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Flat Wheel Cafe - VERY late winter edition

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, February 23, 2009 7:51 PM

One of my granddaughters asked Pat if we could go somewhere else, so we didn't go to Johnny Rocket's, after all. Both granddaughters were asking us riddles that made no sense, and were laughing hysterically at the responses--the funniest thing about this was their brother (8 months) laughing at, or with, them!

SJ, you have my sympathy--both of you. You're apparently not alone--Emily has chapped areas all around her mouth, and Katelyn is puffy under the eyes (allergies?). We go through the tissues at an astounding rate here, thanks to someone always having something in season.

We have a force to be reckoned with here. Katelyn informed us, her grandparents, that she's growing up fast, and soon she'll be five (she hasn't been four for two months yet). "And what can you do when you're five?" Pat asked her. Katelyn's response: "Drive?" The look on our daughter's face: priceless! I was told that her interest in maps is no accident: she follows the GPS in their car with interest, and has no problem identifying streets, or water...or railroad tracks!

Johnny, my new computer likes to insert or omit letters, too. Fortunately, everything on the screen gets spell-checked, so others don't get much chance to see what comes out initially.

Carl

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Posted by Deggesty on Monday, February 23, 2009 3:24 PM

Thanks, Carl, for tracking that "n" down and putting it to use.(8:24 am MT today) Did it give you a hard chase? It simply got away from me before I posted my comment. Sometimes, even when I compose a post on Word Perfect, a letter will get away, or an unwanted one will insert itself. Business must have been booming thirty-eight years ago; it certainly did not take long for you get off the extra board.

Mookie, Do you and Driver need another box or two of tissues? I’ll send some over if you do (I have found that toilet tissue also works). Both of you, get well soon.

It was about forty-two degrees when I set out for my morning walk today–quite a change from the past few weeks. A cloud cover last night held the heat in.

I hope I am done with dentist visits, except for cleaning, for a long time now. Last week, I had a tooth added to a partial (made necessary because an olive that I did not see in a forkful of salad had a difference of opinion with a tooth as to which was stronger; my tooth lost) that I started using about a year and a half ago–and went in for a tuneup on it this morning. Aside from the hidden olive, it was a good salad served on VIA’s Ocean.

Johnny

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, February 23, 2009 2:27 PM

cherokee woman
Everyone take care this afternoon, especially those of you who are coughing, sneezing and contending with drippy noses, whether it's allergy, sinus or due to a winter cold.

And remember - hay fever season is just around the corner....

Lots of snow to the south of us, but we're just getting occasional flurries.  Several schools in the snow belt closed today, others are curtailing evening activities.

That soup does sound, good, though.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by cherokee woman on Monday, February 23, 2009 11:20 AM

For those of you who are 'under the weather' with colds and allergies (seems to be hitting us a little bit early this year, doesn't it?), you'll find a big ole pot of vegetable beef soup on the warmer bar, along with leftover lasagna and Italian spaghetti, and corn bread, Italian bread and garlic bread sticks.  

I've been in the kitchen all morning, fixing the pot of soup, and I've also done some other baking, other than the three kinds of bread listed above:  there's fresh sugar cookies, straight out of the oven for dessert today, along with a couple more German chocolate cake, chocolate cake, and all the other cakes, pies and cobblers that are on the normal menu. 

Everyone take care this afternoon, especially those of you who are coughing, sneezing and contending with drippy noses, whether it's allergy, sinus or due to a winter cold.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Modelcar on Monday, February 23, 2009 10:20 AM

Dry throat and "cof" here too......Jean just motored over {close by}, to purchase some hot veg. soup.....Sound good.....?

Sunshine still very bright and we're just up to {wow}, 20 degrees....

Quentin

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Posted by Mookie on Monday, February 23, 2009 10:07 AM

Achoo....

Cof......

Times 2. 

We are sharing a tissue box!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by CShaveRR on Monday, February 23, 2009 9:24 AM
Deggesty

Carl, were you paid overtime rate and holiday pay for that day? When I was working a forty hour week, if we had to work on a statutory holiday, that was the rate. Of course, the company did not ask (or tell) anyone to work thus unless it was felt absolutely necessary.

