there.

This morning I am taking 3 realtors on a tour of the new subdivision. We were given a preliminary approval just based on the proposed plans last Tuesday on a residential plan. Because there will be no multi purpose buildings and no commercial development the Town acts a bit different. We still have to follow mandated County things and Town things (like sewer hook up, no septic allowed and dog parks) but there is much more freedom to develop. The preliminary approval gave us the green light to cut trees for the roads

this afternoon I might play 9 holes with my golfing partner

enjoy your day
 
Good Friday Morning All. It's clear and 71° on my back porch this morning. Mid to low-90's for the next 5 days, then the rain forecast for Thursday has been advanced to Wednesday. As we all know, it's just a guessing game to the NWS. Pool temperature jumped to 83.5°, so maybe I'll get to the shade umbrellas today instead of waiting. Ultimately they shade about a third of the pool which keeps the temperature from rising nearly as much. I also lost some of the late afternoon shade because of the fallen tree branches. Air quality alert today for the area; it extends only to the county line 1.25 miles south of me, the bad air (from the DFW Metroplex) actually doesn't usually get this far north, most of the time.

Yesterday's weekly grocery trek was uneventful. Prices of groceries seem to have stabilized and nothing but eggs have gone down; although not to the levels of 4 years ago. Gasoline has gone back up all over town to $3.15/gal; except for the rural convenience store 6 miles from home, where it is still $2.93/gal. Guess where I filled up.
Cleanup is proceeding slowly, since I was away all of the morning. I had previously stashed some stuff in the tree row along the road out front, that I had found while walking along the road. Yesterday I collected all of that and returned it to where it had come from. Debris close to the road is being discreetly moved into the ditch for the county to remove before they can mow the road easement that they're responsible for. I have finally moved enough smaller branches so that I can now bring out the big chainsaw now and start on downed trees themselves.
Went back to town for supper last night at Outback because we had $20 worth of credits that expire soon. I ordered the 16 oz Prime Rib as it not only provides supper, but two additional leftover sandwiches later. The manager who had greeted me at the door and commented about "I know why you are here", came back a few minutes after we ordered and apologized that they only had a 9 oz slab left. OK, I took it because 9 oz of Prime Rib is better than no Prime Rib. I was surprised when I got the check, and she had comped my share of the meal instead of just charging for the smaller 8 oz meal, which along with our $20 rewards made for a much less expensive meal. But, no leftover sandwiches!:(

Mixed bag today, as my wife leaves for an overnighter in Dallas around noon, to watch our granddaughter's dance recital; the second of four this month! Wife doesn't drive in rush hour or in darkness, so she won't be coming home until tomorrow. Sunday we'll return for a Father's Day brunch. I have to mow again today, after just mowing last Saturday and Sunday. Still have to dodge fallen trees, but not as many. I'll call the tree service this morning and see when I can schedule a time for them. They actually charge me more since I don't let them have the firewood which they sell as a side business.

I didn't visit the train shed yesterday. I just got involved in too many other things. Then it came to a choice of heading out there or guzzling beer in the pool, the pool won.

Tom O - You never let on what the police cruiser was all about. Inquiring minds want to know!
I don't really understand the allure of gold. It's not like you can use it at the grocery store, gas pump, or monthly bills. No one that I personally know has realized any real gain from selling it at one of those "We Buy Gold" places, unless it was something that they inherited as opposed to purchasing.

I understand that, but fortunately I mowed quite a bit in the two days preceding the event and found most of the little stuff pretty quickly.
Todd - It seems like "Murphy" sure has been leap-frogging across the country lately. Normally just Terry, but recently Swal, Troy, me and now you!
Swal -

From what you have described in recent posts, isn't selling the house counter-productive??? If I recall correctly, the house is exempt, but if you sell it, then half of the money becomes money that they can further use before Medicaid kicks in. Perhaps I have misunderstood you along the way.
Mike - Welcome to the world of less than adequate Walther's instructions.
Curt - Welcome back.

Today is known as Flag Day here in the states. Proudly fly your Stars and Stripes today. It is also Donald Trump's 78th birthday. He used to be our oldest President, a record that he didn't hold for too long.
Everyone have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend.
The police car was blocking off the street because of a response to a health emergency call which brings Ambulance, police and a fire truck. When the EMS got there they found the patient was shot! So the police blocked off the neighborhood and when I walked the block later there was yellow police crime scene tape all over. Neighborhood rumor later in the afternoon was the “abusive” hubby finally pushed the wife too far so she shot him and left him to rot! Well he called for the ambulance because she left to take the dog in the stormy weather to the dog park. When her and the dog returned later she was read her rights but so far has not been arrested. The neighbor who gave me the info says the wife is an attorney here in town! I don’t know them at all but was told they walked the neighbor together with the dog so I probably have waved to them in nice weather when I sit on the front porch.

Gold, Willie I agree with you. But the brother and others explain it as something know to everyone to be tradeable for use is a crisis. I think the times of gold as a useable asset went out with the “old west”. But you never know. I was unaware you can buy gold at Costco but since I’ve never been in one how would I have known.

Gas here Monday was $3.09, last night coming home from the Musical it was $3.39. I think a CEO of an oil company must have purchased a new yatch!

TomO
 
Morning folks

57F and a somewhat mini boom and light show. I was going to hike over to the creek and clean the intake screen for the yard irrigation but guess that is going to have to wait awhile. Hopefully I didn't set out the garbage bin on the county road too early this morning. Damn bears

On to the domestic agenda----
 


Well howdy there internet peeps and those with gold, or gold plating, or even aluminium

It's Troy again.

We're about to hit the dregs of summer here in NE Indiana, and it's not even Summer officially.

Willie and Terry can have their southern weather back. I want highs in the mid 80s, and low humidity.

Screenshot 2024-06-14 at 9.52.22 AM.png


The big challenge is doing laundry, since the washer and dryer are on the upper level of our two story condo. That means the heat from the dryer stays up there. Since the place was built in the mid 1970s, insulation isn't great, nor is the forced air AC.

We're not allowed window AC (it looks bad), nor mini-split systems if anything sticks out from the side of the building. Some folks add a second heat pump just for the upstairs and call it zoned heating. With us being in a middle unit there isn't a good way to get the pipes down to the patio to add a second compressor unit on the patio. Third one actually. The outside units are buddied up, and set next to one from our neighbor. Makes for a loud patio. Let's add a third compressor unit!

So, I've moved the clothes drying racks outside. Patio has a privacy fence, so neighbors shouldn't complain to the HOA.

Tomorrow is trip to see mom. I'll have to hit the bank, and pull some of her money out before the first of the month so she doesn't go over the maximum. Then we'll take her a large coffee.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.




Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)

Back
Top