"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[wanswheel]

http://www.midwesthsr.org/graphics/cometbwtrain.jpg
Comet pic ^ (engineer not flinching)

Hi Tom and everyone, since Don has bought a round for the house, thank you, I’ll buy a round for the roundhouse, and if there’s a pound of ground round in the house, fix me a hamburger and I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday.
It’s a joy for me to put my Dad’s article on the board. He would have loved the Internet, but trainwise his era was about right for him. Steam and streamliners, domes and dining cars on a relatively huge variety of railroads. Also I envy his frame of reference for “big-time” football. Knute Rockne and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. (The Irish are in the Fiesta Bowl Jan 3.)
I’ve been reading all the posts and looking at all the pictures. The hard part is commentary. Major impediments include attention deficit disorder, non-fluid thought processing, and general forgetfullness. Also I can’t type for shh!t.
John, I googled to find the answer to Pete’s question as to USS. Do you get to ride in the helicopters?
Al, the extent of your travels by train is vast, clearly you’re more than a dry scholar. Here too the VAMC is slow and more crowded than it was 20 years ago. I’m grateful to have it, but it does seem they’ve trimmed the budget in terms of ratio of doctors to patients and such.
Ted and Nick, interesting dialogue to keep the lights on here. I do look at all the pictures on Sunday, including the '55 Chevy and the lame-duck Studebaker. And I’ve seen most of the photo bucket thumbs at Tom’s and Rob’s, including Ted’s and Nick’s. What can I say? It’s all too beautiful.
Except Doug’s ghastly grey dangling locomotive conking that poor woman on the sidewalk. Glad to know it was 1895, so she would’ve died of something else by now. “You can be sure if it’s Westinghouse” according to Betty Furness.
Which reminds me of late great Richard Pryor, star of The Silver Streak.

My Christmas train ride that I missed the boat on the other day:

[Anonymous]

Hi Wanswheel, made it just under the wire, eh? That’s fne, we appeciate all the business we can muster today.[tup] Its been a long, dry day and evening hereabouts. Great to see you are up and around, guess the Holiday shopping hasn’t taken its’ toll yet. I can relate to the “no dining car service” that you mentioned. I had two trips via the de Mexico (Padres Negras to Mexico City and Mexico City to Guadalajara amd return) where boxed hot dinners were brought to the first class passengers, it was bloody awful.[xx(] I learned to jump off the train at the first city of any size and get “take out” from the station cantina. Well, I see Leon the night man is here, so Nick, old Chap, it is slumber land for yours truly. We did our best, just couldn’t squeeze “blood from a turnip,” right?[swg] Tom, she is locked up and secure for another day tomorrow which will hopefully see you back still “in the pink.” Good night and thank you to those who dropped by to send their regards.[tup] Happy rails all.

[Anonymous]

Another chilly mornin but fine for getting out and taking care of “loose ends.” Well Tom, I’m looking forward to a synopsis of your yesterday, if it is out for “public domain.”[(-D] As you can see from the bar being in perfect order (except for the chess pieces scattered about), yesterday was “slim pickens.” I’ll grab a Hot Java and a prune Danish, then on to the obligatory tasks incumbant to the Season. I can’t stay long, but Cindy is pulling a “double shift” this A.M. and will accomodate all the “Breakfast Clubbers” with the usual fresh pastries from Mentor’s and beverages of choice. So, Members and guests, hows about a happy greeting for Cindy when you enter this fine morning? I’ll be returning after a bit to see everything is humming along. Happy rails.

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom and the rest of the gang. Since I mssed work yesterday I must go in early this AM to make up part of yesterday. Just time for a coffee and diet pastry from the Mentor Bakery.

PASSENGERFAN AL’s STREAMLINER CORNER #28

COLUMBIAN B&O trains 25 - 26 Inaugurated December 19,1941 Jersey City - Chicago all coach streamliners operating nightly in each direction 981.5 miles 21 hours each way.

The B&O launched their answer to the PRR TRAIL BLAZER and NYC PACEMAKER on December 19, 1941 an all coach streamliner between Chicago and Jersey City. The B&O COLUMBIAN like the rival PRR TRAILBLAZER consistsed of heavyweight cars streamlined in the roads own shops.

Initially steam power was assigned to the COLUMBIANS but diesels were often substituted and by wars end diesels were the power of choice for the COLUMBIAN.

