Hello Everyone....... and thanks to Mr. Norman for reaching out via email. Our trip was longer ago than I had realized....really.
My wife, daughter, and I had a wonderful vacation in Europe traveling mostly by train in June. I've experienced ICE's, TGV's, and delightful branchline locals. We experienced a European Bustitution as well between Chambery, France and Geneva. I think it may have been due to trackwork but it may have been a strike...... my high school French is 35 years old but I did understand the helpful SNCF agent to say - "Ahhhhh Geneve, you must take the.....how say?...... Ze BUS!"
Below is a link to an album of my train photos for those of you who can access Facebook. I will try to get some on another platform such as flickr within a week or so because I know not everyone here can access Facebook. Overlook, if you will, the 30-year old drum and bugle corps photographs. Those are in place for conversation with old friends with the Drum Corps International championships in Indianapolis this week.
As for my absence from the forum..... three days before the end of our trip, while in Switzerland, we received word that my mother had passed away unexpectedly at her home. July has flown by dealing with Memorials and beginning to settle estate matters. It has been a sad time in which chatting about Amtrak has not really been on my radar...... and tomorrow involves meetings with my Mom's accountant, the Clerk of Court's office, and a grave marker dealer...... won't be thinking much about trains tomorrow either.
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss as I'm sure the rest of your "family" here is.
Frank in SBA
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
David, our condolences and prayers for you your family.
Hope to see you back on the forum with more tales of your trip.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
David, condolences to you and yours. I know what "estate matters" are, as my wife was her father's executrix when he passed, and dealing with attorneys, creditors, and family almost made her a basket case. Anyway, welcome back.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Thank you all for the condolences....... I imagine my presence will still be 'spotty' as we move forward on matters of estate and begin a new school year...... but it's good for this enjoyable distraction again!
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
My sympathy and condolences as well, David. I hope the forum will be an enjoyable distraction.
Richard
Posted by Jerome Nicholson (Member # 3116) on :
I'm very sorry to hear about your mother. I'm not sure which is worse - losing a loved one unexpectedly or having one go after a long illness. At least the latter can be seen as a kind of relief.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
David -- so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I am glad you had an enjoyable trip to Europe.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
As I noted privately, as well as at another topic, my deepest condolences.