This visit to the bar is also part of Linda G. Hill’s fun weekly series, Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Yours truly is filling in for Linda today, and our assignment was:
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “ooooh, aaaah,”. Use it as a phrase, or break it apart. And since I love bonus points, bonus points if you somehow manage to start and end with all or part. That’s about it, oh yeah, I almost forgot – Enjoy!
“Ooooh, just the man I was hoping to see.”
“Was this in doubt? I mean, I’m usually here on Saturday.”
“Well, you’ve been mixing it up a lot, I thought maybe you were changing your routine.”
“Dan? Change his routine? $10 says he asks me for a Yuengling.”
“No bet, Cheryl, he is a creature of habit.”
“I am, and I will have a Yuengling, and I don’t understand why you think I’m ‘mixing it up’ “
“Well, I heard that you were in here on Sunday.”
“Yes. Sunday. Father’s Day. I was having dinner with my daughter.”
“Aaaah – I get it. Her gift to you? Pretty safe bet.”
“Actually, her gift to me was a visit to the Railroad Museum of New England and a ride on the historic Naugatuck Railroad, and a wonderful book from their gift shop.”
“A train ride. That’s an even safer bet than coming here. Here’s your beer, and I assumed you wanted a glass of Meiomi.”
“Speaking of safe bets, thanks, I was going to ask.”
“You boys want to visit the dining car, as it were?”
“Do you still have the Oysters special?”
“No, and I can honestly say, I don’t miss serving them. But, we always have Mussels on the menu.”
“Oooh, those are good, but white wine with red wine, I’m not sure…”
“I’m good. Mussels go fine with beer.”
“They’re Blue Point Mussels, red, white and blue…for the fourth???”
“OK, OK. Two orders of mussels.”
“Coming right up, you guys are easy today.”
“I think that’s because it’s my turn to pay.”
“So, I’m checking that museum out on my phone. It looks like you finally got your wish.”
“What wish was that?”
“To ride on a train pulled by a New Haven Railroad locomotive.”
“Not quite. They do have NHRR locos in their fleet, but we were pulled by a Naugatuck Railroad locomotive. Same GE engine, actually they said it was one of the first engines to have a rudimentary computer control, very similar paint scheme and the same slab serif font in the logo.”
“Sigh…”
“What?”
“I was just thinking how you could have said: “No, it just looks like New Haven, it was actually a Naugatuck Railroad loco…that’s all.”
“I do tend to go on.”
“You do. So how long was the ride?”
“It was an hour and fifteen minutes.”
“Wow. That’s a good long ride.”
“Yeah, it goes down to Waterville then back up, past the Thomaston station, over the Thomaston dam and then back to the station. Oops, there I go again.”
“So, half way being pulled and half being pushed?”
“Nope. In Waterville the engine disconnects, turns around and reconnects at the other end.”
“That must be fun to watch.”
“It was, but they give viewing preference to the kids on board.”
“Aaaah, that’s cool.”

“OK guys, mussels are up. More wine? Another beer?”
“Ooooh, look at those bad boys. Yes, I’ll have another beer.”
“Great, you boys doing anything special for the fourth?”
“I might go into Hartford for the fireworks.”
“I’m going to pass on the fireworks. The loud noises still screw-up my hearing.”
“Let me guess, you got your building permit and you’re going to start on your garage.”
“I did get the building permit, but I’m pretty sure my wife will be maintaining the fourth-of-July-construction-ban.”
“Whaaaah?
“Three years. Three projects. Three trips to the ER or walk-in medical, and she drew the line. No construction on the fourth of July weekend.”
“Who are you, Tim from Tool Time?”
“Ha ha. It was beginning to feel that way.”
“She doesn’t seriously forbid you to do the work…right?”
“Oh no, she does. Seriously, no construction. I can do some work in the shop, but I won’t be starting that project.”
“So bike ride? Barbeque? Sit with Maddie and suck down a few Yuenglings? What’s the deal?”
“Those all sound pretty good.”
“What if it rains?”
“It’s supposed to be a pretty nice weekend. And, on the fourth, there’s always the Twilight Zone Marathon.”
“Aaaah.”
The video is of the work yard for the museum., I thought David would enjoy seeing the collection of rolling stock.
