Exodus

I work at a school, and the students are leaving today. Classes are finishing up the last bits of stuff for the year, and lots of folks are planning on taking some leave over the next week or so. Consequently, there's not much of anything being accomplished right now.

I kind of enjoy this time of year. The parking lots are mostly empty, the population is down, and meetings are cancelled. Those of us who are at work can usually plan on havning fairly short days too.

Now, if it would just snow....

Train Depot Appreciation Dinner

Last night Trish and I went to the annual Santa Fe Depot Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. We were at a local Mexican restaurant, and enjoyed a very nice dinner with the other members of the board and volunteers. As I was looking around, I realized that at 48, I was probably one of the younger participants, with many easily in their mid to late 70s.

Part of this is due, I'm sure, to the fact that the Santa Fe railroad suspended operations in this area over 20 years ago, and many of the volunteers are former railroad employees. But I also notice a lack of interest in volunteering by the younger crowd, in general. Everyone is so busy with their lives that they don't have any time to give.

I hope, especially this time of year, that folks will look up, even for a moment, and think about the things they may be able to contribute to organizations around them.

Christmas at the San Angelo Santa Fe Depot

Every year, in December, the San Angelo Santa Fe Depot is open for extended hours to celebrate Christmas. There are extra model railroad displays, Santa arrives on the front of a Mexican National Railway diesel locomotive, the mayor and chief of police (among others) read stories to kids, and other festivities occur.

This year is the same, Friday began with Santa arriving at noon, and then he was there visiting with the children all evening. There must have been over 100 people on friday, and probably close to 200 visitors over the course of the weekend.

If you get a chance, stop on by. The depot is open Friday from 6-9pm, and on Saturday from 10am-4pm, and from 6-9pm. The Christmas celebration is all month.