Year 2, Day 281 (A Peaceful Sabbath)

I've been back on the road since this past Monday, and every day since our getaway last weekend, Tikvah and I have been talking about potential homes in Eureka Springs, AR. It's actually quite funny. For the past few months we've been talking about homes in our old hometown of Hemet, CA, and we take one trip to Eureka Springs, and our whole focus has changed. HaShem really does move in mysterious ways. For the past year or so, I have harped on how much I dislike Arkansas, and how I couldn't wait to move back to California, now we are planning on moving to a different part of Arkansas. Of course, if you lived where we do now, you would probably feel the same way.

Eureka Springs is like no other city nor town in Arkansas that I've been... and I have been through many of them. Basically, it's like living in Arkansas geographically, without the common mentality. Needless to say, we are looking at homes, but, more importantly, trusting in The L-rd for guidance, direction, and favor... especially in regards to our future "retirement" home (yeah, once we move, we don't plan on moving again... unless G-d says otherwise).

Year 2, Day 280 (Another Weekend Is Upon Us)

After getting unloaded yesterday in Conklin, NY, I made my way to Allentown, PA to get this load, which is heading to Robert, LA. It took longer than hoped to get loaded, so I didn't get to cover as much ground as I had hoped. I haven't been to Louisiana in over 2 1/2 years, though that doesn't hurt my feelings in the least.

In less than 3 weeks will be Election Day, more importantly, it will be the day that the impending decision is made whether we keep the Socialist (Obama) in for another 4 years, or if we get the Socialist in sheep's clothing (Romney) for a term. Obviously I'm none too thrilled with either of them. I can honestly say we have absolutely nobody worthy to choose from this time around. The sad part is, too many people are voting along party lines, and the sheeple from both sides are running with the current "catch phrases", such as "War On Women". There's a "war on women" really?! Use a little logic and common sense! I've never seen military troops combing the streets looking for women to place in custody for interrogation; I've never seen women grappling with soldiers. What I have seen is woman, like many of their male counterparts, spewing vile comments in line with the talking points of the day in whichever direction the political winds happen to blow (i.e. spitting on a soldier in an airport, calling them "baby killers", reminiscent of Viet Nam).

Men and women need to open their eyes and wake up to what is going on in America... we are being handed a broken claw hammer and being told it's a power drill. It's interesting how we have either Obama or Romney to choose from, when people like Ron Paul have garnered some major support, yet haven't even gotten coverage from the lame stream media (I'm not a Ron Paul supporter either, so don't take that as an endorsement of his campaign). It's outright pathetic that people support Obama just because he's a Democrat, or Romney just because he's a Republican. If you take to the streets based on your gut (your inner convictions) and demand that our voices are heard, and that we choose the candidate, NOT some polls or Electoral College, then - and only then - can we get the candidate, and, ultimately, President that this country deserves; one that will do the job demanded of him.

With Sabbath approaching, I bid you all farewell, until the morrow.

Year 2, Day 273 (Our Weekend Escape Is Just A Few Hours Away)

Tikvah and I didn't do anything special on the day of our anniversary due to her having to work. I planned on this weeks ago when I had set when I would be home and for how long. Several weeks ago I had already made arrangements that factored this in, so I made reservations for us to have a weekend getaway. We don't make an escape very often, so it's very special when we do. When we had first met, she already had two sons, so obviously we never did get any of that "alone time" that most couples enjoy before starting a family. In our case, I didn't mind it, nor do I regret it. In fact, the two older sons and I are quite close (Paul, the oldest, even joined the Marine Corps because of me).

This weekend, we will be "escaping" to Eureka Springs, AR, which is a fairly popular tourist/vacation spot. I don't follow trends when it comes to "vacation spots", but I knew about Eureka Springs because I've driven through there a couple times. Each time I did, I had always thought "this would be someplace that Tikvah would like." We are booked for a two night stay, with the special Always And Forever package, which includes a bottle of champagne and dinner for two at a local restaurant. After putting up with me for the past 20+ years, she deserves it!

May your Sabbath be as blessed as ours will be!

