When An Unstoppable Force

Meets An Immovable Object

Railroad Humor by Bob Hyman

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the $600 tax rebate check for several months.  Seems just my luck to have a high SSN; otherwise I would already have it spent by now.  Right from the beginning, I made big plans on how best to plow that unexpected windfall into my bustling but financially strapped version of the RGS (Really Good Stuff) Railroad.

Unfortunately, my wife has come up with other ideas on how best to invest the loot.  So much for advance financial planning! What originally looked like a substantial deposit on another Foreground Model now looks like it may go the same route as my plan to commandeer the family room for a layout expansion – in other words: Fat Chance!

I have tried objective analysis, honest negotiation, and (okay, I’ll admit it) even resorted to begging – all to no avail.  She has her mind set on using the money to travel out to the left coast to see the new Grandbaby.  I mean, I do love my family, but really now – we’re talking about a chance to acquire another locomotive.  After all, with four sons, I’ll have plenty more chances at grandchildren.  And besides, there are only so many Foregrounds out there to acquire – and Bill’s not getting any younger, you know.

Last night, we reached an agreement – sort of.  Yes, she won out after all.  We are going west.  But I did manage one concession; we’re driving rather than flying.  I’ve managed to convince her that the southern route taking I-40 across NM and AZ is not a good idea this time of year.  Instead, I guess I’ll just have to suffer with the northern route – you know, the one through Chama and Durango.  Oh well, maybe losing isn’t so bad after all.  Now if I can just delay things until the aspens are in color…