Model Railroading is an expensive hobby.  No doubt.  To date I have spent almost $8000 on it, and I don't even have a layout built yet.  I know someone who also doesn't have a layout who has spent, what he claims is about $60,000 on the hobby.

With the high winds today, I came home from work to my neighborhood being without power.  It wasn't long before I found what might be one of the causes, a large tree limb dangling on some wires.  I knew the police and fire were busy, so being a helpful person I called it in directly to the power authority.  Shortly there after I came across a hydro crew who seemed to be getting the call as I pulled up to inform them.