Turkey Crimes 2?

Well, Wednesday started out a wild end to my week. I took a 'short' run to Little Plymouth Va. It is normally a 10 hr day. After I got back to the yard, it took me over an hour to decide what I was gonna do Thursday. I went and got another turkey. This one was a 14 pounder. It will take around an hour to fry. Thursday wasn't a good day. I had an extra load added to my day. After being held up due to a trailer that would not unload properly, I had to run really hard to get the my last delivery before they closed. I made it, but at the end of the day it wound up being 16-17 hours at work. Ok, I have to admit. I'm not in the 'Mood" to go over the details of a boring and LONGGG week. I can't say I did much more than drive like a maniac to make all my runs on time. It seems like all I did was work and try to get some sleep. This is boring as hell so I'll end it now and try to get "motivated"

Autorama 2006

OK I'm back from the car show and let me tell you something, it was hot as hell. Even with the canopy up it was almost unbearable. Glo is crashed already. Actually she went back to the truck
during the award presentations and started it up and turned on the AC. Thanks goodness I fixed it last week! I really think the sun and the fresh farm air got to her. Other than the weathe,r it was a nice day. There were plenty of "pony cars" there. (Mustangs, Camero's AMC Javelins and AMX'S, Challengers , Cudas etc.
They had a separate show for the Pony cars and one with all the other classes. I was in the 1990-2006 truck class. I won't lie and say that there were hundreds in that category, but there was 3-4 nice ones, an 2003 Chevy SSR, 2005 Dodge RumbleBee, 2001 Silverado, and a Ranger. these were the ones I had to beat. I was first put into Modified Truck but I asked them to change that. Of course there were ony 2 trucks in that class and neither was very nice. So, I actuallly felt good staying where I was at. To cut a long story short, I won 1st place in my class.

Another Week Gone Part 1 Turkey Crimes

OMG It didn't take long. Back to work and doing much of nothing else. I swear it seems like it was just Tuesday a couple of days ago. It feels like I just had too much to do. I woke up Sunday morning with a killer back ache. It was bad enough I didn't even go through the "it'll be ok routine". We called my chiropractor for an appointment ASAP. The pain started where my lowest rib connected. I didn't want to move and bouncing around in the truck made it unbearable.. I had a semi short day Monday so I was able to get to the Doc by 5pm. Talk about my back cracking. WOW It sounded like one of annoying people who sit around and crack their knuckles. Only LOUDER.
Doc's wife's birthday was Tuesday so I decide I'd fry her a turkey. I grabbed a 12 lb. turkey from the Grocery Kat and marinated it Monday night. I had picked a load to Richmond for Tuesday, that would get me home around 2pm. Of course I had to get up at 3AM to make it work. I did made it back a little before 2pm, Yea.
This was just the start of a long afternoon. I had to drain the fryer of the old shortening, take the old shortening to a local restaurant and pour it in their grease tank. Take the empty pot to the car wash to spray it out, and stop by Lowes to grab 5 gals of Peanut oil. After running my errands I finished cleaning the fryer pot with SOS pads. I added the peanut oil and started the fire.
At this point I decided to mow the yard while the oil was getting to temperature. I bought this "great" thermostat for my fryer. You put the temp probe in the oil and set the thermostat and it will automatically keep the oil at the correct temp. For some reason the thermostat kept backing off. It did this twice. I would turn it to the max and it would slowly rotate back to the low setting. I finally had to take a piece of duct tape ( it works for the astronauts) and tape the knob so it wouldn't turn.
Fast forward 45 mins..... The yard is 85% finished. I just have to weed wack a few spots and blow the grass off the driveway. I checked the turkey and it's only 140 degrees. It should be ready by now. DID the thermostat change again? I double check everything and it seems ok.
I place the turkey back in the pot and decide I have enough time to I walk across to my neighbors house. I want to check my 2 rows of beans he allowed me plant in his garden. They were looking good! I should be able to pick enough for a meal this weekend. I noticed the grass had taken over his tomato plants. I decide I'd "weed" around his plants. He has had a few health problems lately and I'm sure I can move a little easier than he. Hey, we can see his tomato plants now!
I hurry back to my house to check on the turkey. It didn't seem like that long, but when I pull out the turkey.... Well, it was a little darker than I wanted and the drumsticks had started to dry out, and the inside temp was now 200 degrees.. Oooppss. Well I can't give this to Doc's wife. I'll have to make another one. Don't worry, Glo will be more than happy to "dispose of it"
I'm totally beat and I have to get up at 6am to go wash the truck since I didn't get home in time this afternoon. I promise I will finish posting this week's happenings before this weekend is over. I even want to finish my truck accident post. It's almost done. Be patient with me. I'm an OLDDDD man LOL

