It's All Relevant ...

Went to the Outpost (US395 / I-15) for breakfast with a OTR driver friend of mine. This location was as close as we could get and not have him out of route. Due to slow freight, he had been sitting in Bakersfield for a couple of days and was now heading home (Ohio).

I made the 45 minute drive up Cajon Pass to meet up for some biscuits and gravy. Now I know this menu item is not the best for the heart etc., but it sure tastes good to the stomach - soooo.

After ordering and the usual small talk, we got into eating and discussing driving skills as we looked out the windows. Now being an over the road driver allows you to see / experience a wide variety of shall we say unique maneuvers. My friend went off on a list of the winter skills, or lack there of, that people use on the highways today. Not to be out done, I related all that I had recently observed.

Now my friend HAD to remind me that I was not driving a big truck this winter and being in So. Cal. was absent of many of mother natures special touches. Thus, anything I saw was pale in comparison. I was bested, I had to agree.

As we left the restaurant we saw a very small red car lock up the brakes, slide through the signal light, and end up in the sandy area next to the highway. Several people rushed over to see how the driver was, my friend and I included. The car would need to be towed, and the driver was alright, spilled soda and a bit scared I think. His major concern was not his car, the near miss, or the possible injuries that could have been. He was really upset that the car in front of him had stopped for the red light. As he put it, it was still orange and we could have made it with a little gas !

As we walked back to where my friend's W 9 was parked, he said to no one in particular -
no rain, no snow, no ice, I guess winter driving skills are really just driving skills and everything IS relevant.

News ?

Last night I was sitting in my chair reading about a 1944 typhoon in the pacific ( Halsey's Typhoon ). Finding myself trying to imagine what waves that tall would cause me to feel, I decided to put the book down - I'll watch the news. I grabbed some kettle corn and a Dr Pepper and moved to the TV.

As the announcer was telling me about how the "R" and the "D" were getting all uppity about the proposed stimulus package, the announcer was interrupted with "BREAKING NEWS".

For the next 40 minutes all that was important was a normal speed traffic pursuit through LA. It ended with only a few stop signs missed and an improper lane change or two. As police had the driver and passengers exit their auto, they were placed into the back of waiting patrol cars. They could be seen smiling for the cameras as they were driven away.

The only thing worse than putting that in millions of homes for all to see, was the time I wasted watching it with useless comments as to the behavior I was viewing and by watching it, demonstrating.

There comes a time when we really need to get a life. Is that real news for folks living fifty miles away ? I think I need to get out more or maybe I should read a book.

Hello

As I sit this morning, I am amazed at how fast life moves. And to think I was once part of that rush. Now that I am in a position to control that rush, I realize that life continues and I can be just as happy, get just as excited, and be just as moved by it. The only difference is now I get to pick the order and major content of it. Yes, life continues to be grand, enjoy it.