Florida, West Bank Settlements, Navy SEALs and other musings

I guess you might call it the the 'shotgun' approach. I think of it more like being-bored-out-of your-mind and sitting-around-on-the-Internet-too-long. Most of my reading comes off the Internet these days. It would cost me a $65 non-resident fee to join the Belleville Public Library. I don't think so.

I will leave in a few days - Saturday to be specific - to perhaps go pick-up my youngest son in AR and take him with me to FL for two weeks. Worse case scenario, he doesn't call, as he is suppose to, and I go straight to FL (saving 350 miles driving). Either way, there is salt air and sunshine in my near future.

On the way back to IL after the first of the year, I will go thru TX and pick-up a new trailer. This is something I have wanted for a long time. Dennis and I have worked out a deal and a new 32' flatbed with ramps will be in the inventory. I am VERY excited. This will make many loads available to me that were not before.

I was just plotting out my journey - IL to AR to FL to TX and back to IL. Almost 3100 miles. But it will be over a two week period so easy-peasy.

So while I'm surfing the net this afternoon, one of the headlines (over-and-over again it seems) is Jewish Settlements in the West Bank. Perhaps a bit of history is in order.

The West Bank is a kidney-shaped piece of land of about 3400 square miles (bit bigger than South Carolina) that lies along the west bank of the Jordan River. This area was part of the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until they backed the wrong horse in WWI. The Palestine Mandate of 1922 put the Brits in control "until such time as they are able to stand alone." According to the preamble, the intent was to establish a home for the Jews within Palestine.

But the Brits 'buggered' it up by making conflicting and shifting promises to Arabs and Jews of the area. Can't really blame them though. They were a long way from home trying to 'make deals' with who-ever in trying to keep their crown jewel - India - in good stead. Besides, they have been fighting here for thousands of years. (That's why I laughed so hard when Prez 'W' went on record that there would be a peace agreement before his 2nd term ended -- ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)

When the Palestine Mandate was terminated in May 1948, the Jews announced their statehood (Liberation Day for them) and they were almost immediately attacked by Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Lebanon (celebrated as catastrophe day by them). Fourteen months later an armistice was signed, Israel had added almost 50% more land to their new state, and Jordan now controlled The West Bank of the Jordan River.

Interestingly, none of the international community - save for the UK - recognized Jordan's claim. The Six-Day War in June 1967 saw Israel take control of the West Bank from Jordan. (They also gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.) Israel never annexed the land. But they have been building there ever since.

Now, I am Jewish and I am pro-Israel. But I am NOT a fan of Eminent Domain - you know, where the government decides it needs a piece of property more than you do so they take it from you for some token compensation. That's what seems to be going on here and I encourage anybody to explain to me how this is okay. I have no doubt there are justifications dating back a VERY long time ago that I don't know.

I don't know that there will ever be peace in the Mid East. I don't think it will happen while I am alive. There are just too many different people and opinions - not just Jew and Arab but within the Arab world itself there are many factions. In fact, I would venture to say that until the Arabs can get a united effort, there will be no peace with the Jews - unfortunately.

And speaking of fights, what is the deal with the alleged terrorist bringing criminal charges against the Navy SEALs that captured him? Only in America. I understand how our constitution holds us to a higher standard. And I suppose we must suffer through some idiotic processes to insure fairness for all, you know, "innocent until proven guilty." But to borrow a phrase from my ESPN buds, C'mon Man!

Long story short; the SEALs secretly captured the supposed mastermind behind the 2004 murder and mutilation of 4 contract security guards in Iraq (their mutilated bodies were left hanging from a bridge). Somewhere along the way the bad-guy was punched in the stomach and got a bloody lip. Sound like a chapter from Rodney Kings life? Three SEALs are now facing assault charges. I am curious to see where this ends up.

According to President Obama, the Senate is close to an agreement on health care reform. FYI, once the Senate approves it's version it will go to the full congress for further negotiations before going for the President's signature. I have not talked with anyone in the industry that sees much good coming from this. How can you possibly get 100 Senators and 435 Representatives to reach an agreement to satisfy 300+ BILLION people? Too many special interests. So we will settle for pleasing some of the people some of the time.

It will probably be 5 or 10 years before we can look back and say if there was more good than bad. In the meantime, I am greatly concerned with the seemingly endless debt that Mr. Obama is racking up for us taxpayers. Here again, time will tell. But I am a bit scared.

Okay, enuf for now. It's dinner time.

Happy Chanukah!

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FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS -- HAPPY CHANUKAH!!!!


And, if you were wondering, although there are 5 faces above, it is actually just my two sons (Nathan and Jared) and me.

Hey, it's the 30/30 club today!

That would be 30 degrees with 30 mph winds! In case you were wondering that is a chill factor (ya know - what it 'feels' like) of about 10 degrees! I was kind of scanning some of my prior posts and the weather seems to be a recurring topic of late. I guess anything extreme gets attention.

In case your not in the upper Midwest or north east - that's a very good thing today. This monster storm is tracking north (thank GOD) of me here in St. Louis. All we got was more rain yesterday and cold and windy today. Beats the monster snow Des Moines got.

ding, ding, ding, ding - CRASH! That would be my neighbors wind chimes getting blown off their porch. We have wind gusts up to 40 mph here -- BRRRRRRRRR! I have not been outside yet and don't plan on it. Turn the heat up, finish my book, take a nap, surf the net, download a movie, catch-up on my TIVO'd programs, take a nap - all options for today. Three guesses what I'm doing this afternoon. The first two don't count.

But I have had a great week already, actually! I scored a load Friday that took me to Texarkana - on the TX/AR border. That was a double bonus because it not only paid well but allowed me to go thru Pine Bluff, AR where my youngest son lives. I got in there Sunday, spent the night and then went on to Texarkana Monday morning. So, even if I do nothing else this week it will still be okay. But it would be better to get another trip or even two - but not today.

Yesterday I spent the day shopping for new tires for my truck. This is one of those very rare times I regret having a 'dually' - six tires! Plus they are ten-ply versus the 4 or 6-ply more common on cars - I carry more weight! The good news is that these tires I now have gave me more than 100K miles! Proof positive (in my head) rotating tires pays dividends! What I paid $850 for at Sams in May '08 is now just over $1,000! OUCH! But I HAVE to have them. I have been procrastinating for more than a month.

A friend of mine came up with something that will work for a bit less money (50 bucks is 50 bucks) but he had to order them. Should be done tomorrow.

I will be going back down to Paradise (FL) late next week unless something else comes up. It won't be soon enuf for me.

One final thought, Friday night is the beginning of Chanukah - the Jewish Festival of Lights. About 2000 years ago, a small army of Jews (Maccabees) liberated the Temple of Jerusalem from the occupying Greek-Syrian army. When they went to light the Menorah (a multi-branched candelabra) there was only enough pure olive oil to last one day. The Menorah miraculously burned for eight days while they produced more.

Some things never change, it seems. Today, Israel is still under attack. If you take the weapon out of a Jew's hand, the Jew will die. If you take the weapon out of __________ (insert almost ANY of Israel's enemies) and there will be peace. Think about it.

Taum Sauk ... Part II

Today was my third delivery to Taum Sauk Reservoir. But it was the FIRST time I got to DRIVE INSIDE!!! OMG!!! Imagine if you will; a giant, kidney-shaped, concrete swimming pool about 4 football fields long and sides about 250 feet high in the deep end. Oh, and it sits on TOP of the 3rd highest mountain in Missouri.



If you want the more detailed storu of Ameren UE's Taum Sauk Reservoir, you can click on "October" and then "1.5 Billion Gallons of water" just to your left here and you will go to an earlier post I did from my first visit. The short story is: Taum Sauk is a VERY large pool of water that is "control-released" thru a tunnel past two giant turbines to produce electricity during peak usage - ie. hot summer days. The water is collected in a lake just below the power station and then pumped back up into the resevoir overnight for use the next day.

In December 2005, there was a leak. A section of wall breached and 1.5 gallons of water washed down the mountainside. They are almost done with the rebuilding and have begun hauling out equipment no longer required. That's why I was there.

It was a cold, blustery day; raining most of the time and temperatures never got above 45. A great day - if you're a duck! And here I am standing on solid bedrock, on top of a mountain. Surrounded by a smooth, concrete wall slanting slightly back as it rises 250' into grey skies. At times the wind gusts would cause you to take a 'side-step' as you were caught unawares. I sure hope the drain is open.

The walls are thicker at the bottom - as you might expect - with a 10'W by 13'H tunnel to get inside. I did not measure but it had to be a 100' long. Once inside we drove to the opposite end. Just like a swimming pool, this has a 'deep section' with a 30' wide drain leading down a 7,000 foot tunnel.


This is looking into the 'deep-end' and that square looking thing in the middle is the cover for the drain. I waited up top here and they brought the equipment up to me to load. (click on the pix to make it big and then your back button to return)

The inside of that tunnel had been inspected and repaired as needed with a type of scaffold that hangs off the side and is motorized - kind of like a window washer on a skyscraper.

