DAY ONE: SUNDAY

October 23, 2017:  We left in the Sunday blackness with a taxi driver who couldn’t drive. Yes, it was scary.  Once we got on the bus, for the right of way was being worked on, it was a smooth ride north to Oceanside.  There was Margot to greet us.  There was Zoe.  There were three fattening donuts.  They even let the two M’s walk around with us to the train…what a at treat in this age of super security.

Heading North, we usually sit on the left side…the ocean view side.  This day, we were on the right with unaccustomed views of hills and towns spreading east toward the rising sun.  At the stunning LA Union, a red cap electric cart bussed us to the new sleeping car waiting room.    We liked the old one better.  Then later, they drove us back to the train…luxury stuff that I appreciated.

North on the left side again, I read and watched the industrial city turn into the rocks around Simi Valley.  Later we talked and read and played games as the Live Oaks flowed down the golden hills outside our windows. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were communal.  Four people to a table no matter who they were.  Not at all memorable sometimes.  Real eggs for breakfast.  Frozen veggies and fresh cooked meats on plastic plates…vegetarian offerings too, for lunch and dinner.  All this included with our Roomette ticket.

Imagine, donuts in the morning and a chocolate-raspberry tart for dinner.

Neither of us thought we would sleep well, but only the clacking bothered him and the squeaks bothered me.  In between our botherings, we slept well.

           

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Himself:  Found himself delightfully comfortable in a pair of stretch kacki travel pants watching the world go by, playing a few games, Taking pictures.  and eating.  Relaxing delightfully into his jokes.  Learning a few new ones.  “Do you know what a musician without a girlfriend is?  Homeless.”

Herself:  Taking pictures, reading, taking more pictures, and eating.

Reading:  Finished “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend.”  Now starting “Lost and Found.”

Poolie  On breathing machine.  Panic attack.  Having real problems.  Sunday they scheduled emergency stent removal after bleeding begun.  Our prayers are with her.

Gratitude’s:  That I am able to ride  a train with G even through two hour waits while track is repaired.