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Flat Wheel Cafe/Diner/CS: 1st Quarter for 2011

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Posted by cherokee woman on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 12:49 PM

Still getting off and on light rain.  The current temp is 45 degrees.  (High wasn't supposed to be over 41, 42 for today.)  Produce went fairly well this morning.  We had 62 people today.  That's pretty good, since last week, there was only 30 people!)

Walt has made his spaghetti casserole, and we have garden salad and your choice of garlic Texas toast, garlic bread or Italian bread.

Mookie, you and Quentin have aroused my interest in the Netherlands webcams.  Think I'm gonna have to check it out. 

You all have a good afternoon, enjoy and take care.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 1:00 PM

Tree - on the home page somewhere, there is a map of the whole district.  The station to the left is shown and explained.  It is little more than a platform, but when they are coming from the west and stop there, it activates the signals, so you wait awhile to see the train. 

The next cam #3 - I haven't tied down yet other than it is in Helmond and on the side of some kind of industrial building. 

The peregrine cams 6 & 9 are mounted next to the tower which is huge when you see a picture of it.  They will also pan up and down - usually late in the day looking for the falcons.  And the countryside and canal #5 is a camera on the tower itself - they sometimes pan up and show the surrounding countryside. 

So #1 & 2 are connected - in an upstairs window in Mierlo; #3 is mounted and doesn't move and is in Helmet; 4 is on a steeple of a church around the corner from 1&2 (watch a bug crawling on the lens and listen for the Jackdaws talking when the weather warms a little; 5,6 & 9 are connected.  7 is on the ground and you will see people walk by once in awhile.  Just pantlegs.  Or hear them talking in background. 

Still watching for the mouse on 3.  Maybe he got the memo that home delivery is a no-no.

The stick in 7 is for a kingfisher that will sit there and then dive for a meal and bring it back to eat.  It is a bright blue and fun to watch.  The egret shows up not too often, but usually walks up and down the canal.  They had the camera tightly focused on the stick one day and all you saw was long yellow bill followed by huge bird. 

5,6,7,8 & 9 are all in the same area right around the communications tower.  When you are snowbound do google earth and you can figure it out. 

Mallards are there now and you will see them swim slowly upstream (to the right) and motorboat at high speed downstream - the direction of the flow of water.  They also release some kind of waste water into the canal and it shows up as white flotsam. 

#8 is interesting because of the bird feeders.  But there are also some small horses on the property.  You can sometimes hear them whinny after dark, which startled me.  You can see them when they pan the camera around the farm.  Also saw some cows in the pasture, but only once.   

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 1:03 PM

PS - it is the way the cams open that throws the timing off.  Sometimes they are very close to each other and other times, you will see 2 and then 3 and then 1 which can really make it interesting.  I like 3 first so I can see which direction and what before it arrives up close.

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 4:54 PM

Evening

a slow melting snow day.chores are done.Cw thanks for supper.Mookie please check your email.our computers are having problems talking to each other.Will investigate further if needed.Time to get things for work.

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 Mookie on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 5:44 PM

Joe - just got back from there - nothing there.  Junk makes it thru, tho. 

Hotmail has been having "issues".....But I hate roadrunner, so sticking with HM.

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 6:23 PM

Mookie
 

And during the dark hours, toward 3 am their time, you will see a lone locomotive zip past the crossing.   

.....Watched for about 10 - 15 min. and saw a long passenger train fly by, and a rather rapid freight in same direction...To the right.

Then at 2:15 their time, just saw that lone locomotive fly by at a pretty good pace...left to right.

But the 9 panel of screens {multi}, still is beyond my control.....Leave it on the screen for a while @ 75% and a window will open with views from one of the cams, and then it will start flipping thru several pic's. from several cams.  I can click on it, and it will go full screen, but the several cam views continue to flp one after the other.

I just don't seem to get control of that screen with the 9 possible cam views.  Several days ago, one time....I did, and not since.

And just now....7:27, another fast freight with 38 or so cars headed to the right.

Quentin

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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 7:10 PM

Q - you are more in Tree's expertise with the screens than with me.  I can only tell you that I use windows media player for the screens - same as Roanoke. 

Don't quote me, but I think the freights headed left to right go into Germany.  You know how geography is not my forte, but I think I read it in some of the notes.

Another fast freight - same direction at 8:09 your time.  Freights take advantage of the lower commuter runs and do a lot of back and forth at nite. 

Wish they would do some track work - it is fascinating to watch in the dark.

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 7:51 PM

Mookie
Don't quote me, but I think the freights headed left to right go into Germany.  You know how geography is not my forte, but I think I read it in some of the notes.

This link should put you right on the crossing.  Then you can look around and see where everything goes.

I've been simply using whatever player launches - nothing specific.

From what I can see by chasing the line, it runs more or less northwest from Helmond through Eindhoven, then splits at Boxtel, with one line going west and the other continuing northwest to Utrecht, and perhaps to Amsterdam, about 60 miles.