So, in spite of the totally HORRIBLE weather, it was a most exciting day. I saw something that very few poeple will ever see. And I made some money! WOO-HOO!!! Other than the chance of snow (it's 32 degrees and rain at the moment), life is good.

Back to Reality .... and Back to work!

Well, I guess once-a-week is better than once-a-month, right? I'm back in IL and actually got a nice trip today. Now if we can put 2 or 3 days like this together - WOO-HOO! I am hopeful for our letter of Authority to show up any day now. That will open a lot of doors. I will be able to look for some more work around the area. There are LTL shipments on the load boards all the time.

I'm not sure I mentioned (guess I could scroll down and peek); but I took my bike (loaded into the back of my pick-up) down to Florida. I left my bike there. I'm not sure there are many more riding days around here. And I will be in FL the end of this month for 2 weeks and then again the first week in March - if not sooner. So the bike is in FL for now.

It's 1,000 miles each way from Treasure Island, FL to here in southern Illinois. I was SOOOOO excited to be driving down the road. W H A T A R U S H !!! I have learned that driving like this is not everyone's cup-of-tea. I love it. Going 500 miles in a day is easy for me - 2-wheels, four-wheels and more. And do that day-after-day. No problem.

Between the crappy weather here and the infrequent work, it has been difficult to 'hang in there.' My unplanned vaca was really nice. Now I work for three more weeks - until the weekend of the 20th or so - and then back down to paradise for a couple of weeks.

1,000 miles and 180 degrees from Thursday

My-my, how things can change in the blink of an eye. Last Thursday I was ready to climb inside the microwave and push the '9-button'. By Saturday noon I was so happy my euphoria was almost overwhelming. And it's only gotten better since! Paradise will do that to you.

Yes, I am back in Florida. Unplanned and un-budgeted but so essential to my mental health that it had to happen. And boy am I glad. I have mentioned many times that my motorcycle is therapy for me. That therapy is significantly influenced by the weather. Cold and rainy = bad. Sunny and warm (even hot) = good. It's quite simple.

My last post - a week ago now - touched on the boredom that was becoming a factor in my life. Sitting around waiting for the phone to ring was getting to me. Several days of rain and high temps in the low 50s was making it worse. Add to that mix the difficulty my oldest son is going thru and the emotional (and financial) strain I was feeling and I was stressed to the MAX.

Thursday morning it came to a head and I nearly blew a gasket. In his defense, my oldest was a factor but not the main trigger to my stress. This public forum is NOT the place to 'air my personal laundry' but I will go so far as to say; only family can send you to such crazy extremes of emotion. At least you get to pick your friends. You're even allowed to change your mind.

Coincidentally, I had a follow-up doctors appointment Friday. I went in for the results of my blood labs drawn a couple of weeks ago in the course of a regular, annual check-up. My BP was off the chart; the highest it has EVER been. Family will do that to you.

I had planned on going to FL later in December for a couple of weeks. My need for vitamin D out-weighed the financials and by 1 PM Friday I had my motorcycle loaded in the pick-up and I was heading south! I am living proof that sunshine is good for you. Even the 'thought' of sunshine will brighten my mood. So here I sit on the Sun Coast looking out my kitchen window across sandy beaches and out into the Gulf. I'm happy.

I was going to GA and have Thanksgiving with my parents this week. I have not missed very many Turkey Days with my parents. They are about 6 hours from here. I'm not sure what my agenda is now for this week. You may have picked up that I'm rather spontaneous. I have more than 72 hours yet to make a 'final decision.'

One other item of note, Saturday night - the day I got here - there was a huge party on the beach just down the island. The Bilmar Resort sponsored a Sand Castle contest complete with vendors, music and fun. Just what I needed.




AHHHHHH! Paradise! How good it is!

It's not like I don't have TIME to do this

As posted last - almost TWO WEEKS ago - I have lots of time on my hands these days. Perhaps I'm not as good at 'time management' as I think. I need a goal to force me into action - like a delivery schedule. I'm very good at getting where I am suppose to be WHEN I'm suppose to be there.

But now I sit around alot waiting for the phone to ring. I have to be available because when it DOES ring, they expect me to respond within the hour. So there are limitations on what I can do Mon-Fri from 7 until 4.

My last two weekends have been an educational experience tho. My best friends own property on a lake in south-eastern Illinois - about 130 miles from here. It is pretty much in the wilderness. A rocky mountain top - at least what qualifies as a 'mountain' in Illinois - covered with trees on a dead-end road overlooking one of the fingers of the lake.

They cleared a path up the hill last spring and have had electric and water run to the top where their house will eventually sit. Weekend before last, we began building a 24' x 40' metal building. I have never done anything like this before. It was physically challenging for me. I don't do this 'manual labor' thing very much anymore (as my 640 skeletal muscles frequently reminded me). Fortunately I had an old prescription for muscle relaxers. I now need a refill!

But it was also a lot of fun. Besides learning something I had never done before, I spent time with great people that make me laugh until I cry. Occasionally I just cried. Like that time the ladder I was on - 8' in the air - was in the way for a piece of sheet metal being hoisted. My pal just pushed the ladder - with me still on it - a few inches off the building so they could slide the sheeting up! What the heck. it makes for great memories - and stories around the campfire. Just add Grey Goose.

There was plenty of that going around each Saturday night, both stories and Grey Goose. I think that is one of the best parts of life; building memories for when you get old and sit on the porch in your rocking chair.

Another significant event last week was progress on getting our Authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The trucking industry is highly regulated by both the state and the FMCSA. For interstate commerce - carrying freight for hire across state lines - the FMCSA mandates certain things be in place. Once all the requirements are met they will issue a Letter of Authority, or permission to conduct business. We have completed that process and are now waiting (hopefully) for the letter.

This letter will allow me to get back On-the-Road again. Which means I can get back to Paradise (Florida) more often. I am looking for a part-time CDL driver to cover for me here when I'm 'out.' Our main account here is in the construction business and they are going into a seasonally slow time of year. Their 'slowness' is compounded by the economy. But we still have to be available for their needs.

And speaking of slow, we have had two weeks of BEAUTIFUL weather - until today. It's raining now and forecasted to continue until Thursday so I'm not too optimistic about alot of work this week. Next week is a short week as we celebrate my personal "Favorite" holiday Thanksgiving. I will be going to Georgia with my middle brother and his youngest daughter for 'The Feast.'

I will probably have more to say about Thanksgiving in a future post but I'd like to remind everyone to consider that regardless of your current situation there are many, many people out there that have it much worse than you do. Be thankful and share some of your good fortune even if it's just a smile.

And don't forget all those people that make it possible for you to have the life you live. I don't care if you are a hermit-survivalist or a radical ratchet-mouth standing on the street corner spouting your crazy ideas. If you live in the United States of America there are a lot of people making sacrifices for you to live the way you want. Thank a veteran!

Borrrrrrring

My life has gotten rather boring of late. As expected my driving has been cut down dramatically, along with my expenses. The little bit of driving I AM doing pays pretty well so the result is: the money is okay (at least I get paid in a timely manner now) but I'm sitting around a lot more than I like.

At least the weather for the past few days has been nice, nice enough to ride my bike anyway. And this coming week-end forecast looks good for even more 2-wheeling. All the rain has knocked most of the leaves off the trees, but not all. I'd say we are 'past peak' now anyway.

I got my (renewed) insurance license in the mail last week. I am going to talk with some folks about what I might can do with that. I think it's at least another 2-4 months before Obama's health care reform is hashed out. I still believe there maybe some opportunity with that. We shall see.

Something you may not have known about me, I spent a lot of money several years ago learning how to trade the stock market. To be perfectly honest, my results were less than hoped for. I think it is more because of my risky ventures than bad decision making (is that an oxymoron?). It wasn't so much that I was picking bad companies but more an issue of the way that I was playing them (options vs stocks). Regardless, I have developed 'selective amnesia' and have got back into the 'game.'

An added benefit is that I will now have more fodder for my blog. Since my travels are dwindling, I can now write about my trading adventures. Perhaps I'll rename my blog, "Trading the USA." Just kidding.

One trip I am planning is over Thanksgiving - my MOST favorite holiday. I will be riding with my middle brother (the one that returns my phone calls) and his youngest daughter down to Savannah, GA where we will feast with my parents.

I guess there is ONE THING I like about this weather

The Fall colors have been quite remarkable around here this year. It varies from year to year. The intensity of the leaf colors has to do with the amount of rain and sun and temperatures between day and night. Apparently this was a good blend because the reds and yellows are amazing.

This picture was taken on SR 18 in north central Illinois as I climbed the bluff from the Illinois River. It had been raining most of the day and the road was shiny wet. As I neared the top of the bluff, there was an overhang of trees with bright yellow leaves. The whole forest around me was blazing in color. It really was impressive.

It also reminded me, that you don't have to go very far from where ever YOU live and see for yourself, what a wonderful world we live in. Ya, I know, it's nice to go somewhere exotic like the Caribbean or Mexico or Greece or something. But that's probably not something you can do spur of the moment or economically. And shouldn't you know your 'back yard?'

