"Politically Correct.....not"

Fill in the blank.

2011-11-24T09:45:00.001-05:00

Ok, I have had it with all the ridiculous and insulting nonsense that the politicians are spewing from their stupid mouths. No matter what side of the fence they come at us from neither have a clue about anything. I tell you what, I am throwing my hat in the ring. Stop, keep reading. You may find some humor, reason to think about what I am saying and even perhaps get behind me. So here goes:

1. I do not have any money to campaign so I will need a lot of word of mouth.
2. I do not have an extensive amount of higher education.
3. My past does have some blemish, nothing terrible.
4. The following is my platform:
A. Get rid of the party system, it does not work anymore.
B. Elect on the popular choice.
C. Get rid of the electoral college.
D. Only have one Senator and one Congressman (sorry, person) per state.
E. Get rid of this "political correct" crap.
F. Lock down our boarders.
G. Get rid of the illegal aliens.
H. No amnesty for any part of illegal's, including the ones born here.
I. Stop foreign aid and apply to our citizens.
J. Stop rebuilding war damage....it is "WAR" damage.
K. Open up our closed down military bases and take the people that are on welfare and food stamps
and put them to work in them to earn the freebies they are getting.
L. Re-enact the draft. Every one at the age of 18 must register. Now let me say this, I am not saying.
that they will be called on as we where when we were at that age. I would like to have a pool to draw from.

M. This nonsense that the electic officials get this enormous salary after they leave office. That is got to
stop.
N. What this country needs most of all "IS THIS COUNTRY". We need to get back to the American
basic's. Build American, buy American and be American.
O. We need to take the money we are lending and spending oversea's and put it back into our
economy.
P. Tax the rich the percentage that they should be paying.
Q. Put the parents and school back in charge of our kids.
R. Take big government out of the home.

Well, there you have it. I really do think that what I believe would if nothing else put us back on the right track to recovery. I know that there are a lot of things that you would consider off the wall. But stop and think about it, your may change your mind.

So when you go to the booth, and you see that little space at the bottom. Go ahead and right my name in.

I am Ralph L, Bradbury and I approve of this blog.

"Enough is enough!"

2011-07-20T20:11:00.000-04:00

I have tried not to voice my opinion where I am sure I will be stepping on peoples feet. But, as the title of the blog states..."Politically Correct.....not" you must realize that I have my own mind set agenda. Before I get started I first will say this, if I offend you it is only because evidentially you most likely offend me. Also, if you are a devout anything, then I will most likely be stepping on your toes.

To begin with...Casey Anthony was found not guilty...get over it.
Nancy,Jane,Vinny,HLN are the cause of alot of hate.
I did not nor would I ever vote for Him.
Reality shows are not reality.

Still here? Then lets get to the topic.............

GAYS...........did you know that you can go to school and learn how to be gay? Did you know that you can pray your gay away? Did you know that gay marriage is ruining straight marriages? Did you know that every gay person is after every straight person and want to have sex with them?

Did you know that when you call for the fire department, the fire man that just saved your child may be gay?

Did you know that the police officer that just pulled you out of a wreck may be gay?

Did you know that the medical person that just saved your life may be gay?

Did you know that the men and women in the armed services that fight and die for your freedom may be gay?

Some self proclaimed gay man was on the radio the other night saying that he prayed his gay away and now he is a minister and married to a woman. Ok, he is living a straight life. From everything he said about his childhood and how he lived his life I, nor did the person that was interviewing him feel that he was gay. He had a bad childhood filled with abuse. He chose to enter the gay lifestyle, the key word being "Chose". He lived in that style for around 11 years and then a friend told him about religion and how it could help perhaps with some of the problems he was going through. He prayed for a different life and "WALLA" he was straight again, pretty much as he already was.

I feel that you are who you are. I cannot imagine anyone praying to be gay, reading books on how to be gay, going to some gay school to learn to be gay. I believe that you are born gay. I feel those that are gay have to put up with enough crap from the homophics then to have more of this nonsense shoveled onto them.

Gayness is not a "FAD" that some people weave their lives in and out of because it is the "THING" to do.

Gay people are not the dreaded down fall of society, the haters are. The states that allow gay marriage I applaud you.

