Bob Sleasman's Blog, August, 2007

Bob's Blog

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Wednesday, August 1, 2007. We made out delivery safe and sound. Wanted to have a pm performed on the truck, but we barely made the delivery and we got another load picking up in California , going to Texas . There is a good amount of deadhead, but the total pay makes it a good load. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Thursday, August 2, 2007. Got the old hurry up and wait going on now. We were told to be at the pickup by 0730 hrs. Well we ran hard to make the time, only to be told the freight won't be ready until 1400 hrs. We finally got loaded at 1500 hrs. The upside is we got detention time, and missed the heavy morning traffic. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Friday, August 3, 2007. Just about to delivery and have a load for Monday, it’s a short load paying very good money.

Enjoyed the drive, it seems that no matter where we go in the country, we are always amazed at the beauty that nature and the Good Lord provides us.

I forgot to mention that we finally have our camp sold. A friend of ours called us two nights ago and said she had just heard the camp was for sale. We haven't been home much and had not really spoken to her in a while, but we thought she had known it was up for sale. To make a long story short a deal was struck, and thanks to e mail and scanning, a contract was signed. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Saturday, August 4, 2007. We are laying over in San Antonio , TX . We just visited Speedco for a PM on the truck and generator. It sure is hot here. The Flying J changed their food menu and it really stinks. They are trying to get more people to buy the buffet. The new menu is very limited. They are keeping the food on the buffet fresher and there is a better variety. I personally don't care for buffets. We will not be eating much at the Flying J from now on. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Sunday, August 5, 2007. We went to see The Bourne Ultimatum at the movies today. We got there just before the movie started and had to sit up front in the first row, but the movie was pretty good.

After the show we had dinner at The Texas Roadhouse, Donna had the Rib Eye and I had the Prime Rib, both were very good. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Monday, August 6, 2007. We picked up and delivered our load and we are laying over in San Antonio again. The load board is pretty quiet, so says dispatch, we will see what tomorrow brings. Texas in the summer heat is not fun. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Tuesday, August 7, 2007. We have a load picking up tomorrow morning here in Texas going to Kansas ; the pay is pretty good for all miles. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

It’s time for me to buy a new pair of work boots, the ones I have are just about worn out. I can't really complain about them, I've had them for over two years and have worn them almost every day. I bought them in California at a western wear and boot store, the brand name is Rocky. They never needed breaking in, I never polished them and they still have the original tanned color on them. The only thing I ever did to them is water proof them once in a while and clean them off with baby wipes. I will be getting another pair just like them as soon as I can find them.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007. We are on our way to Kansas . Maybe we can stop by and see Miss Kitty and Marshal Matt Dillon, and have a cold brew at the Long Branch , in Dodge City.

Was driving up I-35 in Oklahoma and I saw a small herd of Buffalo , what beautiful animals they are. It started me thinking about the millions of these animals we slaughtered for their hides, or just for the sport of it. What a waste of these magnificent creatures. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Thursday, August 9, 2007. Delivered our load and picked up another that we were pre dispatched for. We are going from Kansas to Utah . We were just there last week, but heh, we go where the money takes us. That’s why we are all in this business, for the money and being our own boss. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Friday, August 10, 2007. We delivered our load in Salt Lake City , before we got to the truck stop we were dispatched on another load picking up in California going to British Columbia . Another nice paying load for all miles. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Saturday, August 11, 2007. We are leaving for California this morning, even though our load doesn't pick up until tomorrow.

We stopped at Barstow California for fuel, dinner, a shower and truck wash, in just that order. We found out that there is parking very close to our pickup so we are headed there now.

Happy anniversary to my beautiful bride and me. On this date eleven years ago I made the smartest move in my entire life. I thank the Good Lord every day for letting us find each other. Now if I can just get her to stop eating chicken gizzards and potted meat, so far I haven't had any luck doing it. What is potted meat anyway??? Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Sunday, August 12, 2007. We met the other truck a D unit and we both were loaded. The load was supposed to go in an E unit but there was some kind of a problem with one of the drivers. Now it’s off to British Columbia . We are driving straight up I-5, we will miss the great scenery on the way up there because we will be running the northern part of the route after dark. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Monday, August 13, 2007. Ran into paperwork problems. The customer gave us the wrong paperwork, and sent it to the wrong broker. Then the customer tried to put the blame on us. They told FedEx that they tried to give us the right paperwork but we refused to take it. Dispatch called us about it, we told them that we take every scrap of paperwork any customer ever offers us, and the dispatcher said she had to ask us about it but knew we would never refuse paperwork. Now we are sitting just south of the border waiting for new paperwork to be faxed to us and to have the cargo cleared by the right broker.

Finally have the paperwork mess taken care of. The people at the delivery are waiting for us until 1700 hrs., after that we won't be able to deliver until morning, dispatch said the customer will have to pay us detention time if we don't make it.

We made it to the delivery on time. It was an inside delivery with labor, we got our workout for the day.

