Year 2, Day 255 (I Relate With Sir Bob Geldof)

I was up this morning at 0-dark-thirty delivering the rest of this load. I have never been a big fan of the early morning deliveries, and today was no exception. My pre-plan has me picking up in Macungie, PA, which is just outside Allentown, and this, as it turns out, is a very light load heading to Delavan, WI for Wednesday. Because of being up so early, I'm most definitely in need of some coffee, and seriously considering going the intravenous route.

I am glad we are getting into Fall, with Winter soon to follow, especially since the past week and a half I have slept with the truck turned off, as well as the APU, then waking up with a slight chill inside the cab. That's the kind of weather I enjoy the most. So now, before I make my way to Wisconsin, I must have myself a little breakfast.

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 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 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 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 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 196 (Not Sure What Will Come Next)

I shut down in Mill Hall, PA last night, leaving less than 100 miles to go for the destination. Nathan and I went in and took a shower as well as getting our laundry done. My delivery appointment isn't until 1815 (ET) tonight, so I not really rushing to get there. Not only that, but one of the CSR's called me to ask if I could do a short run on a load I guess he couldn't get another truck on (though why he book said run is beyond me). I really didn't want to take it, primarily because it would be late by the time I picked it up. Even if I play it just right, it's still going to be tight to pull off, because Walmart - even though they have the capabilities to unload a truck, and take care of whatever breakdown is needed, in 30-45 minutes - they will use their entire 2 hour window... and there's not a thing we can do about it.

As of 1330 (ET), I just found out that I will not be taking that short run. Instead, I will pick up in Dayton, NJ and taking the load to Brampton, ON for Wednesday. I am really wanting to get a load that will put me in Tulsa, OK on Friday, but I guess that's not going to happen.

It sure is pretty warm today... thankfully my a/c is in good working order.

Year 2, Day 188 (Last Day At Home)

Tomorrow I will head back out on the road, and will be taking Nathan (my youngest son) along with me for the next few weeks. This morning I was up pretty early, only because I had to be at the church building at 0730 for a rehearsal before the two services. Coffee was my most welcomed ally. The weather was a bit warm earlier today, but now the skies are looking as if it may rain. If it's anything like it was yesterday, it will be another tease.

Just the other day, my wife, Tikvah, had her hair cut and colored. This first picture was taken about 1 1/2 months ago (just after her Dad's funeral), with our son, Erik:

 After this past Friday, her hair is shorter and lighter:

I like the new look... what say you.

Year 2, Day 186 (I Really Dislike This Humidity)

One year from now and we will no longer be living in Arkansas. The plan that my wife, Tikvah, and I have is that we will be selling our house, and my Mother-in-law will be selling her house, and we will put our money together and buy one big house in California. I am really looking forward to moving back to California. Sure, it will also be hot out there, but there won't be the level of humidity that is common out here. With the weather being as hot as it has been now, I really don't look forward to what it will be come late August.

It may be hot, but it's never too hot for coffee!

Year 2, Day 185 (Just Trying To Stay Cool)

I slept in a little this morning, but my wife, Tikvah, had to work. I really felt bad for her, because today she was working in the greenhouse at the farm of her employer. It was hot as it was today, but I can't imagine having to work in a greenhouse all day. I did pull the bike out, not for a standard ride, but to run a few errands, though I made sure to pace myself. I went to the bank to make a payment on my credit card, and as I was leaving (as this really impressed me), the manager walked up to me and offered some water, "because it is pretty hot outside" she said (she also knew I had rode my bike there). Now that's good customer service.

This evening, at Tikvah's request, I began making Matzoh Ball Soup. However, probably due to the humidity, they didn't turn out as usual. they were runnier than normal, so I added some extra Matzoh meal, but that didn't help. I ended up scrapping the entire soup, and we ordered pizza for dinner.

Year 2, Day 180 (Kansas City, Here We Come... Again)

Once we had finished unloading in Petoskey, MI yesterday, John and I waited for a couple hours until we were given our next run. This one had us deadheading to Chicago (about 350 miles) to load today. Our loading time was between 1200- 2200, but we arrived there last night. Along the way, John had called his sister and had her meet us in Covert, MI to bring a pizza. The pizza was from DiMaggio's Pizza in Coloma, MI, and was delicious. I had never had their pizza until last night. We stopped off in Burns Harbor, IN and topped off the fuel, then off to Chicago.

