Year 2, Day 283 (Heading North)

I finally made it in and out of one of my least favorite states: Louisiana. I delivered yesterday in Robert (just east of Baton Rouge), and picked up this morning in Arabi (just outside of New Orleans). They really do have a lot of roads in bad shape... so much so, that I think the 1/4 gallon of milk I had left in the refrigerator has been churned into butter. Just as well, I was running a little low anyway.

I still have 2 1/2 weeks left on this trip out, and I am hoping to get something this Friday that will send me up to Washington state... I really need to get my bike fixed so I can start riding it again (my front brakes are in need of repair). As I make to way to Salem, MO I have the a/c blowing, and the music playing.

What I really need is some decent coffee, not that swill that Pilot tries to pass off as coffee.

Year 2, Day 282 (Things Are Getting Ugly)

As I had predicted about 2 weeks ago, things will get very ugly as we draw closer to the Presidential erections (no, that's not a typo). Reading some of the activity being exchanged on Facebook and Twitter is getting sickening and vile. What's even more disturbing is they are defending their respective candidates like they are personal friends. For all we know, Obama and Romney are probably sitting in Camp David, having a couple drinks together, and laughing at all the chatter they're reading from the web. Yeah, they are probably getting a kick out of it, because we are their entertainment. They have the debates, the post-debate analyses, the campaign ads, etc, and meanwhile, you are the dopes that are falling for this dog & pony show of a farce they call "politics". You've bought into it hook, line, and sinker! All I've been seeing is, "The Democrats are covering up the facts!" or "The GOP are resorting to lies and racism!" You have been the pigs led to the slaughter. It doesn't matter whether Romney gets elected or Obama get re-elected, because you have been wallowing selfishly in your own pity, expecting handouts, going to the mall, rather than actually getting involved in the selection process and finding a candidate actually worth supporting.

To Republicans: all the different potential candidates and Romney was the best you can do?!

To Democrats: rather than go off on a tangent and point out that you wouldn't know the truth, even if it prison raped you, I'll use the words of one of your own people:


“Ideologies aren't all that important. What's important is psychology.

The Democratic constituency is just like a herd of cows. All you have to do is lay out enough silage and they come running. That's why I became an operative working with Democrats. With Democrats all you have to do is make a lot of noise, lay out the hay, and be ready to use the ole cattle prod in case a few want to bolt the herd.

Eighty percent of the people who call themselves Democrats don't have a clue as to political reality.
What amazes me is that you could take a group of people who are hard workers and convince them that they should support social programs that were the exact opposite of their own personal convictions. Put a little fear here and there and you can get people to vote any way you want.

The voter is basically dumb and lazy. The reason I became a Democratic operative instead of a Republican was because there were more Democrats that didn't have a clue than there were Republicans.

Truth is relative. Truth is what you can make the voter believe is the truth. If you're smart enough, truth is what you make the voter think it is. That's why I'm a Democrat. I can make the Democratic voters think whatever I want them to.”

- James Carville

Year 2, Day 278 (What Is To Become Of Us?)

Last night was the last of the three debates for the upcoming elections, the second between Obama and Romney. I had not seen any of them, nor did it break my heart to miss them. I am utterly annoyed and appalled at the candidates and the "sheeple" voting for them. Here is why: neither "candidate" has offered any real, tangible solutions for this country, nor have they any intention for setting policies that are designed to push for country first. I do find it interesting that there has been an exodus of the black population leaving the Democrat party.

A fellow Marine whom I served with during Desert Shield/Storm shared with me a quote that another Marine had painted on a wall when he was in Afghanistan:

"America is NOT at war... America is at the mall - the Marines are at war!"

That sums it up. While the majority of Americans are "too busy" going to the mall, or watching their "reality" shows, politicians are eradicating our way of life under our very noses. The people have passively accepted this. Instead of seeing these political "policies" for what they are, Socialism in disguise, they accept them wholeheartedly. What is going on in America is VERY much like Jesus' parable of the wood splinter; the people point out the "lies and deceit" coming from the other party, while there is an abundance of the same in their own political party. We are being manipulated into doing exactly what they want us to do, and we do it happily. We no longer serve as followers of the One True Living G-d, let alone being one nation under Him.