The B&O remodeled and streamlined the heavyweight cars for the COLUMBIANS in the roads Mt. Clare shops in Baltimore. The trains were only permitted to enter service as the government had not yet placed restrictions on new trains entering service.

The COLUMBIAN proved to be a major asset for the B&O during WW II. Each of the seven car consist grew with the addition of heavyweight cars too as many as sixteen cars ber consist. The two consists of the original consists less power are listed below.

CONSIST ONE
1306 Baggage 12-Crew Dormitory Buffet 16-Seat Lounge Car

3558 54-Revenue Seat Coach

3560 54-Revenue Seat Coach

1082 47-Seat Dining Car

3562 54-Revenue Seat Coach

3570 46-Revenue Seat Coach with Stewardess Room

3303 Buffet 37-Seat Lounge Observation

CONSIST TWO

1309 Baggage 12-Crew Dormitory Buffet 16 Seat Lounge Car

3559 54-Revenue Seat Coach

3561 54-Revenue Seat Coach

1081 47-SEat Dining Car

3563 54-Revenue Seat Coach

3571 46-Revenue Se

[Anonymous]

Good morning Tom and friends! I’ll have just 2 1/2 light-breakfasts today, as I need to watch my weight!

Mike, I surely enjoyed most of your article on the Notre Dame bands fight with the NYC, except the part where the Irish beat Ohio State! Take a lookie at this: http://ohiostatedrummajor.com/images/secrist.jpg . Yep … that’s me in 1976, leading the OSU Marching Band in a traditional “ramp” entrance. I was fortunate to attend a Rose, Orange, and Sugar bowl in my years there, as well as game 3 of the Yankee/Reds World Series.
Anyhow, your article was really terrific, and I know we all appreciate the time it took for you to type. Excellent work!

Hat’s off to sir knights Nick and Ted for their continual care of Our Place yesterday. You guys really outdid yourselves!

Thanks for the “El Capitan” Sante Fe ad yesterday Tom, and thanks to Al for his Streamliner series #27 and 28! Good stuff !!

At the risk of not being “classic”, I humbly submit a series on rail maintenace, with the spotlight on the Sperry car. I figure that if the company has been around for 75 years, it qualifies as classic. You be the judge:

Maintaining the Way by John Uckley – Rail Classics Jan. 1984

It’s late afternoon along a double-track main line. There are no trains in sight as far as the eye can see. Let’s take a closer look at the railroad landscape on the north/south route. The continuously-welded steel on both sets of tracks has been spiked to creosoted ties and sturdy tie plates that are firmly embedded in a heavy layer of stone ballast that is properly banked and ditched for good drainage and proper track alignment. Freshly painted automatic block signal towers guard their section of the main line as they await the passage of a train; silent sentinels winking green, red, and then yellow when a fast freig

[Anonymous]

Good mornin Al and Doug, I was just going out the door when I saw you drop in.[^] First, Al, I rode the Columbian once in the 1960’s when it had become obvious that B & O was sliding down that “slippery slope” to poor maintenance, lax schedules and a general disinterest in passenger accomodation and service. The transition from B & O to Santa Fe in Chicago was as if moving from the 19th to the 20th century. The Capitol Limited, Shenendoah, and Royal Blue seem to have a more linguiring fall to their final demise as far as quality of service. It might also just have been an unsual coincidence of course.

Barndad Doug, I was hoping that the Sperry Rail Service would eventually come along and your the brave soul who did it, thanks.[tup] Aside from having a “hot button” for anything resembling a “Doodlebug,” I often wondered how a unit moving along at 13 m.p.h. could possibly detect a miniscule fault in something like a 90 to 120 lb. section of “high iron.” Certainly looking forward to more on this “tech” end of the Industry. I sort of missed seeing track section gangs working the ROW while on board but ballast agitator machines and “ribbon rail” techniques soon put the “gandy dancer” into the “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” niche oinhistrory.[V] Hey, lookin’ sharp in the Drum Major’s Shako Tunic and Baton. I was always marching in the first rank behind the Peacock. Remember being the first to encounter the horse hockey in long escorted parades?[:O] I’d like to stay and chat more on this and the integral part of railroadiana you mentioned but Cindy now has the bar well in hand. Besides she’s a lot better lookin’ than me. Has anyone heard from our venerable Proprietor? I’m getting a little concerned. I’ll see you guys “down the raod.”

