Day 240 (Almost Done With This Trip)

Last night found Chuck and I shutting down in Caldwell, ID, just 29 miles east of the Oregon state line. I was hoping to have gotten together with Terri Nakamura in the Seattle area, but because of the setbacks resulting from the two stops we made to get a truck service (one of which was a waste of 3 1/2 hours), plus leaving later than I hoped from Tulsa, that meeting, unfortunately, won't take place. Perhaps tomorrow I will give you some details as to what type of logbook laws we truck drivers have to keep track of. The good news is that come Wednesday morning, we will both have a restart on our logs.

Chuck started us out from Caldwell, and I took over when we stopped in La Grange, OR to get fuel. I drove us over the mountain - Deadman Pass (also known as "Cabbage" among truck drivers) - through Pendleton, and into Union Gap, WA. When we stopped there, I walked over to get my coffee fix at Starbucks, and bought some garlic bread from Outback Steakhouse to go with the spicy spaghetti I'm making in the crockpot. Tomorrow I'll go walking around Woodinville, take in some sights - and a few pictures - and, as a priority, enjoy the cooler weather. The last time I was up in Woodinville I didn't really see what there was to offer in that particular part of the city. What I do remember about it, was that I really liked the area. To see so many people cycling around was a sight I have not seen for sometime. The part of Arkansas I live in may have a few children and/or teens on their bikes, but not many (and southerners wonder why there is an obesity problem?). Seeing so many people cycling around made me realize (and this may sound silly to some) how I've taken a sight like that for granted, and at the same time, reinvigorated my desire to get a bicycle for myself. That would make my downtime even more adventurous. Three things I now need to get, to further stimulate my blog's content:

A) a MacBook Pro
B) a Canon Rebel DSLR
C) a ten speed bicycle (preferably a Bianchi)

At least I can wish and dream!


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Day 239 (Finally Getting The Truck Serviced)

We made it to Bitter Root, WY, again with 2 minutes left on the logbook, but that has helped to get caught up on my schedule. I have this schedule that I have planned ahead of time so that, A) I know where I need to be at the end of each day, and, B) this self-appointed schedule will help the both of us to get a re-start on our logbooks, thus we will have a fresh 70 hours to work from come Wednesday. We are here in Ft. bridged, WY, just 30 miles from the Utah state line. I'm hoping we can get as close to Ontario, OR as possible before shutting down.

A good thing about stopping here was that Chuck and I were given vouchers for a complimentary meal in the restaurant (up to $15.00 each), so I took advantage of that... free food is always good. After looking the menu over, I settled on the Cajun Grilled Whitefish (they must have known they would get Jewish truck drivers passing through):




Well, I guess I won't have to worry about making spaghetti for dinner tonight... perhaps tomorrow. I haven't had any coffee yet, but I guess the afore mentioned meal (with a sweet iced tea & lemon) kind of makes up for it. Tomorrow I will have a chance to make a visit to Cold Stone Creamery... and Starbucks!

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Day 238 (Colorado Now, Wyoming Later)

Today has been a peaceful and low-stress Sabbath day. We made it as far as WaKeeney, KS last night. I was told yesterday by my fleet manager, Monica (now that she's back from Korea), that my truck was due a service. Today I attempted to get said service done, but the shop I went to didn't have the oil filter for the engine on my truck. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer, since that turned out not the way I had hoped... but as the song by REO Speedwagon goes, "Roll With The Changes".

Out here in eastern Colorado, it's midday and around 91°, which is a bit cooler than Tulsa was yesterday around this time (around 97°). The further west and north we make our way, this weather will continue to decrease in temperature... which I like - a lot!

One good thing I like about being a trainer is the fact that I get students that have little to no experience driving. I have the opportunity to impart habits upon them that will be a benefit to them, as well as produce a professional driver that has values and standards that exceed the norm. I'm not trying to create a "mini me", just drivers that share the same professional attitude I do, and ones that set a positive example among their peers. The best way to put it is by quoting a great a line Jack Nicholson had in The Departed:

"I don't want to be a product of my environment I want my environment to be a product of me!"

Well, it's time for me to wrap this up, and finish my Starbucks coffee (a grandé triple Marble Mocha Machiatto), as I bask in this beautiful Sabbath day, and thank HaShem for the favor that He has shown me. May you all have a blessed day!


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Day 237 (On My Way To The Northwest Again)

Last night I pulled into Tyson's gate with 2 minutes left to drive on my logbook, so Chuck and I shut down on their yard. We left this morning and headed to Tulsa, where we got a shower, then went to get our load going to Woodinville, WA, then finishing off in Burnaby, BC. I'm hoping we can cover the ground and be able to get a re-start on our logbooks (as Clint and I did a few weeks ago). Speaking of Clint, I called the training center to see how he did on his final evaluation, only to find out he never showed up Monday morning. This is news that saddens me because I thought he would make a great driver, and a valuable asset for this company.

As I write this (and I apologize that it is late being posted), Chuck is driving along the Cimarron Turnpike (I-412 west of Tulsa). We probably won't make it to Colby, KS before we run out of hours, so we'll have to try and make up for lost time over the next few days. I'm also hoping I can get together with the great Terri Nakamura... only this time I'm going to try to find a place closer to her to meet up (someplace that will not give me any beef for parking a truck there). She was so gracious for meeting me last time up in Woodinville, so it's only the least I can do to meet her in her territory this time. My wife, Tikvah, have been dreaming of moving someplace else, some places we would like to live would be Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Seattle, and northern California. At least it's nice to dream.

Tomorrow is the Sabbath, so I hope you, my readers (all 15 of you), have a blessed day - whether you observe the Sabbath or not. Be sure to drink plenty of coffee!


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Day 236 (This Will Be A Long Day)

Yesterday Chuck and I unloaded in Shelbyville, TN (which is not too far from where a relative - whom I have not yet met - lives), where we unloaded and finally got out of there at around 1700. It was obvious that our next load, which picked up at 1900 - and about 180 miles away - was not going to get picked up on time, so it was re-scheduled for 1000 this morning. We got loaded, scaled out the trailer, and got rolling around noon-ish. Since this was a pretty heavy load, I didn't want to take the chance of being over the gross limit (as it turned out, we weighed at 79,800). This load was orinally scheduled to deliver at 1700 today, but since it's going to Rogers, AR, we should be able to get there by 2200.

Tomorrow will bring another adventure that will keep us busy until next Wednesday. We pick up our next load in Tulsa, OK with 2 drops: one in Woodinville, WA, then finishing off in Burnaby, BC. I'm glad it worked out this way, so I get to go back up to the great northwest. Who knows, I may get the chance to meet another "Tweep" in real life. I'm hoping to keep the same schedule as I did going out there a couple weeks ago. If that happens, we will get into Woodinville on Monday night, and be able to get a re-start on our logbooks. I guess with me being the trainer, it will be up to me to keep us focused.

I stopped off and got some coffee earlier. It may not be Starbucks, but it's definitely NOT Pilot, either (though I'm still perplexed as to how they continue to pass that swill off as "coffee".

Day 235 (Soon To Head In A Westerly Direction)

We are sitting here in Shelbyville, TN waiting for Walmart to get the trailer unloaded. From here we will head up to Sebree, KY and get a load going to Rogers, AR for tomorrow afternoon... though our hours may dictate something different (also depending on how long it takes for the customer to get us loaded).

Hopefully by going to Rogers, we will get pre-planned to pick up in Tulsa on Friday a load heading for the northwest (it doesn't hurt to hope, does it?). At this point there is no telling, just speculation. I must say, Chuck is proving to be a pretty good driver. He's had some driving experience in the past, but for him it's been a while. I had him back into a parking spot last night when we shut down. Fortunately it was in a part of the truck stop where there were still plenty of spots, hence - plenty of room (this way I can gauge what kind of time I need to spend with him to improve his skills). After last night, I don't think I'll have to worry too much about his backing proficiency.

While we are waiting, we have all necessary paperwork taken care of, the chili is cooking in the crockpot, now I think I'll take a nap... at least I'm back to meeting my deadline.


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Day 234 (Back To Work Again)

I left out this morning, and due to some mis-communication, much later than I should have. My original load was to pick up in Jonesboro, AR and go to Wilmington, IL, but instead Chuck (my newest student) and I picked up in Russellville, AR and headed to Shelbyville, TN. This latter load was supposed to have picked up by 0400, but like I said... there was some mis-communication. The delivery is set for 1430 tomorrow, so we have some time. At least this way I can have some extra time (for this first day, at least) to help Chuck get accustomed to driving these type of trucks, and get used to using an automatic.

I'm already missing home, and (of course) missing my Tikvah. Though I did make her very happy this weekend... I hung up her blinds & curtains in the living room. I now have my new (to me) crock pot - one with a locking lid. No longer will I have to deal with broth spilling onto the outside and making it kind of greasy and an onerous task to clean up. The weather today has been hot, and I'm really longing to head back up to the northwest (which I hope will happen soon). Until then, I'll just grin & bear it.

... and drink more coffee (from Starbucks, of course, though I may have a couple of the Pacific Northwest Iced Coffees from Denny's periodically).


