I have to admit, I have been working on my Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad control panel for more than two years. I can run the layout just fine using Atlas Selectors to control power to the blocks, but I really want a panel with a layout diagram to make operations easier. Plus, I …
Continue reading I Use DPDT Switches for AC and DC Power on my Model Railroad Control Panel
Let me ask you a question. If you watch any kind of team sport, have you ever seen a team get a touchdown, or score a run, or make a goal, and the players jump in front of the camera screaming, "We're number seven! We're number seven!" Nope. Never happened. They all hold up one …
It's always hard to take our final walk on the beach at the end of summer. Labor Day Weekend was beautiful and the waves were fun, but today it's cooler, and we have time for one more walk. We're always looking for beach glass, but today we were skunked! We didn't find a single piece, …
Continue reading Forgotten Sand Toys, Empty Boat Hoists, and Footprints in the Sand
I try not to think about the past too much. Unfortunately, at least in my mind, ghosts of disappointments and painful situations tend to fight for center stage. There are many more happy recollections that come dancing forward as long as I make the effort to pull back the curtain. We love living near Lapeer, …
Sheriff Pete Terkinberry recently called a town meeting to be held at the Ya'll Sit Cafe, and urged everyone in Maple Valley to attend. Despite efforts by Quintin O'Dillmotte to spread rumors the sheriff called the meeting because he is worried about his chances of reelection, therefore, it would be best if the good folks …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 38: Hotcakes With a Side of Lies
I wonder if kids know what an Erector Set is. I wonder if kids still like getting train sets for Christmas. I wonder if Amos & Andy would be allowed on television now. I wonder when the last cardboard tube of Tinker Toys left the shelf. I wonder if any kids know about Laurel and …
My wife and I love watching HGTV network. I am amazed by the vision of the designers featured on the shows. Without exception, they exhibit an incredible ability to see what a space can be and share it with hopeful homeowners, long before the first board is nailed in place. Vision gives life to imagination. …
Continue reading Before and After on The Maple Valley Model Railroad
For all the visitors to Maple Valley, it was just another day in make-believeville. Maple Valley is an idyllic town with perfect weather enjoyed by happy people strolling pristine streets, greeting loving neighbors mowing weedless yards, watching delightful children sharing all their toys, while barkless dogs play with scratchless cats. The coffee at Ya'll Sit …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 37: The Phantom Phone Call
We love going up north for any reason at all. In fact, one time I drove one hundred and sixty miles to get what was supposed to be an incredible deal on coffee pods. Turned out not to be such a great buy and I spent thirty-five dollars to save eight. I didn't complain, though, …
The nice lady asked me how old I was. I worked hard to hold up three fingers, and then I was 70. My mother stood outside looking at me through the window. I was abandoned forever in my seersucker jacket and bow tie on the first day of kindergarten. And then I was 70. I …
A Coffee State of Mind 