Trains.com

THE FLAT WHEEL CAFE Locked

153062 views
5201 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 1:07 PM
 blhanel wrote:
 nanaimo73 wrote:

Good morning,

 Mookie wrote:

Oh yes - when we train watch, people go by and look at us like we are nuts.  So I made up a sign that states:  "Bird Watching". 

Mookie, would you happen to know what kind of birds you have in town this time of year?

Magpies, crows, ect?

 

I don't know about her neck of the woods, but over here in CR we've got mostly crows, pidgeons, and sparrows, with a few cardinals for color.  Occasionally we'll see something else flying around, such as last Sunday while I was out chopping ice I looked up and saw a bald eagle fly over.

It's snowing hard again here, and it's a pretty good bet that we'll end up breaking our all-time snowfall record this season, as we're only 3 inches away from it at this point.

We have in addition to the above - hawks and kestrels at watch site, juncos, turtle doves, cardinals, blue jays, and house wrens in the back yard (along with the always present sparrows and squirrels) and during the summer the robins.  Pretty much just garden variety birds. 

But the whooping cranes are due any time now and that is always a big deal in central Nebraska! 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,754 posts
Posted by diningcar on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 12:21 PM

Since I had breakfast so early, and work so hard (?), I shall have meat loaf with the taters and gravy. I love vegies so the peas & carrots, plus the shelly beans w/onions. Now in my life I have never heard of shelly beans, at least by that name, so please 'splain' them to an old country lad.

Jack

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 11:50 AM

I'm already sleepy - turkey's gonna put me right under my desk!  I'll take a "large" serving, please.Dinner [dinner]

The winter storm passed without major consequence.  The ice they threatened didn't happen around my place.  I do have a couple of inches of sleet in my driveway, though, and it's like driving on ball bearings.  I had to back back into my garage and get a running start to clear the driveway this morning.  Hopefully the snow blower will deal with it this afternoon after work.

How about a few pots of chili for supper?  Regular, high-test, and "call the fire department." 

 

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 11:14 AM

Joe, Quentin, and others:  glad to hear you made it all right, through all the mess yesterday/last night!!  Right now, Louisville has sunshine, and doesn't feel too bad out.  I went to the grocery this morning, and it as very breezy and chilly.  Now, doesn't feel so bad outside.  Not sure what current temp is, though.  Amazing how the weather can change, in an hour and a half, spent in the store, trying to decide what meat and veggies to get.

For lunch today, you've got open-face turkey *** sandwiches w/mashed taters, gravy, cole slaw, peas & carrots.   And there is also some meat loaf, mashed taters, gravy and shelly beans w/onion. 

If any of you has a suggestion for supper tonight, please let me know, so I can get started on it this afternoon.  

You all have a great afternoon, take care, and see ya later.

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4,213 posts
Posted by blhanel on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 9:26 AM
 nanaimo73 wrote:

Good morning,

 Mookie wrote:

Oh yes - when we train watch, people go by and look at us like we are nuts.  So I made up a sign that states:  "Bird Watching". 

Mookie, would you happen to know what kind of birds you have in town this time of year?

Magpies, crows, ect?

 

I don't know about her neck of the woods, but over here in CR we've got mostly crows, pidgeons, and sparrows, with a few cardinals for color.  Occasionally we'll see something else flying around, such as last Sunday while I was out chopping ice I looked up and saw a bald eagle fly over.

It's snowing hard again here, and it's a pretty good bet that we'll end up breaking our all-time snowfall record this season, as we're only 3 inches away from it at this point.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 9:11 AM

....Jen, you can borrow some of our newly arrived Robins.  They started to arrive Mar. 1st.

Quentin

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Nanaimo BC Canada
  • 4,117 posts
Posted by nanaimo73 on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 9:05 AM

Good morning,

 Mookie wrote:

Oh yes - when we train watch, people go by and look at us like we are nuts.  So I made up a sign that states:  "Bird Watching". 

Mookie, would you happen to know what kind of birds you have in town this time of year?

Magpies, crows, ect?

 

Dale
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 9:03 AM

....Recorded 1/2" of sleet / snow, etc. for what happened here yesterday.  Yesterday morning it looked to have potential of a bad day....Wondering about freezing rain and wind and power lines, but we did pretty good.  Some slide off's on local highways, etc...but no loss of power in our area.  Lights did blink, but with the wind and ice I suppose that could be expected.