Headed east, it's about 20 miles to Blerick and Venlo, and just a little further across the border into Germany, as Ms Mook points out.

Neat stuff.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:35 PM

....That is a neat link Larry.....Really crystal clear.  One can see the building with the orange like tile roof where the number 1 cam is located. 

Haven't looked around on it yet...Later.

Quentin

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Posted by rvos1979 on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 4:28 AM

Morning all.....

Up early today to play in Chicago traffic, so popped in to check up.  Have been trying to dodge the snow the last week or so, succeeded about 50% of the time.

Quick breakfast, then off to the races......

Randy Vos

"Ever have one of those days where you couldn't hit the ground with your hat??" - Waylon Jennings

"May the Lord take a liking to you and blow you up, real good" - SCTV

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Posted by cherokee woman on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 5:14 AM

Good morning, Randy and everyone.  Here's some coffee, fresh from the pot, and breakfast is on the  serving station.  Plenty of juice (oj, oj/tangerine, pineapple, apple, grape, etc.), hot water for our tea drinkers.

Gonna have to play around with the link Larry provided in his last post.  I'm getting more and more interested in that site, just from reading Mook's and Quentin's posts.

Everyone have a good day, and see you all later.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 5:39 AM

CW - it is an interesting place to visit.  It gives you lots of things to play with since all cams have sound.  You can turn them off and on.  Right now train traffic is pretty normal and the peregrines are visible.  You have to check in early cuz by around 9 am the action is pretty well over. 

Heading to coffee pot.  Randy, be careful.  More winter weather heading east. 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 6:56 AM

morning

welcome to the ice rink that is NW ohio.matt is delayed for now but it wouldn't surprise me if they closed for the day.Some cars had the ditchfinders on or were bending fenders.Parts of I-69,75 and us 127 are closed too.Cw thanks for breakfast.going to go tp bed.chores later.Mookie I will check email.

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 Modelcar on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 10:38 AM

.....Ice rink here this morning too Joe.  Had an appointment at the Chevy dealer to take care of a Check engine light on my S-10, but cancelled it until Friday.  If I would have backed down my driveway, with just a slight rise over 70', I could have ended up in the neighbor's yard across the street.

But....more inportant than that "check engine light", happens at 12:30 just after noon.  That is, Jean is due at hairdresser.  Guess I'll try to make that commitment.  The ice might have been weakened some by then.

An inch or two of snow tomorrow or next day is possible, than we really turn cold for a few days over weekend.

Watched several trains fly by the cam # 1 on our Netherlands connection just an hour or so ago.  Still fighting the panel showing the 9 cams.  Was able to watch as all those cams cycled thru {at one spot}, this morning....I saw a bird in the box....and several birds on that rough looking nest.  But certainly can't bring up all nine windows in the 9 cam spots on "multi", and make them stationary, to get a good look at them.

Just now FedEx dropped off a set of speakers {one being a sub woofer}, for my computer.  Just ordered them over the weekend via computer and used their free shipping which they promise 5 to 7 working days shipping time....Actual, was much less than that.  Almost always is, when I order anything over the internet.

Now we can {when I connect them}, bring up good digital music available on the internet, and have it sound good.  The stereo I have in this office {surround sound}, is of normal over the air FM, etc....which in my opinion, is not very valuable anymore.

Changed over to XM on our system in the family room too.  Much better.

Now....must motivate myself to unplug the "normal" small Harman Kardon speakers with this HP unit and get these installed.  Actually the small H K speakers with this HP machine did sound nice and clear, but of course lacked the capability to get down in the bass range.

Quentin

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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 12:40 PM

Modelcar

how many miles does your s-10 have on it ? I've only had the check engine light come on once and it was to reset an exhaust sensor(per EPA regulations).Some mechanic tried to overcharge us for that and it's something only a dealer can do.Hence we do not go to that mechanic anymore.Matt and other schools here were closed today.Need to contact ISP about mookie mail.Also need to go to town for a couple of items.

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 JoeKoh on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 2:47 PM

Mookie

called computer people.someones hotmail left a virus in the system.They are working on it.

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 Modelcar on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 2:50 PM

JoeKoh

Modelcar

how many miles does your s-10 have on it ? I've only had the check engine light come on once and it was to reset an exhaust sensor(per EPA regulations).Some mechanic tried to overcharge us for that and it's something only a dealer can do.Hence we do not go to that mechanic anymore.Matt and other schools here were closed today.Need to contact ISP about mookie mail.Also need to go to town for a couple of items.

stay safe

Joe

Joe.....Our S-10 is an Xtreme with the 4.3 engine.  Milage is not too high.  48,000.  This is the first time ive had a "service engine soon" light come on in this truck.   It's running fine, and the gauges are all normal, so I guess it's something in the sensor category.  I've rescheduled for Friday morning.

Quentin

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Posted by mudchicken on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 6:20 PM

Uh Oh ..... Large white flakes be fallin' from the sky again. Time to lash up da' boys to da sled soon.

