Ed's Highway Chronicles

I promised, a few weeks ago to bring you exciting news. The truth is, I'm not really excited. At all. Same game, different name. I'm sad to have left Elite. I really am. I've been with them for nearly two years. They've been good to me, so, I've been their loyal servant. Unfortunately, since October of last year, work has almost completely dried up. So has my emergency fund. I held on as long as a could before having to jump ship. Now, though I've taken a pretty good pay cut, my hours make up for my losses. American Transport, thus far has been pretty good. I'm just hoping this is it. I don't like to keep changing companies. Praying this will usher me into an early retirement. Fingers crossed. Sending love to you all. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Happy Saturday Guy's & Doll's! I just wanted to send you some love. The winds of change has come my way and soon I shall have some exciting news and hopefully, 🤞🤞 I'll have some new stories to share. It's been a rough few months, in terms of work, so my mental wellbeing has been rather dark. I didn't want to turn Highway Chronicles into a negative platform. Sometimes, I guess, it's better to be silent and get things worked out. Anyway, your continued prayers, blessings and positive thoughts are always welcomed. I love you all. Thanks so much for being part of my story. 💗💗💗

It was a beautiful 76° day in Las Vegas yesterday. My bride and I went downtown to celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary. We saw Jen Kramer at Westgate, a cute, family-friendly magic show. We then went to Elis Island Casino, because we heard of great food, good value. More on that another time. We saw "The Awakening" at Wynn-Encore. That was INCREDIBLE. Not a bad seat in the house, and an impeccable performance. And finally we found ourselves at the Tropicana, to bid farewell. It was a beautiful day, a cool and slightly humid evening, but overall, it was magical because I love that woman. She's a keeper. 💝💝💝

Bidding farewell to an icon since 1957. My bride and I visited it, last night as I believe this is its last week before they implode it. Leaving, the last picture I took, seemed like it should have been a Hospital. Does the portico not speak, "ER?" Tropicana will be leveled and the "A's" Stadium will replace it. Progress. 🤔 What are your stories of the Tropicana? Have you been? 💗💗💗

The, "Kevin Was Wrong" Edition

Kevin was a special kind of someone. I didn't know him for very long when Elite let him go. The short time I'd known him, he had told me he was "fired from my last two jobs." What!?! Why? 🤔 He then replied, "Oh, you know how it is. People be sayin stuff. Next thing you be gettin fired and sh*t." I wished him all the best and told him how good Elite is, as long as you, "don't do stupid sh*t, you'll be fine here." Well... that didn't take long.

It was last spring, I had just arrived at work. I'm ready to make that money. I opened the gate and behold a small pond in our 1/4 acre lot. It hadn't rained and the smell of diesel fuel filled that air. What the actual hell, I thought to myself. Yep, it was a small pond of #2 Clear. I made some calls and a supervisor came rather quickly to assess. We share the lot with two other trucking companies. Was it...? Nah, It was probably... Nope, I don't think it's him either. Days later we simply dismissed it. We were all called in for a safety meeting not long after. That's when Kevin was ket go.

He sat nonshalant in the meeting. We all had our suspensions. Without naming a driver, the safety manager continued with special instructions regarding "Retain and Doom-Outs." Yet still, he sat there, calm and cool. But then, the big reveal. Sharee announced, she had seen the video. We were all excused except... you guessed it... Kevin.

Kevin had domed out, meaning he had loaded too much. Instead of letting someone know, he decided to try to hide it. He parked in the other company's spot and opened up the compartment, releasing more than 300 gallons of #2 Clear. The yard is dark, so im guessing, he thought I wouldn't get caught. Well... Kevin was wrong. Kevin was very wrong. The company pressed charges and he was relieved of duties. He lost his TSA and HazMat certifications, but he was released after the company thought that was sufficient. Always remember, don't do stupid sh*t, Guy's & Doll's.

And That IS, the "Kevin Was Wrong" Edition of...

Highway Chronicles!!!

Love you all. Please like, share and of course, I love your comments and stories.

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

The "Oh Leon" Edition

It was a beautiful spring day in Central Point, Oregon. I showed up early for my orientation and was excited to get started. After three days and a ton of paperwork, orientation wrapped up. I'm hired! But... that's when I met Leon.

Now, had I known I would be assigned a "Mentor" I would have never boarded that bus. It was never explained that I would have to ride along with someone who's purpose is to determine my suitability. Nonetheless, it's only for four weeks. It could be worse, right?

