STS Hot Shots Grows in a New Direction

Despite my best intentions, I just seem to have trouble updating this with any regularity.  As I mentioned before, this blog began as a story of my travels around the US.  But as my business has grown and evolved, I am doing LESS traveling.  It is just very difficult to drive a truck AND do the other back-office duties required, especially when I have other drivers operating under my Authority.  So, in the words of my best friend, I am now "Office Boy."  Which - you would think - leaves me the time necessary to update my blog daily.  But it isn't the lack of time that is my problem.  It's subject matter.

Before last week, I was leasing on other Owner/Operators to run under my federal Motor Carrier Authority.  With winter moving across the US, I tend to 'hunker-down' in Florida.  I hate the ice and cold!!  But I don't make money when my truck is just sitting.  In fact it costs me money for it to sit.

Now I have my FIRST company driver.  My truck, my trailer, my freight, my expenses and his labor provides income for both of us.  Win/win.  Except for the part where my only transportation is my motorcycle, it's all good.  And that's only a problem when it rains.  I guess I need to buy another vehicle.  Perhaps another truck?  Then put it to work also?  Then another.  And another.

So last week was Thanksgiving.  My most favorite of all the holidays.  Food, Football and family -- what more can you ask for.  I went back to Illinois where mom cooked at my middle brothers house.  It was as good as usual. 

It was last year at this time that my dad really turned for the worse.  He wasn't feeling so good at Thanksgiving and then went into the hospital for a prolonged stay on Dec 9.  It amazes me how his passing has so impacted my life.  We were never really that close until the last couple of years.  And now so many of my everyday actions spark a memory involving him, somehow.  I see TV shows, or news events or even sitting at the bar last Sunday watching the Rams lose yet again -- and think of dad.  He sat with me last year in that very same barstool watching the Rams lose, yet again. 

I know these feelings will mellow with time, as his Yahrzeit approaches (1 year anniversary).  Much of my life is rooted in some very basic principles summed up in a single sentence.  For example, GETTING old is required; ACTING old is optional.  Or, "Dream as if you will live forever.  Live as if you may die tomorrow."  At this moment I am remembering that we frequently miss people the most when they are gone and it's too late.

Top 5: Most Powerful Nights of My Life!

But a little background first. 

My father passed away 9 months ago.  He was almost 90 and lived a long and wonderful life with relatively few regrets. 

He was a fighter pilot (P-51s and P-38s) during WWII and had renewed friendships with members of his old squadron – The 364^th Fighter Group – and their families over the last 15 years or so.  Every year they held a reunion in various parts of the country over four or five days for camaraderie and fun. 

Because of the decreasing number of survivors – the war was 65+ years ago – 2011 was going to be the last Reunion.  (footnote:  The Associates of the 364^th  - mostly younger family members – have decided to continue the effort on a smaller scale) 

This past Saturday was the final banquet dinner for this group of heroes.  There were six pilots and two crew members present.  My father was very into his military service, the war in particular, and this group of men had been a significant part of his life.

My mother and two brothers decided earlier this year that we would attend in his memory.  We also took his burial flag.  (footnote #2:  The case the flag is housed in was handcrafted by Jim Lance of Lance Cabinets.)  I was excited all week leading up to Saturdays banquet but the emotion that overcame me that evening is indescribable.

The host of this years reunion suprised us when, just after the benediction and before the meal was served, he requested that I bring the flag up and the group would give the Pledge of Allegiance.  It brings tears to my eyes even now just writing about it.  At that moment, I was overwhelmed.

But there's more.

I think there were about 100 people at the dinner arranged at round tables seating 10 people each.  It was open seating so when the doors opened it was a bit of a mad dash as people found a table.  Because there were 9 in our party, I took the first table we came too.

The centerpiece on each table was a 1/2 gallon mason jar -- like you might use to can fruit or preserves -- with holes cut in the metal lid.  Because we were in the Cotton Belt, and it was harvest time, there were cotton bolls (not balls) still on the limbs of the plant stuck thru the lid.  Inside the glass jar, pictures from WWII faced out and some colored stars (like on our flag) hung from the branches.  These centerpieces were later given to 'winners' at the table.

About 20 minutes into our meal, my brother Gary says, "This looks like dad" as he was pointing to one of the pictures.  And it was him.  From 1944.  He had given an autographed copy of this picture to the historian for the Reunion committee years ago.  I asked Cheely (the historian) if all the centerpieces had the same photo.  They did not!  Of all the tables for us to sit at -- dad was already there!

This was one of the best days of my life.  Thanks dad!

Back on the Roaaaad Againnnnn....

