"Hey Stuart, that's nothing to be doing on your birthday." Yelled a neighbor from her car window as she passed me as I was picking up sticks in another neighbor's yard. (Isn't Facebook great. She was the third well-wisher to drive by and remind me that I was another year older.) I thanked her and told her that I couldn't think of a better thing to do on a beautiful September morning.
The Maple tree in front of my neighbor's house has been dying slowly for years. Each year he removed another dead branch or two and gave me the wood (I burn wood to heat our house. ) The other day my wife heard some saws running and said "Henry's having that tree taken down." I went out to see and he called me over. We watched as the crew sawed up the branches and trunk and loaded the brush onto a trailer to haul away. He said; "You want the wood don't you?" I said; "You know I do." "Good, because I told them not to worry about taking the wood and they gave me a better price."
The whole center top of the tree had died this year and when the tree hit the ground the dead wood shattered into a pile of twigs and branches. The crew foreman asked me if I wanted that for kindling.
"You're hoping I'll say yes so you won't have to clean that up, aren't you." I laughed.
He smiled and nodded.
I thought about it for a minute (not long enough) and said; "What the hell, I'll clean that up. You get all the stuff with leaves and I'll take care of the rest." He didn't wait for me to change my mind. I'd made him and his crew very happy.
So there I was on my birthday, picking up sticks, bundling them with string, and hauling them across the street to my back yard. I felt very third-world-ish; scrounging sticks for heating or cooking to survive. I thought about how this job would be given to the women and old men of the tribe and I felt a certain brotherhood with most of the rest of the world.
I could have been embarrassed, I guess. Normally, all this would be raked up and left at the curb for the city to pick up. No sane person does this in our society. I thought about this every time a gas-guzzling SUV drove past and the driver looked out at me. But I wasn't embarrassed at all.
After I picked up and bundled the sticks, I raked up the rest of the debris and wheeled it back to my compost pile. I left nothing for the city and that felt good.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Chapter XI: The Chase.
This is the eleventh in a series of blogs chronicling an expedition
into 'space' with Jack Pynesapp and his granddaughter Red. You may want
to read these in the proper order by skipping to episode 1: [ click here ]
[I don't know if I'm up to this reality shit. But here goes...]
"I guess we'd better head for Oakwood," Jack answered, "and see what Billy finds out."
JJ looked around and saw the lid from one of the milk cans that must have fallen from the wagon as it drove away. "Dad," he said, "maybe we should follow the wagon back to the farm and ask those folks what's going on."
Jack thought for a bit and said; "I guess that wouldn't hurt. It will take the train a while to get to the Oakwood since there are a few more farms between here and there."
So JJ picked up the lid and they started following the path to the farm.
It was a field road - which was more like a path, worn in the grass by the daily passing of the wagon from the farm to the tracks. It wound through a small wooded area, up a small hill and then down into a broad valley where the farmstead was located. When Jack and JJ came over the hill the grass in the trail became longer and soon the tracks disappeared entirely into an thicket of prickly ash and honeysuckle. They looked all around for a sign of where it had been but couldn't find one.
"This is weird." Jack said.
"Ya think?" JJ agreed.
"We're not going to get through this stuff. We'd better go get the car and head for Oakwood."
"Yeah."
They started backtracking and found that the trail they had just followed had grown up into grass and weeds, leaving no sign of the trail. They had to make their way back to the tracks fighting their way through ragweed, quack grass, wild raspberry, and chicory.
"What's going on, Dad?"
"You tell me."
"Are you scared?"
"I don't know, this is pretty freaky."
"Do you think we dreamed all that?"
"You've got that lid." Jack assured.
"Yeah, there is that."
By now they had fought their way to the tracks and started walking back towards the house.
"Dad, look at the tracks." JJ said. "They're all rusty again. All that shine is gone."
"Hmm." Jack said. "We'd better beat it to Oakwood."
"No kidding."
Both Jack and JJ broke into a trot. It is hard to run on the railroad ties because you can't get into any kind of a stride. The ties are unevenly spaced so every step has to be measured. But they made it as fast as they could and within 5 minutes they were scrambling down the embankment to the street and then it was easier going for the quarter mile to the house.
"Dad, what's going on?"
"I don't know JJ"
"What if Billy's not in Oakwood?"
"I don't know JJ"
"Was Oakwood even there when they ran the trains ran?"
"No. But there was a farm there and they had a milk stop."
"Will Billy know enough that?"
"I hope so."
"Would he have enough sense to get off even if he did?"
"We can only hope."
"And where do we look for him? Where was the milk stop anyway?"
"That's all gone now of course. But the old farmhouse is still standing so I would assume it was near that. "
"Can we beat the train?"
"That's possible, I guess. There were a lot of farms along that line and they will probably stop for every one."
"What if there's no train?"
"We saw the train, JJ. There was a train and Billy got on the train and rode away on the train. There was a train. There has to be a train."
JJ was quiet for a while as he looked out the window at the farm fields. Then he continued; "And Billy said he'd call us from Oakwood. How can he call us if there's no Oakwood? Did they even have phones back then?"
"Yes they had phones, JJ. " Jack assured,
"What if Billy's not in Oakwood?"
"JJ, I don't know. Okay? You keep asking questions that I don't know the answer to."
"I know, Dad, I'm sorry. I just feel like I"m going crazy and talking helps."
"That's alright JJ, I understand. I feel the same way."
"And," Jack continued, "Billy will be in Oakwood."
"My stomach hurts." JJ moaned.
"Mine too."
"Dad, you're going too fast."
"Oops." Jack hadn't noticed that he was going 20 over the limit.
"We don't need to get picked up."
"I know, right? What would we say to the cop?"
"Yeah, try explaining this." JJ laughed uneasily.
"Yeah." Jack answered.
They were quiet for a while as the enormity of their situation hit them. How would they explain this; to anybody.
"Dad, " JJ Said finally, "I hope we find Billy." .
"Yeah, me too, JJ. " Jack sighed. "Me too."
[I don't know if I'm up to this reality shit. But here goes...]
Chapter XI: The Chase.
Jack and JJ stood watching the train chug across the old trestle and disappear around the bend. The sound of the locomotive soon faded and the sounds of the wind in the leaves and the birds chirping in the trees soon took over. The sound of the train whistle in the distance jostled Jack and JJ out of their daze and JJ asked; "What do we do now?""I guess we'd better head for Oakwood," Jack answered, "and see what Billy finds out."