[siberianmo]

Good Morning Gents!

An uncharacteristic first Post of the day for moi - no SUMMARY - yet. Just wanted y’all to know I’m back, but will be in and out for the day, so once again Cindy has the bar! [yeah][wow]

I haven’t had the opportunity to peruse the Posts of yesterday and this morning, but I surely willl. I have noted that Theodorebear Ted & nickinwestwales Nick came through with flying colors in my absence in keeping this bar of ours rollin’ along. [tup][tup][tup] Thanx to you, very much - and of course the regulars too, who pitched in with what appear to be some typically informative and creative information. [yeah] [tup][tup][tup]

There won’t be a “report” as such regarding the Amtrak trip to KCity with pwolfe Pete, however, I plan to “hit the highlights,” before the day is done. [tup]

I’ll be back in late morning, hopefully by then, I’ll have the SUMMARY ready for Posting.

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[siberianmo]

G’day All!

PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #44

Here’s something to enjoy regarding the Southern Pacific (SP) from a 1949 advertisement in my personal collection.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Come to Arizona on the swift “Golden State”

– the only streamliner direct to Tucson, Phoenix, Palm Springs

Smooth-riding, luxurious – Southern Pacific-Rock Island’s fast Golden State from Chicago via El Paso and Douglas is the only streamliner direct to Southern Arizon’a resort country and Palm Springs Pullman and reclining chair car. Moderate extra fare.

Try this famous train on your next trip to Arizona or California.

Through Pullmans from New York and St. Louis,

P.S. Don’t forget that our Sunset Limited (New Orleans-Los Angeles) also goes direct to Southern Arizona and Palm Springs.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S*P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . The friendly Southern Pacific . . . .

Enjoy! [tup]

Tom [4:-)][oX)]

CHECK THE MONDAY SUMMARY and INDEX PAGES FOR MORE GREAT NOSTALGIA POSTS!

[nickinwestwales]

Well good morning SIR THEODORE, AL,DOUG & MIKE,nice to see you all this fine day-AL -hope your visit yesterday was uneventful,nice run down on the B&O-the elder statesman of U.S roads if I have my history right
DOUG-good stuff on the Sperry cars,always interested in non revenue workings-the oh so essential poor relation of the glamourpuss passenger hauls-nice one[tup]
MIKE-Nice festive trip tale,glad you are enjoying the photo albums-mostly through [4:-)]TOM & ROBS hard work & time. I guess its one of the few areas in which I can make a small contribution -pix of stuff the rest of you might not be familiar with.
SIR THEODORE-will E-Mail the PECO factory,Im certain they still produce how toliterature for all their products which will explain far more clearly & succintly than I could,failing that its out with the safety crayons-either way,watch this space[^] My remarks r.e. Uncle Sam were in no way aimed at your good self,but meant to give a longer perspective on your own Rats patoot -will explain more fully in the staff room after work[swg]--did you realise that whilst most of our pastries are available in various sizes,the prune Danish only come in regular........( well,it is Panto season after all). Safest to assume for now that our steamed proprieter is enjoying his well earned day of rest or that events in the south of the state havedominoed traffic snarl-ups and delayed his return-You might check the media for me to see if there are any reports of this ( I wouldnt know where to begin ) He has mail on his desk,so expect to hear from him soonest.
Right,I`m off to town to check out the fish market ready for tonight so will leave you all to the oh so tender mercies of the ladies,see you all later,nick[C=:-)]

[nickinwestwales]

Have just had updated screen so cancel that last bit[^]
Welcome back Boss-speak in a bit,small one due for collection from school n[C=:-)]

[Anonymous]

Okay, now we can take a deep breath and a sigh of relief Tom. I hope you and Pete left my “adopted” Home Town as you found it.[(-D] Seriously, we are happy to see you both returned probably rested and wiser for the experience. You have mail Tom. Hi again Nick, didn’t I see you somewhere very recently? Okay Cindy, Im finally outta here knowing things are back to S.O.P. I’ll be checking in again later in the day after some interminable “rat killing.” Stay well and warm everybody. Happy rails.

[jdonald]

Good afternoon Cindy-you are looking fine[:I](that will probably cost me) how about a hot chocolate and a round for the house provided the CN CP etc track crews are’nt here yet. Too close to Christmas to afford a round that size.

