"Your Motor Carrier Authority Has Been GRANTED!"

That was the automated phone call I received last Friday morning; a day later than I expected but what the heck, better late than never! So I am now officially a business owner that is properly credentialed and insured -- and broke!

I did end up taking a trip late Thursday to Kentucky. I was able to put two different items together which is like getting paid twice for the almost the same drive. In fact, I had a local delivery early that morning and then loaded a walk-behind skid-steer (think 'lawn mower on steroids' with a small bucket in front instead of a cutting blade) and a 2011 Dodge Ram cab and chassis.

The best part was I was able to deliver ALL THREE the same day resulting in the biggest single payday I have ever had. Then again, it was the ONLY payday I have had in almost two weeks so I guess it balances out. Ah, the ebb and flo of entrepreneurship. (Great word - thx Pilar)

I spent Thu nite out and then headed toward Lake Egypt, about 40 miles north of Paducah. My best friend had invited me to the lake with them again for the Fourth of July. (I went last year) Fri afternoon was swimming and boating, a most relaxing change to the stress I have had for the past couple of weeks spending $$$ on my start-up with little income.

Saturday we went into Goreville, population 972, for the parade. It was bigger - longer - than last year. The BBQ sandwiches at the church were awesome. I think of Norman Rockwell and his portrayals of Americana when I'm here. I highly recommend this for YOUR 'Bucket List.' It will reaffirm your roots in the GREATEST COUNTRY ON THIS EARTH, which is what the Fourth of July stands for!



Saturday afternoon is back to the boat and fun in the sun. Unfortunately about a gazillion other folks had the same idea. But we found a little cove, dropped anchor and floated the afternoon away. I am so blessed and fortunate to live the life I have. It is easy to forget that sometimes. Thanks BIG GUY!



We watched fireworks that nite from the boat. Apparently our economy is doing better because there were significantly more people shooting off some BIG STUFF all around the lake this year. A great nite with wonderful friends -- it doesn't get much better.

Sunday morning I cooked my world famous French Toast and bacon for everyone and then we packed up and headed back toward STL. The Veiled Prophet Parade, and ensuing Fair St. Louis, is another item for your 'Bucket List.' I have seen fireworks all across the USA and these are Top 5! USA Today agrees with me, not that that makes any difference.

The Air Show returned to the fair this year after a five year absence. It was FANTASTIC! Pilots - and wing-walkers - doing impossible things with airplanes from the modern day F-15 built here in STL (can you say LOUD!) to WW-I biplanes in mock battle over the Mississippi River. Next up was the B-52s. No, not the bomber but the 80s band (Love Shack). And then the fireworks synchronized to music. What a great day, again!

Monday was a different story. I'm sure Sunday nite was a factor, as well as the rest of the 'sun-n-fun' weekend, but I think I ate something for lunch that just didn't sit well in my belly. By late afternoon, I was either laying in bed in the fetal position or running to the bathroom. Not a good evening. (And NO, it was NOT my French Toast! That was more than 24 hrs earlier.)

Fortunately it ran it's course and I was much improved yesterday morning. Although not 100%, I was well enough to take a trip down to Cape Girardeau, MO - about 120 miles south - and back.

I was hoping to go back to Southern California in mid-July but that is looking less likely as it approaches. My sister - a Justice of the Peace in Boston - is going to LA to preside over a wedding involving her husbands family. I really want to go, mostly because my youngest son was going with me. But there seems to be a complication in his agenda not to mention, my weakened wallet, and I really need to concentrate on getting another driver or two involved with my company. The stars are just not lining up for this one.

Well, I have piddled away enough of this morning. My priority needs to be finding an owner/operator to join my biz. So back to my Craigslist ad. Gotta get that up.