If we were, then why is it "politically incorrect" to put up a manger scene in the public square during christmas?

Year 2, Day 277 (The Anniversary Weekend Getaway, Part 2)

During our getaway in Eureka Springs, AR, Tikvah and I did a little more sightseeing before we made our way back home. One of the things we paid a visit to was the Crescent Hotel. Built in 1886, it is often known as the most haunted hotel in America, and was even featured on Ghost Hunters. Sometime in the 30's, a doctor had converted it into a hospital and ran it as such for about 3 years. It turns out that it was, basically, just about the money for that doctor. From what the conciergé told me, over the course of that 3 years, there were over 400 people that had died in that hospital.

They have an old pipe organ in the main lobby (and I, like the idiot I can be at times, forgot to take a photo of it) which was originally built to be installed in the Titanic, but the organ wasn't completed in time for the voyage. Also interesting to note is that in December of last year - during their slow "off season" period, they had town out the elevator and have a new one put in, just in time for the "on season". A week after the elevator was torn out, they started getting rooms booked for the weekends... and have been up to 10 rooms shy of full occupancy every weekend since. Needless to say, the new elevator has not been put in yet. The Crescent has daily ghost tours, but if you want to "go solo", you are free to wander throughout the hotel... but the areas that have the signs Registered Guests Only are off limits.

On 31 October of this year, they are hosted a first ever seance (if you're into that) in an attempt to "contact" Harry Houdini.

Year 2, Day 276 (The Anniversary Weekend Getaway, Part 1)

The weekend that Tikvah and I spent in Eureka Springs, AR was absolutely fabulous! We arrived at our motel Friday night, staying at Lookout Lodge. The lodging was quaint and the hospitality we received from the owners was superb. In fact, this is what our room looked like:

and of course we had an excellent view the next morning, right outside our door:

Of course, that Friday evening, we celebrated 20 years in style, with a bottle of Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon that Tikvah had picked up just for the occasion.

What was fantastic about Lookout Lodge was that any issues or problems that may have arose were quickly addressed and rectified. As part of the Always And Forever package I had gotten with the room, we had a voucher for one of the local restaurants, and the best word I can use for our dinner at Ermilio's (we had opted for Italian) was orgasmic. They are only open from 1700-2100 - and there will, more than likely, be a wait - but it is so worth it! The next pictures are of what Tikvah and I ordered, Fettuccini Alfredo and Fettuccini with Garlic & Olive Oil Sauce, respectively.

The thing I had noticed about Eureka Springs is that it maintains a small-town appeal, while still having enough commerce to attract the tourists, with a little San Francisco feel to it. A very artsy atmosphere is also added to the mix. It was like no other place in Arkansas we had ever been to. It had such an allure to it that Tikvah and I are seriously considering moving there instead of California.

There was also a vast array of different food without getting too outrageous. The local restaurant where we ate breakfast Sunday morning, aptly named Local Flavor Café. I had ordered an Eggs Benedict, was is an english muffin with Canadian bacon, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. The difference with the Local Flavor is they offer different options. Instead of Canadian bacon (or ham), you can choose sausage, bacon, filet migńon, or smoked salmon (I chose the salmon). Tikvah is not a big fan of fish, be she took a bite of it and liked it... really liked it; Tikvah had chosen the Quiche for her selection. So, needless to say, we were very pleased with our trip. We plan on spending a week there next year to get a feel for it off season. This was a fantastic weekend. Tomorrow's post will be about the Crescent Hotel (which is haunted) in Eureka Springs.