Its a snowy, snowy day here in S.W.ON. 15-20cm.(6 to 8 in.) predicted. Looks like the snowblower crew will be called out sometime today.

Wanswheel thanks for the pic of the Comet. My curosity is satisfied. It looks something like the Zehhys of the same timespan.

Al interesting piece on the Columbian. The B&O faced pretty stiff competition on the NY-Chicago service. Did they compete on the same level as the 20th Cent. and the Broadway[?]

Doug Looking forward to more on the track maintenance subj. Guess I wasn’t the only one was always reminded of a doodlebug whenever I saw a Sperry Car.
Reminds me of my first encounter with a doodlebug as a pre-teen maybe 10 or 11; returning with my family from Huntsville ON after summer vacation, we missed our connection in Toronto. Seems my Dad had found the tunnel that connected Union Station to the Royal York Hotel and decided to have a quick beer. He apparently became disoriented[:D]and didn’t find his way back for 2 hours so our connection was well and truly missed. The next train only went as far as London where we had to catch the local to Sarnia. My mother referred to it as the “diesel” but after becoming more train wise I realized that it was a doodlebug. It was about 98deg. inside and the noise from exhaust stacks was deafening especially since all the windows were open. That was the only time I ever rode on one but did see one on the Sarnia-London locals quite often.

Bye for now-keep it on the rails.

Don

[red_p]

Hi Cindy, Jack and coke please.
I really enjoyed the Christmas travels, just make sure we dont use up all the red ink…

Heres something you can give to Tom when you see him.

The National Limited 9/10/73
Amtrak -530,531
mail -1000 series
baggage-dorm -1400 series
10-6 sleeper -2600 series
10-6 sleeper -2600 series
diner lounge -8330 series
coach -4440 and 4554 series
coach -4440 and 4554 series
coach -4440 and 4554 series
coach -no series given
coach -no series given

P

[siberianmo]

G’day Gents!

Cindy go ahead and take off for the remainder of this fine day. You’ve “done good” and as always. Don’t know what we’re going to do without you once your sabattical from your university is finished. Perhaps you can conduct your classes here at the bar - I’m sure you’d have all kinds of interested listeners! [swg]

Well, Gents - the more I try to get ahead, the “behinder” I get. Know the feelin’ [?] I’m not sure it’s even worth trying to compile a SUMMARY at the rate I’m movin’ today!

I had 18 Emails on two accounts to take care of - that’s 18 requiring some sort of a response. [wow] It’s been that kinda day …

Okay - let me at least get this out of the way for those who are interested:

The Amtrak trip to Kanas City yesterday was not quite what it should have been. Fortunately for those of us aboard the train, the disaster that occurred in southwest Missouri had no impact on the route of our train.

For those who may not know, a dam gave way near a place called Lesterville, MO and it sent tons of water cascading down the western slope of Proffit Mountain, overwhelming the east fork of the Black River and a portion of a State Park. It is not known how many died, but there surely were fatalities.

I boarded the train at 8:15 AM at Kirkwood and 5 minutues later, we were sitting in a passing siding, waiting for the backlog of UP freights to run through. We sat for 50 minutes. It was pretty stop 'n go all the way to Jefferson City, where Pete lives - a trip that normally take 2 hours, took 4. Pete and I arrived in Kansas City at 2:45 PM - which was an hour and 15 minutes late, thereby really screwing up any opportunity for some sightseeing of the train display(s) and other “good stuff” at Union Station. Scheduled departure time was 3:05 PM.

Pete did manage to scramble off the train for about 15 minutes, while I remained

[siberianmo]

THURSDAY’s INFO & SUMMARY of RECENT POSTS

We open at 6 AM, all time zones. (Don’t ask how we do that!) [swg]

Tonight is Fish 'n Chips Nite and Nick’s Picks!

Better late than never! [swg]
Looks to me as if Ted ‘n Nick did a splendid job of keeping things on track in my absence – as did Rob the day before! Many thanx! [tup][tup][tup]

Daily Wisdom:

Life is like checkers. When you reach the top, you can move wherever you want.

Info for the Day:

(1) CONTEST:
What date (time optional) will ”Our” Place reach the next plateau – page 200 [?] BONUS question: WHO will be the one to “turn the page” [?]

