Year 2, Day 294 (My Post-Election Fear)

It's been about a week since I last posted anything, mainly due to being quite busy. But here goes...

This next Tuesday is Election Day for the office of The President Of The United States. As I had mentioned in previous posts, it has gotten ugly... VERY ugly. So many people are not supporting the American ideology, but a person. Nearly 4 years ago, I thought Obama would have been good for this country. The fact of the matter is, he delivered exactly what he promised: change... but he never specified what that change would be, nor whether it would be a good change. Though I'm not a big fan of Romney, we do need somebody different, since whom we have at present has done more harm than good. There is a common phrase that we all know: choosing the lesser of two evils; or as former Minnesota Governor, Jesse Ventura, once said, "we can choose the lesser of two evils, but the point is - we are still choosing evil." He has a point, but choosing the lesser could be a good thing. Recently, I came across this very good, historically based, article on this very subject.

Going in another direction, there is the Benghazi debacle. As much as I've veered away from FOX news, they seem to be the only network we have currently reporting on it. If Obama had been a Republican, you can bet EVERY network would have covered the story - non-stop - until he had been impeached, removed from office, and tried for dereliction of duty, or treason, or both. A few days ago, an op-ed piece came out where the journalist was harshly criticizing the MSM for their involvement in burying this story. Here's the shocking part: it was published in the San Francisco Chronicle - a newspaper that has traditionally leaned to the left. Black voters, newspapers, and various other news sources are not only turning away from Obama, but also endorsing Romney... can you see the trend?

I mentioned in my parenthetical title about a certain post-election fear, which I'll get to momentarily. Back during Hitler's rise to power, there was an incident in which the Reichstag (Germany's Parliament) had caught fire in the middle of the night. About 4 weeks prior to that, Hitler had been named Chancellor, answering only to President Hindenburg. During the course of the fire's investigation, Hitler said it was caused by the Communists and strongly suggested a decree be passed, which, inevitable, suspended all civil liberties throughout Germany. Thus began the era of The Third Reich. It had been long suspected Hitler was indirectly involved with the fire, inasmuch as he gave the orders for agents of the SS to carry out. Why do I bring this up? My fear is that, should Obama lose the election, there could be a possibility of a similar incident taking place right here in America. I could be way off base (and I hope I am), but after the aforementioned Benghazi debacle, I wouldn't put it past him or the other radical Socialists to attempt. I don't think it would happen immediately after the elections, but sometime before Romney's inauguration. With the "doomsday-er" fear of December 12... that may be an opportune time to exploit such tactics. But if Obama wins, America continues its downward spiral... either way, we're screwed.

I really hope I'm wrong on this one!

Year 2, Day 286 (A Long Couple Of Days)

After I left Walmart last night, I headed to Russellville, AR to get my next load. The loading appointment was for 1900, but since I was still at Walmart, it was changed until 2000 (I arrived at 1930). Things started off pretty good, but then went downhill, as I wasn't loaded until 0200 this morning. By then I didn't have the hours to drive. I left this morning at about 0815 and just stuck to the driving, making as few stops as possible. I shut down about 2115, about 40+ miles east of Knoxville, covering about 631 miles today. I still have another 580 to go, but at least I covered more than half the distance.

Once I get this delivered, I'll next head to Sauderton, PA (just north of Philadelphia) to pick up a 3 drop run, which finishes off next Tuesday in Chicago.

The good thing is I was able to make a stop into Starbucks.

Twice.