Year 2, Day 275 (Off The Grid, Part 2)

As I had mentioned yesterday, Tikvah and I are out of town for our anniversary escape, so I am re-posting a couple previous blog posts from this past year. This is the second of two of the most popular posts in 2012. this, like yesterday's post, was authored by a guest blogger. Today's re-post comes to you from RebbeSoul: singer, songwriter, musician, and blogger.

When I got to Israel, I played a lot of weddings as a guitarist/sideman, particularly in Jerusalem. Often the material consisted of Reb Shlomo Carlebach's songs and that's how I learned many of them. He wrote something like 2000 songs, many of which are so popular and common in Jewish culture, people think they are traditional, folk songs. One of the most popular that I played was "Adir Hu." It's from the Jewish holiday of "Pesach" or Passover, the holiday that occurs at this time of year.

I love the scale and I love the groove. Naturally, when it came time to record the new RebbeSoul album, which was to consist entirely of the material of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, his "Adir Hu" was high on my list. Even though, I had played it often, recording it was anything but routine and expected. Here's what happened.

I was recording at the studio of Dan Gil, the Gearer Rebbe in Sharon, MA. Dan is called the Gearer Rebbe because he knows a lot about musical gear and is obsessed with it. He had just acquired some new equipment and instruments and one of them was a Turkish saz, sometimes called a baglama. I was at the studio for a few days and Dan kept telling me about the saz and how I should play it on the new album. "I don't know how to play saz. I don't even know the tuning," I replied. That didn't matter, he didn't stop trying to convince me to play it. At one point, he was setting up 4 mics in an elaborate configuration for something I was about to play and of course while doing so, he carried on about the saz. I finally conceded. "Okay, since you're busy doing this and I'm waiting, why don't you get me the saz and I'll see if I can do something with it?" As soon as he handed it to me, I strummed it once and knew it would be perfect for something. The Gearer Rebbe had quite an insight.

A Turkish saz

"Adir Hu" was exotic sounding to begin with, incorporating the fragish (Yiddish) or hijaz (Arabic) scale so that seemed like the right tune to choose for the saz. I used some of the strings as drones and whether or not that's part of the method of playing or not, it sounded good. So I stayed in the performance room for 3 hours figuring out how to play it and we got it all. I even laid down a 2nd track and the 2 sounded really good together. I was astonished at how well it came out and grateful that the wise Gearer Rebbe, Dan was so persistent.

I went back to Israel and was listening to the tracks. Although they stood well on their own, I wanted to add a few more things. I was just having too much fun with the song and didn't want it to end. I had made a stop in San Francisco on the tour before returning to Israel and went to one of my favorite music stores, Clarion Music, named after little Clara Hsu who is now a fully grown woman, by her loving father who founded the store. It's a wonderful place in San Francisco's Chinatown to explore non-Western instruments. I first discovered it in the mid-90s, with our percussionist in RebbeSoul, Cassio Duarte and both of us were like kids in a candy store. We were in San Francisco to play Great American Music Hall and Cassio heard about this store so we went there and didn't leave for a few hours. I got a dolak from Pakistan and used shortly afterward on "A Narrow Bridge" or "Kol Ha Olam Kulo" in Hebrew, on my Fringe of Blue album.

This time, in 2009, I was in Clarion music with my brother, Scott and his son Steven. We were having fun being tourists in Chinatown and this was one of our stops. I left with a jaw harp and some hand percussion from Viet Nam and China. When it came time to record the additional material for the song. I was tracking on my mobile recording studio in Israel and pulled out these new toys of mine and rolled a few tracks. I added some finger cymbals which I often use. You can hear them all over my recordings. Between the finger cymbals and the newly acquired Asian percussion, the top end was pretty well covered. The only thing missing was a deep sounding drum for the bottom end. All the drums I had to fit the bill were in the United States and I wasn't there at the moment. It was so hot in Israel, I was drinking bottles of water constantly and just polished one off. I gave it a bang and it sounded pretty good so I played "four on the floor" on the water bottle and that's what you'll hear on the track. It comes in toward the end and sounds like a big drum.