Gay people love, they share, they raise children, they die...hmmmm...oh yeah, just like the straight people.

Get over yourself straight people, gay people most likely don't think you are that desirable to have a fling with. Gays are human and are not predictors on your way of life. They want to be treated like you, want the same rights as you and want to live thier lives as free as you. They are proud of whom they are, hell, they even have parades and banners...."GAY PRIDE". Are you proud of whom you are? You Christians, do you show love, understanding the willingness of do onto others as you would have them do onto you? I am just saying.

Okay, there you go. Am I gay? Why, just because I support the gays? Why, because I am not afraid to speak my mind on the subject? Why, because I don't care what you say about my stance? I tell you what, why don't you go ahead and put a label on me, but I got to let you know..I most likely wont care what you decide on that matter. I know who I am and those who know me know who I am. 'STOP ALL THE FRIGGIN HATE!!!!!!"

" New Sheriff in Town "

2011-02-01T09:44:00.000-05:00

Well pardner...it seems that the pilgrims in these parts are, according to Red Foreman, dumb ass's. While on a trip looking for adventure across the great wide west, some low-down scoundrel that makes water heaters put a varmint of a pipe in the contraption and it broke. Oh, it not only broke, but it shared its misgivings on the unsuspecting homestead. The water not only killed the old laundry room, but left the bathroom in a horrible death of drowning. Yelp, the carpet and underlying tile in both areas are in the great floor coverings in the sky, may they rest in peace.

I put a reward on the pipe of Dead or Alive, and sent my Deputy Mike into put an end to the pipes menacing ways. Ha, the deed is done and the pipe has learned its lesson. But Oh Woe is Me, for now I have to go back and do the dirty work of cleaning up the horror that it left in its wake.

With hat on head, mask on face to fend off the dying dust and gun in hand I ride my mighty orbital sander into the valley of dismay. Back and forth, side to side I bring revenge against the the damage. Ha, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, the "BIG PICTURE" if you will.

Yes, just another day in the life of the lone sander rider, but I leave with this warning to all that prey on floors...I am never far away...HI HO Orbital, HI HO.

You all take care now..........................Later, Brad

" I'll be home for Christmas? "

2010-12-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

Setting aside all political and spiritual agenda for at least this post. As I drive over the highways at night there is not much to do but let my mind wonder and think of all the things that we take for granted. It is nearing Christmas again and there are lights and decorations everywhere, even in and on our truck. I see families in their homes enjoying their evening together. I see them in cars going to stores. I see families together. This is a catch 22 for me. I am happy for them and yet it makes me sad also, there are so many that can't be with their families or loved ones. It is so easy to overlook those who are not at home. They are the people in service, the firefighters, the police. They are the care givers, the food service and the truckers. All these people that provide for us and protect us are away from those they love. So I say to you, during your time of joy, stop and give thanks to those that have given up their holiday in one way or another so that you can have yours.

To all that cannot
be with those at home.
To all that cannot
be but alone.

To the Doctors and Nurses
and those in the armed forces.
To the Police and truckers
and those in food services.

We appreciate all you do
so I just wanted to say............
Have a Merry Christmas............
and a Happy Holiday....

You all be safe.............later, Brad

.

"Words falling out of my head."

2010-11-26T03:15:00.000-05:00

There comes a time
when you just have to stop.
There come a time
to think about what you got.

There comes a time
to really look around.
There comes a time
to stop staring at the ground.

There comes a time
to escape the rat race.
There comes a time
to reach out and embrace.

There comes a time
to accept who we are.
There comes a time
to wish upon a star.

So this is the time
for family and friends
to come together
to laugh, reminisce and play.
So this is the time
to mingle and help
to share pictures and stories
to hold hands and pray.

So this is the time
to be thankful to be here
to sit and enjoy the feast
and unite on Thanksgiving day.