JJ looked around and saw the lid from one of the milk cans that must have fallen from the wagon as it drove away. "Dad," he said, "maybe we should follow the wagon back to the farm and ask those folks what's going on."
Jack thought for a bit and said; "I guess that wouldn't hurt. It will take the train a while to get to the Oakwood since there are a few more farms between here and there."
So JJ picked up the lid and they started following the path to the farm.
It was a field road - which was more like a path, worn in the grass by the daily passing of the wagon from the farm to the tracks. It wound through a small wooded area, up a small hill and then down into a broad valley where the farmstead was located. When Jack and JJ came over the hill the grass in the trail became longer and soon the tracks disappeared entirely into an thicket of prickly ash and honeysuckle. They looked all around for a sign of where it had been but couldn't find one.
"This is weird." Jack said.
"Ya think?" JJ agreed.
"We're not going to get through this stuff. We'd better go get the car and head for Oakwood."
"Yeah."
They started backtracking and found that the trail they had just followed had grown up into grass and weeds, leaving no sign of the trail. They had to make their way back to the tracks fighting their way through ragweed, quack grass, wild raspberry, and chicory.
"What's going on, Dad?"
"You tell me."
"Are you scared?"
"I don't know, this is pretty freaky."
"Do you think we dreamed all that?"
"You've got that lid." Jack assured.
"Yeah, there is that."
By now they had fought their way to the tracks and started walking back towards the house.
"Dad, look at the tracks." JJ said. "They're all rusty again. All that shine is gone."
"Hmm." Jack said. "We'd better beat it to Oakwood."
"No kidding."
Both Jack and JJ broke into a trot. It is hard to run on the railroad ties because you can't get into any kind of a stride. The ties are unevenly spaced so every step has to be measured. But they made it as fast as they could and within 5 minutes they were scrambling down the embankment to the street and then it was easier going for the quarter mile to the house.
On the road
They jumped into the car and Jack backed out of the driveway and onto the road. They didn't even stop to tell JJ's Mom where they were going. They knew she would be angry but then again, what would they tell her? What could they tell her? How would they ever explain this. They needed to know what Billy had found out before they could possibly explain any of this. They desperately needed to find Billy - period."Dad, what's going on?"
"I don't know JJ"
"What if Billy's not in Oakwood?"
"I don't know JJ"
"Was Oakwood even there when they ran the trains ran?"
"No. But there was a farm there and they had a milk stop."
"Will Billy know enough that?"
"I hope so."
"Would he have enough sense to get off even if he did?"
"We can only hope."
"And where do we look for him? Where was the milk stop anyway?"
"That's all gone now of course. But the old farmhouse is still standing so I would assume it was near that. "
"Can we beat the train?"
"That's possible, I guess. There were a lot of farms along that line and they will probably stop for every one."
"What if there's no train?"
"We saw the train, JJ. There was a train and Billy got on the train and rode away on the train. There was a train. There has to be a train."
JJ was quiet for a while as he looked out the window at the farm fields. Then he continued; "And Billy said he'd call us from Oakwood. How can he call us if there's no Oakwood? Did they even have phones back then?"
"Yes they had phones, JJ. " Jack assured,
"What if Billy's not in Oakwood?"
"JJ, I don't know. Okay? You keep asking questions that I don't know the answer to."
"I know, Dad, I'm sorry. I just feel like I"m going crazy and talking helps."
"That's alright JJ, I understand. I feel the same way."
"And," Jack continued, "Billy will be in Oakwood."
"My stomach hurts." JJ moaned.
"Mine too."
"Dad, you're going too fast."
"Oops." Jack hadn't noticed that he was going 20 over the limit.
"We don't need to get picked up."
"I know, right? What would we say to the cop?"
"Yeah, try explaining this." JJ laughed uneasily.
"Yeah." Jack answered.
They were quiet for a while as the enormity of their situation hit them. How would they explain this; to anybody.
"Dad, " JJ Said finally, "I hope we find Billy." .
"Yeah, me too, JJ. " Jack sighed. "Me too."
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Chapter X: The Tracks
This is the tenth in a series of blogs chronicling an expedition
into 'space' with Jack Pynesapp and his granddaughter Red. You may want
to read these in the proper order by skipping to episode 1: [ click here ]
[This will probably be the toughest one so far... but it's the one we've been waiting for. Right?]
"Uh, NO!", Red said, "Daddy, what is he talking about? Grandpa?"
Jack and JJ looked at each other and then they both looked at James. James just smiled back, innocently and said; "I can't believe you haven't told Red about the train." And then to Red he said;"Everybody knows about the train, Red. With all the weird stuff you talk about with your Grandpa I'm surprised this hasn't come up."
Red was nearly beside herself now. Perhaps it was because she hadn't been included in this deep dark secret - she thought that at least her Grandpa would have told her - with all they talk about, and all. Or, more likely she was upset that Jimmy knew the secret and she didn't. Either way she said; "Would somebody like to tell me what this is all about? Now!"
"JJ was about your age, Red." Jack begins. "He and I used to like to take walks; you know we'd just take off walking and see where the path leads. Our favorite walk was along the old railroad tracks that used to be where the snowmobile trail is now. There's something about railroad tracks that attracts kids - of all ages. Maybe it's the link to other places or the connection to legends of travel and adventure with hobo's and carpetbaggers. Or maybe it's the sense of being around something so massive and powerful as a locomotive."
"Or maybe", JJ interrupted, " just that it's walk on the rail like a tightrope or the challenge of walking on the railroad ties, which is almost harder than balancing on the rails because they're randomly spaced and you are constantly changing the length of your step. "
"Well, for whatever reason," Jack continued, "it was our favorite place to walk. And we'd find ourselves climbing the bank to that trestle up the road there, every couple days during the summer (or winter; it didn't matter). Sometimes we'd walk into town and sometimes we'd head off the other direction towards the river and sit on the old bridge and watch for fish."
"That sounds pretty dangerous, Jack." Jimmy said. "Weren't you afraid of getting trapped on the bridge by a train? I saw the movie 'Stand by Me' and a kid got killed on a train bridge."
"No, James," Jack said, "by then those tracks were abandoned. There were no more trains running around here any more."
