Saturday, March 31, 2007

Here's a truly heartwarming story about the bond formed between a little 5 year old girl and some construction workers that makes you believe that we CAN make a difference when we give a child the gift of our time...

A young family moved into a house next door to a vacant lot. One day a construction crew turned up to start building a house on the empty lot. The young family's 5-year-old daughter naturally took an interest in all the activity going on next door and spent much of each day observing the workers. Eventually the construction crew, all of them gems-in-the-rough, more or less adopted her as a kind of project mascot.

They chatted with her, let her sit with them while they had coffee and lunch breaks, and gave her little jobs to do here and there to make her feel important. At the end of the first week they even presented her with a pay envelope containing a couple of dollars. The little girl took this home to her mother who said all the appropriate words of admiration and suggested that they take the two dollar "pay" she had received to the bank the next day to start a savings account.When they got to the bank, the teller was equally impressed and asked the little girl how she had come by her very own paycheck at such a young age.

The little girl proudly replied, "I worked last week with the crew building the house next door to us." My goodness gracious," said the teller, "and will you be working on the house again this week, too?"

The little girl replied, "I will if those assholes at Home Depot ever deliver the f**kin' drywall."

Kind of brings a tear to the eye.



A man entered a bus with both of his front pockets full of golf balls and sat down next to a beautiful Blonde. The puzzled blonde kept looking at him and his bulging pockets. Finally, after many such glances from her, he said "It's golf balls".

Nevertheless, the blonde continued to look at him thoughtfully and finally, not being able to contain her curiosity any longer, asked "Does it hurt as much as tennis elbow"?

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:38 AM

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Friday, March 30, 2007

Alright, this is getting out of hand. It's one thing to be a little fussy with your vehicles, but even Big Bear is questioning my sanity. For example, yesterday there I was under the left rear corner sand papering the tail pipe until every last bit of dirt, rust, etc. was gone and it was like new. Next I painted it with stove pipe enamel, since it's about the size of a small stove pipe. As I stood back admiring my handiwork I realized that I had to find a hobby. Wait! I think I just have.....never mind. heh heh

Seriously, it's so nice to have something to look forward to each day. While I still miss trucking greatly, I've found a substitute that I can fill my days with by puttering around with it, AND take it out on the road. The best of both worlds.

Speaking of Big Bear, when am I not lately? it (she?) got a house-warming gift yesterday. Boop stopped by with a wonderful set of Oneida pots for the kitchen, so I took her over so she could put them in the cupboards. While there she kept using the "we" word, and when I asked her if she had her pet rat in her pocket, she informed me in no uncertain terms that I wasn't getting away without taking her for a short trip. DRAT!, I'm trapped. Oh well, they are nice pots.

Once again folks, nothing but good news at this end. I've had my toast and coffee, read the paper, did the crossword, and am impatiently waiting for daylight so that I can go over and do my thang. What a difference in my life already, and it has only started.

Hope you're all well. I'll round up some funnies (I hope) for tomorrow if you want to stop by, and might wake L'il Bear up on Sunday. Otherwise have yourselves a good weekend.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:31 AM

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Thursday, March 29, 2007

Well, another productive day fussin' with the motorhome, which shall be hereafter referred to as Big Bear, thanks to a certain borscht queen. At least she tells me so, I've yet to sample her wares. Whoa, easy now!

Once I had stowed another trunk-full aboard I spent most of my time there on the outside of it. Used up a pile of rags going over it with rubbing compound and lot's of elbow grease. They had it in good shape, but I'm just super fussy. No, I believe the word is, Anal. At any rate I enjoy doing it, hell, doing anything for that matter.

These pictures just show my attempt at "prettifying", the new coffee machine I fastened to the counter, and a shot of one side while standing in the kitchen.





Today I'm going to install my Cobra 29LTD 40-channel CB so I can 10-4 all those good buddies. NOT! But it is a good thing to have for checking on road conditions etc. Used properly it's a good safety tool, but when the ratchet jaws get going I just shut it off.

You guys are going to get so tired of this you'll be telling me to...leave already! But what the hey, I'm enjoying it, and I guess that's what matters.

For those who may have missed it, check out my little Babushka's comment, with image, on yesterday's post here. That is way cool!

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:32 AM

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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Although Monday wasn't a very productive day for me, I more than made up for it yesterday. Because of the weather lately I've been neglecting the car, so I gave it the full treatment. Wash, wax, vinyl roof treatment, tire dressing, and leather treatment on the interior. Lookin' Good! Going to get a full cover for it while I'm out in it's big brother, because one day it's going to be a collector's item.

Next I went shopping for the RV, and found some nice things, like a wooden folding table for outside. I've already got a couple of neat collapsible chairs so that's looked after. Then a good sturdy outdoor carpet, so I should be all set under the awning. With the outdoor entertainment system built into the side, I guess you could say I'll be roughing it smoothly.

I put the new coffee machine in, but for times when I'm not plugged in, or don't want to run the generator, I bought a stainless steel percolator. I can set that on a grill over a campfire, or on the propane stove. Of course now I'm too broke to buy coffee, but I'll figure something out.

The rest of the shopping was just a whole lot of little things, with lot's more to come. Oh wait, I also bought a one million candle power AC/DC rechargeable lantern. Damn, you could weld with that thing!