" BAAHAHAHAHAHA.......... BOO! "

2010-11-19T17:51:00.000-05:00

It is amazing what you find when you are not really looking for it. It could be right in front of you and still hidden by a cloak of un-notablelazation..(it is my word and I can use it if I want)... I was honored to be asked to officiate at my Niece's for a Halloween theme wedding. Everyone, well almost everyone, dressed in costume including me. It was an amazing day and night. We all had a great time. I and Ruth Ann got to spend time with relatives that I had not seen in over 30 years and some that I had never seen or even knew I had. We were welcomed with open arms and felt like there never had been any time that was spent apart. I have a AWESOME family. I felt like the old Maypole commercial...."who's on the couch...its UNCLE RALPH"...lol...And then, there are their friends, both my older relatives friends and my younger relatives friends. They could not ask for better friends. They were so kind and helpful. They also took us in and became our friends as well.

From the time we got there it was a whirl wind of getting this or getting that. Doing this and doing that. Me preparing for the big event, needless to say I was a nervous wreck..not because I had not officiated before, because I have...but because it was my niece and I wanted it to be perfect for her...I mean, she had nothing to be in the state of panic about..( the guys tuxes all were not fitting right, and her flowers that were coming from a very VIP florist were not there and they could not be found by the tracking number and what is a wedding without floweres..omg..omg....why am I worried, the pressure is only building...but the day was saved when silk flowers were made, me....still a wreck...then the time is at hand...and the wedding party is scattered everywhere from the wrong room to the bathroom and one asking is okay to have one more drink....the last of the guest are just getting into the wedding room, standing room only...yelp, again..no pressure on me....then all of a sudden it comes together and the wedding party is walking in....the guys in monster mask and the girls..well the girls were just pretty. Then the Bride..all in black walked in by her dad Dracula and presented to her to be husband the wolf man....standing in front of me...the grim reaper...git the picture...really cool.....as i pronounce the husband and wife the guest break out in cheers and applause...that was really something.....how did i do?...well i guess i did just fine...

So I say to all that was there, thank you for all your love and kindness.

You all be safe...............Later, Brad

" THE WRATH OF BRAD "

2010-07-28T14:57:00.000-04:00

Unbeknownst to a lot of people, I am not the most intelligent man on the face of the earth. I do not proclaim to know everything about everything nor do I really consider myself better then the next person, in most cases. I suppose that is the reason I see most of the uncontrollable nonsense that I am in effected by. To tell the truth on that matter, I am really getting tired of having stupidity diarrhea be felled on me constantly.

I can not go into any establishment that considers themselves a business without an arm full of handy wipes to wipe off the crap that is applied to me in the form of incompetence. Rather it be ordering a simple plain hamburger or trying to get our truck fixed. There is no end to the retarded answerers or product that is given.

If I say I am standing in the parking lot at noon, the sun is shinning and it is warm here in Portland the response will surely be "outside?".

Our house was broken into and robbed. This or these people who did it is beyond being stupid. One thing that I am is revengeful. I never let things go that have gone against me. I will get revenge. Those that are guilty will be found and dealt with. What was taken may never be retrieved and that is a shame. Who took them has no use for those items and will be of no value to them. But they did have use and value to us and that they will pay. So the crap of their stupidity that has fell upon us will be nothing of the shit they will receive in return.

No, I may not be the master of everything, the Mr. Know It All or the idol of mankind. What I am is a person that refuses to put up with others stupidity any longer and I will get my revenge!

You all be safe..............later, Brad

"OMG, I forgot that was in there!!!"

2010-03-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever just wanted to go against the flow? Ever wanted to rebel against the norm? Ever wanted to stand up and be counted? I guess what I am asking is have you ever wanted to be NAKED!!!?

What? You think that is perverted? Perversion is but a state of mind ( in most things ).

Well, I wanted to be NAKED and I did, in the truck, during the day, with the curtain open. Now if you think that I am perverted for doing it then I guess Ruth Ann is also as she took pictures of my showing. Sometimes you just got to do what you got to do.

Sooo, this happened a few weeks ago and since forgotten till yesterday.

We have a new Baby Girl puppy and our sister came out to see the puppy. After playing with Baby Girl she started scrolling through the pictures we had taken of the puppy. I was in the other room when the commotion erupted. All I heard was," OMG, MY EYES..MY EYES ." Ruth Ann said our sister held the camera at arms length and bent over laughing ( I don't know what was so damn funny, I mean I am cute after all).
I had a choice to make, I could either go run and hide, go out into the kitchen or stay where I was at. I took the latter.