Car Show 7-22

Well, we went to the car show at Independent Bible Church today and I was shut out. No trophy, no door prize. Plenty of free food and nice company. I have to admit I did get upset when I didn't win anything. There was a 2000 S10, Sonoma, one or the other that won a trophy. I was sure I should have gotten one if he did. Actually there were a couple that I recognized I didn't think would win before me. I guess I'm too competitive?
Other than that it was a pretty nice day. The rain held off until I was a mile from the house. It got the undercarriage a little dirty. Nothing that I will have to worry about too much. I have another show to go to on the 29th. It will be another BIG one. Since there will be a number of classes and judges I do expect to do well there.
I'm gonna make this a short one. I have to get up early again in the morning. Will see if I can get to Myerstown Pa tomorrow before the buggy peeps get stirring. Nothing worse than coming up on a buggy first thing in the morning. Laters

Just My Trucking Luck

I promised to tell the tale of how I came to be stuck at home. Well, I had planned to rant over the President and Congress and....... How I could go nuts. I'll spare ya'll for now.

June 19,06 3:15am
I arrive at work and place my lunch box in the truck along with my coffee cup. I start the truck while still standing on the running board. This I do every morning to build up the air pressure in the air tanks. For weeks my truck had an air leak in the sleeper air spring and the trailer had an air leak in the air tank mounted on the trailer. Well, both of these were repaired the previous week.
Here's where everything gets a little fuzzy. I reach inside to release the trailer brakes. (The trailer and tractor have separate valves to activate the parking brakes. The one for the tractor is Yellow triangle button and on the right. The trailer is a round Red button and on the left.) The only thing I can think of is I reached in and pushed in on the round Tractor brakes. I turned around and walked the 6-8 feet back to my car to get the directions I needed for the new customer. When I turned around, I saw the truck start rolling. After the immediate shock, I took off after the truck and the trailer. By this time it was rolling at 5-8 mph and picking up speed. Since I hopped on the running boards at the back , I had to walk up the 2-3 feet from the end of the running board to the door.
I can say I made it to the door and had pulled myself partially inside when I reached the first parked trailer. This trailer was stuck out a little further than the others and the door was the first thing to hit. This caused the door to slam back against my side and it also caught my left leg between the door and door frame. I can honestly say this is the first moment I realized that I wasn't going to get it stopped in time and the rest seems a blur. I can remember the loud bangs as the truck hit one trailer and pushed it into the next,and the next, and the........ I THINK I hit 4-5 trailers in all. I had only traveled 70-80 feet and had left a 30 foot path of destruction.
I don't remrmber if I ever got my leg inside the truck. I know there wasn't enough room to open the door. My first reaction was to move the truck. I sat up in the seat and try to back up. The truck was jammed against eh trailers just tight enough to prevented truck from moving. I was about to try to "rock it" when the fan started making a horrible noise, like it was hitting the radiator. I immediately shut the engine off to prevent the fan from putting a hole in the radiator. It was at this point, I climbed out the passenger side to see the damage.
It didn't look good. The hood was pushed back, the front fender, air breather and door all damaged. It was at this point when I noticed my leg. It had swollen so much my pants leg was skin tight. The hematoma was around 4 inches square and easily 1 1/2 inches tall. Later it was guessed that it had 1-2 pints of blood in it.
I called our shop foreman and told him I needed a wrecker to pull my truck. He made it out in 12-20 mins. They hooked up a wrecker and pulled the truck away from the trailers. At this point I was sitting in my car since my leg and side was hurting. I guess the adrenaline was still going. They unhook the trailer and pull the truck in the shop to check out the damage. I suggested we call our dispatcher since I was to run a load for a new customer. He called and talked to my dispatcher. At this point there was nothing more for me to do. I explained that I was going home and I was sure that I would be heading for the emergency rom 10 mink after I arrived home.
Needless to say I was sorta right. It was "suggested" we call a Doctor friend of ours and go see him ASAP. We waited for him to open at 7am I believe, Glo drove me over and I pretty much freaked them out with my leg. All I know is I was ok until the Doc started poking on the hematoma. Needless to say I got a little faint and wanted to get sick. I walked over to the restroom and held my head down for a couple of minutes then walked back into the examination room and laid back on the bed until I felt better. At this time this Doc couldn't do anything for me but he did get me an emergency oppointment to an orthopedic Doc that afternoon. To make a long story a little shorter, it was determined that I needed to rest with ice packs on my leg and my leg raised. I was off work for a WHOLE MONTH.
The second week was the worst. My side was still hurting, but I had done a fair amount of walking and all the blood that was in the hematoma, drained down my leg and gave me a horrible bruise from y knee all the way to my foot and even the top half of my foot. All I can say is: Thank goodness for Darvocet.