Year 2, Day 285 (I Detest Walmart)

I loaded last night in Granite City, IL, but they weren't in too much of a rush. I checked in at 1930 for a 2000 appointment, to which they promptly put me in a door. The trouble was, they didn't start loading the trailer until after 2230... by then I had ran out of hours. I left out from there this morning at a little after 0700. Since this was headed for Clarksville, AR, that meant I would go to Springfield, MO, then U.S. 65 south to Harrison, AR, then AR 7 south - through the mountains and (20-35 MPH) curves therein. A route like that tends to take a little time. I arrived at the gate for Walmart at 5 minutes past my 1545 appointment. They will let you in the gate up to an hour after your appointment time, but if you check in at the receiving window more than 10 minutes past your scheduled time (sometimes it can take 30-45 minutes before you get there), they consider you late. Yet, if you are early - and (hypothetically) have only 2 pallets to deliver - they won't unload the trailer until just before their 2 hour time limit. Basically, an hour early, a job that will take no more than 10 minutes, and they make you wait for the 2 hours after the appointment time.

One of many reasons I loathe - and refuse to shop at - Walmart.

Besides, I haven't had my Starbucks fix in a couple days.

Year 2, Day 284 (A Short Run To Arkansas)

This morning something happened that rarely occurs, and something that causes me to be a little irritable when it does happen - I was late for my delivery. Not terribly late, just 20 minutes, but I was still late nevertheless. I can usually cover 650+ miles within the allotted time, but when the routing takes me off the interstate, then delays begin. After this is unloaded, I head to Granite City, IL (just outside of St. Louis) for my next load. That load isn't scheduled to pick up until 2000 tonight, and delivers in Clarksville, AR tomorrow afternoon. What lies ahead after that is anybody's guess.

Last night was the last of the three Presidential debates, which gives me the perfect score of watching none of them (though, when you think about it, either of the debates would still be more time well spend than wasting a perfectly good hour of Honey BooBoo - which I think is a complete loss of valuable television air time... and brain cells). Is there any new developments and/or revelations from this debate? Probably not. They are still playing out this "dog & pony show" to make us think we have a voice and a choice. If we truly utilized the capacity of our power over the government, Romney would not be running... neither would Obama. The sad thing is we have been instilled with the mentality (call it propaganda, brainwashing, etc.) that the choices we are given are what's available... take it or leave it.

I wonder what would happen if everybody wrote in "None Of The Above" on Election Day. Perhaps we should try it!

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 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 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 268 (Anxiously Awaiting)

As the parenthetic title implies, I am anxiously awaiting until I will be home. It's been a long 2 months. I don't stay out that long long on a regular basis, but I made this an exception because I wanted to make sure I would be home for the 20th anniversary of marriage to my lovely, and awesome, wife, Tikvah.

At Tikvah's urging, I have been listening to some of today's music (which I posted about, I guess a week or so ago), and have discovered some really good gems, some are works of art, and some are quite infectious. One such song, that fits the latter bill, is one of those tunes that - to quote a line from the video for LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" - "gets down in your bones". I've heard it a couple times on satellite radio before I searched for the video. The names of the artist AND the song, to say the least, stand out among a sea of commonality with their peers. It's "Bom Bom" by Sam and The Womp.

As you can see, it definitely stands out, but yet, it's fun. Besides, I could have fun with this song as a DJ, which, by the way, I have been contemplating re-entering into that field. First I will need to find some backers so I can get the required equipment.

Any takers?

Year 2, Day 264 (Fairly Busy Until Friday)

Yesterday was a little non-productive, but the next few days are looking up. After arriving back at our North Little Rock terminal at around 0030 this morning, I gave the paperwork to the other driver and dropped the trailer. After checking in to the chop for my repair appointment (which was for 0500) I wound down a little then went to bed. As of right now I am sitting at the customer waiting to get loaded. This load will take me to Lebanon, TN for tomorrow. The customer I deliver to is also where I pick up my next load, which will take me to Munster, IN for Friday. What happens from there has yet to be determined.

One thing that has been determined is the fact that I will be making a Starbucks stop once I'm finished here. I may have to wait until I get to the Memphis area, but at least I know that there are two within walking distance of where I will park the truck: one is a "free standing" location, and the other is in the Super Target, which I will park next to.

I can already taste that grande triple Marble Mocha Machiatto, with whole milk, and steamed to 190°.

