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Merry Christmas from me and my buddy Zephyr (my kitty cat).
I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and please remember not to drink and drive.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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I'm hardly the author of this piece, nor do I think is Mr. Slotkin. But from my industry experience, I think this is indicative of what railroad operating employees are confronted with day in and day out:
A Railroader's Night before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas back in '03 and no one was working 'cept losers like me.
Departing the depot my conductor and I, fighting fatigue on another red-eye.
My conductor and I both dreading the hell of yet one more holiday at the hotel.
Not ten miles out as we went through the night, a feeling upon us that something's not right.
We should have a clear... this signal was flashin'... an approach came next as is usually the fashion.
Then what to my sleep deprived eyes should appear, a dark signal and banner with officers near.
We started to slow when I said with a sigh, "I really am tempted to just blow on by."
But rather than take thirty days of vacation, we settled ourselves for this sad situation.
Three "wise men" climbed on as we looked to see a Trainmaster a Supe Ops and an RFE.
They said "tis the season for family and resting, we thought it was a really nice night for some testing.
We wish a safe holiday for both of you but we found an exception, so here's a level two.
We looked at your work sheet and it's as we like, but you misspelled a word here so here's one more strike.
You set nineteen pounds here instead of twenty, so here is one more... don't worry, there's plenty.
We know it's the eve of the birth of your Savior, but feel that we simply must change your behavior.
Christ died on the cross as a way to atone us, but we are concerned for the size of our bonus.
We'd like to say thanks guys for taking this run, oh, here's one more strike just in case we missed one."
They made us sign papers and said nothing more, and one cut a fart as they went out the door.
We sat there a moment, my conductor still sighing, I started to laugh, it was that or start crying.
I said to myself, "this time of the season, we forgive all men for whatever the reason.
It's just their job what these officers do, for deep down inside they are like me and you.
This feeling of love is what Christmas is about." I opened my window and stuck my head out.
I heard one exclaim as they left in the night, "Here's one more level for a burned out ditch light!"
smitty195 Member # 5102
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That's pretty good! I've never seen this one before.
KacyB Member # 52680
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Happy Christmas! Thankyou all for all your help this year! Looking forward to 2013 and travelling on Amtrak and ViaRail for real! x
George Harris Member # 2077
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Merry Christmas to all from out here on the left coast.
MargaretSPfan Member # 3632
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Merry Christmas, all, from out in the West! Hope it was great!
That was a great poem! Never saw it before.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from the cold frozen North Woods!!!
--RR Rich
Iron Mountain Member # 12411
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Peace be with you.
In Southeast Missouri we were blessed with a beautiful snowfall last night. It was about 24 hours too late for Christmas Eve. No complaints though.
Ira Slotkin Member # 81
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Hey Iron Mountain:
I see you live in Southeastern MO. I used to live in Knob Lick along Highway 67. I miss Missouri rivers and streams where we did a lot of floating.
Ira
Joe Urda Member # 8938
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And a Merry Christmas to you too.
Had a great Christmas with daughter and son-in-law here from Atlanta. We had a nice cover of snow and now waiting for another 12-18 inches.
To everyone, have a Happy New Year. Praying that it's better than last year.
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