After a short while I ventured into the kitchen and asked what was going on, like I did not already know. Ruth Ann informed me of the surprise that our sister had gotten. My sister just looked at me and laughed. Again, what the HELL is so funny...lol..

So, if you feel the need to do something that you do not want anyone else to know,.then perhaps you should not do it. If you cannot express yourself in a way that makes you feel good then don't get out of bed. If you cannot laugh at yourself then never look in a mirror. If you can not find a little perversion in your life then it is not worth much. If you cannot be NAKED when you want to be then what the HELL is life about?

You all be safe...............later, Brad

Our Baby Girl

2009-12-27T10:02:00.000-05:00

This has been along time comming. I guess there are some that wonder where I have been. It is really hard to type with trembling hands caused by the grasp of sorrow. It is so hard to see because of the flooding of tears from a torn heart. It is so hard to concentrate hearing the mornful sobs coming from every part of you. These are the things that you can't see, feel or see. You will be able to read the words that are the reasons for my state of being.

As most of you know, we lost Baby Girl. What perhaps some of you do not know is how close we were, are. Even now I can hardly get through this. She was so much more then a pet. She was as close to being human as a pet could be. We called her our alternative child and she was.

We lived, breathed, played, slept did everthing togeather 24/7 365. Every little thing we did included her in way or another. Get a hamburger, shopping, stopping what ever we did she was apart of it.

The way she laid between the pillow and dared you to move her, the way she demaned to cuddle next to you, the way she insisted you cover her and you up even if you did not want to be covered. The way she laid and stared at you till she heard the fork scrap the bottom of the pan you were eating out of then jump to the floor to finish off no matter what ever it was that you was having.

When she had to go out she let you know. I miss the way she jumped on my shoulder when I took her. The way she laid in my arms as I carried her. OH MY GOD, I miss everything about her.

She is in my mind, heart, breath, blood and soul. She will always be. I love and miss you Baby Girl.

Love, Dad

"Sometimes you just got to stop and pull up your big people pants."

2009-11-09T20:05:00.000-05:00

If I was to look at someone in a policemans hat, a policemans uniform, wearing a policemans gun and badge, I am pretty sure that he is a policman. If I went to a hospital and saw a woman wearing a nurses hat and a nurses uniform with her name saying she was a nurse....I am pretty sure that she is a nurse. It only stands to reason that if some one protrays themself as a professional and there are cirtificates on the wall and they are wearing the attire of that person and they have the tools of their trade then I should be able to make a rational decission as to the fact they are who the say they are. "YOU WOULD THINK!!!!"

Evadently, I was mistaking in my assumtion. Now, I am very up frount in the fact that I am not by no means, shape or form any kind of a mechcanic. If there is something wrong with the vehical rather it be motor or anyother part I can tell you what it looks like, smells like or sounds like and that is the extent on my mechanicism. So when I call a professional mechicanic I expect that person to tell me what is wrong and or fix it. Is this expecting to much? Ney ney I say. I expecting nothing less.

So here I am, I have a low beam headlight out and the bulb is hologen. I am so impressed that I know the type of bulb. I raise the hood and find the low beams socked. I am able to disconnect the wire from the bulb, I am so immpressed with myself. I take hold of the back of the bulb and pull.....nothing. Okay, so I try to twist the bulb.....nope. It did twist a little but I am afraid that if I try to froce it that it might break. Now what to do? Crap, I have to call Breakdown to ask how this damn thing comes out. Breakdowns phone lines are on the blink, they need the telephone breakdown to come fix the breakdown phones...hahahaha...not so funny, sorry. Anyway, I call one of the company's shops, you know, the mechcanics hut. There is were all the professional work-on-truck people are at anyhow. I tell the professional on the other end of the phone line just what my problem is and if he could just tell me how to get the bulb out I would do so and replace it with a new one. The professional tells me that he has no clue on as to how to get the bulb out and that he and the other professional mechcanics did not know or even how to work on the type of truck we have....O__M__G....it is a Freightliner...they do not know how to work on their company trucks...He, the professinal, gives me the telephone number of the local Frieghtliner dealer and shop in the area. I call and the service manager...not that I did not capitalize service or manager, it did not deserve to be...and told of my problem and that I was happy to talk to someone that I knew could help...not...the service manager did not know and tried to ask one of the techicians....big word for labor...on how to fix the problem. The service manager told me that no techicians were able to help. "WHAT THE HELL!!!"

