I am very concerned about the great train love fest that is dawning for me in a few days. I speak of none other than the "Great Gathering." York, of course. This will be a telling moment for me. A giant crossroads. As Yogi Berra so aptly stated, " When you see the fork in the road, take it!" Now, before you get your ash pans all in an uproar, this is not really a York post. Yes, I"m on the correct board.
i am guilty of reflexivity. Great levels of traintosterone. I go to train meets with a plan. Ay, the best laid (track) plans of mice and men gong aft agley." I have a list of needs. Wants, in railroad parlance translates to "needs." I am looking for certain passenger cars, figures, trucks and I am putting myself on a strict budget. Unless . . . There is always that great unless.
"Oh my God, " a post war Texas Special. A #2190 Santa Fe Streamliner in the box. My hand reaches out.
i cannot control it. Just like the poor soul in Dr. Strangelove who cannot control his arm. I reach for the trains I have sworn not to buy. It's what I call reflexivity. I cannot seem to stop my hand. "What's yer price on that? A voice that seems to come from my throat has asked the dreaded question. My brain tries to short circuit the process. You don't want that ! Yes, I do. I want that. No, you don't want that.
i must learn to control my darned hand. I need a plan. Ok, I am not allowed to speak to anyone who is selling trains made before Bill Clinton was in office. No. make that Ronald Reagan. No trains during the Eisenhower Administration.
How shall I deal with this dreaded reflexivity? How can I stop my hand from reaching? What can I do?
I will duct tape my mouth in the silver Hall. Only Legacy can remove the tape. No wait, what if I see a BNSF TMCC diesel? Can I remove the tape? I can lock my wallet in the car. Would that work? Only Dr. Phil will release my wallet.
i have a reflexivity problem. I cannot buy everything. Yes, I can. No, I can't Stop it. Have some self control, for goodness sakes. To H*** with self control. I'm conflicted. It is a specific psychological condition that requires an intervention.
Reflexivity. It's an emotional disorder? No, it's a well balanced approached to a real need. I need that diesel. Get out of my way. I saw it first. Mmmffmfff, gotta get this tape off. I'm wearing the tape on a bet sir. No, there is nothing wrong with me. I'm conflicted, that's all. really. Give me that diesel.
Should be there Wednesday through closing. 
One of my favorite pictures of Eliot's layout
