Where Has the Time Gone?

Has it really been almost 10 months since I posted. OMG, I am such a procrastinator. I keep putting it off and look what happens. My apologies to Rick and his followers. He even reminded me a couple of times, but eventually gave up...I guess I should listen to my younger brother more often?

So much has changed since we last met. Rick has moved over to the Containers division of CR England and is back to driving the 48. The move was more of a financial one since this now gives him a lot more miles. He just was not making enough money driving the shorter distances in the West. The transition has drawbacks since we don't see him as often, but I think I would rather him have more money in his pocket and food in his belly. Rick tells me he will be home and off for a few days the last weekend in October. Yeah!

Yesterday, when I spoke to Rick, he was in Iowa...driving past corn fields. He was telling me how friendly the people are in the Midwest. Always waving hello and just being nice and polite. I am glad he gets to experience the wonderful people all over our country. It's the people who make us great.

Who knows where Rick is today; he is always on the go. I promise I will find out and let everyone know. It's the least a big sister can do.

Snowed In (Out?)

With all the stormy weather in California giving us our share of rain and snow, driving a big rig becomes a tricky endeavor. We worry about the Grapevine closing, but Rick was delayed for a day plus near Redding, CA trying to get his load to Oregon. Snow and high winds forced the closure of a 20 mile stretch of I-5 near Mt Shasta. Rick took a little (forced) break waiting out the closure, courtesy of the California Highway Patrol. When the road finally opened, Rick reported a 3 hour traffic delay (ouch). Rather than fight it out, Rick waited through 2 movies and sailed on through. Successful, but late load, to Portland. Now, off to Colorado for even more winter weather. Drive safe!

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday!

Well it has been a long time since I posted. Time seems to fly by over the holidays, but we are now in a new year...and a great time to start fresh. Let's start by catching up:

Rick has been driving through the Western states in his regional runs and is staying closer to home. We were able to spend Christmas day together as a family. Yeah! That is something we never expected to occur earlier in the year when Rick was gone for months at a time. I have seem more of Rick in the last 2 months then I did the first 10 months of 2009. Rick is a family man and makes every effort to be here on important occasions to spend time with us. What a gentleman!

Rick is also celebrating (yes, I said celebrating) his 40th birthday this year (Jan. 4). We wish him all the best and continued success. Rick has always wanted to be a truck driver, and I am thankful (and happy) he gets to live his dream. He refers to himself as a "paid tourist" and that is a great attitude to have.

That was a little pothole in the road of news this week, as Rick went through his DOT physical. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure, and had to sit out New Year's weekend in Salt Lake City (he was a bit bored), awaiting blood pressure checks. We wish Rick good health as he begins new healthy habits. He continues truckin' as he resolves the issue with the medical personnel.

We wish Rick success in the new year and pray for good California weather for the Grapevine to stay open.

The Only Thing Constant is Change

I apologize for not writing sooner. At this time of the year, the days just fly by (and go quicker as I get older)...but during this delay, new developments have arisen like the morning sun. Rick has transferred and is now a Western Regional driver, covering 8 western states (If I remember correctly, they are California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Idaho...hmmm what was that eighth one?). This move is beneficial in numerous ways...1) Rick is on the road for 2 weeks then home for 2 days...wow! we actually get to see him once in a while, 2) it comes with a promise of more consistent miles, and 3) it keeps him closer to home. We are already reaping the benefits of his transfer. Rick drove all night to make it home for Thanksgiving. We were very thankful to have him home safe and sound. Yeah!

Heading East to Michigan

Picked up new load in Wenatchee, WA, swapped out in Montana, headed to Michigan. Here's to good weather along the route.

A Trucker's Prayer

Dear God above bless this truck I drive
And help me keep someone alive

Be my mortal sight today
On streets where the little children play

Bless my helper fast asleep
When the night is long and deep

And keep my cargo safe and sound
Through the hours big and round

Make my judgment sound as steel
And be my hands upon the wheel

Bless the traveler going past
And teach him not to go so fast

Give me the strength for every trip
So I may care for what they ship

And make me mindful every mile
That life is just a little while

AMEN

Copyright ©2005 Unknown
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/trucker.poems/node/56

The Best Laid Plans...

Ahh, the sorrow of plans gone awry. Rick did not have enough hours to take his load all the way to California and he was switched out. No visit home to rest his weary bones and to spend some quality time with his friends and family. Instead, he picked up a load of cantaloupe in hot, smoky Arizona to deliver to Washington state. Luckily, we got to lay eyes on Rick as he passed through Ontario on his way east then north in his home state. We had a lovely dinner chat at Mel's diner, then Rick was on his way. Got to love those load deadlines.