Yep, September has already been a busy month of driving for me.  We are not even half way thru it and I have more miles logged this month than any other month I have driven in more than a year.  And ya know why?  Because I don't have any other drivers to deal with.  My time is MY time.  I schedule it how I please.  Add in the good paying freight out-bound from the St. Louis area and I have opted to go down the road.

I am sitting in a motel in Pine Bluff, AR as I work my way back to the STL area.  I went about as far south as you can go in Texas - Edinburg; about 110 miles south of Corpus Christi.  I delivered this sign pole pipe to a popular hamburger chain.

I thought this was a pretty kool picture, if I may say so myself.

As I came out of the area, I had to go thru a Border Patrol checkpoint.  I always wondered, what good does it have to set-up a stationary checkpoint that the bad guys will just go around.  But what do I know.  They probably have patrols out there too.

I found a military trailer coming out of San Antonio that moved me north into Arkansas.  Tomorrow I will load a wrecked 2010 truck going to within 120 miles of Belleville -- close enuf!

I really like driving.  It is a sense of accomplishment when you make a delivery; a kind of gratification; not to mention the financial part.  Then there is the bonus of getting to your destination.  I go to parts of the country that I have never been to before.  That is way kool!  Even going to places I have been before but at a different time of year. 

Perhaps for my retirement -- or more likely IN my retirement -- I'll write a book entitled "Get OFF the Interstate!"  That is where the real beauty of our country is, OFF the interstate.  Of course having an interstate nearby is very handy for getting there efficiently.

The bad news is that I took my bike with me this trip and never took it off the trailer.  The really bad news is that it rained the first day out and it got trashed from the start.  And then got worse!  I gotta get these tie down installed correctly so I can have a tarp made for this.

LOMBARDO TRAILER (now located in O'Fallon, IL) ---I'm coming in tomorrow!!

I'm off to Ozark Bikefest in Osage Beach, MO on Thursday.  I'm meeting up with a small group, grabbing breakfast and then a 3 hour or so ride into the Lake Ozark area of central Missouri.  I think I saw a cold front dipping into the central US tomorrow.  YIKES!  Weather Channel is saying 48 degrees Thursday morning.  Hmmmmmm.

STSHOTSHOTS.COM .... It's Up and Running

It has been a vision in my mind for a long time -- years even, in one form or another. Today, it is real and alive!! Woo-Hoo! Another milestone in my life.

I designed this website myself, I am proud to say. If there is one shortfall, it is that my dad didn't get to see it. I thought of him most as I was trying to find all my typos. That was always his job.

And now that it is up and running, I have also begun a marketing campaign utilizing Google. Advertising ain't cheap. Especially with Google. But my thinking is; go with the #1 search engine and use their extensive resources to monitor and diagnose the results. Now, if I just don't run out of money first, we'll see if I can get some hits to my website and ultimately phone calls or email contacts to generate some business.

So here is a link to the website. I am open to input and thoughts. The image I am trying to create is a small, family owned business focused on quality relationships rather than quantity of freight. you know the cliche; we don't want to be the biggest, just the best.

STSHOTSHOTS.COM

(right click and 'open in a new tab' to NOT leave this page)

Unexpected Pleasure -- as usual

One of my most favorite things in the world is to sit at my kitchen table very early in the morning; drinking my coffee; and gaze out my second floor window watching the day dawn. As the sky lightens overhead, the waters of the gulf keep their darker hue of blue and the waves roll onto the sand beach. We don't get much in the way of waves around here, only a couple of feet at best, unless it's storming. Then add into this scene the birds and palm trees and beach cottages, yada, yada, yada.

I checked my blood pressure just for giggles today. 116/76 and a pulse of 62. I'd say I'm pretty chill. And that's with NO MEDS!

It is unexpectedly clear and beautiful today, if a bit breezy. This storm over between Mexico and Cuba seems to be going, as expected, toward southern Texas. That's good for just about everybody. And we get a spectacular day -- low 90s, blue skies and strong breeze out of the south. Sounds like a beach day to me. Unexpected pleasures.

So, the plan stays the same. Hang here until Tuesday or Wednesday and find a load to move me back into the Midwest -- and reality. But for now, it's vacation time.

"Do Not TODAY what you can PUT OFF till TOMORROW!"

It's Been a Long Time (again)

I really don't know why. But again it has been more than 2 months since I last posted, as more than one of you has mentioned to me personally! Thank you. I assure you, my intent is to be more consistent. But this year has not had much stability or consistency for me. As much as a 'free spirit' some people think I may be, I like a certain amount on 'routine' in my life.

Today I am sitting in the open-garage of my place in FL -- Paradise. It's not easy living in the middle of 'Vacation Land.' EVERY day can be a holiday here if you want it to be. But these days it is a bit easier since both of my Over The Road drivers are no longer with me. And the one I thought was coming on -- No Showed, No Call! So it's just me right now. And I'm sitting on my butt on the beach in FL.