Year 2, Day 267 (A Few More Days Until I'm Home)

Yesterday I had unloaded in Munster, IN (just outside of Gary) and - since my next load didn't have to pick up right away - I went over to Merrillville to do some wishful shopping at Guitar Center. I did this because for the past few months I've been pondering getting back into the D.J.'ing world. Since Panasonic no longer makes the Technics MK 1200 turntables (which were the turntable of choice by many "old school" jockeys), it looks as if I may - albeit reluctantly - be going the digital route.

After looking at a few things, toying with some equipment, and even Darren (one of the guitar Center reps) showing me some of the capabilities of one piece, I think I may be hooked... I was certainly drooling. Though the only setback is the financial aspect. To build from the ground up, the system I was compiling would cost around $10K... and that's not even including a basic lighting setup. At least I can still dream.

This has been a peaceful, and blessed Sabbath. Since I am due to be home on Tuesday, Monica (my Fleet Manager) arranged for a load swap for me, so instead of picking up today in Franklin Park, IL (on the west side of Chicago) and heading to South Carolina, I did a drop & hook last night in Chicago, going to Covington, TN... which will have me closer to home. Yes, HaShem is awesome!

May your day continue to be blessed!

Year 2, Day 266 (The Torah Cycle Re-Starts)

As the Sabbath approaches, so does the end of the Torah cycle. This last potion of the Torah is the only one that is not read on the Sabbath, but instead next Tuesday, on Simkat Torah (the giving of the Torah), the commemoration of when Moses received the Torah from HaShem on Mt. Sinai. The next Sabbath, 13 October, will be the reading from Parashah Beresheit (the first portion, also known as beginning in Genesis 1:1). Now that I have all the volumes for Daily Dose of Torah (series 1), I'll be able to keep up more with the various commentaries (there were a few times that I was on the road when a volume came in, so I had missed on a few days, sometimes a full week, of commentary). As such, I am contemplating the launch of a once weekly blog post, possibly called Journey Through Torah, or something like that.

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Year 2, Day 252 (Music Is Not What It Used To Be)

Recently, while talking about music, my wife mentioned that I need to get "up to date." When on the road, I tend to listen to a lot of 70's rock, and 80's New Wave, with a few tunes mixed in from the 90's and 00's, mainly because they were songs that stood out for me. I've always maintained a couple key positions that I have come to learn about music and people. The first being that the style of music you listened to the most while you were in high school is the style that will stick with you for the rest of your life. For me, that was New Wave/Alternative (which is now referred to as "Classic Alternative"). The other position I've held is the the music industry has gone down hill over the past couple decades, with no sign of recovery. I have tried to get "up to date", but, honestly, what's out there doesn't cut the mustard. However reluctant I may be, I decided to take Tikvah's advice... perhaps music has changed.

In the past few days, I've been listening to the satellite radio stream playing the current hits, and there are a few out there that have caused me to sit up and take notice... not many, but a few. One such song actually became popular by way of a YouTube video (isn't that the way it's going nowadays?), and at first listen, I noticed (as with most "music" out there now) that it's nothing more than synth programming looped in repetition. After hearing this song a couple more times, I realized that it's underlying rhythms are infectious... about as infectious as "Party Rock Anthem" (and, actually, the two would blend great together). That song is "Gangnam Style" by an artist from Korea who goes by the name PSY:

Another song to note is one that Tikvah shared with me on Facebook of "Too Close" by British up-and-comer, Alex Clare (who's music for this song was recently used in a commercial for Microsoft Internet Explorer). Musically, it does use some current technology, but it's not overwhelming, and even adds to the lyrics, which, themselves, actually have substance and content (the video is pretty cool, too).

After listening to "the hits" (a term which, I feel, is being used loosely), I've come to realize a few things. One is that the music industry is putting music out there not entirely geared for radio airplay, but for the club scene. I say that, because those that are considered the latest hit, all seem to have the same steady kick rhythm (for the non-drummer, that refers to the bass drum) and all seem to be just a few BPM (beats per minute, a term common among D.J.'s) off from a perfect sync. After all, they have to make easy for the D.J., right? I was what you would call an "old school" D.J. The difference nowadays is that D.J.'s perform their gigs on computers. Not to take away from the technology, but the trouble there is it takes the fun out. All they have to do is pick out the songs they want to play, in the order they want them played in, and the program will do the beat-mixing for them. Back when I was spinning, we used turntables and vinyl records. We actually had to know the music (i.e. what songs have a similar tempo, what could blend well, etc.). With the turntables, there was a lever for adjusting pitch. If your incoming song was too fast or too slow, you could make the adjustment before you fade it in. We also did something known as "beat mixing" which was the art of mixing from one song to another without losing the dance beat... and was always fun, yet challenging.