I had so much fun with this tune, I decided to do another take on it and record it again, only more techno or electronic as opposed to this version which was entirely organic, with all real instruments.

I jumped on the computer and came up with a short programmed drum part or a loop, as they are fashionably called. I added some synth sounds and created a nice bed for the new lead instruments. But what would they be? I took out my nylon string and it sounded divine, so soothing. I recorded it and didn't want to stop because I was having so much fun with the tune. I spotted my balalaika, sitting in the corner, being ignored so I picked it up and played a track of balalaika which sounded really nice too, totally different, but really nice. I liked them both and decided to use them, the balalaika at the beginning and the nylon string afterwards.

Me and my balalaika in NY; photo by Melissa Stonehill



I wanted an intense, groove-oriented bass part so I called up one of my very favorite bassists, Moran Baron who happens to live on a kibbutz just minutes away from me and he came over slammed a killer bass part. Moran has lots of ideas and usually lays them all down. Then it becomes an editing exercise to decide what to keep and what to discard. One must be brutally disciplined to discard anything he plays because it's always so musical. I loved what he played so much that I lengthened the song by a few minutes with a long ride-out at the end just to accommodate his many ideas. If you listen to the bass on the song, you can hear a variety of different ideas, all working well but all a little different from each other, especially at the end where he play 1/16 note harmonics. The long ride-out also allowed me to indulge myself, playing another one of my new toys, the jaw harp I got in San Francisco.

I called this track, "Adir Hu Revisited" and it's at the end of the album, just before the radio mixes. I liked the way it finished off the album, providing a long, late-night, college dorm kind of mood.

You can listen to "Adir Hu Revisited" on SoundCloud

RebbeSoul - singer, song writer, musician, recording artist, guest blogger:

At first glance, you would not label him as a Rabbi or a Rebbe. In fact, not even at a second glance, but RebbeSoul is a musical brand name who combines Jewish music with soul and jazz. Now he is coming out with a project renewing Carlebach nigunim (melodies) as instrumental pieces, unique from the more prevalent, Carlebach style and just as unique for the soul.

He made aliyah (moved to Israel) about 3 1/2 years ago and lives in Zichron Yaacov and, like many other Jewish, western, music creators, his heart lies in the east but his work originates far in the west. He was born in upstate New York and embarked on his musical career at the age of 22, when he moved to California. At age 12, he had a plastic guitar his parents rented for him "because they didn't believe that I would take the instrument seriously. I played at bars that I wasn't even allowed to enter because I was too young." he tells, "They just looked the other way, and let me play."

Like the classic Jewish mother, his own mother didn't see music as a worthy profession one can make a living at. With a degree in engineering and his guitar in hand, which he was much more attuned to, he traveled across the US to look for a his place. "I went out of my house in a snow storm and drove for 2 weeks until I finally got to sunny California, where I only had on a pair shorts and my guitar in the back of my car. I spent 3 months practicing about 10 hours a day, working on every style of music. I didn't care what it was."

(Excerpt taken from RebbeSoul's press page of his website, rebbesoul.com, where you can see his current touring schedule, or even order his amazing music - yes, that was a plug... and yes, I have several of his CD's).

He can also be found on YouTube, Facebook, and on ReverbNation, both as RebbeSoul, and with Shlomit Levi as Shlomit & The Rebbe.

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 263 (Shall I Ramble? I Shall)

Today has been a little busy, yet fairly unproductive. After unloading in Covington, TN, I had to take one of the empty trailers to our North Little Rock yard to get worked on, then another trailer to pick up this load in Nashville, AR. This load will be heading to Chicago for Thursday morning, but I will take it back to North Little Rock and a trainer - with his new student - will take it on.

