Morning folks. First order of business today is to welcome a new reader/commenter, Raggedy. I went over to her site and was impressed enough to put her on the roll right away. I invite you to visit her, and I think you'll agree with me. Good stuff! If your speakers are turned down a bit, as mine were, don't look around to see who's talking, it's her site.
Took the camera to the store again and they could'nt find anything wrong with it, in fact we went outside, shot a video, and all was fine. He still thought I was causing the crackling noise by the way I held it. So to get around that I bought a tripod. It sounds as though the weather is going to be nice here today, so I'll give it a try. Sure hope it works, because I'm tired of my little Babushka picking on me. SHEESH!
Today Boop has her biopsies done and I'm sitting here with everything crossed, even the "lads", for a positive outcome. If all turns out well I'm planning to leave on The Great Escape next week-end(June 9th).
My destination, or turnaround point is still Cape Spear Nfld, but I'm going to take a more circuitous route to get there. Probably here to Reno, then Vegas, and from there who knows. That head down, ass up, straight across the country way of driving is not a holiday. Besides I did that for years in the truck, now it's time to do the tourist bit. You know, hang a camera around your neck, ask a lot of dumb-ass questions, and in my case being Canadian, say "eh" a lot.
Of course all of that assumes that after cavorting with the show-girls I'll have enough strength left to sit upright. Hey wait a minute, why would I want to be upright with show-girls like this around? NEVER MIND!
Actually, this is just my way of re-introducing Dudette to her many fans. She will be appearing weekly, very weakly, in the seniors lounge at the Yellowbed Hotel.
Thanks for stopping by, and have yourselves the kind of day you feel you deserve.
Trucker Bob blogged at 3:26 AM
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Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Morning folks. So how is everything down at your end of the melon patch? Things are pretty well the same ol', same ol' here. Tomorrow Boop is scheduled for the next set of biopsies, which is causing a bit of nervous apprehension for her, and us. Add to that, her sister is due to be released from the hospital today from her recent brain surgery and because she needs constant care, that just puts more strain on Boop.
Marg is in such a muddled state that if it was'nt so sad, it would be funny. Things like trying to tear an IV bag apart to get her muffin, or telling us that they had locked her out of her room so that the nurses could party all night. The only good thing in all of this is that she is not aware of how serious it really is. She actually seems content, in fact almost happy. Thank God for small favors I suppose.
I've received 2 phone calls in the past couple of days that have brought back a lot of memories. They were both in relation to an upcoming reunion of a group of soldiers that I was once part of. (Don't believe you should end a sentence with a preposition, but what the hey, it's my page.)
Most of the faithful readers/friends from my last site, Over The Road, will remember my telling of spending 5 years in the Army as a young man. In fact I put a post up of that time, including a picture of our graduating class after 2 years of fairly rigorous training that included both military and academic subjects. From there we went out to regular units to begin our military careers, which in my case was short-lived. Still, it was a time of my life that went a long way towards shaping the person I am today. Of course it did nothing to prepare me for the eventual path I chose, long-haul trucking, but the discipline and responsibility I learned sticks with me to this day.
At the risk of over-kill, (hey!, remember it's my page), here is the picture again.
This should click/enlarge. Hard to believe that was 49 years ago. The challenge for the new readers is to find me in there. Now, be serious, because there will be a prize if you pick me out correctly. In the case that the winning entrant is female, the prize will be a week-end of wanton debauchery. If male, it will be a hearty pat on the back.
Had enough? Good, because my "pecker" is getting tired. With 10 fingers you'd think I could learn to use more than one to type. Oh well. Have a decent day, and I'll probably see you tomorrow.
Trucker Bob blogged at 3:38 AM
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Monday, May 29, 2006
Morning folks. Hope your week-end went well, or is going well if you're Murakan. (oh lighten up!) Got kind of a pot pourri today, or as a good ol' boy might say, a pot poury.
First the good news. Boop will be having her surgical biopsies on Wednesday, so keep the good thoughts for her. As for me I've put my plans on hold until we get the results. If she needs another round of treatment, or whatever, my trip will be put on hold so that I can be here to help in any way I can. It's no biggie really, the road will be there when I'm ready.
