Good Morning All. Clear and a rather cool 55° on this fine Friday morning in North Central Texas. Still more of the same weather here, highs in the mid-80's at least through tomorrow. Everything else has changed, with thundershowers predicted for Sunday and then a real norther blowing in Monday, with the low Tuesday night in the 30's. Back to normal by Friday.
Weekly grocery trek yesterday went as planned, prices are continuing to rise, but I remember the administration pointing out that inflation is only "transitory". Produce and meat have stabilized but are at least 15% higher than the beginning of the year. Soft drinks, dairy products and frozen foods have gone through the roof. And cheese! I paid $22.00/lb for a Parmesan wedge! What's going on up there in Cheesehead Land
Tom??? While apples are on sale right now, they're still more expensive than last fall by 20¢ apiece. Bacon is also going up at a greater rate than other meats. I didn't look at gasoline prices, but I think that they are up slightly.
The trip over to the imaging center was uneventful. I arrived early (11:01) for an 11:15 appointment and was out by 11:13. Very efficient place that I have been to before, meaning no paperwork to fill out.
At home, the door hinge on the refrigerator broke Wednesday, the door still closes tightly, but it is a hassle. The fridge is over 25 years old but works great. Repairman was out yesterday afternoon and will pick up the part this morning and return this evening. He, like others, highly recommends keeping the older models running as long as possible because the newer models are pieces of crap. My wife is very displeased as she is tired of this old one, and refuses to believe what he and other repairmen have told us. Of course, he makes his living fixing the old ones. In 25 years I have twice replaced the icemaker myself, and repaired the water inlet line, but doors are above my pay grade. I have asked him to clean the coils as well.
I split more firewood yesterday afternoon and don't feel any aches this morning. I actually like the exercise it provides. I use a sledge and wedge instead of a maul, since I only have to split trunks greater than 12". I am not into heaving the maul at my age any more.
Thanks for the likes and comments yesterday, they are always appreciated.
I didn't have a lot of time out in the train shed yesterday, between the grocery trek, outdoor tasks and the repairman I was left with only about 30 minutes. So I just ran trains instead of any project work. No pictures today since I am late and haven't time to search the archives right now.
George - Good idea on the hinged gate, looking good. I figured out that duckunders weren't for me many, many years ago and I have been able to build all layouts since then without one. I do have a "stoop under" at 54" on the current layout, just to allow for continuous running on the upper level.
Dave B - I agree that the wood splitting is contributing to my relatively good health.
Joe - I've never been to Trader Joe's, but my wife goes every time that she visits the grandkids without me. I will get my initiation this weekend I am told.
James - I really like adding details to the layout. I think that it adds a lot of character and in some cases intrigue. Now if I could just find those damn raccoons!
Jeff - I used to hear first hand about the welfare/free money abusers when my wife worked for H&R Block and did their taxes. It is truly a sad reflection on society when these folks are allowed to game the system at the expense of those truly in need, and the taxpayers who have to support them.
Curt - Even as a kid growing up in NOLA for a few years in the late 50's, the French Quarter was noisy and dirty. Some things never change. Much of the area along the river smells all of the time.
Jaz - Looks like you still have a bit more work to do.
Everybody have a great day and an awesome weekend.