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Day 233 (Getting Old Really Stinks)

Today is my last day at home. Tomorrow, Chuck and I will get a load out of Jonesboro, AR headed for Wilmington, IL, but what the load and delivery times are still unsure. It's been nice being home and I will be looking forward to returning here in a few weeks. The other night, I was doing something on the computer (I was actually entering the codes into mycokerewards.com), when my wife, Tikvah, noticed I was really having a hard time reading the codes (they are printed on those caps so small). She walked in and handed me her reading glasses, to which I replied, "no thanks, I really don't need those, I just wish Coke would print the codes to where you could read them." She continued to hold the glasses out and said, "just try them." So I put them on (quite reluctantly, I might add).

To my embarrassing surprise, they actually worked... I could not only read the codes, but it was very clear! I have never needed, nor worn, glasses before (except sunglasses, naturally)... NEVER! As I mentioned last night, I am... well, between 30 and death (I shall not reveal my true age, and only a few people even know what it is), so imagine my shock when a simple pair of 1.25 reading glasses from Family Dollar made things less blurry to read. At some point I will go get an eye exam, but for now reading glasses will do. I always thought it rather odd that my two youngest sons wear glasses but I didn't.

At least I don't need to read a menu at Starbucks, nor to make coffee at home!

Day 232 (Maybe Roger Murtaugh Is Right)

It is so nice to be home. We went to services this morning, came home, and now I have to finish putting up the blinds in our living room... a task I started doing 2 1/2 hours ago. Here's what happened: I took down the old blinds and lined up the new ones and made the markings for the anchors. The new blinds did not come with the screws needed, so I did find some anchors with screws that fit. The only trouble is, the screws have small heads, so i ran to the store to get some washers. While I was at the store, I also picked up a few groceries for when I leave on the truck (as well as a few things to pre-cook, since raw meat and pasta doesn't cook too well in a crock pot). Then Tikvah and I picked up Nathan (our youngest son), from his youth group, to which I got shystered into a game of 3-on-3 basketball.

Needless to say, we lost - but not by much (26-24). But at my age (which, for the record: I am between 30, and death), I held my own pretty good, and my teammates were Nathan and Jake (the youth group leader). I will most definitely feel this in the next few days. Now to take a shower, finish the blinds, and make some coffee... not necessarily in that order. Now I now what Roger Murtaugh (from the Lethal Weapon movies) meant when he said. "I'm getting to old for this %&@#".

Day 231 (I Feel Like Nikki Sixx - Home, Sweet Home)

Here it is, the end of another wonderful Sabbath. What makes this a very special Sabbath is that I am now at home. It's been a long 4 weeks, so coming home is always a welcomed treat. Chuck (my new student) is in the motel here in town, as he lives a couple hundred miles away (in Kentucky, to be exact). At first I could only get him a room for tomorrow and Monday, because this week there are college students coming in for registration plus there is a race this weekend. He would have had to stay in the truck for tonight. Fortunately, I called the motel this morning, and, as it turned out, there were a few cancellations, so I was able to get him a room tonight after all.

It has been nice to come home. I'll be here until Tuesday, and where I go then, at the moment, is still unknown. I'll call my fleet manager on Monday... or rather, my acting fleet manager, since my regular fleet manager (Monica) is away for another week, doing her annual training in the Navy Reserves. Hopefully VERY soon, I'll get another load from Tulsa, OK up to the northwest (Woodinville, WA & Burnaby, BC), since this weather is horribly sweltering.

Now it's time for some coffee.

Day 230 (Heading Home, Or At Least In That Direction)

Late yesterday afternoon I was dispatched on a load, which didn't pick up until today. So, I made my way up to Joplin, MO, arrived at the Flying J truck stop, and, after some effort, found a parking spot for the night. It worked out pretty good: I was turning down one of the parking aisles just as another truck was pulling out. I arrived at the customer this morning, and was checking in 5 minutes before my appointment time of 0900, and finally left at around 1330.

I had planned to go straight to West Memphis, AR and deliver in the morning, only to find out from the broker that the delivery appointment time is tomorrow at 1630. Then I find out I am already picking up my next student, so I have to take a route going through our North Little Rock terminal. Once I get unloaded tomorrow, I'm going straight home, and Charles (my new student) will be staying in the motel. Therefore the next few days of my mindless babbling will be from the comfort of my own home. Yes, Dorothy, there's no place like home... hopefully, some day, my home will be in the Seattle area (MUCH cooler weather than here). Once I get to our terminal, I'll get my laundry done, get to know a little bit about Charles, and maybe even go get my coffee fix from Starbucks. Until then, I have some fried rice to dig in to.


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Day 229 (What To Do Next?)

I made it back to Tulsa, Getting into the customer's facility at around 0230 this morning. When I checked in, I found out they didn't have the delivery scheduled until 0630 tomorrow morning. It was all sorted out, though, as they did get me unloaded today. The weather (as is normal for Tulsa this time of year) is hot. Tina (in the shipping/receiving office) asked if I would take our trailer out of the door once it was loaded (it's bound for Houston), and put the trailer I brought in and drop it in then door that the previous trailer just vacated. For a while the shipping/receiving office thought I was going to be the driver taking their load to Houston. I couldn't tell them "yay" nor "nay", as I didn't know what my company had planned for me next (as of this writing, I still don't). They haven't assigned me on a load yet, due to them trying to find a load for me that will get me home this weekend... which I am absolutely looking forward to.

In the meantime I think I will take a nap, and probably snack on some tortilla chips and some pico de gallo (since I've finished the rest of my chipotle seasoned chicken strips). perhaps even enjoy a few of my miniature Toblerone candies. I've had some coffee earlier, so I'm good on that aspect. I mentioned taking a nap a moment ago, now I think I feel it coming on (or, as would be the reference by the great feline philosopher, Garfield, "nap attack").

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Day 228 (Back Up To Tulsa)

I made the delivery this morning in Houston, in fact, I arrived at about 0100. I'm killing a little time right now because my next load, which picks up in LaPorte, TX (about 25 miles away) won't be ready until around 1530, and it's due in Tulsa tomorrow morning at 0630 (and you may have heard me kvetch about how I loathe early morning deliveries).
The weather here is hot... as if that is some sort of anomaly for Texas in August.

I found out from an old friend (from my days in the Corps) that he is currently organizing a reunion of our old unit, which will probably be held in San Antonio (fortunately NOT in the Summer). Nothing is solid as of just yet, but, so far, the page (created on Facebook) has created quite a stir, with many (some of whom i either didn't know, or don't remember) extending their RSVP's with plans to be there. I've already spoken to Tikvah about it... we ARE going to be there.

This is day 2 that I have been without coffee. Not by choice, mind you. Yesterday I didn't have a lot of time to play with, and there are very few truck stops that have decent coffee. Many truck drivers don't understand why I frequent Starbucks. It's like this: I would rather pay around $5 for a cup (usually the grandé triple Marble Mocha Machiatto) that I know will taste good, rather than pay $1.50 for something that tastes like it was freshly dredged up from the mud hole that is between the truck repair shop and the poorly maintained restrooms, a.k.a. that which is usually found at Pilot. I'm none too fond of their coffee, never have been. The coffee at Flying J used to be good, that is, before they were taken over by Pilot. Since a feel a headache coming on (resulted from caffeine deprivation), I think I'll take a little nap.

At least I can dream about coffee... maybe that will make the headache go away.


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Day 227 (I'll Be Headed To Houston, Hopefully Soon)

We are still here in Tulsa, OK, waiting to get loaded, then we'll head to Houston, TX for tomorrow morning... or at least I will. Clinton will probably be meeting up with his nephew in the Dallas area, and catching a ride to Memphis, TN. He's not quitting (at least I hope not), he just needs to get to his home in Memphis to take care of some business. Which means, once he makes his rendezvous with his nephew, I'll be solo again... at least until I get home this weekend.

It's been a long (nearly) 4 weeks. I don't usually stay out this long, I did so this time for reasons that are only known to my wife and I (no, we are NOT have marital problems - in fact, quite the contrary... we enjoy each other's company). When I do make it home, I think I'll go back to my usual routine of being out 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks. But I am looking forward to going back up to the northeast again, which I hope will be soon... very soon. The weather up there is much nicer, and I can get away from this awful humidity. The temperature isn't as high now as it was the last time I was in Tulsa (about 108°), so you can bet that the 70° temperatures I drove through in Washington were very welcomed indeed. Though, with temperatures like that, why would anybody want to live in Washington.

I definitely would!


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Day 226 (Here In Tulsa... Until Tomorrow)

We arrived here in Tulsa yesterday late-afternoon, and made a semi-scheduled stop at a Super Target not far from where we are delivering. We went there mainly at my request, Clint was there because I was. My purpose was to pick up a new shower curtain (at my wife, Tikvah's, request) and to get a 5-quart Crock Pot. I have a 2-quart on the truck, but the only problem is it leaks (not so much on the floor, but along the side and into the heating element area) while I'm driving. I bought a 6-quart oval Crock Pot a few years back (with a sealing/locking lid), but the inverter I had then was inadequate, so I left it at home. Tikvah said I could take it with me on the truck (now that I have a reliable way to power it), on the condition I buy another one that she can use at home. Since my 2-quart is a little too small for her and Nathan (our youngest son) - and there was nothing in between - I bought the 5-quart... and the shower curtain.

