Well... this post has nothing to do with the picture. But I was at too much of a loss  half an hour ago to think to take one as I stood with Strawberry Girl by the railroad tracks waiting for a friend who never showed up.

She was coming from America - all the way from Texas - and we are still shaking our heads as we sit here in the dimming light of an empty house. I type a few words, pause, and call out "But how is that possible?" And a voice in the kitchen sighs back, "Maybe she was in the bathroom. Maybe she's still there, mom."

We were stood up - or perhaps she got lost - or possibly missed the train. 

This afternoon as I prepared the tiny guest room, I had this feeling...

I missed her - missed out.

And in the gathering darkness - in this gathering day, Betsy - rise thoughts that those who are with me now in this house, in this life, may one day take a different train. And I may sit forlorn there as never before.

I will love them before the grumbling roar carries them away.

NB: The Russian just said: Hogwash, she's probably on the next train. And he ran out the door to go see. :)