For the most part, my theory is still intact... music today is not the same quality; there's no content, no structure, and more importantly, nobody is being groomed for longevity... the industry just wants what they can make into the "next big hit." I don't care for "Pound The Alarm" by Nicki Minaj, I can't stand "Whistle" by Flo Rida, and if we can get rid of Autotune, we might even get rid of a few no talent hacks in the process. Autotune is ok - if used sparingly, but when it's used throughout an entire song (Owl City does this), it gets old... QUICKLY.


Before I forget, one other good song (one of the few) is the recent offering by Train, called "50 Ways To Say Goodbye". I've never really been a big fan of theirs, but this song is catchy. It has the same steady kick beat to it (as most do, which I just mentioned), but it also underlies it with a Mariachi flavor, which gives it a unique feel. One more thing about that song (and Tikvah pointed this out... I must be rubbing off on her), try singing along to it, but instead of Train's lyrics, use the lyrics from "The Phantom Of The Opera" (yes the musical).

Go ahead... I dare you.


Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 246 (Heading In The Wrong Direction)

I unloaded yesterday morning in Englewood, CO (in the Denver area) and just parked at the customer's facility in order to get a re-start on my logbook. This morning, I left out from there, had the trailer washed out (it was due, since I had just delivered a load of bagged rocks, and peat moss before that), then went just a few miles further to Henderson to get this load. I'm not too fond of this load for several reasons: a) it doesn't deliver until Tuesday afternoon (though I will be there tomorrow night), and, b) it's - in my opinion - heading to Arkansas, which is the wrong direction... but that's my personal preference.

It's been very nice being up in this region, and that's not just referring to the weather, though that has been quite pleasant as well. I've always enjoyed the peace and serenity that comes with traveling the western/northwestern areas. I find solace driving through the mountains and along the open roads... plus the traffic is much less of a headache to deal with. I'm especially looking forward to winter in the northwest. The snow just adds to the solitude... though my wife may disagree. Sure, there's more of a challenge driving a truck along snow ridden highways, but as long as you don't get too confident, everything will be just fine. I have had drivers pass me on snow-covered roads because I was going "too slow" for them. Yet, 15 - 20 miles down the road, I would see them stuck on the median, mainly because they were in so much of a rush, they lost control when they hit a slick spot.

Perhaps my return in this region will be soon... it makes for some pretty good posts.

... Ya think?

I hope you've had a pleasant and peaceful Sabbath.

I have (except for leaving the mountains behind).

Year 2, Day 245 (I Really Enjoy This Weather)

While in Casper, WY the other day, I decided (since I didn't pick up my load until the next morning) to pull the bike out and go for a ride. This ride really kicked my butt, with several factors in play. First, my previous rides and been on hilly terrain (where I live), so I rode up the hills in low gear and coasted down the other side. In Casper, however, it was much more level, which meant I was constantly pedaling. There were other things against me. I had done some "self-maintanence" on my brakes some time earlier, only to find that I had adjusted the front brakes too much, and with sunset approaching, I didn't want to lose the available light... besides, I thought it would give me more of a workout. I got more than I bargained for. My route was just under 5 miles, which was a little short from my previous rides. Fortunately, the weather then - as today - was pretty mild and cool.

Upon a little research, I was fascinated about the origin of this particular trail I took. It is part of the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy, which has converted old railroad branches to bike and walking paths (you can find out more about them at the above link), and have "rail-trails" in many states.

The Flying J truck stop (where my truck was parked) was just a short distance away from the mid point of the trail. I took Wyoming Ave north, to just the other side of I-25, where I entered the trail. At that point, the trail was still a dirt path, but once I headed west to Walsh Dr., was where it became a paved trail. I continued west on that and turned around between Lincoln and Grant streets. Needless to say, it was a harsh - but fulfilling - workout.

May your Sabbath be blessed with much joy and peace...

Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 238 (Still Some Ground To Cover)

I left from Tulsa around 1900, a bit later than I had hoped, but I still got underway. I hoped to make it at least to Limon, CO, but only made it as far as Colby, KS. The upside to that is I'll be able to leave from here with a cup of Starbucks. I'm in the process of pre-scheduling a few extra posts since I'll be in Canada for a few days, this way TRS keeps its daily posting format. The weather in Colby is quite different than that of Tulsa. The other night Tulsa was in the upper 70's/lower 80's, but here it's in the mid 60's... so I know i'm going to enjoy the further travels up north.

Sabbath has come upon us once again, unfortunately I won't have the luxury of shutting down, since this load is due in Edmonton, AB on Monday morning. As my Rabbi once told me, to violate the Sabbath in the service of providing for my family is acceptable... it falls under the "sanctity of life". Either way, I will be looking forward to the peace that comes with the Sabbath, even though I am unable to rest in it. May your Sabbath be full of joy!

Shabbat Shalom!!

Year 2, Day 232 (I've Decided To Get A Re-Start)

I arrived in Clarksville, AR at 0045 this morning, shutting down at the truck stop just across the street from Walmart. I've enjoyed the peace that comes with the Sabbath, and the time I spend in this week's Torah portion. Tomorrow, though, I'll take off and head to Rogers, AR to pick up the load that will next take me to Tomah, WI for Monday afternoon. I'll try to cover as much ground as possible tomorrow, so Monday's work won't be as bad.

Tomorrow's post will be one of a foodie style. I'm in the process of making a smoked beef brisket with vegetables, and, so far, the results are looking quite nice.

The weather has been back to the typical humidity that Arkansas is known for. Fortunately I have an a/c unit that works quite nice. It's not the heat I have a problem with, it's the humidity of this region. If I want to be in a sticky atmosphere, I'll go into a sauna, that that's not likely to happen any time soon.

Where ever you may be, stay cool!

Year 2, Day 231 (What A Night)

My appointment to deliver this morning was for 0800. When I left from Pacific, MO at a little after 1900 last night I still had about 600 miles to go. I made it... and I was also able to make a stop at a Starbucks in the process. I arrived here at 0508 this morning, then napped until 0750. The running itself wasn't bad, it's having to do it through the night that takes a toll on you. What I'll be doing next is unknown, and really, at this point, I'm not too concerned. After all, I won't be able to drive again until 1508. The good thing about this whole ordeal is that Sabbath is - quite literally - around the corner. After these past few days, a day of rest is not only in order, but also will be well received.

May your Sabbath (if you observe) be blessed and full of joy! With Rosh HaShanah drawing near, may it be as sweet as the honey covered apples that usher in the New Year!

Year 2, Day 236 (This Week Is Nearly Over)

Today, being the Sabbath, is a much welcomed day, not only for its benefit of rest, but because it marks the end of this past week... which I do not care to repeat. Ever. I have found that when I spend time in the Scriptures daily, and try diligently to do no work on the Sabbath, but focus more upon G-d, the week I have just completed seems like a burden lifted, and the week to come is less stressful. This past week, though it was an anomaly, I view as more of a test. As servants of HaShem (God), and believers in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), we get spiritual tests in order to strengthen our faith and refine our character.

Though this past week was low on the productivity scale, HaShem gave me a peace and joy regardless of the sitting I had been doing, or the sudden hurdles that arose. Just so I'm not misunderstood, serving HaShem is a joy, not a burden... and He is certainly NOT a "quick fix" for all your problems. It takes devotion, study, and perseverance. Anything of a spiritual nature that can be fixed right away, won't last for very long. When we stay devoted to our studies, and keep our hearts focused on The Holy One, Blessed is He, then over time we can reflect upon our lives and attitudes and see what positive changes had transpired... we can see how our lives have been - and continue to be - transformed, by seeking His guidance, and studying His Scriptures for a deeper understanding of who He is. By doing so we also gain a deeper understanding of His Commandments (there's more than just 10).

If you have questions, feel free to drop me a line. I may not be a Torah scholar, but I will try to seek an answer, and send you in the direction that will give you your own deeper understanding of The Scriptures and their meaning.