Leon stood about 5'5" tall and was a much older man than I. He's a smoker, I am not. So right off the bat, I'm going forward with great apprehension. I moved into his truck and away we go. The first day, he did all the driving and smoking. But, don't worry he kept his window cracked about 1 1/2 inches. In the next few weeks I learned just WHY I don't run team.

We would eat at a truck stop. He would, without complaints, finish his food and drink his $4 cup of coffee, but have a hemorrhage over a $2.50 cup of Pilot coffee. He would often p*e at the pump and discard his trash under the truck, while a trash can was two steps in front of him. He claimed it was because, "f***'em that's why. $3 for a mother f***ing coffee is robbery!" My time with him was extremely uncomfortable.

Leon would have me randomly stop the truck on a shoulder or off ramp because he'd "have to do [his] fitness." He kept two long poles in the sleeper, and that was his fitness. I'd watch him in the mirror as he did some brand of Karate. When I asked about the poles... "BECAUSE THEY'RE COMING FOR OUR MOTHER F***ING GUNS! WE HAVE TO PROTECT OURSELVES. THATS WHY!"

He would use expletives that would make most people blush. His anger and theories of 9/11, JFK, time travel and UFO's caused me to remain silent. It wasn't worth saying anything, lest there be another conspiracy. He questioned my religious beliefs. When I told him I'm not a believer... oh boy.

He came unhinged. Using a great deal of expletives he explained WHY I should "surrender to the lord." He would do the sign of the cross and browbeat me concerning my unbelief. He was small in stature but big in personality. Frankly, I think he was a few sandwiches short of a pic-nic.

Those four week seemd to never come. When it did, I was exhausted and pondered my commitment with this new company. I was finally assigned a truck and went out on my own. And that didn't work out for the best, but that is another story.

And that is the "Oh Leon" Edition of...

Highway Chronicles!!!

Love you all. Please like, share and of course, comment.

Wishing
EVERYONE a very Happy Valentines day
💝💝💝

One benefit of being a truck driver is... traveling. I know I've been A LOT of places, but dang. I didn't realize just how many places. Thank you Google for tracking me. Uh... I think. 😲

This is ghost town called Ryolite. It's about 5 miles from the Death Valley, California border. My bride and I spent about 2 1/2 hours here. I love exploring abandoned buildings. I don't know ALL the history about this place or why residents packed it up and left. I know there were several saloons and 4 banks, a jail and a red light district. No information about church though. I'm always intrigued with "ghost towns." Anyway, I hope you all enjoy these pictures from just off the highway.

The little town of Beatty was... well, small. This is about all you'd see. The little casino is in the process of being repaired. Driving by, I'd say it might be worth another trip, another day.

This is out Nevada 95 going Northbound toward Tonopah. Here, we are a few miles south of Beatty, NV

It's been a rough few months. I've been battling some personal demons, really because, work has nearly dried up. One day, I'll come in a wash the truck. One day I'll come in and deliver one local load. My hours are a third of what they were this time last year. Yesterday was another "day off." So, I told my bride to get ready. Today I bring you a few galleries from yesterday's travels. I hope you enjoy them. I love you all and thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being here for me.

Love,
Ed

Hellooooo Guy's & Doll's! A beautiful, crisp and rainy day in North Las Vegas. Missin you all and thinking about you, every day. Sending much love.💗💗💗

The "What's in the Box" Edition

It was a gorgeous spring morning in Golden, Colorado. The fresh air filled my lungs, awakened my senses, and it was time to start my day. But first, I put on a pot of boiling water, for my morning tea and, prepared a bit of breakfast. Once ready, I called dispatch to find out my new assignment.

I'm tasked with picking up shredded paper from a local mill and, taking it to Anaheim, California. "That's an easy run," I thought to myself. I've never been one to complain about a haul. I don't care what's in the box, just "write the check." The pick up was fairly uneventful. I bumped the doc, and the forklift driver quickly loaded me up and, away I went.

I hadn't much got on the freeway when my cell phone began "ringing." With a heavy Middle Eastern accent I hear, "HELLO! HELLO!?! I need to know where you are!" "First of all, who the 🤬 are you," I asked, 😠. " It turned out to be the terminal operator for my delivery location. We are not off to a good start. He didn't identify himself or offer any professional greeting. He merely started barking at me. I hang up with him and try to put it behind me, but then...

