Thursday, November 26, 2009

Ms Pudge E Kins keeps her eyes on the prize.

Pudge can almost scan the whole table for the choice items.

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JD Fuzzypants is a good dog.

Mr. JD Fuzzypants is showing his best form in patience.

"But, Mom...I's a good pup.  More turkey please?

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From Me and Mine to You and Yours. Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Giving Thanks for family, friends and love.  Thanks for health and peace of mind.  Thanks for love of life and lessons learned.
Thanks to all.
From Me and Mine to You and Yours.


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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Good morning. Amish in the rain. Lamar, Pa

On a two day run through Ohio and West Virginia.  The Amish amaze me.  I've worked with these people
from time to time.  Hard working to a fault.

There are some people who would like to move these folks into the 21st Century.  I'm against this line of thinking.
We're supposed to be a country of religious freedoms and yet some powers that be want to force the Amish community
to adhere to modern medical maxims. 

How far could that go?  Forcing them to electrify their homes?  Force feeding Cable TV upon them?  Replacing their horses
with cars? 

Leave these folks alone.  A community that still holds to their values should be respected and preserved.

Tomorrow.....West Virginia!  :)  I love that place.

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Friday, November 20, 2009

Good morning. #VFTC Crossing the James River on US Rte 29 S. Lynchburg VA Fog

After a drizzly depressing day on Thursday we are given a fantastic sunrise.

Crossing the James River at Lynchburg, VA.

I talked about US Route 29 through the center of Virginia on Tuesday.  The Fate's of Trucking deemed
that I should run on it for a bit. 

The fog on this road can be killer. 

And, you should take steps to not get killed in it.  Usually the fog runs deadly thick from Charlottesville to Amherst. 
With the worse part between Nelson County Wayside (aka Home of the Waltons) and Lovingston. 

Watch your speed and remember not to get too focused on your hood.  Look up and out into the fog.
The rolling hills will let you catch a glimpse of tail lights at night if the fog isn't too bad.
If you're going to run below the speed limit put on your flashers.  That will let guys like me see you a bit
earlier.  ;)

whoop, whoop...running the Trail. 
And, A howdy ho to all those Seminole Trail Ridge Runners out there.
 

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

Va farm land in the shadow of Drogheda Mountain. Near Rixeyville VA. #VFTC

A view from the cab #VFTC .

I used to live not too far from this farm.  I was visiting friends at the top of this road and had to
get this picture. 

All lands, either rural or urban have a beauty to them.

Sometimes we can't or won't see the beauty, but it's there for sure.

This part of Virginia is also a place I could retire too.  The land is fair and the folk are
the salt of the earth.  Good people are every where too.

I just had to post this one.

More to come....

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Good morning for Wed. The falls on the Schuylkill River at Norristown, PA.

Shot on the way home yesterday.  The view from the US Route 202 Bridge over the Schuylkill River.  Norristown, Pa is the
Montgomery County seat.  Route 202 splits at the north end of town.  It becomes two one-way streets through town.

Many old buildings and row homes line the streets.

I took US 202 just to do something different and to avoid the Pa Turnpike tolls.

Slept most of yesterday afternoon and evening.  A true joy.

More today. 

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Good morning. Sandston Va. Virgina Farm Bureau Warehouse. Just waiting.

Sitting and waiting for a load.

Not sure what they store at the Farm Bureau.  But, I've looked over at
the warehouse many times.  They always have lots of tires and chemicals out on that dock.

Not much to report today.  Loading and going to go visit some friends in Culpeper, Va.

Maybe some nice pictures of the Virginia country side later.

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Good morning. Sandston Va. Virgina Farm Bureau Warehouse. Just waiting.

Sitting and waiting for a load.

Not sure what they store at the Farm Bureau.  But, I've looked over at
the warehouse many times.  They always have lots of tires and chemicals out on that dock.

Not much to report today.  Loading and going to go visit some friends in Culpeper, Va.

Maybe some nice pictures of the Virginia country side later.

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Monday, November 16, 2009

Good morning. Looking south from Afton Mtn. I-64 E in Va. Home of the Waltons

Not really the shot I wanted today.  I was hoping that I could run across US Rte 33
between Ruckersville and Harrisonburg, VA.  There is an awesome
hairpin curve there.  However time is my Master today and I had to take a different route.

But, I give you the valley that the TV show
The Waltons was supposed to have taken place in. 

I used to run US Rte 29 down through that valley everyday.  What a great ride.
If you ever get the chance you should run this road. 

