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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shabbat Shalom!!

Year 2, Day 220 (A True Audiophile)

This past weekend, when I was at home, one of the tasks I take on from time to time is converting some of my vinyl records onto my iTunes library. There have been many people that have asked me how that is done. Anybody who is a tech geek (like myself) will either find the technology or find a way. Fortunately I have the former, a turntable that plugs directly into the computer via a USB cord.

I have sporadically gone through this conversion procedure for the past few years, sometimes a song or two from an album, sometimes an entire album. This weekend was a little of both. One of the complete albums undergoing said process was one which I had not heard in its entirety in years (since high school, to be exact), yet still remains intact as one of his best albums, period. the album: The Nylon Curtain by Billy Joel. Though radio stations still play "Allentown", and occasionally throw on "Pressure", there are still many solid gold gems among those grooves, including the Beatles-esque Magical Mystery Tour era flavored "Scandinavian Skies" as well as Joel's tribute to Viet Nam veterans, "Goodnight Saigon".

Even though there is a program - which I have - to clean up the "pops" and "hisses" that are trademarks of vinyl record, I choose not to simply because that's the beauty of music via vinyl. That, and the fact that, even decades later, vinyl is STILL superior for the quality and depth in music.

Year 2, Day 219 (What Shall I Do Today... I Think Drive)

I completed this trip by arriving in Hanover Park, IL (a suburb just west of Chicago) at just after 2300. My day started (actually continued) from Matthews, MO yesterday at around 1400, since I didn't leave North Little Rock until, well... late. Along the way, I made a stop in Effingham, IL mainly for the purpose of visiting the local Starbucks, but also popping in to Panda Express (which also served as this morning's breakfast). This load, though, had me up at 0330, for a 0400 appointment (i quite sure I've mentioned it before, but I loathe early morning deliveries). After this delivery, and the subsequent completion of the mandated 10 hour break, I headed into Chicago to pick up a candy load.

I had very much hoped for a load that would put me in position to load out of Tulsa, OK on Friday, going to Woodinville, WA/Burnaby, BC. Now that I'm no longer training, I have my bike with me, and I am very anxious and eager to hit the bike trail there in Woodinville. Instead, I'm picking up a load of produce in Wisconsin going to Forest Park, GA (just outside of Atlanta) for Friday. Obviously nowhere near where I would hope to be, but that's the nature of the beast... and I certainly don't plan to go cycling in that area - it's flippin' humid down that way!

At least my Starbucks will help ease the sting of rejection... temporarily.

Year 2, Day 218 (Today Could Have Been Worse)

So I left out from home yesterday to head back out on the road, only to be told to head to the North Little Rock terminal. The reason for this was there was another driver whose load I was going to re-power. This driver (whom I already knew) was not only bringing his student in to be released, but also getting some work done on his truck. He arrived after 2200 to which I hooked up to that trailer and left, in order to get a couple hundred miles covered before shutting down. It's due in the Chicago area tomorrow morning at 0400, so I'm glad I covered some ground, since that is over 600 miles from North Little Rock.

This new truck seems to be running pretty good, so far. After the past several months of being in a truck that only ran 62 mph, it's a change of pace to have a truck that can go 65. Granted, it's only a difference of 3 mph, but that subtle change can (and does) make a difference in the overall travel time. Plus, with this new truck (and not having to worry about space limitations between two people) I now have my bike with me, and I am eagerly awaiting for a load going up to Woodinvile, WA so I can hit their bike paths.

But for now, I need coffee.

Year 2, Day 217 (Back To Work)

This is one of those days I usually dread, the reason being I know it's time to go back to work. I've had a very nice time at home, even getting some very quiet time yesterday (Nathan spend the night at his Grandmother's house - my Mother-in-law - to help her with some things, cleaning up the yard, etc.). Last night we purchased an iPod Shuffle for my wife, Tikvah, her first. She had been looking to get an mp3 player for work, and asked me if she did that, could she load some of the songs from our iTunes library on it, I told her only if it was an Apple product. Once we made the purchase and returned home, she asked if I would show her how to put songs on it (since she had never dealt with such an item before). Once we registered the Shuffle, we went through the library to create a playlist for her. I then showed her how simple it was to load songs on the playlist, and that loading them onto the iPod was even easier. She will be trying it out for the first time today, since she received a call yesterday asking if she could help out at the farm.

Relaxation, family, and copious amounts of coffee... yes, this was a VERY good weekend.

Year 2, Day 216 (A Good Start To The Day)

This is my last day at home before I head back out on the road. I was up this morning at 0630 for the express purpose of getting a ride in for two reasons: a) the weather was a bit cooler, thus more tolerable, and, b) there would be less traffic to deal with. Since I'm still trying to get back into the whole cycling thinig, my trip was 6 1/2 miles, but there were a lot of hills. It may not show on this map of the route I took, but it was causing my thighs to do some screaming at me.

Since I'm no longer training, I've decided to take the bike on the truck with me, this way I'll be able to get the exercise that my line of work is lacking in. I plan on getting my various routes, as well as some pictures, post periodically over the next few weeks.

Now it's time for some coffee.

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

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

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

Year 2, Day 214 (People Are So Easily Distracted)

I have noticed for some time, and most particularly within the past few months, just how unfocused our society is, and how easily their attention can be diverted from what's impotant. Case in point: the Chik-Fil-A "controversy". Things have obviously been blown out of perspective, all thanks to the Main Stream Media. As I have seen it, the comments made by the company's founder were a by-product of the overall interview, but the MSM have zoomed in on one small aspect of the overall issue being discussed. Think about it, because one person has a viewpoint different than your own, makes him (or her, as we have seen in other issues) a "hater" or "bigot"? The bigger picture is not the viewpoints/opinions expressed, but, in fact, the idea that that particular story take precedence over the issues that really matter, such as jobs in America (or lack thereof), the economy, and/or what legislation is being passed, while we are currently being kept occupied with frivolous issues.

For example, Obama's minions talk about the jobs he "created", which are really nothing more than more positions in the government sector and more favors for the union bigshots - a form of "outsourcing", no different from Romney's outsourcing of jobs to India (which is speculated, since the majority of that took place allegedly after he left Bain)... which is no different than what has already been happening at the hands of the "customer service" departments of AT&T, MSN, Verizon, etc. The current Administration "created" jobs, yet there is already in place a program within the Department of Transportation, CSA (short for Compliance, Safety, Accountability), which, when it was put in place, was retroactive. In essence, a driver - whom may have been hit with a couple of speeding tickets in the past few years and is trying to correct his or her mistakes through the passage of time, as well as policing themselves - is graded on a safety score. If it gets to a certain point, they get terminated, regardless of what actions they are currently taking to correct their wrongs. In summation, this is not job creation, but just the opposite. This is no different from NAFTA, the bill that was probably started by the first Bush, then signed into law by Clinton. They said it was going to be good for America, when, instead, it became the "blank check" many companies needed to shut down their operations here in America and move to Mexico. We didn't see the fallout of NAFTA until 5-10 years down the road... do you still think it's "good for America"? Sift through the news and weed out the unimportant, turn off Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, or whatever "reality show" you watch, and focus more upon the important things, like the politicians that are passing legislation that bleed us dry, yet bring them countless benefits.

Have a blessed and joyous Sabbath!

Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 213 (There's No Place Like Home)

Nathan and I made it home at just after midnight, getting home much later than I had wanted. I am officially no longer a trainer, though I'm still a little perplexed as to how that came about. I moved into the new truck yesterday, which - because of Nathan's help - took less time than expected. After the move, with some organizing afterward, some minor things were done on the truck (in the shop), but what took so long was the tire seal (and subsequent bearing) on the trailer that had to be replaced. We finally left out of there at a little after 2200.

The good thing is, I no longer have to share what little space those trucks have with another... besides Nathan and Tikvah, that is. I went to bed late last night, but there was coffee this morning (thanks to Tikvah, who, unfortunately, had to work today), so all is good.

Year 2, Day 212 (On The Final Stretch)

I had hoped to make it to the customer last night before I shut down, but with the hours I had available - and the various delays along the way - I ended up shutting down in Ripley, TN, just 15 miles away and only 7 minutes left on my logbook. I parked at a Walmart for the night only because there was no truck stop. Once I started moving around this morning, and had read today's section of this week's Torah portion, I made my way to the customer to do a drop & hook. I had to make a stop in the North Little Rock terminal to take care of a few things before heading home.

I have enjoyed having Nathan with me for these last few weeks. I was rather bummed than I was unable to secure a load that would take us to the northwest, but at least he was able to get into Canada. This may be a difficult year for my wife and I, for the simple fact that Nathan - the youngest of four boys - will be graduating from high school this upcoming school year. His plans are to go to college, but it's still hard because we will be faced, after all the years, with the "empty nest".

Maybe we'll throw a party.

Year 2, Day 211 (Homeward Bound Very Soon)

Though it may have taken a while to get loaded yesterday, Nathan and I did get out of there with a little time left to drive. I stopped in South Beloit, WI to scale out, then I shut down for the night in Rochelle, IL. Even though there was still nearly 1 1/2 hours left of available driving time, I chose Rochelle because there was a Pilot nearby where we could get a shower. There was also a Petro (which is where we parked where we could get a good meal while I washed what was left of our laundry.

The food at The Iron Skillet (Petro's in-house restaurant) has always had good food, and last night was no exception. Nathan had the Sirloin Steak Sandwich, while I went with the 7 Pepper Whitefish.

Today gives me a little over 500 miles to cover on this load. It's due tomorrow morning, but we do have a drop trailer there, so I can do a drop & hook and be out of there. No telling if I will load up something else and have it re-powered to another driver, or if I will just get sent home from there. One thing is certain, I'm ready to go home and relax!

Now to get some coffee.

Year 2, Day 210 (From Beer To Candy)

Due to running very low on hours yesterday, Nathan and I called it a day at about 1700 in Effingham, IL. That left me a total of 200 miles (give or take) left on this run. We were both hungry, so we feasted at the Panda Express, which is just across the parking lot from the T/A Travel Center (across the street from the Flying J where we were parked), then afterwards, Starbucks. This meant that I had to get up pretty early (about 0530) to get on the road. After I finish here unloading the rest of the beer, I'll head up to Delavan, WI to pick up a load of Andes mints. That load is going to Covington, TN for Wednesday morning, but I'll be able to do a drop & hook sometime tomorrow. That load will also be getting the both of us to our current place of residence.

I've enjoyed having Nathan along for the last few weeks, it was anything but typical and mundane. It's hard to believe that one more year of high school, then he'll be off to college. My youngest son, with his eye set on either USC or UCLA.

Year 2, Day 209 (300 Miles To The First Drop)

I made it from Rockwall, TX (just east outside of Dallas) to Hayti, MO (on the southeast corner of the state, 19 miles north of the Missouri/Arkansas state lines) before I shut down for the night. The traffic hasn't been very bad at all along the way. However, I did take a detour. Just east of Little Rock I know there is some construction going on, and the drivers being normally inconsiderate, that area can get pretty jacked up. So I took a detour north that brings me into the south side of Jonesboro, thens skirts a little south, then back east and north again, putting me on the east side of Paragould, AR, where I pick up U.S. 412, which then brings me to Hayti, MO. That route may take a little more time, but it's also a little shorter.

Once Nathan and I leave out of here, I'll more than likely make a stop in Effingham, IL to top off the fuel (and of course get us some Starbucks) before finishing for the day.

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

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

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

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

Shabbat Shalom!

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

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

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

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

May your Sabbath be blessed!

Year 2, Day 206 (Texas Bound For Tomorrow Morning)

I made it to Erlanger, KY just in time for my appointment to pick up a load of ice cream. Nathan and I made a couple stops afterwards, one of which was a run to Starbucks. We shut down in Union City, TN with less than 30 minutes left on my logbook, at an early enough time to get a decent parking spot at the truck stop. Today I have an appointment at 1300 in the shop at our North Little Rock terminal (I had enough foresight to schedule it yesterday) to get some repairs done on the truck. Hopefully it will not be a long, drawn out process.

While in North Little rock I hope to make another Starbucks run for the final leg of this trip, though I don't like having a 0600 delivery appointment in Lufkin, TX. It happens sometimes, but it seems that everyday this week has started with an early morning. But I feel blessed nevertheless, as I was able to fully keep the Sabbath last week. I'm due home a week from now, and I am (as always) looking forward to it. I was considering extending it for another week to get a load going up to the northwest, but as I look at the logbook I see that my initial plan, most likely, wouldn't happen. That plan is, as in the past, to get up to Woodinville, WA on Monday night and get a re-start. Unfortunately I wouldn't have the hours to get up there at that time.

It happens.

Year 2, Day 205 (I'm Beginning To Feel A Little Ragged)

I started out later than I had planned on yesterday, by nearly 2 hours. I made it to the customer, but unfortunately my sleep was a bit broken: up at around 0300 (ET), then on the road again (after my 10 hour break) at around 0630 (CT), in order to make my appointment for this load on time, which was 1000 (ET)... and being 150 miles away was no easy task, especially since my truck only runs 62 MPH. This load delivers Friday morning (at 0600 CT) in Lufkin, TX.

I probably could have made better time yesterday, had I taken a different (albeit longer) route... those hills on I-68 in Maryland can be pretty rough. Another unfortunate thing is that I'm going to try to stop at the North Little Rock terminal to get some work done on the truck. Yesterday afternoon, while driving through West Virginia, one of the tail light mounting brackets on the truck broke... yes, a steel bracket broke. That may be a common occurrence on an older truck, but this truck is only 1 1/2 years old.

I need some Starbucks... in a major way!

Year 2, Day 204 (On The Way To Kentucky)

I was up at 0530 (CT), my second day in a row, to make sure I spent some time in the Torah before heading out to make the delivery in Bethlehem, PA. I arrived 45 minutes before my appointment time, but it took a while to get unloaded. From there I headed to Souderton, which is just north of Philadelphia. Fortunately it was a drop & hook. What was unfortunate was that there was a bit of damage to the trailer... which leaves me to get the repairs done.

Since it was a drop & hook, I was able to be in & out relatively quickly. I was hoping to have covered more miles, but with the damage, that cut me shorter than what I wanted. My original plan was to get into West Virginia then shut down someplace there, but the repairs had been done in Greencastle, PA (about 5 miles north of the Maryland state line), so that was the end of the line for the night.

I only have 530 miles left to cover, but the fact that my delivery appointment in London, KY is for 0300 (ET) on Wednesday means that I was up at 0530 (CT) this morning...again.

Coffee was definitely in order this morning.

Year 2, Day 203 (Yesterday Was A Full Day)

After getting a re-start on my logbook, I had a full day ahead of me yesterday, just to keep on schedule. I left from Knoxville, TN at a little after 0700 (CT). I stopped to get fuel, twice (the last one being in Pennsylvania, on I-78), as well as a couple of "pit stops" and one to pick up a few things from the grocery store. Nathan and I called it a night at around 2000 (CT) in Shartlesville, PA, only leaving a little over 45 miles left to cover. Normally I would have gone straight to the customer, but this particular customer does not allow overnight parking.

By now, the tragedy that happened in Colorado is emblazoned in all our minds. the question is: what can be done about it. There will be a plethora of theories and opinions, so here is mine. Had Colorado allowed for a concealed carry law, the casualties and injuries would have been much less than what we now know. There are many that support stricter gun laws, most politicians feel this way. However, no matter how much stiffer the existing gun laws become, the fact of the matter is that the ones that are already committing the crimes are not law abiding citizens. Think of this: Phoenix, AZ allows for concealed carry, Chicago, IL has some of the stiffest gun control laws; yet when you search for some statistics, the crime rate of Chicago is higher than that of Phoenix... see the trend? Had the Denver area allowed for a concealed carry mandate, there would have been several well-trained good Samaritans in that theatre and the injured & casualty counts would have been substantially less, possibly near non-existent.

"When the government fears the people, there is freedom; when the people fear the government, there is tyranny" - Thomas Jefferson

Does our government fear "We the people"?

Year 2, Day 202 (A Piece Of History Off The Beaten Path)

The other day (Friday, to be specific), after I had unloaded in Chattanooga, TN, I was told by Monica (my Fleet Manager) to head to Mt. Juliet, TN (just east of Nashville) to re-power a load from another driver, so that he can go home for his time off. Once Nathan and I were on the road, I received a call from the other driver. He informed me he would be there in Mt. Juliet at around 1530. Having mulled over a thought for a few minutes, I decided to take a slight detour - about 12 miles north of the interstate - to a small Tennessee town named Whitwell.

Whitwell is not a thriving metropolis by any means, but what drew me in that direction is one particular attraction they have: The Holocaust Memorial, located in front of Whitwell Middle School. I won't go into detail as to how that transpired, but I will strongly encourage you to rent (or purchase) the video Paper Clips.

For starters, to see the Memorial, just go to Whitwell Middle School (located at 1 Butterfly Lane, Whitwell, TN 37397), but for visitation after school hours or during Summer, you may get the key from Smith Brother Grocery, about 1 1/2 miles north on TN 28, about 2 blocks north of City Hall (both of which are on the west side of the highway). One thing that's very interesting to note is the Memorial is in an actual railcar, used by the Nazis (built in 1917) to transport the Jews, Polish, etc. to the concentration camps (I chose to take those photos in black & white, mainly for the feel of that era).

There are several plaques, both inside and out, giving different information, as well as memorials to this structure, as well as this tragic time in history.

Inside can be found not only the paper clips that were donated - symbolic of the 6 million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust - but also several other interesting artifacts (note: the school has displayed the 6 million paper clips, but has had many more than that donated... they stopped counting after 30 million.).

One thing I found to be very emotional was their grasp of the Judaic traditions, by their addition of a mezuzah on the right side of the entranceway into the Memorial:

I took the opportunity to go on this detour for two reasons: a) I don't travel this way very often, and, b) it would be a very memorable experience that I was able to share with my youngest son... a piece of history that he can carry with him forever.

Year 2, Day 201 (A Re-Start On The Sabbarh)

After making my way to Mt. Juliet, TN yesterday to re-power a load, I shut down in Knoxville, TN and decided to get a re-start here. I may have put more work on myself by doing so, since the load is due in Bethlehem, PA at 1000 (ET) on Monday, but I felt it was more important - for me, anyway - to honor the Sabbath... a day of rest. I actually feel more rested and at peace today, after spending all afternoon getting caught up on my readings of The Daily Dose Of Torah, and especially after reading this week's portion with my son Nathan. I find myself more relaxed, especially since I have pushed out all work-related thoughts, and focused more upon HaShem, and more importantly, how I can seek G-d's guidance to be more of a positive influence in a society presently riddled with negativity.

It says in Scripture how we are to always remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy (Exodus 20:8 is the first place where this is mentioned), and I've always jumped at the opportunity to shut down for the Sabbath, and, basically, "unplug" from whatever circumstances are going on around me, yet if there is a chance to share with another about what my studies have taught me, I want to be open and receptive to the guidance of HaShem's Spirit to do so.

May you all be blessed.

Year 2, Day 200 (Another Re-Power On Another Weekend)

Yesterday as we made our way towards Chattanooga, TN, Nathan (my youngest son) and I made a stop in Florence, KY and had lunch at Izzy's, as well as paying a visit to Starbucks, which just happened to be next door. For those of you that may not know, Izzy's is home of the 110 Challenge sandwich (which I had posted about last year). It had been a while - a long while - since I had last been there, but it was nice to be remembered by not only John (the manager at the Florence location), but some of his employees as well.

As I understand it, once I finish unloading in Chattanooga I am to head up to Lebanon (just east of Nashville) and meet up with another driver to re-power his load going to Bethlehem, PA, which probably won't deliver until Monday. If that's the case, I just may be able to get a re-start after all.

May your Sabbath be a joyous one, as well as a peaceful rest!

Year 2, Day 199 (Chattanooga Is Not Where I Want To Be On A Friday)

Due to the fact that the customer took a while to get us loaded yesterday (as is usually the case with broker loads), I did not get as far as I really wanted. Which means from Brampton, ON to Batavia, NY to the Ohio rest area I shut down at last night, I was only able to cover 386 miles before running out of hours. This morning Nathan (my youngest son) and I, along with my topping off the fuel in the truck, with make a trip to Starbucks, which is located at the truck stop across the street from where I will be fueling... how convenient. I was really hoping to take Nathan up to the northwest, but with my time off approaching soon, the only way I'll be able to do that id to extend my time on the road to allow that. Whenever I get in touch with Monica (my Fleet manager), I may have to tell her this. But I'll make it clear that I will extend my time out if, and ONLY if I get said run, and not before. Let's see if the CSR's can keep their word.

As we continue our way south, this load is due by 1300 (ET) tomorrow, but I'm hoping I can get it there tonight. The best laid plans of mice and men.

Year 2, Day 198 (I'm Back From Canada)

I arrived at the customer in Brampton, ON last night at just before 2330 (ET), and was unloaded this morning, but had to wait until my mandated 10 hour break was completed until I began driving. My next load (which I was pre-planned on yesterday) has me returning to the Buffalo area to pick up a broker load in Batavia, NY, just east of Buffalo, and will deliver on Friday in Chattanooga, TN. The unfortunate thing about that destination is that I will get my weekend load either, a) through another broker, or, b) from Tyson. Neither of which are very appealing to me.

The weather up in this region is very mild and, yes, very nice. I do find it interesting that several years ago, the last time Nathan was on the truck with me, was also during my birthday (which, by the way, has either already passed, or has yet to come - but I won't share that). That time we were in Orlando, FL and spent a couple hours in the huge mall there, which had an M&M's store, an indoor surfing wave, and, of course, an Apple Store.

Good times!

Year 2, Day 197 (On Own Way To Canada)

We arrived in Dayton, NJ at just before 0100 (ET) and, surprisingly enough, were put in a door to begin loading rather promptly, though the loading appointment wasn't until 0800 this morning. Once I finished my 10 hour break, Nathan and I headed out to make our way to Brampton, ON. On the way, I treated him to the all American breakfast of Dunkin' Donuts. The traffic wasn't too terribly bad, compared to what I have experienced in the past. As of this writing, I have pulled off just east of Buffalo, NY to top off the fuel, and to pick up a pizza for dinner (Nathan did make me promise him that, at some point, he wanted some pizza from Flying J). As we finish the last 100+ miles on this trip, I had to make this stop stretch out a little longer in order to get this post put to bed, as I will not have any access to the data network once I cross the border.

See you later, eh?

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 195 (Heading To Pennsylvania)

I made it to Auburn, IN at around 0100 this morning, where I unloaded at the Walmart Distribution Center there. Once I finished with my required 10 hour break, I made my way to Newport, MI where I met up with one of our other drivers to swap trailers. His trailer was loaded with Coca Cola product heading to Pottsville, PA for tomorrow evening. Nathan and I made a few stops along the way: Meijer (to pick up a few groceries), Pilot (to get fuel), and, finally, to the Commodore Perry Service Plaza (to get a dose of Starbucks, as well as Lox & Bagels from Einstein Brothers Bagels).

This was Nathan's first experience with Lox & Bagels (there's not a lot in the way of kosher food establishments and/or deli's in north central Arkansas), and, from what I gather, he seems to like it. I figure I'll try to get us into Pennsylvania, probably about 100 miles, before we shut down for the day. All in all, this turned out to be a pretty productive day.

Did I mention we got some Starbucks?

Year 2, Day 194 (I'll Be Busy Until Monday Night)

Nathan and I have been sitting here since yesterday afternoon, but the trailer has finally been loaded and we are heading up to Auburn, IN. I took advantage of the downtime and read through this week's Torah portion. As I get ready to put today's post to bed, I am brewing up some coffee and taking care of last minute preparations before heading out. It's been raining off and on here in Goodlettsville. Fortunately I don't have to head back down through Nashville, as (according to another driver whom just came up from there) there are several accidents, and quite a bit of traffic backups through the city on the interstate. Better them than me.

Year 2, Day 193 (Short Day, Unproductive)

I unloaded this morning in Lebanon, TN, and while I was unloading, I received a pre-plan. However, the next load wasn't too fruitful, as it doesn't pick up until tomorrow evening, and only 40 miles away from where I unloaded. On the way to the customer (to drop the trailer, in the hopes of getting it loaded early; since it's Tyson, I won't hold my breath), I made a stop at K.O.'s Pizza for Nathan and I to get a Gyro for a late lunch. That's one of my favorite things to get from there, as well as the Nammora, which is absolutely out-of-this-world delicious.

After eating, I finished heading up to Goodlettsville, TN to drop the trailer, then shut down for the remainder of the night. I hope they do load it much earlier than 2100, even a little earlier than 1700, because I don't want to run an all-nighter to deliver in Auburn, IN by 0900 Sunday morning. I will, however, brew up some coffee tonight.

May your Sabbath be blessed with peace and joy abundant!

Year 2, Day 192 (A Short Day, A Short Run)

We made it to Rend Lake, IL where we shut down last night. Rend Lake, being about 90 miles south of Effingham, and about 70 miles north of the Missouri state line/Mississippi River. When Nathan and I started rolling this morning, at about 0945, we had about 200 miles to go to the customer I was delivering to, do a drop & hook onto another loaded trailer, then about 200 miles from there to Lebanon, TN to deliver at 1100 tomorrow. I was hoping I would have been pre-planned this afternoon, but that didn't happen. I was actually preferring that I would have re-powered the load from another driver and take that to Tulsa, OK, but I guess that other driver wasn't making well enough progress. At least I can hope for a decent run to keep me busy for the weekend... just so long as it doesn't go up to the northeast... except Boston, I would go to Boston.

As Nathan and I finish the last 60 miles of this trip, we are listening to the unabridged audiobook of By Order Of The President by W.E.B. Griffin (probably my third time listening to it). Once this one is finished, I'll probably give the audiobooks a small break, so Nathan can hear some music, thus not be completely bored.

Year 2, Day 191 (A Change Of Course)

Yesterday, after I was unloaded, I headed up to Milwaukee to pick up the load I was pre-planned on. Once I arrived (after making a stop to pick up some bulkheads) everything seemed to go fairly smoothly... until I checked in to the guard post where I would be getting the bills. It was then I found out that my load had been "double booked" (that is, one load assigned to two different trucking companies). Since the other truck had arrived before I did, the load went on that truck. I had to wait until this morning to get another load, so Nathan and I went to the Pilot just south of Milwaukee and shut down for the night. Our dinner was some spaghetti that I made in the crock pot.

This morning I was sent to Delavan, WI (about 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee) to pick up the load I am now on. While we were waiting, Nathan pulled out his guitar and played a few songs.

This load will take us to Covington, TN for tomorrow, where I am also pre-planned to pick up my next load, which goes to Lebanon, TN for Friday morning. Still, all is quiet on the mid-western front.

Year 2, Day 190 (Soon To Get A Short Run)

We left out this morning from the terminal in Madison, IL to finish this run to Rochelle, IL. Yesterday I had been given a pre-plan, this morning it was taken off, then it was put back on me this afternoon. This next run will have me picking up a load of beer in Milwaukee, WI and taking it to Lansing, MI. It's not due until Thursday morning, but I'm hoping that the customer will unload it when I get there tomorrow. That is only because there is a possibility that I may have to re-power a load from another driver and deliver that load in Tulsa, OK, from there, I will probably get a load going up to Woodinville, WA and finishing off in Burnaby, BC, in which case I will probably get re-loaded in Lewiston, ID, where I can make a stop in Clarkston, WA to visit some family on the way. All of this is purely speculative right now... first I'll wait to see how these next few days play out.

It's fun having Nathan (my youngest son) on the truck with me, but I'm putting a major responsibility on him: he's tasked with helping me to quit smoking... we'll see how that works out.

At least I will still have Starbucks.

Year 2, Day 189 (The Adventure Begins)

My son, Nathan, and I left out this morning picking up a load going to Rochelle, IL. On the way, I was told my truck was due a service, so I went to our terminal in Madison, IL. Since there was a waiting list of trucks getting work done, we were put up in the DoubleTree hotel for the night. Tomorrow I'll do a drop & hook in Rochelle, then head up to Milwaukee to get my next load, which will take us to Lansing, MI.

It's been a few years since Nathan has been on the truck with me. He's going to be a senior in high school this year, so this may be my last chance to bring him along.

There is much fun to be had (we started the trip by singing along with the Broadway Cast to Rent, so we're off to a good start)!

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 187 (Much Cooler Today, And More Relaxing To Be Had)

The temperatures have come down quite a bit today, making it a little cooler, but still some level of humidity. Today I've been occupied not only with this week's Torah portion, but also transferring my audiobook library onto my iTunes. I'm doing this because I have over 50 audiobooks (many of them having multiple parts), and with only a 16 GB iPhone 3GS, there's only so much room in memory. Therefore I'm putting the library on my iPod... at least until I upgrade the phone. This evening, Tikvah and I went over to her mother's house for dinner. Since my birthday is coming up in a couple weeks, Patricia (my Mother-in-law) made a roast as a birthday dinner for me, with a Strawberry Pie for dessert.

Our youngest son, Nathan, is spending the night at a friend's house tonight, so Tikvah and I have the house to ourselves.

Yes, there is wine that will be consumed... and Jazz music... I think you see where this is heading.

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 184 (Independence Day - My First Day Home)

I have released John today to take his final evaluation and made my way home. I arrived home at around lunch time. Obviously, this is no ordinary day, it's the day in which we remember what our forefather's did - and what they risked - in order for later generations (us) to continue the culture of sovereignty from British rule, a.k.a. Independence Day. There were a lot of sacrifices made, and a lot of lives lost, in the process of this nation becoming its own. This day is about more than shooting off fireworks, barbecues, and beer. People have lost their properties for this country's sovereignty, some have lost their lives... but all have fought for a new life in a new world, something they felt very passionate about. Passion and dedication. Has our present society lost their way? It's time we make our country's pioneers proud; let not their effort be for naught!

Year 2, Day 183 (My Last Day Out - And A Political Rant)

Last night, John and I shut down in Collins, MO, which is about an hour north of Springfield. This turned out to be a good call. When I spoke to Monica (my Fleet Manager) this morning, she said that coming down to the terminal in North Little Rock (before continuing to West Memphis) would be too far out of route. The tentative plan, as of now, is to swap in West Memphis, AR, deliver in Memphis, then drop John off on Bald Knob, AR (where he will then be shuttled to the NLR terminal), then go home. However, since I have dealt with the customer in Memphis before, dropping John off may not happen until tomorrow. Whichever plan transpires, it won't be until tomorrow.

In recent years I have withdrawn from much of my involvement in political diatribe, as there are too many underhanded and back-door deals going on within the higher echelon structure. For example, the Health Care Law (aptly dubbed as "ObamaCare") and the recent Supreme Court decision upholding its constitutionality. This screenshot - which was posted on Facebook - pretty much sums it up:

Allow me to offer this: Politicians make 6-figure salaries, while the taxpayers foot the bill for their medical care; they get their full pension upon retirement, and are "against" the "wealthy elite" and corporations? Let's break this down: 6-figure incomes - they can afford to pay their own health care, thus taken the burden off the taxpayers' shoulder (notice how the politicians NEVER show, nor admit, their problems with substance/alcohol abuse and/or financial corruption until they are exposed of such); the military - whom actually fight for our freedoms and liberties - only get a salary that's generally 1/10th of what the politicians make, only get a fraction of their salaries for retirement (should they be lucky enough to stay in for 20 years, unlike those who are "forced" out of service by, yep, you guessed it... the politicians) - and let's not forget the REAL civil servants of our country: policemen, firemen, paramedics, etc.; those politicians who are "against" the wealthy elite, are themselves wealthy elitists (not to mention, it would be interesting to find out who the "corporate sponsors" are for their campaign coffers).

You can GUARANTEE that the Health Care Law they have shoved down our throats is nowhere NEAR as good as what they get themselves. Let's make some Federal budget cuts where they will really matter: 1) politicians' salaries, 2) frivolous projects sponsored by those politicians (do we really need a national Tea Cup Museum, or a Woodstock Museum? It has been said, "those who remember the 60's, probably really weren't there." This especially holds true for Woodstock).

Year 2, Day 182 (Sweet Run, Soon To Be Home)

Today we didn't get dispatched on a load until this afternoon, then it was through a broker, but this will be a sweet load on several different levels. First, it's a load of candy coming out of Abilene, KS; second, I've already received word to route through our terminal in North Little Rock to release John for his final evaluation; finally, I'll meet up with another driver in West Memphis, AR, where he will take the load on to Cookeville, TN... he delivers this load then goes home, I swap with him then I go home, a win-win situation. This doesn't deliver until Thursday morning, but I'll be home by then, relaxing at home.

This has turned out to be a productive time out this time, and I'm sure John will do well out on his own. In fact, I'm confident he will do great. We've covered several different scenarios, been through different cities, hence, different cultures/attitudes. We'll cross paths somewhere down the road, I usually see previous students at some point or another.

Year 2, Day 181 (Chillin' Out In Olathe)

We arrived in Olathe, KS at 0015 this morning, did a drop & hook, and now are getting a re-start. We are getting a re-start due to the fact John and I were both low on hours, that and the fact we didn't have a load pre-planned on us after this delivery. While we were heading this way, I put the rest of the roast in the crockpot to heat up for dinner. We stopped in Booneville, MO where we topped off the fuel, as well as took care of some other, more personal, business. This morning has been uneventful, but not a waste of time. I, as my first activity of the day, partook of my daily studies in Torah. This afternoon has been spent cleaning the few dishes left over from last night, then watched a few movies. The first was the re-make of Conan The Barbarian, which I didn't think was too bad. Either way, this day has been quite relaxing and refreshing.

Now it's time for coffee.

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 178 (Heading To The U.P.)

John and I finished the deadhead trip to Milwaukee, WI where we picked up this load. Yesterday, Monica (my Fleet Manager) said if we were unable to deliver this by 1600 (ET) tomorrow, then she would have us drop the load at the terminal in Gary, IN and get another driver to deliver it on Monday. Since we were loaded at a relatively decent time, I told her we would be able to deliver tomorrow, so the route we are taking will bring us through the Upper Peninsula (or U.P. for short). In all the years I have driven a truck, this will be my first venture into that region.

The word is out all over the media sources about the Supreme Court's decision concerning the "Affordable Health Care Law"; as of this morning, the AHCL IS constitutional. Many of us can banter and argue the positives or negatives (depending on your viewpoint) of this controversial law until we are blue in the face, or until the cows come home (whichever you prefer), but the fact of the matter is, now it's set in stone. One thing that is ever more set in stone is that G-d is bigger than ANY government entity... PERIOD! We can whine and cry, argue and debate, even throw a temper tantrum, but none of that will change what has been decided. What we can do, however, is pray. At this point, that's all that is left. Prayer can do what we cannot. History has shown what power lies in prayer (this is the part where you begin searching it for yourself). This country was started by men who feared - and loved - G-d... let's get ourselves back to those roots.

Year 2, Day 177 (One Week And Counting)

John and I left out of the North Little Rock terminal at about 2215 yesterday, having had the problems with my truck taken care of. While we were at the terminal, we took care of a few things, then waited around for one of the company vehicles to become available. While waiting, we engaged in conversation with a couple other drivers, both of whom were also waiting for a vehicle. The 4 of us ended up going together to Whole Hog Cafe to get some barbecue (of course, I had the beef brisket). When we left the terminal, I did some driving, since John - being "fat & happy" after dinner - felt a bit of drowsiness setting in. I didn't go too far, only making it to Bald Knob, AR, about 60 miles away. I only went there because I knew there would be some parking spots available. As of this writing, we are about 4 hours from the customer in Rochelle, IL. From there we will head to Milwaukee, WI to get a load going to Petoskey, MI (wherever that is).

By now, you may have heard about the bankruptcy filing of the city of Stockton, CA. This is truly sad news, mainly because of the people that will be affected, though the politicians I don't really have any remorse for. The reason I say that, you may be able to extract from the articles... I am linking two: one from the Los Angeles Times, and one (which is more of a blog post, but credits Reuters as the source) from the American Thinker. I chose two different sources due to the fact that they may each get the main body of the article from the same news service (Reuters), but they may spin it differently, depending on their own bias. Feel free to peruse the internet for other stories to compare with, but I just chose these two as an example.

I blame a lot of the city's leaders for this due to the fact that they squandered taxpayer money on many "projects" that were no doubt frivolous. I also blame state leaders because they set the example of such irresponsible practices. Most of which, these "projects" were put into motion in order to bolster their own image, with the image of the city and/or state and the welfare of the taxpayer coming in as a distant afterthought. We can see here that all politicians do NOT get behind a project proposal because it benefits the taxpayer, nor America, but because it benefits their political agendas. There are a few politicians that truly do look out for the American people, but they are either quickly swept away by the tides of greed and corruption, or they don't enjoy a fruitful career in politics for very long because they actually have scruples. The point being, we need to stand up and end the greed & corruption where it lies - in government! It's time we clean house and start from scratch!

Year 2, Day 176 (Northbound, Winding Down The Days)

John and I started our day from Rogers, AR this morning. While I was sleeping, our next load was dispatched on us, so John showed initiative and wrote down all the essential information. We picked up in Russellville, AR, with a delivery scheduled for Thursday in Rochelle, IL. I also arranged to have an appointment made to get the truck in the shop once we arrive at the terminal in North Little Rock. With the weather being so hot today, it will be nice to get the truck in proper working order. Just a few more days to go, then I will be heading home, and John will take his final evaluation (on the 4th, to be exact).

The other day, when we were getting a re-start in Kansas City, MO, I was speaking with another truck driver whom had greeted me in the traditional Hebrew greeting of "Shalom." We spoke for a few minutes, during which he used a few other Hebrew terms I was unfamiliar with (since I wasn't raised in the faith, nor the language, I am trying to play "catch-up"). When we parted, he said "Layla Tov". At first I thought, "I know the term, but it just isn't registering in the memory banks." He then said, "That's 'good night.' You're really gonna have to learn this stuff... it's not right that I'm a Puerto Rican teaching you Hebrew."

Yeah, it was funny!

Starbucks, here I come!

Year 2, Day 175 (A Short Run)

This morning started out less than interesting. I had been having some trouble with my truck lately (the batteries not holding the charge as long as they should). I thought it may have been just me being paranoid about the slightest of problems, so last night I turned the truck off and let the APU run. 8 hours later (about 0930 CT this morning) I tried to start the truck: nothing. I called the roadside service and they send out a guy that gave us a jump. Now the blower for the bunk area is not working.

With this load being a short run (or as I call, a crap load), I'm hoping that Monica will route me through the North Little Rock terminal tomorrow to get all this fixed. This load had us deadhead from Kansas City, MO to Sedalia, MO, and delivers tomorrow in Rogers, AR... like I said, a crap load (thank you, Tyson).

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 173 (A Long Night, But Almost There)

John and I had finally left from Martinsburg, WV yesterday around 1530 (ET) and began the trip from there to Kansas City, MO. We made a stop in one of the service plazas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and took a 45 minute break; for food, and more importantly, Starbucks. We shut down this morning at almost 0215 (CT) at the rest area just west of Indianapolis. There was a 4 mile traffic backup in Ohio, going into a construction zone, that delayed us, otherwise we would have made it into Illinois before shutting down. It is very frustrating when going into construction zones nowadays, because there are ample warnings beforehand telling people what's ahead and which lane is closed; yet people are so self-centered nowadays that - even though there are a long line of vehicles that have merged into what will be the open lane - they will continue past the line, all the way to the merge point and force their way in. This is the society we have become? Really?!

Now that I've gotten that out of the way. As John makes his way down the road, we will be making a stop at the terminal in Madison, IL; get some laundry done, perhaps even make a grocery run. The weather is a little warm outside, but very clear and sunny. As we make our way westward, we are listening to the soundtrack for Schindler's List (not exactly what one would expect two former Marines to listen to by choice). Looking out the window at the passing fields, I see the various stages of the different corn fields: some halfway to full maturity, while others yet are little more than mere seedling fields. The sights such as this make me realize how much more blessed we are as a nation, and that I am able to view such a sight on this glorious Sabbath day.

Be blessed!!

Year 2, Day 172 (Waiting, Waiting, And More Waiting)

John and I arrived here at the customer in Martinsburg, WV last night around 2330 (ET) last night. This load was dispatched on us through a broker (UGH!) yesterday. Once we were emptied out in Bedford, PA, we headed down here in the hopes of getting loaded before our appointment time of 1400 today. A few red flags popped up about this broker; they didn't have directions OR a phone number for their OWN customer, they said we might be able to get loaded earlier than 1400 - not only will that most likely not happen, but the customer told John to check back about 1400 and they might have a door for us at around 1600. In my opinion (as humble as it may be) the broker is "batting 1000".

The load isn't that bad; it's due by 1700 on Sunday in Kansas City, MO. I'm hoping we can get it there by tomorrow night. I actually wanted to get loaded earlier and get it kicked off by 1700 tomorrow, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen now.

John has 1 1/2 weeks to go before he gets released for his final evaluation, and so far, I think he will do very well. I mean, he's already doing practically everything that I do on a regular basis (it helps when he's done this type of work before, but is not cocky about it). He's pretty much got it all down, I just have to keep him on the truck for a minimum of 3 weeks.

As the Sabbath approaches I pray you are all blessed with peace, joy, and prosperity.

Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 171 (The Weekend Is Somewhat Covered)

John and I arrived in Bedford, PA yesterday evening, and were able to find one of two remaining parking spots at the fuel stop about 2 miles from the Walmart D.C. We left there about 1500 to head over to (hopefully) get unloaded early. Since this is an ice cream load, their window for ice cream deliveries is from 1430-1900. Our appointment is for 1900, but we are hoping they pill this off earlier. As of the time of this writing (1735 ET), we are just now getting put into a door... seems standard for Walmart (and people wonder why I have such disdain for them).

Once we are done here, we will head to Martinsburg, WV to pick up a load heading to Kansas City, MO for Sunday. We have a loading appointment of 1400 tomorrow, but since it's not Walmart, we may have a better chance of getting loaded early. If we by chance get loaded tonight, we will be able to cover some ground and possibly get this kicked off Saturday.

I foresee a visit to Starbucks in my very near future.

Year 2, Day 170 (About 24 Hours To Go)

Yesterday John and I left from Avoca, IA (which is 40 miles east of the Nebraska state line), and were able to cover quite a bit of ground. John drove nearly 600 miles before we shut down for the night in Fremont, IN. Along the way, during one of the stops for the required load checks (and an essential restroom break), I saw this really cool minibus driven by a couple of guys making their way to Vermont. In fact, the bus was too cool not to get a picture of.

Sure, it may look like the typical hippie/surfer bus, but the designs and the artwork looked as though there was time and thought put into it (and obviously very good use of color).

Tomorrow this load delivers at 1900 in Bedford, PA, though the delivery time shows a window: 1430-1900. I called about this, to find out that's the window with which Walmart receives ice cream. Even though our appointment is for 1900, we can (supposedly) go in at 1430 and they will work us in... we shall see. What our next run will be has still yet to be determined... hopefully it will be a really good one.

Year 2, Day 169 (When Will America Wake Up?!)

As we draw closer to the Presidential elections, the talking points of each party are being parroted by their hard-lined minions, like ravenous wolves on the hunt for a victory. Personally, I'm getting nauseous by all of it; what the politicians are telling us can only be likened to audio ipecac. You want talking points? Take a moment and think about these for a moment:

*Politicians (from both sides) are trying to get you to believe that it's wrong for people to be rich, while each of them lavish in 6 figure salaries and don't pay for their own healthcare.

*The Democrat party preaches against corporate greed, while their own "golden child" gives billions in "stimulus packages" to corporations, unions, and federal programs (all designed to feed personal agendas).

*Republicans rally behind their "golden child" who has already allegedly claimed he would NOT overturn the universal (albeit unconstitutional) healthcare, mainly because his own law passed for Massachusetts state when he was governor was the model for what was forced down our throats.

*If Democrats are so "pro-Union", why are there states, with a Democrat governor, that still have "right-to-work" laws, which limit the power that unions have in relation to their corporate employers?

*If Republicans are so "pro-Military" (not that Democrats are any better, they are far from it), why have our veterans been tossed to the side like an old shoeshine rag?

*Why do both sides - and the media - paint Israel as a "villain"? Last time I checked, it was not Jewish people that pose a violent threat to us, but Muslims! Jewish people have given THE WORLD a long list of technological and medical advancements/breakthroughs, while the Muslim nations mainly seek to destroy Israel... then US!!


The answer to all of the above is pretty simple: our Republic is quickly eroding due to the actions and policies of those, whom WE elected, who do NOT serve the American people, but themselves. They all point fingers at the corporate "elite" while they themselves fit that very same description AND accepting donations from the same "evil" corporations they are vilifying. Liberals (as distorted as their ideology is) and Conservatives (as politicians, they are just a bunch of pansies) are fading away from existence, as Socialism gradually takes over. If you doubt me, think of all the key words used today: "Social" programs, "Social"equality (the "No Child Left Behind" program - everybody is equal, started by George W. Bush and Ted Kennedy - see the pattern yet?).

America, stop playing patty-cake while the battle rages on around you!

Year 2, Day 168 (This Is A Cool Run)

This morning John and I finished our re-start on our logbooks here in Sioux City, IA, where we also unloaded. It's been fairly uneventful, except for the movie fest we had yesterday. Today, however, it's back to business as usual. Once we were unloaded, we came up to Le Mars, IA (about 30 miles away) to pick up our next load: ice cream; heading for Bedford, PA (as I said, this is a cool run).

Lately, I haven't paid attention to the news, for several reasons: a) all that is really being put in the foreground are politics and the upcoming Presidential elections; b) the media "machine" will only "report" what fits in with their own ideologies and/or agendas (this is inclusive of ALL of the mainstream media - ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, MSNBC, and whomever else I missed); c) between the media, the candidates, and the spin doctors, there's no real way to tell the fact from fiction, even with the internet. Everybody wants their candidate to win. I can no longer trust our current administration due to the failures they have (broken "promises", questionable allegiance, etc.), nor can I trust the nominee of the other side. They each align with opposing parties, yet they also share some of the same ideology. I've said it before, it bears stating again: that leads me to believe that both candidates are Socialist in their policies and/or viewpoints.

Take a closer look at each of them.

Things are NOT always what they seem.

Year 2, Day 167 (Father's Day)

John and I are sitting here in a McDonald's parking lot in Sioux City, IA, where we shut down last night. Our delivery is not until tomorrow morning, so we are getting a re-start on our logbooks. This is a moderately difficult Father's Day, not because I am on the road, but because (as I had posted a couple weeks ago) my wife's Father had passed away recently, and my Dad passed a couple years ago.

The death of a loved one is not easy to deal with, and people deal with it differently. Though when certain days of the year arrive (Mother's/Father's Day, birthday, etc.), dealing with that loss - as well as the memories - can be a tough task. No matter how each of us deal with these situations, one thing that never fades are the memories. The pain eventually fades, but one thing that we should always embrace and try to keep ahold of is the memories.

Never forget!

Year 2, Day 166 (A Revelation During Torah Study)

John and I arrived in South Bend, IN just as we ran out of hours for the day. He lives about 30 minutes away, in Michigan, so I allowed him to go home for the night. I must have been pretty wiped out from yesterday, since I didn't even hear my alarm go off this morning. Instead I awoke to the sound of John opening up the door. He climbed in, cheerily saying, "Good morning, sunshine!" I replied with a "Bah, humbug!" to which he handed me a Starbucks cup... that only makes for a tolerable morning. What would have made it a good morning is if that cup were being handed to me by my wife, Tikvah.

We left out around 0945 and continued heading west. I had us make a stop at the terminal outside of Gary, IN. I took a shower at the Pilot last night in South Bend... but they didn't have any laundry facilities (not good!). It worked out, kinda, because I did get my clothes washed at the Gary terminal, but the dryers: one was out of service, and the other was not far from it. So I did what any Marine would do - improvise, adapt, overcome.

On the way, I engaged in this week's Torah portion (Numbers 13:1 - 15:41) and the accompanying Haftarah (Joshua 2:1-24), to which the Spirit of The L-rd opened my eyes to a parallel between the two that was not brought up in the commentaries. In the Torah portion, you can see where The L-rd is preparing to lead the Children of Israel into the land that He promised them, at the original time. However, the Children of Israel wanted to sent in spies to check out the area beforehand, to which HaShem acquiesced. There were 12 leaders that were chosen: one from each of the tribes, except Levi (for that, there was one taken from Manasseh and one from Joseph). Of those 12, 10 of them gave their report from a negative standpoint, which lowered the morale of the rest of the nation. The two that gave a positive report were Caleb and Joshua. That's when the "40 years of wandering" began, because the nation chose to believe the negative reports. Then, 40 years later, when the Haftarah took place, the leader, Joshua (also the successor of Moses, and the same Joshua who gave the positive report), sent in spies. Though this time it was onlytwo - symbolic of the 2 spies that were obedient, and stood strong in their faith to the word of The L-rd.

I found that parallel to be quite interesting.

Year 2, Day 165 (Iowa Bound)

John and I had a loading appointment for 0600 (ET), so we headed up to Newark yesterday evening and parked outside the customer. There was some construction going on the New Jersey Turnpike, which delayed us a little. Then again, when there's road work going on in that state, it usually causes traffic to back up a lot more than it was. We were loaded and leaving about 0730. I had John doing the driving so he could get some experience, considering he had never driven in New Jersey. Again, he got lucky... traffic was mild.

As we make our way through Pennsylvania, with the sun shining, and Morph The Cat (by Donald Fagen) playing on the stereo, I glance out the window and capture a few pictures of the scenery as it passes by.

If my estimates are correct, we should be able to get to Sioux City, IA sometime tomorrow night. Then again, I may just take it a little easy on John and stretch the trip out so that we get there sometime Sunday. I haven't quite decided yet.

Have a joyous and peaceful Sabbath.

Shabbat Shalom!

Year 2, Day 164 (Heading To Iowa)

This morning has been rough, as we had to pull an over-nighter. The customer where John & I loaded at didn't have us ready to go until after midnight (ET), which made us late for our first two drops, but we were a little early for the final drop. We grabbed a nap at the Flying J in Carney's Point, NJ, where we headed to the customer to load tomorrow morning in Newark, NJ. This load will have us heading to Sioux City, IA for Monday morning. Not only is that a pretty good run, but it also gets us out of the east.

The weather here is very mild (upper 60's), which makes it good sleeping weather. We were fortunate that we ran in to 2 traffic backups... going the opposite direction of where we were heading. Driving through New Jersey is not that bad, but because of the road network, it's easy to get confused and lost; paying attention is very vital. The roads have more twists and turns than a Tom Clancy novel. That, and the fact that many of the people are rude & inconsiderate doesn't help either.

Year 2, Day 163 (This Will Be An All-Nighter)

When we arrived in Bethlehem, PA last night, we were put in a door right away. Unfortunately, since we didn't have a drop trailer there, we had to wait to get unloaded. What made things really frustrating, was that the graveyard shift at the customer waiting until our appointment time. While we were waiting, John and I ran out of hours. They normally don't allow for overnight parking, but we actually did. The graveyard crew didn't bother us at all, but when the day shift crew came in, the yard driver had to be a hard-nose.

With only an 8 hour break, we were able to legally drive over here to the customer in Souderton. Our appointment time here is for 1800-2300. Since we are already backed into the door, there's a slight chance we may get loaded early. I hope so, this way we can head to the first drop and get a nap before we unload.

Our next load will have us busy for the weekend. I'll fill you in tomorrow, so I'll have something to talk about.

Year 2, Day 162 (Pennsylvania Bound, Then New Jersey)

Due to our delay yesterday, John and I only made it as far as Woodville, OH, just east of Toledo. This leaves us with about 490 miles left to go. We did, however, get pre-planned on a load that picks up tomorrow evening in Souderton, PA, which is only about 25 miles from Bethlehem. The only problem is that this will be one of those all-night runs, as it has 3 drops, finishing at 0930 Thursday in Bridgeton, NJ (about 1 1/2 hours south of Camden).

Being as I drive a truck, and I do get the occasional "live on the edge" streak, I wish I had an L.A. Kings jersey to wear during my drops (in case you don't follow the NHL, the Kings defeated the NJ Devils 6-1 last night, taking the Stanley Cup for their first time in their 45 year franchise history). Some would say that's a little crazy, some would say it would be a stupid move, but hey, they would probably do the same thing (by the way, the MVP award went to Kings' goalie, Jonathan Swift, for his most impressive performance).

Congratulations to the Kings... L.A. is VERY proud of you, as am I.

Year 2, Day 161 (Not Much Progress Made)

John and I left from Rochelle, IL this morning at about 1030 and made our way to Woodstock, IL for this load of pickles heading to Bethlehem, PA. We arrived at the customer just a little past 1200 for an appointment time of 1230... only to find that the CSR that dispatched us on this load gave us incorrect information, as our loading appointment was for 1100. Since we were late, we fell under a "work in" status. We were finally loaded and leaving at around 1630, just in time to get caught in Chicago rush hour traffic.

I was driving for that fiasco, which actually wasn't too bad, considering it was Chicago. I took a slight detour to Merrillville, IN to pick up a few groceries (and John did, as well). We did pretty well, in and out in less than an hour. I took us to the Indiana toll road and pulled off into the first service plaza to get this load scaled, and to let John take over.

Despite the SNAFU of being given the wrong information, getting delayed at the customer because of said SNAFU, then hitting the Chicago traffic (all of which affected our drive time), this evening is turning out pretty good. I found out a little while ago the update of Game 6 of NHL's Stanley Cup game: end of the first period, L.A. Kings are leading the NJ Devils 3-0.

Keep the pressure on, Kings... you take the Cup if you win this one!

Year 2, Day 161 (Relaxing, Refreshing)

Today has been pretty relaxing. It's nice to re-energize once in a while. The other good thing about getting a re-start, is John and I will have our logbooks in sync, as opposed to the way it was, me having run a few days before picking him up, where he starting with a fresh 70. I took this downtime as an opportunity to show him the procedures for getting a truck wash.

We've engaged in some very good conversation, of an intellectual and Scriptural nature. John is fascinated with Biblical history, and I enjoy imparting the topics & insights that I have studied over the years. We also discussed politics, as well as technology (he, also, is a tech geek). Tomorrow, though, it's back to business as usual, as we will be picking up a load in Woodstock, IL and heading to Bethlehem, PA.

Year 2, Day 160 (Trip Accomplished, Now A Re-Start)

John and I made it as far as Neelyville, MO where we shut down for the night. When we left out this morning, I drove us to the Madison, IL terminal, where we took a break (shower, etc.). To get a feel for his driving abilities, I had John drive us up to the customer in Rochelle, IL. When we arrived here, we had a drop trailer, but it was an inbound trailer, so it's still loaded. We dropped our trailer and bobtailed over to the truck stop. In the morning I will check in (via phone) to see if one of the trailers have been emptied. If so, that's the trailer we will take. Come Monday, we will head to Woodstock, IL and get our next load, then on to Bethlehem, PA.

Year 2, Day 159 (New Student, Busy Weekend)

This has been kind of a busy day. I started experiencing some problems with the reefer unit last night, which - since I had a fresh load on - had mandated that a road service tech be called out. The tech came out and, since he didn't have the part needed to perform the repair correctly, he gave the problem a "quick fix". After I unloaded in Russellville, AR, I took the trailer to a shop to get the problem fixed properly, then off to Con Agra to get my next load. This load (which is taking me to Rochelle, IL) was already loaded up and ready to go, actually last night. I went to the North Little Rock terminal, and picked up John, my new student.

I was delayed at the yard longer than I had wanted to, so, because of my hours, I am unable to make it to the yard in Madison, IL. We shut down in Neelyville, MO, which is just across the state line from Arkansas, on U.S. 67. This load delivers between 0600-2359 on Sunday, but I'm hoping I'll be able to drop it tomorrow night, then get a re-start in Rochelle. Monday, however, we will be picking up a load in Woodstock, IL going to Bethlehem, PA for 0300 Wednesday. Since we have a drop trailer at the receiving customer, that will make things easier.

Tomorrow will be a full day... hopefully things will go according to plan. May you all have a joyous & peaceful Sabbath!

Year 2, Day 158 (The Deception Of Perception)

Some time back, during the week of Passover, some fellow bloggers filled in for me while I took a brief hiatus from the aforementioned Holy Day. One of whom was Natali, a single mom from Wisconsin, and she offered up an excellent - and rather transparent - post.

Today, Natali posted something on her own blog, Life In Monkeyland. In fact, her post speaks of not only the opportunity that was before her in getting her dream, Uber Dork Cafe (with an official website in the works), another step closer to coming true, but also to get it a little more local exposure, and possibly a little media coverage... at least state wide. As I understand it, there was a competition for local entrepreneurs, with the winner receiving a $10,000 prize.

This is where the story and event become a bit shady.

As Natali posted in her blog, the organizers were "on the hunt" in Milwaukee for local start-ups, yet, of the eight finalists (unfortunately, Natali was not one of them), only 3 were from Wisconsin... the rest were from out of state... one even being based in Chile. How is a company based in Chile going to be good for American business?! The winner? A company who had direct ties with the organizers themselves! THAT was uncovered by Natali herself! Then, to make matters worse, the journalist who covered the event, Kathleen Gallagher of the Journal Sentinal, not only took Natali's comments completely out of context in the article, but added the devious connection THAT NATALI uncovered - which is supposed to be the journalist's job - AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT.

This totally reaks of personal agendas, politics, favoritism, and whatever other thing you wish to come up with!!