Year 2, Day 235 (An Interesting Day, So To Speak)

The day - and its excitement - actually began last night. When I arrived at the customer, I tried (operative word: tried) to maneuver around their lot to set up for a parking spot. Several factors should be considered at this point: the property was not on level ground (in fact, there were several inclines that all converged at one point, which would have been the ideal place to put a storm drain), and the employee parking was assigned in the most inconvenient place... between the building and where their own delivery trucks were parked. As I swung around on this multi-angled lot, (to make a long story short) my trailer (being positioned on one of the inclines) popped the catwalk off the frame of the truck (which was positioned on a different incline). Then this morning, the customer rejected 7 pallets of bell peppers because they were bad.

After a few hours, I've been sent to White Pine, TN (about 30 miles east of Knoxville) to get them unloaded at a different facility. Once I'm done here I'll be able to head to Shelbyville, TN to pick up my next load. We have a drop trailer there, but having been to that facility several times, the load won't be ready until just before midnight.

With the Sabbath approaching, I am really looking forward to this one... I think I really need a rest. Perhaps next week will be MUCH better.

Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 229 (Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey)

I waited a few hours after getting unloaded yesterday before I received my next run. Although about an hour earlier I received a message to head to the Tyson (UGH!) in Storm Lake, IA. I knew how to get to Storm Lake, but since there were no directions nor phone number that I could refer to, I stayed in Mason City until I could get such things. This load only goes to Ottawa, IL, then my next run doesn't pick up until Monday in Green Bay. That load I am NOT looking forward to, since it goes to New Jersey. I have come to loathe the east, from New Jersey to Georgia, and the states west of there (Louisiana, Mississippi, the Carolinas, etc.). I have been trying to get a load to the northwest for a couple months now, especially as of recently, since I have my bike on the truck with me. There are several reasons why I desire to go up to that area. One is the bike path in Woodinville, WA. Another is the bike same in the same, so I can get my bike looked at and tuned up. Since I am acquainted with the manager there, I trust them (plus I can get a few pointers on maintenance/tune ups), plus my brakes are feeling a little weak - since I've never worked on disc brakes, I'll leave it to somebody that knows what they're doing... and I don't trust basically any business in Arkansas, let alone just the bike shops (as few as they may be).

For some reason over the past few months, the CSR's at the company I drive for like keeping me in the east. I have driven the east so much in the past several years that I can't stand going out there anymore. Screw it! I'm so frustrated right now... I give up!

This being the Sabbath, I am trying very hard to leave it to HaShem's control... He knows better than I do anyway. People often wonder why I consider so few people as "friends". The reason being I just don't trust people in general. Very few I do trust, and that is the result of either a very long - and trustworthy - relationship, or being tied in together through adverse circumstances... sometimes a combination of both, which has culminated to form a strong bond between us. So, yeah, my list of "friends" is short. The years have taught me who I can fully trust.

Who do YOU trust?

Year 2, Day 228 (It's Friday, A.K.A. Sabbath)

I arrived in Mason City, IA at nearly 2030 last night for my delivery this morning. I was fortunate to have checked in early, because I found out my appointment was for 1000, not the 1100 as put on the work assignment by the CSR. As of right now, all I know is I am to head to Tyson in Storm Lake, IA, but have no clue as to where it is, let alone the weight & temperature of the product, nor its destination.

Surprisingly enough, the temperature this morning was quite cool, I would guess somewhere in the low 60's. I've always enjoyed waking to mornings like that.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must find some coffee... and figure out how to get to Tyson in Storm Lake, IA.

May you have a joyous Sabbath!

Year 2, Day 222 (Getting A Re-Start In North Carolina)

North Carolina may not be my ideal choice to shut down for 34 hours... in fact, it's on the opposite end of the spectrum of choices. But I'm here. I really don't need a 34 hour re-start on my logbook, but since this load doesn't deliver until 2100 (ET) on Sunday, I decided to shut down here in Jonesville, NC for the Sabbath, and since I'm here for the Sabbath, I may as well stay for a re-start. Had it not been for the traffic in the Atlanta area, I may have even made it to Ft. Chiswell, VA... but what is done, is done.

Surprisingly the weather in central to southern Georgia was mild yesterday, around the mid-70's (for anybody who has been in Georgia in August, that is quite mild). The weather up here in North Carolina was about the same. In fact, cool enough to turn the truck off and sleep without the use of the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit, providing heat or air for the sleeper without idling the truck), which as people of the south and east know, this time of year is usually hot, or humid, sometimes both... even at night. Some truck drivers will turn their truck off and roll the windows down at night. I don't. Call me paranoid, but I don't like allowing access to unwanted visitors, be it mosquitos or thieves. Besides, since I close the "wrap-around" curtains, having the windows open would be counter-productive.

