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.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
.... 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!
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."
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."
Thursday, September 10, 2009
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
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!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
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.
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.
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..........
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..........
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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?"
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?"
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