When Clint and I picked this load up, we had to send our company some p.o. (purchase order) numbers off the shipping bills, so they could schedule the delivery time, which we did on Thursday. The time wasn't scheduled until today, so we are here until our appointment tomorrow. I haven't been here 24 hours yet, and I'm already missing the weather from the northwest (70° in the middle of the day - even for a couple days - can easily spoil you... now I know why Terri Nakamura lives in the Seattle area - and it's also VERY beautiful). I was able to get some coffee from the customer's cafeteria. It may not be as good as my Starbucks grandé triple Marble Mocha Machiatto, but at least it's still better than that swill that's served at the Pilot truck stops that they try to pass off as coffee.

I did get TWO cups from Starbucks yesterday, so it's all good.


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Day 225 (The Final Leg Of This Trip)

Our day started in Colby, KS this morning, where we topped off the fuel and I made my trip to the local Starbucks. We only have 470 miles to cover today, though I'm still unsure what these next few days will be like, as I'm trying to get Clint back to our North Little Rock, AR terminal so he can get his own truck and I'm due to go home for a few days later this week.

This last week has been nice, going up to the northwest into areas I've always liked (plus I get a break from the madness one encounters when going east or to the southern midwest), as well as into cooler climates - which is always a welcomed change this time of year. I'm sure that once I head back out on the road next week, I'll probably (hopefully) get another load taking me to the northwest. Clint has done a good job these past 3 weeks. He's been willing to learn what's required (as per company policy) and he's absorbed what I've shared with him, from experience. I hope he does well, not just for this company, but especially for himself.

As we travel south of Wichita, KS, I can already feel the outside temperatures getting hotter, which means it's time to turn up the a/c... full blast. I will be so glad for Fall and Winter to roll in, or at least to get a load into the desert regions (Vegas would be nice - I could visit my family there).


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Day 224 (Still Working Our Way To Tulsa)

Last night we shut down at the Flying J truck stop in Casper, WY, giving Clint a day of 619 miles. The Flying J is the only truck stop in Casper, but it is located in a good part of the city... having many places within walking distance: Arby's, Burger King, On The Border, Safeway, and, of course, Starbucks (in fact, there were 2 locations within walking distance). There is a reason that Wyoming is called "Big Sky Country" - there's not a lot of populated areas, just open plains... and sky.







We made a stop in the Denver, Co area, mainly to get a truck wash. Now the truck is looking much better. We will probably end our day in Colby, KS, which will leave us less than 500 miles to finish off tomorrow.


This Sabbath, as with the previous ones, has been pleasant and peaceful. This week's portion continued in Deuteronomy. Within the next several weeks, Deuteronomy will be concluded, then the cycle will begin anew. Hopefully, I can get the finances to get an open order established to have the volumes of the Mishnah mailed to us (since that has been the latest request by my lovely wife, Tikvah... though I would like to begin getting the Talmud sent to us - but she is "The Queen"). I hope this day finds all of you, my wonderful readers (all 5), in good health, and joyous spirits. May you all be blessed!

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Day 223 (Still In Montana, Then To Wyoming)

Today's journey began from the truck stop we parked at last night, just on the east end of Missoula, MT, where I awoke to this stunning view outside my windshield:






Our travels yesterday took us from Ellensburg, WA to Lewiston, ID (where we loaded), then ending the day in Missoula. I haven't been up this way in yonks (a new word I picked up from a really cool mate I know via Twitter, ernmander, and it basically means, "a long time, ages"). The landscape is quite beautiful. as you can see from these following shots.




















As you can see, there are some stunning areas. Areas I will probably photograph again come Winter, since they will look a bit different with snow.

Some of you may have noticed a weird looking code of some sort at the beginning os yesterday's post. That was there as part of a verification process in connection with Empire Avenue. Once I acquired a certain number of recommendations for my RSS Feed, I needed to include that code in a post in order to upgrade it to Blog status. For those that are unfamiliar with Empire Avenue (or EAv), don't feel so bad... I'm still a little unfamiliar with it myself, since I just started tinkering around with it within the last few days. The best I can gather, it takes your social media status and puts it in relation with a stock market setting (you buy shares in your followers - if they are on EAv - and they buy shares in you; watch your social "stocks" rise and/or fall; etc.). There is still quite a bit for me to learn about it, so if any of you who reads my daily verbal meanderings are on EAv... I would greatly appreciate any tips/advice you can give.

I'll probably come back to the northwest area in a few weeks, though it's not soon enough (remember, I do not like humidity, I do not like it - woe is me). I spoke with a friend earlier on the phone, where I expressed my reluctancy to head back into Oklahoma, Arkansas, etc. She asked, "who would want to live in an area where it's basically Spring all year... uh, me!" I would absolutely agree with her... I could see myself living in the Seattle area: coffee, culture, and cool weather.

Yeah, it's nice to dream!



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Day 222 (On The Way To Tulsa)

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Clint and I left from Ellensburg, WA this morning with cool weather to drive in. We arrived there last night, topped off the fuel, and I decided it would be best to call it a day there, mainly because the routing we were taking (more than likely) would not have many places to park a truck. I'm glad we did shut down there, as there was a Starbucks just walking distance from the truck stop, so I could get my coffee fix before we left. Along the way this morning I found some very panoramic views, such as this in Vantage, WA:






The back roads we took were very nice, though I think the town of Starbuck (in Washington) was mis-named, as there was no Starbucks anywhere in town. We arrived in Lewiston, ID right at 1300 (Pacific time), and the customer was very expeditious in the loading process. I was hoping I would have had time to make a stop in Clarkston, WA, to visit my niece and sister-in-law, but the time, unfortunately, didn't permit. When I spoke to my niece, we discussed (the next time I'm in the area) how we can get together and, as she put it, have a couple cup of coffee at Starbucks (Erica, you speak my language!). Now that I have a passport, and will be taking loads up to British Columbia, hopefully I'll have the chance to make that stop in the near future.

This load delivers in Tulsa on Monday, and an option that my fleet manager is looking at is to put Clint on another driver's truck (to get him transported to our North Little Rock terminal so he can test out and get his own truck), then have me shuttle a load toward the northwest, swap with another driver, and have me back in Arkansas in time for me to go home... but right now, it's just a possible option. When I find out on Monday what will come next, I'll be sure to let you know.

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Day 221 (Goodbye, Northwest... I'll Come Back Again)

This morning I gave Clint a break and I drove up to Blaine, WA, where I dropped him off at a truck stop before I went across the border into Canada (he couldn't go because he doesn't have a passport). I arrived at the final stop in Burney, BC, unloaded, then came back out. We are presently on our way to Lewiston, ID to load tomorrow afternoon, which will have us heading back to Tulsa, then, hopefully, something that will bring us through the North Little Rock, AR terminal so Clint can get assigned his own truck.

It's been quite pleasant driving up this way, especially since I was afforded the opportunity to get a few pictures taken. I've always liked this region because it offers a view that make me wish all the more for a Canon Rebel DSLR (to which I am still accepting donations for), due to the fact that the iPhone camera just doesn't the adequate justice the scenery deserves.



Of course I can try to spice the pictures up a little by using different photography apps (such as the Hipstamatic, which I put to use for the above photo, or Camera Genius from Codegoo for these next 3).












There are two things I most enjoy about driving a truck: meeting people I wouldn't ordinarily meet with a regular job (such as Terri Nakamura, from yesterday's post, for example), and being able to view the beautiful scenery, as created by G-d. Yet there is still much more yet to be discovered. Hopefully, one day, I'll be able to get a DSLR. Though I may not be a professional photographer, I like to think I have a pretty good eye for pictures... plus I have a Banana Republic photojournalist vest, so at least I can look like I'm professional (now I just need the camera to complete the set).

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Day 220 (Terri Nakamura - In Real Life!)

Today turned out to be a splendid day! First of all, the weather was very nice (who would complain about 64° temperatures in August?), but most importantly... I finally got to meet IRL (In Real Life) another of my Twitter mates: none other than the great Terri Nakamura!




What made this a very special meeting was she was kind enough to drive up to Woodinville from Seattle, which is not what one would consider a "hop, skip, and a jump" away. Terri is a graphic designer (I'll post her links at the end), in the business for about 30 years. It was a very joyous time. We went inside the restaurant (McCorry's On The Slough), had coffee (as if you would be surprised), and, of course, GREAT conversation. I'll have to find out from her later when her anniversary is, because - and in today's society, this is a great landmark - it will be 30 years of marriage.

It was such a blessing to finally get to meet Terri... somebody who is consistent in posting quality content on Twitter, and one who is very disciplined in her daily regimen (i.e. balancing her work with social media and her personal life, and trying very diligently not to blur the fine line between them). I hope one day to bring my wife, Tikvah, up here, then be able to have dinner with Terri and her husband.

Coffee is always a good start for the better things in life.




Before I forget, here's Terri's links:

You can find her on Twitter

or follow her blog.

For the record, I totally dig her '76 BMW!




I hope Terri's day turns out to be very pleasant and joyous... I know my day has turned out to be that much better having just met such a wonderful person! May her and her family be blessed. Should her and her husband get together with my wife and I... dinner will be on me!