Participants . . . . . . Date chosen . . . . (Bonus) Who will put us over the top [?]
(in order of participation)
pwolfe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 20th . . . . . . . . . .siberianmo Tom
trolleyboy Rob . . . . . . . . . Dec 18th (12:05 PM) . siberianmo Tom
coalminer3 CM3 . . . . . . . .Dec 18th. . . . . . . . . . siberianmo Tom
barndad Doug . . . . . . . . . Dec 22nd . . . . . . . . . none
nickinwestwales Nick . . . .Dec 27th . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
ftwNSengineer P . . . . . . . Dec 23rd . . . . . . . . . .trolleyboy Rob
jlampke John . . . . . . . . . Dec 24th (noon) . . . . . siberianmo Tom

CONTEST CLOSED!

[nickinwestwales]

Well howdy [4:-)]TOM,nice to see you back at it-have just sent an E-Mail in reply to yours[tup]-not good news on the dam breach,happily the blast this side occured during shift change-5 minutes either side and 40-60 fatals,no question…
I suspect that it is a measure of the passage of time that what would once have been an interesting added diversion to a grand day out becomes a wretched nuisance.
Have written more fully on this in E-Mail,so will not bore with duplication
So,who have we got today…
RED P-Nice to see you,have a Jack & Coke on me,Ill have a big green bottle please [4:-)]TOM-you look like a large Southern Comfort on ice would work wonders,where was I,ah yes RED P-good to see that as befits your chosen career,your logo now comes complete with operating running lights-neat[^]-re the Nationalwhat odds on getting sequentially numbered power in this day and age ? DON-Hi there,know how you feel with the weather,sis in Toronto not hugely impressed either. Nice note on the Huntsville-Sarnia trip[tup]-So theres a tunnel from the Royal York to Union eh,interesting ( members of the spring touring party take note....[swg]) SIR THEODORE-Come and take your ease dear boy,we owe ourselves a little quality time,whats your pleasure this night ?-Port & brandy is a popularwinter warmer in these parts,although the homeward journey can be hazardous... Well,had best be out to the galley and sort out this mornings purchases-not only did I get fish but met a guy who sold me some beans & guess what-theyre magic! ( oh no theyre not , oh yes they are , oh no theyre not…)
Right,enough of this festive buffoonery,work to do catch you all in a bit,nick,[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

G’day Gents!

Looks like I’ve finally gotten to the additional Emails and caught up with reading the Posts from Monday evening to present ! This isn’t preaching - just a simple statement of fact, for those who skim, or otherwise miss the written word Posted on this thread - man oh man, it’s your loss indeed.

Nick That blast you referred to was about 60 miles from where Pete’s house is. I read where the sounds of the explosion were heard on the continent - well why not, actually - it isn’t all that far away. Sounds much more impressive than it is. Nevertheless, someone was watching over the place thereby avoiding even more of a tragedy, as you pointed out.

Missouri has a “bunch” of man-made lakes - perhpas more than in any state I’ve lived in. I have no clue regarding the condition of the dam that let go, but I’m sure the local bird cage liner (aka: newspaper) will fill us all in on hte “skinny” as only they can (and will.)

Your mention of sequentially numbered power brings to mind some pix I posted several Sundays past. One of the VIA Rail “Canadian” lash ups had two of 'em - thought it was rather unique indeed, as you pointed out. Had to be just the luck of the draw, for in no way do I believe that anyone actually “made it happen.” The cynic in me says that today’s railroad personnel aren’t “into” that kinda thing.

Toronto is a mega-metropolitan area. The talk of weather, no matter where one resides always brings a smile to my face. For example, here in St. Louis one wonders why oh why am I here in late July and August when the temps are at 100 (F), the air unfit for an auto exhaust, and the humidity thick enough to choke a healthy horse. But, we stay. So it goes with the winters in places like Toronto. Millions moan 'n groan, but they too remain. Then there’s … Oh I think you’ve gotten the point. One man’s Valhalla is the other guy’s Hades, or something like that. [swg]

Would you bel

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and all.

A pint of the usual and some of [C=:-)]NICK’S Fish and chips for later please[tup].

Many thanks and a round TED and NICK for looking after the bar yesterday there was some great posts.