Johnny

Hey, Johnnny (you left an "n" out of your name a while back so I stuck it in here),

Technically, I wasn't an employee yet that day, so they just paid us the straight-time minimum wage. However, by the next paid holiday (Memorial Day at that time--we now get Good Friday, too), I was off the extra board and on a job. To be earning over ten bucks an hour in 1971 was really something!

We don't have optional holidays--if you're on a job that's scheduled to work, you either work, or you lay off (and good luck with that!). In fact, if you don't work your assigned day before and after the holiday, you lose the eight hours' straight-time holiday pay. If you work the holiday, you get overtime in addition to the holiday pay, so a worked holiday pays 2.5 times the normal rate of pay.

Speaking of Johnny, Pat and I get to meet three lovely ladies and a cute little guy for lunch at Johnny Rocket's this noon. It's a neat little place, done up (both in decor and cuisine, but not prices) like a 1950s drive-in.

Carl

Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)

CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)

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Posted by Modelcar on Monday, February 23, 2009 8:12 AM

Bright sunshine with clear skies but cold this morning.....Was 15 when I first looked and now way up to 17.  But with no snow activity it makes it so much easier to take.

Quentin

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Posted by eolafan on Monday, February 23, 2009 7:38 AM

Good morning railfans!  I am on my way to Milwaukee for a daylong meeting today and then on to Stevens Point, WI where I will make my trip HQ for the week.  Other than Stevens Point, I will be traveling to Wausau, Wautoma and Madison areas and hope to see some U.P., Wisconsin Southern and CP/CN traffic while in the Badger State. Hope you all have a safe, profitable, healthy and enjoyable week ahead!

Eolafan (a.k.a. Jim)
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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, February 23, 2009 7:08 AM

morning

a balmy 7 degrees to start this morning.the cardinals were calling me to the feeder this morning.matt is on time and on the bus.thanks for the hot breakfast Cw.hope the kitten has her mittens on today.

stay safe

joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by cherokee woman on Monday, February 23, 2009 4:59 AM

 Good Monday morning, everyone.  I hope everyone had a good weekend.  This morning, at 5:54 a.m., we have a temp of 20 degrees, with a wind chill in the mid to upper teens.  The temp is supposed to get to about 36 for our high today.  But, we're also supposed to have plenty of sunshine today.  We'll see.

I remember, when I first started at the bank, that we got Washington's birthday off.  And the same when I worked at the University, which was before I was hired at the bank.  Back then, you celebrated Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays separately.

Coffee, juices, hot chocolate and hot water for tea are ready.  Mooks, your coffee mug is on the counter, ready for your coffee to be poured when you get in!

On the warmer bar this morning:  bagels, bear claws, muffins, turkey bacon, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, homemade buttermilk biscuits w/sausage gravy.  

I hope everyone has a very good morning, stay safe out there, wherever your go today, and take care.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Deggesty on Sunday, February 22, 2009 9:51 PM

Carl, were you paid overtime rate and holiday pay for that day? When I was working a forty hour week, if we had to work on a statutory holiday, that was the rate. Of course, the company did not ask (or tell) anyone to work thus unless it was felt absolutely necessary.

Johnny

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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, February 22, 2009 7:36 PM
Thank you, Johnny, for remembering an important day. I believe (though I can't remember for sure) that the 22nd was a paid holiday for railroaders before President's Day was instituted. I was surprised at the time, but it was also my very first day of training when I hired out (my actual seniority date would be five days later, after I'd passed the rule test and actually worked a job). I was paid minimum wage (then $1.60 per hour) for the five days of class.

Carl

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Posted by Deggesty on Sunday, February 22, 2009 5:06 PM

Happy Birthday, George! Thank you for keeping your army together during that horrible winter at Valley Forge, for leading them to victory, and for presiding over the Constitutional Convention.

