Norman's dad worked as a "Gandy Dancer" for the MKT Railroad in Texas. He and two other men operated a handcar (originally one operated by hand, but they had a motor. They went up and down the railroad removing old crossties, and putting in new ones. They dug them out by hand, pushed in new ones, drove in spikes with sledge hammers, and tamped (put crushed rock around the tie and packed it in) in the new tie. These pictures show how a few machines and a few more workers can do the job now. One machine removes the old tie. Another cleans the hole with a large brush. Another moves the old tie out of the way and aligns a new one. The next one inserts the tie in the clean hole and "squares" it with the track. A few men and at least one woman place a plate on the tie and tap the spikes in place. Another machine drives the spikes and tamps the tie. Finally, a machine levels the crushed rock, sweeps the middle of the track, and grades the rock on the sides of each rail. Norman's dad came home with salt on his clothes from sweating. We did not see any sweat on the drivers in the enclosed cabs. If the other workers perspired, it was not obvious.

WORKING ON THE RAILROAD

CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY

Bob, Norma and Sissy came through the snow, Brandon and Kristen came from the snow, and Joy came through the rain. Norma arranged poinsettias with lights. We had food and fun.

David, Nichola and children visited her grandmother in December. Joy, Lagaytha and Norman met them at Jantzen Beach for lunch, a ride on the carousel, and ice cream.

DAVID AND FAMILY IN PORTLAND