I go into the shop at the T.A. truckstop we are at and ask if anyone there could please help me and tell me how to get the ^^%$Q#!#@@! bulb out. They said oh yes, they could most certianly help me, all I had to do was let them make up a work order and bring me in the shop and they would be more then happy to show me how to mend the problem at $65 hour and parts. No, I went back to the truck and called the company shop back and told them what the T.A. had told me. I bought the bulb and just wanted to have someone show me how to replace it. The shop called the T.A. and one of the professionals came out and took the old bulb out..you twist it hard and it comes out. They told me to be sure not to touch the lens of the new bulb or it would not work..this I did know. I put the new bulb in and wella..it works. I am now a professional mechcanic..just like the rest of them. Sometime you just have to bend over and pull your big people pants up and do the job yourself.

You all be safe.............later, Brad

"Oral Exam"

2009-11-08T20:51:00.001-05:00

Okay, just so that you are amused, here is another H.I.G.H. saga.

I was a teen and working at Steak n Shake as a car hop. It was a Friday night in the summer. I was 16, which will add to the humor for you I am sure. Anyway, I was working and it was about 10:00pm. My girlfriend and her sister and her sisters boyfriend came by, and wanted me to leave work and go with them. Her sister is older then my girlfriend and her sisters boyfriends mom and dad were not going to be at home. Now, at the age of 16 this was to hard to pass up. I left work and went with them. We got to his house and like he said, we were ALONE. We went into the den and he put on some records, that is right..records....no CD's then...get over it already. Have you stopped laughing yet, good..now perhaps I can go on. The lights were off and they, her sister and boyfriend were in one corner of the den and we were in the other. We danced a little then I sat down and she sat on my lap. The kissing started and a little petting. Then something strange happened. Everytime I tried to kiss her my lips kept hitting her teeth. I did not want to say anything for fear of embarassing her and have her stop the kissing and petting. But after several attempts of running into her teeth I pulled back and looked at her and before I could say anything she said..."What is wrong with you? Why don't you kiss me?" I said that she should close her mouth because I was trying to but every time I went to kiss her I kept running into her teeth. She looked at me, and I could here giggles from the other side of the den, and asked..."Have you never FRENCHED kissed before?" I said "WHAT"? What is french kiss? She told her sister and boyfriend to stop laughing and shut up and mind their own business. She then told me to follow her lead. She kissed me in the usual way then I felt her tongue on my lips and then between my lips and O..M..G.. she put her tongue into my mouth all the way....I would have thought that I would have spit it out but instead I liked it and I was a very fast learner there after.

You all be safe...........later..Brad

"The Halloween Brew"

2009-10-31T19:56:00.000-04:00

What do you do on Halloween when you are staying at home? HHmmmmmmmm. I got it, let's make a big ole pot of some tasty, enticing, spell binding, exotic hot brew. I grab all the ingredients.....water,cherries, raisins, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cardamon seeds, orange peels, sugar, port wine, brandy and rum. Put all the spices and water into a sauce pan and stir and boil and simmer. Pour that into a big pot and add all the spirits and stir and boil and simmer. Then take this elixir and funnel it into quart jars and seal them till the top goes "PING". hhhaaaaaahhhhhhaaaaaaaaaa...the deed is done. Now just sit back and wait till some unsuspecting goblin or ghoul takes a drink of this magic potion. They will be mine because they will want more and they will have to do some mighty fine tricks to pry another taste of this mystical Witch's Brew from my clinched hands....hahhahahahahhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE

You all be safe...................Later, Brad

"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY___GGGGRRRRRRRR!!!!!"