Right after high school, I went to New York City to attend photography school. I was staying with family and they took me sightseeing. I remember being told how THEY had not seen some of the things we were seeing. And they live there!

Makes me wonder how many people living in the St. Louis area have never been to the Arch. Not necessarily UP in the Arch -- although you can and it is a most impressive view from 605' in the air -- but even in the base of the arch, underground actually, where the museum is. Who's been to Forest Park Zoo? It use to be one of only two FREE zoos in the country.

Most people consider Illinois to be relatively flat and all corn - or at least whatever part of the state isn't Chicago. The Illinois River cuts from east to west across the middle of the state and then bends south where it merges with the Mississippi just north of St. Louis. The river follows along a bluff much of the way and is quite spectacular.

So the moral of the story is, "GET OUT THERE!"

1.5 BILLION gallons of water in 25 minutes

The morning of December 14, 2005 there was a breach in the Taum Sauk Upper Reservoir (about 100 miles south of St. Louis) that sent 1.5 billion gallons of water cascading down Proffit Mountain. Johnson Shut-in State Park was severely damaged. The Park Superintendent - along with his wife and three children - had their home, with them in it, washed away. Amazingly, they all survived.

Taum Sauk Reservoir is a pumped-storage hydroelectric facility that was built in 1962. The concept is that water is held in a 'lake' on top of a mountain until electric demand is high. Then water is released thru two tunnels, housing pump-turbine generators, to another lake about 800 feet below. At night, when electric demand is lower, the water is pumped back up to the top.

As with most bad things, the breach was the result of several things going wrong at the same time. Basically the reservoir was 'over-filled' because of bad (or missing) gauges. The overflow caused an already weakened wall to fail. You can read an independent panel's report here.

Ameren UE - the electric company - was fined $15 million. The sad part (to me) -- there were multiple indications that a catastrophe was imminent for several months prior to the event. Wikipedia has details and photos.

The $480 million rebuilding project began in December 2007 and is scheduled to be complete in May 2010. I was there this week to pick-up some of the construction equipment they were done with.

All I can say is -- WOW!

The new upper reservoir is a kidney-shaped dam constructed of roller compacted concrete. The inside is smooth but the outside is stair-step shaped. They have about 700 people working there. Needless to say, they have made a lot of improvements in 50+ years. In fact, the managing supervisor of engineers offered a " ... 100 percent guarantee there will not be another breach." Guess he doesn't believe in the 'never say never' thing.

So, that was the most interesting place I have been this week. Things are going well at the 'new place.' I am not driving anywhere near the miles that I was before. That's a good thing (mostly). Now if I could just do something about the weather here!

THIS is why I moved in the first place!

I hate this weather -- cold (45 degrees) and rainy!! And if THAT'S not bad enough, it's 85 and sunny in Paradise (St. Pete, FL). "I wanna go home!" This weather just depresses the #O%*X out of me. Too bad Prozac has so many undesirable side-effects!

I like wearing shorts, tank top and flip-flops. But not here, today. I was in Wally World yesterday and I found myself stopped in front of the 'Thermal Underwear'. Sad!

Let's see if I can find some 'good news' to share. Oh ... yea! My truck insurance! Proof positive you have to shop that stuff out every once in a while. My policy was up for renewal 10/1. Of the three places I shopped it, nobody could beat what I had -- until yesterday.

Now mind you, I have already renewed but I am month-to-month. Yesterday afternoon I got a phone call and supposedly this company will cut my premium by more than HALF. I'm waiting to see the written proposal.

My first reaction was, "No Way!" But then I remembered when I first bought this. The range of the qoutes was mind boggling -- a low of $1500 to a high of more than $4000 a year. At this point you are probably thinking, "What are you talking about? I (we) pay a fraction of that!" Please remember I drive alot; more than 90,000 miles last year. I also have a very high liability limit ($750K) to protect my business. It makes a big difference.

So, hopefully this new quote will be for real and I can make a big savings. That's good news.

And along the insurance line, I decided to renew my Life and Health Insurance producers license. Some of you may not have known that I made a living for almost 7 years selling insurance. The best thing about selling insurance - besides helping people protect themselves from disaster - is the 'trail'. As long as the policy remains in force, I get continuous income. Small but it adds up. The key is to write good business.

I am seeing a huge opportunity coming in the health insurance biz. Depending on the final outcome of Prez Obama's reform, there could be 27 MILLION people needing coverage soon. I'd like a piece of that.

Guess I'll rename my blog "Insuring the USA" or something. (just kidding).

Not much work this week. Fortunately I had a very excellent week last week. And, my expenses this week have been very low. So, I guess it all works out.

Except for this damn weather!

Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain .......

I'm sitting here at a job site in the rain - with some occasional thunder and lightening, which is why I'm SITTING here. The folks in charge of 'Safety' have issued an order to "...cease all non-essential outdoor activity." So I sit in my truck and listen to the rain - and best of all, get paid for it. I remember the last time I sat in the thunder and rain.

In case you haven't been following along, I live in Paradise - the Gulf Coast of Florida outside St. Petersburg. One of the most spectacular things about where I live is the sunset. I look west out over the Gulf and - weather permitting - watch the sun 'kiss' the water every evening. There are many pictures in my photo album. The link is on the left side of this page.

The Thursday evening before leaving FL for IL, I was headed down to the beach about 20 minutes before 'the kiss' when I saw huge purple clouds back to the east with flashes of lightening. And it was headed my way! But I was not going to be denied. I knew I would not be back here for a couple of months. So, dressed in flip-flops, swimsuit and tank-top; I put my digital camera inside a sandwich bag, grabbed an umbrella and walked the 150' to the beach.

I witnessed one of the most memorable sunsets I have ever seen. I was standing on the beach in the rain trying to keep the umbrella from blowing away as the wind and lightening swirl all around me. There was a momentary pause to consider the sanity of holding a metal umbrella over my head in a thunderstorm. Considering my family history - my grandfather (whom I am named after) was struck by lightening - this probably goes in the "Not So Smart" column.

But the view - phenomenal! As I looked west over the white-capped waves rolling onto the sandy shore, I saw another storm cloud just a few degrees to the right of where the sun was settling. These clouds were shades of grey and purple with orange and pink edges against the silvery sky. The round sun changed to a V-shaped cone of orange as it reflected off the dark sea. Then, there was a burst of lightening from the cloud to the water. Words cannot describe - and my cheap digital camera cannot record - what Mother Nature was doing at that moment.

The storm I'm sitting in now is also memorable because of the locale. I'm parked in the middle of an oil refinery waiting to pick-up a load of concrete forms going back to the vendor. There is a labyrinth of pipes running in all directions suspended about 20 feet off the ground on metal legs carrying some kind of liquid - or gas - from one tower to the next. Several towers have a steady stream of white smoke (steam?) flowing out. A couple of towers have huge fires burning at the top - hopefully intentionally - which the wind blows one way and then another, but never out amazingly. Cameras are STRICTLY forbidden.

I have been here more than 2 1/2 hours already. First waiting for their safety meeting to end, then for my escort to show up and - for the last hour - watching the rain - which seems to have let-up for the moment. Patience is not one of my virtues but it helps ALOT when the meter is running. But I prefer to be doing something.

I just KNEW this was going to happen!

I left Florida more than a week ago (now) headed for Belleville (suburb of St. Louis on the IL side for those who don't know) and have been going 150 mile an hour since. I suspected this blog would take a change with my new situation here for a few reasons.

First of all, I won't be traveling as many miles as before so the title of the blog probably needs to be updated. Most of my runs will be regional. And then I wasn't sure how my time was going to be -- at least not at first. Things have been quite crazy this last week. Let me start by catching up.

I got to Belleville Saturday (Sep 27) and spent the night at a good friends house having a fish fry and 'welcome back ' party. They shall remain anonymous to protect the innocent. Hmmm, there wasn't anyone there innocent now that I think about it. Still, I may want to go back sometime.

My first week on the job was quite excellent, I thought. I have worked with these people before so I knew many of the folks. Kind of like 'old home' week. I think I worked about every day and still was able to sleep in a REAL bed everynight -- SWWWWEET!

On Friday I loaded for a trip to Little Rock, AR that delivered Monday morning - which is where I'm sitting right now. I added my bike - complete with 2 new tires - to the trailer and headed down here on Saturday. My youngest son lives 50 miles south of here so I stayed with him and his mother Sat and Sun. That was very nice.

I was up at 4:30 this morning, rode 15 miles back to the truck and trailer (in the misty rain - YUCK), loaded my bike and made the 1 hour trip to my delivery site. I was here 15 minutes early for a 7 AM delivery! Except they aren't ready for me yet.

The Sky Trak (a type of fork lift) won't be here until 9 AM to unload me! No problem. I get paid for detention too. So I'm sitting here making $60/hr updating my blog. Is life good or what? (Except for the rain)

So now you are up to date. I should be able to get into a routine here and update this blog a little more often.

