Thank you, all, for your most interesting replies.
China train 99, I appreciate your succinct frankness.
Don, I will think of you during morning runs, rain or shine.
Mark, it is so true how thinking about trains can keep us from having moments of boredom.
Frank, how wonderful it must be for you to be mindful that you have had, and continue to have, a creative and happy life, as a teacher and model railroader.
Dan, I believe you and I have much in common: we most enjoy our trains, particularly postwar trains and accessories, when we are are being productive in other aspects of our lives.
Balshis, you are correct that a bad mood tends to lessen my interest in trains, though there have been times in the past when trains helped get me out of a bad mood.
Patrick, I also relate to what you've artfully expressed about your feelings concerning trains, and I suspect there are other Forum members that have similar feelings. There is much wisdom in what you say about having balance in one's life: exercise, good diet, work and play. Our trains and layouts sure give us opportunities to work and play.
Let us all continue to play with our trains and, whatever our age, always embrace the child within.
Thank you, again, for all of your contributions.
Arnold