What's in yourcup?

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 260 (A Visit Long Overdue)

After picking up this load yesterday just outside of Philadelphia, I made my way across Pennsylvania for delivery Monday morning in Delavan, WI. Along the way I took a slight deviation from the route to do something I haven't done in a long time. I made a stop in a suburb of Pittsburgh to visit some dear friends, C.J. (whom I first met early on in the Marines) and his lovely wife, Lisa. I hadn't seen them in a very long time, C.J. and I calculated it to be about 10 years. Due to a variety of different "speed bumps" I was only able to stay for less than two hours. It was a great visit! C.J. and I speak on the phone periodically, but I don't always get the chance to stop by, due to different scheduling conflicts that go along with driving a truck. During our visit C.J. and I reminded each other of a few things from our younger years that the other had forgotten about (such as my "head roll" while we sang U2's "When Love Comes To Town"). I still remember when C.J. and I first met: it was the day I had arrived in Guam to report for duty at the Marine Barracks. The platoon I was being assigned to was on duty, and C.J. - being in a different platoon - was pulling augment duty, since my platoon was short handed. When the van pulled up, and I began unloading my belongings, C.J. walked up and, noticing my bass case, asked if I play bass. The rest, as they say, is history. We became very close friends... so close, we earned the nicknames "Hawkeye" and "Trapper" (him being the latter).

In the few times we are able to get together, it's as if we've never had the distance between us that we do. I still kid with him about him having more grey hair than I (especially since I am exactly 11 months older). I always appreciate our conversations on the phone, and am grateful and blessed of the hospitality they extend to me when I do come to visit. He is as blessed to be married to Lisa as I am to be married to Tikvah. I'm hoping to be able to stop in for another visit much sooner, and be able to stay longer... perhaps even go out for dinner.

I still think he looks like a middle-age Bart Simpson.

See you again soon, Trapper!

Year 2, Day 254 (I Like This Weather)

The weather coming across Ohio and into Pennsylvania was quite rainy, but very cool. These cooler temperates fill me with anticipation as it means that Winter is drawing near. It's nice to be able to sleep at night with the truck AND the APU turned off, then waking in the morning with a little chill inside the truck. There are people who prefer the hotter weather. I don't mind hot weather, just so long as it's a dry heat... it's the humidity I can't tolerate. I'm of the opinion that when it's cold, you can always put more on... when it's hot, there's only so much you can take off - then it becomes illegal in public venues.

Within the next couple of months I will really look forward to heading to the northwest region, to gander and awe at the snow on the mountains (and closer to the roadway). Until then, I just patiently wait... and wait... and wait...

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 243 (Back From Canada)

I made my way into Canada on Sunday, having had the glitches ironed out through the broker concerning customs. There were a lot of motorists on the road Sunday, especially making my way through Ft. Macleod, Calgary, and into Edmonton. One thing I did notice was, even though there was a lot of traffic, there wasn't very many traffic backups. Even when I came back through Edmonton at 1600 (MT), there were no traffic jams. The weather was quite nice as well. The past few nights I haven't turned on my APU, and wake up the next morning with a slight chill in the truck.

There was one traffic backup last night as I came into Lethbridge, but I had heard about that a few hours earlier. The situation that had occurred was there was a major fire in that area and - as I had heard when I was south of Calgary - that highway AB 3 was closed going into Lethbridge from the west side. However, once I had made it down there, it had been opened back up. I don't know very many details of the fire, but I had heard that a couple homes and farms were lost. Fortunately there were no casualties being reported, but I do ask that you will keep in prayer those who lost their homes.

Year 2, Day 240 (The Peace Of The West)

I have driven a truck for many years. In the recent years I have come, with few exceptions, to dislike the east and the south, for most of the same reasons. For the most part, the traffic get pretty horrendous, and the people are - mostly - rude. At one time drivers in the metro New Jersey areas were some of the most rude... now I think that Atlanta has given them a run for their money. Driving out west has a different set of challenges and circumstances. L.A., for example, does have some crazy traffic, but you know (if you've been through there with any frequency) when and where it will usually occur. I've even seen traffic back up in the Seattle area, but it get nowhere near as bad as the east.