Oh-Oh, looks like I'm in somebody's way. Got to move.

Swimming with the Fish ...

And I lived to tell about it! I live about 150' from the Gulf of Mexico. The water here is usually very calm - waves (if you can call them that) are less than 2' unless there are storms out over the water. The water is relatively clear so you can see down to about 6' or so. And if you stand still, schools of tiny fish - 2 or 3 inches long - will swim all around you.

Of course, you should remember: big fish feed on little fish. So I am nothing more than shark bait standing in this school of bait fish! I will say, there have been NO reports of shark bite anywhere near here - at least that I am aware of.

A lot of people fish from the shoreline here also. They will go out with their nets and catch these small fish I was just describing and then use them for bait to try and hook something larger. With success! I personally witnessed an 18" hammerhead shark (baby) pulled in right here on this beach. But that was the exception, not the rule.

The biggest danger here is stepping on something while walking in the surf. Allegedly stingrays are common. Signs up and down the beach warn you to 'shuffle' your feet. I wear water shoes. My feet are sensitive. I don't even like to walk in the yard barefoot.

So that's where I'm headed right now (again) - the beach. Every morning - lately - starts with clear skies. As the temperature rises during the day clouds will form and usually rain somewhere by mid-afternoon. If it's a sea-breeze -- wind blows from west to east -- the storms generally form more inland. But if it's a land-breeze -- winds blow east to west -- the storms seem closer to the shoreline, where I live.

Today it's a land-breeze so I better get out there now.

L'shana tovah

Tonight at sunset is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year - 5770. L'shanah tovah or "for a good year" is a popular greeting you would hear at Synagogue tonight. The event I remember most vividly is the blowing of the shofar or rams horn, which sounds much like a trumpet.

Rosh Hashanah is one of the 'happy' holidays on the Jewish calendar - a celebration of things that make you smile and feel good. Dipping apples or even bread in honey to symbolize a wish for a sweet year is a common practice. Many holidays involve fasting or 'suffering' in remembrance of the tough times our ancestors had.

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated for two days because, back in the days before Al Gore invented the Internet (wink), the Jewish Council sent messengers out into the country to identify when a new moon was observed. The Jewish calendar is lunar based containing either 29 or 30 days in each month. Apparently there was some time involved in this information dispersal so - being a happy time - they celebrated for two days. Besides, doesn't the moon appear to be New (or Full) for 2 or 3 days?

Like the American New Year, Rosh Hashanah is a time to make resolutions for a better life. One begins by looking back at past mistakes and planning changes for the new year. On the first afternoon, sins are symbolically cast off (tashlikh) by emptying our pockets into a flowing stream of water. No, no, no! You leave the money on the dresser but put small pieces of bread in your pockets instead. These ARE Jews, remember!

The next ten days are called the Days of Repentance. GOD has written our names in 'books' declaring what type of life we are each to have - and how long we live. We can influence GOD's decision with good deeds and repentance at this time - before the books are 'sealed' on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement and your 'last chance') - the most important holiday of the Jewish year.

With the changes forthcoming in my driving, I may need to change the title of this blog to "Nik's Soapbox" or something. I'm not sure how much of the USA I'll be seeing over the next few months. But I do intend to keep writing. I have received SO MUCH positive feedback from people and this is SO MUCH fun for me that I must continue. I have renewed contact with so many friends and family thru here that I can't stop.

May YOU be inscribed and sealed in GOD's book for a good year!

I am SOOOOOOO bored!

And it is absolutely awesome. I slept in Sat morning until after ten .. and then took a nap from 3 until 7. I watched some movie - I think - but was back in bed at midnight.
Sunday was way more productive - I watched football from noon until 1:20 IN THE MORNING! It was amazing. Recliner-refrigerator-bathroom-recliner.
At least I got out Monday - to the beach. But then it was more football until after midnight (Not sure I like THAT part of the eastern time zone).

I piddled at something ridiculous all day yesterday because I don't remember exactly what it was here a day later, but so what. Last night was fun. I met some old friends - one of whom flew down from STL on other business and I haven't seen in probably 3 years - and we had dinner and cocktails and fun.

Today was another beach day, at least this afternoon. Had to visit wally world this morning. And then saw this beautiful sunset. Fishing was good and the fisherman - and a couple tourists - were feeding the birds. Life is good (and boring). I have something special I am working on that I will share tomorrow, so please check back.

.... another change

I forgot to mention, I am FINALLY back home in Paradise. I made my delivery yesterday afternoon about 70 miles east of here. I like pleasing people. It really makes ME feel good when I exceed their expectations. They were not expecting delivery of these pumps until Saturady morning. I called them Friday and asked if they would like them by 1:00 Friday afternoon!

I intend to just hang out here for at least 10 days or so. I don't need to be in STL until 10/1. I have driven more than 14,000 miles since I left here 7 weeks ago - July 20th. I have earned a little R&R.

Time for some vitamin D and sand!

"A CHANGE" is blowing in the wind

Judging from the deluge of emails and phone calls I have received (well, actually 2 emails and 1 call), there seems to be a tiny bit of interest in 'whatsup' with me and the change.

I own and operate my own truck and trailer. I have a lease agreement with a trucking company that allows me to haul freight interstate using their 'authority' or permission from the feds. The trucking industry is one of the most regulated industries in our country. There are a ton of rules and regulations - and compliance issues - required to operate. That is the main reason I lease on with someone. They maintain the compliance with the feds and I put their name on the side of my truck.

A typical lease arrangement includes not only the back-office stuff but the company usually has a customer base and you haul THEIR freight. So the company has the benefit of trucks and drivers with-out the overhead of 'employees' and equipment. The O/O has freight to haul and the compliance issues addressed. The driver is paid either a percentage of the gross for each trip or a set rate per mile depending on his agreement.

My lease was a bit unique because I did not haul my companies freight. I found all of my own loads. They also did not do any billing for me. I did it. In fact, the company I am with does very little beyond the initial paperwork to set-up a new broker I am moving freight for and then receiving the payment for freight I have moved. They forward on to me - electronically - money as it comes in to them for my business - minus a small 'fee'.

It seems to me they have a very good situation with me. There is virtually no expense to them - they are already doing the compliance thing for their trucks; they do not have to find work for me - I get all of my own; there is a small amount of office work they have to do for me - maybe a couple of hours a week, at most.

I am also very happy. I control my own destiny. I pick the loads I want to do, negotiate my own rates and go in a direction I choose. My only expectation from them was they maintain compliance with the feds (and states) and forward my money on to me in a timely fashion. Our original agreement established the transfer of funds within 24 hours of them receiving it.

But it seems as if all good things must come to an end. My lease with this company will terminate on September 30. I will not go into detail about the reasons but common sense should tell you my expectations were not fullfilled of late. Life gos on. Fortunately for me there are a whole bunch of trucking companies out there. And from the looks of our highways, a whole lot of drivers also.

I have a new situation starting October 1 and there is a new wrinkle here also. They have a significant customer whose freight I will move. In fact, I will probably use their customer to 'get out of town' and then use my own resources to get back. The bad news (to me) is that I'm not sure how much "Traveling the USA" I am going to be able to do.

It will be necessary for me to be available when THEY have freight to move. the majority of their stuff ships within 300 miles of St. Louis. I will not have the freedom to travel around as I have been. On the plus side, I will make more money with less driving. That means less wear and tear on my body as well as my truck.

So, other than spending more time in the STL area, I am really looking forward to this opportunity. Not that I don't like STL. In fact, some of my best friends live there. But the weather there sucks.

So, that's the big change. Most people do not like change very much. Oh, they may pay it lipservice and say it's okay. But the reality is most folks like the status-quo. They drive the same road to work everyday. They eat the same things at the same restaurants. Shop at the same WalMart. They watch the same shows on TV each night. They go to the same (bar, church, bowling alley, etc) each time. There is a lot of comfort living inside 'the box.'

I think you have to have change to get better. To grow. Step out-side the box once in a while. One of my favorite quotes, "If your not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space."

Qwik Travel Update

A lot has happened since Saturday, my last post, but I don't have time now to go into detail. The 'change' I alluded to has been set in motion and I have some extensive thoughts to share but no time today.

Labor Day weekend I was hanging out in Belleville - my hometown for 40+ years - en route to Iowa and South Dakota. I left around noon Monday for the 400 mile trip to my first stop.

I was sitting in the parking lot of my delivery about an hour before dark when an employee drove by and stopped. He offered - and I accepted, of course - to take delivery right then (this is a holiday, remember). I know what your thinking, how did I know he was an employee? He had a company baseball cap on, silly! I'm no dummy! Oh, he also had keys to unlock the place so we could get in.

This early delivery set me up - I thought - for getting the second piece off 300 miles away on Tuesday with enough time left in the afternoon to reload. The first part went well. I was empty by noon near Mitchell, SD -- but alas, no freight to move me from there!