29 degrees {and rising},now late morning as I type, and overcast but very light and maybe some sun this afternoon.  So...I'd say we did pretty good compared to what passed thru and north of us and on east.

I keep a running tally of the season's snow fall here in the {home}, office and so far we've recorded 24 1/2" of the stuff.  The good thing is we can see the light at the end of the tunnel....Believe it's a bit of sunshine and things green thinking about growing.

Quentin

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 7:58 AM

morning

yeah we got ice and about 4 inches of snow on top of it.the county is low on salt so they are doing the main roads.The news said morton salt was having problems filling their contracts.matt has alot of company being closed today.the bird feeders are filled the driveway plowed time for a nap.

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").

 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Aurora, IL
  • 4,515 posts
Posted by eolafan on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 7:36 AM

Down here in Austin, TX it is...well let's just say it is not as cool as back home in Aurora, IL.

I saw about ten minutes of the TX weather on my way from the airport to my hotel where I will be until Friday afternoon then BACK TO REALITY in Illinois.

Heard a UP freight coming through town last night  but could not see it from my hotel window...aaaarrrrgggggghhhhh.

Eolafan (a.k.a. Jim)
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: MP 175.1 CN Neenah Sub
  • 4,917 posts
Posted by CNW 6000 on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 7:11 AM

mmmmphhhhh

Help meeee!

Too....much...paperwork...aaack....Dead [xx(]

Dan

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 6:42 AM

I am a "no snow" today.  Blowing it all east!  Brrrr.  Glad I don't live around Joe or Tree - their weather is worse than ours. 

CW - Milk is good - they put it in Colorado Bulldogs...(that's not all that they put in Colorado, either!)

Oh yes - when we train watch, people go by and look at us like we are nuts.  So I made up a sign that states:  "Bird Watching".  One or two people get the drift but now most of them just glance over and figure that is what we are doing.  One lady drove by and cracked up!  My kind of people!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 5:48 AM
Got an inch or so of sleet last night.  Decided to take the Dal for his nightly walk in it.  There was just enough wind that it hurt when it hit my face.  Haven't been outside this morning, but work is on a two hour delay, and most of the schools are closed, so it must be nasty.  Think I'll grab some breakfast and crawl back into the waterbed for some extra rest...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,754 posts
Posted by diningcar on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 5:27 AM

Good morning Paula and thanks for having breakfast ready. It's 4:15 in AZ and I could not sleep so here I am ready for coffee, some oatmeal and a bear claw (or two).

Dinner with friends at the Red Lobster last night was great and our favorite server, Andrea, took good care of us for which she was amply rewarded. Be back later!!

Jack

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 5:11 AM

Good Wednesday morning, everyone!  Think I'm semi back to 'normal' this morning.  Hopefully, I won't be "heading to a bar", when I meant that I'd be heading to the kitchen, and laundry room, to do laundry, and sweep and mop the kitchen floor!!  Oh well, at least I probably gave you all a good laugh yesterday!Blush [:I]  Think the milk was kind of strong, if you get my drift!

Coffee, juice, hot chocolate and hot tea are ready, and on the warmer bar this morning:  turkey bacon, sausage links & patties, scrambled eggs, homemade buttermilk biscuits w/sausage gravy, tater tots, oatmeal (peaches & cream or maple brown sugar) , toast, and bagels and bear claws.

Hope Joe will be able to make it in this morning, and anyone else who got ice yesterday.  Looks like we will be getting snow sometime Friday.  Don't know yet how much, or how little snow we're to receive.  (Hope it's very small amount!)

You all have a very good morning, take care outside, and be careful out there!!

 

 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,754 posts
Posted by diningcar on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 5:51 PM

I will miss the Mexican Fiesta tonight. We are in a monthly supper club and will be at the Red Lobster. But count on me for breakfast, Paula. Whatever you set on the warming tray will get me started in the AM.

I will say goodnight now.

 Jack

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 4:19 PM

our house is now an ice house.hopefully the power stays on.not going to be fun going 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").

 

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Louisville,Ky.
  • 5,077 posts
Posted by locomutt on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 2:46 PM
 Mookie wrote:

I am never missing very far - usually just bored or tired or both! 

 

Is that "Boredly Tired", or "Tiredly Bored?" Wink [;)]

And you have been MFTC!!!!  (missing from the cafe!) 

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!!

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,023 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 2:41 PM

 Mookie wrote:
I am never missing very far - usually just bored or tired or both! 

I try not to be bored.  It leaves marks.

Tired I've been too much of lately.

