Dismal day for Mom's at HVRM 5-7-11

Hello!   The day started out at 59 degrees and intermittent drizzle, harder showers and even some thunder, prevented much more than a 5 degree rise in the temp.   Train crew consisted of John DeGan and Andy Hershman in the cab, with each getting some throttle time.  Others in the crew included Doug Kosloske as conductor, a natty Joe Kingsbury working in LIRR 2937, Randall Downs manning the NKP 1946 open flat car and Joe Baker doing some apprentice brakeman work. Bill Dauber and Bruce Emmons also helped out.   Jon Schmidt had his ATV out, and was spraying for weeds.  Hope not a lot of this got washed away.   Cory Bennett and John LaOrange went down to the east end at Main Street and did some tamping.   Fred Boyer and I worked up on the second floor of Grasselli Tower cleaning nails and screws from old boards that we will be using in the rebuilding of the tower.   Steve Newland tried to get some outside boards replaced but it seemed as every time he started, the rain drove him inside.  He did manage to get one board on the southwest corner replaced before he finally through in the towel for the day.    Bob Barcus, Pat DeGan and Loretta Kosloske worked the gift shop with Loretta doling out the carnations to the Mom's riding on this special day.   I noticed that Andy had done some patching of holes on the side of NKP 15979, the boxcar that is currently being painted and lettered.   Bob Jachim had trimmed the wood door on the Mulberry Street watchman's crossing shanty and it now works nicely.  Mark Knebel pointed out to me that it needs a new coat of paint.   Fred and I decided to ride the 2:45 train to LaCrosse to see how the Long Island coach ran.  The car rode very nice.  Fred and I were both impressed.  As the train arrived back in North Judson, the sun broke out.  Too late!      Have a good week everbody.   Les