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
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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 7:41 PM

Turn off the fan - you are blowing it right over us!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by miniwyo on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 8:16 PM

I hope everyone is staying warm! We finally had our january thaw and its starting to get cold again. Hopefully not as cold as last week. I left work monday morning at -23F. It was a frigid one that day. I don't think it topped 0.

 

Haven't had much time trackside except for the drive to and from work. But I am trying to get my HO scale 4x8 started on my long set of days off if I can get past all the honey dos....  I will post photos of the progress later!

Hope everyone has a good night!

RJ

"Something hidden, Go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges, Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go." The Explorers - Rudyard Kipling

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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 9:38 PM

JoeKoh

Mookie

called computer people.someones hotmail left a virus in the system.They are working on it.

stay safe

Joe

Joe - was it a virus on one of us or just someone on hotmail?  They have been having trouble for at least 2 weeks now.

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Mookie on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 9:42 PM

RJ - sounds like married life is agreeing with you.  What kind of work are you doing - just generalities.

Colo sent us a wad of snow, but we are both retired now, so don't care as long as it doesn't cover the 2nd floor windows.  Smile, Wink & Grin

 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by cherokee woman on Thursday, January 20, 2011 5:14 AM

Good Thursday morning everyone.  30 degrees w/no snow falling at the present time.  So far, it is just a very light dusting on the grassy areas, streets are good. 

Coffee, juices, other morning beverages fresh and ready to go.  Breakfast on the serving station.

Already working on lunch/supper menu. 

Hi RJ, good to see you back in last evening. 

You all have a good morning and see you all in a bit.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by CNW 6000 on Thursday, January 20, 2011 5:30 AM

When the temp # is lower than the hour # it's cold outside.  OJ, coffee, & a quiet corner to lurk in where I might just fall asleep if I'm not careful...

Dan

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Posted by Mookie on Thursday, January 20, 2011 6:00 AM

Dan - 6 am and 5 here.  I missed it by one.

Ugh - is it spring yet?

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, January 20, 2011 6:54 AM

morning

matt is on time and on the bus.Points south will get the colorado snow.Guessers say maybe an inch or two for us.Cw thanks for breakfast.Time for bed.Chores and errands this afternoon.

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 CNW 6000 on Thursday, January 20, 2011 7:00 AM

Mookie

Dan - 6 am and 5 here.  I missed it by one.

Ugh - is it spring yet?

I had 3 deg. at 5 AM...so for once, I will agree with you.  Snow I don't mind by comparison to "cold" weather. 

Dan

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Posted by Modelcar on Thursday, January 20, 2011 11:09 AM

At a few minutes past noon, we have bright overcast with light wet snow.  Earlier this morning it appeared we received about a half inch over night.

It no doubt will snow most of the day, as they are saying roughly 3" in this area using an avg. of several sources.

Believe the heavier layer is going by south of us, and heading east, northeast.  25 degrees a bit earlier.  probably still in that range.

Quentin

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Posted by miniwyo on Thursday, January 20, 2011 11:56 AM

Mookie,

Married life is definitely going well.

I work in the natural gas industry as a plant operator. The plant I work at receives gas from
the field, we use a couple of different processes to make it very
cold. Making it cold makes the liquids separate making the gas almost
pure methane which we then dry and filter and then compress to about
1000 psi and send it down the pipeline to our customers who usually
distribute it to retail customers for use in homes and businesses. The
liquids that we removed get sent to a process called fractionation. We
basically boil off the lightest liquid starting with ethane. I just
recently started operating the plant. Before that I loaded product on
railcars. The schedule is nice, 7 to 7 5 and 4 depending on the day
alternating between days and nights.

On a side note, I posted this using my new Kindle.

RJ

"Something hidden, Go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges, Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go." The Explorers - Rudyard Kipling

http://sweetwater-photography.com/

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Posted by Mookie on Thursday, January 20, 2011 2:25 PM

RJ - nice to hear from you - and just like reading Sir Mudchicken, I only understand about 2 or 3 words out of each line.  But it sounds like going to school didn't hurt one bit career-wise! 

Now, Kindle is a whole other matter! 

About 3-4 inches of snow yesterday, and cold but very sunny today.  Driver used big snowblower this morning.  He does our side and lets the landlord do the other side.  I think i hear some zzz's going right along side the tv.  Shy

Re: Netherlands - the peregrines have been very active all day.  Hobby was in box about 4-5pm their time.  This is a bird that makes you want to have it in your living room - like a parakeet.  It is all soft and downy looking and would probably rip your fingers off if given a chance.  But I think it is adorable. 

Saw some big orange flashes moving across the canal screen.  I thought I was seeing some kind of a huge orange animal, but turned out to be 2 men in orange slickers walking on the footpath.  They went by 2x.  They keep a pretty close eye on the canal and if necessary, dig it out so it flows freely.

If you check the #1 screen - that big white building is - I think - a tavern.  Maybe that is why there are so many pedestrians toward the last of the evening?   

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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