Latest word on granddaughter is "any time now."  Better start packing my bags - I'm expected in MD when she's born.  Won't make it for the delivery, but proud papa has mentioned wanting to be able to take Dad to nursery at hospital and point out the new arrival.  Not sure if I'll be able to get there for that, but I certainly won't be a burden at the house once the baby comes home - at least I can cook...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Louisville,Ky.
  • 5,077 posts
Posted by locomutt on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 2:34 PM
 Mookie wrote:

CW - is heading for the bar? 

MUTT!  Best go after her and tell her I know the forum is a little dull, but no need to go drown herself in white lightnin'.  Milk would be much better.

Moo.....

Mook!! The Cafe is "Alcohol Free!!"  What are you talking about!!!!Confused [%-)]

(Milk Ferments that badly/quickly?) 


Well, we've not had any semis getting stuck under the underpasses recently,

but today seems to have been a day where motorists ignore the warning about driving under/into one when there's high water!! The city and suburban fire depts. have already

had several such "rescues" today!. (people Standing on vehicles, not stuck in them!)

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!!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 1:20 PM

....Ice is now gaining headway.....Temp here: 31.3.  Rain still falling, and turning to ice as it hits.  If it continues with something, sure hope it changes over to snow.  Would like the power lines to stay in place.  With our ice storm of a few years ago, the big stuff fell then, and much trimming right after that occured too.  All that has helped us when we get one of these or worse to keep power lines up.

Don't see it on street surface yet....Deluded salt solution helping there even with the temp drop of a couple of degrees.

Quentin

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,323 posts
Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 1:20 PM

spokyone-just like a can of sandines huh? we did have a truck last week take on the jefferson ave viaduct and loose of course.haven't had one take on the clinton st viaduct for awhile.just give it time.Cw I will take some of that fiesta for work tonight please.As for the mookie she can strike anywhere at anytime.

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").

 

  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 1:02 PM

I am never missing very far - usually just bored or tired or both! 

 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 11:45 AM
AHA! - Found Da Mooks!
Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: US
  • 13,488 posts
Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 11:30 AM

CW - is heading for the bar? 

MUTT!  Best go after her and tell her I know the forum is a little dull, but no need to go drown herself in white lightnin'.  Milk would be much better.

Moo.....

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 10:36 AM

Had 60 people today at Produce.  Did not get much delivered today; just lettuce, oranges, potatoes and strawberries. 

Today will be Tuesday Mexican Fiesta Day, with all the regular Mexican food items on the warmer bar.

Now, I'm heading to the bar, to do a small load of laundry, and clean the floor.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,754 posts
Posted by diningcar on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 9:23 AM
Just time for a short Smile [:)] reply. Bright sun and near 60 in AZ mountains today. Oatmeal and hot chocolate will get me going. Will be back later!!
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Aurora, IL
  • 4,515 posts
Posted by eolafan on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 9:03 AM
 Modelcar wrote:

....I realize the one responsible when driving is {supposed to be}, the driver....But, as often as these non standard places seem to "trick" many who drive under them, one would think at least, signage...with appropriate visual warnings should be in place....Attention getters...!

That 11' 6" sign is on the small side and has no eye catching appearance to it as I see it in the photo.  But, especially in the case of this location......Wow.....Not even close.  One wonders what the driver was doing.

Valid points all.  When I lived in Philadelphia back in about 1980 I recall how many times truckers would come upon a similar undepass and see the clearance signs clearly indicating the specifics and fell they had a couple inches to spare...only to find out the hard way that the City of Philadelphia had recently put a inch or two of fresh asphalt on the street under the bridge and then OUCH!

Eolafan (a.k.a. Jim)
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 9:03 AM

...Boy, they have been talking about this freezing rain, sleet, whatever since yesterday afternoon.  Temp right now at our location:  34.3 degrees....So it's close to being able to do something slippery.

Right now we're headed into the Muncie town as I have new glasses to pick up....and then breakfast, hopefully if the weather is not too threatening. 

Quentin

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Muncie, Indiana...Orig. from Pennsylvania
  • 13,456 posts
Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 8:58 AM

....I realize the one responsible when driving is {supposed to be}, the driver....But, as often as these non standard places seem to "trick" many who drive under them, one would think at least, signage...with appropriate visual warnings should be in place....Attention getters...!

That 11' 6" sign is on the small side and has no eye catching appearance to it as I see it in the photo.  But, especially in the case of this location......Wow.....Not even close.  One wonders what the driver was doing.

Quentin

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy