In the late morning hours before noon on a Tuesday in August, Charley Claymont Coyote and his wife, Alice, were relaxing on the patio recliners on the outside deck at the entry door of their doublewide home just south of Vaughn, New Mexico. Their daughter, Rhonda, and oldest son, Jack, were sitting at a patio table and had been playing video games on their Androids...They were now presently showing each other interesting YouTube videos they have found. Though it was a weekday, it was a day Charley had off from work. Him being a locomotive operator for the Union Pacific Railroad, he would be at work for a few days at a time, but also would have several days off at a time. And the 2018 / 2019 school year was not scheduled to begin for another two weeks yet. Of course, back in 1960, August 14th fell on a Sunday. Such family get togethers are certainly pleasant...However the only thing missing was having Clarence being there...At this point in time, Clarence had been gone for slightly more than six months. "Hey, Dad", Jack called, then asked, "Can you pour me some of that Bud after I finish my Code Red?" "You had some Bud this past weekend. Let's not make a habit of it", Charley replied just before he took another sip of his can of Budweiser beer. "Remember. You're not 21 yet. Mountain Dew will have to do for now", Mama Alice, who was having a bottle of Corona, advised Jack. "Aww, Mom. That's a long time away yet", Jack replied. You can always get into a time machine", Sister Rhonda jested to Jack as she boldly held up her can of Mello Yellow Zero. Charley then mentioned, "Yea...Speaking of time machines. I don't think a day has gone by I haven't thought of our son who's back there 58 years ago". "We all think of Clarence", Alice assured her husband. Jack then mentioned, "I know Poindexter Fox said he'd be all grown up and old and everything by now if the machine doesn't get him back with us". "Yea...I guess about as old as Jed, Rex, Donna and Beverly are", Rhonda said. "With grandcubs by now". "That's if he's gone long enough for some...time continual they talk about to start changing", Charley added. "Well, Poindexter did assure us they sent Clarence off successfully in the time machine 58 years ago. And he said Clarence should be arriving sometime this weekend", Alice added. "I sure hope he that machine makes it okay", Rhonda said. "I sure do miss Clarence". "We're all hoping the same thing", Charley added, then mentioned, "I recall Jed and his wife telling me about the makeshift repairs they had to do on that machine back then". "They did makeshift repairs", Jack asked. "I'm told it was the best they could do with the technology that existed in 1960", Charley answered Jack. Looking at the railroad overpass flyover in Vaughn at a distance, Charlie mentioned, "That Burlington Northern Santa Fe flyover...Clarence has seen it back in the day when there was just a track crossing". "So the BNSF railroad wasn't elevated up over the Union Pacific in 1960?", Rhonda asked. "Not back then it wasn't", Charley replied, then added, "And that Union Pacific line I drive for was owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad back then". "I remember when Southern Pacific sold out to Union Pacific", Alice mentioned to Jack and Rhonda. "Your dad and I were teenagers then". "Do you remember what it was like when they built that flyover?", Jack asked Charley. "That was before my time", Charley replied. "It was already there before your mother and I were born". After the family spending some leisurely time out on the deck it was getting close to noon time. Thus, Alice mentioned she was going to go inside and start getting lunch ready. Charley suggested, "Why don't we take a run down to Corona and have lunch at the El Corral Cafe'?" "Awesome! Awright!", Jack explained. "They do have good food there", Rhonda added. "Well, we've had a couple of beers", Alice mentioned to Charley, then asked, "Are you sure you should be driving?" "I didn't drink much out of this one. So that basically makes only one beer I had", Charley assured Alice. "Heck. I'll take it. No need to waste it, Dad", Jack spoke up claiming the unfinished Budweiser. "No you don't, Son", Charley replied as he poured the beer out on the ground over the deck railing. "Awww, Dude. Bummer", Jack retorted. "We don't need a drunk for a son", Alice mentioned to Jack, halfway jesting. Though Charley and Alice do drink, they are by no means heavy drinkers and their use of alcohol is only on occasion. Plus the fact, by New Mexico DWI laws, Charley Claymont Coyote was not over the legal limit with just slightly more than one beer. In New Mexico, it takes .08 or higher to get you in trouble if you are over 21 years of age. And it would have taken three beers to get Charley to .08...And Charley Coyote is certainly over 21 years old. After closing up and locking the house, the family made their way to their Honda Odyssey van to head on down to the El Corral Cafe' in Corona. Back in the old days, Highway 54 and Highway 60 were only two lane. Now days, Highway 60 is a four lane divided highway...Highway 54 is still two lane south of the intersection where it parts with Highway 60. Because the four lane divided Highway 60 / 54 runs past the Claymont Coyote Family residence, the family always did have to make a right turn out of the driveway. Because they were headed south to Corona, Charley drove a quarter mile north toward Vaughn until they got to the turn around apron they always use to make a U-turn and head south. Once they were on their way, Charley turned on the van's radio, in which one of Rhonda's favorite songs were playing...It was a 6 year old song at the time. Phillip Phillips - Home (Three links are posted as back up) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jevGL7i1BVQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTg1n95--KE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ6_CCFoEZc
After they past the intersection where Highway 54 parts Highway 60 and becomes two lane, they were then cruising along south on Highway 54 at 70 mph...The rpm hum of the van's V-6 motor at 70 mph seemed to somehow go in harmony with the song on the radio. Further south along Highway 54, and after they crossed the county line from Guadalupe County into Torrance County, they took notice of the rock formation just beyond the left side of the highway. "According to what Albert and Marge had told us, there's where the time machine landed with Clarence 58 years ago", Alice mentioned as they rode past it. "It's good Albert and Marge came by when they did", Charley added as he turned the radio volume down some. "At least we have a chance of seeing Clarence again". "There's no telling what would have become of Clarence if Al and Marge didn't come by when they did", Alice further added. "According to what they once told us anyway", Charley said. Of course there was no time machine there anymore behind the rock formation...Clarence took off in it 58 years ago. And there was not much torn down debris left to a utility building that was built to conceal the time machine from the public back in 1960. Nearly all of it had completely deteriorated away in the weather a long time ago. Mostly a few remnants of the building's railroad tie footer still remain to this day because of them being creosote treated. Of course, had Clarence never took the trip to 1960, that utility building would never have been built, thus it's rotting debris would not have ever been there over the past 58 years...That of which is an alteration in the time continual due to Clarence being in 1960 with the time machine. Before long, the family rode through Duran. The van's radio was by now playing a song that had been around for 12 years... titled Numa Numa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJhs7GKmu6c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uLEAI-h2uQ Duran has changed some over 60 years, but not by a whole lot. The family also knew Al and Marge Rhonson Coyote by now. "Al and Marge have been in that spacious old house on Cedar Street for a long time, haven't they", Rhonda mentioned as the family proceeded through Duran. "For almost 70 years", Charley affirmed as he again turned the volume down on the radio for everyone to hold conversation. "I think it's wonderful they're maintaining that big old train board for their great grand cubs to play with", Alice mentioned. "I know. That train board is so awesome", Rhonda exclaimed, being they have seen it before. "I bet Clarence also ran trains on it when Jed, Rex, Donna and Beverly were cubs", Jack also exclaimed. "You know he has", Charley surmised. "What cub could resist a layout like that?" "I'm not sure Beverly was born before they said Clarence left 1960", Alice mentioned. "Come to think of it, I believe you're right", Charley affirmed to Alice. "Can we get a chance to play with the train board?", Rhonda asked. "We'll have to get permission from Al and Marge first", Charley replied to Rhonda. "That's right. It belongs to them", Alice added. "That would be so awesome, dude", Jack exclaimed. The Union Pacific line Charley works for (formally Southern Pacific) runs parallel to Highway 54. And after passing through Duran, the family was again cruising down rural highway with the railroad tracks running parallel over to the right. "Train going away up ahead", Jack exclaimed as the family was beginning to catch up to a Union Pacific freight train going in their same southbound direction.
"They just came through Duran moments ago", Charley affirmed. With the train traveling at 40 mph, and Charley driving at 70 mph, it didn't take long to catch up even with the rear locomotive that was pushing from behind. ..and last car just ahead of it (which was a three section intermodal).
As they began to pass the rest of the train, most of the cars were sectional intermodal. "It won't be long before we see the lead locomotives", Charley assured the cubs. Though most of the train consisted of intermodals, there were also a few tanker cars and covered grain hoppers.
"There's the engines up ahead", Jack proclaimed as they gained on the two lead locomotives. As soon as they got up even with the first locomotive, Charley mentioned, "That's Julius Pine Martin and Henry Raccoon". Charley then slowed down to keep pace with the train. Julius and Henry being among Charley's fellow co-workers with the railroad, they recognized the family's Honda Odyssey van. Julius Pine Martin gave a few short blasts on the horn as he and Henry Raccoon waved from the cab of the locomotive. Charley, Alice, Jack and Rhonda waved back.
At one point, Rhonda unbuckled her seat belt to lean over for a better look Charley noticed the seat belt warning light on instrument panel, then looked back and saw Rhonda was not wearing her seat belt. "Rhonda, you need to put that seat belt back on", Charley exclaimed. "Oh, okay", Rhonda replied as she re-buckled her seat belt. "You don't unfasten a seat belt while this van is in motion", Alice reminded Rhonda. After the social encounter with Charley's fellow co-workers, Charley sped back up to 70 mph on their way to the El Corral Cafe in Corona. Upon arriving to the El Corral Cafe' in Corona, Alice mentioned, "Al and Marge are here". They recognized the Chrysler 300 belonging to Al and Marge Coyote. Of course it wasn't the 1960 Chrysler 300 F the Rhonson Coyote Family had 58 years ago. Al and Marge's car now days is a 2009 model...Even as great grand parents in their elderly age, Al and Marge still have that passion for fast cars. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_300#/media/File:... As for that 1960 model, for the past 47 years it has been stored in a barn belonging to Frank Coyote's brother Hank. Perhaps someday it will be a barn find. As Charley parked the van, he mentioned, "I see they don't have the Hoveround carrier on their car today". "It's nice to know this is one of the days Marge doesn't need to use the Hoveround", Alice added. Marge had developed Osteoporosis of the knees in her old age, though there are good days she can get by without using the Hoveround. Upon entering the cafe', Al and Marge noticed Charley, Alice and the cubs. "Over here", Al invited the family over near their table. "How's it going?", Charley asked as they made their way over. "Oh, not bad for a couple of ancient coyotes", Marge jested. "None of us are getting younger. That's for sure", Al added. The waitress, a squirrel, offered to slide the two tables together for the Rhonson Coyote couple and the Claymont Coyote Family...which both parties agreed. "It still doesn't feel the same without Clarence being here", Jack mentioned. Al assured the family, "Well, you already know we successfully sent Clarence on his way here to the present 58 years ago. Nine o'clock pm on the 19th is when he's scheduled to arrive here". "My goodness. That's an awful long trip for our little brother...58 years?", Rhonda proclaimed.. "That whole trip for Clarence is only 35 minutes", Al assured Rhonda. "It's 58 years to us". "That's hard for me to wrap my mind around", Jack mentioned. "You'd have to have the experience as a scientist to understand it", Al replied to Jack. The waitress then asked, "May I start you off with some drinks?" "Oh, sure thing", Al replied. "We're ready here too", Charley added. Everyone then ordered their drink of choice, and when the waitress returned with the drinks, everyone was ready to place their order. El Corral Cafe' has always been well-known for their great Mexican food, and the menu had lots good selections. "Decisions decisions", Marge said, then decided, "I'll go ahead take the Santa Fe chicken". "I'll have the same", Al added. The Claymont Coyote Family then placed their orders. After the orders were taken, Jack mentioned to Al and Marge, "You know. If we had known you all years ago, and if Clarence still messed with that time machine anyway, he would have already known you all when he first got to 1960". Alice interjected, "I know that would have been nice. I still feel like it would have been easier on Clarence for us to have been acquainted long before Clarence got into that time machine". "Remember what they they said though", Charley reminded Alice. "Clarence would have known who Al and Marge are when he arrived to 1960, but Al and Marge still wouldn't have known Clarence". "That's right", Al affirmed. "February 9th, 1960 was the first time we've ever met Clarence. Until then, we had no idea who he was". "I guess I was just thinking Clarence would have took comfort in knowing you all when he first arrived in 1960", Alice mentioned. Marge affirmed to Alice, "For Clarence to be in a time where he knew us from the start, but we didn't yet know him, it would have been hard on him. It was better back then letting his and our acquaintances start from scratch". "I guess you're right", Alice agreed. "Seems like that would have been a scenario for Clarence like in the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Where George Bailey Ferret knew everyone, but nobody knew him", Charley surmised. "Oh like on the part after George Bailey Ferret wished he didn't exist", Alice added. "That would have been really hard on Clarence", Marge affirmed. "There is also the danger of another time alteration on the original time alteration", Al mentioned. "That could be very unstable. And it wouldn't end well for many involved". "Al and I really wanted to get acquainted with you all 15 years ago", Marge affirmed. "But other scientists told us to wait until Clarence had left on February 9th of this year". It was about that time the waitress brought out the tray with the meals. "Mmm, that looks good", Marge proclaimed as the squirrel set the meals on the tables. "Anyone need drink refills?", the squirrel asked. Al, Marge and Charley and Alice's cubs opted for drink refills. As everyone enjoyed their meals and beverages, Marge mentioned to the Claymont Coyotes, "You may not have been aware of it. But it is a Godsend that Clarence spent those six months with us in 1960". "How do you figure?", Charley replied. "Al use to be a smoker", Marge replied. "Use to smoke Chesterfields", Al affirmed. Marge continued, "One day, your son Clarence, our stepson back then, and our other sons Jed and Rex were caught smoking cigarettes they got at the W. M. Hindi store". "Clarence smoking?", Charley exclaimed. "It's the first time I'm hearing about this". "Gee. My cub brother the cigarette smoker", Rhonda commented. "Like, light 'em up, Dude", Jack added. Marge advised Charley, "I wouldn't go so hard on him when he gets back. Al and I already resolved that issue as Clarence's step parents". "Besides. That happened 58 years ago, Charley", Alice added. "I guess you're right, Dear", Charley replied. "It would be awkward to punish Clarence for something he did before we were even born". Marge then went on to say, "Al was going to make the boys smoke the whole pack, but I stopped him". Al added, "And while Marge and I were arguing the issue, Clarence told me with tears in his eyes, 'But, Dad. You smoke'...That hit me like a freight train, and I've never touched another cigarette since". "And I'm glad you did quit", Marge said to Al. "You'd be where Frank is today if you hadn't". "I guess there is a Godsend in it after all", Charley admitted. "Sure sounds that way, doesn't it", Alice added. "I remember you mentioning about Frank a few months ago", Charley said to Al. "Frank was one of our neighbors and close friend", Al replied. "He too was a smoker and never gave up the habit. Back in 1992 he died of lung cancer". "Oh, is he Wanda's late husband?", Alice asked. "Yes he is", Marge affirmed. "In fact, he and Wanda are the parents of Clarence's girlfriend, Sheryl". "In 1960, Clarence and Sheryl are about the same age", Al added. "But Sheryl will be celebrating her 67th birthday on the 19th". "That's the night Clarence is due to arrive", Marge mentioned. "That's right. The night of Sheryl's birthday", Al added. "That would be oh so weird for Clarence to find out his girlfriend of 1960 is now 67 years old", Rhonda said. "Not really when you consider Clarence and Sheryl were born in different time eras", Al affirmed to Rhonda. "Besides that. Sheryl is married with cubs and grand cubs by now", Marge added. The Rhonson Coyote couple and the Claymont Coyote Family enjoyed an early afternoon of dining, socializing and conversation. When they were done eating, left a generous tip for the waitress, and paid the bill, Al and Marge headed back to their house on Cedar Street in Duran. The Claymont Coyote Family spent much of the afternoon shopping around at some of the stores in Corona before heading back home.
To be continued.
I decided to add a video here at the end. Union Pacific 200 + cars @ Corona, New Mexico https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBDC0UOtgAw Who knows?...That could be a train that Charley Coyote and his assistant, Owen Wolverine, were operating.
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