"I don't ever remember seeing a train on those tracks. " JJ said.
"No, the local railroad went out of business years before you were even born."
"Then why were the tracks still there?" Asked Red.
"I guess it didn't pay to take them out. And who would do it? The railroad was out of business. The tracks were probably owned by some larger railroad that bought out the foreclosure" Jack said.
JJ said; "And it wasn't until years later when someone got the idea for the government to buy up the right-of-way and put in a public snowmobile trail - I think it was after I graduated."
"Okay guys, we get it. " Jimmy interrupted, "The tracks were abandoned." And then aside to Red; " I still think it was stupid to sit on a rotten old bridge."
Red gave him a disgusted look and Jimmy shrugged and continued to Jack; "So what does this have to do with the story, Jack?"
"I'm getting to that James," Jack continued, "Besides, I thought you already knew the whole story. "
"I do. "Assured Jimmy, "I just can't wait to hear the spin you guys put on it."
"Hmm, " Jack nodded knowingly, "I see. Anyway, one day JJ had a friend over and they both wanted to go 'walk the tracks'. So off we went."
"It was Billy Thompson." JJ added. "He was my best friend in Jr High and he almost lived over there during the summer."
"Yes, Billy Thompson. " Jack smiled. "He was a very nice kid. So polite." Jack was looking at Jimmy when he said 'polite'. "
"Dad, he wasn't really that nice." JJ said." He just put on that act for adults. He was really kind of a trouble-maker, you know. Some of his stunts he came up with got us into a lot of trouble - or, I should say they got me into a lot of trouble. "
"Well I guess that's true. But you were never in real trouble." Jack laughed. "It was mostly just harmless fun and you know, 'boys will be boys' sorts of things."
"But you were still close friends, even if he kept getting you in trouble? " Red asked.
"Yeah, we were. He wasn't mean or anything like that and, like Grandpa said, he was fun to be around. It's just that he had no fear. You know? No fear at all."
"And he loved that old railroad trestle over the river." Jack continued. "He would climb up on those beams and swing around like a monkey. Scared me to death sometimes."
Jack thought for a moment as he remembered. He shook his head to clear the memory and then he continued; "And that's where we were headed that day. I was telling the kids about how the trains used to run on these tracks when I was a kid."
[Here we disolve into Jack, JJ and Billy walking on the tracks and Jack continues.]
"You know, Billy, when I was your age the train passed here twice a day. It carried passengers and freight from the Tri Cities to Williamston. It stopped in our town and in all the towns along the way. It was how people traveled. It was how we got our mail and packages. For many people it was how they got to and from work, or school or how they went shopping, or to the doctor or just how they went from one place to the next. It went one way in the morning and back at night. Seven days a week, every day of the year. "
"Wow, Mr. P. , " Billy said as he walked on one of the rails; balancing like a tightrope walker, " That's amazing. But wasn't it inconvenient for people to have to wait for the train. I mean they'd be stuck wherever they went for the whole day."
"They'd have to plan ahead - that's for sure" Said JJ as he balanced on the other rail trying to see who could stay on the longest - Billy or him.
"For many people it was the only way they could travel. " Jack continued. "Most people didn't have cars back then."
"Your kidding. " Billy said with wonder - perhaps a little too much 'wonder'. But Jack didn't seem to notice.
"No, " Jack continued, "the only alternative was for people to walk. Or ride horseback or carriage. The train was a wonderful convenience in it's time. You know, if you were walking and the train came along you could flag it down and it would stop and pick you up."
"Was it free, Mr P.?" Billy smiled; a little proud of himself for the rhyme.
"Not free, but it only cost a few cents to ride to the next town."
"Dad said that the trains used to pick up milk at the farms along the way." JJ said to Billy as he lost his balance and stepped off the track.
"That was before my time, " Jack said. " but yes, many farmers sent their milk to the creamery via the train. But that was usually a separate train from the passenger/freight train that ran every day. It was a local service run by the creameries."
"They even called these trains 'Milk Trains'." J.J. added as he stepped back up onto the rail with his hands outstretched for balance and his eyes riveted on the rail in front of him. Billy had not fallen yet and JJ was determined to stay on the rail from here to the bridge.
"It's hard to believe that they were the center of everything for so many years before cars, trucks and good roads."
"Dad?" JJ said quietly after he slipped off the rail he was balancing on. "
"What?"
"Uh, look at these rails. Should they be shinny?"
[and here we go....]
Jack looked down at the tracks sure enough the rails were polished to a mirror-like finish. These steel rails are not painted and they dull quickly in the weather. When the train goes over the rails the steel wheels wear against the steel track and both wheel and track rub against each other under tons of pressure and wear the track smooth. And after 20 years of exposure to the weather and with no train wheels to polish them, they had gotten a thick coating of rust. JJ and Jack had noticed this many times because the rust made them easier to balance on without slipping off.
But now these tracks were definitely shiny. Jack squatted down and rubbed the rail with his fingers to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Sure enough it was smooth as glass.
Suddenly there was a rumbling and then an ear-piercing roar of a train whistle. Jack yelled; "Billy! Get off the track! Jump!" as he grabbed JJ by the arm and pulled him into the ditch. They barely made it before a huge black iron locomotive rumbled past them in a cloud of steam and smoke. As they watched in wonder, the coal car rolled past followed by a mail car, a freight car, and then two passenger cars. People were sitting in the seats or standing by the doors. Some waved at them as they passed.
Jack and JJ were too stunned to smile - much less wave back. They sat there in the ditch with mouths open and eyes wide. They must have been quite a sight to those folks on the train - whoever (or whatever) they were. The train wasn't moving fast but soon the caboose passed and Jack yelled; " Billy, are you okay?"
Billy yelled back; "I'm fine Mr. P. But what the hell is that?"
"Billy!" Jack called. "Language."
"Sorry Mr. P." Billy said as he climbed up out of the far ditch.
JJ and Jack were climbing up their side of the ditch. They were watching the train as it went on down the track.
JJ said; "Dad, this isn't possible - is it?"
"No, I don't see how it could be." Jack answered.
They stood and watched for a while. They stayed well away from the tracks for fear that there might be another train.
"It's stopping up there." Billy said, "Let's go see."
"Yeah, maybe somebody on the train can tell us what's going on." JJ added. "But why is it stopping?"