The Seminole Trail or the 29 Infantry Road as it's called.  You'll
see Americana for sure here. 

Get off the 4 lane and check out the back roads as often as you can.
I do. 

Hope all y'alls week goes well.
More tomorrow.

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Friday, November 13, 2009

Good morning. #VFTC Baltimore Md power plant next to I-95. In a Nor'Easter.

What a day.

Hurricane Ida died out and became a classic Nor'Easter. 

How do you feel about driving in bad weather?
For this driver I don't mind it really.  Actually, I love it.

Driving in inclement weather forces me to use all my skills as
a driver.  Don't get me wrong.  It's dangerous and on the whole I would
rather have bright sun and clear blue skies above my head. 

However, once in a while I do like the adrenalin rush that comes for storms.

I really need to get a good camera rig for the truck.  Some scenes are just to pretty
to try to capture with this cell phone camera.  Maybe Santa will love me again.
"Sorry Santa, didn't mean to take your job away"

Speaking of Santa, one more thought or idea.  Is Santa Claus the patron Saint of Truckers?
Think about that for awhile.

Be safe and may your roads have just a little rain and wind once in awhile.  It do make the flowers grow.

ttfn

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Good morning. The Kosciusko Bridge and The Manhatten Skyline. Along Newtown Cr

If I ever had to live in a city it'd be this one.

The city that never sleeps.  And, never stops eating too.  lol

When you're going to NYC have directions.  Let me rephrase that.
When you're going to NYC get damn good directions.

Getting lost in a car isn't too bad.  Getting lost in a big rig is a nightmare. 

Any big city will make you sweat if you're lost.  It just seems that NYC, Philly and Beantown are
the worst of all on the East Coast,

Mind you, I don't usually get lost.  I did today.  Wanna know why?

lol, I didn't call the customer for directions.  Asked another driver and tried to do
a "google" search.  No love there.  This place did not exist when the Big G was taking Sat pictures.

So, shame on me.  Found it okay and got unloaded.  Just another way of reality coming home to roost on this driver's head.

Heading home. 

AMF!

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Good morning for Tuesday. Gray trees await their winter whites. I-81N, NY.

The colorful autumn leaves are gone.  Now we await winter to arrive.  Along this section of I-81 in New York it
shouldn't take too long.  Between Marathon, NY and Cortland, NY the snow will come.  Not an if, but a when.
Are y'all ready?

I've got my winter gear cleaned up and stowed. 
Remember the acronym COLD:
Keep it Clean.
Avoid Overheating
Wear Layers
Stay Dry

Among the things I'd love to see mandated in a CDL training program
is survival training.  I had my training many times as a youngster living
in Alaska while my Dad served in the Army up there for 5 years.  Also got
training while I served too.

But, no training against the weather has been ever given to this driver by any company.
Nor, have I heard about training given in CDL Schools.

We battle the elements to get the job done and many are injured or die because of the lack of
proper training.  If you want safe drivers then train them to live within the environment. 
What a bunch of greedy folks that would send a man or woman out against the elements untrained.

Stay warm.
later

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Monday, November 09, 2009

Look there Ma. It's a Studebaker pickup truck. Found on I-83 S in Harrisburg.

Back when they made pickup trucks.

I didn't even know that Studebaker made a pickup truck
Sad to have seen this company go out of business.  They just
made their vehicles all to well. 

Love the old cars and trucks and I can only hope that this one
is off to be restored and loved by someone. 

I'm off to think about our aged love ones.  Enjoy.
Keep looking around!

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Good morning. West bound on I-78 between Allentown and Hamburg Pa. A View.

A view of First Mountain along I-78. 

Today was an excellent day for morning photography.  Fog along the ground and in the
valleys.  This picture is the one I like the best.  A view from the road at a farm with First Mountain as
a backdrop.

The split of First Mtn. is where the Schuylkill River comes thru the gap on it's way to Philadelphia and
the Delaware River.

Take your time when driving across this land of ours.  Be aware of your surroundings and
enjoy the View.

later folks.

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Saturday, November 07, 2009

Clearfield, Pa Climbing in Winter Watercolor

This is an oldie. 

But, I thought it was pretty well done.  Used PSP and Photoshop CS on this one too.
Why can't work be art too?
Don't you ever look at something through the windshield and try to imagine what you can do with it?

Enjoy folks.

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The Driver's View On the Pedal.

Not a typical truck picture.  But, one that I do like. 
From the prospective of the Driver.  Looking under the steering wheel onto the floor pan.

