Once on the train and moving, these 'up and comers' loved to drink and party with anyone interesting. I, at the very least, was interesting. Letting down their 'impatient train platform guard,' and allowing a little liquid relaxation to enter their general spirit, many of them showed tremendous character. Though this traveling character of theirs was somewhat repressed, it was far from extinguished. Usually, after a few sips taken, they would choose to be more like me than remain in their specified roles. Suit jackets came off and sleeves rolled up, and if they had jeans to change into...well, they probably would have. You see, when the bullshit's dropped, we're all friends. Some have to protect themselves from being seen without their bullshit...and in those days, trains were havens for bullshit droppers.

Old folks, and especially older couples, were very good company in bar cars during my riding and singing days. They were always friendly and inquisitive, with plenty of their own stories to tell. Older people are not defensive. They listen and talk, and they love meeting unusual people. Again...I, at least, was unusual, Now I didn't consider myself unusual, but I knew I was considered unusual by other people. Interesting and unusual...yes that was me.

So many of the train rides I took ended too quickly. I had a ball drinking and telling stories and digging the executives, the old folks and everyone else. Now, of course, the bar car is gone and replaced with a little Taco Bell like counter. They charge you an arm and a leg for any booze you order. The sandwiches are microwaved. The riders get their drinks and return to their seats...and in those designated seats they drink in solitude. Still, every once in awhile, you'll witness someone having fun on a train...not often, but it happens. It makes the other passengers uptight. It scares them. They fear the remnants from the 'live and let live' days, when folks found ways to have their fun. When people knew how to unwind and the train gods allowed it. Not only did they allow it -- they opened their arms wide to us all and rocked our happy bottoms to the end of the line. ~ .

Randy Burns