Jack said; "That's the old Nelson farm. I wonder if they're loading milk."
"Cool!" Billy cried as he took off running towards the train.
It had come to a stop about 300 yards up the track and JJ started running after Billy - never one to be left behind. Jack followed in a trot but he wasn't sure it was a good idea. None of this made any sense at all. But there the train was and who could argue that it was something worth investigating. Certainly not Jack.
"Wait up guys!" Jack called. But the kids had already covered half the distance. As Jack ran to catch up, he had a nagging idea that the train would probably disappear before they got to it anyway. But he ran faster - just in case - he didn't want the kids to get to it without him.
It didn't disappear. The kids were walking past the caboose as Jack caught up. It's always an awesome sight to stand next to a train - even in a museum. But an operating train takes on a life of it's own. It seems to have such power and mass even when it's standing still. And the sounds of the steam engine - even 6 cars away - with hissing of the steam and the creaking and groaning of hot metal as it builds pressure in preparation for the next pull. The clanking of milk cans as the men transfer them from a wagon, parked next to the train, onto the freight car; exchanging empty cans for full ones. And the voices if the people calling out salutations and exchanging news of previous day. All in all the train was a life force passing through a quiet countryside. A monstrous, but yet friendly giant.
Everyone was so intent on their business and conversation that they didn't seem to notice Jack and the boys as they called out their questions; "What train is this?" "Where are you from?" "Where are you going?" "What year is this?"
All fair questions to which there didn't seem to be an answer. Or ,at least, not one that anyone felt like giving. Perhaps the questions seemed so bizarre to these people that they thought these folks were addled or something.
The train whistle blew and the wagon started back towards the farm. With a loud rush of steam the engine strained against the load and the train began moving. Billy shouted; "Let's get on and see where it's going." As he grabbed the hand rail on the back of the front passenger car and swung up onto the steps.
Jack yelled; "Billy get down right now! We don't know anything about this thing." And he grabbed JJ's arm before he could follow Billy. "Don't even think about it." Jack said sternly.
Billy laughed and waved as the train picked up speed. "It's okay Mr. P," He yelled, "I'll find out what's going on and call you from Oakwood."
[Okay, now I've done it.]
[To be continued....]
[This will probably be the toughest one so far... but it's the one we've been waiting for. Right?]
Chapter X: The Tracks
"Uh, NO!", Red said, "Daddy, what is he talking about? Grandpa?"
Jack and JJ looked at each other and then they both looked at James. James just smiled back, innocently and said; "I can't believe you haven't told Red about the train." And then to Red he said;"Everybody knows about the train, Red. With all the weird stuff you talk about with your Grandpa I'm surprised this hasn't come up."
Red was nearly beside herself now. Perhaps it was because she hadn't been included in this deep dark secret - she thought that at least her Grandpa would have told her - with all they talk about, and all. Or, more likely she was upset that Jimmy knew the secret and she didn't. Either way she said; "Would somebody like to tell me what this is all about? Now!"
Jack begins the story
Jack puts the brush and bucket down and he sits on a saw horse that holds one of the scaffolding boards. JJ leans on the (unpainted) corner of the shed. He nods towards Jack and sighs."JJ was about your age, Red." Jack begins. "He and I used to like to take walks; you know we'd just take off walking and see where the path leads. Our favorite walk was along the old railroad tracks that used to be where the snowmobile trail is now. There's something about railroad tracks that attracts kids - of all ages. Maybe it's the link to other places or the connection to legends of travel and adventure with hobo's and carpetbaggers. Or maybe it's the sense of being around something so massive and powerful as a locomotive."
"Or maybe", JJ interrupted, " just that it's walk on the rail like a tightrope or the challenge of walking on the railroad ties, which is almost harder than balancing on the rails because they're randomly spaced and you are constantly changing the length of your step. "
"Well, for whatever reason," Jack continued, "it was our favorite place to walk. And we'd find ourselves climbing the bank to that trestle up the road there, every couple days during the summer (or winter; it didn't matter). Sometimes we'd walk into town and sometimes we'd head off the other direction towards the river and sit on the old bridge and watch for fish."
"That sounds pretty dangerous, Jack." Jimmy said. "Weren't you afraid of getting trapped on the bridge by a train? I saw the movie 'Stand by Me' and a kid got killed on a train bridge."
"No, James," Jack said, "by then those tracks were abandoned. There were no more trains running around here any more."
"I don't ever remember seeing a train on those tracks. " JJ said.
"No, the local railroad went out of business years before you were even born."
"Then why were the tracks still there?" Asked Red.
"I guess it didn't pay to take them out. And who would do it? The railroad was out of business. The tracks were probably owned by some larger railroad that bought out the foreclosure" Jack said.
JJ said; "And it wasn't until years later when someone got the idea for the government to buy up the right-of-way and put in a public snowmobile trail - I think it was after I graduated."
"Okay guys, we get it. " Jimmy interrupted, "The tracks were abandoned." And then aside to Red; " I still think it was stupid to sit on a rotten old bridge."
Red gave him a disgusted look and Jimmy shrugged and continued to Jack; "So what does this have to do with the story, Jack?"
"I'm getting to that James," Jack continued, "Besides, I thought you already knew the whole story. "
"I do. "Assured Jimmy, "I just can't wait to hear the spin you guys put on it."
"Hmm, " Jack nodded knowingly, "I see. Anyway, one day JJ had a friend over and they both wanted to go 'walk the tracks'. So off we went."
"It was Billy Thompson." JJ added. "He was my best friend in Jr High and he almost lived over there during the summer."
"Yes, Billy Thompson. " Jack smiled. "He was a very nice kid. So polite." Jack was looking at Jimmy when he said 'polite'. "
"Dad, he wasn't really that nice." JJ said." He just put on that act for adults. He was really kind of a trouble-maker, you know. Some of his stunts he came up with got us into a lot of trouble - or, I should say they got me into a lot of trouble. "
"Well I guess that's true. But you were never in real trouble." Jack laughed. "It was mostly just harmless fun and you know, 'boys will be boys' sorts of things."
"But you were still close friends, even if he kept getting you in trouble? " Red asked.
"Yeah, we were. He wasn't mean or anything like that and, like Grandpa said, he was fun to be around. It's just that he had no fear. You know? No fear at all."
