Ten hour drive yesterday from Bowie, MD, to Richmond, IN, finished up today with a five-hour drive. Dropped the Brother of Morganstein off at his house, rushed home, repacked and about two hours later I boarded Amtrak’s “Missouri River Runner” in Kirkwood for the four-plus hour ride to Independence, MO, on the former Missouri Pacific line. Should have (operative word: “should”) family waiting for me at the station, in preparation for Christmas in Kansas City.

To all out there, as we finally wind down 2014, Merry Christmas…and to all a good night!