Earlier this evening, I was chatting with a lady (can I call her one of my blog fans?) about this upcoming election. I had mentioned in yesterday's post that we really don't have much of a choice for the next Presidential term. The problem being that we are only given two "choices": either Obama (Democrat) or Romney (Republican). We desperately need a candidate that is a true leader, not just somebody looking for more prestige. There are other candidates from the other political parties, but it seems they are not given fair treatment and the American people afforded the opportunity to choose. Apparently, Democrats and Republicans - with the help of the media - have blocked all other candidates from participating in the election process. If it comes down to the decision of the Electoral College, then the voice of the American people is not really being heard. During the course of the past few elections, the Electoral College has chosen who they want.

Then there's the matter of the various "scandals" and "battleground states" that have been popping up (such as the "hanging chads" in Florida in 2000, various voter fraud, and, let's not forget, voter intimidation). Are we expected to believe that there were enough inept voters in the state of Florida - people that were unable to punch a complete hole in the ballot card - to cause such a major disruption in the election process? Or that there were so many cases of dead people coming back to life just to cast their vote? That sounds as ominous as an E. Coli outbreak each year - at around the same time - on different kinds of produce, and causing a panic across the nation (remember when that happened on green onions, and you couldn't find a restaurant that would have any to add on your baked potato?).

Just a few random thoughts.

Year 2, Day 262 (Take Time To Think)

Today I'm very hesitant to even log onto Facebook, for the simple fact that with the Presidential election to be upon us in a little over a month, I'm sure the avid supporters of both sides are "kicking it up a notch." Let's face it, if you have an ardent passion to see your candidate win just because he has the same party affiliation as you, then you really are a clueless loon. If you step back and take a look at the broader spectrum, we have played right into their hands. Is Romney the best candidate for the job? No! Is Obama doing a well enough job that he should be given another term? No! What is clear is Democrats and Republicans have joined together and accomplished two goals: they have blocked other parties from getting any footage in the election process, and they have created a massive division in the American people. Not to mention that I've seen the "race card" thrown out more times these past 3 1/2 years than I have ever seen before.

Long ago, black people were seeking to attain a right to vote. During the process, they were intimidated, persecuted, even murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan in order to keep them from getting that right. Many of those KKK members were also involved in local, state, and federal governments, aligning with, you guessed it... the Democrat Party. Yet throughout the past several decades, the majority of the black population have been Democrats. Until recently. I have seen, especially the past year, an exodus of blacks leaving the Democrat Party.

At one time, the Republican Party had aligned with big business and corporations, but over the past decade - perhaps two - the party ideologies have been reversed, so now the Democrats are for big business. Think about this for a moment: this Administration talks about the jobs they have "created", yet when you look at the new jobs that have actually been created, they have been either within the unions (which has become as equally corrupt as the federal Government), or more government jobs. The President cannot force businesses - large or small - to create jobs. What he can do is offer them enticing incentives, such as tax breaks - the very same thing they accuse Republicans of doing. Both sides have been stringing us along, mainly because Socialism has been infiltrating both sides of the aisle. Would we have been better off 4 years ago is McCain was elected? No! We would have been going down the same path. Will we be better off if Romney gets elected? No! Many of the policies in place now will continue. The only difference between our present "choice" is Obama, if re-elected, will bring America to the brink of destruction quicker than Romney. What we need to do is seek out somebody that can make a difference, but yet somebody who doesn't want to run for office. It played out that way for this country's founder, right? He made a difference for the whole of the America that existed then, yet he also didn't want to be President... the people wanted him. For us to reach that point is long overdue, and we need the action NOW!

The fringe group known as "Anonymous" have done a few positive things, but have also engaged in radical activity, as well. This video could bring about a positive change that we - as Americans - desperately need, while simultaneously this video could also be the work of wackos. Either way, think of the potential... if we come together as a nation.

Year 2, Day 261 (A Refresh And Re-Start)

I arrived in Delavan, WI late last night, and by the time I get the trailer unloaded, then re-loaded, I will have a re-start on my logbook. I had planned on going out cycling tomorrow, but those plans are shot. I tried to do some minor maintenance on the brakes, only to end up breaking them. This frustrates me, plus (while scanning the different posts on Facebook) to see just how ignorant people really are concerning this upcoming election. I don't care if you are a Democrat or Republican - this next comment is an equal opportunity offender: stop defending your candidate! When is the last time you looked past the party affiliation and made a decision based on who is actually the best for the country?