"And he loved that old railroad trestle over the river." Jack continued. "He would climb up on those beams and swing around like a monkey. Scared me to death sometimes."
Jack thought for a moment as he remembered. He shook his head to clear the memory and then he continued; "And that's where we were headed that day. I was telling the kids about how the trains used to run on these tracks when I was a kid."
[Here we disolve into Jack, JJ and Billy walking on the tracks and Jack continues.]
"You know, Billy, when I was your age the train passed here twice a day. It carried passengers and freight from the Tri Cities to Williamston. It stopped in our town and in all the towns along the way. It was how people traveled. It was how we got our mail and packages. For many people it was how they got to and from work, or school or how they went shopping, or to the doctor or just how they went from one place to the next. It went one way in the morning and back at night. Seven days a week, every day of the year. "
"Wow, Mr. P. , " Billy said as he walked on one of the rails; balancing like a tightrope walker, " That's amazing. But wasn't it inconvenient for people to have to wait for the train. I mean they'd be stuck wherever they went for the whole day."
"They'd have to plan ahead - that's for sure" Said JJ as he balanced on the other rail trying to see who could stay on the longest - Billy or him.
"For many people it was the only way they could travel. " Jack continued. "Most people didn't have cars back then."
"Your kidding. " Billy said with wonder - perhaps a little too much 'wonder'. But Jack didn't seem to notice.
"No, " Jack continued, "the only alternative was for people to walk. Or ride horseback or carriage. The train was a wonderful convenience in it's time. You know, if you were walking and the train came along you could flag it down and it would stop and pick you up."
"Was it free, Mr P.?" Billy smiled; a little proud of himself for the rhyme.
"Not free, but it only cost a few cents to ride to the next town."
"Dad said that the trains used to pick up milk at the farms along the way." JJ said to Billy as he lost his balance and stepped off the track.
"That was before my time, " Jack said. " but yes, many farmers sent their milk to the creamery via the train. But that was usually a separate train from the passenger/freight train that ran every day. It was a local service run by the creameries."
"They even called these trains 'Milk Trains'." J.J. added as he stepped back up onto the rail with his hands outstretched for balance and his eyes riveted on the rail in front of him. Billy had not fallen yet and JJ was determined to stay on the rail from here to the bridge.
"It's hard to believe that they were the center of everything for so many years before cars, trucks and good roads."
"Dad?" JJ said quietly after he slipped off the rail he was balancing on. "
"What?"
"Uh, look at these rails. Should they be shinny?"
[and here we go....]
Jack looked down at the tracks sure enough the rails were polished to a mirror-like finish. These steel rails are not painted and they dull quickly in the weather. When the train goes over the rails the steel wheels wear against the steel track and both wheel and track rub against each other under tons of pressure and wear the track smooth. And after 20 years of exposure to the weather and with no train wheels to polish them, they had gotten a thick coating of rust. JJ and Jack had noticed this many times because the rust made them easier to balance on without slipping off.
But now these tracks were definitely shiny. Jack squatted down and rubbed the rail with his fingers to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Sure enough it was smooth as glass.
Suddenly there was a rumbling and then an ear-piercing roar of a train whistle. Jack yelled; "Billy! Get off the track! Jump!" as he grabbed JJ by the arm and pulled him into the ditch. They barely made it before a huge black iron locomotive rumbled past them in a cloud of steam and smoke. As they watched in wonder, the coal car rolled past followed by a mail car, a freight car, and then two passenger cars. People were sitting in the seats or standing by the doors. Some waved at them as they passed.
Jack and JJ were too stunned to smile - much less wave back. They sat there in the ditch with mouths open and eyes wide. They must have been quite a sight to those folks on the train - whoever (or whatever) they were. The train wasn't moving fast but soon the caboose passed and Jack yelled; " Billy, are you okay?"
Billy yelled back; "I'm fine Mr. P. But what the hell is that?"
"Billy!" Jack called. "Language."
"Sorry Mr. P." Billy said as he climbed up out of the far ditch.
JJ and Jack were climbing up their side of the ditch. They were watching the train as it went on down the track.
JJ said; "Dad, this isn't possible - is it?"
"No, I don't see how it could be." Jack answered.
They stood and watched for a while. They stayed well away from the tracks for fear that there might be another train.
"It's stopping up there." Billy said, "Let's go see."
"Yeah, maybe somebody on the train can tell us what's going on." JJ added. "But why is it stopping?"
Jack said; "That's the old Nelson farm. I wonder if they're loading milk."
"Cool!" Billy cried as he took off running towards the train.
It had come to a stop about 300 yards up the track and JJ started running after Billy - never one to be left behind. Jack followed in a trot but he wasn't sure it was a good idea. None of this made any sense at all. But there the train was and who could argue that it was something worth investigating. Certainly not Jack.
"Wait up guys!" Jack called. But the kids had already covered half the distance. As Jack ran to catch up, he had a nagging idea that the train would probably disappear before they got to it anyway. But he ran faster - just in case - he didn't want the kids to get to it without him.
It didn't disappear. The kids were walking past the caboose as Jack caught up. It's always an awesome sight to stand next to a train - even in a museum. But an operating train takes on a life of it's own. It seems to have such power and mass even when it's standing still. And the sounds of the steam engine - even 6 cars away - with hissing of the steam and the creaking and groaning of hot metal as it builds pressure in preparation for the next pull. The clanking of milk cans as the men transfer them from a wagon, parked next to the train, onto the freight car; exchanging empty cans for full ones. And the voices if the people calling out salutations and exchanging news of previous day. All in all the train was a life force passing through a quiet countryside. A monstrous, but yet friendly giant.
Everyone was so intent on their business and conversation that they didn't seem to notice Jack and the boys as they called out their questions; "What train is this?" "Where are you from?" "Where are you going?" "What year is this?"
All fair questions to which there didn't seem to be an answer. Or ,at least, not one that anyone felt like giving. Perhaps the questions seemed so bizarre to these people that they thought these folks were addled or something.
The train whistle blew and the wagon started back towards the farm. With a loud rush of steam the engine strained against the load and the train began moving. Billy shouted; "Let's get on and see where it's going." As he grabbed the hand rail on the back of the front passenger car and swung up onto the steps.