These pictures were taken 2 weeks after the accident.

Is Bob Home? or Are You Glad to See Me?

Dateline:England


An unconfirmed report was brought to my attention this week. An English gentleman seems to have a problem with an implant. It seems he decided to go to Turkey to get an operation to help with his erectile disfunction. An electronic device was implanted to help trigger an erection. Good idea, right? Well, there is a problem. It seems that everytime his neighbor decides to park his car, the garage door remote "activates" the implant. My first thought: I wonder what happens when they "SHUT" the door?

Who's Hoot

Dearly beloved

I would like to take a couple of minutes to salute a fallen hero of mine. This great man has brought joy and happiness to countless members of mankind. His efforts and vision also helped many members of womankind raise herself from the depths of poverty.

Robert H Brooks, died Sunday July 16th, at his home in Myrtle Beach SC. He was fittingly 69 years old. He is survived by his wife Tami, son Coby, 37, and daughter Boni Belle, 7.


Brooks founded Naturally Fresh in 1966, which makes and distributes sauces and dressings. In the mid 80's he bought a one-restaurant concept and has since turned it into a multinational company. It now has 435 locations in 19 countries, with over $1 billion in annual sales.

If I may, I will take a moment to profess my admiration and personal thanks to Mr Brooks, without whom the chain HOOTERS would have never flown.


I'll end this little tribute with the immortal thanks uttered by that entertainer of old, Bob Hope. "Thanks for the Mammaries, BOB."

How Close is Too Close?

Hey there. I seem to be at an impasse. Not only am I in that mode of what should I be doing and what is REALLY important, but what should I write about. As far as the what I should be doing, I have that feeling you have before vacation. What needs to be done before going? In my case, it's more like what should I be doing today while it's still light outside since tomorrow I will be going back to work. I know it will soon be back to 10-12 hour days. I've heard that the loads we are getting at work are long and they aren't paying much for the extra miles required. It all amounts to less pay for hours worked. Oh well, the gravy train has ran off the tracks.
The other issue I have is what to write about. As I was listening to one of my favorite podcasters, he finds himself in the same dilemma. How do I entertain without alienating all my loved ones? We all know the best subjects are the ones no one talks about but, we all have. They are also the ones that will bite you in the butt. Can you imagine the conversation: " When you described the person who (in my case) ordered a passenger window motor when, the only thing wrong was the child lock switch was turned on. Was that me and why did you say that? What a fine line to walk. Knowing me I'd not only go over that line, but I'd forget where the line was. What's a blogger to do?

So it is with my blog. I have 3 drafts waiting for closure. Time's running down and I need to put out an entry. The answer that can only be answered here. Come back at the same Bat time and the same Bat channel.

