I didn't grow up near railroad tracks, so most of these activities are as new to me as they are to my granddaughters. I've often stood on the other side of my fence and watched trains pass, so close you could feel the ground shake; but that was the extent of it.
Cliff has told stories about how he'd put pennies on the track when he was a child, to smash them. He said he must have really been young, because he remembers worrying that the coins might de-rail the train.
I believe my children went back to the track to smash pennies, too, years ago; I don't recall whether they had any success with the enterprise.
Anyway, this sounded like something Monica and Natalie would enjoy, so off we went. I took Scotch tape along, thinking the pennies would vibrate off the rail before the train reached them. Of course I knew the tape wouldn't last, but at least the train would make contact with our pennies this way.
Altogether, it took about ten pennies and two trains to give us three flattened pennies. So now we each have a keepsake.
Oh, and the engineer of the second train that passed scooted over to our side and waved out the window at us! You can imagine our glee at that. There was much screaming and laughing.
I'm glad I haven't grown up yet. It's fun being a kid.
I bet living close to train tracks would lead to an adventure everyday.
ReplyDeleteMissie :)
When I was a kid, I had train tracks directly behind my house.... and sometimes they'd park the trains for a while. I used to sit on the hill and practice my aim with the black walnuts that fell off the trees in our yard....
ReplyDeleteI remember the glee of having the conductor wave at me, too... :)
~Amy
My MIL used to take the G-Gson to the taintracks once in a while. They smashed pennies one day but I don't know what ever happened to them. Great pictures. Bet that did thrill them when the engineer waved at them. Helen
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like fun. Most of our tracks are no longer in use in our area other than the Boston bound trains. I don't think I'd go near those tracks -- too busy!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like you all had a fun day. It's never to late for a good childhood,lol.
ReplyDeleteLoved the read! This is my first time here, but I'll be back.
ReplyDeleteCould I add your site to my pg? Let me know.
Come visit me at http://journals.aol.com/sugarsweet056/MYLIFE/
Smooches, Sugar
after moving out of my folks house
ReplyDeletetwo of my apartments were right next to the tracks
we waved to each other, too :)
I hope those two little sweethearts know how lucky they are to have you for their Granny....what adventures....you have together....Hugs....Ora
ReplyDeleteYou are a great granny!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had fun today.... Iam so jealous. Maybe the tape stuck to the pennies so good it went along the track for awhile until it fell off... you will have to go for a longer walk now to check that out. :)Your Grandaughters are really really lucky to have you! Happy New Year if I don't write tomorrow. Sandra
ReplyDeleteOh, the memories THAT conjured up! We used to do that when I was a kid! Sometimes, though, you couldn't find the pennies, because they would fly off somewhere once the train wheels hit them! But, it sure was fun, putting them on the rails, and waiting for the train to come!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having the time of your life, introducing all this fun to your granddaughters! What a cool grandma you are! They are so lucky to have you!!
Jackie
I grew up on a farm not too far from a railroad track. I never walked on them or anything, but I remember hearing the chugging and horns at night -- and it was so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Mosie.
Russ
Our grandbabes to help to keep us young ! You and your little ones are making some wonderful memories that will be shared over the years I'm sure! 'On Ya' - ma
ReplyDeleteI'm taking my second childhood very seriously. (grin) Fernan
ReplyDeleteoh sounds like fun...awaiting to see if the pennies were smashed.
ReplyDelete