I tried taking a video yesterday to see if the crackling noise etc. was gone after the tune-up at the store. @#$, it's worse than ever! So back to the store, and this time we'll go outside and try it before I leave, even if I have to drag him out in a headlock.
Talked to son Bob yesterday and he was telling me that grandson Bobby was saving up for a fancy bicycle. Well, alright!, this is where grampas come in. I told him to tell Bobby that I would match him dollar for dollar, but he says that Bobby wants to pay for it himself.
When Bobby is'nt playing a little league game, he umpires. They pay him $20 a game and he was umpiring his 10th game as we spoke. This is the kind of stuff that makes me realize what a great job Bob and his wife have done raising the little guy. Little hell, he's as tall as I am, and he's only 14. You could'nt buy the feelings I have for things like this.
I think my fitness regimen is going to have to be adjusted. Oh, I'll keep exercising, but within reason. As is usual with me, I completely overdid things, to the point of exhaustion. But the main thing I've got to do is START EATING! I'm sure that's the reason I've been feeling the way I have the last week or so.
I've come down from 262 to 220 lbs and that's the weight I'm going to try to maintain. If I lose anymore I'll look like a refugee, in fact Boop has been on my case about it. She's right of course. With all the reading I've done on this you'd think I'd know better, but NOOO! Bonehead!
Smurf, here is the link to Karen's site, the lady that found this template for me. If you like the picture on top of this one, you'll love the one on her's.
Guess what I'm going to do now, EAT! It's been a while, but I'm going to fix some steak and eggs. Let it sit a bit, then go out and walk half of it off. See ya later.
Trucker Bob blogged at 4:16 AM
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Sunday, May 28, 2006
I did'nt really have much to say today, as if I ever do, until L'il Bear reminded me that a good friend of this site, Peter, reaches a milestone of sorts today. I've come to appreciate Peter's wit, wisdom, and sincerity, and besides, anyone that likes Robert Service poems can't be all bad.
Visit his site and while there check out his poetry page. At the moment I'm having trouble getting his side-bar up, otherwise I'd link you to it.
It's too bad he lives on the other side of the world, because I think sharing a wee dram with him would be enjoyable. So in lieu of that Peter, L'il Bear and I wish you the best!
Enjoy the rest of your week-end folks, especially those of you celebrating Memorial Day.
Trucker Bob blogged at 4:31 AM
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Saturday, May 27, 2006
A popular airline recently introduced a special half rate fare for wives who accompanied their husbands on business trips. Expecting great feedback, the company sent out letters to all the wives of businessmen who had used the special rates, asking how they enjoyed their trip. Letters are still pouring in asking, 'What trip?'
An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either.
Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted.
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why," they asked, as they moved off. "Because", he said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer."
A dyslexic man walks into a bra.
Two termites walk into a bar. One asks, "Is the bar tender here?"
And finally, there was the person who sent ten different puns to his friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.
I know they're groaners but the price is right. I'm saving the good (?) ones for the premium package, soon to be available. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
What can I say, I got bored. Besides, you wanted to see a before and after picture.
Don't forget to click the volume thingy up.
Trucker Bob blogged at 3:35 AM
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Friday, May 26, 2006
Once again there is no "Morning folks" because I am pecking this out on Thursday afternoon. It might be time to lose the folksy greeting anyway. Nah!, it feels right.
Really, all I'm doing is trying to get comfortable with the laptop. So if inane nattering is not your idea of a post this would be a good time to hit the "I'm outa here" button.
I won't pretend that I am anything but a neophtye on computers, but after struggling along with the PC for almost 2 years, mostly untutored, I was at the point that what little I could do was getting easier for me. When, for example, I wanted to put a post up, I was able to do it without too many mistakes because I had certainly made enough of those.
When I bought this thing to take along on the trip I thought, oh boy, here we go again. I'm still a little scared of computers, but this thing is a pleasure to use. I thought the PC was fast, and it is, but this thing acts like it is on steroids, yet for some reason I'm not afraid of it. When I do goof up it's so easy to correct.
