I was getting ready to go to bed... and out of the blue I heard the train that runs a few blocks over, blowing it's whistle.

is there ANY noise that is more comforting late at night, than the lonely sound of a train going any where but here.. I can hear the rumbling of the tracks as it makes it's way.. it becomes rhythmic and can just lull me to sleep.

I can almost see the conductor sitting right up front in the first engine, carefully watching the tracks ahead for anything that could get in the way. I bet he's eating a big ole grinder sammie whilst the train rolls along.. and some donuts, and a cuppa coffee or two that will keep him awake. 

I rode a train once, years ago in 1988.. with Nicholas & Emily from Omaha to California. Emily was only 1, NickyNack was 4. we snuggled up the three of us and let the rocking train help us fall asleep. then during the daylight, we sat nearly all day in the viewing car and watched the beautiful scenery as we passed by. we went over the Rocky Mountains, across the dessert of Nevada, into the Napa valley, then finally arrived in a tiny but busy, little old  town to see my mom for the last time.. who was staying at Jo's.

I don't usually think about that memory when I hear the train late at night, but I am right now. maybe that means she is thinking about me.

the train is far away now, I cant hear it anymore.

but there's always tomorrow night...

C