The best part of the day came when I went down to my storage locker. I was like a kid in a candy store, because I had forgotten how much stuff I had down there. I'd hate to have to pay for all that gear now, but oh boy, am I going to be rigged up!

So all in all, a great day, with many more to come. As much as I hate whining, I hope you guys know that I also don't like crowing, but it's just so nice to have some good news to share.

As always, thanks for listening. Stay well guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:41 AM

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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

For a day that started out with great promise, yesterday turned out a bummer. First I wrestled with the video posting for what seemed like hours until I finally had to just leave it. I eventually did get it resolved, but do not like the procedure you have to go through because of this new Blogger. Why do they have to keep fixing things when they're not broken? Last summer I had no problems at all with the DVs, now this. Oh well.

So to take a break from that stuff I loaded up some gear for the RV and took it over, thinking I'd spend a few hours there. I just nicely got the things stored away when I recognized the feeling I was getting. Every once in a while my "head pills" really kick my butt, and boy did they ever! I take the tumor medication on Monday and Thursday, and can sometimes go for weeks without a bad reaction, but not so yesterday.

Back home, and not willing to just curl up in a ball, I went back to the DVs. I now know 4 different ways to do it, and don't like any of them, so the day wasn't a total loss. In a way it was a good lesson for me, because I was flying so high with the progress I'd made in the last few days, that I'd forgotten about my constant companion. I'll give him credit, he tried, but once again I held him off.

The rest of the day I just sort of vegged out. Other than feeling like I had been rode hard and put away wet, I'm pretty well back to normal (?) today. Guess while I'm waiting for daylight I'll do some laundry so people will stop wrinkling their nose when they're close to me. Ah, that's just raw animal magnetism. Would you give me a break!

I'm looking at my to-do list here, and it's going to take me a month to get it done at this rate, so I'd best hop to it. Later guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:49 AM

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Monday, March 26, 2007

I think I've finally got it. For such a really dorky video it was a lot of work. You have to let Photobucket share it to Blogger, then log in and edit the post. As I type this I'm not sure this will work, but here goes.



Trucker Bob blogged at 11:52 AM

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Sorry for the confusion below, but I'm slowly gaining ground. Bear with me.

Trucker Bob blogged at 8:30 AM

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YIPPEE! Within minutes of contacting Photobucket they got back to me, and Voila'. Not sure if this will show with the DV, but bear with me, I'll keep at it until I get it right.

Ah poop! The DV was up and running, now it's gone. I'll try something else.

Trucker Bob blogged at 7:43 AM

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Morning folks. That familiar greeting has worn well, but since I've started the process towards a major life-style change, I might as well change that too. It's not a big thing, I admit, but I'm going to try to remove every part of the rut that Timmy has kept me in. So from now on, who knows. Something generic like... Hi guys, or if I'm in a mood, something like... Listen the hell up! (Kidding)

There is certainly no way I'm going to last until the end of May, in fact I don't think I'll make the end of April. After spending the day yesterday fussin' with it, I'm ready to get serious. I've already got most of the clothes I'll be taking in there, and there is still lot's of space left. God, a man could sleep in the bedroom closet. Other than some shelving and drawers on one side, it runs the width across the back. Along with some more shelving, and night stand drawers, there is more than enough storage space.

Same thing in the bathroom, lot's of space for towels, etc. Ditto for the medicine cabinet, also a great set of lights over the sink. The bathtub is a bit small, but since I'll just be using the shower, that's no matter. I didn't measure the height in there, or throughout the whole unit, but it must be 7 feet. Not at all confining.

Well, 2 rooms should be enough for today. I'll describe the rest another day, along with pictures, because I'm sure you'll agree, it is just so well laid out. I'm not thinking about it at the moment, but a person could absolutely live in there full-time. Down the road, who knows.

Today I'll start shopping for bedding, pots and pans, dishes (Corel) cutlery, etc. etc. I've got plenty of that stuff here, but I just want to start off with all new. The one thing the kitchen didn't have is a coffee machine, so I bought a new one for it and will put it in today.

There are a million little things to do and I'm loving every minute of it. No more boredom, putz with the motorhome. I got more done yesterday than I have in years, and I'm just starting. YESSS!!!

Thanks for letting me share guys.

P.S. I'm sending an e-mail off to Photobucket today to see if they can help me get the DVs to show on Blogger. I've paid for the Pro account, so earn your money damnit!

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:29 AM

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Sunday, March 25, 2007

Morning folks. When L'il Bear found out what I was planning to do this morning he warned me that, not only would he bite me on the ankle again, he would gnaw through to the bone. The little guy just has no sense of ha-ha.

What I was going to do was tell you that this whole motorhome thing is just a charade, and beg your forgiveness. Hell, I was going to blame it all on Timmy.

Because they are costly, both to purchase and to operate, I was going to shamefully admit that I just couldn't swing it, and in fact could only afford this model.


But even I have to admit that sometimes my sense of humor can be a little weird. So.... never mind! heh heh

While not an exact replica, mine has 2 A/C units on top, and more windows, this model is just one more of the many things the dealer gave me. Things like:

1 yr road assistance policy.....free
1 yr power train warranty.....free
3 mo appliance warranty.......free
$5K theft protection...............free
2 night RV park stay..............free
plus phone assistance for any questions I might have, and small things like a very nice cap, fancy keychains, pens, etc.