As I look over at the monitor, tower, keyboard, etc., it blows my little mind that everything it can do, this thing does, and faster. I'm sitting in the armchair, on battery power, wireless, and using a laser mouse that is so small it gets lost in the palm of my hand. I just took a picture of my hand with just a tiny bit of the mouse showing and was going to put it up, but even I realize how lame that would be. Like the proverbial kid with a new toy.
Because retirement was forced on me, I was ill-prepared for it. Trucking was my work, but it was far more than that, it was my life. I did'nt really have any hobbies because I was happy where I was, on the road. It was tough at first, but I sure have a hobby now, and thanks to you guys, one that I enjoy more all the time.
I'm still a current affairs freak, as witnessed by my blogroll, but the things that are the most enjoyable are the connections I've made through this blog thingy. I was a loner most of my life, and still am to a degree, but even that is changing with this new hobby. Whoulda thunk!
I'll see if I can find a few chuckles for tomorrow (Saturday) and on Sunday L'il bear has a special something for one of my buds on here, so stop by if you can. Enjoy your week-end. __________________________________________________________________________
Don't mind me folks, I'm just trying out the latest thing that I learned to do on my own. This is fun! You'll have to grab the volume thingy and slide it up for sound. While I love my car, if I had one of these I could really haul butt. Oh right, the price of gas...never mind!
Trucker Bob blogged at 3:46 AM
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Thursday, May 25, 2006
Morning folks. It's been said that a lot of good fortune in life is due to timing. If that is true, and I think it is, I have got to be the master of bad timing. The sign below shows the price of regular gas here yesterday, and for the mathematically-challenged let me convert that for you.
$1.211/liter x 4.546 liters = $5.51/gallon. Now consider that I'm leaving on a 10,000 mile trip in 2 weeks. See what I mean? Granted it won't be the same price throughout the trip, but DAMN!
Add to that the approximate $4-5,000 for motels, $2,000 for ferries and train, etc. etc., I'm beginning to understand how the dog below feels.
I know that sounds whiny, but the truth is that after rasslin' with this blankety-blank tumor for so long, the trip would be a bargain at twice the price. But, DAMN!
Besides, I've got to get out there and put my new laptop to work. I've always worked well under pressure but with Timmy in the equation now it's different, and I'm hoping I can do a decent job.
If I run short of funds I can always auction off what my little Babushka sent me. Wait!, Photobucket won't post pornography. DRAT! Oh well, I can always post nekkid pictures of myself, because I'm sure they would fall into the Humor category.
That should be enough goofing around for today. Don't ask what brought this on, I don't understand it either.
Trucker Bob blogged at 3:02 AM
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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Morning folks. One of the things I like to do here is engage in a little, innocent, good-natured teasing. A break from the normal seriousness of life, if you will. When I opened the mail today and saw what my little Babushka sent I realized that I've met my match, if not my master. There are many on here who take the bait, which I appreciate, because I really feel that if we just lighten up a bit and not take ourselves so seriously, we'd all be better off.
Took the camera in to be checked out and was shown how to completely erase images/videos. The fellow thought that the way I had been doing it, deleting, was'nt clearing every scrap off the memory card and could have been the reason for the crackling noise and fuzzy images. He also said that the microphone is so sensitive that if I moved my hand on the camera at all it would pick that sound up. I'll give it a try soon.
Also, thanks to the above mentioned pornographeress I have learned how to size the videos so that they fit the page properly. What's that? You want to know what she sent? Well, I'm not sure of where you live, but we have strict obscenity laws here. But then again, if the price is right.....
Got my blood test results yesterday and they were pretty good, considering. My prolactin count is 5 times normal, which does'nt sound good until you realize it was 200 times normal when the tumor was diagnosed. The other numbers, while not great, are holding at a level that I can live with. I'm debating whether to start taking testosterone shots again but, except for the odd little relapse like I'm having now, I'm feeling fairly kick-ass. In fact, any more so and I'd be dangerous! Maybe I'll just explain to the "lads" that with the trip coming up soon they'll have to work a little harder (oops) because the natural hormone is better than that @#$ synthetic junk.
Wish I had good news to share concerning Boop's sister Marg. Although the surgery was a success, her mental faculties are slipping. They're going to do a CT scan today but won't tell us anything beyond that. So once again I ask for your caring thoughts for her.