To be honest, I hoped Obama would have made a positive difference, but he hasn't. Yet, people still swoon over him like Clark Gable. Are we better off now than we were 4 years ago? I think Kinky Friedman said it best several years ago when he ran for office in Texas (and I will paraphrase): There should be term limits of 1 election. If you can't do what you said you would in four years, then you need to go and perhaps the next guy will.

Then again, as I said a few dats ago, we are being played for fools; by the politicians, by the media, and by the activists & lobbyists. It's all a money game. Follow the money, you find the root of corruption.

Are you ready to go down that hole, Alice?

Year 2, Day 250 (A Change In Format)

As you may have well noticed, these postings are turning in a different direction. This will not be aligned to lean toward any political affiliation, as we already have more of those than we can shake a stick at. Instead, this will be one person's viewpoint, on our country's current state. We have a paradigm shift taking place, as I mentioned in yesterday's post, which isn't of a positive position. People are defending a candidate whom they support based solely on party affiliation. First of all, we live in a Republic, not a Democracy, so why are the election laws written in a way that does not sway in the best interest of the American people? The political system is set up and controlled in a way that only supports a two-party standard. Let's take our current situation. Many people (myself included) are uncomfortable with the choices we have - only two. If , on election day, we write in a candidate that is neither Republican, nor Democrat, our vote - regardless of whom it may be - will be used as if we voted for the incumbent, therefore our vote isn't really counted. Should we choose to vote for either of the two parties, our individual vote doesn't really matter, since it's the Electoral College that decides the election's results anyway. It seems that the Electoral College bases their decision upon their own personal preference anyway (and I'm sure I may get more than just a few rebuttals on this, which I welcome). I know I could be wrong on several things. If I am, I welcome the correction... but please be sure to offer facts.

Don't mind me, it's late, and I'm "shooting from the hip", as it were. One thing we all need to do is come together as a nation, put our differences aside, and choose a candidate that would best represent US, not their own interests, and not their party's affiliation, nor agenda. Remember, our first President, George Washington, 1) didn't really want to be President, and, 2) had NO party affiliation at all. Those are two rules we should apply for our next President.

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 239 (This Is My Kind Of Weather)

When I arrived in Tulsa on Wednesday, just before midnight, it was in the upper 70's/lower 80's; but when I shut down in Colby, KS early yesterday morning, it was in the mid-60's. The temperatures became gradually cooler from there, being in the low 50's in Sheridan, WY, where I parked early this morning. It's plain to see I had been able to make some progress yesterday, but was slightly delayed from the afternoon traffic in the Denver area. I'm running a bit tight on time, but I think I'll still be able to make my delivery on time Monday morning.

I've never been up to Edmonton, AB before, but after speaking with a driver that had, chances are my next load will come out of Alberta and deliver later next week in Denver. Either way, I will have to squeeze in a 34 hour re-start sometime soon.

This, so far, has been a lovely Sabbath, even though I am having to work. When I was in Minnesota earlier in the week, I had purchased one of the Banana Walnut breads from the store that stocks Amish goods, and have been snacking on it periodically.

It's pretty good, and it washes down well with milk.

Oh yeah... I also had Starbucks.

Year 2, Day 236 (Road Food For The Road Scholar)

Many years ago I had discovered a nice little gem of an eatery. I was making a delivery in southeastern Minnesota, when I happened upon a little restaurant right off the interstate, which was owned and operated by Amish. What was very memorable about this little place was it was quaint... and they served home churned butter. As I was making my way back through Minnesota today, I found that same little diner... now what was the name of it...