Now it's time to brew up some coffee and engage in this week's Torah portion,

Year 2, Day 221 (I Want Away From The East)

I made my delivery this morning in Forest Park, GA then made my way to Unadilla, GA, a little more than 100 miles away. This run will take me up to Harrisburg, PA for Sunday night. There are several things I don't like about the east. For one thing (and this holds especially true in many of the "southern" states) the people are quite rude and inconsiderate. Another thing is that there are more congested areas as you go east. Sure, there is congestion in places like L.A. or Seattle, but at least you know where it begins, ends, and when you won't have any traffic for miles. Whereas is the east, it seems as though it's one big traffic congestion, with a periodic break every now and then. Denver is rarely as bad as Atlanta... even with construction zones.

The way this load is set up, I'm not due for delivery until 2100 (ET) on Sunday, so I may do some driving once I get loaded, then shut down for the Sabbath and finish up on Sunday.

Speaking of the Sabbath, may yours (if you keep the Sabbath) be full of abundant peace and joy!

Shabbat Shalom!!

Year 2, Day 215 (What A Nice Relaxing Day)

Being as this is the Sabbath, it is a very relaxing day. The weather has been a bit humid, which would explain why I have stayed indoors. However, this time next year, I will not have to have to worry about the humidity, since I will be living in the low desert region of California... hence, low humidity (obviously, that time could not come soon enough). I was born and raised in South Florida, so I spent much of my life in humidity. Ever since being stationed in California while in the Marine Corps, I have come to enjoy those temperates much better. Dry heat is much more tolerant than humidity.

I have missed living in California. But if I can endure just one more year here in Arkansas, I'll be alright. Coffee will help... and scotch... just not combined.

Year 2, Day 208 (On The Road... Finally)

My appointment to load in Ft. Worth, TX was for midnight, and I arrived at 2350. I checked in, went around the building to get the required bulkheads, then waited. After I while I went into the sleeper bunk to get some sleep while waiting. The yard driver finally came around at told me to back into a door (it was a little after 0230 at this point). I backed up to the dock, then went in to the shipping office to get those preliminary measures taken care of. Back to the truck, back to sleep. By the time I was loaded, billed out, then getting sealed at the gate on the way out it was after 0530... and I don't plan on going very much further.

One of the downsides about dealing with this broker (C. H. Robinson) is that they treat each load like a dictator holding a government secret. The way I have always planned my trips is to have everything taken care of from the beginning... everything. But because I'm having to deal with them, they won't give me the directions for the final drop until after I've made delivery on the first.

At least I have until Monday morning to get there, so I will have time to get some sleep... and Starbucks.

Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 207 (These Oddball Hours Can Be Rough)

I arrived at the North Little Rock terminal about 20 minutes before my scheduled appointment for some repairs on the truck, but my truck wasn't pulled into the shop until about 1230. That caused a delay on the driving part, as I ran out of hours before I made it to the customer. Therefore I have to get up (only taking an 8 hour break instead of a full 10... we call that taking a "split sleeper berth") at around 0500 and start rolling just before 0530. It was there that I witnessed quite a display of unprofessionalism. The security guard was texting as I walked up to the window. Apparently that was such an important text, because she didn't look up, nor interrupt what she was doing until she had finished.

While we were waiting for the truck to get worked on, I took Nathan around and introduced him to some people in the office. We also went out with the company vehicle to grab something to eat from Jimmy John's, and a little something from Starbucks (of course).

At midnight I will be picking up a load in Ft. Worth with two drops heading to Illinois. What I find to what amounts to poor planning is that my first drop is in Alsip, IL (in the Chicago area) then I finish off in Champaign... which is going back south (what do you expect from a broker load). Perhaps I'll be able to get myself back in some sort of rhythm over the weekend. I guess it shouldn't matter, since Nathan and I will be heading home next Wednesday... and by "home" I am referring to the house in which we currently reside, "home", in the true aspect of the word, will be once we make the move to California - around this time next year.

May your Sabbath be blessed!