Hello World. Sorry about the delay in posting. I've been busy with the truck again. I think I spent most of Saturday detailing the undercarraige and repainting the brake calipers and cleaning the rims and tires. I know, it sounds obsessive, but no pain, no gain. I have shows coming up the next two weekends. That, plus I fully expected to be going back to work Tuesday.
The Doc will release me this Wednesday. He asked if I wanted off until a week from Wednesday. But I already fill like I milked it this week. I'm sure the Doc or Glo wouldn't think that way. Don't get me wrong, the last week has been virtually pain free ( well that might not be true). Let me say it wasn't ALL I thought about.
So know I'm being mental,but I feel like I need to be working. It's like I'm not being productive. Well, I'm sure Wednesday afternoon I'm gonna be thinking about how I could be at home instead of in this &%$# traffic.

One good deed deserves another....and another....and an....

How fast the evening goes by. It seems only a moment since I came inside. Digg and You Tube............ Digital crack. I had this great idea for a post last night. By the time I got halfway into it my head was hurting so bad. Wow, I haven't had a headache like that in....I can't remember. So much for the poignant entry. It'll have to remain a draft for awhile.
I decided to actually get out and do something today. I feel like I haven't accomplished anything at all in the last two weeks. I know, I had an excuse with my leg and side, But, still it was driving me nuts. So, what did I do? The normal. Make a simple plan turn into something just a little more complicated.
Since I'll be going back to work next week. Yeahh..... I better go ahead and get the oil changed on my truck while I have time. I feel I need to do that and take the wheels off so I can repaint the calipers and detail the suspension and back of the rims. Well, that was the initial plan. Of course when I got the truck up on the ramps I had a brainstorm. Why not go ahead and change the transfer case fluid since I'm under there? (I had bought transfer case, front and rear differential fluid months back.) Ok, I drop the skid plate, drain the motor oil, replace the oil filter and..... hey, I can get to the front differential drain plug. Well, I do have gear oil for it too. Hell...... we'll just change it also.
Two down, more to go? Of course, the transfer case. How I forget so quick? Ok, time to drop the skid plate for the transfer case. Wow, it's covered in old grease and oil. I'll need to clean it up before I put it back on. I drag it and the front skid plate to the driveway and bring out the powerwasher while the transfer case is draining. Did I mention the transfer case fluid is green?? Weird. Ok the skid plates free from caked on grease. Time to replace the plugs and fill up the transfer case. Of course it only takes 2 1/4 liters ( yes Liter bottle, not quarts) of $6 fluid. What to do with $4.50 worth of fluid left??
Three down, go for the fourth?? Hell, I have the gear oil and limited slip additive for the rear end. Let's go for it. First, I need to sand down the transfer case skid plate so I can paint it. ...........Ok, that's sanded and ready for paint.....Now it's primed. Might as well drain the rear diff while it's drying. ........ I got it going on now. OK, the rear is draining (yeah I had a little trouble getting the fill hole plug loose). I go and put a good coat of Rustoleum semi-flat black on the skid plate.. Back to new. Yee Ha
Of course, by this time all this squirming around under the truck is causing a little "discomfort" in my side which really hasn't been pushed since my little accident. But I still have to button things up. In quick order, LOL, I refill the rear diff, get the transfer case skid plate bolted back up,grab all my tools, put them up. Uh oh, guess I ought to finish with the engine oil change by actually pouring in the new oil.
Small disaster diverted. Hey, I still have the powerwasher out and hooked up to the water. I might as well pull the truck around and wash the bottom of the motor, front axle and all the other places that were covered by the skid plate. Yeah....That's the ticket. Only one thing wrong with this. Spraying the bottom of the motor and front diff that contains 7 years of built up grease and dirt, makes for a hell of a mess. Not only from the crap falling down, BUT the unbelievable amounts that spray up and over the top of the motor and engine compartment. No pain no gain, Right? I do a quick wipe down of the engine compartment, it'll have to be detailed again before the 22nd. Ok, now it's time to put up the powerwasher and get inside. I can tell right now I'm gonna be sore tonight.
I survived. It's amazing that I can get anything done. I can always find some little thing that needs to be done. You know, I'm here. Might as well do this too? These two sentences are an example of this. I go back and sorta proof read and this addition seems necessary. Helpppppp!!!!! Back to the ending.....OK?