We were blessed that Tyson had us loaded and leaving just after noon. We left from there and I had John take us to the Target on the south end of Chicago, on Cicero. I stopped to pick up a few things (milk being one of them), and I also treated John to a Starbucks: a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappaccino, which, upon tasting it (delightfully, I might add), he gave it the moniker "diabetes in a cup". We are making our way to Olathe, KS which is just south of Kansas City, KS.

The weather has been humid so far, but it looks as though we may be hitting some rain before we hit St. Louis. Either way, this is a beautiful Sabbath, because The L-rd has granted me another day.

One more thing... I saw Mario in the Chicago area:

Year 2, Day 179 (What A Nice Ride)

John and I had a nice trip through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, though we would have made better time, had we not been delayed at one facility waiting for the bulkheads that the customer required. If not for that delay we probably would have made it to the customer last night (or early this morning, by Eastern Time Zone). We shut down just after midnight (CT) at a small rest area, right next to the Northern Rim of Lake Michigan. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise this morning, as I was able to get some good pictures this morning.

On the way to the customer, we crossed the Mackinac Bridge, which separates Lake Michigan (on the west side) from Lake Huron (on the east side).

The weather was very mild, getting down to about 56° where we parked, and much less humid than it was in Milwaukee, WI yesterday.

As Sabbath approaches I hope you will all take the time to keep the leaders of our country in prayer. We are facing some very tumultuous times ahead, with what we are seeing now soon to pale in comparison to what may lie ahead. May you all be blessed, and enjoy a peaceful - and restful - Sabbath!

Year 2, Day 174 (Getting A Re-Start In Kansas City)

John and I arrived at the customer at around 0200 this morning, got unloaded and are now on a 34 hour re-start. As I had suspected, the customer was located in one of the several cave facilities in this area. What that means is that not only is it a single business whose warehouse was built into the side of a large hill/mountain, but an entire industrial park that was carved out and sits underground, beneath said hill/mountain. It's rather impressive, to be honest.

After we went underground and backed into the dock, John and I agreed conclusively that any of these cave facilities would make an ideal stronghold in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Sure, some modifications would have to be made, such as fortifying the entrances (replace the steel gate with a reinforced sliding, hydraulic operated concrete wall) and some of the outer dock doors, but it could make a very good safe-house for a community of survivors. We make have put more analytical scenarios into it than was necessary, but it sure doesn't hurt to be prepared.

I was able to make a Starbucks run yesterday after we finished shopping at the grocery store in downtown St. Louis. Today, though, I'm getting ready to brew up a pot in the truck. I already have dinner cooking in the crock pot, and have gone through my daily dose of Torah, so this will be a peaceful, relaxing evening.

Year 2, Day 147 (We're In Tulsa... Now We Just Wait)

Last night, Dillard and I shut down in Colby, KS, just 53 miles from the Kansas/Colorado state line. It was a good thing we parked there when we did, as it had already been windy, but it became really windy a little later. So much so, that I had heard they were about 80 MPH winds blowing to the north, and about 3 trucks on the interstate were blown over (though how true that is still remains to be seen... you know how much "truth" there is to a story when it comes from a truck driver). The winds were pretty wicked... and being that we were in Kansas, there was no pun intended. The intensity of the winds - and the sand that accompanied them - formed such a dark haze that I couldn't even see the lights from the truck stop fuel pumps & building... and we were parked about 200' from the building itself.

We left this morning at about 1015 (me with a Starbucks in hand) to finish off this trip to Tulsa. We arrived here at the Flying J at 1830 when we topped off the fuel and found a place to park. Anybody who has been here before knows that this truck stop is usually packed by about 1600 on a Sunday, but since this is Memorial Day - and many customers (including ours) will be closed tomorrow - there were still a few spaces left.

After we had fueled, Dillard and I discussed whether we would stay here for the night, or head to the customer. Since (as I explained it to him) we will be getting a re-start on a logbooks later this week, there was really no need to get one now... so we chose to stay here tonight and head over tomorrow evening. I will be releasing Dillard (hopefully) Tuesday, so he can take his final evaluation, then get his own truck. I, on the other hand, will be heading home. As you could tell from yesterday's post, this time I'll be going home for less than pleasant circumstances.