The west, however, does offer a lot more solace, a lot more open road... plus driving through the mountainous regions are pretty awe-inspiring. There have been times where it has taken less time to get from the east side of Denver, to I-25 north, up to the Colorado/Wyoming state lines (the distance of about 100 miles) - including traffic and the occasional work zone - than it would to take I-95 north from Elizabeth, NY to the other side of New York City, which is about 1/3 the distance.

Some drivers try to steer clear (no pun intended) of the northwest in the winter months, while I look forward to it. I find it very beautiful to drive through the valleys, surrounded by the snow covered mountains. It's very breath-taking.

What are YOUR preferred areas to travel?

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 237 (Heading Up To Canada, Eh?)

I finished the trip to Russellville, AR yesterday afternoon, with an interesting trip through a winding and (kinda) steep route.

The route is AR 7, from Harrison to Russellville... a state road that takes you through Jasper, which may well have been the setting for the movie Deliverance. I was fortunate to arrive at the customer and be able to drop & hook. What was unfortunate was that the trailer had some recent damage to it. I made sure I reported it and emailed some photos to the night dispatch crew, a.k.a., covering my tucas. Being as I was able to drop & hook in Russellville meant that I could head to the customer of the load I had been pre-planned on, in Tulsa. Sadly, it's not going up to Woodinville, WA/Burnaby, BC (that load picks up tomorrow), but I am heading to Canada. This load will have me going up to Edmonton, AB for Monday morning. I've never been to Alberta, so this can only mean one thing: another coffee mug for my collection (won't my wife be pleased... and that was intended with all possible sarcasm).

I'm going to try to come up with a few stories to blog about, then schedule them to auto-post, since I won't have access to my phone while I'm up there (and that could be a few days).

Let's see how that works out.

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 235 (Leaving Wisconsin)

I was unloaded at Walmart in Tomah, WI at around 1900 yesterday. Afterwards I made my way to Black River Falls, WI (about 30 miles away) to send in the paperwork, grab a bite, and milk up a few things from the store (milk being very essential for cereal). Once all that was accomplished, I hit the road again to find the customer in Greenwood, WI, which is basically in the middle of somewhere. You know you're way out in the Wisconsin countryside when not only is the customer on a county road, but I encountered an Amish buggy just before I arrived (those Amish sure do stay up late... or maybe, get up early, as it was just after midnight).

This is supposed to be a light load, but I'll know for sure once I get loaded. I could go one of three ways on the routing. The quickest way is about 100 miles further, but the shortest way takes me through a multitude of small towns.

This is not an easy decision to make without the aid of coffee.

This is due in Russellville, AR on Thursday morning at 0430, which is not good. What is good is the fact that we have dropped trailers at that customer, so I may have a silver lining after all.

Year 2, Day 234 (Soon To Head Back To Arkansas)

Having reached my 34 hour window for a re-start on my logbook, I began rolling this morning at around 1100. I made my way to Rogers, AR and did a drop & hook, then took off (but, of course, making a stop for Starbucks). Unfortunately, the trailer my load was on had an air leak on one of the brake chambers. I was able to get a quick fix from the road service that came out, only because - since disc brakes for a semi are still considered "new" - he didn't think the parts were in stock at their shop.

I made it to the rest area just across the Minnesota state line, which leaves me about 175 miles left of this run. Once I do get emptied this afternoon, I'll head to Greenwood, WI (basically out in the middle of nowhere) to load on Tuesday morning. This load will head to Con Agra in Russellville, AR for 0430 (UGH!!) Thursday morning. Yesterday turned out to be a full, yet productive, day, covering over 650 miles. I can kick back a little the next few days... sort of.