Mike, as I just told Paul, I still have at least two more days on leaves, and maybe more if they get too soaked. My sciatic nerve and bad knee were really acting up too! I'm glad you are going to work on track placement today.
Sorry to hear about your sciatic nerve, Mark. I had that issue a few years back, and it is no picnic. I found 2 things helped: 1. Walking a lot. This strengthens your trunk muscles which support the spine, and keeps you from sitting a lot; 2. A simple exercise to move the disc back to center and get it off the sciatic nerve.You lie on your back on the floor, arms out, hands palms down, feet flat on floor with knees up. Then slowly move both knees together to one side all the way, then slowly to the other side all the way. You will feel the stretch. Do about 5 good slow, repeat slow, reps every morning. Takes only 2 minutes.It should help.
If this doesn't help then try a snifter of cognac and a good cigar.
Pete, Thank you for commiserating and the exercise suggestion. I'll try it. The doc wants me to get an MRI, but I just called after two more days, and it is still out to be approved by insurance! I agree, walking is good, in fact sitting makes it miserable when I get up.
On to layout stuff. I removed the track and green carpet from my two inch foam and put a coat of white paint on it. I'll do another coat. This is the green foam that is slightly porous. Wow is it dusty on the folding table that has been under the foam for 4 years! I extended the support of the table out to four feet with a bunch of 2x4s. Time to go dust things up a bit. Also, I wanted to put the Masonite on horses to cut for the upper level roadbed, but with the rain, I don't want to put it outside, and I don't need the dust inside.