Jack yelled; "Billy get down right now! We don't know anything about this thing." And he grabbed JJ's arm before he could follow Billy. "Don't even think about it." Jack said sternly.
Billy laughed and waved as the train picked up speed. "It's okay Mr. P," He yelled, "I'll find out what's going on and call you from Oakwood."
[Okay, now I've done it.]
[To be continued....]
Monday, September 1, 2014
Problems in 'Pinedom'
The Adventures of Jack and Red - a pause to reflect and regroup (and repair?).
The Breaks
I began writing the Jack and Red story over two years ago as a serialized blog-based saga. Most of this writing has been done in coffee shops while taking a break on bike rides. I have tried to take these rides on a regular basis but not all rides take me to a coffee shop. Recently, most of my rides have taken me to work. This led a break in the story telling. I have since re-retired and am now able to stop at coffee shops again.After the break, I dove back into the tale with some new ideas and new characters. After finishing three chapters I went back to read the first and was immediately struck by a problem. Over the break I had changed the voice of the story from 1st person to 3d person. I'm not an expert but I believe this is a no-no in writing. I have to think about this for a bit and perhaps seek professional help.
Do I go back and change the voice of the first 9 chapters?
Or do I change the voice in the last three?
Or neither?
I like Jack telling the story in the first part but I also like the bit with Jimmy and his Mom and Jack isn't there so he can't be telling that part in 1st person. Mostly I hate to get bogged down on this when there's a story to tell. It just seems like a waste of time.
Which medium is which.
Shortly after starting the blog on Jack Pynesapp, I decided to buy the domain name Jackpynesapp.com. I have liked this name since I created it 40 years ago and I believe it's worth it's own 'dot' identity. At the same time I bought the name, I created a web site and I have been using it as sort of an annotated copy of the entries I have made on the blog.After thinking about this I realize that this is backwards. The web site should be the refined work and the blog should be - well it should be a blog. A place to log thoughts and ideas (in a rough form?). Granted this concept has been somewhat subverted by Facebook, but since I don't use Facebook a whole lot I should probably get my mediums straight.
Once again, fixing the form will interfere with the function (of telling the story). So, for this at least, I won't to go back and change the past but from now on I will try to adopt this new strategy.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Bayliner Ballet
Later launch date
After 12 years it seems like we get around to taking the boat out later and later. This year it wasn't until early August before our schedules aligned and it was time to fire up the boat. For the first time it didn't fire up. |
| 1986 Bayliner Capri 2.3 |
I put it in and the boat fires right up. I get it on the lake and open it up. It runs like a top - until about half way across the bay when it coughs and sputters and then quits. So there I sit - dead in the water. After about 1/2 hour I flag down a passing boat and he tows me towards shore. As we're going I try the engine and it fires. I drop the tow, thank the guy, and head off under my own power. About a minute later and a few hundred feet from the dock it sputters and dies again. I flag down a second boat and finally get to shore.
The coil is easy to remove so I do so and after some research, I test it with an ohm meter. The
 |
| New coil installed (w internal resistor) |
So I have burned up this coil.
This time I head to a local auto parts store - where I think they'll be able to look up this exact engine (Volvo Penta AQ131 140 hp 4-cylinder) and tell me what coil to get. Their book lists both types; resistor and non-resistor.
The old coil has a number stamped on the bottom that we find in one of their cross reference guides as having NO internal resistor. When I get back to the boat I search for an external resistor in and around the engine compartment and up under the dash. These are big ceramic things that should be easy to spot. I can find nothing. This new coil cost $50.00 so I was a little hesitant fry it as well.
I measured resistances on the old coil and the new. They are as follows:
Old (yes, I know these resistances may be off a little because the coil doesn't work anymore):
Pri. 2.7-3.2ohm.
Sec. 7.6 - 9.9 kohm.
New coil w/o internal resistor because book said that was what old Bosh was.
Pri. 1.2 ohm
Sec. 7.2-9.8 K ohm.
 |
| Old coil |
New coil w/ internal resistor
Pri. 3.4 ohm.
Sec. 7.2 - 9.8 Kohm.
This was much closer to the readings of the old coil so I put it in and launched the boat. It runs like a top.
Good reference
After searching a dozen or so Google hits, the reference I found on-line that finally decided this for me was the final comment in this forum link [Click here]. This is the boat repair forum on MarineEngine.com.Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Jack and Red Part IX - Meeting at the Shed.
Jack and Red part IX - Meeting at the Shed.
This is the ninth in a series of blogs chronicling an expedition into 'space' with Jack Pynesapp and his granddaughter Red. You may want to read these in the proper order by skipping to episode 1: [ click here ][Okay - now Jimmy, Red, and Jack need to talk. How do these three get together? And where ? On the back porch? and why? What would bring Jimmy over to see Jack? Or Red? ]
Jimmy's House
Jimmy (James) Vanderbilt was deep in his World of Warcraft when his mother tapped him on the shoulder and motioned him to take off his headphones. He held up his finger and mouthed; "A minute." while he finished off a druid and backed into a dark alley to hide. He 'AFK'd and removed his headphones."What?" He said, his mind still in that dark alley and taking tally of the remaining enemies, friends, and monsters.
"James, I'm going over to Jack and Marge Pynesapp's and I wonder if you'd like to come along."
"Why would I want to do that?" Jimmy asked. A little annoyed that she interrupted his battle for such a silly idea.
"Well, I just thought it would be good for you to get away from the computer for a little while and interact with real people, for a change. "
"I am interacting with real people, on line." Jimmmy protested. "There are real people behind all the characters, you know."
'Yes, I know - but they're not doing real things or interacting in real situations."
"Oh yes, these situations are very real. If I'm not careful I could die, you know?"
"Your character could die, James. " She sighed "It's not the same thing at all. It's not reality."
"I'm not going to argue with you, Mom, you don't understand - is all."
"Okay, but I happen to know that JJ and Gwen will be there too. And they're bringing Red."
"What's going on?" Jimmy asked. Now that his mom had his attention.
"Well, Marge, Gwen and I need to plan for the 4th of July church picnic. I imagine Jack and JJ have other plans. And Red kind of likes hanging out with those guys, you know."
"Yeah, so I've heard." Jimmy sneered.
"James, you know I don't like that tone."
"Sorry Mom," Jimmy said softly, "I didn't mean anything by it." He lied. No sense getting his mother upset for nothing.