I'm still in a little shock at my Father-in law's passing... plus I've not quite completely dealt with my Dad's passing a few years ago. It's odd how the death of a loved one affects us, where we begin to question our own mortality, even reflect upon our lives now. My wife, Tikvah, is holding up very well, so far. She told me she's trying to stay strong for her Mom. When I get home, though, I may be the one trying to stay strong for her. I fear that it may be harder than it seems, I may end up finally mourning the passing of my Dad as well as hers.

Please keep us all in prayer!

Year 2, Day 145 (The Trip Continues)

As Dillard and I make our way through Montana, the temperature has been brisk at times, and the weather is indecisive. Since we left Missoula, Dillard has driven through three types of conditions: dry & sunny, rain, and snow... not necessarily in that order. The scenery has been stunning (as to be expected), between the miles we've traveled from yesterday's starting point (Ellensburg, WA) to present (somewhere west of Billings, MT).






At one point, while driving just east of Butte, heading towards Bozeman, the temperature dropped down to 30°, then back up to nearly 70° once we made it to the bottom of the mountain.






Fortunately - as I'm sure Dillard would agree - the snow wasn't too terribly bad; the roads weren't slick nor icy, nor was there enough snow to really be worried about (at least for me, Dillard has never driven a truck in winter conditions).

Either way, it's been a peacefully uneventful ride with a lot of open road, and little traffic (at least compared to the East). With Memorial Day soon to be upon us within the next few days, I hope you will be safe in your travels. Most importantly, please remember the reason why we even have a Memorial Day: those who have served - or are currently serving - in our military services. Without the sacrifices they have made in the past, we wouldn't be free today. Those whom are serving now continue to carry on that legacy of tradition, honor, courage, and pride.

May you have a blessed Sabbath, and a joyous Shavuot!

- Posted by me

Year 2, Day 141 (Another Trip Done)

As of right now, Dillard and I are sitting in Woodinville, WA, where we will be unloading on Wednesday morning before heading up to Burnaby, BC to finish this trip out. When we arrived we headed out to venture around Woodinville for a little bit. I was hoping I would have been able to shoot into Seattle for an hour or two and drink a coffee with Terri Nakamura, but that, unfortunately, didn't happen. Since Dillard and I were running low on our hours, I wanted to make sure we made it here before we ran out. Terri is someone I initially met through Twitter, then we "friended" on Facebook. We met in person last year, and I hope I can meet up with her again sometime in the near future.

Tomorrow, however, I will be able to meet another person I've become acquainted with, via Twitter; Scott Schultz... but more on that tomorrow.

Dillard and I, as I mentioned earlier, went venturing around. He popped into a Taco Bell to get something to eat. As for myself, I went in search of something different. In the plaza behind Taco Bell, there were several restaurants of varying cultural cuisines. At first I was going to try the Thai restaurant, until I saw Pho Hao... a Vietnamese restaurant. I have had food from many different cultures, and many different cuisines... but not Vietnamese. I had to give it a shot. So I ordered one of the soups (don't ask what the name of it is, I don't remember) and was absolutely delighted!




It was light, yet filling. I will absolutely make another visit in the future.

- Posted by me

Year 2, Day 141 (I'm Always At Peace In The West)

Dillard and I made it to Ft. Bridger, WY where we shut down. Fantastic weather: 45°; even when we left, it was 15° cooler than where I live. Dillard pulled out of the truck stop at around 1245 and we continued our way westward. I've always found a certain solace when driving through the mountain regions. There is such beauty in those areas. Take a look at these pictures I took while traveling through eastern Utah:







(both of which were taken with my Hipstamatic app).

Before we left, I made some preparations and started the crock pot up to make the roast we are having for dinner. We did, however, have to make a stop at the SuperTarget in Riverdale, UT to get another onion, as the one I had went bad (plus I made a stop in Starbucks). for those who may be curious about my recipe, here it goes:

a 3-4 lb cut of beef (use your own personal preference)

1 bottle Mesquite flavored Liquid Smoke (I use Colgin brand)

1 small or medium red onion

3 garlic cloves

2 pkg powdered brown gravy

1lb baby potatos

fresh green beans

fresh mushrooms (whole or sliced, depending on your preference)

Cut the beef into 4 pieces, marinate overnight in the Liquid Smoke. The next morning transfer the beef and Liquid Smoke into the crock pot, slice onion and chop garlic, add to crock pot (add whichever seasonings you wish) Cook on high about 2-3 hours, then turn to low and add potatoes and gravy mix. Allow to cook for another 4-5 hours, then add green beans & mushrooms for the last 30-60 minutes (this way the green beans will still be crisp when you bite into them).

