Since there isn't a "feedback" forum, I'll just post it here!

I want to thank Thedelihaus for risking life and limb to ship me a couple of minty tape decks! As tough as it is to dodge oncoming trains while riding in a wheelchair, he did it...all for another ST'er! Thanks a lot dude.

Michael

good suggestion. I think the admin staff is going to discuss this.

elroy

Yep, it says a lot about Paul, doesn´t it? One of a kind, I tell ya.

Jorge

Micheal,

Thanks for the kind words.

I'll tell all of you the story later on that he mentions. I kinda took a spill on the railroad tracks... he he he... and then the train came...

Funny story. In retrospect.

How do you mean later?

C´mon Paul, you can´t leaving us hanging in here . Spill it out quick, it´s getting close to my bedtime here, and no way I´m going to sleep with all this curiosity burning my bowels.

Jorge

Jorge, too tired to cover it in my normal lurid detail, so here's a short (relative) version-

I packed and boxed two tape decks into one large box to mail to Micheal, via the post office. I balanced the box on my lap, and wheeled my way to the post office, which is about 3/4 to 1 mile away.

As I was more than half way there, while crossing the railroad tracks that cut across the road, I got my front wheel caught on a rail, and fell out of my wheelchair. I twisted in air to save the box. But I was sprawled out on my back at this point. I said to myself, thank lord no train is coming.

Then the whistle blew.

But I said to myself I had a bit of time because I couldn't see the lamp yet. I grabbed the chair, and twisted onto my knees, and looked again- express train obviously, as the lamp was clear as the moon on a midsummer night, and growing bigger- fast.

And the crossing lights started to flash, the crossing alarm sounding.

I managed to get back in the chair, as the gates started to lower. But what kind of vintage Hi-fi lover would I be if I left the box there on the tracks, to get smashed by a train? I needed to gently roll the box off the tracks, of course closely followed by me. There were two sets I needed to cross, and I had no idea which one the train would be on. I had to get rolling.

A lady pulled up, and jumped out of her SUV, and started screaming- she was sure I was going to get flattened. But I kept edging forward, me and the box, me... box...

I got to the gate, only to now have it completely dropped down in front of me, and I squirmed, and twisted, and managed to make it under this impromptu limbo stick.

Everything intact- including the decks.

I have to admit I was laughing at this point, as the lady was screaming hysterically, and I found it oddly entertaining.

After she scolded me for scaring her silly, and told me that I shouldn't go out of my house, because I have enough problems as it is, I rolled on merrily to the post office and safely mailed a couple of nice decks (a Denon and a Yamaha) to my new friend Micheal.

Made for a good laugh later over a beer.

Sounds like a harrowing experience. At least you made it out before damaging the train.

Nice of the lady to help out by picking up the box or something instead of being a screaming distraction.

- JP

Paul,



No further commentary should be necessary.

However, being you, I have to say it. Your misfortune has given you a very positive outlook in life.

Reading the story written by you, I couldn´t help it, but having a big laugh. The poor old lady didn´t know she was adressing a force of nature.

And Michael got a couple of intact players....

Jorge

Imagine the irony if the train would have been hauling big-box electronics store cargo!

Paul, there's a saying "making lemonade out of lemons." This virture truly applies to you and I greatly admire you for this positive approach to life. You are an inspiration to us here at ST. Thanks for sharing this delightful story.