It was goodbye to an old friend, if you can call a Tavern an old friend, last night.  Eighth and Rail is now a pleasant memory for those that called this one of their favorite watering holes. The building is officially under new ownership and that owner is looking for a tenant. Those that attended the final night, some in Black Tie, got something to take home at the end of the night.  You’ll probably see a few of us sporting our Eighth and Rail Goodnight Opelika Shirt.  On the back, forming a big number eight, names of bands and individuals that have played that stage over the years and the front with an old bi-wing airplane, looking a bit like a train.  Some final words from owner Richard Patton brought a tear to many eyes and the countdown to a new year with a final toast for all brought the evening to a close. Well, actually, many stayed to talk and dance a bit longer. Thanks Richard for a great night, good friends, having Miller Lite for a guy on a diet and for years of good times at The Rail! Goodnight Opelika!

From Buddies Bert and Andrew in Boston… It seems like only yesterday that we were putting the last of our Samuel Adams^® Winter Lager empties into the recycling bins, and welcoming in the slightly milder weather with the crisp and hoppySamuel Adams Noble Pils. But as the clocks spring ahead, we know that the seasons are about to change once again, and with it will gothis wonderful seasonal brew.  Like an internet version of Paul Revere’s midnight ride, we call upon our loyal Sam Fans to help spread the word far and wide, that in mere weeks, Noble Pils will be gone until next year. Share this message with your beer-loving friends, and one day history may look back upon you as the heroes that you are.  Uh, Bert and Andrew I think we just did!

Update 3/27/11 – You can find it on tap for a few days at the Irish Bred Pub.  When it’s gone, it’s gone.

Okay, I know not everyone is leaving town heading to the BCS Championship Game on Monday Night, but I’d say half the folks I know are going. Some without tickets, just to hang out and party.  The rest are already lining up at Auburn like a home game to do justice to Toomer’s if the outcome calls for it.

As I ponder the weekend, with a chance of freezing rain again, what the heck is this Toronto or something, I grabbed a picture of a pour of Chimay, in a glass received as a Christmas present from the Purves’.  It’s in George’s honor I drink this, as he is sporting a new Hip, replaced this morning at East Alabama Medical Center.  I spoke with the good doctor just after noon and other than sounding a bit groggy, he was fine.  I’m sure we’ll both be out jogging again soon, well, truth be known, he’ll probably beat me back.

In Weather Talk, here’s what the National Weather Service said this afternoon about the weekend.  

…CONFIDENCE INCREASING IN A WINTER WEATHER EVENT ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA THIS WEEKEND…

WHILE WINTER WEATHER IS A RARITY ACROSS THE SOUTHERN STATES…THIS WINTER HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT NORMAL. THE CURRENT WEATHER PATTERN IS CONDUCIVE FOR SNOWFALL ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA WITH A COLD UPPER TROUGH OVER THE EASTERN UNITED STATES AND AN ACTIVE SOUTHERN JET STREAM. SIMILAR TO THE WINTER WINTER WEATHER EVENT ON CHRISTMAS WEEKEND…THE WEATHER MODELS ARE PREDICTING A SURFACE LOW TO FORM IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO.  THE LOW WILL PULL GULF MOISTURE NORTHWARD AND COLD AIR SOUTHWARD AS IT MOVES ACROSS THE GULF OF MEXICO. CONFIDENCE IS INCREASING THAT CENTRAL ALABAMA WILL SEE A VARIETY OF WINTRY PRECIPITATION THAT COULD START AS EARLY AS SUNDAY MORNING ACROSS SOUTHWEST ALABAMA…AND SPREAD ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA DURING THE DAY SUNDAY.  THE WINTRY MIX IS EXPECTED TO LAST
THROUGH MONDAY. Nice…

And this could be voted “Best of All Times!”

Good Friend John sends me some great cartoons from time to time about beer. Here’s another…

Well, apparently it a weekend for research.  My Saturday mornings are not the same with the departure of Red Door June.  I wish the best to Rick and Karen, hoping they realize how much many of us appreciate their efforts with the shop.  I’m probably feeling the same loss that the gentlemen that would hold court at Tyler’s each morning felt on its closure.  I actually had to make coffee, which I put in a travel mug, grabbed my computer, ran by Burger King for a breakfast sandwich and met Redman at Sid’s outdoor courtyard for breakfast.  That was about 9:30 and “no”, Sid’s wasn’t open.  I almost have to get out of the house every other Saturday, as I can’t stand to see Christine (aka cleaning lady and friend) throw away all of those precious cans and bottles collected from the previous 14 days. 

With that being said, I just hung around Sid’s and surfed the internet for several hours.  Thinking it was  time to just go home  (to a clean home) and there’s Redman calling “A group was gathering at the Pub for Alabama Football”.  The game watching is pretty good there, so we made it thru the game and several trains that came by.  Can you say “Train Shot?”

After heading back to the house, my reporters notebook was out of paper, and a quick shower and change of clothes, it was back to IBP for the Auburn first half.  It seemed a bit cooler, so the return visit was on foot.  Second half at Eighth and Rail, then some Blues of John Bull before calling it a very long day of research.   Short of this post, I’m probably finished the weekend investigation. Some Nascar at  home and a nap (normally at the same time) is on today’s schedule.