I shopped long and hard, and it paid off. All through my negotiations with the dealer I kept thinking, okay, where's the catch? Truth is there was no catch. They are truly good people.

If asked, I would not do a testimonial like this, but I do this one on my own willingly. I won't put the dealer's name on here, that's just me, but if anyone wants to know, simply contact me and I'll gladly provide it.

Well guys, as you can tell, I'm a happy camper, and going to get happier. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:19 AM

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Saturday, March 24, 2007

Hi guys. No chuckles this morning, nothing but good news, no, make that great news. All went well yesterday, to the point that I arrived back home at 5:30 in the afternoon with my new RV. Boy that sounds good, MY RV!

I simply can't say enough about how well I was treated by the dealer. As for fretting about whether they had done everything I wanted, they went above and beyond. I have a pretty critical eye when it comes to vehicles, and on a scale of 1 to 10, they had this one at 11. Mechanically sound, and detailed to the max.

I wasn't down the road 10 miles before I settled in, and by the time I got home, it was a part of me. Gave it a good chase through the mountains and it handled it like a champion. I'm so impressed at how it gets down the road. Buying a used vehicle is sometimes a coin toss, but I really feel I won the flip with this one.

These pics are not much, I admit, but it was a long day and I just wanted to get home. There will be lots more for sure, along with a better description of the unit, but for now I simply wanted to let you know that I'm safely, and happily, back home, and my new baby is safely in it's stall.

My buddy Bill, who was following me, says he got some good shots as we got higher and into the snow. He'll e-mail them to me and I'll stick them up when he does. I actually took a DV out the windshield as I was happily tooling along, had no trouble uploading it into Photobucket, but thanks to IE7, can't get it to show on here. All it wants to do is run on Windows Media Player.

Don't get me going on that stuff again, but before I take my money back from Sparky today I'll give him one more chance to fix this blasted problem. On my own I found a way to remove IE7, but am unsure of what else I might remove. Sort of, been there, done that.

Thanks for being a part of this little adventure, and I promise you, the real adventure is just starting. I so much appreciate your encouragement.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:31 AM

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Friday, March 23, 2007

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:25 AM

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Morning folks. You know, I'd make someone a good wife. Whoa big fella, easy now! What brought that on is the great dinner I cooked up last night. Damn it was good.

Halibut steak, steamed white asparagus, and a Caesar salad. Then just to make sure I don't get too healthy, I topped it off with a rather large piece of cherry cheesecake. Got to admit it's nice to eat normal food again, no more of that diet nonsense. I'm going to adopt Popeye's attitude, I yam what I yam.

Not much happening around here today, other than getting the final touch-up on this thing. Also Sparky didn't transfer all my IncrediMail folders, contacts, and addresses over, so I'll get him to show me how to do it, because it's time I learned. Paying $80/hour when I never made $20 during my working life is starting to wear thin, and that included owning my own truck, the last of which cost me $145K.

In an average month I was on the road 26 days, and worked 14-16 hrs a day, to end up with approx $5K after expenses. Do the math. Thankfully I never did it for the money, it was my life, but still....

Well, that's about all the nattering I've got for now. Get through today, and then go get the land yacht early tomorrow. I'll probably stick a short 'wish me luck' post up before I leave, because it's sounding like we'll hit snow in the mountains.

Stay well guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:18 PM

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Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Morning folks. Don't mind me, but I'm still playing with this thing, no, not that, you pervs! , trying to get everything working properly. This picture pretty well sums up the way I feel this morning. Damn, it worked!




Slowly I'm getting things in order, but I'm still not ready to wrestle with Microsoft on the technical stuff, so I'll wait for Sparky The Wonder Lad to tackle that tomorrow.

I must admit that there have been times lately that I've felt like saying to heck with it all, but I do enjoy this blog thingy, and you guys, so I'm going to hang in. I try not to think of how much I've spent on all this stuff, because I'm afraid that I'd end up inviting Alexander Keith to share the misery with me. I've tried that, and believe me, that's not the answer. heh heh

Anyhoo, just more inane nattering, but if you can't bore your friends, what good are they? You didn't say that? You'd better hope they realize that you're just being playful. Sheesh!

Come onnnnn the end of May, I am so ready to get a life.

Trucker Bob blogged at 5:58 AM

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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Hi guys. Sorry for the tardiness, because I know how much you depend upon the wisdom dispensed here to get you through the day. Oh oh, L'il Bear is gettin' ready to bite me on the ankle again.

Fact is, I've been busy. Yesterday I helped Boop get her sister ready, and to the hospital for another CT scan. Turned out to be all for naught, because the hospital refused to inject the stuff ordered by the doctor for fear of an aneurysm. Of course the doctor that ordered it is away this week, so back to square one.

The rest of the time was basically spent on the laptop from hell, which I'm using now. I took it into the shop yesterday morning, explained what I had done (again) and left it. By the time I got back home they called and said, come and get it, your computer is in good shape, except for the hard drive being completely erased.

So I had Sparky here last night for 2 1/2 hours, and after fixing a bad code in the router, he got online and transferred everything from the PC into here. When he left with another pound of my flesh in his pocket, all was well. IE6, Google Tool Bar, IncrediMail, etc etc.