Dont send me the model. The last time you did that, it was hugely stressful and expensive for everyone. all round-grin. Still, I would love a NH Alco RS-3 on my layout. It would be perfect for a newly scheduled through freight (ooops – there I go again!).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha – not to worry! I still have a second AMTRAK loco in a box that’s done more international travel than I have :-)
LikeLike
I hope you caught the video
LikeLiked by 1 person
SO jealous! You got to be in charge of the train!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t be too jealous. It’s a stationary exhibit. But in my mind, I was driving :-)
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s the whole idea, Dan – imagination!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post. How cool to pull the whistle on the train!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alas, the whistle was a prop, but it was still cool to sit in the seat behind the heart of a locomotive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooooh, aaaaah! Too early to share a beer with you, but I do love mussels in white wine, preferably with a good bit of garlic. Yours is the second blog in the last five minutes that I’ve read that talks about food, so I guess it’s time for breakfast and maybe some of those delicious strawberries I got at the farmer’s market this morning. Happy weekend and Fourth, Dan, whatever you end up doing.
janet
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Janet. I got myself so spun up about these mussels that I’ll probably actually have an order today. We also have some fresh strawberries from the farmer’s market. It might be a lazy weekend but I’m up for that, too. I hope you have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How cool, Dan. Loved the video addition.
She is a good kid. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Audrey. She is :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooooh, what a neat day! The train looks really neat. Thanks for taking us along for the arm-chair ride.
Have a wonderful week-end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Deborah. The train ride was so much fun. The volunteers are so into it, they really bring you back in time. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That last shot shows one of the New Haven Budd RDC diesel units – here is my replica on y layout: http://www.totallyobjects.com/images/nhrdc.jpg
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I will bet those kids will walk away with a lifelong love of trains.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. That’s how to get them hooked :)
LikeLike
“Sigh…”
“What?”
“I was just thinking how you could have said: “No, it just looks like New Haven, it was actually a Naugatuck Railroad loco…that’s all.”
“I do tend to go on.”
Totally cracked me up. I am married to one… music. I say I liked that bit he was palying and he begins ot explain the intricacies of things-I-cannot-begin-to-undertand. I am glad he doesn’t rad this blog cuz he’d be hurt… Being a good wife, I listen. We have to share this crazy crapola in our heads on the things we do with SOMEONE!
Dan I can’t see a train or a beer now without thinking of you… Is that too funny? And we’ve never met!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m homered to be associated with those images in your mind. I feel a little better knowing I’m not alone in my willingness to share details. Thanks Kate.
LikeLike
Looks like you had a great time!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did !!! Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good 🍰😱😀💗🍷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh ahhh! Mussels and beer, prompts and stories, a virtual ride on a train what more could we want? Happy weekend Dan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ellen. I hope you have a great weekend too. No virtual beer though ;-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe that bit was virtually mine 🍻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your post is called ‘If we were having another Beer’ * scratches head*
LikeLiked by 1 person
I normally start with “if we were having a beer”. But I wanted those bonus points. And, I already had a post titled “if we were having a beer”. I know, it doesn’t matter, but…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhhh oooh i will have your beer for you. I have spent a good hour enjoying everyones tales on here. so happy July the first to everyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
oooh ahhhh – or aaaah if i were paying close attention. sounds like the warm up routine for one of our fellow gardeners when we get together and show pictures each fall. it is a drizzly day here. mist , rain, and damp. that might make it a good day for a train ride – followed of course by a beer. mussels would be a good follow up. is it noon yet ? somewhere ? in the mean time i will finish this cup of coffee. and dream of train rides and beer – ooooh ahhhh !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks John. It’s noon somewhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truly a holiday post except you forgot Maddie on her cot. :-) Hope you and yours have a nice long, relaxing weekend with a couple of cold ones and zero trips to see any medical professionals. :-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Judy. I am cleaning the shop and preparing for the work ahead. No power tools today.
LikeLike
I’d say that Faith knows her dad very well … that was a thoughtful gift! :)
I had to smile at the photo of the 2 of you. Faith has a big happy smile and your expression is more like ‘are you sure that it’s on?’ hahahahaha!!