It took a couple of Advil (ok more than a couple) but, I'm still moving. Isn't it something how one project snowballs. Now, before I get too involved with posting, I'm outta here. Be good all.

Suggestions Needed

I need some help. I will be in the Western states in late August, early September. If anyone knows a good spot to see or interesting thing to do in California, Nevada, or Utah, let me know. I'm not the big city life type and I can't say I'm up for a 15 mike hike or mountain climb. Any ideas will be appreciated. You can leave a comment on my blog or email them to me at PaulP@Mddhattr.com

Thanks All
Paul

House Hubby to the Rescue......Kinda

WOW I thought I'd post a little entry before I get up to take care of my house-hubby chores this morning. I'm feeling much better this week. I get to go to the "big-magnet" at the hospital tonight. I guess they're going to try to remove all those metal splinters I got earlier in life. At least they don't have stick me all the way in the MRI machine. I'm a little claustrophobic.
Actually I'm hoping it will show why my knee has been giving me hell. I think (Dr Pepper's diagnosis) that it's just getting old and putting too much weight on it for all these years. My chiropractic doctor let me know that the problem in my shoulder is probably a little arthritis or a little wear on the rotator cup. Hmmm I wonder if I can get a bushing for that? Do they make synthetic rotator cup lubricant?? Wake up every morning and give it a little spray? wouldn't this great? For the first time in my adult life, get to a decent weight and I'm worn out. Oh well if that old Mustang could last through my abuse I guess I can too.
I seem to making a lot of car/mechanical references. Am I missing something here? Maybe I need to clean the truck. Actually I need to change the oil.That might be a good project to get me away from this screen a little today. I wonder if Auto-Crap oh, I mean Zone, has their oil tank empty? Might as well do it now while I have a couple of weeks off before the next show. I'm not sure if I'm going to all of them but there seems to be at least 1 every weekend from the July 22nd till we leave on vacation. I'll have to trim it down I know. Dang it they all look good. I'm pretty sure I have a chance at all of these, well, most of these. Ok all check you later.

I Can't believe I Moved the Whole Thing

I know it's a couple of days and now the links are wrong. I hope you found the link on my home page to this blog. I put up the front page in a hurry. Well painfully slow to someone who KNOWS what they are doing. I upgraded my server and hosting account and added a sub URL.
If you noticed that all my entries are posted on July 11th, well that will be the day I added them back to my blog. I know this is pitifully short, but I've looked at this screen long enough today. Be good.

Net Neutrality

DATE: 7/8/2006 7:58:00 PM Net Neutrality. Will it keep the internet safe and access equal for all? Or will it cause budding entrepreneurs with new innovative but bandwidth intensive products out of the free market?
These seem to be the questions. The net neutrality gang thinks it's imperative to set up laws for a future possibility that the telecoms might start throttling bandwidth to some companies. It seems that Google is in the cross hairs, maybe Skype, Vonage, and the many other VOIP companies will be the first to experience QoS issues since they are competing with the telecoms? I tend to agree with John C Dvorak's view on Net Neutrality. I think the Net Neutrality bill needs passage to protect the content providers from future increases in cost for bandwidth. If the individual user is paying for bandwidth into the home already why should there be another premium on the content provider to allow the home user to access it? I'm sure, Google, for example pays a good bit of money for bandwidth.
Now, some of the opponents of Net Neutrality say that passing a law demanding equal access to the internet's bandwidth would stifle future entreprenuers. Not being able to have or PAY for a greater percentage of bandwidth might doom new innovative technology. Is this a possibility? Maybe. I think the more likely development is a larger profit by a increasingly smaller number of companies (Merged telecoms and cable companies).
I admit this article is a little biased for Net Neutrality, but check it out and contact your local congressman before it's too late.