Fired it up this morning and couldn't even get online. Here we go again. Because the Automatic Updates function was turned on, as soon as I started it 51 updates were downloaded, including IE7, which of course won't accept the toolbar. I finally uninstalled the bar and got on line, but I can't switch back to IE6. This is what started it all in the first place.

I'm not going to let Microsoft beat me, but you can bet that when I finally get this resolved, there will be no more Internet Explorer. I've got Mozilla ready to go, but I'm stubborn. Sparky feels he can fix this but he can't come by until Thursday, so I'll just try to stay calm until then.

If there is any silver lining to this cloud it's that I'm glad (?) this is happening now and not when I'm off to to the North in the motorhome. Speaking of that we'll be leaving here at 3 am Friday to head upcountry and bring my new toy home, new to me that is.

I was going to try and find a picture to show what I think of Gates & Co., but besides it being probably too rude, it might even be libellous. Oh, grow a set, ya ol' wuss!

Hope you're all well, and if you made it this far, thanks for listening.

Trucker Bob blogged at 12:25 PM

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Sunday, March 18, 2007

Morning folks. With yesterday being St. Patrick's day, and me being Irish, I decided to whip up this little taste treat in honor of the occassion.

Irish Soda Bread

2 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour (preferably unbleached)
1/2 c. old-fashioned, rolled oats
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda (make sure it is fresh)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. dried currants
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1 lg. egg
1/2 c. unsalted butter (melted)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a round cake pan and/or pie pan. Stir together flour through salt, mixing well, in a large mixing bowl. Stir in currants until well coated in flour mixture. In separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg and butter. Make a well in dry ingredients, pour in liquids, and then stir until the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Turn out onto a floured countertop and knead three or four times. Form into a ball, and place in the center of the baking pan. Cut a cross (X) deeply into the top of the bread. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes, or 800F for 5 minutes. After 10 minutes, or 5, reduce heat to 375 F, or 775F, and bake 30 to 40 minutes, or 15 to 20 minutes, more, until brown, or black, on top. Remove from oven and remove to rack to cool. Drape a kitchen towel over the top to keep warm until you serve .. best if you serve it fresh from the oven.

OWW, stop that ya little pecker! L'il Bear just bit me on the ankle for telling a lie. Where did you realize that I was just goofin' around? heh heh The temperature?

As you can tell, I'm in a good mood this morning, but even that makes me shake my head at the things I find humor in sometimes. I may be growing older, but I absolutely refuse to grow up.

For those I haven't alienated, I'll probably see ya tomorrow. For the rest, well, it's been a slice.

Trucker Bob blogged at 7:05 AM

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Saturday, March 17, 2007

Aww, what the heck, let's have a few chuckles.

Classic Lines from Hollywood Squares.

If you're going to make a parachute jump, you should be at least how high? Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

True or false. A pea can last as long as 5,000 years. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman? Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.

Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older? Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.

What are the two things women should never do in bed with their husbands? Paul Lynde: Point and laugh.

Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather? Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

You've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during your first year? Charley Weaver: Of course not, Peter. I'm too busy growing strawberries.

When you pat a dog on its head he will usually wag his tail. What will a goose do? Paul Lynde: Make him bark.

According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people? Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army!

Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do? George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it? Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused but it certainly isn't neglected!

Oldies, but goodies. See ya later guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:25 AM

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Friday, March 16, 2007

Morning folks. I decided a couple of days ago to stay off this desktop in an effort to see if it would help my upper right arm and shoulder. I'm convinced that keeping it raised to use the mouse was causing an almost carpal tunnel type strain on them, because frankly my desk is too high. So I fired up the laptop from hell, and was using it on the dining room table, which is lower.

Within a day my arm was not near as sore, and all was going well until I messed up big time. After wrestling with that blankety-blank thing yesterday, de-fragging, running all the other tests, trying to update, etc. I clicked the wrong thing. I somehow erased every single thing on it, and I do mean everything! I can't even access my own wireless network because I can't find my WEP key. If I could find that I think I know how to use the Transfer Wizard, so I guess I''ll hunt down Sparky the Wonder Lad, pay him a bunch of money, and start over. Boy, this 'putin' sure is fun. NOT!

So if I don't show up for a day or three, it's not because I'm in a foul mood again (the hell I'm not!) it's because I'm working on my booboo. Or getting drunk. Or both.

You know, for a guy that doesn't have much going on, I can sure get into trouble. All those years on the road I'm surprised I found my way home, because I'm almost convinced that at times I'm too stupid to live. HEY!, you're not supposed to agree. heh heh

See ya later guys, if I can find my way back. Sheesh!

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:32 AM

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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Morning folks. Well, now that the black cloud that settled over my head for a few days has dissipated, things are starting to look up again. Don't really understand what caused the foul mood, but once again I got through it. Thankfully no harm was done, because I can be a handful when I get like that.

The little hitch in bringing the RV home has eased a bit, in fact I'll be going up to get it a week from tomorrow. YAY! Also, yesterday I found the perfect bicycle to take with me. Good and sturdy, big ol' fat tires, and a carrying rack. Next will be finding a carrier to mount on the back of the motorhome to carry it. I'm also shopping for an inflatable rubber dinghy to take with me, not an ocean-going vessel, just some little thing I can use on a small lake or stream. I'll get an air compressor, fire up the generator on the RV, and I'm fishin'.