After placing my order - which was French Toast (made from their Apple Crunch bread) - they had served not the home churned butter, as I had remembered from before, but individually wrapped butter pats. Something was amiss... so I did a little investigating. Sadly, the Amish folks whom had previously owned it sold the restaurant, but the current owner (a dentist from Lewiston, MN) still does a lot of business with the Amish... to the point that the store upstairs (and some in the restaurant, as well) is packed to the gills with Amish made merchandise. Items such as noodles and breads:

There are also a variety of home bakes pies, as well as Amish handmade quilts (such as this Mariner's Compass pattern, which goes for about $1,300)

I almost forgot, I went there to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, the food looked so good, I had forgotten to take a picture, until it was almost too late.

The servers, Blanca & Leslie, were top notch. Despite still trying to catch up from the recent lunch rush, they still maintained a more than pleasant attitude, as well as a cheery ambiance in the restaurant. If you're ever in St. Charles, MN, the restaurant and gas station are off of I-90, at exit 233, then turn south... you'll see them on the right. The restaurant is usually open from 0600-2000 each day. You can also view their menu from the website, and free WiFi while you're there. Pop in for a meal... you'll be glad you did.

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 238 (So Far, So Good)

The new week has begun, though with a few hitches... such as yesterday's delivery appointment at Tyson was for 0600 (CT), but they didn't put me in a door until nearly noon, which, in turn, caused me to be late for my loading appointment. I arrived here in North Little Rock early this morning, even making a stop in Rogers, AR for my Starbucks taste. This next load has me heading up to Rochelle, IL to deliver by 2300 tomorrow. It seems as though the infamous humidity has begun its return to Arkansas. Honestly I didn't miss it one bit. Driving a truck can definitely take you through a variety of weather patterns. For example, I once left from Tulsa, OK on a Friday at about 103°, the following Tuesday in was in the mid-70's in Woodinville, WA. That was a welcomed treat indeed.

Not only are there differences in weather from one region to another, but also the culture as well (but I won't bother with detailing my observations, as it would probably bore you). Traveling about the country is nice at times, but I look forward to this time next year when my wife and I will make the final move back to California.

How I have missed California!!

Year 2, Day 237 (A Lazy Day)

Today has been just what the title implies... and much welcomed. I've spend much of the day engaged in Torah study... because I can. Perked up some coffee and occasionally watched out the truck window as the rain fell earlier. Shortly I will enjoy some of the cobbed corn that I cooked up in the crockpot.

I had somebody recently suggest that I boil it. I've had it that way when I was younger, but doing so takes away some of the flavor. Since I don't have a grill, the crockpot seems to be a pretty good alternative. I also have some leftover Caribbean Wings, so I'll finish those up along with the corn (which will be slathered in butter - or at least what is being passed off as butter - and some salt & pepper). It may not be a gourmet (or even elegant) meal, but it works. And since the corn was free, that makes it better still.

That and coffee.

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 232 (I'll Be Back On The Road Today... Hopefully)

Yesterday turned out to be a dead end, since the shop (still searching for the parts for disc brakes for a 53' trailer) was unable to make any real progress, but today may have some progress. It's a good sign when I received a pre-plan on a load bound for Tennessee. In the meantime, while I'm still waiting, I think I should walk over to the Starbucks for a little "taste." My wife, Tikvah, and my Mother-in-law are still out in California. Tikvah will be coming back next week, but Pat will be staying out there a few weeks more. Yesterday they made the drive up to Las Vegas to visit with some family I have up there (and so Tikvah can finally meet - and begin the process of spoiling - our nephew, Liam). This morning, she so happily unformed me, my brother, Larry, is bringing over some bagels & cream cheese. I shouldn't be too envious, as Nathan and I had some lox & bagels a few weeks ago when he was on the truck with me.

Tomorrow or Thursday Tikvah will more than likely check out the houses in the Hemet area, where we plan on moving to next year. She has seen the listings on the internet, but she's taking the opportunity to see them "up close and personal", that the photos online match the real thing (people use Photo Shop to sell a house?!). I am very much looking forward to moving back to California... my heart is no longer desiring to remain in Arkansas.