Re: Jim Pearce, former D&RGW Engineer-Another story

Jim told me that during the Farmington Oil Boom in the early 50's he worked for over a month straight without a day off. He said he would get on the engine in Durango, fire all the way to Chama, lay off for the required 8 hours, then fire all the way back to Durango, lay off for 8 hours and do it all over again. At the end of this time he found himself depressed, sleepless, with almost no appetite, and getting dangerously thin. He decided that something must be wrong with him and mentioned his predicament to the foreman. He was told to report to the D&RGW Hospital in Salida for testing.
A friend heading that way offered to give Jim a lift has Jim felt he was too weak to drive that far. On the way to Salida the friend stopped at another friend's house where a party was in session. Jim said he really wasn't feeling good but his friend said to come on inside and relax for a while. Jim spent the evening at the party and managed to eat a little food. The next day they continued their journey to Salida. Jim's friend had yet another acquaintance who was throwing yet another party so they had to stop at that one as well and spend the night. Jim said he ended up eating a little more and enjoying himself.
The next day they arrived in Salida and Jim's friend convinced him to attend yet one more party before checking in to the Hospital. Jim said he enjoyed himself so much that night that by the next morning he felt fine so when they got to the Hospital he indicated whatever had ailed him was gone so they released him back to work. Jim thought it was pretty amazing what a little food, drink, and good company could do to your physical and spiritual self...