My Blog or Not My Blog

DATE: 7/8/2006 1:58:00 AM
Hey It's been awhile it seems. I haven't felt like blogging. No, I haven't really been able to think of a subject. I know I'm new to this blogging, and thinking of something new and profound is well, daunting to me. It's one thing to just talk BS and another to actually write it down and not look totally illiterate. After 20 years of one brain cell terminating day after another,my vocabulary and composition skills have deteriorated to a pitiful level.
I wasn't the literary type. My younger brother was always the gifted one in that aspect. I spent a little time today checking out his blog. I admit he's had years of experience ,both hands on and college, to perfect his blogging skills. I am a little jealous. I promise I won't get discouraged. I plan on making this MY blog and trying not to compete. I DO like the freedom Blogger allows. As soon as I learn a way to import a blog to my domain name. We'll do.
This does bring up a question I've aways had. What are my "gifts"? Everyone says, "Find out what you are good at and do it". Well, I've never found that. If I remember back in school I never had a problem or a challenge with the level of studies in school. Up till the second half of the 11th grade I coasted through school. I could read an assignment, maybe take a few notes and still pass with an "A", sometimes a "B". I never had the best grade. That always went to Gary Olsen. I can remember in the 9th grade. It didn't matter if i made a 98 in Civics, he made a 100. I think he would beat me 8 out of ten times. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGG
I guess if anything sums up my "skills" in school, it would be band. Band at our school consisted of a marching band during football season. After football season was concert season and tryouts for Allstate Band. Everyone had to go tryout. We had months to practice. We would have a book of musical arrangements from which to choose. We would have to audition one prepared selection and would memorize all the different scales, E-sharp, D, G-flat, ect. Well, would I practice? Not really. I would spend enough time on the scales to kinda pass through them. As far as the prepared material, well I would sight-read it. That is where you play what you see for the first time. I admit I never made first band but I always placed......Hmmmm, respectable.
Oops, I got distracted by TV. A program on 20/20 about soft addictions. I could have been their whole segment! Lets' see if I can wrap this up. I'm sure I lost where I was going with this entry.
Oh, my strengths. It's not being focused it seems. I guess the point I was trying to make is: I never excelled at anything in particular. I could though, take a situation or subject and quickly understand enough about it to have a fairly intelligent conversation. What details I didn't know I could skirt around by having the other person fill in the gaps, so to speak. Is this a real talent? I'm not sure but it's come in helpful .
Glo says I have a "Gift for gab". Sounds like a very polite way to say" You're full of Bull-hockey. I admit. You just have to love that woman.

Dem Pesky Wabbits

DATE: 7/8/2006 1:44:00 AM
Here's a Quick Link to my favorite commercial at the moment. It took me two times to really figure it out. Glo got it the first time. Go Figure.

Do Celebrities Really Matter?

DATE: 7/4/2006 11:28:00 AM
What is it about celebrity? It's seems in this age, celebrities have as much, if not more, importance in our lives than our acquaintances? Why do we spend so much time trying to find out what Brad and Jolie had for dinner? Is there a special recipe for Chicken of the Sea that I can not get?
I have had two of my favorite radio personalities lose someone close to them over the last year. Both seem to have had a profound effect on me. Is it because they spent a lot of time bringing their relationship to the airwaves? Does this make it seem to be a closer relationship than others I know? I admit, I spend more time listening to them than these other acquaintances. That doesn't equate to the difference in importance I feel these personalities have in my life.
I know my grandparents died when I was young. I never met my grandfather on my mother's side and I believe his wife side died shortly before I started school. My father's father died before I was 10 and my last remaining grandparent never saw me graduate. These four relative's passing didn't make a lasting impression. Maybe I was too young to comprehend at the time?
The first person to really affect me as an adult was Kenny Smith. I met Kenny through his wife Lorie. At the time he was a former logger who was recovering from leukemia. To see someone who had been so healthy and strong reduced like he had been, well it made an impression. I hadn't know anyone so.....alive. At first my relationship with their family was strictly through his wife. We were party buddies. Soon though he and I found things in common, cars, fishing, etc. I actually learned more about living from him than ever before. Sadly, I didn't have much time to spend with Kenny. He stills lives with me.
I can only think of one other person's passing that made a big difference. He died too young in a car accident. But, it seems these deaths of a popular personalities love ones touch me deeper. Do I have any answers here? No, not really. It just makes me wonder if others out there agree. Maybe I just do a good job of keeping others at arms reach. Not sure but. If I figure it out I'll let ya know.