"So, do you want to go along, or what?"
"I guess I could tag along - if you want." Jimmy tried his best to be nonchalant but he was really glad to have a chance to see Red. School has been out for a month and he kind of missed her - but you'd never get him to admit it.
"Okay, lets go."
[Okay that's done - now what. Well - we can be pretty sure this is not about planning a church picnic so we don't have to worry about that. What would Jack be doing on a nice June day? Maybe building a shed - no he already has one of those. . Maybe he's painting the shed. ]
[My time is up for today - need to get to work....]
[ It's been a while, huh. Re-retired, and just finishing baseball/softball 'spring' season. So now I can start writing again. - aren't you glad]
Shed Painting
"Whatcha doin' ?", Jimmy asked as he approached the shed in Jack's backyard."Oh, hi Jimmy." Red said brightly.
"It's James..." Jimmy said with an exasperated whisper. Which Red promptly ignored.
"We're painting the shed - duh."
"Hi James, " Jack called down from the ladder. "Grab a brush and join us. It's fun."
"Said Tom Sawyer." Jimmy said under his breath so that only Red could hear. Then out loud he added; "Hi Jack, long time no see."
"Hey J.J., " Jacked called to his son who was busy scraping paint on the back side of the shed. "this is James - one of Red's friends - come to help us paint."
J.J. peaked around the corner and said; "Hi James, your can help scrape if you'd rather not paint."
"That's okay J.J., I'm just fine with painting." Jimmy purposely called Red's Father "J.J." emphasizing the idea that he was grown-up. The same way he emphasized the word "Jack". JJ noticed this and leaned around the corner of the shed and gave Jack a questioning look. Jack smiled knowingly and shook his head.
Jimmy continued; "I'm pretty good at painting, you know."
"Why am I not surprised?", Red said dryly.
Jimmy picked up a bucket and a brush and started slopping paint on the side of the shed.
Jack climbed down to move the ladder and said; "Hey JJ., James here is interested in astronomy and he is quite a whiz in math and science."
"Oh really."
"Yes, we had a nice chat at Red's last soccer game."
"I'll bet you did." J.J said.
"James, " Jack added, "we were just talking about something you'd be interested in. And I'd like to hear your opinion."
"That won't be a problem." Red laughed.
"Sure Jack, give it to me. I'll set you straight."
Jack looked at J.J. and whispered; "James doesn't think much of our ideas."
"That's not true, "Jimmy protested, "I think they're great fun - for fantasy. "
"Okay then we won't tell you." Red pouted
"Oh, come on," Jimmy said, "I need a good laugh."
"That's good James. It's nice to see you're in a receptive mood." Jack quipped. "Tell him about your idea, Red. "
"Well, I was just saying that one day on the school bus I was bored and just looking out the window and watching the houses and trees go by. We'd stop and pick up a kid and then go on to the next stop. At one stop there was a tree and i thought; 'you know that tree is there now but when we move away it will not be there any more. It will be gone forever, and it will never be there again."
"What are you talking about? " Jimmy interrupted. "Did they come and cut it down or something?"
"No, they didn't cut it down. It's still there - at least I think it is - but it doesn't matter either way because what I'm trying to say is that it's not the same tree anymore. It's a different tree now than it was when it was in front the bus window at that time in the morning - that second - that instant.
"Okay, so?"
"So if you consider our existence as being a combination of time and space.. "
"I know about space-time." Jimmy interrupted.
"Yes. space-time, "Red continued," That's what I'm talking about. If you think about our existence as being defined by space-time then that tree came into existence the moment I saw it and then it ceased to exist in the next moment and a new tree came into existence to replace it."
"What are you talking about?" Jimmy protested. "Are you breathing these paint fumes? How can things pop in and out of existence like that? "
"Well smarty pants, answer me this: Once the bus left that stop and moved on, could we ever go back and see that exact tree."
"Of course you can. You just get off the bus at the next stop and walk back and look - and surprise surprises - there's the tree. Or wait till the next day when you go by and once again, there is the tree. Ta-da!"
"Yes, there is a tree but not exactly the same tree. The leaves have moved; there are new cells inside the bark that have been produced by the chemicals that have changed. Water has been taken up from the soil and sunlight has turned carbon dioxide into sugars.
"Okay, okay. So it's not exactly the same tree but it has just changed a little bit. It hasn't disappeared and reappeared again."
"Hasn't it? Listen Jimmy -"
"James."
" - Jimmy, I know that tree doesn't disappear in three dimensional space, but I'm talking about space-time. If you add time - which we must add, because time is an integral part of our existence - then the tree does disappear. You see the tree in a moment and then the moment is gone and along with it the tree. That's gone too. You can never bring it back - can you?
"No, obviously you can't go back in time."
"Well then, that tree no longer exists, does it."
"No! That tree still exists but that time doesn't. It's the time that is gone not the tree."
"Well, what's the difference?"
"We're talking about time. Not matter and energy. Matter and energy cannot just appear and disappear. You know the law of conservation of matter. Matter cannot be created or destroyed. It can be converted to energy and then back again (re: E=MC^2) but not created or destroyed. It's the law and the law won't allow this. You'd have to break that law."
"Okay maybe. (But I'm not so sure about that.) But even so, what if space and time are all a part of mater and energy. What if it's all tied together. Then you're not breaking any laws. Then you're just adding extenuating circumstances."
"Hey Jack, help me out here. Even you can see the fallacy of this, can't you?"
"Hmm," Jack said as he climbed down to fill his paint can, "Even I can see this? -- I'm not sure I want to help you out after that remark."
"Aw common Jack -- J.J.? Do you agree with this?"
J.J. sat down on the roof and looked down on the kids. "I don't know, James. I'm trying to get my mind around this too. But you have to admit it's an interesting idea."
"But, " Jimmy insisted, "how can things just come into existence and then disappear again only to come into existence in nearly the exact same form, over and over again?"
"You know James, I was thinking about this.", Jack said. "And it kind of sounds like movie film doesn't it."
"What?" Jimmy asked.
"Well, when you watch a movie it looks like the action is flowing smoothly from start to finish but in reality it's just a series of still pictures flashed on the screen in sequence. Each one slightly different than the last."
"I understand that!" Jimmy cried, "but what does that have to do with this? Reality isn't a movie!"