I also was in touch with a local animal shelter, and given the time I have before I leave, they feel sure they can find me a "L'il Bear". When I described the whole scenario to them they thought it was neat, and are going to do what they can to make it happen. Again, YAY

Buying a Bichon is probably not going to happen, because the price people are asking, $9-1500, is just too much. Especially when you consider the abandoned animals needing a home.

So all in all, it was a good day. Slowly things are coming together, and I'm sure it will continue. Hopefully my demeanor has changed enough that people won't cross the street when they see me coming. Kidding! (sort of, heh heh)

Take care guys, see ya later.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:24 AM

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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Morning folks. Yesterday I started playing around with a program called Picasa. I didn't really know what I was doing, duh!, but I just kept following the cues and the next thing I knew every picture that I've ever dumped in here came up on one page. When I came upon this one I thought, how appropiate, because it is that exact scene that I'm heading for in the motorhome.


I took this 2 years ago when I went to Alaska in the car, and just like last summer when I completed the circle at the weigh scales in Ontario, I'll be able to capture the same feeling here. If you could experience the emotion I'm feeling you'd understand what this is all about. To be basically written off, and yet still be able to chase my dreams, and share with you, is my life's reward.

I'm going to park the motorhome at that exact spot, and walk down that trail. The only thing that could make it better would be to have a "L'il Bear" to walk with me. It's funny, but I picked the picture of that snoozing pooch as my Sunday header, but now it's almost become a part of me. It will happen, because after the hard-assed life I've lived, I've finally found peace and serenity.

I don't know what brought this on, but it feels good to talk about it. As usual, thanks for listening.


Trucker Bob blogged at 3:11 AM

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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Howdy folks. Whoa, big fella, what are you doin' here? Are there only 2 days in your week? Sheesh, what a craven grab for attention!

I think I'm losin' it, talkin' to myself on my own blog. Fact is, this is still the mood I'm in.....

but it has nothing to do with you guys, or for that matter, this outlet which I enjoy.

It will be 5 years in June since I stepped down from the truck for the last time, and if I don't soon change my life I'm going to explode. I've fought the good fight, but now it's time to put all that behind me and move on as best I can, considering that Timmy will always be with me.

The trip last summer made me realize what I had to do, namely get out of the rut and back out where I belong, on the road. Finally it's going to happen, setbacks be damned! If I have to hole up somewhere, so be it.

I've been in contact with the dealer and everything I wanted looked at has been done. The only hitch is that my storage site won't be ready until the 26th, so it just means that it will be an extra week before I bring it home. Since I won't be leaving until the end of May it's not a big thing, but I am so anxious to get fussin' with it, and not being very patient, it's hard to chill.

Funny thing, when I said I'd see you in a week, I knew that was wrong, because I enjoy nattering on here. So next time I get PO'd, when am I never, I'll just stay away. No more acting like a whiny child.

Thanks for the kind comments.

Jerry

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:26 PM

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Monday, March 12, 2007

Morning folks. Well, off we go on another week. Thankfully I finally seem to have enough going on to have some semblance of a life, so to that end, I'm going to take a break from this blog thingy. Besides, even I have had enough of the nattering. You guys are too polite to say so, but lately this place is like a Seinfeld show, a whole lot of talking about nothing.

So unless there is breaking news, like the maid announcing that she is preggers, or being named as a co-respondent in a sensational divorce case, I'll probably see you all this time next week.

Take care of yourselves, and each other.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:52 AM

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Sunday, March 11, 2007

Morning folks. Well, wonder of wonders, my computer (desk-top) changed over to Daylight Savings Time even though it's 3 weeks early this year. Not sure about the laptop, I'm afraid to go near that possessed thing, I'm just nicely over the hangover from the last time.

I'm not going to wake L'il Bear up this morning because I don't think he's going to like what I'm thinking. As much as I'd like to get a "l'il bear" type pooch to take with me in the motorhome, preferably a Bichon, I'm not sure it would be fair to the dog.

Since I'm not allowed to have a pet here at home, what would I do with the little guy when I got back from the north? I suppose I could put it in a kennel for 2-3 months but, aside from the expense, that would just be too confusing for the pup. Not to mention that after "bonding" with the little fella I wouldn't want to give him up.

I've thought about getting one from the pound, because there are certainly lots of animals there that need a loving environment, but the same would apply. In some ways it would be even worse in my mind. Taking one from the pound, "using" it for the summer, then taking it back, would almost be like saying, 'sorry little guy, but you're not good enough'. No, that's not going to happen.

I might come up with something, but right now it's kind of a bummer. Pets were allowed here at one time but, as usual, people abused it by letting their dogs run loose. The small ones were not a problem, but who needs to go down to their car and be met by a German Shepherd, or worse, a Rottweiller. I was on the road all the time then but I heard horror stories about it. Oh well.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Probably see ya tomorrow.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:41 AM

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Saturday, March 10, 2007

Football FINALLY makes sense.

A guy took his blonde girlfriend to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team's bench. After the game, he asked her how she liked the experience. "Oh, I really liked it," she replied, "especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents."

Dumbfounded, her date asked, "What do you mean?""Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of the game, they all kept screaming "Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback! I'm like...Helloooooo? It's only 25 cents".