We want to get south of Seattle to avoid the morning traffic, we found a truck stop south of the city. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Tuesday, August 14, 2007. They gave us Sacramento for our layover which works out well for us. Donna’s sister lives about thirty miles north of there. I have to go home to take care of some business and have a flight out of Sacramento tomorrow at 1200 hrs. local time. Donna will stay out solo and try to work her way east, she is taking a couple of days off to visit with family.

On our way south we were able to see both Mt Rainer and Mt. Shasta , talk about beautiful sights, it doesn't get any better than this. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Wednesday, August 15, 2007. I'm at the air port. I have a carry on and my lap top. The TSA people treat us like cattle, with no respect. A little boy about five went through the magnetic thing and it went off, the boy had a belt on. Instead of just looking at the belt and letting him go they made this poor little child, who is now afraid and crying, take off the belt which made his pants fall to his ankles and go through the machine again. The boy’s mother tried to help him but the TSA person stopped the mother physically from doing so. There is no need for all of this nonsense, if a person wanted to get something past these rejects from McDonalds they would have no problem.

Had a three hour weather delay in Chicago but made it home in one piece. I don't mind flying, but would rather drive. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Thursday, August 16, 2007. I slept in today and then went up to the camp to bring home the computer we have there. The closing should be this coming week. It was supposed to have been on Friday but the lawyer said he got backed up a little. Some ex-lax should un back him up pretty quick if you ask me.

Stopped at Mohawk Motorsports on the way up to camp. They are a custom motorcycle shop. They do some nice custom painting there, might have my new bike repainted when I get it. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Friday, August 17, 2007. My mother went to Maine with my brother for the weekend so I get to take care of the cat, lucky me. I don't really mind, the cat use to be mine until we started expediting in 2000.

Had to go to the market to lay in some supplies, you know, things like chips, ice cream, cookies, frozen dinners and of course some TP.

Called my daughter and we went out for dinner. We talked for a while, she wants to get a new car but her husband isn't sure if he wants the added expense. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Saturday, August 18, 2007. I'm gonna do some summer house cleaning while I'm here. The carpet really needs to be cleaned.

I miss the open road. I like the challenges and traveling. I enjoy the freedom that goes along with it. I even miss Donna. I call her about a million times a day. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Sunday, August 19, 2007. I finally finished going through all the mail, well everything except the magazines. Most of the stuff was junk mail, and there was a ton of it.

I still have to do the house cleaning, especially the carpet. I hate house cleaning but it has to be done, especially the carpet, I think I said that once already.

I find it strange not to be on the road with Donna, I really miss us not being together. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Monday, August 20, 2007. I called the lawyer this morning. He said he is starting to work on the contract for the closing, but has no firm time frame. I have to ask myself, why did I fly home and does this guy know what he is doing? I could have stayed out on the road and made some good money.

Donna is picking up a few good loads as a solo on the west coast, she has been running between Reno and parts of California. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Tuesday, August 21, 2007. I took a drive to the three Harley-Davidson dealerships within about an hours ride from my house. I'm looking for a leftover 2007 model year bike. I was looking at the Victory bikes, but decided on a Harley. The prices at the three dealerships were about the same, only most of the 2007 models sold pretty fast when the 2008 models hit the floor. I might have to settle for a 2008 bike instead, what a shame. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Wednesday, August 22, 2007. I found the bike I want. I was looking at a 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster model XL1200C, which is their 1200 cc Custom model. While looking at the bike I spotted a 2006 XL1200L, which is their 1200 cc Low model. They are both the same white color but the 2006 model is a two-tone, the second color being black. I really liked this bike, and it only had 2000 miles on it. The only drawback was that the 2006 model had mid controls which I don't care for. I could save over $3000 on the bike so we made the deal, and yes I can buy a bike without consulting Donna. Who am I kidding, I called her before I made the deal.

I had the forward controls added to the bike. I also had a set of slip on Cycle Shack Mufflers added, for the better exhaust tone. I couldn't stop there, I added the re-jet kit for the carburetor, the bike is not EFI, and added a hi-flow air cleaner. All this gives me about 5% more power. All the extras cost about $1100 installed, so I'm still ahead a good amount of money. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Thursday, August 23, 2007. Got a call from the real estate agent, she said everything should be taken care of, including the closing, and we should have our money by Sept. 4. So again, why did I fly home? The lawyer had us get a power of attorney so I could sign both our names on all paperwork on August 18. I guess he must really be backed up. Maybe he needs an enema to get things going right.

We are losing a lot of money without me being in the truck. Donna is doing pretty well as a solo. She will probably have to deadhead home. I would try to fly out to meet her, but we need to take the explosives course again. We want to make the class the first Friday in Sept. I could drive to Green Ohio to meet her, we need to put the truck in the shop for warranty work, so it would work out well for us. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Friday, August 24, 2007. I just have to start this house cleaning thing! I might just have to get on the ball and do it.