No problem now. I have income from the work we did a month ago which is just now coming 'payable.' But there will be major CFI (cash-flow interuptus) if I sit here too long. The dollars hitting my checking account today were earned 30-45 days ago.

But I have been working. Driving even. Alot. I like it when the weather is good and the roads are nice; besides the construction, that is. But it has been based out of Illinois. It's the crossroads of America, centrally located that you can go any direction from easily. It's just easier getting freight in and out of STL. And I will head back there next week sometime, early. But I HAD to get back here. I needed my fix.

There is a Tropical Depression forming in the Gulf between Cuba and Mexico. The predicted path, at this time, is towards Texas, who could seriously use some rain in the northwest. This is Hurricane Season, where these 'pulses' off the African coast glide across the Atlantic occasionally forming into monsters, like Katrina. So we watch the weather around here on the beach. Mother Nature has been known to fool us.

It has been very rainy for the last two days, except at my house; until this afternoon. Finally we got a light shower that, at least, wet the ground real well. It has also made for some spectacular sunsets, one of my Top 5 Favorite Things To Do in FL.

That was two nights ago looking west across the Gulf from the top of the drawbridge going across John's Pass. Pretty kewl stuff, if I may say so myself.

So I'm here for a week or so to refuel my 'Happy Tank' and then get on to STL. My priorities are the same as ever ... get this website developed and try to add on another driver (or two, actually) that wanna make some money.

But right now ...... I'm pretending to be on vacation.

Suffering From Vitamin D Withdrawal

It is 59 degrees and raining here in Belleville this morning. That's also about as warm as it's suppose to get all weekend! But I guess if the worst thing in my life today is the weather, things really aren't all that bad. But I truely am missing the beach and sun. Especially on the weekends; Sundays.

I was successful adding another driver though. And just in time. George is going to be off another month or so dealing with personal issues. He assures me he wants to come back. I hope so.

My new guy - Virgil - drove big trucks 30 years ago but has since retired from a large areospace company in STL. But he still likes to drive! We completed 99% of everything yesterday. He and I will review some DOT compliance things -- like log book and securement rules today. And then off he goes Monday or Tuesday.

My truck is in the shop with my trailer getting oil/filter and other preventive maintenance stuff. I also head out Tuesday or Wednesday for CA. Yes Sam, I really AM coming!

I have a 2nd cousin who is getting married. This is the same one that immigrated to Israel last year. I think I now know why. She and the groom are in Los Angeles preparing for "The Big Day" next weekend. And I'll be there. Just proves, I'll drive ANYWHERE for a party!

I have a couple of tenative things set up. I found a small, aluminum jet boat going to LA and another motorcycle. Should be an intersting - and light - load going down the road; two Harleys and a 21' jet boat. Hopefully I can put it together.

So that's the latest as I prepare for the next leg of Westward HOOOOOO.

Spring has Sprung -- A Change is Comin'

For much of the past 5 five months I have felt like my head was spinning. Not in the sense that I am dizzy (tho there are probably some that might argue that). But rather in being over-whelmed with things; like I'm missing or forgetting something.

My world changed forever on Dec 10 when my father was admitted to the hospital. We buried him less than six weeks later. Shortly after which my mother moved from her 3,000+ sqft house in GA to a 900 sqft beach cottage in FL. My mother now lives next door to me. I was fortunate to be able to maintain my business (for the most part) during all of this.

But it has taken a toll on my mental self. And I think it is time for me to get back to what I was doing before that made me happy -- Travelling the USA. Do not read this the wrong way, tho! I have no regrets over my choices these past months. NONE of them! (okay, maybe one) When my mother called me that Friday afternoon to tell me dad was going in the hospital, there was never a question what I NEEDED to do. I would do nothing different now in retrospect.

But I feel like I have done my job. I have taken care of my parents; no different than they took care of me 50+ years ago. I now need to get back to MY thing.

That will start Tuesday. I had to get my truck worked on to make it road-worthy again. That's done. All that's left is to pack and go. I will go to IL, where my business is based, and try to add on another driver first. I will go back on the road from there. Eventually getting out to southern CA for a cousins wedding in late May. Ironically, I made this same journey last year. Deja Vu

So, since I will be back on the road again, perhaps I can find some fodder for this page again.

Time Out

A few people have ask me when I'm going to get back to my blog. I'm afraid it may be awhile before I can do this again regularily.

If you look back over the last six months, I have been getting farther and farther between posts. What use to be once or twice a week has become once in a while. The biggest reason is because my situation has changed significantly from this blogs inception.

