The Union Pacific Big Boy - #4014 is a unique survivor of the scrap heap. Instead, it was put into static display when it was retired from service, and rehabilitated for use to show of the Union Pacific railroad's heritage. This weekend, it traveled through Pennsylvania to reach the Steamtown museum for temporary display and boiler servicing. Yesterday and Today (as I write this) were the only two days this machine would be available for close up public inspection before it is taken in for servicing. Sadly, I couldn't make it there today, as I had a lot on my schedule for the day.
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Before I got to any of the items on my docket, an old acquaintance messaged me. Six years ago, we had a nasty falling out (I won't say more on that), and now we are able to have a good chat again. It's a nice thing, and I hope that we'll have more of these chats in the future. One bit of good news - her family is going well, and she has someone nice in her life. (Again, I won't say more about this.) Sooner or later, we will finally meet again. Although things won't be the same as before, it will be in a better place than it once could have been.
The first thing on my docket was lunch with SJM. We had changed the date, and our time was limited by appointments on both of our calendars. She discussed family affairs, and I talked about my brother finding a job, the sale of the family homestead, and the current political situation. When I mentioned that I want to take RQS to Hawaii with me presenting as Marian, she advised against it - she is especially sensitive to what is going on with our government officials. Next, I talked with my financial advisor. He gave me some bad news regarding tax liabilities from the sale of the family homestead, as well as other things I'm not in the mood to mention today.
Just before dinnertime, I had to facilitate a co-op board meeting for the purpose of interviewing an applicant. I set things up, and all went well. Yet, I noticed something unusual - without my face on screen, people were comfortable talking over me. This was a problem in my last project with the bank, where I had to manage a group of people remotely with no visual contact. Without today's Zoom technology, my voice alone is ineffective for a male voice. It's not in a timbre which commands attention. At least, it was a pleasant meeting for all involved..
As one can see, there was no way I could have gone to Scranton today. But, damn, I wish I could have been there to see the Big Boy!