Since I was'nt booed off the stage with yesterday's truckin' story I'll take a chance and post another one soon. In the meantime, have yourselves a decent day.
Trucker Bob blogged at 4:35 AM
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Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Can't start off with my usual "Morning folks" because I'm cheating a bit and beginning this on Monday. No big whup!
First a little background. Most older drivers have "run double" at some point in their careers. Running double is simply 2 drivers in the truck, so that the load keeps moving while one or the other driver is sleeping, or as close to sleep as you can get while hanging on to the mattress like a crab, to prevent sheet burns as your @#$ partner slides you from one end of the bed to the other on the corners.
I did most of mine during the 70's, when a bunch of us were running up and down the Alaska Highway like raped apes. The Pipeline was being built, and they needed the freight as fast as you could get it up there. During that time I ran with many different drivers, some so bad I kicked them out on the trip, some would last a trip or two, and the odd time you'd get a good one that would last a while. You've got to keep in mind that when you go to the bunk, you're literally putting your life in his hands.
One of the good ones was a guy named Don xxxxx. Although I'm sure Don would'nt mind, since I have'nt talked to him for a long time, I'll just use his first name.
Don was a good driver, even if a bit aggressive, clean, honest, interesting to talk with for the most part, but Don had a problem. Oh God, did he have a problem! He had a glandular condition that caused a foot odor that not only could you smell, but I swear you could taste! Most times I could handle it, but when we got to sniping at each other, it just seemed to magnify it.
One such time we were heading North, Don driving, and pulled into Muncho Lake at Mile 463 on the Alcan, basically a lodge, where we were due to eat and switch drivers. For some reason we had been fussin' with each other and carried it inside. As I was trying to eat a meal he kept it up until I told him to shut the xxx up or he'd be walking. Finished eating, paid the bill, and out to the truck. He's still yappin' so I told him once again to shut up and go to bed or we'd get it on right there. He told me to do something that is physically impossible, took his @#$% boots off, and crawled into the bunk.
Normally he would crawl in there, close the curtain, and open the vents before he took them off, but this night he's being a jerk. A jerk that is close to getting his ass kicked. Okay, game on!
As soon as he was in there I picked those foul things up off the floor and threw them into the bunk. Just as quickly he threw them back out! Bad move partner! Off we go, and when I felt he was sleeping, I rolled down the window, picked up the boots, and air-mailed them.
Pulled into Watson Lake, Yukon, our next switch point. He comes out of the bunk, says he does'nt know what was bugging him, and apologizes. No problem Don, we've been running hard and we're getting beat out. Sit there while he goes through the ritual scratching, farting, hacking, and because showers are few and far between, putting the 14th layer of Right Guard on.
Finally he looks around the cab and says "where's my boots"? "You know that sharp corner at the bottom of Mile 558"? Yeah. Well, if the bears have'nt eaten them, because they like rotten things, we'll stop on the way back and pick them up.
Why you (oh my, the words he used). I let him rant for a while, then told him he had 2 options. Either walk across the road to the General store and buy himself some boots, or get behind the wheel and go truckin'. Pick one, and do it now! Before he got into the cursing again I explained how I had told him a hundred times about those @#$ boots, and that if he wanted to "take it outside" I was more than willing, and able.
He backed off a bit and asked me almost nicely if I would go and get the boots. Not a chance! Finally he climbed down out of the truck and set off across the gravel parking lot, through the ditch, across the road, another ditch and gravel parking lot, and into the store. Tiny Tim tip-toeing through the tulips had nothing on ol' Don. Each time he'd step on a sharp rock, he'd shake his fist at me and curse, which was'nt helped by my sitting in the truck laughing at him. If only I'd had this camera, or any camera.
Finally he comes out of the store. Oh my! what a nice pair of boots. Sharp stones won't bother those beauties. Across to the truck where I'm now in the passenger seat, hands me the receipt, which I promptly put in my shirt pocket, releases the brakes, into gear, and off we go. All without a word.
I went to the bunk, closed the vinyl curtain, opened a vent, and threw the receipt out! Months went by before he asked when I was going to pay him. For what? For that receipt I gave you. Oh that, I threw it out. Yep, you guessed it, into the cursing again.