Larry, I agree that it is much more pleasant to relax in a recliner, hold the newspaper and read it--and go back again when it is necessary--than it is to watch as the news flits across the screen.

A gray day here, starting in the thirties and getting up into the forties. No more snow expected.

Johny

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Posted by cherokee woman on Sunday, February 22, 2009 2:51 PM

Not sure what our current temp is; right now, the sky is cloudy; we have had some sunshine today, w/a few ocassional flurries.  

I guess we'll make this afternoon and tonight Italian Night.  I've got some lasagna and Italian spaghetti on the warmer bar.  There's also Italian bread and garlic bread sticks.  

Everyone have a good afternoon (what's left of it in the eastern part of the USofA) and a good evening.  Joe, have a container fixed for you for work tonight:  with some lasagna and Italian spaghetti.  Equal amounts of both in the container; but I'll let you decide whether you want Italian bread or garlic bread sticks to go with it.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, February 22, 2009 12:13 PM

afternoon

sunshine and snowflurries at times.saw the y 150 was out and about this morning and we also saw the 110(ups train).the 508 was also stopped in the yard.might have been yesterdays 508 its hard to tell.cw thanks for dinner.time for some chores at home then back to work tonight.

stay safe

joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, February 22, 2009 7:05 AM

Mild.  Snow overnight - an inch or two.  I'll have to push that off the driveway.  No sun, though. 

Got some stuff I should get done today.  But not until after I go to the store and get the Sunday paper.  Some people tout the instant availability of the news on-line, but there's something to be said for sitting in the recliner, perusing the paper, maybe with a cup of something hot at hand.

 

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
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Posted by Modelcar on Sunday, February 22, 2009 6:53 AM

20 degrees and sun is rising.  very light snow flurries floating around.

Not sure if it will be cloudy or partly cloudy.

Quentin

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Posted by cherokee woman on Sunday, February 22, 2009 6:21 AM

Good Sunday morning, everyone.  We're starting out at 24 degrees this morning, supposed to make it up to freezing today, which means temp's not going too far up the scale.  

Coffee, juices, hot chocolate and hot water for tea are ready.

On the warmer bar this morning:  bagels, bear claws, cinnamon rolls made with real cinnabon cinnamon, and muffins (blueberry, strawberry, chocolate, oatbran).

Woke up just after 5 this morning, but seem to be moving very slowly this morning.  At least the rain, sleet and snow are all gone from the area.  Everyone have a good morning, be safe, those of you going to Church services this morning, and all of you take care.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Deggesty on Saturday, February 21, 2009 9:03 PM

Thanks, Quentin and Mutt. I don't think I need worry about my face breaking out at my age. I confess that I do not eat as much as I did my first year in college, when I was working twelve hours a week on the building and ground crew. I did not gain any weight, but I may have rearranged some. Now, if I am not careful, I grow a spare tire. One night, after supper, the girl who waited the table at which I ate for lunch and supper (we did call it dinner) asked me if my father had been a millionaire. She apparently liked to see me eat, for she would bring me an second, larger, dessert if such was available. There were six or eight other students who sat at that table regularly; they appreciated her service (and the company at table). There may have been regulars at other waiters'/waitresses' tables, but I really did not notice. I have been unable to determine if any students work for the college now, but back then a large proportion of the boarding students, especially, had workships; it helped with finances--even at fifty or sixty cents an hour ($100.00 per semester). And, the food service is strictly cafeteria style now.

Johnny

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Posted by Mookie on Saturday, February 21, 2009 8:57 PM

CShaveRR

Hmm...got that one, did you, SJ?

Yesterday was a light day at work, and something got me started on anagrams. Among my fellow CROs are "Nine Naked Jars", "A Slush River", "Near Savage", "Run, Raw Stoner", "No, not squat award!", and "An Evading Stout". I can't do one for myself, though.

And, since you brought up my imagination, guess who "Risen Jest" might be? Wink

 

Wall, thas' easy CB, cuz I jest risen up in the bed last nite and poked th' Drivah in the eye whilst tryin' to turn ovah in that long flannel niteygown!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, February 21, 2009 8:22 PM

Hmm...got that one, did you, SJ?