How To Save A Marriage

A lady who had been married for several years was growing more and more frustrated at her husband's lack of interest in sex. She wondered about ways to add some pizzazz to their sexual relationship, and finally decided to purchase some crotchless underwear she had seen in a lingerie shop.

One evening when she was feeling particularly desirous, and he was, as usual, watching television, she took a shower, freshened up, and donned the crotchless undies and a slinky negligee. She then strolled between her husband and the television and suggestively tossed one leg up on his chair arm."Want some of this?" she purred. "Are you kidding?" he replied."Look what it did to your underwear!"

THE CORK

Two Arab terrorists are in a locker room taking a shower after their bomb making class in Toronto, when one notices the other has a huge cork stuck in his ass. If you do not mind me saying," stated the second, "that cork looks very uncomfortable. Why don't you take it out?"

I regret I cannot", lamented the first Arab. "It is permanently stuck in my ass." "I do not understand," said the other. The first Arab says, "I was walking along Bloor Street and I tripped over an oil lamp. There was a puff of smoke, and then a huge old man in Canadian Flag attire with a white beard and cowboy hat came boiling out. He said, "I am Captain Canada, the Genie. I can grant you one wish."I said, "No shit!"

The Awful Truth


Thanks to the usual miscreants.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:25 AM

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Friday, March 09, 2007

Morning folks. Why oh why can't they leave things alone. When I tried to get on here this morning Blogger wouldn't let me use the old one, so now I have to use a new user-name and password. No biggy I suppose, but still.....GRRR!!

Part of the reason for my foul disposition today is the self-inflicted damage I'm suffering. I'm not much of a drinker anymore, in fact I still had some beer in the fridge that I bought in Nova Scotia last summer. Not any more. God, my tongue is itchy, and my hair hurts. It's been many years since I've had a hangover, and I think it's going to be many years before I have my next one. Whew!, this is cruel. heh heh

What caused that stupidity was the laptop. When I'm home I use this desk-top, but yesterday while sort of getting things ready for the trip, I decided to fire it up and download the latest security alerts etc. 8 hours of sheer frustration. I knew that IE7, which I don't like, would not accept the Google toolbar, but now I think that the Norton anti-virus is causing problems. All I could do was keep restoring the system to a previous time and try again. And again. And again. Damn! Enough to drive a man to drink, wait...it did!

I finally got it back to where it should be, now I'm afraid to touch it. I'd like to take this one with me, but I'd need 4000 miles of extension cord and co-ax cable. On that note I don't think I'll be getting a satellite etc to go Wi-Fi because it's just too expensive, approx $5K Cdn when all is said and done.

There is a Smart Card thingy you can plug in, but it only works where there is a cellular signal, and where I'll be going that's not an option. Oh well, I'll just store the posts in Draft and put them up when I'm able to get into a place that has internet access.

I think I'm going to go and slam the door on my head, maybe it will make it feel better. Stop by tomorrow for some chuckles if you can, also L'il Bear will be here Sunday. See ya guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:29 AM

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Thursday, March 08, 2007

Morning folks. Just popped in to say hey-howdy, and answer your much appreciated comments. Without wanting it to sound dramatic, what I am about to embark on is a major change in my life, and having the support and encouragement of you guys is making it that much easier.

If all goes the way I'd like it to I'll spend approx 7 months a year on the road, and you're all coming along with me. I've still got a lot of homework to do in that regard, such as finding the right satellite system so that I can get online wirelessly when I'm out in the boonies. Any suggestions would be appreciated, and checked out.

I'm sure that as I go along with this the plans will need to be tweaked a bit, but if you don't mind a little nattering, I'll keep you informed.

Hey, what happened to.. just popped in to say hey-howdy? heh heh Ah well, it's just so nice to have something to be excited about, because it's been a while since I felt like this.

Take care guys. See ya later.

Trucker Bob blogged at 5:58 AM

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Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Morning folks. Well, I made it up and back safely, although I must admit I'm draggin' butt this morning. As I got up into the mountains early yesterday morning I hit really heavy fog and icy roads. It was a little tense for a while trying to find the road by following the outline of the snowbanks. Luckily it worked or I would have been a very unpopular guy, because I had a string of cars following me. Actually it felt good, sort of back in my element.

The motor-home itself is a go. Everything was fine except for the engine running a bit rough. They agreed to correct that to my satisfaction, so I left a fully refundable (in writing) deposit. When they've done that I'll go back up, at their expense, check it out, and if all is as it should be I'll complete the deal.

The unit has more features than I realized, such as a great hydraulic levelling jacks system. With the controls right beside the driver's seat you can get all levelled before shutting down. Another neat thing is the back-up camera with outside audio pick-up. If someone is guiding you back you can hear him through the screen in the cab. Check Monday's post and you'll see the screen hanging below the TV.

I took it out for a good road test, and other than the engine being a bit rough, it handled real well. Steering, tires, brakes, exhaust system, etc etc, no problems. So the ball is in their court, I'm standing here with a check in my hands and if they want it, "un-rough" the damn engine!

They were actually real good people to deal with, and I'm confident things will get done properly. So by the time my space is ready, all systems should be go.