I'm Still in Shock

DATE: 7/2/2006 11:21:00 PM
Hey. I was bad. I was going stir crazy. I needed to escape. HELP!!!!!!! Oh, too late. I saved myself. I had the big idea to go to the Franklin-Fulton Auto Club's car show in St. Thomas Pa yesterday. I know, I'm still off duty after my little accident almost 2 weeks ago. I told myself I'm not going to be doing much. I basically have my truck cleaned. I have to wipe off the dust, put up our canopy and detail the tires and wheels. Even, with the set up of the displays, I should be able to do all of this in 35-40 mins with help. After that, just kick back in the old reclining outdoor chair and take it easy.
Things didn't go quite as I had planned. First Glo, her nickname I'll use in my little blog, wasn't feeling well this morning. We weren't totally sure she was going to feel up to staying all day. I planned on getting there early enough to get a dash plaque, only 50 were available, and go get some snacks before we set up. After seeing what little room there was in the parking area, I thought it would be better to get a front spot on the paved parking lot. So, needless to say we didn't get to go shopping and ate from the concession stands.
I got discouraged early after seeing some of the competition: 1960 Ford pickup restored to new. a late 40's Dodge Pickup (also restored), and a 1970 Chevy C10 with a 396 big block. All looked show room new. I didn't stand a chance against such rides and surely not against the 2 Rancheros I thought were in my class. During judging, it seemed the judges made a quick glance around my truck. I didn't see them come to the back where we were sitting, or look under at the suspension or brakes. This really upset me. I had watched another group of judges in the Corvette area going over the cars looking at every nook and cranny only moments before. Just my luck.
Well at 3pm it was time to go to the awards. I broke down our canopy, put away the chairs and got ready to go. The first announced group was the 4x4 class. Then it was the 2X4 class. Third place was the Ranchero. Now I knew I was out. The 60 Ford placed 2nd. Well, time to leave. Why even stay? When my truck was called out for first place......well I'm still shocked.
I guess I shouldn't be so competitive. I should just go for the enjoyment of being able to bond with fellow car nuts. You know, talk about modifications to our cars, dreams of the "one rare muscle car that got away". Maybe one day I'll chill. Then.....well......I haven't gotten a best of show yet. Patience grasshopper, your time awaits.

I'm Not Alone!

DATE: 7/1/2006 1:24:00 AM

It seems I've been found. Even though no one I know has really been told my site has been visited. Was it interesting? Too soon to tell, I know. I am beginning to wonder if maybe...somewhere out there, maybe there is an audience?? Well, maybe that is too big of a word. How about, other bored people with nothing better to do so, I'll see what Paul has rambled about. All the articles I have seen say I should have a format, a story, even a common string to tie all of your entries together. That drives readers. Hah! I've been happy go lucky all my life so why have a plan now?
I did my duty as a spouse today and took my lovely wife's kitty to the vet. See, still covering my arse. Actually he, the kitty, did much better than I expected. I thought I'd have the huge struggle getting him in the cage. I kept thinking of the cartoon where the cat has all four legs holding on to the edge of the cage/door and IS NOT going to be forced into the carrier. There was no problem putting him in for the trip. Plenty of meowing on the way over.
We actually almost made it on time. I did cut it close to start. If it wasn't for the little old lady who ran out in front of someone causing an accident and blocking the road making us detour from the quickest route.....i was cussing her too.....Actually I was only 3 mins late.
The actual visit went with no problem and after hew got his shots he was more than happy to get back in the cage. How kewl is that? Another trip back home with the constant meow and I let him out of the carrier and he actually let me get near a few minutes later. And I thought I'd be despised for a week.
Well, I think I'm gonna go to a truck show in Pennsylvania tomorrow. I guess this will be a good spot to wrap it up. Thanks for the many....ok couple of peeps who actually visited. Ok, I know hoping all my posts were read is pushing it. Have a safe one all. Later

PS Don't be afraid to leave me a comment or two. I would love to hear from you.