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Day 219 (Here Until Wednesday Morning)

Well, first I'd like to apologize for the delay in getting this up... I'll explain momentarily. We made it into Ontario, OR last night and ended our day. We left this morning from there, making one stop in Union Gap, WA (just outside Yakima). We walked around the area there a bit, making a visit to Cold Stone Creamery and (yes, you guessed it) getting my coffee fix at Starbucks. If you'll allow me to take a slight detour... Yankees won Friday night against Boston. The Red Sox came back Saturday, giving both teams the same stats (wins/losses/pct). Last night, the tie was broken by...

BOSTON RED SOX: 10 innings, Boston won 3-2!!!!!!! Now back to our regularly scheduled blog...

When we arrived at Union Gap, I was approached by a gentleman whom inquired about my faith, to which we ended up in fellowship for about 1 1/2 hours (perhaps longer). His name is Ross, and we discovered some similarities in one another. We were both raised as Christians, discovered we had Jewish lineage late in life, we're both on the spiritual quest for Truth, and we just happen to live in the state of Arkansas. The only difference between the two of us is his journey is fairly new, whereas I've been submersed within Judaism for several years now. He isn't looking to forsake his belief in the Messiah, just seeking to establish his Jewish roots. Ross and I exchanged phone numbers and email addresses, as I told him I would help any way I could on his new journey, beginning with a small list of reference sources to help him get started. This will be a long journey for him, sometimes even a bit difficult. I have no doubt he will absorb this new knowledge like a dried sponge does water, with what little I shared with him I could see that process beginning.

Let the adventure begin.


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Day 218 (Covering A Lot Of Ground)

We made it to Rock Springs, WY last night before we shut it down. I've been able to get a few good shots along the way, one in particular (which was taken yesterday, just west of Elk Mountain, WY) that I think has a pretty cool effect:




Another that I took, I didn't use any special effects on at all, and taken today right around Morgan, UT, just before you get to Ogden, on I-84 west bound:




It's scenery like this I don't get to see very often, so it's something of a treat when I do get the chance.

We're driving through Idaho right now - potato country. Idaho is rather unique, in that we are traveling on flat road (Kansas-type flat) right now, yet surrounded by mountains, though Clinton will be getting some good mountain driving experience once we hit Oregon. Oh yeah, there's this truck stop with a name we all know:




... and, yes, it even has a snake (not real, of course):




At this rate, we will probably be in Oregon - perhaps about 50 miles in - when we call it a day. Should that happen, we will have less than 500 to cover tomorrow... and we're not due in Woodinville, WA (Seattle are) until Wednesday morning, then finishing off in Burnaby, BC that afternoon.

Ok, I need some coffee now.

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Day 217 (I've Missed This Part Of The Country)

This morning, our day started in Colby, KS, a small town on I-70, just 54 miles from the Colorado state line. Another beautiful Sabbath day, with mild weather (84°, as opposed to the 100°+ temperatures we've been enduring lately), and, of course, a grandé triple Marble Mocha Machiatto (extra hot) from Starbucks. We topped off the fuel and continued our westward journey.

As we made our way across the Colorado plains toward Denver, I did a little more experimenting with one of my favorite camera apps, Hipstamatic, where I got this shot of eastern Colorado (around Kiowa) from the passenger seat:




... then, using a different app (and you will see the difference), here is an area further west, toward Denver:




We made our way through the north eastern end of Denver, on made a pit-stop at Johnson's Corner, a well-maintained truck stop in Johnstown, CO (just south of Ft. Collins, on I-25). If you recall, from my post on Day 192, I blogged about the monster of a Reuben sandwich I got from Izzy's Deli. If you don't recall, here is the sandwich itself (and you will also see its weight):




The reason I brought up Izzy's 110 Reuben is I think I may have found the dessert to accompany the aforementioned sandwich should somebody find they are still hungry... though I find that to be highly unlikely. At Johnson's Corner, they have a cinnamon roll that is huge:




Though I'm sure there are people who make their rolls this size regularly, but Johnson's Corner is the only place I've seen that sells them this large (and at $12.99, that's a pretty good deal).

As an "added feature" to his training, I had Clinton take more of a scenic route. Most drivers will stay on I-25 to Cheyenne, WY, then jump on I-80 west to Utah. I, however, had Clinton get off the interstate in Ft. Collins and take CO 14 west, to U.S. 287 north, which will bring us to I-80 in Laramie. It may take a little longer, but it shaves off some miles, plus it has a really nice view.




On another note... this weekend will find the battle of the ages, a long held rivalry that may never be quenched: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox. Yankees took it last night (3-2). Two more games to go. Where do I stand?

Wait for it...

Wait for it...

GO RED SOX!!!

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Day 216 (Hittin' The Road)

Our loading time for this load was anywhere from 1700 until around midnight, so that left a big window for the customer to work with. However, the loader at this facility (which is their corporate headquarters) came out and had me sign the paperwork - at 1430. Basically, we are loaded, scaled out and heading west long before 1700.

Yesterday was, well, less than eventful. When we left from Ft. Smith, AR, we were asked to shuttle one of our trailers up to Lowell, AR (which is just between Fayetteville and Bentonville) and drop it at a shop for some repairs. While we were in the area, Clinton and I went to AQ Chicken House (in Springdale) for dinner. I've been there many times. Each time I go, I always plan (for my next visit) to try one of their other recipes, and each time I get the same kind as usual: the "Over The Coals" recipe of fried chicken.




Once we ate, we finished our trip to Tulsa, making one stop on the west end of Springdale and a few stops in Tulsa: the Flying J, Super Target (which has a Starbucks - closing probably at 2000, and we arrived there at 2045... to which my wife taunted me, saying, "you can't get no Staaar-buuucks!"), then finally, around the corner from Super Target to a free standing Starbuck (hey Tikvah - I got my Starbucks... NYAH, NYAH, NYAAAH!). Finally going to the customer where we shut down for the night.

I stood outside last night for a little bit before I went to bed, noticing that even though there was a bit of humidity still lingering, the Tulsa area still has a certain quality to its atmosphere. Then it dawned on me... this is a higher plains region, where the air is still humid, but it's on the cusp of the drier regions.

I'm getting closer to the higher altitudes and the dry climates.

I can deal with that.

Soon... the mountains.

- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 215 (A Change Of Plans)

Clinton and I got up and started driving about 1000 this morning, to make a stop at our Ft. Smith, AR terminal, then head out to Tulsa, OK to pick up our load going to Edmonton, AB. Unfortunately, the load cancelled today, so we are no longer heading to Alberta, Canada. After about an hour, we id get a new load... this one picks up tomorrow (in Tulsa) and delivers Wednesday afternoon in Burnaby, BC (which, I surmise, is in the Vancouver area). This also has an additional drop, in Woodinville, WA, which is just north and slightly east of Seattle.

Seattle area? Wait, I think I know somebody (via Twitter, of course) that lives in that area... OH YEAH... none other than @terrinakamura. Perhaps we may just get the chance to meet IRL ("In Real Life" just in case you are one of those who didn't know). Terri and I have interacted several times over the last year or so. It will be cool to finally get to meet her.

Perhaps we'll have coffee (methinks "yes")!


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Day 214 (And Now For Something Completely Different)

Clinton and I just happen to be in Clarksville, AR - still. We did get a load, but it doesn't pick up until tomorrow at 1700, in Tulsa, OK, which means I'll be able to get a restart on my logbook. There is a twist to this: the load delivers Monday in Edmonton, Alberta, CD. As I mentioned in my Day 201 post, I don't like the idea of getting a Canada load, leaving the student at a truck stop (or in this case, a motel) at the border, then picking him up on the way back. Clinton appears to be ok with it... I might find my way around it, eventually.

As my parenthetical title expressed (and to use the popular Monty Python phrase out of absolute admiration & respect for them) - "And now for something completely different!"

There may be some of you who are fans, or at the very least occasional viewers (as am I) of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). I don't watch it often, but every now and then, one of the fighters will catch my attention. One such fighter is Timothy Kennedy. It's not his style, nor his technique that garnered this attention, rather what he does at the end of his matches. He does his usual expressions of gratitude, but usually ends up shifting the attention to the troops in the Middle East (but don't take my word for it - read the article on the MMA website). As I told Mr. Kennedy, via Facebook message, if the Hollywood "celebrity whack-jobs" can make political statements while receiving an Oscar award, then I salute him for what he's doing. Some in the audiences at the fights may not like what he does, but the point is - he's trying to keep the awareness on our troops, that we should NEVER forget.


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Day 213 (What Do You Expect From Tyson?)

We arrived here in Broken Bow, OK at around 2330 last night, and (as is par for Tyson) didn't begin loading until 0300, finishing at 0445. This load was scheduled to deliver at 0800 this morning in Clarksville, AR. This obviously didn't happen, since our 10 hour break isn't over until 1445.

Once we do start rolling, I'll drive us to Clarksville (though I've already informed dispatch that I have less than 9 hours left on my 70 hour clock). The weather has already kicked into high gear, but, hopefully, this means we could be in for a cold Winter - which is what I hope for. My wife calls me a lizard because I prefer dry heat, but in Winter... well, let's just say, that's my favorite season. Driving in snow doesn't bother me. Ice is a bit trickier. In either condition, the stress comes in when idiots drive the same as they do on dry roads... Hello, McFly - that's how accidents happen! Like last year when there was the "Snowpacolypse" that hit Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, etc., a moron (and a "fellow" truck driver) didn't think I was going fast enough for him. He barreled past me on the ice covered roads in Missouri, probably doing about 60-65 (which is not a good idea). About 15, maybe 20, miles later, guess who was in the ditch - that same moron.

