Chasing the UP844 in Nevada

On September 28th the Union Pacific 844 steam train came through Reno/Sparks again. I took some time on the 27th to take the tour like I did the last time it visited. It was beautiful as ever, polished and prepped for everyone to tour and gawk at. In addition to being huge and beautiful, the tours are free to the public. The Nugget in Sparks allowed everyone free parking and a free shuttle to the train. All the drivers had a great attitude and a smile.

I spent about and hour and a half checking out this amazing train then visited with the folks from the Nevada Railroad Museum and made my way back to the truck. The following morning I waited in West Reno to see the train leave town. Then with some time to spare, I decided to chase her down again by Truckee at Boca. It offered a great view of the 844 coming around a bend and then heading along the freeway towards the town of Truckee.

I wish you could have been there to see and hear this rolling piece of history as she steamed on past. It is an amazing sight that really wakes up your senses and for some odd reason causes grown adults to start waving as she passes by. Here is a video I made to share the experience with you. Hope you enjoy it and get out to see her for yourself if the UP844 is coming through your town.

Where Did My Spring and Summer Go?

How beautifully leaves grow old.  How full of light and color are their last days.  ~John Burroughs

Hi Friends,

Where o' where did my Spring and Summer go?

I know it seems like everyone says the same thing as they get older, but man has this year gone by fast. It seems like we were just enjoying a wonderful Spring weekend in Ashland, marveling at the flowers budding after last Winter. Now the Sunny season has slammed it's door and we have entered the icebox of Fall and Winter.

I managed to get my work done early a week ago, so I thought it would be cool to have lunch with Brenda. I got to the park early so I took a walk and grabbed some Fall goodness to share with you. I wanted it for myself as well. I will look back after I have been frozen to the bone in a couple months to remind me of the light that is at the end of Winters tunnel.

Fall along the Truckee River in Reno is always a treat. The big Cottonwoods are full of golden leaves and the Truckee still runs strong along its path.  This day the air was still warm and the Sun was shining bright bringing everything to life, and adding a bit of sparkle.

What a wonderful fun filled year so far. I am looking forward to what the Winter will bring and to planning the fun for next Spring. Here is to what has been and to making the most of what is to come. Make the most of every day you have and don't fret the things that have passed.

Peace, Love and Bliss,

Don

Trucking Over Donner Pass Again ... Big Snow Storm

Snowflakes are kisses sent from heaven.

Hi Friends,

We are in the middle of one of those late Winter almost Spring snow storms that seem to come around this time of year. It is leaving it's white fluffy goodness all over the place, and causing the usual backups and craziness.

Work caused me to make a slippery, slushy trip over Donner Pass on Thursday as well as in the Reno area on Friday. It was full of surprises and fun so I took the Flip video camera out to document the adventure.

I actually was stuck on Donner Pass on Thursday just before the summit. I had moved over to the hammer lane to pass a stuck truck and car and oops where did my traction go. I called for the Cal Trans pusher truck but got no answer. So I did my best working the truck back and forth looking for just a bit of traction, and there it was. Just a bit of traction but just enough to get me moving again. I was out of the fast lane and thankfully was not holding up traffic any longer.

It was a 7.5 hour trip from Reno to West Sacramento and just as long back to Reno. Got home late and warmed up just enough to get me through Friday.

So glad the week is over and I am sure looking forward to a view of the snow from inside the house where it is warm and dry. Hope you are warm and dry too.

Peace, Love and Bliss...

Don

Great Holiday Greetings to You!

Hi Friends,

It sure has been a great couple of weeks and we are having a great holiday season this year. Hope you are too.

We were home in Washoe Valley for Christmas and spent some time with family and friends. Tried to get some thoughtful gifts for all of those that are in our lives, but totally failed by forgetting to pick up any Christmas cards this year. Sorry about that, it was not because we didn't care, it just slipped past us until it was too late. maybe we will think of something for early next year and mail cards for no apparent reason to make it up.

After a nice evening with our neighbors and Christmas at Tucker Dome with Don's folks we are now in Medford visiting with Bonnie and Danny. The ride up was nice, lot's of snow on the road and along the sides most of the trip. In one snowy stretch we were passed by a bunch of cars and one rude truck driver. We caught up with them down the road and watched as a little Toyota pick up spun out and crashed into the snow along the road. All of the drivers from the pack that passed us kept driving. We did and helped this nice man from Washington out of the snow bank. It was really sad to see about 100 cars and trucks pass us by and not offer any assistance. I thought your conscience and basic decency would cause you to stop for another person to help. I kept thinking, what if that man had had some sort of heart problem that caused him to loose control? What might have happened if no one had stopped? Well we are still thinking about him, hoping he has mad it back to Tacoma safe and sound and that maybe he will pay it forward sometime when the opportunity presents itself.

So that catches you up with us. We are parked in Medford. Hoping to get to Ashland to soak up the coolness of that town and finishing off this holiday season. Watch your mailbox if you are on our usual mailing list and we might just drum up some reason to send you all cards to celebrate some strange season or occasion.

We are lucky to have all of you in our lives and hope this coming year is full of fun and many blessings.

Oh yeah, I turned 50 ... but still feel 20. And Brenda says I act 14, so I got that going for me.

Peace Love and Bliss,

Don & Brenda
And All the Critters!

Driving Around Reno, Carson City and Minden in the Snow

Hi Friends,

On Friday December 17th it was snowing and the roads were a little slick, but it was fun to drive around delivering my carpet and such. I thought it might be fun to allow the dash cam to capture a few minutes of my adventures. I didn't get any video of the cars and trucks that forgot the dirty side/shiny side rule, they were all over the place. You would have thought we lived in some place that never saw snow.

It was a long day but it was sort of refreshing. Don't get me wrong, I am already tired of the snow and can't wait until Spring.

Peace, Love and Bliss

Don