I have to give you a little hint about the 'change' I'll discuss in my next post. It's midday Tuesday and the pay I was told would be in my checking account LAST Friday is not. I'm very unhappy for several reasons. The top two are: 1) this isn't the first time and 2) nobody has EVER called me to say, "there's a problem." More on this later. (Guess I gave away what the change is, huh.)

I ended up dead-heading all the way to Kansas City where I loaded two 14" horizontal pumps a customer in Florida is in "... dire need" of. Which works for me because I am in dire need of some time off.

I will deliver these Friday afternoon and then

PARADISE HERE I COME!

Labor Day Weekend

This probably should be a day to be thankful to have a job. Have you stopped to consider: Monday is a holiday and most of the people that have that day off = if they have a job - they get paid anyway. If they are unfortunate enough to HAVE to work on Monday, many -- but not all -- will get 1 1/2 times their regular rate or more. And for those that it's just another day; well, they may grumble but in the end they are happy to have a job. At least they should be.

So Happy Labor Day!

And speaking of labor -- I have been steady at it all week. You may remember that I was sick as a dog last Tuesday night. I had loaded out of Ft. Wayne and was en route to southern Louisiana. That night was one of the worst in my memory. I had the chills - obviously from a fever - to go along with the sore-throat, runny nose, cough, yada, yada, yada. Being sick sucks. Being sick on the road REALLY sucks.

Thanks to aspirin and non-drowsy allergy pills by day and NyQuil at night - plus an hour nap during the afternoon - I was able to safely get the turbocharger (for a gas pipeline) to LA for Thursday morning delivery. From there I was able to put two loads together (twice the pay for a few more miles) going north to Iowa and South Dakota (300 miles apart). And BONUS - it takes me thru Belleville - where I am tonight.

Some big changes are in the wind for me as well. Unfortunately (mysteriously) I cannot go into detail at this time. Not all the parts in place and you know what mom said about counting your chickens before the eggs hatch! But some good (I think) things happened to me (again) today. Of course time will tell because hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20. to be continued..........

Canton was Bad for My Health

After spending 3 nites and two days in Canton, I woke up Monday morning with a sore throat. It's sore enough that my ear even hurts. But I'm tough. Let's get to work!

I took one of the first loads I found, which, in retrospect, may not have been the best idea. It was a short trip and paid okay but the route was painfully slow-going - alot of 2-lane. My thinking was that I could make delivery by 1:00 and still have time to load the next one. Because I have Internet - and a cell phone - I could be looking along the way. Sounded good in my head.

The reality turned out that I didn't get empty until almost 3:00. Because these guys CLOSE at 3;00, I wasn't sure I'd make it in time. I was afraid to commit to the next load Long story short, I got this one off and set up the next one to load 8 AM this morning. What was frustrating was all the new loads that got posted later Monday morning from the Canton area. But I was already obligated.

It probably worked out for the best. I got a little 'power nap' after delivery and then slept almost 9 hours that night. But my cold is getting worse. A runny nose - and the resulting upset stomach; congestion in my chest and a 'hard' cough have joined my earache and sore throat. Could it have been that pint of Ben and Jerry's I consumed in one sitting Saturday night?

I got this load in northern Indiana - 6 miles from the Michigan border. I'm taking a 6,000# turbocharger - 6'L x 5'W x 5'H to Louisiana, near Lake Charles. I've been trying all day to add something to this but to no avail. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm going to stop before dark and try to get another good nights rest. Can you say, "Nyquil?"

SATURDAY NIGHT in Canton, OH -- WOOHOOOO (yawn)

I guess the highlight was sitting in the parking lot of the grocery store eating my pint of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip ice cream. Yah, I know. Pretty lame. But it wasn't because I didn't try. i even had on one of my "Saturday Night Shirts" but to no avail.

I couldn't find anyplace to go! Most towns have an entertainment district - as small as they maybe sometimes. But it is frequently in the downtown or older, historic part of town. Not so in Canton. So after cruising (sightseeing) for 2 1/2 hours I ended up at the grocery store. I was hungry and did not want fast food. After my monster breakfast yesterday morning, all I ate was the left-over pizza. So I had the munchies by 11 PM. Ice cream was my reward. (No Grey Goose)

So I'm down to 24 hours or so to kill before I can find a load to move me on. I'm wondering how many people in the trucking biz will be working tomorrow. Isn't this Labor Day weekend? Maybe there's some good football on TV this afternoon.

Canton, OH -- I've been HERE before!

I don't remember exactly when, but it was several years ago when my youngest - Jared, who's pictured below with his new guitar coincidentally - wasn't so old that it was still 'OK' to hang-out with dad. He spent several weeks with me one summer out 'over-the-road' trucking and we spent a few days here in Canton - home to the NFL's Hall of Fame, which we toured.

My delays getting INTO Canada Friday morning resulted in it being too late in the day to set-up another load after my Detroit to Canton trip Friday afternoon. So here I sit for the weekend -- WITHOUT MY BIKE! Oh well, I guess the world won't come to an end.

I spent the night last night 'vegging' out laying in bed watching TV. Don't get to do that very often. It was kinda nice and my body certainly needed it. Slept in until after 9:30 this morning. I did get up a few times but went back right back to sleep.

I had a monster breakfast sitting at a table - versus my steering wheel - and that was most excellent (IHOP). Then, on the way to Wal Mart (need peanut butter), I notice GI Joe playing at the theater next door. I had seen commercials on TV last night and it looked fun. The early show matinee was $4.75 -- I'm in! The movie was good.

But there's only so much piddling and TV I can take. I'm bored! Maybe I can find someplace with entertainment and Grey Goose tonight.

I guess the Hall of Fame is an option -- naaa, been there, done that.

chunk..chunk..........KERCHUNK!

I'm sitting underneath the Ambassador Bridge which links Detroit, USA to Windsor, Ontario. The trucks flowing over in a steady stream are hitting a steel plate a joint in the highway ....chunk...chunk .......KERCHUNK. You can tell the heavy trucks because that third axle - the trailer axle - really slams when it crosses.

I had a great plan. Cross over at 4 am - while most folks are still sleeping. Be at the delivery - which is only 10 miles (16 kilometers for you Canucks) from the border by 6 am when they open. And then back to Detroit where I have a hot-shot load waiting to go to Canton, OH for delivery today - only 200 miles. Easy.

Too easy. Canada customs was not satisfied with the paperwork I had. The people with the answers are still sleeping at 4:30. So I'm sitting. Waiting. Not one of my virtues.

The good news is, I now have the information necessary to proceed but it takes an hour for the paperwork to process. In this age of instant communication, I'm waiting for someone to "walk" the forms to the right place. Whatever.

chunk...chunk.............KERCHUNK!

Driving in Circles - and getting paid for it!

At this moment I am sitting in Arkansas - again! I spent last Thursday and Friday with my youngest son down in Pine Bluff. I left Saturday and went to Michigan. Delivered that one in the morning and made a 350 mile circle there reloading two more (Ann Arbor and Flint) and then headed down to Illinois. On my way out of Michigan, I passed with 50 miles of where I went in that morning.

Tuesday I delivered one in IL and the second went on to Missouri. Then looped back again into IL - with-in 10 miles this time of where I had just been - and reloaded for AR, where I just delivered.

My next load goes from West Memphis, AR to ..... Guess where! .... Detroit, Michigan!

Are you keeping up? Sounds like a lot of driving? It is. But I have been quite fortunate and getting decent trips (pay wise) going somewhere I want (the South and Midwest). But it has been expensive. When I run this hard, I will spend $150 A DAY in fuel and food. But in 30-days, or so, it will start coming in. Feast and Famine!

GTG, they are waiting for me in W. Memphis!

Pine Bluff, AR

Friday afternoon in PB -- woo-hoo! I lived here back in 1976. This was my first post-military job. I started my restaurant career here. I also met my wife here. I have been back thru here a few times since I left in 1981 but not often - for a reason. Not really a lot happening here.

BUT, I have spent the last 24hrs with my youngest, who is learning the guitar. THAT has been special. I'll stay tonight and then back in the truck and continue on toward NE Indiana in the morning.

And I have set up a load after my deliveries Monday. It's not very long - 500 miles - but pays okay and, most importantly, keeps me moving.

Heavy Load - for me anyway - this trip

Tonight I am calling Malvern, AR home. I was able to put two loads together going to within 70 miles of each other. Plus they loaded within 50 miles of each other -- life is good. I have been doing some serious driving for seven days straight now. But I am taking a brief break Thursday and let my log book 'cool off.'

I delivered my signs in SC early Monday morning and then reloaded for LA. I ran into the remnants of tropical storm Claudette just past Atlanta and stayed wet all the way to my delivery near the TX-LA border south of Shreveport.

That delivery was pretty neat. Boise Cascade takes pine trees and makes them into landscape timbers and posts. I drove past log trucks waiting to unload and watched them transferring these limbless pine trees onto a conveyor that fed them into a machine that removes the bark before sending them along to be cut into posts. I enjoy seeing how they make things you walk into the store and just buy.

