The Legacy of Santa Fe 4-6-4 #3450: A Historical Icon in Pomona, CA | Ken Hulsey Photographer

Photographer: Ken Hulsey 

Location: LA County Fairgrounds (Pomona, CA) 

Ex Santa Fe 4-6-4 #3450 stands as a testament to the golden age of railroading in America, proudly located in its final resting place at the LA County Fairgrounds in Pomona, California. This magnificent locomotive, a product of the Santa Fe Railroad, is a remarkable piece of history that reflects not just the engineering prowess of its time but also the rich tapestry of stories surrounding American railroads.

Unlock Your Potential: Embrace the Journey to Your Best Self | Random Ramblings By Tina Martin

“Some of the best days of your life haven’t happened yet… so keep going.” This wisdom resonates deeply, reminding us that our journey continues to unfold. In the hustle and bustle of life, I hope you’ve found moments to pause and simply breathe, reconnecting with your spirit amidst the midweek chaos. Let go of the weight of others’ opinions and align yourself with the best version of you—a version that is ever-evolving and filled with potential.

Toys By Roy - Winrock Center Mall - Albuquerque, New Mexico - A Trip Down Memory Lane

If you grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the 60s, 70s, or 80s, you likely have fond memories of Toys By Roy. The store was easily recognizable thanks to the large rocking horse logo on its front.

In 1961, Roy Ater opened his first Toys By Roy in the brand-new Winrock Center Mall, which was marketed as ‘the largest in the Southwest.’ Ater’s toy store quickly became one of the mall's first and most successful retailers. Over the following years, Toys By Roy expanded into a successful franchise with 34 locations across 9 states.

Prayer Is An Inspiring Conversation!

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. —Matthew 21:22

Prayer is not merely a ritual or a routine; it is a sacred two-way conversation between our Creator and us. As Christians, we are blessed to have a heavenly Father who not only hears our prayers but actively responds to them. This profound promise from Jesus, “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive,” serves as a powerful reminder of the potency of faith combined with earnest prayer.

The King They Didn’t Expect: Crowd Faith vs Committed Faith | Journey Church | Pastor James W Greer

On Palm Sunday, the crowds shouted, "Hosanna! Save us now!" as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. They celebrated Him like a king, but only days later, many of those same voices cried, "Crucify Him." Why did this happen? Because Jesus wasn’t the king they expected. 

Returning to the Lair of the Fouke Monster - The Legend of Boggy Creek and Beyond | Ken Hulsey

I, like many others, first became fascinated with the infamous "Fouke Monster" in the 1970s when the film "The Legend of Boggy Creek" was released in theaters and drive-ins across the country. Although I didn't see the movie until it aired as a Saturday afternoon feature on a local TV station in the 1980s, the original trailer had a lasting impact on my young and impressionable mind—it scared the crap out of me. A big, hairy creature reaching through windows to grab young girls (the Fouke Monster doesn't hold a candle to King Kong), girls screaming, guns firing, people chasing the monster, the monster chasing people-all set in what looked like the creepiest place on Earth: Boggy Creek. I hid under my bed until I was ten!

 

NASA’s Artemis II Mission: A New Era of Lunar Exploration

Today at precisely 11:21 a.m. EDT, NASA marked a significant milestone in its Artemis program when the Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft arrived at Launch Pad 39B. This event followed an impressive 11-hour voyage from the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, symbolizing a giant leap towards the next phase of lunar exploration.

From Rails to Roads: Celebrate Albuquerque's Historic Journey at the Route 66 Roads & Rails Festival

The Unseen Connections: How Railroads Shaped Albuquerque's Spirit Before Route 66

For railroad history buffs, the evolution of cities often reveals a story of interconnectedness, especially in the American Southwest, where the rise of the railroad preceded the fame of highways like Route 66. Before it became a symbol of adventure and the freedom of the open road, Albuquerque was transformed by iron rails that forged the city’s economic and cultural identity.

Unlocking the Path: Embracing the Hidden Miracles in Everyday Life | Ken Hulsey

Life is a journey marked by various seasons, each with its unique challenges and blessings. There are times when we feel an intense fire within us, fueling our passions and driving us forward. Conversely, there are moments when we feel frozen, grappling with uncertainty and doubt. Navigating the peaks and valleys of our existence can be daunting, but faith is the key that unlocks our path. It acts as the enduring glue that binds our experiences together, even during times when we feel disoriented.

A Nostalgic Journey Down Route 66 - From F Troop to Forgotten: The Rise and Fall of Fort Courage | Ken Hulsey

I have thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about my days in the Southwest over the past couple of months. In my previous posts, I've focused a lot on my experiences in California, New Mexico, and, to some extent, Texas. However, I feel bad for neglecting the great state of Arizona. I often referred to it as "the great land in between" the states I once called home. Although I never lived there, I spent a significant amount of time traveling down the famous Route 66 and later Interstate 40 through Arizona. I have wonderful memories of looking out the window, eating at roadside diners, and stopping at countless tourist traps during family summer vacations.