Recently he had been working on a training program utilizing the Million Dollar Man that is the high-tech replacement for the plastic “Recessi-Annie” doll that early EMT trainees used to learn CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. I had just that afternoon completed our company policy requirement for CPR/AED training in advance of our annual national EXPO conference later this month that will last a week. I said that when the female co-worker I was paired with bent over to do the breathing part, my heart was jump-started.
The Friday activities were well attended with the consumption of three pizzas and three six-packs. No Saturday breakfast pizza for Larry’s dogs this time. We kicked the entire supply. What is especially cordial is that everyone is welcome. We are always glad you came, even if we don’t know your name. Yet.
Monday afternoon the train was delayed in its departure. We could have predicted the failure with a meteorologist, even just the hacks who read the national weather feed from NOAA. It was hot and humid in DC for the first day in the year. It was also the first Monday in May. These conditions are always a harbinger of the long rides home on the MARC commuter trains. Those poor tired locomotives can barely handle the 8 car loads that are not completely filled. But with 9 cars and standing room only, the engines and the generators that run the lights and HVAC just can’t seem to keep up. It’s just a national infrastructure deficiency disgrace that every mode and every utility has experience with all the funds being diverted into wars and useless pursuits. Don’t get me started on THAT. The Car 5 Gang has chewed over that rag many times, from both party affiliation POVs.
Monday we exercised perfect hindsight and said we should have had a couple of six-packs for the journey home. Tuesday, the delay was even longer, 40 minutes by the time we all were exiting the BWI garages. And you know, there were no refreshments. I suggested that we needed to have supplies for Wednesday so that the train would not dare breakdown or be delayed. And if it wasn’t delayed, we would be doubly happy. We even brainstormed a plan to carry a quarter-keg in a wheelie bag and stash it in a Union Station locker for the day.
Wednesday arrived in its due time and they had our train on a different track. This is rarely a good omen, but it turned out to be okay. CJ arrived with a blue insulated cylinder and a brown paper bag. ‘Tis Cinco de Mayo! He was well prepared for the ride home. His bag contained a huge bottle of Margaritas and plastic cups. The cylinder had an ample supply if ice. In a few minutes Trish arrived with the Coronas.
While we were self-organizing our imminent celebration, a woman who usually doesn’t sit with us but who did this evening got up and headed upstairs. “You don’t have to leave. Everyone is welcome,” Mikey said. She was off to a boring part of the train.
The refreshments did the trick. The 5:20 train left at 5:20. We anticipated the longer interval between stations but were just as happy getting along on time.
I think we have a new recruit. A tall business suited woman, Victoria, stood in the periphery by the stair down to the lower level. She seemed interested in our camaraderie even though she did not join in on our Cinco de Mayo celebration. Trish called from across the car to say that she could come back again on Friday for the semi-regular pizza and beer day. Victoria said she usually takes an earlier train. “We will give you a good reason to be later on Fridays,” Trish said.
In other recent developments, Bicycle Coast Guard Girl announced her impending motherhood. George and Larry both have been even more forthcoming with the offer of their seat when she arrives.
Princess Carly turned 23. That was distressing to several of the Gang because the reality is that we all remember her reaching 21. Where did those years go? How did THAT happen? On this night of CdM, she is the beer-girl at La Palapa’s in Ellicott City. “I’m handing out the beer tonight at La Palalalalplas. One for you and one for me. One for you, two for me.”
Gerry is out again with his bad knee. Hey guy, get back on your feet soon, but not too soon.
Pam is a, dare I say, a grandmother! Ericka circulated a condolences card. Actually, it was very nice.
Our regular Conductor, Tom, passed back through the car on Tuesday and said he was leaving us for the ‘work train” soon. I think this means freight line duty, but I’m not sure. I will have to confirm the change and the last day. Tom, I’ve seen a dozen men come and go over my years of commuting. Have fun where you go, but not too much.