Four hours go by and the guy calls me back, "Hey! Where are you!?! I explained I'm en route and he needn't worry. Again, four hours go by and he calls again. After the third call, I let this dude have it. I want to know, "What's in the 🤬ing box!? What TF am I hauling? What is it, M**h?" What the Hell, man!?

I then ordered him to stop calling me. We didn't have call blocking back then. I called dispatch who admitted to giving my number to the customer. Needless to say, I gave him a rear end chewing. The calls finally ceased and I merrily went about my route.

A few days later, I arrived in Anaheim to deliver this mysterious load. I'm greeted by the very tall, hostile, Middle Eastern dude. He had nothing kind to say and went about his own personal, soliloquy, broken only by barking orders to his crew. In the end, his crew left behind about 12 inches of trash in my trailer. He said, the trash was my problem. "OK, 🤬-hole. " I found a broom, and swept all 53 feet of this mess, making sure everything fell between the doc and the trailer. At this point, I DON'T CARE.

I drove away, gritting my teeth and my fists tightly gripping the wheel. I made my way to a local truck stop and called it a day. It's time to cool off, get some Chicken Fried Steak, a shower and ready myself for the next adventure.

And THAT, Guy's & Doll's IS, the "What's in the Box" edition of...

Highway Chronicles!!!

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Love you all. 💗💗💗

I'm thinking, next NYE... We're staying home. An estimated 400k people were on the strip last night. We experienced protesters, religious zealots, fist fights and small groups that set up small PA systems just to play the most repulsive Rap I've ever heard. Once the fireworks were over... trying to navigate back to the car... 😬😬😬 Nonetheless, it's a happy new year. Sending love everyone. Hope you're all safe.

To everyone on the East, Central and Mountain times... Happy New Year!!! As for us on the west side... almost there, y'all. 😁 Lovin you all. Hoping we all have an incredible 2024.

Merry Christmas, Guy's & Doll's. Lots of love and the hope you all have an amazing day.

Another amazing date with my Bride. We saw X Country at Harris, (can't show pictures) then a walk through a grand hotel, 16 years in the making... The Fountainblue, Las Vegas. Beautiful, but it has a low energy about it and an airport terminal vibe. Worth checking out and just happy to be with the love of my life.

Viva Las Vegas from the Glittering Lights at the N. Las Vegas Motor Sp*edway. What an awesome evening with my Bride, my sister and her husband. I wish there was more but, I was driving. Lovin y'all. 🎅🎅🎅

Hellooooo Guy's & Doll's, from Pro Petroleum in N. Las Vegas. Sending some Monday love your way. 💗💗💗 What are your plans for Christmas? Tentatively, I'm working. And you?

Because of your inquiries, I did a quick search. This is one of the Veer Towers or "Leaning Towers of Vegas" in Paradise, Nevada, aka The Strip. Apparently the design had to do with seismic influence and wind. I don't know but, it's pretty cool. 😊

Christmas greetings Guy's & Doll's. On this crisp autumn evening, my love and I went to the Bellagio. Last week it was under construction. This week... Magical. We went for a walk to Cosmopolitan and, like rebellious teens, we found our way to their pool and yes, security escorted us out. We felt like teenagers. I hope you all enjoy this little bit of Holiday magic. More to come. 💗💗💗

What an amazing weekend with my Bride. We visited Wynn, Bellagio, Green Valley Resort, then today, we visited Ethal M's Chocolate Factory, followed by M Resort for a drive thru holiday spectacular and a small tour of Residential Holiday Magic. Now, today... back to work. I hope you all enjoy these pics. I don't want to bring Christmas overkill. 🎅🤶

Today, we took an evening drive to Green Valley Resort. Sadly the place is dark at 830pm. Soooo... plan B. We drove to the Bellagio. I heard the garden is stunning. Well, although it isn't finished and in a bit of disarray, we can see how beautiful it will be. Still, a good date night. 😊

I wanted to share some pictures I found on the internet I thought were really cool. I take no credit for these and artist unknown. I hope you enjoy them.

Another amazing day, a bit off highway, in Las Vegas. I'm wanting to give Tomo the best American Christmas I can. And of course, share a little piece of the holiday with you all. Lovin y'all. ❤️

So with Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas just ahead, I promised my bride, I will do everything I can to make her first American Christmas absolutely amazing. Today was not a "day off," nonetheless, there was no work today, so, let the festivities begin. 😁 Do you all have plans?