Hope you enjoy your long weekend and whatever 4th of July celebration you get into!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never had a good photo smile. I was very happy. Always a little nervous when a camera is pointed my way but totally enjoyed that visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know the feeling. I call it my deer-caught-in-the-headlights look :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! Beer, mussels and trains – what could be better? :)
Thanks for hosting this week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. It’s hard to beat that combo. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of all the photos…I like the BEER one best …hahahaha..thanks for sharing Dan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha – thanks. Something for everyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooohhhhh….what a great way to spend Father’s Day. Kudos to Faith. And to the missus for keeping your body parts intact over the holidays. Most people end up with eye injuries and burned hands from Fireworks. You have to go and upstage the Fourth with building injuries…lol. Thanks for giving me the night off for my special day too. Ummm…and the mussels, in the same category with oysters….enjoy but no, aaaahhhhhhh….(loved all the photos Mr. Conductor) 👏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cheryl. I can’t reply to the photo comments here but I will. It was a great day. I’m staying safe for the long weekend. I hope you had a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far so good Dan. Doing the things I like. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice job, Dan. Was sorry to miss the prompt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s ok. I didn’t take it personally. Maybe Linda will let me come back.
LikeLike
:-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fun-tastic Saturday post, Dan. That pic looks like you were in your element and having a terrific time. Have a great Fourth of July weekend. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Teagan. It was a great day! I hope you’re having a nice weekend
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am indeed. Posting an announcement on Sunday. Cheers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking forward to that (I hope)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a fun train trip and cute part about your July 4th ER trips too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The train was fun. The ER trips, not so much. But I’ve been sticking to safe stuff for many years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
My fav is of you and Faith, Father and Daughter. And OH how I laughed about the ER trips and your wife putting forth the decree no working on July 4th with dangerous machines. LOL I’m getting herbs into my cats to help them with the fireworks that they hate. No plans on going anywhere but here to keep them as comforted as possible. Awesome gallery, Dan! Thank you! 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Amy. It was a great day. The construction ban has been in force for many years but she’s not interested in relaxing it. Maddie will be in her thunder shirt when the fireworks start.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately most people don’t understand how the huge noises are so terrifying to our animals. I work hard at keeping calm in this house on the 4th. Poor Maddie. She will need a lot of hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
With my hearing, gradually improving, I can’t take the loud noises either. I will hide away from the town’s big display, which happens less than 1/2 Mike from our house.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re not alone. Hubby does not like fireworks so he will do his best to block out the noises. Unfortunately many around us locally are blowing off fireworks which we have no control over. Good luck!! 🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have similar stupid neighbors in this small neighborhood. Good luck to you guys.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Stupid is mildly saying it, Dan. Grrrr ….
LikeLike
Aw, Faith really is a great kid — those were excellent gifts :)
Your wife may be on to something with her prohibition on 4th of July construction. I think the third time shoulda been the charm, and after that third incident, I have to agree, you’re jinxed. Nothin you can do this weekend that can’t be done next weekend. And I’ve taken my own advice on that matter. Imma weed the garden and otherwise sloth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it was two incidents then a safe weekend and then another trip to the ER. 3 out of 4 landed me in construction jail. Father’s Day was perfect. I cleaned my shop a little today. A little more tomorrow and then easing around for a couple.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice! Enjoy! Also, the picture of the red wooden train car — I like that one a lot. It’s so iconic America.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You might see that one again, perhaps on a Thursday. I really liked that car.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great gift for you! :D And you even got to drive it? Ahhh! :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t get to drive, that was an exhibit but it felt like I was driving. It was a fund day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on PenneyVanderbilt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 😋
LikeLike
Sounds Like A Lot Of Fun!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! You need to do a novel, told entirely in the form of bar conversations. I’d buy it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That thought had crossed my mind 😏
LikeLike
Everything in this post brought a big silly grin on my face. This is the original Dan I met a few years ago through blogging. . . we “lost touch” for awhile, and now stay in close friendly touch. You are the railroad King who loves the intricacies of locomotion. Your interests vary~ (woodworking, home improvement projects, photography, travel and especially a family man I admire.) Happy belated Fourth 🇺🇸 to you, Faith, the Editor and Chief of your life and the cats with Maddie!! This was a stellar post! 👏 🚂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Robin. I’m glad you enjoyed this. I never figured out what happened (I blame WordPress) but I’m glad our blog travels brought us back together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so happy too! I blame blogging on my phone and that darn “unfollow” button. It should let off a loud whistle or warning signal. 😊 My fingers aren’t big, but I accidentally delete a few times and unfollow occasionally, too. Oh well, I am extra careful now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, there is always the Twilight Zone marathon to look forward to! *applauds*
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew that would get your attention Paul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sooner or later!
LikeLiked by 1 person