In local news, Deb had part 2 of her two-part medical procedure done today. It was quick and she even went in ahead of schedule. No more stent. It was an aggravating ten days with it inside of her, and I doubt she will miss it now that it is gone. As usual I got some reading done in the waiting room.
Last week I played my program for some non-piano friends. It went well, and I seem to be getting comfortable playing most of the pieces. One more recital and then I can put these pieces away and begin some new works.
I had a wonderfully clear and cold night of astronomy last night (Wed.), the first of the new session. But it will be cloudy now for at least several days.
In gaming news I am playing the first Amnesia game (Dark Descent), a haunted house mystery puzzler set in a dark and abandoned haunted mansion. So far it's been pretty good, but I am only halfway through part 1 of 4. Many times these games begin fairly but end up being unplayable after a time, usually due to bad construction, or a sudden jump of difficulty that only the creator can figure out. So we shall see....
In much more exciting news, I bought Train Sim World 5! There was a great sale on, and for $22 Can. I got 3 huge packages, with enough engines, trains, and routes to last me indefinitely. Of course I have spent most of my time at the training center, learning how to drive different locomotives. I have about 15 or so to choose from, and yesterday I took my first lesson in driving a steam engine. Not as easy as those electric diesels! So far my favourite route is driving the Thameslink train from Dartford to Rainham. This is an exact real time run, with all the correct scenery, tunnels, bridges, buildings, rivers, etc. So far I have not been able to keep to schedule, as I have not driven at the maximum speed limit very much yet. The route is about 20 miles and there are 11 stops. There are uphill and downhill grades and miles of tunnels. Each time I have driven the route the weather and times have been different. The earliest run is the 5:58 from Dartford, and the morning fog is gradually dispersed as the sun rises. I have also driven the final night run, also with some fog, and the moon shining above and some stars. So far I have not crashed or sped through a red light, but it is hard to stop the train on steep downhill grades. Anyway, it's been great fun. The Southeastern segment has at least a dozen runs I have yet to do. and I haven't even had time to get to the German or North American ones.
In film news we are all caught up for now. We did finish a six part series called Monsieur Spade.
Sam's final adventure takes place in France, and though the plot is a bit overdone, it's an enjoyable series to watch, filled with quips and plenty of murders. The plot centers around a young Algerian boy who is gifted as a code breaker and a code maker. Everyone wants him. Set in a unique small French town, it has great locations and camerawork.
Mapman Mike
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