With a little seat-of-the-pants driving behind me, some 2-day old pizza for breakfast, I'm almost back to normal. By the way, what color is the fuzz on pizza supposed to be? Ah, it don't matter, it's staying down. heh heh

Later guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:54 AM

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Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Morning folks. My oh my, how the pieces have fallen into place. Just as I was tiring of swimming upstream the tide turned, so to speak, and everything came together for me yesterday.

First off I've got a confirmed storage space, thanks to my ol' bud Bill the Barber. He and I have been friends for years, and when he learned about my plight he stepped in and voila', I was in. I think he is just trying to make up for all the lousy haircuts over the years. (Kidding!)

The lot itself is just 5 minutes away, and is perfect. Very level, covered with fine crushed rock, with each space marked out and numbered. It's surrounded by a chain link fence with rolls of concertina wire on top, and he tells me they've never had an incident. Damn, you might as well pass me a Bud Lite, because it can't get any better. But wait....

In about an hour I'm going to have a quick splash, fill my travellin' mug, grab my check-book, and head upcountry to buy the one I showed the pictures of yesterday. The only hitch would be if I found something during my inspection and test drive that was amiss. I don't anticipate any problems, but still.....

Because my space won't be ready for 2 weeks I'll leave it up there at the dealer's until Bill say's let's go get it. He'll come with me, then follow me home with the car. Of course I suppose he'll expect me to buy him breakfast on the way up, sheesh!, some people. Believe me, when all this is done I'll take him out for an evening we'll both remember.

The grapevine was definitely working (Boop) because my son Bob called and congratulated me and then dropped by after work for a glass of bubbly. Not only that, but he has a line on a car dolly so that I can tow my baby behind me when I go south this fall.

So, all in all, a helluva day. Can't wait to get it down here and start fussin' with it. I'm so anal with my things, especially vehicles, that I'll make it truly a home away from home.

You guys gave me so much encouragement last summer, with my attempt at a travel blog, that I'm determined, with your help, to do all I can to make this a trip that we'll all enjoy.

Thanks for listening guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 2:51 AM

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Monday, March 05, 2007

Morning folks. Well, the hunt for the part-time home on wheels is coming along nicely. I've pared the list down to 3 that will fill the bill, but now have to set this aside until I can find a place to park/store whichever I buy.

This is turning out to be the hard part. Of 4 possibles, 3 have waiting lists, and the other is a mud hole which I can get into right away but don't really want to unless I have no other choice. I'm meeting a fellow this morning that I think can bump me up on his list, but it will still be about a month before he could get me in.

I've cancelled driving up-country today to look at one because until I find a spot for it, or any other, it's sort of a wasted trip, and at the price of gas here ($4.85/gal) I don't need a 500 mile drive that badly. At any rate this is probably the one that I'm going to buy, and just to show how ridiculous it was to even consider a new one, the full price is less than the first years depreciation on the new unit. Or put another way, it's only $12K more than just the taxes etc on the new one. Thank heavens for those bolts of reality. And I still have my "stuff". heh heh






Well, that should fill my natter quotient for the day. I'll be glad when this is finally resolved because I'm getting way behind on my Bush-Whackin', and Lord knows, the boy do need to be whacked. Wish me luck with the waiting-list fellow today.

Have a good week guys. See me later.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:32 AM

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Sunday, March 04, 2007

Morning folks. Well, I finally got the l'il guy awake, but I'm not so sure that it was a good idea. When I told him what I was planning on doing the only thing he had to say was, The hell you are!

Kidding aside, thankfully a big ol' bolt of reality has jarred me back to my senses. The RV purchase is definitely going to happen, the trip to the Yukon for the summer is still on, but I don't know what on earth made me even consider the "open house".

It's one thing to flippantly say "it's only stuff", but the more that I realized what I was about to do, the less sense it made. I mean, it took me 68 years to get all the things I wanted, or needed, to make my life comfortable, and I was going to give it all away just because I wanted to go back out on the road for a while. I think I need help, and I think you know the kind I mean. Might have to fit me with one of those jackets with the long sleeves.

So for now at least, everything will stay put. I'll go off for the summer, come home for some rest and family time, then probably down to Arizona for the winter. Back here in the early spring, more family time etc., then repeat the cycle. The sensible part of this plan is that if something should go sideways, like my health, I have a home to come back to.

I think I'm a living example of the old saying, too soon we get old, and too late we get smart". But no harm was done, except for having to admit than I can be a dummy at times. Ah well, life's a learning experience.

I'm not going to get maudlin here, but because I live alone, by choice, I can't tell you how much I appreciate having this outlet to just chat about things. Family is a wonderful thing, but they have lives to live that can't be stopped just because I want to natter. Yet, at any time of the day or night I can get on here and just let it out. So take a bow guys, you deserve it!

Well, I just heard the Sunday paper plop on the mat outside my door, so I guess I'll see what's happening in the rest of the world. If any of you are going to attend services today, put in a good word for me with The Big Guy, because sometimes I need all the help I can get. Open house, sheesh!, what a dumbass!

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:56 AM

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Saturday, March 03, 2007

A drunken cowboy lay sprawled across three entire seats in the posh Amarillo Theater. When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the cowboy, "Sorry, sir, but you're only allowed one seat."

The cowboy groaned but didn't budge. The usher became more impatient: "Sir, if you don't get up from there I'm going to have to call the manager."