Of course I finally paid him, damn those were expensive boots. We remained friends for years, and both got many a laugh out of that episode of "male-bonding". If I had'nt been such a wild man in those days with scrapping, I would have been the one walking, because he owned the truck.
In a lifetime on the road, those days were the best. If I could go back to any period in my life that would be it. I miss the comraderie(sp), the Yukon, and the times when it was just you, the truck, and the elements. Luckily I have the next best thing, great memories!
Trucker Bob blogged at 4:22 AM
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Monday, May 22, 2006
Morning folks. To the relief of many, and the possible disappointment of a few, there will be no truckin' story today. Things were just a little sideways around here this week-end, and still are to a degree.
First, although we've been divorced forever (18yrs) I hate to see Betty/Boop go through what she has been with her sister, plus her own situation. So I've been available for whatever help I can offer. My little mind can only compute so much, and Don's stinky boots were off the screen.
Secondly, I'm hoping it's just from pushing myself too hard, but I'm definitely off my feed. My right knee is hooped, again, and I feel like something the cat coughed up.
There was a time when stress did'nt bother me at all, but since Timmy moved upstairs it's a different story. I get to the point of becoming almost disoriented. I've always been a little spinny but this is not fun.
This is where you guys come in. I've mentioned many times how important to me you are, and this is a perfect example. When things get to be a bit much I can escape to this place and chill out by goofing around and know that I'm among friends. Thanks to you I've gone from a hardass to a big ol' weeny, and I love it. I no longer have to be first truck up the hill, now I can stop and take a picture, or a dumba**ed video and be complimented for it. How great is that?
Finally I want you to visit a new reader and commenter. Her "handle" is Smurf and I think you'll agree that she has a very impressive site. It's apparent that she puts a lot of work into it, and I'm happy to add her to my roll. Her site, and her comments here, have convinced me to waive the normal probation period and appoint her a full-fledged member of the Harem.
Well, that should be enough nattering for now. I'm going to take a break from the Ironman nonsense, start eating a bit more, and tend to my "flock". I've often thought of mentioning and/or linking some of you but that is fraught with danger. If I forgot, or omitted someone, it would take away the intended good. At any rate, you know who you are, and I appreciate you. All of you! __________________________________________________________
As an act of atonement for not having Amerloc on my roll, (she is now) I'll start pecking out that truckin' story I promised. Like Smurf, she also has a site worth visiting. Not a good way to treat a friend, my bad!
Trucker Bob blogged at 4:55 AM
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Sunday, May 21, 2006
Morning folks. Just before L'il Bear fell back into a stupor he warned me that I might be wearing out my welcome with you guys posting these videos(?). I patiently explained to him that I needed to practice before I headed out on the Great Escape, but when I looked to see what he thought, he was in z z Z Z city. No respect!
I've just talked to the store about the cracking noise at the beginning, and they're going to look at the camera next week. They thought it might have something to do with formatting, or the way I'm erasing the card. At any rate it's still on warranty.
So be warned, there are no choiping boids like a certain somebody's, but there is a sea-gull with a pathetic croak. I had promised him a donut to pose for me but when he saw it was actually a rice cake, well, you can hear what he thought of that. Again, no respect!
Marg had her surgery Friday (3 hrs 20 minutes) and we were told that they got all of the tumor. She is still in the ICU as I write this. I'll be taking Boop into the hospital to see her this morning.
blogged at 3:26 AM
This should click/enlarge. Hard to believe that was 49 years ago. The challenge for the new readers is to find me in there. Now, be serious, because there will be a prize if you pick me out correctly. In the case that the winning entrant is female, the prize will be a week-end of wanton debauchery. If male, it will be a hearty pat on the back.
I did'nt really have much to say today, as if I ever do, until L'il Bear reminded me that a good friend of this site, Peter, reaches a milestone of sorts today. I've come to appreciate Peter's wit, wisdom, and sincerity, and besides, anyone that likes Robert Service poems can't be all bad.
Morning folks. Just before L'il Bear fell back into a stupor he warned me that I might be wearing out my welcome with you guys posting these videos(?). I patiently explained to him that I needed to practice before I headed out on the Great Escape, but when I looked to see what he thought, he was in z z Z Z city. No respect!