This will serve 4-6 people, depending on their appetite.

Bon a petit!

- Posted by me

Year 2, Day 140 (Great Scenery, Great Weather)

I had Dillard take over the driving duties from Tulsa yesterday, and he brought us all the way to Colby, KS, just a little over 50 miles from the Colorado state line. We arrived there at 0315 this morning and shut down for our 10 hour break. We were up again at around 1130 (due to the call of nature), and milled around until it was time to head out. I went inside to partake of the offerings inside the Starbucks at the truck stop where we parked. The weather was wonderful, especially for lunch time. My WeatherBug app was showing it to be 63°, whereas in the Arkansas town with which I and my family currently reside was gauging at 88°. Though (on a different note) while I was perusing through Facebook and GetGlue last night/this morning, I was shocked to learn - albeit a month late- of the passing of another great musician. On this day just last month was the passing of saxophonist Greg Ham (for those of you unfamiliar with this name, he was the saxophonist - as well as other instruments within his repertoire - for the 80's band Men At Work). This was a surprise for me, as I was a fan of his work.

One of the things I really enjoy about being a truck driver trainer, is the opportunity to capture some good photographs on the road... especially when my student is doing the driving. I have several different photography apps on my iPhone, two of my favorites being Hipstamatic and Instagram. On the former, I'm able to interchange the films, lenses, and flashes. On the latter, I can apply different effects in order to bring out more depth to the shot. Both of these shots were taken today in Colorado, just north of Ft. Collins, using the above apps, in order of their mention:








Photography has always been nothing more than a hobby for me. I would like to get more involved, but for that I would have to get a more suitable device for it. Two cameras I wouldn't mind getting are the Canon Rebel T2i (which is presently a little out of my price range), and the Leica M9 (which is definitely out of my price range). One day I may be able to get one of them, but until then I'll just have to settle with what I can do on my iPhone 3GS.

- Posted by me

Year 2, Day 135 (Another Trip Done)

This morning, Dillard and I left from the terminal in Madison, IL (just outside of St. Louis, MO) and made our way to make the delivery in N. Little Rock, AR. The weather was pretty nice, and the traffic was fairly smooth. We topped off the fuel in Matthews, MO, took a quick break, then back on the road to finish this run.

Shortly after we left from fueling, I was told to leave room for 7 pallets at the first pick-up of our pre-plan. As it turned out, the load was changed, so now we don't pick up until tomorrow evening in Hope, AR and deliver Thursday morning in Chicago. This is probably because Monica (my Fleet Manager) wants to make sure I get my bi-annual physical done, while I'm at the terminal in N. Little Rock.

Dillard has been doing quite well, and I think he'll make a good truck driver once he gets his own truck. He is really absorbing all the information I throw his way, as well as excelling in the refinement of his current skills. Tomorrow will be another day... let's see what adventures come our way. Oh yeah... I had Starbucks tonight.


- Posted by me

Year 2, Day 130 (Low Productivity Day)

Dillard and I arrived at the customer last night, though we weren't unloaded until this morning. That's not too bad, actually, since we weren't scheduled to unload until this morning at 1000. Yesterday we were pre-planned to pick up a load in Shippensburg, PA this afternoon and deliver tomorrow on the west end of Ohio. When I called the broker, he said the load was rescheduled for tomorrow, so the CSR at my employer cancelled. Then they were working on something that had me re-loading right there where we delivered in Manchester... that, too, cancelled. The next load (a broker load) would have me loading at the Hershey's Distribution Center in Palmyra, PA going to Kentucky; guess what... cancelled.

After a few hours of waiting, we finally received a dispatch to load in Newfield, NJ at 2300 (ET) tonight and delivering in Tomah, WI for Friday afternoon. With the waiting (while our logbook drive time ticked away), the only way to deliver on time is if we leave out from here first thing in the morning and hammer the miles away tomorrow. If we can get through Chicago (or at least to the terminal in Gary, IN) before we shut down, then we should be good for delivery.

The weather has been quite rainy today. At least I got some Starbucks.

And Dunkin Donuts.


- Posted by me