As TOM as said the trip yesterday did not go quite as planned.I was lucky that the rain which was forecast for Wednesday daytime had already gone through Jeff. City and it wasn’t too cold.May I get a drink for the Volunteers at the station who kept us informed of the trains progress and supplied coffee and good conversation while I waited.
There was plenty of freight movement and the yards at J.C were full of freights.
TOM is kindly going to post my photos they were a bit rushed althouIgh I nearly had a lot longer to take them. It was nearly an article for the Mentor Village Gazette “Strange Talking Man Left In K.C.”
I have read that the Amtrak Cafe-cars have got to make a profit. On the way back we done our best to make this happen [:)]. It was still a great day out though[^].

Thanks ROB and DON on the info on the tank loco it will be great to see the photo. there were many classes of tank loco on British Railways. Apart from Switchers were tank engines a rare sight in N America[?]

DOUG Great piece on the R.P.O. The last pick up on the move in the U.K was in 1971 near Penrith in the North West of England. About 3 preserved lines in England have saved the Mail-Exchange lineside equipment and the special cars, and on certain days it is still possible to see the exchange of mail-bags on the move. A great sight[wow].
Looking forward to the next Maintaining the Way installment and great photo[tup].

Interesting piece on the Comet as I have recently travelled the line thanks AL and CM3.
and thanks for the photo Mike, I am glad you was able to post the article from Trains.

On facing points TED, I dont know if NICK can recall but in the 70s there was a bad derailment on the London to Oxford line when a b

[nickinwestwales]

Well line up boys,its chow time-so what do we have tonight,well.. For the boys from north of the border we have a traditional rib-sticker from the soup kettle-Pea & Ham,a thick and nourishing potage,served with oven-fresh cheesy bread rolls (nicer than they sound[swg]) Alternatively,try Vegetable Samosas with hot lime pickle & mint & cucumber raita
For the brave-hearts amongst you-Cockles,Bacon & Lavabread on wholemeal toast ,THE classic Welsh dish
Also,[C=:-)] is always delighted to prepare-Black & White Pudding slices in beer batter with mustard dip on a bed of rocket,saurkraut & grated white radish

O.K-a brief pause for refreshment…(another big green bottle for me please [4:-)]TOM…Ta…)

Now then,with palates honed to a fine edge we can move onto the main courses:-

Queen Scallops with a mushroom medley in cream & white wine sauce with a faint hint of tarragon on a bed of wild rice
Langoustines with oven-hot wholemeal breads & garlic & lemon mayo dip
Octopus chunks in a provencal sauce on a bed of Taglietelli tricolore topped with calamari & onion rings
Grilled Swordfish steaks with rum,lime & sweet chilli sauce
Baked baby peppers stuffed with white crab meat
both of the above served with Pommes Duchesse & veg de jour

The Vegetarian special is Cauliflower,Broccoli & Red Pepper Mornay with Garlic bread & salad bowl

We also have:-
Cod in beer batter,
Haddock in breadcrumbs,
Plaice in herbed flour,
Whole-tail scampi
and,by popular request,
Halibut,cooked to order in the customers preferred style
all the above served with chips (not fries,a subtle but distinct difference) & mushy peas

Right that looks like a menu,just going to slip out to the galley and slap Boris into shape,see you all in a bit-by the way ,whose round is it ??-surely not my turn again…[swg]…later,nick[C=:-)]

[siberianmo]

Evenin’ Boyz of the Bar!

Good to see you made it back to the bar, Pete - after all, I’m sure you are in dire need of a brew, given that we surely didn’t get our fill yesterday! [swg] One thing for sure to contemplate is that when “our” train resumed its journey to Chicago from St. Louis this early AM (4:30) the Cafe Car attendant did not have any beer left for the journey. Given his “track record” and apparent disinterest in the passengers, we can be thankful we didn’t make that trip.

Emails await you and Nick

Regarding The Mentor Village Gazette I’m always looking for some articles, but no one has responded. So, “go with it,” something from you for the next edition would be terrific! [tup]

Nick [C=:-)] Whenever I read through your menu choices, I feel FULL! Obviously mind over matter. I wonder aloud, are there those who REALLY eat “like that?” I can’t imagine putting away that much food in one sitting. Those days (daze) are long gone for me. But it sure is enjoyable to read through your work and realize just how talented a guy you are. Sick, perhaps a bit over the edge, but talented! [swg] My kinda shipmate!

Don’t be too tough on Boris, whether you realize it or not, he thinks (?) of you as his “Daddy.”

Oh [yeah] For all who bought the house a round on this fine day and yesterday, many thanx! [tup]

Later!

Tom[4:-)][oX)]