Stress lives in Maple Valley, and the onset of the holidays kicks it into high gear. What would Thanksgiving be without worrying whether the turkey is big enough? Or if there's enough stuffing? Or potatoes? Or antacid? As if worrying about food isn't enough, there is always the possibility of uncomfortable situations. Every Maple Valley …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 41: Dear Doctor
From the time I was old enough to recognize the people around me, there was one person who was my favorite. He held a place of love and admiration throughout my life that made every opportunity for me to be near him a delight. He was my Uncle Dick Lambert. In this photo I was …
Continue reading To Honor the Memory of My Uncle Dick Lambert
Village council meetings in Maple Valley are generally docile. Minutes are read, dates approved, reports adopted, motions to adjourn bring meetings to an end. Last week will stand out in the history of Maple Valley council meetings, as Quintin O'Dillmotte's shocking and outrageous plan to change the name of Maple Valley resulted in a high …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 40: The Railroad and the Church General
"That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, but coming from you I'm not surprised!" Sheriff Pete hollered into the phone as he slammed it down. Meanwhile, the mysterious calls from someone identifying herself as Sylvia Meisner suddenly stopped after Pete held the special meeting at the Ya'll Sit a few months ago. No …
Continue reading Scandal at Maple Valley – Episode 39: O’Dillmotteville
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
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
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 and Lies
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
I enjoy looking behind the obvious scenes, which is why details are so important. More things are happening than we can see at first glance. A lot of life takes place in hiding. Maybe the good folks of Maple Valley aren't hiding on purpose, but not everyone sees everything they're doing. That's good. No one …
A Coffee State of Mind 