"Are you sure?" asked Red. "That's good Grandpa. That's kind of what I'm talking about."
"Okay, " Jimmy persisted, "then this means that I am disappearing and re-appearing while I'm here talking to you."
"You may be."Red said. "How do you know that you're not."
"How can I be ? How could that be possible? And even if it were possible, wouldn't I know it. Wouldn't I have some sort of sensation?"
"I doubt it. It's a matter of perspective." Jack interjected. "After all, your brain is part of the reality that Red's describing. And your brain controls what you are conscious of - or not."
"And, to continue the movie metaphor, your brain doesn't exist mid-frame any more than your body - or anything else in our reality - does."
"I should know better than to try to talk sense to this family. " Jimmy grumbled. He continued painting (putting paint on the shed) with new vigor. Everyone was quiet for a while as they thought about this.
Red interrupted the silence; "So Grandpa, if reality is just a series of instances that are flashed real fast so that they seem to proceed smoothly in a linear fashion and that we can't see the flashes because we're part of the flash. What happens between frames? "
Jack thought for a minute and then JJ walked around the corner and said; "Anything at all."
"Anything?" Jack asked.
"Yes, good question, Red - by the way. "
"Thanks Dad. But I agree with Grandpa, what do you mean - anything?"
"Well," JJ continued. " what you're talking about isn't a movie. It's a computer system."
JJ is a computer engineer.
"When we design computer systems we use something we call time slicing."
"I know what that is. " Interrupted Jimmy; "It's when you have the computer work on one thing for a while and then switch to something else for a while and then back again. On and on like that. And since the computer is so fast - and switches back and forth so fast - it seems to us like it's doing both things at the same time."
"That's good James.That's how we get it to sense what key you press while displaying the letter on the screen. The computer is doing two things and it seems like they're happening at the same time."
"So ", Jimmy said, "with both the movie and the computers you're just talking about things happening so fast that it looks to us like it's continuous. If our brains were faster we could see, like a flicker. Are you saying that if we could speed up our senses that our universe would start to flicker?"
"No Jimmy, don't you get it?" Red said; "What Dad's trying to say is that our universes flashes in and out of existence. And each flash is like the tree - a little bit different from the last. But since we're part of the universe - and we flash in and out of existence along with everything else - it's impossible for us to detect the flashes."
"I agree with that logic, Red." Jack said; "It may be impossible to detect directly but there may be some way to detect this indirectly. There may be something - or side effect - of the process leaves behind something we can see - or at least sense some way."
"Yeah, like what they're doing at the south pole looking for Neutrinos. They can't detect neutrinos because they have almost no mass but they can detect the path they leave through the mile or so of ice that they're watching."
"Exactly my point, James."
"And what kind of experiment would you suggest, Grandpa? You're always suggesting experiments."
"I don't know, Red." Jack laughed.
"Okay you guys." Jimmy interrupted. "I get all this. But what I don't get is why."
"Why what?"
"Why would the universe be that way? It seems like an awful lot of work, you know - flashing existence in and out - time slicing things - when it would be so much easier to just let things flow, you know. What's the point, you know."
"Well, " JJ. suggested, "another thing we do with computers is called multitasking."
"I know about that too. That's the same as time slicing except on a larger scale." Jimmy said; "So how does that help explain it?"
"Multitasking is when more than one program can be run on one computer at virtually the same time. Like you can listen to iTunes while you're reading your email."
"Yeah, that's what I said. So?"
"So these things seem like they're happening at the same time but the computer is alternating on one task for a few instants and then on the next task. The computer system decides how long to give each program so that things all run smoothly."
"Again - So?"
"So maybe there are more than one reality - maybe many - and they all have to share the same - whatever - the same 'engine'. And the only way to make it work is to give each reality a slice - or a 'few cycles' as we say in computes. "
"Oh, geeze." Jimmy was exasperated. "Multiple realities sharing the same 'engine'? I can't believe I'm even talking to you guys."
"Geeze Jimmy, stop being such a pain." Red said exasperated.
"No Red,"Jimmy persisted, "so, JJ is this how you explain the whole 'Hogwarts Express' experience you guys had?"
"'Hogwarts Express'. " Red said; "Yeah, that's kind of what the whole Harry Potter thing was about wasn't it. "
"How do you know about that?" JJ asked.
"That, wait - what?" Red did a double take and looked at her father and grandfather. "What experience you guys had'?
"Red, You mean you don't know about the train?" Jimmy asked.
[To be continued....]
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
U10 Softball
I have umpired youth baseball for over 10 years and for the past 5 years I have been shifting to fast-pitch youth softball.
Thursday night I worked a double-header for South Central Girls Softball League (SCGSL). The first game was for U10 (ten-year-old) teams and I worked behind the plate. (For those who are not familiar with this game; the spirit, enthusiasm, and pure joy that is typical of girl's softball is contagious and it is one of the reasons that I've been shifting away from umpiring baseball. ) At one point during the game it struck me that these girls are now the same age as my daughter was when she died in 1984. I thought about how much these girls are like her and how much she would have loved to play softball.
And, I thought about how much things have changed in
the past 30 years. There was no softball in schools, or in the
community, at that time. Chelsea was the fastest kid in her 4th grade
class at school - boy or girl, And she loved Little League baseball. But
after T-Ball there wasn't really anything for girls to do in sports.
But that has changed dramatically since then. And, for a moment -
between pitches - I thought about how grateful I am to be a small part
of making this great activity available to these kids.
Chelsea Baker died thirty years ago this month. For 10 years she showed us how to love unconditionally, and how to embrace life and everything in it. She is still very much alive in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Thursday night I worked a double-header for South Central Girls Softball League (SCGSL). The first game was for U10 (ten-year-old) teams and I worked behind the plate. (For those who are not familiar with this game; the spirit, enthusiasm, and pure joy that is typical of girl's softball is contagious and it is one of the reasons that I've been shifting away from umpiring baseball. ) At one point during the game it struck me that these girls are now the same age as my daughter was when she died in 1984. I thought about how much these girls are like her and how much she would have loved to play softball.
 |
| Chelsea Baker (with Le-Mutt) |
Chelsea Baker died thirty years ago this month. For 10 years she showed us how to love unconditionally, and how to embrace life and everything in it. She is still very much alive in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
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