Now I understand.
Not really. I still think it’s done with smoke and mirrors.
Well that clears that up!
Whew!
After this, I’d consider being a monk (friar) as therapy.
Obviously, I must sit myself down, with appropriate measures of holy water, and write out a definate, defining description of what the “Branchrailroadian Fellowship” is all about, and much clearer (In layman’s terms) description of holywater.
At this moment, due to pressing matters; I can only make one statement of great importance:
This whole web page and it’s forums; is all about a great hobby, and the sharing of it between like minded friends. Like Branchrailroadianism, it is not anything to do with RELIGION, or Politics. So, please…don’t in anyway, let your personal religious, or political views, cloud your opportunity to have fun in this hobby, which is enjoyed by so many, who can see a little bit of fun in holy water (With a small h), and Branchrailroadianism.
Amen, Phriar, Amen.
Fred-
For the great unwashed, the groundlings, the general pubblick, the entitlement (self or by acclaim) or “Friar Fred” continues to mystify.
What is the unrepeated saga as to how and why you have that title?
Would you so kindly disclose.
Wendell
Is that the circuitry for this thing?
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/lastmanout/_forumfiles/f7851.jpg)
Well, Fred, that is what I was doing, having a little fun, and sharing it with like minded friends.
I hope I didn’t offend. It’s hard to tell from your post.
Me…offended…egads…NEVER…
I'm NOT a member of any religious order, but I joined with many others, the Branch Railroadian movement, many years ago. The branch railroad on my pike (The Rat Portage & Mattawa) is known as the shortline partner, of the IPP&W. (Ironwood Peter's Pond and Western)
Holy water is actually any beverage that quenches YOUR thirst, and pleases YOU. It is used in gatherings of fun-loving friends: always in moderation. It can be considered a lubricant for dry throats, when many ideas are shared, amungst the group. It may contain stimulants that can enhance the souls of the shy members. It can aid sore throats if used for medicinal purposes.
Good clean, cold water is a form of holy water. So is bheer, whine, Whisky, or Whiskey. Orange juice, and othere beverages are included…the list will never end, as long as we all have different tastes. ALWAYS IN MODERATION.
There is a bit of a start.......next I will tyry to describe the scene, at the founding of the "Branch Railroadian Fellowship"..........to be continued......Wow. Haven’t heard from Branch Railroadians for a long time.
“Branch Railroadianism”…a harmless fun group…
It all started years ago, in a Pub, called the “Pub Italia”
A number of fellas, who liked getting together, before the monthly meeting of the “Ottawa Valley Associated Railroaders”, to quench their thirst, where there is at least 140 different bheers, on tap or in bottles and cans to choose from. The place has an atmosphere, that makes one feel at peace with the World, and in the mood for friendly chatter and the telling of humourous tales.
One of the guys, named Bobby Farquhar (Later promoted to “Archie Bishop” Farquar, of Kingston, and the Rock Piles), a great teller of tales, and born with a perpetual twinkle in his both eyes; casually suggested that due to our interest in"Branch line" railroading, we could be called “BRANCH RAILROADIANS”.
Before this ever got started; I had been accused of sermonizing on all things devoted to friendship, trust, and goodwill....staying far away from man-made religion and politics. I even got to the point of wearing a "Churchmans' Dog collar", for fun and humour (Appreciated by most I came into contact with it seems; even the clergyman that gave me the collar..who saw the sense of humour in it.
Then…at a breakfast in the restraunt of the Holiday Inn, at York PA., I was surprised by being robed, by a number of guys from this proud Web Page, including, young Bobby McCown, hisself.
Later I was given the opportunity to say a few kind words in the hope of a success to their forthcoming wedding, to Bart and his bride to be.
Shortly after, Bobby was proclaimed as Archie Bishop of Maritime States, and Bart was settled in as Archie Bishop of Fort Gay, and surrounding states.
Deryk Coleman who has passed on to the great Branchline of life, was declared Archie Bishop of "Anything over the pond"
With all of these Archie Bishops, there seemed to be a need, within the Branch Railroadian Fellowship, for some poor devoted soul, to make sure of the quality of the elixirs of life that we all were promoting (In moderation of course), so I somehow was shoved screaming into the task. (Cask…!!)
There I was, a lowly young friar, in the Branch Railroadian fellowship, doing his thing, never complaining, always trying to bring a touch of humour, friendship, and fellowship to the the merry group whenever we met....usually at York, but soon after during annual attemts of invasion across the US Northern border.
Then there came "The Rodents....
The gathering of rodents all started when several railroaders, on the old Big Trains List (It is still going strong) had problems with various types of rodents, led by one Vogel, of many names, and personalities. Rodents were supposed to be the enemy…meanwhile that same year, The Canadian Pacific Railroad, re-invented it’s old Beaver in gold, on it’s equipment, and it soon came to be known as “The Golden Rodent” in railfan circles.
Floods were taking place that Spring in Joisey, so we put together a rodent family to take to York, where they were put to the task of building dams to help the flooded American Joiseyites !! We had one of our best parties that year, in York, needless to say.
So....that is the story.....the Rodents are still living somewhere, under the kind care of Mauro, and his wife and daughter.
Fr.Fred, hasn't attended York for a number of years, but is still in touch through the Big Trains List, and Large Scale Central, a great number of fine people who I have the priviledge of calling friends. They are spread all over the World. A great majority of them have been here during the Annual Invasion of Friends.
My life has been enriched so much by all these great people....I thank them all.
I only hope that in some small way, I can give back, as much as they have given me.
This grand hobby, of the interest in RAILROADING, has brought us all together.
Keep smiling everyone…
Freddie,
You are indeed a treasure even amongst the unwashed masses on the Oregon coastline!
I always thought Geek humor would be more like this:
(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/vsmith/WhoWouldWin.jpg)
Kinda appropriate as this weekend is Comicon is San Diego
Vic-tor…your e-mail work?
Curmudgeon said:
Vic-tor…your e-mail work?
Should be working fine. Heres another joke Physicist will enjoy:
It was interesting reading the historical background of the Branchline Railroadians and those illustrious early members. I have never met any of them in person but am honored by their presence here. Friendships, such as this, are priceless and must be forever treasured.
When I retired from the Fire Department (similar to the American volunteer one) folks asked if I missed the excitement and adrenalin rushes of the call outs/alarms. I didn’t: what I missed was the camaraderie of training evenings.
No one misses a fire fight of any kind. But evenings in the Goat Locker are missed by all who have experienced them.