Hugh and Mike

[Pauwels Mike-rycl90 <Mike.Pauwels@motorola.com>]

Trackers,

I have been watching the communications back and forth and it's time for me to contribute.  My job has gotten unbelievably intense lately and even my time with Hugh is suffering.  I have been travelling to Detroit every week, and trying to catch up with my engineering work over the weekends such that even my time for Hugh has suffered.  For example, I believe his smoke generator failed in Temple, and I have not had time to look at it since.

We had originally planned to miss Flatonia and spend at least a whole day at the Austin Jamboree.  However, I have been sent on a trip to Japan the weekend of the 1st, so I will not be able to take Hugh.

Sunday in Flatonia is out as that will be my last chance to see the family fro three weeks.  Therefore, I will try to get Hugh to Flatonia for a few hours on Saturday.  As soon as I can be sure of my commitments, we will sign us up for some time.

My wife, Mary, has volunteered to take Hugh to the Austin Jamboree for a few hours.  She worries that Hugh will not be able to run his train because she is not a member.  If there is someone there who can help him unpack it and set it up, I will suggest he bring it and run it.  Actually, I would be glad to pay fo a membership for Mary, but I'm afraid she doesn't quite share Hugh's enthusiasm for model railroading.  She has nothing against it, it's just that she would rather spend her time touring the local historic architecture.  However I think you will find her charming and no one would guess she was a lawyer. ;o)

I see by the link from the club schedule that the Austin Jamboree is actually in Round Rock.  I have two daughters there who might drop by to see the layout.  Hugh will expect it of them.

As for serving more actively in the club, I would be willing except that I expect this crush at work to last into next summer.  I used to think the frantic pace of one's career peaked at 30, but it looks like I will celebrate my 60th birthday juggling daily panics.  I promise that I will volunteer for a more active role in the club next year.

I have started to work on the module I took home for refurbishing.  I have the track and some other materials.  I think I will be adding a little attraction to it.  However, my time on this is just as thin as my time for everything else.

I appreciate everyone's patience with me.  Rest assured that Hugh's enthusiasm has not waned one iota.  I hope to see y'all in Flatonia.

Mike Pauwels