I have been trying to work on my eBay site, B & D Emporium. I sell knives of all type as well as rifle scopes. I haven't had time to do much with it being on the road so much. I must have over 500 knives, folders, fixed blades, survival and fantasy knives. I need to get them on the site. I talked to my brother, we made a deal, Iâ€™ll show him how to put up the items for auction. I will give him a percentage of the sales. I just received my new postage meter and scale upgrade. The upgrade will calculate the postage automatically. I get my shipping supplies from USPS, Staples and Sam's Club.

I have a web site also. www.bulldogtactical.com . I sell mostly rifle scopes there and some accessories. I also have some high and mid priced knives. I need to update some of the items on the web site, I've done a little work on it, but I'm not very computer literate. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Saturday, August 25, 2007. Donna has a load picking up in Reno , it delivers in San Diego , and she reloads in San Diego and delivers in Las Vegas on Thursday. Not a bad load for a solo driver.

I need to get back on the road, I'm starting to like sleeping in if I want. Not only that, I also get to do whatever I want during the day. I still haven't cleaned the carpet, but have managed to do a little house cleaning.

I think Donna is getting a little upset with me calling her so much. What can I say, I miss the sexy broad. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Sunday, August 26, 2007. I went to several places to rent a carpet cleaner, it was just my luck that everyone chose to clean their carpet at the same time. Not a carpet cleaner was to be found.

I managed to relocate my shipping supplies for my eBay store. I also setup the new postage meter and packed the old one for shipping back to Pitney Bowes. I downloaded and printed the new postal rates, so I'm ready to get my eBay up and running at full speed. I'm hoping to take new pictures of my products early next week. I still have to take pictures of the knives coming from California.

I have to come up with some descriptions of the knives and rifle scopes that will want every red blooded male to just have to have one. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Monday, August 27, 2007. Lawyers. I called mine today, I tried to get the 411 on what was going on with the closing on the camp. After he spewed forth a few ten dollar words I didn't understand, he said he was waiting on the buyer’s lender. I then called Kathy, who is the buyer, and she said she hasn't herd word one from her lawyer. Maybe these lawyer people have ESP and communicate with each other using it, I think this because as far as I know they have yet to speak to each other directly. Strange people lawyers.

I have the TV on with the volume muted and have my mp3 player stuck in my ears. Why you might ask would I want to do this, the truth is, I don't know. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Tuesday, August 28, 2007. My brother David drove me up to the Harley-Davidson dealer. Yes sir, I picked up my bike today, after first signing a bunch of paperwork. The salesman then brought me outside and showed my how to properly operate the controls and other time consuming, unnecessary details.

I sat on the bike and started it. Let’s just say that with the after market pipes the bike was not quiet.Now it was not too loud, just loud enough for a person to take notice and make the bike vibrate a wee bit while standing still. I was in heaven. Well almost in heaven. I didn't reach heaven until I put on myleather and helmet. I passed heaven when I put the bike in gear and rolled on the throttle. The Harleymoved pretty good with the re jetted carburetor and high flow air cleaner.

I called Donna to let her know I returned home in one piece and was a happy camper, I even told her I would take her for a ride. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Wednesday, August 29, 2007. I went for my first bike ride today. I just stayed out for about an hour but had a great experience. It took a few miles to get use to the bike, the way it responds when you roll on the throttle, goes through curves and how it brakes. I covered about fifty miles round trip. One thing the bike needs is a different seat. The people at the dealership said I would probable want a softer touring style seat. They were right, my butt hurt a little so being the wuss that I am, I went and picked up the touring seat and installed it.

I still need to do the carpet and other house related stuff. I can see that happening, right, in your dreams, at least for the next day or so.

My youngest brother came up from Florida . He can only stay a few days, just over the holiday weekend. He borrowed my Mustang, I hope I get it back in one piece. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Thursday, August 30, 2007. Well it is day two of motorcycle riding, I covered about seventy miles. The new seat made a big difference. I rolled on the throttle a bit more and the bike responded very nicely. I would have liked to ride a little longer, but thunder storms are supposed to move in, and the sky looks like they will. I think Donna will like the bike after I get her on the back of it.

I called the silver tongued lawyer again, helpful he was not. I swear if I was twenty years younger I would pay him a visit, after which he would get off his butt and get things done. His latest prediction is that we will close next week. Maybe he should become a fortune teller, they are never right either.

I went out to dinner tonight with my brother Paul, he’s the one up here from Florida . It was him, his wife Debbie, his son Paul, grandson Colin and my mother, aka the old woman.

Donna made her delivery and is going to see if she can get a load out of Vegas. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author

Friday, August 31, 2007. Donna is still in Las Vegas hoping for a load, but it's not looking good. She is going to wait until tomorrow then might make a move, with a holiday weekend coming up she might not be offered a load until Tuesday.

I went for a bike ride early this afternoon, I covered about seventy miles, mostly on back roads. I am getting really use to the way the bike rides and handles.

I got a call from Donna, she has a load picking up on Tuesday in Reno , delivers on Wednesday outside of Sacramento , she then picks up at her delivery, and goes back to Reno. Top of page Bottom of page Blog author