Unfortunately I had to drive more than 150 miles after this to get my next load. It's one of the disadvantages of my 'small' trailer. Less Than a Truckload (LTL or partials as they are known in the biz) can be difficult to come by in some parts of the country. It's always a factor to me when I book a load, how do I get to the next one?

But, as I mentioned, I got lucky and was able to put two little ones together. So now I'm headed for north-eastern Indiana. Originally, I was going to press hard and deliver by Friday morning - it's only 1,000 miles. But, after looking at the map, I realized that my route takes me within 60 miles of where my youngest son lives in AR.

The sad news, his grandmother - on his mom's side - is not doing so well. Hopefully I will get to visit with her also. So I'm going to take my 'week-end' tomorrow and Friday and hang out with Jared. Then I will leave Saturday and continue on to make delivery first thing Monday.

I previewed partial loads moving out of NE Indiana and was happy to find 39 of them! That's encouraging. I'll work Friday to set something up to load Monday afternoon and keep on trucking.

Wish I had my motorcycle with me this trip. It would be nice to 2-wheel over to Pine Bluff and visit Jared. But, it needs tires and is sitting in IL. Besides, I wouldn't have been able to put these two partials together if I had my bike on also. I am 'maxed out' on this trip. In the long run it all works out.

In the Mountains again tonight

I will lay my head down to sleep tonight in the Smokey Mountains this time, between Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN. I love it in the mountains. At least as a tourist. I don't think I'd care to live here permanently. I kinda like my 'Paradise' in Florida. I think I'm more of a beach bum.

So after loading my electronic signs just north of Salt Lake City last Thursday, I flew almost 1400 miles in 2 days getting into Belleville Saturday morning. Saturday night was Freeburg's Parade and truck pull. This time of year there are a multitude of festivals and homecomings in the small towns around the area. Just good old fashion fun. I was a (fairly) good boy Saturday night. I had to get up and drive 600 miles or so today. I deliver these signs first thing in the morning in Greenville, SC and then go less than 100 miles down the road to Columbia and reload for Louisiana.

Should be a wet ride tomorrow. Tropical Storm Claudette makes landfall tonight along the FL panhandle. The forecast is 6" of rain and 50 mph winds along the coast but I'll be on I-20 about 130 miles inland. The rain would be okay. My truck is nasty-nasty. I have a major bug collection on the front - mostly grasshoppers, dragon-flys and moths. Thank you Nebraska and Wyoming!

And I left my bike in Belleville. My tires were marginal before I went riding in ID. They are 'American Bald Eagles' now. So I dropped the bike at a friends and I'll have new tires UPS delivery to his house and he will hook me up. So let it rain.

The Smokies and the Rockies are quite different. The Rockies are much bigger - both in height and width. They are also much more varied in shape and structure. There is a lot more "WOW" when riding thru the Rockies, not that the Smokies aren't impressive.

I didn't pay a lot of attention in geology class, so I'm not going to try and impress you with my knowledge of rocks. But anyone can see the differences in the Rockies between mountain ranges. The color of the rock is different. The way they have eroded is different and thus their formations vary. It is probably among the most impressive sights I have seen in my travels.

I have been thru the Canadian Rockies and walked on their glaciers. I just rode thru the Bitteroot Mountains of Idaho with their granite spires and 1000' high buttes that drop straight down to a raging white-water stream. I also walked across lava fields in the Snake River Plain where molten rock has oozed - and occasionally exploded - from the ground. Geologists are predicting another major blow within the next 1000 years (hey, this has been going on for more than 20 million years) and Yellowstone Park is where it's going to happen. Guess you better get out there and visit it soon.

I had an interesting discussion with my Uncle last week about the differences of sight-seeing from a car versus a motorcycle. As far as I'm concerned there is no comparison. Perhaps if the car were a convertible and the top was down, it might be similar. But when you are looking around from the seat of a bike it's as if you are a part of it.

You can smell it -- not always good. You can feel it -- the temperature changes going over a river or thru a forest. You can taste it -- sometimes you catch a bug, literally. You can hear it - the echo of your exhaust from the canyon walls. You can see it - 360 degrees around and up and down. An enclosed chariot (car) just isn't the same. But even that beats looking at National Geographic so get out there!

We live in the most beautiful place on earth - where ever you are! Get off the sofa and go see something GOD created for you.

Butte to Boise 'N Back

Apparently AT&T doesn't offer Internet service for my card thru Montana and alot of Idaho - where I have been for much of this week. So here is a qwik catch-up.

After delivering in Havre Sunday afternoon, I deadheaded down to Butte, MT and parked my truck and trailer. Monday morning I rode the bike 430 miles (10 hours!) thru the Bitteroot Mountains down to Boise, ID to visit my uncle. The ride was spectacular. I have pictures and stories to tell but not the time right now. To be continued - promise!

Tuesday we did some sight seeing around town in his car (boooo). I left Wednesday morning because I thought I had a load to get Thursday in Butte and I wanted to ride a different way back up. Long story short - the load did not go. But I found another one that actually pays better.

So I'm back in the truck with the bike loaded by dark Wednesday, after another fantastic ride (thru the Snake River Canyon this time). Unfortunately I had to deadhead another long hike down to Logan, UT to pick up this load - electronic signs - going to Greenville, SC.

So here I am in Kimball, NE enroute to SC. This trip takes me right back thru Belleville again so I will stay there Saturday night.

BTW, the picture posted here was taken in a lava field off US 20 in the Snake River Plain between Boise and Idaho Falls. You normally think 'volcano' when you see lava but not here. This exploded from the ground some 10 million years ago. This is a "must see" if you are anywhere near here.

AWWW Hail!

(I am in Billings, MT getting fuel this morning. I'm working my way north to Havre, mostly on 2-lane roads with infrequent internet service. But I wrote some late last night after a weather-filled day in North Dakota that I am now able to post. Here it is)

It rained on me three different times today (Sat). The first was a light rain in the morning heading down I-90. No big deal although the bikers riding out there probably felt different. The second time also turned out to be ‘no big deal’ even though I was on my bike at the time. That is detailed in my post just below. The third time was a ‘gully washer’ – literally.

After reloading my bike and a short siesta in Rapid City this afternoon, I continued trucking west toward Sturgis 30 miles away. I was hungry and thought perhaps I could find a place with truck parking and roll my bike off again. It was still a couple of hours until sunset.

Two things changed my mind pretty quick. First was the crowd or ‘lack of’ I should say. This is my fifth or sixth time here at this time of year. And considering it was Saturday night, I was expecting considerably more bike traffic. The campgrounds I saw were MORE THAN HALF EMPTY as were most of the motel parking lots. Apparently that was the mass exodus I’ve been seeing for two days.

The second thing that changed my mind was the weather. Angry purple clouds were forming just in front of me and bolts of lightning flashed to the ground followed 8 or 10 seconds later by the rumble of thunder. It was close. And we were both headed for the same spot – which turned out to be Belle Fourche, SD.

Because I had diverted up to Sturgis after my first delivery in Nebraska, I had to ’cut thru the woods’ just west of Sturgis to get back on route. I planned to get off I-90 and ‘wiggle’ up US 212 – a nice 2 lane hiway – thru Belle Fourche, across the corner of Wyoming and into Montana.

Since the skies were about to open up, I thought it made good sense to stop and eat while the storm blew past (good idea). I past three different restaurants, all with adequate parking for me, but couldn’t make my mind up what I wanted. You know what they say about ‘threes.’

As I made the left turn out of the last parking lot (bad idea), not two blocks in front of me was a wall of rain – literally. You could see the pavement wet and the rain falling in sheets up there yet it was still dry where I was. The smart move was to return to the restaurant. But I’m I guy. We don’t stop and we DON’T TURN-AROUND (very bad idea). Besides, it’s not like I haven’t driven thru heavy rain before. No Big Deal!

The rain was on me in the blink of an eye and I realized – too late – my rear slider-window was open about 10” (good idea turned bad). It wasn’t but just a few seconds more and then it began to hail – pee to pellet size. Visibility has gone to zero. It’s raining slightly in the window. I’m on a two lane road in town so there’s no place to just pull over.

AH-HA, there’s a parking lot. I’ve been saved! A quick right turn (really bad idea) into the parking lot and ….. the wind is now driving rain and sleet thru the open rear window all the way up to my dash! Get the truck-trailer straight, slam on the breaks, set the parking brake, 4-way flashers on, jump in the back and fight the window closed. My bed is soaked! And it’s getting worse because the hail is starting to melt.

Fortunately it was primarily just the top sheet and once that was off – and the window secured – the crisis was over. Or was it? The pea size hail is pounding the truck (and bike!!!!) and who knows what’s next. They had baseball size hail in Sturgis earlier in the week that caused alot of damage.

But not this time. The hail stopped within 5 minutes and the storm blew over in less than 20. I spent the time cleaning up inside my truck. I did stop at the next restaurant and eat. When I came out, I saw the most beautiful rainbow ever. It was a full and complete arch with both legs going all the way to the ground. The side closest to me was so bright it looked iridescent. My cheapy digital camera could not capture the beauty my eyes were seeing. Mother Nature has so many ways of showing off her splendor.