Me Again

DATE: 6/29/2006 9:49:00 AM
Ok this sucks. I had just about finished my post when all of a sudden.....who knows what I did . New keyboard. I'm used to using a laptop keyboard. I guess I better learn to use more that two fingers to type if I'm going to get serious about computers. So, let's see if we can get back my original thoughts.

I guess I should start out by introducing .... well ME. I'll go by Paul P. My online friends call me Mdd or just Paul. Take your pick. The most people normally get to know of me, is what I posted first>>> my pride and joy...I know, it's just a normal old pickup, but I think it has potential. It's not a 69 Camero or a 79 Trans Am...... but, it's what I have. So folks, no Escalade, Porsche or Astin Martin here. I'm just a working slob. Well, not right now, but soon to be. That's a story for another Post. Topic.....Why I'm on a two week unpaid vacation.

So, why am I starting this blog? Is it the need to have untold numbers of people Love and Adore me? That would be awesome, as Jeff Gordon would say. I have to admit I consider the time spent co-managing a small steak house franchise in a southern Arkansas town to be one of the highlights of my life. Just to have people come up everyday and ask....Aren't you the guy that works?.......Fill in the blank. That was kewl. To walk around with my buddies and be a sorta local celebrity. Mild mannered semi-professional by day....Wild delinquent by night.

Ok, as the detective in Dragnet would say....Just the facts......Man.

• Name Paul P
• Age - A young 42. Why do we have to add "young" Is that just a way of deluding ourselves? In my case how about immature? Ok that will work.
• Sex- Please?. Ok that's an old line. Male of course. Did "Paul" give that away?
• Married- Happily Yes, I would say even if my wife didn't know the URL.....Well I guess she doesn't yet. Can posts be "edited" later? Might be a good thing to find out. Seriously ( this is where I gush about how lucky I am) I am a lucky man. I have a wife that spoils me rotten. Doesn't deserve me. Wow, that didn't sound right. Rephrasing this ...I don't deserve her or better yet. She doesn't derserve to put up with me. Yeah... that''s the ticket.
  
• Children- I have 1 and she has 2 ( all are furry) Ok. That's code for: we're "Cat People" (not as in Natassa Kinski and Ronnie McDowell), and have pets that are more like kids
• Occupation- I drive a truck and deliver fine West Virginia cement to the makers of ant hills in the Washington-Baltimore areas. Of course I'm not working this week...or last week...once again,this could be a totally different post.
• Education-College freshman dropout in the 80's Ok, so if I took a class at Shepherd University during the spring term and I'm registered for this Fall, does that make me a student? Even if it's only one class for now? I'll just pretend it does.

Well, I had plenty more to add earlier this morning. After losing the first half of this post and stopping to make coffee in the middle of this post I think I might call this one done. I'll have to do some research for better blog software. Well without further ado, Laters all.

Truck Talk

6/28/2006 5:33:00 AM

Ok I guess it's time to introduce my pickup. It's getting a lot of attention this summer. So far we've taken it to six shows this year. We've been fortunate enough to win a Top 30, 2nd Place and a 1st place trophy. I'm sure this is just beginners luck, but I'm not going to complain.

• 1999 Chevy Silverado
• 86,000 miles
• 2nd owner
• Z71 package
• too many bolt on parts to mention

First entry Yeahhhhhhhhhhh

DATE: 6/28/2006 4:21:00 AM
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Well, It seems it only took a couple of weeks off work to give me enough inspiration to start a blog. Only 4 months after buying my domain. Kewl huh? So... What shall we talk about? My views as a Southerner in the land of Wash DC urbanites? Or maybe my views of the world in which I know? That could be very boring. Work, home life, a trip to a car show? I think we'll just see what happens.

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