Once again, the cowboy just groaned. The usher marched briskly back up the aisle, and in a moment he returned with the manager. Together the two of them tried repeatedly to move the cowboy, but with no success. Finally they summoned the police. The Texas Ranger surveyed the situation briefly then asked, "All right buddy what's your name?"

"Fred," the cowboy moaned. "Where ya from, Fred?" asked the Ranger.With terrible pain in his voice, and without moving a muscle, Fred replied, . . . "the balcony."

Ole is a farmer in Wisconsin who needs a new milk cow. He hears about a nice one for sale over in Saskatchewan, so he drives up there, looks at the cow, and reaches under to see if she gives milk. When he grabs the teat and pulls, the cow farts. Ole is very surprised, so he looks at the farmer who's selling the cow, then reaches under the cow to try again.

He grabs another teat, pulls, and the cow farts again. But milk comes out so, after some discussion, Ole decides to buy the cow and takes it home.

He calls his neighbour, Sven over and says, "Hey Sven, come and look at dis here new cow I yust bought. "Pull her teat and see vat happens."

Sven reaches under, pulls the teat, and the cow farts. Sven looks at Ole and says, "I bet you bought dis cow in Saskatchewan, yah?" Ole is very surprised and says, "Yah, dat's right. But how did you know?"

Sven says, "My wife is from Saskatchewan".

An accountant, a lawyer and a cowboy were standing side-by-side using the urinal.The accountant finished, zipped up and started washing and literally scrubbing his hands...clear up to his elbows....he used about 20 paper towels before he finished.

He turned to the other two men and commented, "I graduated from the University of Michigan and they taught us to be clean." The lawyer finished, zipped up and quickly wet the tips of his fingers, grabbed one paper towel and commented, I graduated from the University of California and they taught us to be environmentally conscious."

The cowboy zipped up and as he was walking out the door said," I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan and they taught us not to piss on our hands."
Thanks to my usual co-conspirators, Jude, Jim, and Trace.

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:28 AM

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Friday, March 02, 2007

Morning folks. Well, the dream is still alive, but thankfully reality has settled in. I don't know why I even considered buying a new one when there are so many good deals around on used ones. I suppose that being told by the bank to buy whatever I wanted, and they'd make the numbers work for me, caused me to act like a kid in a candy store.

Fact is I can buy a real nice RV, and pay for it, for about what the depreciation would be on a new one in the first year. Shake your head! Not to mention who in their right mind would want to make payments when there is no need to. Hell, the taxes etc. on the new one were over $24K, which would take me a long way down the road.

So between my ol' bud up North, my sons, Boop, and the RV guy, questioning my sanity, I've seen the light. Now my plan is to beat the bushes and find 8 or 10 that would fit the bill, then slowly winnow that down to my new "home". I've already got 2 on the list, and on Monday I'm going up country to look at a couple more.

As for the "open house", that's still on, and dibbs have been called on half my stuff. Sheesh! what a bunch of vultures. heh heh

So if you don't mind a lot of nattering, I'll keep you posted on The Great Adventure. (Yikes!) Actually getting over the hump by making the big decision has already made me feel better, and I'm sure that as it goes along that will continue.

I've got some hah- hahs for tomorrow if you'd like to stop by, and maybe I can wake L'il Bear up for an appearance on Sunday. Stay well guys.

Trucker Bob blogged at 4:17 AM

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Thursday, March 01, 2007

Morning folks. Well, I'm finally past the stage of talking the talk and am now starting to walk the walk. I've spent the last couple of days getting real serious about making the big move to an RV and hitting the road. Although I was quite taken by the one I showed the interior of on Tuesday, I've looked at so many others that it's apparent that I've got lots of homework to do.

Luckily I've got a very knowledgeable RV guy working with me that is willing to put the time in, because with a purchase of this size (150-200K) I've simply got to cover all the bases. Since I hadn't planned on leaving until June I'd be crazy not to investigate every avenue.

The more I get into it, the more I realize that buying the thing is the easy part. It's kinda scary as I look around my home to think that I'm basically going to give everything away and become a nomad. Too bad you guys weren't my neighbors, because I'm going to have a hell of an open house....you want it....take it....it's free. Yikes, what am I doing? Ahh, I'll get over it, it's just stuff.
The only hitch would be my health, but I've come this far and am going to stay positive. If I only got a couple of years out there it would all be worth it, because frankly I can't go on much longer letting Timmy run my life. I really feel that getting away from the stress of the rut I've been in would do me more good than all the doctors are doing, as well-intentioned as they might be.

Speaking of the docs, the specialist has ruled out cortisone shots. So be it, my stupid shoulder is the least of my concerns, the most pressing of which are the seating arrangements. I realize that your comments are just good-natured teasing, which I love, but believe me it would be such a treat to be able to take all of you for a spin. I've said it ad nauseum, but it's your encouragement that keeps me going at times.

I finally quit that dumb-assed diet I was on and now it's quite simple....if it doesn't move, eat it! Seems to be working well, although I'm not sure cuz I tossed the Toledos. Between shopping for the RV, and shopping for food, I'm about wore out. Love it! Finally got a purpose in life again.

Thanks for listening, and if the Good Lord is willing, and the harness holds, it won't be long and I'll be doing my Willy Nelson thang. On The Road Again!

Trucker Bob blogged at 3:36 AM

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