What I'm Thankful for;

[dwiemer]

It has been a good year. I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve. My son, who tried to die within his first few weeks of life turned 3. My daughter, who 6 months ago was living in a one room shack in China is now a thriving princess in our home. My wife has continued to love me through all my faults, and even encourages me in my hobbies....to a point. I am thankful for this country and the many service people who keep us free. I thank God for His sacrifice for me and for all that he has given me.
God Bless America, and each and every one of you,
Dennis

[Anonymous]

A week before Christmas my wife and her mother were sitting at red light and were slammed in the rear by a woman driving an Esclade. There were no skid marks on the road, she just wasn't paying attention, probably busy on the phone. Anyway everyone walked away a little shaken but no injuries. Both the Esclade and our Envoy were totaled. It made me think... A lot, ususally my wife has at least one of our kids with her and if not for her going Christmas shopping that night, she may have had all three of them with her. So then I went from worried about how to pay for Christmas to thankful that I still have my family.
I had planned to get a smaller minivan for her when the lease was up on the Envoy to save some money both on the payment and gas, But when she walked away from a 50 MPH collision in an Envoy... well there is a brand new nicer Envoy in the garage already because my family is worth every penny!

I am thankful for what I do have, A healthy family, A good job, a roof over my head (the bank owns most of it), and 4 little toy trains that me and the kids enjoy running around on the layout. No I can't afford the $1000 engines, nor are there any more $200 engines in my near future, but I can't run anymore than what I have now. In fact my 2 year old gets a bigger kick out of a little hand car I paid $5 for more than a $400 engine. I really don't care how the economy will effect the hobby, the hobby seems to have come out fine through some pretty tough times over the past 100 years on it's own. I could care less what color box my trains came in, any train is a good one.
I am thankful that I have what I do, It's not much by others standards but in my eyes I am a rich man.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys,

A little time away from the hobby and some time with my family made me take stock of things..... and I found that to be a good thing. I think I will do this every year around this time. But now, it's time to run some trains!

[1688torpedo]

Hello Santa Fe Kent! Sounds like you have a Attitude of Gratitude when it comes to your family and the Toy Trains you've got.[:)] Take Care.

[Anonymous]

Ditto! (except for that grandchild thing I think) Better go talk to that teenage daughter again.......

[Anonymous]

(Inspired by another thread on train prices)

I'm thankful that Lionel still exists and has been able to stay competitive. I love the steamers they have in the 100 to $250 price range, and think the price is good for the quality I get. I especially like having a small Berkshire with full sound that looks amazing and runs great, and fits on a small layout as well! I don't mind that they make stuff that I can't afford, obviously someone else can, and if it keeps Lionel in business making good stuff that I can afford, I'm happy!

Thank you Lionel!

My Thanks also to MTH and other O Gauge Companies. You kept me from losing interest as my kids got older, I found even more fun in all the new high-tech features. I love my smooth running and powerful MTH Diesels that look great and fit on a small layout. I love my pair of Santa Fe Alco PA's that have great sounds including a program mode that never fails to impress me or my guests! All for $250, and worth it. Yea, there are some 50 Dollar units, but not anything I would want to buy.... (you get what you pay for).... but for those that like it.... that's great.

I don't have a lot (I get a new loco once every couple of years or so), but what I do have is great and I really enjoy them. And if I never got more than the several Loco's and few dozen cars I have now, I'm happy. Fortunately, I'm blessed with a decent stable job and a good family, with my first grandchild on the way (due Feb. 12)..... hmm, I better start working on the layout soon, I have a new trainfan to raise!

Santa Fe Kent

Man, it feels so good to think about what I DO have..... And I live free in a great country! Da@#, do I deserve this??