I drove 150 miles or so before stopping for the night. I’m beginning to climb in elevation from the plains. The Rockies are still a full day’s drive ahead but there are some good size hills here and a lot of elk out feeding along the roadside. I don’t like driving this at night. (Remember – 2-lane road thru the woods?)

Amazingly, I don’t think I have ever seen elk road kill. I have seen dozens of deer but never an elk. I think elk are much smarter than deer (their heads are bigger = bigger brain?). And they are faster too even though bigger.

But now it’s time to “…lay me down to sleep. I pray my soul the LORD to keep…”

It was so GREAT that it was HORRIBLE until the END

The GREAT thing was that I was sitting in a mom and pop diner (Parkway Restaurant - excellent food) in Rapid City, SD having breakfast at 12:30 local this morning on my bike. The HORRIBLE part was that I was alone. I hate that I spent some of the best parts of my life alone. Guess I don't hate it enuf yet, hmm?

For those that may not know, Rapid City is 30 miles from Sturgis - site of the Worlds Largest Motorcycle rally. Needless to say, when you have 5 or 6 HUNDRED THOUSAND bikers in town the 'fun' spreads over into the region. Ironic when you consider the resident population of the ENTIRE STATE is 750,000! Today is the 9th of a 10-day rally that has run annually since 1938 - except during WWII - based primarily on racing and stunts. It's gotten pretty big.

And that's because of the the phenomenal things around here to see. If you like to ride, then you will LOVE Sturgis,unless you fear crowds. Within a 200 mile radius, there are beautiful and historic things to ride and visit. And the ride is as fun as the destination. That's the best. Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Iron Mountain, The Badlands, Devils Tower, Hulett, Buffalo Chip, Crazy Horse, Old Fort Mead, Deadwood and on and on.......

But around here this time of year -- and THIS rally in particular -- the weather can become the headline (except in my blog). A nasty looking storm has blown up again this afternoon. That has been the story of the week I'm told. In fact, Aerosmith's lead Singer - Steven Tyler - fell off the rain slick stage Wednesday night breaking his shoulder. Supposedly he was air-evaced out. I wonder if Mr. Jack Daniels was involved? Or is he on the wagon. I don't remember.

But alas!, how did we get to Sturgis when I decided we weren't going to make it?

Friday morning I left KC, MO with my radiators en route to North Platte, NE and in fact, made that delivery last nite about 6:30 pm (they're 24/7). While plotting my next stop in Havre, MT (see my history in Havre below) I realized Sturgis was only 56 miles out-of-the-way. Not much when you consider the whole trip is 1400 miles. So we go straight north and catch I-90 west.

Friday morning I began noticing a lot of traveling bikers - driving and towing - going south on I-29 out of KC and even more going east on I-80 out of Lincoln, NE. By the time I got up on I-90 this morning it was a flood gate of bikes heading away from Sturgis. And I'm 150 miles out!

I understand riders. My 2003 has almost 80K miles. (that's not counting the 'towed miles') It's NOT garage furniture. So when I look across the medium and I see guys with the face-mask on and no windshield running 70+ mph -- I understand. Been there - done that.

The vast majority of the riders were the big touring bikes with the fairing, big windshield, big rear seat, luggage bag, radio, yada-yada-yada. Hey, they are still riders. It's all good. Unlike the weather this year.

I'm sitting in the Fire House Brewing Co. having a capuchino (it's only 1:30) watching the weather channel and - deja vu - there is a weather advisory for some town called Rochford. "Hey bartender! Is Rochford somewhere nearby? Ya," he says. "About 15 miles west of here."

By the time I have paid my tab and ran out the door, there are raindrops (just a few) on my bike seat. The sky behind me - west - is purple. My truck is east! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. (If this doesn't sound like my first nite in Austin for RoT, I'll eat my helmet!)

It takes me less than two complete circles of the block to remember which way is the truck - that and a helpful pedestrian. But in the END, I'm back and loaded (the bike) when the sprinkles get serious here. But it would appear this line of storm has gone more south because it's clear sky and sunny to the west now. Not so nice looking south. TG I have to go west.

Addendum to "On the Job..."

This add-on might make more sense after you read my post just below, from earlier this morning. The rain was qwik - THANK YOU! It was enuf to settle the dust and not turn everything to mud - WHEW. The unloading was also qwik. Unstrap and roll them off the side.

I took these pix just before pulling out. As you can see, they are setting the steel beams that will hold the roof up and keep later rain and snow off the folks inside. Construction sites always intrigue me.

The other shot is my bike on the trailer. I know it looks like I have only "one follower" but from the emails I get and phone conversations I have with friends and family, there are several. If you like, click on the link to the left and add yourself. I promise - NO SPAM!

Anyway, several people ask how I get my bike on and off. Here ya go. The ramp sits upright on the right side of the bike and keeps dirt and rocks off going down the road. I unscrew the front wheel pingel and drive my bike off. When reloading, I move the ramp to the other side and drive it up. I have an extension to add on the ramp to make it about 11' long - perfect (thanks Jim). It's about 20 minutes to load or unload. I love it.

On the Job North of Kansas City

Here I sit, at the construction site of the new Grace Baptist Church, waiting for the plumbers to show up and take these two 12"D x 25'L pieces of pipe off. I got somewhat frustrated sitting around Belleville for more than 2 days looking for something I could handle going west, preferably thru Sturgis. Eventually I started looking for ANYTHING worthwhile just to get me moving. I hate to sit! Makes my stomach upset.

So this came up and I booked it. On my way here yesterday afternoon I found a load out of KC going to Montana. Not only was it thru a broker I have hauled for before (twice) but it was going to a little town that I have been to several times.

Havre is in north-central Montana about 25 miles from the Canadian border. It the last town of any size before I crossed over into our northern neighbor while I was hauling campers last year. I have spent the nite there a couple of times. To bad I don't have a girlfriend there too. Might need to work on that part.

So when these plumbers show up - it's already 7:15 !!! - I'll go load a couple of locomotive radiators and head west. I have one stop in North Platte, NE and then on to Havre. The nice thing is the receiver works 24/7 so whenever I get there they'll take it. I should be in Havre Sunday evening sometime. Unfortunately, Sturgis is not along this route.

From there I am still more than 500 miles to Boise where my Uncle lives. Of course getting a load out of Havre, or any thing close, is going to be very difficult. I'll spend today looking for something to move me on Monday. Worse case scenario (I think), I deadhead 150 miles or so towards Helena or Great Falls - the largest towns going towards Boise. I park the truck and trailer and then take the bike to visit Unc. Hmmm, 2-wheeling thru the Bitteroot Mountain Range doesn't sound too bad.

GOOD NEWS -- I think my plumbers are here! BAD NEWS -- it just started to rain and I'm sitting out in a dirt parking lot! GTG.

"Don't Count Your Chickens Before their Eggs Hatch"

I need to remember that one. The trip did not develop and I sit here STILL in Belleville until tomorrow. I'm not sure if I should be so picky. I have been looking for a trip to go west. There was one I turned down going to MN, but I really didn''t want to go there. Mostly because getting out of there is pretty difficult. Not alot of industry - or people for that matter - except in small concentrated areas.

It was a beautiful day here - of course. The bike is STILL sitting on the trailer. Today's a riding day but I'm glued to the computer looking for work.

We'll try again tomorrow.

Sturgis just might happen

I'm working on a load going from the Milwaukee area to near Boise, ID - where my uncle lives who I have been promising for a year I would stop by. And Sturgis is smack-dab in the middle. I'll know more in the morning. I bid this load and the broker needs to call the customer.

I got into Belleville Saturday morning just after noon. Dropped the trailer, got a haircut, did NOT unload the bike (RAIN!), took care of a few other small chores and was at one of my bff's house with a cocktail in hand by 4:30. Life is good.

We - 3 couples and me - went to the 82nd Annual Mascoutah Homecoming. Mascoutah is a small town - about 6500 people - but this is a BIG event, especially after 80+ years. The parade is quite the deal with lots of antique tractors (farming community, okay); several marching bands; ambulances and fire trucks; and several floats from local businesses -- most of them throwing candy. Then there was the draft pull. Think of a tractor pull except with horses and mules. And of course we have amusement rides, lots and lots of GOOD food, beer, and music. It really was a hoot.

Sunday morning, after I cooked my world famous French Toast for the house, I went to my mother's rental house that she is trying to sell. (That was the main reason I ended up in Belleville anyway). Then Sunday night was dinner at my middle brother's house.

Monday morning I delivered my load about 70 miles west of here and then continued on another 60 miles west from there to visit a friend I had not seen for 12 years. Again, the rain prevented me from taking my bike - ARG! So I left it on the trailer and dropped the trailer at a truck stop and took the truck. It was really nice to hang with Conrad. He managed to bring up more than one event from my past I was trying to forget. Hey, but what are friends for?

As it turned out, I had an eye doctor appointment here this afternoon. Just a regular check-up. Nothing has changed since my last check-up 2 1/2 years ago. I guess that's a good thing.