2009-10-29T22:30:00.000-04:00

Look, I have been out here way to long this time and I want to go home. I tell dispatch and they just don't get it. I tell the customers, and they just don't care. I tell my wife and she is in agreement with me. So here we are in Californication trying to get to Wild and Wonderful Almost Heaven. We get a load that will deliver to Belle, WV.....about 100 miles from home. It is a hot hoT hOT HOT load..you know the kind..and we roll our eyes because the only way a load gets there faster then we get it there is when we are backing it up to the dock. Anyway, gotta go gotta go. Everything is going great "TILL" we are about 60 miles from Flagstaff,AZ on I-17. Then engine decides it wants a break, I guess it did not get the memo about the hot load crap. It, the engine, decides it really wants to rest and shuts its self off. I coast the truck to the shoulder and pop the hood. The engine is really pushing my buttons, the anti-freeze in the reservoir is but a hair width below the add line. I tell it that is really walking a fine line with me and add some anti-freeze to the piece of_____well, you know____ and close the hood and take off on up the mountain. Now we are about 35 miles from Flagstaff and "IT"____it seems to want to have another conversation with me_____lets go with a cloud of smoke from under the hood and shuts its self off again leaving me to man handle the steering wheel in order to get it to the side of the road. I come out of the drivers seat and on to the ground in one swift movement, I am not a happy camper. I yank open the hood to find myself in a cloud of smoke, steam and god awful anti-freeze smell. All of the fluid that was in the radiator is now on the ground under the engine, truck, trailer and flowing down the hill. "CRAP!!!" Not only is there no water left in the reservoir, the radiator cap is also missing, I left it loose the last time we stopped. Now I have to open the side box to get out the damn triangles, I really hate putting these out, they never go back in the box right. Had to call breakdown to send someone out here in the middle of know where. I told them about the missing cap, I told them about the missing fluid and I told them that there was a hose that seemed to be leaking. Four hours latter the Bubba shade tree wanna be mechanic showed up. Golly gee, what kind of engine is that, what model truck is that, what is that bottom part of the resevoir for????????? AAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYHHHHHHHHH ARE YOU FRIGGIN KIDDING ME????!!!! I ask if he brought a hose....nope....did he bring any anti-freeze...nope. Gosh driver, I got 9 gallons of water to put in that there thing. Well, alrighty then there Bubba, you go right ahead and do your mechanican so I can get going. Glug glug glug, water in. The engine starts. Bubba makes a make-shift cover for the missing cap and off we go. This time we get 5 miles and yelp, you guessed it, on the side again. Why, his cover did not hold. He makes another and we make it to Flagstaff. He goes buys a real cap and then comes back and drains about 3 gallons out of the radiator and replaces it with real honest to goodness anti-freeze. He leaves and we leave. The next day we are in Oklahoma City,OK and
Bubba calls and ask how far we got______not even he trusted himself_____ and was surprised to hear we had made it that far, you could almost hear him slapping his leg. He says that he guessed he would go ahead then and call the company with the work invoice, that in its self is a joke...the "WORK" invoice. What work?

Now dispatching starts there childish games wondering how fast we can get to Belle,WV. I tell them and they say ok, then I get another message wanting me to get it there 3 hours sooner then I said. "WHY DO YOU EVEN ASK IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO ACCEPT WHAT I SAY???"___on the inside, on the outside..ok, I will try.

Don't they know that this load is taking us home and we are going to get there as fast as we can and aren't they lucky that there load just happens to be in that plan?

Anyway, we get there and then we drive a little more and we are home. There just has to be an easier way.

You all be safe........Later, Brad

"JUST who in the ##@@%% do YOU think YOU are??!!"

2009-10-03T17:21:00.000-04:00

Well, I shall enlighten you on the question of to Who the #@#$%^I think I am. To begin with, I am a human, much to the surpise of some. I was just barely born to start with. My mother had my brother then a miscarrage, then me, then a miscarrage and then my sister. Not only was I almost deleted before I even got started I wound up as the middle child. Oh yea me, stuck in the middle, sounds like a song title or something. Anyway, there I am, in the middle. If any of you are a middle child then you know what that means and for those of you who are the first or the baby, BITE ME!!