Need I say more?


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Day 212 (I'm Going To Rant Again)

We shut down last night at the Texas Travel Center rest area in Texarkana (on the Texas side), mainly because I knew the closer to Dallas we got, the more scarce the available parking becomes. Once we get unloaded here in Grand Prairie, Clinton will drive us up to Broken Bow, OK. The load is due tomorrow morning at 0800 in Clarksville, AR, but since it loads at a Tyson facility we may run out of hours before we make it.

According to the Weather Channel app on my phone, it's showing to be 108° (with only 20% humidity) at 1700... but it certainly feels a bit warmer than that. If this was Phoenix, AZ or Las Vegas, NV or even Barstow, CA, this would be a dry heat - and more tolerable to deal with - but I can only sit and lament my disdain for humid weather.

On a different note, I am troubled. Yesterday my wife told me that our youngest son (who is 16) had his life threatened - because he is Jewish. This is distressing enough, but when this matter is mentioned on Facebook... I'll put it this way: there has been some positive support that we have received, but mostly from people in other states. I have seen almost nothing from people in our own community - people that would call us "friends" - by some minor show of support - ALMOST NOTHING. This is the very reason why there are very few people that I consider a friend.

Now let's see how this post will stir things up in our "community" - if at all.

Now back to my coffee.


- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 211 (I Really Don't Like Humidity!)

We started this morning from Matthews, MO, a small town in the southeastern part of the state. I made a stop in West Memphis, AR to top off the fuel, now we are continuing our way west. It's quite muggy out here. It's not the heat I detest, it's the humidity! Dry heat is a LOT more bearable. It's days like this I really long to be in Arizona, or even the California desert region (which, if I make it out there sometime, there's a guy I know, via Twitter and Facebook, whom I may take up on his offer to partake in a Prime Rib dinner, of his own culinary skills).

As we make our way to our employer's terminal in North Little Rock, we are enjoying the plethora of music I have on my iPod, first starting off with the tune "Voodoo People" by The Prodigy, a tune I first heard during last year's VloMo, and featured in a video offering during the afore mentioned event. Which reminds me, VloMo 11 is just 3 months away, and hopefully I can be disciplined enough to post a video each day.

I uploaded a few last year, but I'm hoping to cover each day of VloMo this year. Last year I was encouraged & inspired to become involved by a really cool cat I've only known via Twitter, @ernmander. I've not only subscribed to his YouTube page, but viewed many of his videos (of which, more often then not, are hilarious). I hope one day @ernmander and I will be able to meet in real life, it's rather difficult at present since he lives in England and I don't.

One day... and when we do, the tea will be my treat, mate!


- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 210 (Soon To Be Texas Bound)

Clinton and I parked at the Flying J in Lebanon, IN last night, where we showered at this morning, as well as taking my short walk to the local Starbucks. We got the fuel topped off in Indianapolis, the trailer washed out, and now we are sitting in the dock door on the west end waiting to get loaded. This load delivers Monday at 1700 in Grand Prairie, TX (an urban town in the Dallas area).

This, as usual, has been a peaceful and pleasant Sabbath. The weather has been a bit warm, but there's also been a nice breeze blowing. I'm hoping we can make it into Missouri before we shut down for the night.

The plan so far is to go by the terminal in North Little Rock and get a shower, then do the laundry before finishing off the trip toward Dallas. One never knows how many things play out until they happen, such as how long a customer takes to load the trailer, etc. The traffic shouldn't be too bad, since Little Rock, AR and the Dallas area are the only major cities we'll have to drive through (Memphis won't be that bad, since we can skirt the brunt of it). But, as with many things, we'll just take it as it comes.


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Day 209 (I'm In "Children Of The Corn" Country)

We arrived here in Lebanon, IN at around 1400 (ET) for a 1600 appointment, only to find that this customer adheres to their appointment schedule, so we had to wait. At the present moment (and it's 1700 eastern time now) it is still unsure what we will be doing next. By the looks of it so far, we may be here all weekend, which would mean a restart on our logbook.

One thing is for sure, I really don't want to be here at the customer's facility after sundown, since - judging by the surroundings - that could be rather unsafe, possibly even detrimental... in a Stephen King sort of way:




That picture is just across the dock where we are unloading. I did mention to Clinton how it did look a bit creepy. He replied, saying, "it's probably not that bad", to which I responded, "do you want to stick around here until after nightfall to find out?" - his answer: "No, not really."

As the day winds down, and the Sabbath approaches, I hope this evening finds all of you well... I'm on my way to seek out some coffee.

- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 208 (One More Short Run For The Week)

We unloaded this afternoon in Moberly, MO and are now sitting in the door waiting to load here in Jefferson City (which, as I had mentioned in a previous post, is one of the few state capitals that does NOT have a major interstate.). This is a short run, it only goes to Lebanon, IN for tomorrow afternoon.

It's been hot today, real hot, and I'm so grateful for having an air conditioner that works great. I am very ready for winter to begin, and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. I've tried that concept of imagining something cold (such as ice cream, snow, etc.) to try to trick the brain into cooling the body down, but that psychological mumbo jumbo doesn't work worth a hoot. I'll just stick with my a/c. Hot weather I really don't mind, it's the humidity I can't tolerate. Give me a dry desert heat any time!

Day 207 (Not A Bad Day)

We made it as far as Eaton, OH last night, which is 10 miles from the Ohio/Indiana state line on I-70. Yesterday's delay (traveling 40 miles then having to go back to the shipper) really set us back. Today, though, hasn't been too bad; got a shower, mild traffic, good (but hot) weather, and - at the moment, at least - driving down the road while listening to Heavy Shift on my iPod (their cd The Last Picture Show makes good driving music).

As of yet I have no idea what awaits us tomorrow, as there is not a pre-plan on us. Even though the delivery appointment isn't until 1300 tomorrow, I would prefer to get pre-planned today so I know what I'm doing next, thus I can plan accordingly. As I may have mentioned before, I like to plan ahead. The less I have to do "at the last minute" the better - and less stressful - I am. I guess that's the Marine that's still in me.

When I spoke to Michelle earlier, she was telling me that our oldest son, Paul, was going to a doctor's appointment in Oceanside, CA. I told her I wish I'd have known before, then I would have sent him some money to get me some things from one of the military stores there. When she asked what, I told her, "I don't know maybe a REAL carabiner... I might start rappelling again. Wanna do it with me?" She replied, "No thanks, I'll just watch you from the ground."

Rappelling doesn't sound bad... perhaps I will start doing it again. First I may have to move to another state, as Arkansas probably doesn't have any viable locations for it.

At least they have Starbuck.

Rappelling gives a better, and faster, rush.


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Day 206 (Heading To Missouri)

We were unloaded in pretty short order this morning, after which I drove us up to Franklin, PA, a small town east of Erie. We arrived there, were loaded fairly quickly, then on our way. However, once we were about 40 miles away (almost into Ohio), Monica, my fleet manager, sent me a message to call the broker. When I called, I was informed that I had to go back because the customer loaded a few bundles of the wrong product.

I drove back, they fixed the problem (in about 30 minutes) and we were on our way - really on our way. We pulled in to the Pilot truck stop in Lodi, OH, got some fuel (though it couldn't be too much, since we are pretty heavy: about 79,200 with a 1/2 tank of fuel), then went across the street and partook in the consumption of Popeye's chicken and... you guessed it - my special coffee at Starbucks.

Clinton is driving right now, which is why I'm able to get this post up (albeit, a little late). We are heading towards Columbus right now, hopefully making it into Indiana before we shut down tonight, though I hope we are able to stop at a Dollar General sometime soon, since there are a few things I need to get. There's not a major rush on this load, we are not expected in Moberly, MO until 1300 on Thursday, but I would like to get there tomorrow night and roll in to the customer first thing in the morning, hopefully get unloaded early. The sooner we can get unloaded, the sooner we can go pick up our next load... that is, unless we don't get pre-planned tomorrow.

I'm debating right now whether or not to keep training. It's not a bad gig. The only problem with it right now is if I get a student that doesn't have a passport - and they usually don't - then that takes me off the availability list for the Canada loads. There is the option of taking the student up that way, then dropping him off at a truck stop just before the border, going in to deliver the load, then pick him up on the return... but I don't really consider that an option. If it's something that I wouldn't want done to me, why would I want to do it to somebody else?

Your thoughts?


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Day 205 (This Load Is Almost Done)

Unloaded this morning in Youngstown, OH (at least the first drop), and we are now sitting at the Walmart Distribution Center in Wintersville, OH. Once this drop is done, we'll head to Harmony, PA to finish off this load in the morning.

The next load, which we are already pre-planned on, picks up in Franklin, PA and delivers Thursday afternoon in Moberly, MO. On the way here, though, I was contemplating making a stop at a Starbucks before I left Youngstown, but decided against it, as I wasn't sure how long it would take to get down to Wintersville, or what the traffic would be like. When I pulled into the Valero Truck Stop, I still had two hours until my appointment (at Walmart we can't go in earlier than 1 hour before). Needless to say, I'm wishing I made that stop.