I have been looking for a load all day to get me out west. I was doing a 'radius search' from St. Louis going out. Late in the day I did a 'destination' search from Boise and found this load out of Milwaukee. And there is a load from near here going to with-in 60 miles of Milwaukee. Now if I can put them together. I'll know in the morning.

And, as a bonus, two other couples are doing a 4000+ mile ride thru the west right now. They plan to come thru Sturgis on their way back here. Just maybe, I can work out the logistics and meet them somewhere along the way. Tomorrow will tell.

Saint Louis bound

Just a qwik hit. I loaded in Orlando this morning headed for the west side of St. Louis. I will actually spend the weekend in Belleville. Misery loves company and I have someone special in mind to share mine with. I know, it's deep. But those that know -- know.

I had forgot that Sturgis starts this weekend. And I have my bike with me. And I've been thinking about going to Boise, ID to visit my Uncle. And Sturgis is between here and there. Hmmmmm. We'll see what happens.

But right now it's nite-nite time. I just drove 727 miles and it's time to stop.

Good night!

Carpentry can be hazardous to your health -- but I'm DONE!

I don't think my hands could take much more of this. Three rooms and a hallway painted (two coats), new laminate flooring laid and then quarter round trim put up. The old fashioned way - by hand (mostly). No chop saw. No nail gun. No assistant to cut my pieces. But done. And I don't think anyone can look at my work and say, "This is his first floor."

But my poor hands! I have hammered my forefinger several times. I still have a blood blister from one event. Just this morning I pulled yet another tiny splinter out of my pinkie. The most painful injury is the slice across the other forefinger from a piece of threshold I was trimming. (Think paper cut - OUCH!)

And the scariest was when I jammed the drill bit into my wrist. I was using a very small bit to drill pilot holes in the moulding prior to nailing. I am on hands and knees crawling along the wall and had just drilled several holes leaving the drill on it's side in front of me. As I inched along, I swung my arm .... well you get the picture. Fortunately it went into a fatty area and, being so tiny, hardly bled. Scared the S*@# out of me though. But I'm DONE!

Today is a 'Vitamin D' day. I'm headed to the beach in an hour or so - let the sun get up a little bit more. Lookin' pretty nice out my kitchen window!

And I'm looking for work. I did a search this morning and there's one trip I'm calling on. But it's a west coast broker and they are still sleeping out there. See If I can find something to get me out tomorrow or Friday and do some more traveling. I think I'll take my bike this time and see if I can work my way toward Boise, ID. Been promising Uncle Mel I'd come visit for more than a year now. But I think now is a good time to visit the Rockies.

Why?

It's actually 10:15 here and yet the time stamp on my post says 7:15. Am I already in Idaho?

Back in FLA

I always get a 'warm fuzzy feeling' when I cross the state line into Florida, no matter how many times I do it. But what's not to like? I have the 'Killer Bs' here - Beaches, Babes and a Bike! I'm a very lucky guy and thank GOD everyday for the life I have.

I believe very much in Karma. If you do good things then good things will happen to you. And conversely, if you do bad things then Karma is going to get you. This afternoon I did a good thing even though doing the wrong thing would have benefited me. And no one (except me and Karma) would have ever known.

When you pull up to the fuel island at most truck stops there are two pumps - one on each side of your truck - because most big trucks have two tanks. The main pump has to be turned on before the satellite will work, even if the vehicle has only one tank and it's on the satellite side.

When I pulled up to the pumps the main pump was still turned on and the handle laying on the ground -- as if someone had used the satellite side, hung it up and left. They would have had to activated the pumps with a credit card. I could have stuck the handle in my tank and continued pumping on their 'dime' - but I did not. I'm such a good boy (sometimes).

Speaking of fuel, that is one of the negatives about Florida - the fuel prices. This incident happened in GA at the state line where I paid $2.389/gal. I had paid as low as $2.299/gal in MS yesterday. This afternoon, I'm passing stations advertising diesel as high as $2.649 although I have seen it for $2.499.

So, here I sit in Lakeland, FL ready to deliver first thing in the morning. Then I go 80 miles west to Treasure Island for the weekend and finish my floor. I've promised my Uncle in Idaho that I'd try to get up his way sometime soon. I haven't been 2-wheeling in the Rockies for sometime now. Sounds like a plan!

THANK YOU federal taxpayers

I delivered my aluminum walkway to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge just north of Corpus Christi, TX this morning. This 70,500 acre refuge sits behind the barrier islands protecting the mainland from the Gulf of Mexico. It is a most amazing place.

All kinds of birds call this home. Some are permanent - like the herons, ducks and geese - and some are passing thru as they migrate between Central and North America - like the whooping Crane, one of the rarest animals left on our planet. No, I did not see one. They 'Summer' in Canada and winter down here.

There are many hiking and birding trails and a 40' observation deck out over the bay. The opportunity to see things like this is one of the main reasons I do what I do -- that and making money.

Here's a link to their website if interested

http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/aransas.html

Unfortunately this place is so far 'out there' I had no cell phone service and hence no Internet. So I was unable to spend as much time as I would have liked. Remember, I have to get back to my floor in Treasure Island.

To make a long - and boring - story short, I'm stuck outside Houston looking for work. As usual, nothing going my way that I could handle. So, I've rented a video - gotta love that Redbox for a buck a nite - and praying for the sun to go down. It's REALLY hot here.

My, My ... time flies when your having fun!

If you can call laying a laminate floor fun (hey now -- this is a 'PG' blog. Get out of the gutter!). When last I posted, I was painting - three rooms and a hall. Who would have thought two coats to go over a white wall? That's the LAST time I'll buy Behr paint with-out the primer!

I was pretty much done by Wednesday and looking for a trip to get out of FL. But nothing made much sense. Either it was cheap freight or too heavy or going somewhere I didn't want to. Finally I set something up on Friday to load Monday morning (supposedly) going near Houston, TX. It was light (2000#) but long (30') and paying $1/mile -- perfect! (It's some sort of aluminum walkway going to a wildlife refuge)

Then my mother convinced me (it WAS her birthday, after-all) that a wood floor would "really look SOOOO much better than that old ceramic tile floor that never looks like it's clean." So, I say, "What the heck." The fact I have never done this before doesn't slow me down. Besides, if my brother can do it (twice) - I can do it!

I got 16 of the 23 boxes of laminate installed (415 sq.ft.) in two (very long) days. By Sunday night I was ready to crawl inside the microwave and push the '9' button. But I must say, I do pretty good work! Even momma likes it.

But I had to go to Texas - where I am tonight. I loaded 100 miles north of Miami at 5 pm yesterday - they were a bit late getting it ready. And here I sit, just south of Houston, 1100 miles and 28 hours later.

I have another 130 miles to go for my delivery. Then I have to get back to paradise to finish my floor. Mom rented the apartment for Aug 1! No rest for the weary.

THIS is WHY I live in Florida{

I was a bit late with the paint brush today... closer to 7;30. But I worked until 10:30!!! Steady! But it was sooooo nice outside ... and hot inside. So tonite I'm just a bit red .... I love it!!! Lots of vitamin D today and I got the bedroom with two coats of roller - done! But I still gotta trim...tomorrow!

Beautiful sunset tonight ...KISS!

New Pix

I just posted new pix under "Out my Backdoor" (boy does that sound funny) and "My Place" (was that a TV show?). Click on the button under the photo album to the left.

My TUFF day (in Paradise)

I'm awake at daybreak and standing on a ladder with a paint brush in my hand at 7 A M .. EASTERN time! Did that until about 1:30 ... not a lot of air moving around that place with no electric on and it's almost 90 outside but I now have two rooms DONE (mostly). They still need baseboards trimmed but I'm saving ALL baseboards for "THE END>"

Then I helped a friend move into their new condo - from an efficiency on the beach slightly bigger than a walkin closet to a 2000 sq ft BRAND NEW construction downtown five minutes from work. Yep, I'd say steppin' UP!

But I'm home and showered by 7:30 and then it's "HAPPY HOUR". And sunset is officially at 8:30 but I like an EARLY SEAT please. It's been quite rainy here so we haven't seen the sun kiss the water in a while - too many clouds on the horizon. But that in itself can be quite beautiful. Mother nature at her grandest - sunrise and sunset!

By dark, I have dragged myself the 150' back from the beach to my front porch step . well sorta. The front unit, and it's associated parking front onto Gulf Blvd. - THE main drag north-south along the barrier islands. Clearwater to the north about 30 miles and St. Pete Beach (and the entrance way into Tampa Bay) are 7 miles south. I live on a strip of sand fronting the Gulf of Mexico. And if that weren't enough, I live at the south foot of John's Pass Bridge linking my sandbar to the one a bit north. Oh, and the bridge is under a MAJOR remodel. They are totally replacing BOTH draw bridges over this pass. It's been under construction for almost two years now and has at least one more to go.

Lot's of traffic .. foot and vehicular. it's a beautiful night here in Paradise.