I just arrived in Sacramento, CA and I have to say that this was a typical yet interesting trip. i Started out in Helena Montana. Deadheaded up to Great Falls to pick up a load of flour. 44,880 lbs. of flour headed for Hayward, CA. Montana is simply a beautiful state. Provided that you like open country, big sky, mountains and trees. Driving along one of the passes that wind through a mountain range following a river has some of the most scenic settings that I am likely to ever see. This is what I found on highway 15 from Helena Montana to Great Falls. I have to say though that it is strange to go from temperatures in the teens yesterday to the 50’s today here in California.

This trip routed me down through Idaho to catch highway 80 in Nevada. This allowed me to go through Reno and pay a visit to my friend Tim who took over my job at the mall there. Well actually the holes in the ground where the mall used to stand. It was sad to see it gone but it needed to happen. It was an old facility. Now they can build something new there. Tim is doing good after another surgery. It was nice to visit with him again.

Now I sit here at a truck stop in Sacramento deciding whether to sit here until 6 then drive the last 2 hours into Hayward or head down there now. I think I better sit and pray that traffic gets better after 6. I just wish that Arnold would have spent more money on these highways here in California. You would not believe how bad they are in an eighteen wheeler. Thank God that I have an air ride suspension. Even so, I am surprised that this poor truck has any bolts that are still tight.

I can’t believe that I have gone so long since writing a post in the blog. It certainly isn’t because nothing is going on. Far from it. Much has been happening. Maybe that is the reason I haven’t been back here.

Christmas was good. I stayed out on the road as long as possible so that I could stay home for a good week. I arrived back in Vancouver on Saturday night 12/22. I had a few days to cram in my Christmas shopping but hey, isn’t that the way for most guys? I did have my ideas already on what I wanted to get for everyone. My mother-in-law was up along with my niece and her boyfriend. Yes, the mother-in-law allowed my niece to bring her boyfriend along. That was a bit awkward and there were many times that I wanted to give my opinion on a few thing. But, I held my comments to keep the peace.

All in all the holiday went well and everyone had a good time. I found out that my mother went into the hospital. Some blood clots were found in her lungs. She was admitted and put on blood thinners right away. After a few days and several tests it seems that all is well. As always she and all my family are in my prayers. MY grandmother was also in the hospital to get a pace maker put in. At 91 she is a strong woman and she is doing well after the surgery.

I got back on the road on Saturday after Christmas and have been out since. The winter driving has shown me many beautiful snow scenes in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah and western Oregon. It has also allowed me to practice putting on tire chains. Not the nice easy ones they make for passenger cars. No, I am talking about the heavy duty, dual tire 70 pounders that go on big trucks. As you can imagine, these babies are not a fun experience. Especially when it is snowing hard and the cold wind is blowing so that you loose the feeling in your ears within a few minutes. Luckily I keep insulated coveralls, boots, knit cap and extra gloves with me at all times.

One time while I was putting on chains I got to see a couple of young fools come driving by way too fast for the conditions. The driver lost control and spun the car as they pasted by. Sliding at an angle to the right they smashed into the trailer of a truck in front of me who was also putting on chains. Before anyone could do anything, these two laughing idiots, back the damaged car around and took off farther down the highway in the heavy snow. Yes, they were laughing and as they turned around I got a look at them inside the car. Both looked Hispanic. Luckily for them I could not see the license plate for it was covered in snow. My guess is that they did not want to get caught for reasons that you can guess.