Used PSP and Photoshop CS on this one. 

Boots are by H&H.  Steel toed just to mess with the Warehouse Shrills.

:)

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Greetings for Saturday

Hey y'all.

Just posting a bit of truck artwork for all y'all's enjoyment.  Playing with selection, media and edge enhancements.
This one is a bit rough.  I'm keeping a copy of this and will try some layering over the black and white parts.

This is what I do in my spare time when I can. 

Hope y'all enjoy. 


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Friday, November 06, 2009

Break time and a bite to eat at the Ontario NY Thruway service Plaza. #VFTC

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Good morning. #VFTC Running west on the New York State Thruway. Thruway Double

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Thursday, November 05, 2009

Good morning for Wed. All stainless steel diner? Pa rte 61, Cressona, PA.

This Diner's been on that corner since I can remember. 

What is to be noted is that the DOT set up in the parking lot and run commercial vehicle inspections.
I don't usually give this diner much attention.  However, when I drove by yesterday I saw that it's now clad
in stainless steel.  The parking lot's been repaved.  And, they're looking for a cook.  Maybe it's going to reopen?

If you ever get a chance to run up Route 61 be careful and enjoy the view.  Many twists and turns on this road.
The traffic can be heavy most times.  I just like taking the small roads over the Interstate system when I can.

Y'all take care.  Back shortly.


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Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Good morning. The junction of US Rte 422 and Pa Rte 501 in Myerstown PA.

Hope all y'all are doing well today. 

Just a few miles from my delivery I crossed over US Route 422 on PA Route 501 S.
 
 A water tower makes a great landmark when giving out directions.  I would've used this one.
But, the receiver didn't use that.  He used a business name as the landmark I needed just before I had
to make my turn. 

The problem with names of businesses for landmarks is that names change.  I prefer...
1. Route numbers
2. Street names
3. Number of lights till turn.
4. Number of streets before a turn.

Along with these landmarks I use phone numbers for the person or office at the physical location.
And, I use Google maps Satellite View and Street View.  Plus, I have two brief cases filled with
paper maps I've bought over the years. 

But, I think the key thing to have is a contact number at the receiver and to use it before I need it.
Nothing sucks more then to not have the information for a delivery.

I do see many "young" drivers out there lost because they did not take it upon themselves to demand
the information they need. 

This ain't a Volkswagon Beetle we're driving here.

Get your information early and try to double check it against some sort of map.

:)  Happy Motoring.

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Monday, November 02, 2009

Are you bored! Good Morning!

Many folks may not understand why my Good Morning picture posts arrive at all hours.

Here's a link to my Flickr set called Good Morning.   More pictures then you can shake a stick at.  :)

Over Three Hundred pictures.  So, If you're truly bored....have at it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/heydriver/sets/72157615083073013/

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Good Morning, South on I-81 below Raphine, VA. I can't hold it for 95 miles!

Some of the best rest areas I've found have been in Virginia. 

But, thanks to those that think this country should return to the days
were folks used trains for most long distance travel, the distance has grown
between these areas.

Not just in Virginia are the rest areas being shut down.  Almost all states are closing some
Areas.  Distances aren't all that far between exits and rest areas in the east of the US.  But, out
west this will be an issue. 

The states should start giving out plastic bottles at the borders. 

Help the folks out!

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Sunday, November 01, 2009

Good morning. The Woo makes an awesome breakfast. A setting of many colors.

Breakfast at home.

 For this driver a home cooked breakfast is the pinnacle of life.
My wife has a style all her own when it comes to breakfast.  
I show you her two egg sausage omelet with potato bread toast. 
I like the way the colors played off each other this morning. 

And, that is why I'm subjecting my readers to a food shot.  :)

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Good morning. The Woo makes an awesome breakfast. A setting of many colors.

Breakfast at home.

 For this driver a home cooked breakfast is the pinnacle of life.
My wife has a style all her own when it comes to breakfast.  
I show you her two egg sausage omelet with potato bread toast. 
I like the way the colors played off each other this morning. 

And, that is why I'm subjecting my readers to a food shot.  :)

Posted via email from heydriver's posterous

Good morning. The Woo makes an awesome breakfast. A setting of many colors.

Breakfast at home.

 For this driver a home cooked breakfast is the pinnacle of life.
My wife has a style all her own when it comes to breakfast.  
I show you her two egg sausage omelet with potato bread toast. 
I like the way the colors played off each other this morning. 

And, that is why I'm subjecting my readers to a food shot.  :)

Posted via email from heydriver's posterous