Just to give you an idea of where Wintersville is, I am approximately 35 miles west of the Pittsburgh, PA area... that's including the little "spike" of West Virginia I will be passing through on the way.

Now I think I'll take a nap ( I should have stopped at Starbucks!).


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Day 204 (On Our Way To Youngstown)

I made it into Kentucky (just across the state line) at 0400 this morning. We started the day at around 1400, stopping for fuel in Jeffersonville, OH, and doing some grocery shopping in Grove City, OH. Clinton is going to drive us the rest of the way in for our first drop in Youngstown, OH.

Clinton seems a nice fellow. I won't say that I'm an excellent judge of character, but after the first day I can usually tell if we will be compatible enough to endure 3 weeks together. He lives in Memphis, unmarried, and in his early 40's. We get along pretty good... plus he either likes the music I have on my iPod, or at least tolerates it. I haven't gotten any Starbucks, but - on a whim - I tried the Pacific Northwest Iced Coffee from Denny's. I must say, it's not too bad... considering it is a restaurant chain's interpretation of the real deal - but not too bad.


- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 203 - (Haven't Left Russellville Yet)

Another peaceful Sabbath, though I'm still in Russellville, AR. I think HaShem had arranged it this way, to I would be able to partake in this week's Torah portion and enjoy this quiet time. That's always a good way to start off a training period with a new student.

This load wasn't ready last night because it was scheduled to load until tonight, which would explain why I am still here in Russellville. Since it doesn't load until today, then the deliveries will NOT be Sunday & Monday, but Monday & Tuesday. I guess that's what happens when I rush through things. What my plan is (at the moment) consists of getting the load, heading east to pick up Clinton, then, hopefully, making it into Kentucky before I shut down for the night. Tomorrow I'll give Clinton a little time behind the wheel, so I can try to gauge where his driving skills are. As usual, my goal is for him to be doing everything required on his third week. For now, I'll just take it one day at a time. In order to take it one day at a time, I'll have to start the days off the right way... time for coffee.


- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 202 (4 Weeks To Go)

I'm back on the road now, sitting here in Russellville, AR picking up a load that has two drops on Sunday in Ohio, then finishes off Monday morning in Pennsylvania. Once I'm done here, I'll stop at our North Little Rock terminal to pick up Clinton (my student). After being home for a few days, it's usually hard heading back out on the road, but since I've been home for a week, that makes it even more difficult to leave.

As some of you know (more specifically, those on Twitter and Facebook) I have been transferring some of the posts of earlier this year from WordPress to Blogger. I'm doing this to get all of my posts consolidated in one location (though I'm wondering if WordPress has become the better blogging platform). Blogger or WordPress seems to be the ongoing question among many different bloggers. The reason I chose the former is, when I first ventured in this realm of blogging (though at that time I wasn't even remotely avid in it), Blogger was the only platform I had heard of - so it stands to reason that would be the one I stick with... as opposed to the ones that jump to the "latest and the greatest." If you're a tech reviewer, then, yeah, check them out. I am not, nor am I a "power blogger" (nor do I do it for any financial gain - though it would be nice to write AND make money), but why jump around?

The only reason I started using WordPress was due to the fact they had an app that was iPhone compatible - Blogger did not. It was once I found the BlogPress app, that I went back to Blogger. Sure I can have even more flexibility with WP if I get a subscription, but if I'm going to pay, then why not start a website? I may go the website direction, but not now. Right now, I need to get some coffee.

What say you?


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Day 201 (I Will Have A New Student)

Today I'm enjoying my last day at home, for tomorrow it's back to work. I found out from Monica, my fleet manager, that I will be training a new student. His name is Clinton, he's from Memphis, and... that's all I know for right now. So far as I know (at the moment) he doesn't have a passport, so I may have to wait a while before I can get a load to Canada. That will be a bummer, since I'm excited about going.

As the last few days, this will be short. Since Tikvah has been sick this week, I'm going to head into the kitchen and start making some Matzoh Ball Soup with some chicken stock, hopefully that will help her. I've been at home for a week now (not making any money), and I'd much rather be here to take care of her until she's back on her feet, but unfortunately I don't have a disposable income. She is feeling better now than she did a couple days ago, so I hope this helps her more. Please (for those that do so) keep her in prayer.

Day 200 (Almost Time To Go Back To Work)

These last few days have been very relaxing, very enlightening, and quite enjoyable. Yesterday my medical procedure went well, tomorrow is my last full day at home. Our friend, Rabbi Cohen, will be heading out tomorrow, and the fellowship we have had with him has been - to say the least - eye opening. I have been hungry for that deep studying for a long time, and I now have a few resources to utilize for that type of study.

My procedure that was done yesterday has not left me in pain, but rather a little discomfort, so I know HaShem has His hand... after all, I did just fulfill a mitzvah. I do believe that I'll be seeing things through different eyes, studying scripture in a whole different way. Basically, HaShem will be taking Tikvah and I into a much deeper level. As I mentioned last night, I may start a different blog with these study insights, but they may not be for a couple weeks, or months.

Day 199 (I Am Now An "Ish Chodesh")

This morning I went into my doctor's appointment, for an out patient procedure... no big deal, it's over and done with. All afternoon my wife, Tikvah, and our dear friend, Rabbi Cohen, and I have been enjoying the conversation, fellowship, and studying (not to mention the lunch, coffee, cheesecake, then later, wine). Rabbi has been opening our eyes to some bind-blowing things in scripture. Things I may have to blog about in my other Blogger based blog, A Voice In The Wilderness (perhaps I may even cancel that one and start anew).

Plans tonight: playing it by ear.

... and coffee.

Day 198 (Toady Is My Birthday... Whoop-a-dee Doo)

Yes, today is my birthday, but also the birthdays of Vin Diesel and the late Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. My plans: I don't know... something, nothing, or everything. So with today being my birthday, why the heck am I blogging? I don't want to miss a day.

I'm done now.

Going to pour myself another cup of coffee.

Day 197 (Sunday: Relaxing And Work?!)

A nice day, very enjoyable to be home. Came home after services and my lovely wife, Tikvah, made a wonderful spicy Spaghetti for lunch/dinner, after which we lied down for a nap. We are up about now, but I'll have to leave in a couple hours. No big deal, though... it's just a quick run to Jonesboro, AR and back. My fleet manager, Monica, called Friday and asked if I could do this favor. The original driver tried to see if the customer would unload it early, but they wouldn't. So he came out here to the truck stop where I park and swapped both the trailers out.

I went out yesterday to check the level of the trailer fuel, and since it was low, I topped it off. I'll leave here about 1915, head to Jonesboro (the delivery appointment is for 2200), and once I'm empty, I'll head back - which means I'll have to set the DVR to record the latest episode of Leverage. Tomorrow I'm going to relax... it's my day.

Day 196 (Another Peaceful Sabbath)

It's been a very quiet and peaceful day, though it has been very hot outside. Another lazy day (they can be very therapeutic), and for dinner, I'm going to have breakfast. I've been putting it off for a while, but I'm finally going to try a recipe for English Pancakes that I got from fellow blogger (and a great person to follow on Twitter) Julie at Telling Tales. I'll first make the pancakes, then I'll fill put a cream cheese filling in the center and wrap them up and probably top them off with some powdered sugar and...

... I'm starting to get hungry, time to start cooking.

Day 195 (My First Lazy Day)

Today it was very nice to do nothing, except drink coffee and watch a House marathon. Which, as it's plain to see, I must have gotten a bit too lazy, since it's long past 1630 and I'm just now getting the post up. I'm rather upset, because I tried to open up iTunes earlier, but (and I'm guessing it's due to some virus that got in from one of the programs one of my sons downloaded) I'm unable to open, uninstall NOR re-install. I can't even update my iPhone nor my iPod. Anybody have any idea how this can be fixed?

Day 194 (A Welcomed Surprise)

Last night I shut down at the Pilot truck stop in West Memphis, AR, where I obtained one of the last 2 parking spot in the lot. Started rolling around 0745, continuing my trip to Ardmore, OK, when, about 75 miles east of North Little Rock, my fleet manager sent me a message NOT to go past our terminal there, that another driver was going to re-power the load. Once I arrived at the terminal, I inquired into the matter. I was then told the other driver was going to take the load the rest of the way, because the CSR (Customer Service Rep. a.k.a., the load planner) didn't think they would be able to get me another load that would ensure my making it home by Monday.

So I went in and got all my laundry finished, linked up with the other driver and did the trailer swap. My next assignment: go home. Yes, go home! Not that I'm complaining at all, though I would like another short run before Monday, but if this is the order of the day... then, I'll go home. This will be nice... I'll have a few extra days of relaxation (maybe).

By the way... yes, I got some coffee today!


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Day 193 (Oklahoma Bound)

I unloaded this morning at Elkton, KY, waited a couple hours before my next load, which I'm now on. This (another broker load) picks up in Franklin, KY (about 45 minutes north of Nashville, TN) and delivers Friday in Ardmore, OK. It seems to me that if a company (in this case, the shipper) schedules an appointment time for a load, they should keep to their own schedule. My appointment was for 1300. I was not late. In fact, I arrived 1 1/2 hours early, only to find out I will be waiting at least 3 hours, because the load "isn't ready". I spent 8 years in the military, so I understand (especially in the Marine Corps) the importance of schedules and being on time. With many of these facilities, if the driver is late - the driver is punished (either by waiting several hours to load or unload, or having the appointment rescheduled); but if the delay falls on the shoulders of that particular customer, well... we, as the drivers, are forced to "deal with it" or to "suck it up".

Believe or not, this is a fairly common practice. Many don't understand what we have to endure on a daily basis. Many don't care. Some have actually said, "that's life." No, that's not life, that's incompetence. If you set a schedule - then can't keep it - adjust your planning practices. If that doesn't work, get better management. Incompetence is something that has so infiltrated our society to the point that it's common practice. I have made it a habit to strive for efficiency and excellence. I try to plan where I want to be when I shut down for the night, before I start the day on my load. I plan in accordance with the load destination and the time I have to be there. I do this so I can make the best use of my driving time available. If this routine is delayed due to poor planning of a customer's managerial staff, then I can get a bit irritable... I'm not able to make the best use of my time, which takes away the time I had allocated that allowed me to stop for Starbucks - which, in turn, could elevate my irritability.

I have't had any coffee yet... can you tell?


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Day 192 (A Visit To Izzy's)

This afternoon, I made my delivery in Mason, OH, now I'm on my way to Elkhart, KY for tomorrow morning. Rather than my usual banter, I want to make you aware of a fabulous place to eat. This is a place that has a challenge similar to that of The Big Texan steakhouse in Amarillo, TX (72 ounce steak, with all the "fixins", in an hour or less), but more befitting my fellow foodies who may prefer to frequent the deli's in their area. In Florence, KY (about 10 miles south of Cincinnati, OH, and the location I'm familiar with - as there is a Starbucks next door) about a large variety of stores, shops, and other eateries, is a place that is worth a visit at ANY time. Izzy's is not new to the food industry by any means. In fact, the birth of Izzy's goes back to 1901, when they first opened the first store in Cincinnati. I've eaten there before, ordering just a standard Reuben sandwich. I say "standard" because they also have what is called "The 110 Challenge."

What this consists of is the complete consumption (on the premises, of course) of their massive (and that is not an exaggeration) sandwich. It has one full pound of Corned Beef:






as well as all the other items of a Reuben: sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, PLUS a huge potato pancake (which is actually 4 of their standard potato pancakes cooked as one):







all this, as well as a large pickle... after all, what's a Reuben without the pickle?

This entire masterpiece even has a specially made rye bun to accommodate it's contents. When it's all put together, it's quite a site:





















For those that may brave enough to take this challenge, this gastronomic behemoth must be consumed in 30 minutes or less... and it has been done! To get it as it is (as in my case - to go) it will run you about $30 (just under $32 with tax), if you attempt to eat it at their restaurant, and are unsuccessful, they will only charge you about $20, and get a pin-on button:







If you, however, take the challenge... and succeed, you get the sandwich for free, plus a t-shirt:







Look on their website for other locations, in case you happen to live near one, or if you're traveling through the Cincinnati area. Even if you don't take the challenge, their sandwiches - and their potato pancakes - are amazing! By the way, my completed sandwich weighed in at 5.70 pounds... this is going to take me a few days to complete (I'll be taking a few bites for you, Dad... may you rest in peace!).


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Day 191 (One More Week Until I'm Home)

This morning was, well... a morning. I was up at 0530 (eastern time, though my body was protesting since it's still on central) and checked in. The facility was in such disarray, it was hard to believe how they are still in business. I was told to back into a door that still had a truck backed up to it, while the driver was waiting in line to get his paperwork so he could leave. Once I did get backed in, then to the receiving office, it was an hour before I got up to the window.

Now that it's over, I'm on this broker load that I've already loaded in Fulton, NY (north of Syracuse), then to Sharonville, OH (just north of Cincinnati) where they will unload this and reload my trailer with product that goes to the final destination of Elkhart, KY (where ever that is). All this is to be finished by 0600 Wednesday morning. It's not too bad though, since this is a really light load. The most frustrating thing so far is that of all the service plazas on the New York Thruway (I-90 toll road), not one of them has a Starbucks. The way it's looking so far, I may have to wait until tomorrow for my coffee fix.

This can not end well.


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Day 190 (Another Week To Begin)

This trip is now finished, tomorrow comes the oh so exciting task of an early morning delivery. The day started off rather well, as I paid another visit to the Grace Church congregation in Harbor Creek, PA. Good service, great worship (awesome team!), and enjoyable fellowship. I also extend my thanks and gratitude to Mike, Paul, and Dustin for making it all possible (and the weather was pretty mild, too).

Now that this trip is finished, one of my self-appointed assignments tomorrow will be to seek out a Starbucks... seeing as I was derelict in getting to one today.

Oh well... you win some, you lose some.


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Day 189 (Heading East... Again)

I was loaded last night, but due to my hours, I didn't leave Franklin Park, IL until this morning... with my first grandé triple Marble Mocha Machiatto from Starbucks in three days. I'm presently on the Ohio Turnpike, continuing east, and stopped on the Commodore Perry Service Plaza, where I obtained a refill of the aforementioned tasty beverage as well as getting a Lox & Bagel from Einstein Bros. Bagels.

The weather has been a little warm, but nice, and traffic hasn't been too bad either. Lovely days like this are such a blessing from The L-rd, and especially so on the Sabbath. It makes one truly thankful to be in good health - and employed... more so considering the tumultuous times we are currently in. As we see how drastically our society is changing (unfortunately not for the better), and those very changes are being choreographed and conducted which are leading us down a destructive path toward Socialism (or in the theme of Ayn Rand, a country of "looters"). Where the very idea of wealth is being told to us as being "bad"... ironically enough, by the very ones who are wealthy, and are so off the work & sweat of others' labor - NOT their own.

But I digress... even in the midst of these economically stressful times, we should find our joy not in what we have, but in the surroundings around us (trees, mountains, birds, etc.) and, more importantly, The Creator that has provided these for us. Take joy in these things. Do something impulsive, like breaking out in a dance in the middle of a grocery store, all the while offering praise and thanks to G-d that He has given you that joy. Remember, wherever we go and whatever we do, G-d is always watching us... the least we could do is be entertaining!


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Day 188 (What A Day!)

As I mentioned yesterday, I had just enough time (after I got loaded) to make it to the truck stop before I ran out of hours. Therefore, I was leaving out of Washington Courthouse, OH at about 0900 (Eastern time) this morning, drove straight through to Peoria, IL and arrived there at a little past 1430 (they gave me until 1500, otherwise I would have to wait until Monday to get unloaded). They made short order of the unloading process, after which I (after making a fuel stop) made it to Franklin Park, IL, (the Chicago area) and still have 52 minutes of driving left.

I would have made it sooner, except I hit rush hour traffic. The problem is that during the afternoon rush hour, the heavy traffic is usually on the side leaving the metro city (in this case, Chicago), but the heavier traffic was on the north bound side of I-55 - going into the metro area. I figure that the reason is, perhaps, there is a baseball game going on tonight (why bother with either the Cubs or the White Sox... they BOTH stink - here that, Chris?). Speaking of baseball, my Red Sox are back in the #1 spot for their division again (YANKEES STINK WORSE THAN SKUNKS!!!).

In other news, we now have a new addition to our family, which my lovely wife, Tikvah, just adopted from our local Humane Society shelter. So, ladies & gentlemen... meet Lady:





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Day 187 (Doing Something Long Overdue)

I made it here to Walmart (how I so detest them) in Washington Courthouse, OH. My next load actually picks up literally around the corner from here and goes to Peoria, IL, to which I should be theresometime tomorrow. What I will be doing after that is still unknown.

I started doing this blog at the beginning of the year on a challenge by some good people on Twitter. When I first began, I was using the WordPress blogging platform, as there was an app for said platform that was iPhone friendly. Though I already had an account on Blogger (and actually preferred that better), I was still a bit limited with what I could do on Blogger via iPhone. Over time I came across an app that supported both. I kept the WordPress going for awhile, but eventually transitioned back to Blogger (and, sadly, lost a couple subscribers whom didn't follow me over). Over the next coming days and/or weeks (whichever case may apply), I will be re-posting those earlier posts here on the Blogger account - not in lieu of the daily posting, but to make them accessible here.

That having been said, there are a few days (somewhere between 3 and 5, to be more precise) that will NOT be posted, due to the fact that while playing around with the BlogPress app, I deleted those posts - permanently. Call it "being unfamiliar with the app's capabilities" if you like, but I prefer (only because I tend to be my own worst critic) to call it "a temporary case of Cerebral Flatulence".

I think I may also try to contact those prior subscribers and ask if they would consider... I dare say that it is "new & improved" (as it is neither), perhaps the best thing is to be honest: get on my virtual hands & knees and beg for a second chance. If that doesn't work, I'll just bribe them with a drink from Starbucks (well, it would work for me).


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Day 186 (Heading To Ohio)

This morning I rolled into Olathe, KS and the load I picked up was ready and pre-loaded. This can be surprising at times considering it's a Tyson facility. This load is taking me to Washington Courthouse, OH for tomorrow afternoon. It's not a bad run, but I wait, patiently, for this company to acquire some new accounts that will have some good runs. It gets rather mundane to run just in a certain regional area. Trust me, I like the work, but I'm longing for a change of scenery.

I enjoy going into the northern states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, both Dakotas), and of course, the west, as well as the Pacific Northwest. Winter time in those states don't bother me. Many drivers refuse to go up there in the snow, but I don't mind (then again, I like snow). As long as you don't drive like some moron, snow is not bad. The northern states have the equipment to deal with it, and are not afraid to use it... which is more than I can say for the state of Arkansas.

I guess the reason I'm going on about snow is, since it's summer (and hot), the imagery might play some sort of psychological trick on the mind and help to cool you down... it's working for me (then again, my truck's a/c is working - well!).

Now I'm off, continuing my venture down the road to Ohio, and perhaps seek out some Starbucks (who am I kidding... that is a requirement for me).


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Day 185 (Back To "Business As Usual")

I didn't think it fitting to have as my parenthetical title "Back To Work" as I had not really been away from it, I was still on the road and away from my family. I am, sadly, used to it; being away from home, and especially during a holiday. This is the life I lead, then again, there's not much other options to choose from, since where I live the other available employment is retail, fast food, or factory. In an area where the main factor at play that determines what position you can occupy is "it's not what you know, but who you know", there's little left to be desired. Sure, that may be an unspoken policy everywhere, but at least in a larger city you don't notice as much because, at times, what you know actually does matter... and can bear a favorable outcome on one's behalf.

I've made my delivery in Springfield, MO this morning, and once I get unloaded at this Walmart in Moberly, MO, I'll be on my way to Olathe, KS (another Tyson) to pick up my next load going to Washington Courthouse, OH (another Walmart). It could be worse... I could be without coffee.

That could be bad.

VERY bad.


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Day 184 (Independence Day)

Today is Independence Day, the day we declared our independence from British rule, so no history lesson is needed here. However, elected officials are so great in setting a theme for celebrations that are so inappropriate for the occasion. For example (and this is a true story), in Effingham, IL, the theme for their celebrations are "Remembering 9/11". Don't get me wrong, the tragedy of that day should NEVER be forgotten, but to focus upon it on the day where the celebration should be that we became our own nation away from the rule of Monarchy (as our forefathers did) is, in my opinion, not only ridiculous and absurd, but also disrespectful to the memory and historical purpose of the reason we celebrate this day to begin with.

Let us NOT forget our fallen heroes that gave us this freedom to begin with (240 years, and counting). This is the reason our country is in such disarray... leaders (from the local level all the way to the Federal level) taking things out of perspective, yet such things continue as planned because the masses keep silent. If the people of Effingham had said, "There is a time and place for everything. Independence Day is neither for your agenda." then the whole theme would have been scrapped.

We are a nation with a government "for the people, by the people" yet the same servants "of the people" have strayed so far from what was intended at the founding of this nation, it's no longer the same country, nor is it better. When we have members of congress preparing to end annual pay raises for the military, yet continue to vote their own raises in every year, then there is a serious problem. Consider this: most members of Congress make 6 figures a year, while most of our troops are below poverty. As far as health care is concerned, I have no problem with my taxes going to provide health care for our military, but with the annual salaries these politicians bring in - make ALL politicians pay for their own!

Most importantly, let's bring this country back into perspective... into a country we can continue to be proud of for generations to come.

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Day 183 (I'm Done Until Tuesday)

Yesterday my plan was, once I finished unloading, to head to Rogers, AR and shut down for the night. That didn't happen. Thanks to the ever vigilant efficiency of Walmart (note the sarcasm), I did not have the time on my logbook to make it the 90 some odd miles to Rogers. As I mentioned yesterday (I think), my next load is going from Rogers to Springfield, MO (Tuesday morning at 0900), then finishing off in Moberly, MO (that afternoon at 1525). Surprisingly enough, I called Tyson last night to inquire of the progress of that load, to find out that it was already loaded.

So I slept in a little this morning, made a couple stops in Springdale (to take care of a few things), up to Rogers. There I did my drop & hook and prepared my ingredients for tonight's dinner, via my crock pot. Last night I put my (just under) 3 pound roast in a Lock & Lock container, pierced it with a fork, then emptied the contents of 2 bottles of Liquid Smoke (1 Hickory flavored, 1 Mesquite flavored) where the roast sat, marinating in the refrigerator for 12 hours. In about 1 more hour it should be ready for consumption (along with the other ingredients of garlic, red pearl onions, and a chopped dried chipotle pepper). I intended to add some fresh green beans for the last 1 1/2 hours, but the grocery store I stopped at had none, so the beans were substituted with petite mushrooms.

I am about 18 miles from the customer of the first drop, and I will remain at this truck stop (T/A in Strafford, MO, I-44 exit 88 - in case somebody is in the area and feels like popping in for a visit) until about 0715 Tuesday morning... and I'll be able to get a restart on my logbook.

Oh yeah... yes, I stopped at a Starbucks - just in case you were wondering.


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Day 182 (A Short Weekend, Yet So Long)

I am sitting about a quarter mile from the Walmart D.C. I'll be delivering at shortly, but I figured I should get this out (even though I'm already past my deadline). Once I'm finished at Walmart, I'll make my way up to Rogers, AR. What I said in my parenthetical title is due to the fact that I'm picking up this next load at Tyson, and it may not be ready. The latest they have to get it loaded is 0400 Tuesday morning, to which my first drop is due at 0900 in Springfield, MO, then finishes off at 1535 in Moberly, MO. For a total of 299 miles, it's not much, and doesn't afford me the luxury of going home. I hope the trailer will be pre-loaded, as I would much rather sit at the customer waiting to be unloaded then being out on the road at zero-dark-thirty, against my body's natural sleeping rhythm.

Other than that, it's been a peaceful Sabbath... hotter than H - E - double hockey stick, but peaceful. I really shouldn't kvetch too much about the next load... it's better than the previously pre-planned load, which didn't deliver until Wednesday morning in Springfield, OH (though I wouldn't mind a load with more miles on it). At least I'll be able to get a restart on my logbook.

... and coffee (Starbucks, perhaps).


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Day 181 (Reschedule, Refresh)

After the long day of yesterday, it was nice to be able to slow down a bit. I didn't get loaded last night in Crown Point, IN until after 2200, and by then I had less than 45 minutes left on my logbook. Once I shut down in Merrillville, IN (for those of you who are music aficionados of the Industrial/Cyber Punk genre, you would probably know that Merrillville was where Ministry filmed their In Case You Didn't Feel Like Showing Up concert), I sent a message to my company that I wouldn't be making my appointment on time, which was set for 2030 (not 1830, as I had mentioned yesterday) today. This morning I called the broker of this load to inform him of the same, and of the circumstances as to why the previously set appointment could not be kept.

Last night did bring some rain, which made for a relaxing mood, and a good night's sleep. This afternoon I received the confirmation that the appointment had been rescheduled for 1830 (that is the correct time) tomorrow. Today's travels offered 3 stops along the way: the Lincoln Oasis (a service plaza on the I-80 toll road south of Chicago - yes, a Starbucks stop), a rest area (self explanatory), and our terminal in Madison, IL (shower, laundry, and Starbucks). Tomorrow's adventures will be... well, told tomorrow.


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Day 180 (Such A Long Day)

I started from a rest area in East Richland, OH (if you were traveling west on I-70, it would be the first rest area you come to after leaving West Virginia), and since then it has been a great big hustle (or hassle, if that's what you prefer). The customer in Indianapolis made short order of unloading me, then I had to take off right away to head up to load up my pre-plan. This one has me going from Crown Point, IN to Clarksville, AR.

I called the broker of this load to let him know I wouldn't be at the shipper until 1930, instead of the 1830 appointment time. Looking at it now, I may not be able to make my 1800 delivery appointment tomorrow either. A lot of factors are at play with these delays: the delay in loading at the shipper in New Jersey yesterday (that, plus the joke of a truck stop when I fueled yesterday, depleted at least 1 1/2 hours of drive time). Now I am here in Crown Point waiting to get put in a door, then the matter of how long they will take to load.

The only thing that makes this whole ordeal even more difficult to cope with is that I haven't had any coffee today.


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Day 179 (In Jersey Now, But Not For Long)

This morning I made contact with the broker and sorted everything out concerning this load, then began my trek into New Jersey. I originally wanted to head in here last night, but was unsure of this particular part of Newark (roads, overnight parking locations, etc.). If I knew for sure where this place was and where I could park, I would have tried to get together with an old friend from my Marine Corps days. I'm sure I'll get a chance to hang out with "Mojo" one of these days (and I said that to myself last time I was here).

For those who have never been to New Jersey, I would recommend studying street maps, routes, and computer/GPS images BEFORE coming... this is a very fast paced area, that can get very hectic and, if you don't know where you're going, confusing. Not to mention that the surface street network is designed to replicate the erratic path of veins in the human body.

Once I'm done here, I'll start making my way to Indianapolis, to deliver sometime tomorrow.

Of course, I'll make a stop along the way for Starbucks.

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