I have been everything from a soda jerk to an office manager. From a punch press operator to an Tupperware manager. From a Jewel Tea man to a minister. From a aircraft handler to an accountant. I have gone to college and I have been in the Navy.

I believe in God and I gave my life to Jesus. I am not a fanatic in no sense of the word. I deal with MY religion the way I deal with it. I was a minister and stopped being one because I believe if you are the teacher then you should live the way that you are teaching others to live. As I am only human, as I mentioned in the beginning, I fall short of the devine walk by many steps. Oh, i still will perform weddings if asked and I will sit and counsel if asked. But I feel that everyone has the right to their choice and the way that they want to worship, rather it be in a building or in their heart. So, there you go.

I feel the same about politics to point. I am registered as a Democrat, the key word is registered. I am one that hates to be pigieon-holed into anything. I vote the way I think, feel or wished things should be. I will get in your face so quick when I feel I am being attacked in stupidity. I am an American, I am a Veteran. If I do not vote the way you think I should and you tell me that I don't care about this country, or that if I say i am against the war (to which I am very much so) that i am against the troops, then stand by...and ready yourself to hear, see and feel the wrath of Brad. I stand behind the troops you dumb asses, it is the war I am against. I would do anything for the troops, even re-enlist if I could. SO BACK OFF!!!!! Gay people, yeah, i love em.....nuff said.

Now i drive a truck, I have been doing so for the past 25 years. I have driven everything from a six-wheeler to 24-wheeler. From envelopes to cranes and everything in between accept live-stock. I have recieved many safe driving awards and have driven way over a million miles. I have never gotten a ticket and I drive legal. So when some idiot tells me how to drive and that they know best and that the closest that they have ever been to a truck is if they pass one then I get a little off nerve. I am not saying that I know it all because I do not. I learn everyday. But I also know what I am capable of and what my truck is capable of. So do this, do that, be there then and do it now or else...well, you have no clue of what "OR ELSE" means and I would tell you but "YOU can't HANDLE OR ELSE!!!!" I do my job and I get the freight there and I get it there in one piece. Let me stop right here and say that I do not do this alone. My wife, Ruth Ann, is my team mate and she drives also. So, it is not I, it is WE. Anyway, We do out job, and we don't need any wanna be MR. I AM THE BOSS upsetting our little apple cart.

So, just who the #@$#@ do I think I am...I am just a guy that makes his own decisions on how they best suit me. I know that I make rash, quick decisions but that is me. I judge on first impressions, right or wrong, that is me. If you find yourself in my little nitch consider yourself special. Not that I am special, it is you that I find special and unique. There is something about you that I do not want to let slip by and want you as a friend, relative and or a companion. I am not all cold and hard, I do have a heart. I am not easy to get to know and a lot of people who think they know me are not looking at the "BIG PICTURE". I have been waiting a long time to use that phase....it is so stupid it is funny. Anyway, there you go...ME.

You all be safe..............later, Brad

" CALL ME CRAZY !!! ??? "

2009-09-17T15:37:00.000-04:00

Day in and day out I sit in this truck with many thoughts going through my mind. I watch people go by in cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles wondering just what they were thinking when they left the house. Most of thier expressions are that of a mannequin. They all just seem to be staring off into space with blank faces. They get out of bed and seem normal, they sit at the table and have whatever kind of breakfast they have and act normal. They get dressed and are normal, perhaps not in our choice of fashion, but still somewhat normal. They leave their home in a normal way.......then it happens, the normal slips away into the yard and the zombie effect creeps into them. They drive in that state of mind, not knowing and or caring what may be around them. They swerve, cut across numerous lanes, hit brakes for no reason, text, apply make-up, change clothes ( this one I enjoy if it is a female doing it), talk on the phone, read the paper, read books, work on the computer and eat. WHAT THE HELL !!!!! ????? I on the other hand, have to be aware of all of this at all times because I am the one that will be in trouble if anything should happen between them and me. I am the one that has to take responiblity for thier idiotict behavior. I am the one who will be held accountable for their indiscrections. Me, I , myself, uno, #1 and no one else. How in the hell is that fair. This blog page is called "Politically Correct.....not" and this is where it is going to become real. All you dumbasses out there that just can't seem to go a day without getting under my skin, rather it be with your driving, serving, politics,religion, shipping or recieving, dispatching or where you might stand in my world. BITE ME. I have my own agenda that I let very special people into. For all you other numbskulls, OH WELL !!!