Look at the title -- Traveling the USA. When I started this, that's what I was doing; driving around the country on a permanent, 'paid-vacation' living the dream. My motorcycle was on the back of the trailer and I went wherever I wanted doing as I pleased, for the most part. Life was good.

Last year I got my own Motor Carrier Authority which meant I got to keep ALL the money I generated rather than sharing with someone else for putting their name on the side of my truck. But it also opened a whole new way of making money. I was able to have OTHER owner/operators working with MY name on the side of their truck. My plan was to take a small percent and continue doing what I was doing but generating extra income for me.

It didn't take long to realize that I could make MORE money by concentrating on having more drivers out there working. Plus, I didn't have to drive as much. As much as I like to drive, running 80-90,000 miles a year means 'living' in your truck -- ALOT. Sitting on the beach in paradise and dispatching 2 or 3 other owner/operators became the norm. But I lost alot of the new subject matter to write about. I wasn't Traveling the USA anymore.

Then my dad went in the hospital in early December 2010 and my priorities REALLY changed. You can read my last couple of posts and see that. After he passed, a whole new set of priorities emerged. And that is where I have been these past two months. My travels have been limited to FL to GA to IL to FL to GA to IL over-and-over.

My life has changed in ways I could never have imagined six months ago. But the reality is, I am not Traveling the USA much these days. So this blog has very little purpose today. It's not The End; just a time out.

Open Letter to My Dad

(We buried my father last Friday. I suspect he has some questions about why I did certain things and I wanted him to know ‘why’. Also, many friends have wondered about some of the details and I thought this would be a good way to share. And in case you are reading this first part but not the rest, please take away THIS: There is AN END to our days so don’t wait too long.)

You may be wondering why I was so ardent in my efforts to make the end as ‘Jewish’ as possible for you when the vast majority of your life was not. I was actually challenged with this question by someone I greatly respect and knows our family well. It really bothered me at first. Was I doing this for ME?

I can answer that now, at least in my head. The very first part of your life was Orthodox. Then things changed drastically for you – as a young teen – and religion was more enemy than friend. But I think you identified with Judaism in a very internal, personal way that got stronger over time. I tried to complete the circle for you because that’s what life is – a circle; ashes to ashes, dust to dust. You started out very Jewish and I tried to make the end as Jewish as I could.

But there was more. Most of our talks, as the end got closer, centered on your desire for mother to be taken care of. (Sidebar: You should know better than ANYBODY, mother really needs no help. She’s an incredibly strong person) The Jewish tradition of ‘Shomer’ – guardian of the body from the moment of death until burial – seemed to be the best way to give her peace of mind; knowing that your earthly remains were treated with the utmost respect, until you reached your final resting place.

Speaking of which, I’m sorry about no Arlington National Cemetery. Your Purple Heart and WWII war hero status wasn’t good enough to move you up the 6-month waiting list to be buried there. Your youngest son tried; REAL hard. But bureaucracy won. The good news is, it will be easier for many family and friends to visit you at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

I am trying my best to maintain Jewish tradition by sitting shiva for you. But since we were never particularly religious – some would say I’m not Jewish at all – some of the ‘rules’ are difficult to adhere to; much like the funeral itself. (My drivers do not want another week of un-paid vacation, so I will be working later this week.)

This part – sitting shiva - is for me. By trying to keep some of these traditions, I am first-of-all learning what they are and then, secondly, getting some comfort from it. Which is ironic, since most of these customs are meant to be UN-comfortable so you focus on the grieving process. But then I consider myself a Pragmatic Jew; I try to fit these 3,000 year old customs into my 21st century life. As you know, I believe religion is about inner-peace and a personal relationship with GOD. Since I find following the ENTIRE Bible to be nearly impossible, I focus on Exodus 20:1-17 (The Ten Commandments).

That part about honoring thy Mother and thy Father? That has been my motivation for the past two months. You need to know, I still feel good to this day about what I have done. I understand your questioning my commitment but, more often than not, I try to do the right thing because it IS the right thing.

I will miss you dad. The conversations we had these past few weeks have changed me for life. I had hard feelings for you many, many years. I blamed you for a lot of stuff that now, in hind-sight, is so trivial. The last ten years have been better. The past two months have been priceless. Thanks. And thank GOD I was able to get it right while you were still here.

Personal Issues

As I have previously mentioned, I do not get much into personal details here -- either my own or business of others. I have to admit, I really don't get Facebook. Why is it important for every moment of your life to be detailed to the world?

My dad is still sick. The good news is that he is out of the hospital and at home. But I do not believe he is going to be with us much longer. I have been in GA at their house since Dec 2 so there has been little 'Travelling the USA" going on.

I hope to resume this blog in the near future when we get thru this chapter of our lives. Until then, your prayers are most welcome.