Yesterday was a light day at work, and something got me started on anagrams. Among my fellow CROs are "Nine Naked Jars", "A Slush River", "Near Savage", "Run, Raw Stoner", "No, not squat award!", and "An Evading Stout". I can't do one for myself, though.

And, since you brought up my imagination, guess who "Risen Jest" might be? Wink

Carl

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Posted by locomutt on Saturday, February 21, 2009 8:21 PM

 Johnny, there is Plenty..Help Your Self!!

Q, have some more yourself!

Mook, there's still Plenty of G.C. Cake..... Wink

Being Crazy,keeps you from going "INSANE" !! "The light at the end of the tunnel,has been turned off due to budget cuts" NOT AFRAID A Vet., and PROUD OF IT!!

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Posted by Modelcar on Saturday, February 21, 2009 8:04 PM

Sounds like lots of good food this evening for diner patrons......and Johnny, just go ahead and have both.....They're good for you....for a while.

Hauling snow away {in any direcion is good}.....J.

Quentin

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Posted by Deggesty on Saturday, February 21, 2009 7:24 PM

cherokee woman
(And there's still a couple of German chocolate cakes left on the back counter for anyone who doesn't want a Sundae

You won't let me have both cake and a sundae? I don't need a whole cake, just a decent-sized slice.

Johnny

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Posted by cherokee woman on Saturday, February 21, 2009 7:09 PM

cherokee woman

tell you all what is for supper tonight:  Quentin asked for roast chicken & roast turkey (dark meat) with creamed corn.  We'll also have green beans, your choice of cole slaw or garden salad, homemade dressing, and homemade buttermilk biscuits.

Dessert tonight:  chocolate ice cream sundaes w/cherries on top (Quentin's favorite dessert)!

 

Running late getting supper on the warmer bar, but everything's there now.   While you all eat, I'll start fixing the chocolate sundaes with cherries and cherry juice all over at least one, for Quentin's dessert!  (And there's still a couple of German chocolate cakes left on the back counter for anyone who doesn't want a Sundae.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Mookie on Saturday, February 21, 2009 6:43 PM

Q - you must excuse Carl - he has a "punny" imagination.  Mischief

We went trackside and saw a lot of eastern visitors!  Had one each - CN, NS and CSX!  And some coal trains carrying snow out west.  Nice of them wasn't it....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Modelcar on Saturday, February 21, 2009 4:50 PM

tree68

Quentin - Happy Birthday!  (And many more!)

Thanks Larry.....Lots of good wishes today....Much appreciated.

Your profression reminds me as we were out and about several hours ago finding a bit of lunch we had to pull over for, first 2 normal type ambulances and a larger Emergency Rescue Vehicle heading out of town.....Don't know anything about the emergency, but guessing it was possibly over on I-69 and an accident.....Some snow falling at that time.

Quentin

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, February 21, 2009 4:35 PM

Quentin - Happy Birthday!  (And many more!)

Sat through our ambulance squad "strategic planning" session today.  I think we got off on more tangents than even the curviest rail line.   But we put together some decent ideas.   Now we have to see if we can pull any of them off.

Biggest problem - they all cost money.  Sometimes BIG money.

What's for supper?  I know birthday cake is on the menu...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Come ride the rails with me!
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Posted by Modelcar on Saturday, February 21, 2009 4:27 PM

Hi Carl, yes....Muncie really does have quite a railroad history....long before we arrived here.  I know some of it from conversations and reading and passenger trains went in many directions in and out of here some decades ago, plus the interurban and city streetcars, it all adds up.

Snow.....We did not get what they were originally talking about for today....just about a half inch of very, very wet stuff.....It's above freezing so that kind of kept it under control.

The Ball State Un. program sounds great....doubt if we'll get to it but hopefully many folks will take advantage of it.

Yes, another birthday under our belt so to speak....Actually not until about 10 pm this evening....I was informed many years ago.

Quentin

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