I know, there he goes again. Yep, there I go again. I have to say stuff sometimes so that my head does not explode. But what else would you expect from a...........

Actually, this last picture is the only reason I wrote this blog, it is just to funny not to put out there.

You all be safe...............later, Brad

"Sometimes you just have to say........"

2009-08-03T18:55:00.000-04:00

It never ever makes sense. No matter how hard you try to figure out what this company will do next they will come up with some off the wall craziness that will make you say to your self...."stop and pull your socks up !"

They will keep you captive at one of thier yards as if you are a prisoner. They will not let you Bobtail 5 miles to a Walmart to purchase much need supplies to live on till you are able to stop again. Nope...can't do it. But..."BUT"..they will Bobtail you 620 miles to pick-up a load. Thats right, you read it right...620 miles Bobtailing to pick-up a load. Now don't get me wrong, it was really a nice ride. We could stop at where ever we wanted to stop without getting into trouble. Do they think that we are more careful Bobtailing 620 miles versing the 5 miles it would have been to go shopping? Do they think that in the 5 miles we would have just put the truck into gear and sat in the bunk and let what may happen happen? Are we more dangerous to the general public in the 5 miles then in the 620 miles? I doubt i would have gotten as tired driving the 5 miles compared to the 620 miles. But, hey...I guess I just do not see the "BIG PICTURE!"

I am just saying. Perhaps if they bent over and pulled up thier big girl panties, no disrespect to any of my fabulous girl readers, then perhaps they could actualy see the "BIG PICUTRE!"

So, as I go about driving thier crazy lanes of wisdom i will scratch my head and say.."WHAT!!!"

You all be safe.......Later, Brad

" The Reality of It All "

2009-07-29T18:13:00.000-04:00

It seems that the Media has taken complete control of our entire life. THEY tell us what us to hear, THEY tell us what to read, THEY tell us what to see, THEY tell us what to think. It is everything from the government to the reality shows. THEY zero in on one subject and that is all there is for the next month, months and even years. There is no such thing as journalism anymore I guess. It used to be that reporters scrambled for new news. Try to beat deadlines. Actually lived up to the title of News Persons. Now, now all we have are a bunch of wannabe's. They say the same thing over and over and over. And if someone try's to comment on whatever thing is in the lime light, that person is belittled and quickly shut up. You have no opinion because the so called New Person is right, always right no matter what. Just ask Nancy Grace for one. So, the singer is dead and you would have thought that would come to an end. Nope, there is going to be more to the story even if it never turns out anyone is guilty, THEY will probe and accuse and belittle and keep saying the same thing over and over and over. And then if that is not enough to drive you to the brink of insanity THEY have one on the back burner...a reality show gone bad..Really? hhmmmmmm you put your family on display for those who watch this crap and you live, fight and show everyone who you are. Gee, did it not work out the way everyone would have thought it would? Nope, separation and the kids are going to suffer. You dumb anus's, did you not think this stuff would effect the kids? And now, Octamom is going to have her own show.

Okay, I have figured out away for me to be enlightened about all this. I am gonna film Ruth Ann and I as we go about our normal daily chores on the road. You know, ...driving, sleeping, eating ,reading and playing on the computers. Then, with great anticipation of seeing something really awesome, we will watch our own reality movie the next day. Hmmmmmm, what the heck. There is nothing really all that interesting. Just two people living and doing what they do everyday. How come we can't get sponsors and T. V. shows? Our film is no different form any of the others. Ours is just as dumb. Where's the money.

Like I said, THEY are in control of our information. I think you all would have enjoyed our little movie of reality.

You all be safe.....................later, Brad

" Our Alternative Child "

2009-07-21T13:23:00.000-04:00

Never has those three words struck home or been any more true then they have in the past two days. If anyone knows us in the slightess, they know how we feel about Baby Girl. She is with us 99% percent of the time. She is in every sense of the words our Alternative Child.

She had a Vet. appointment when we came home this time to have some dental work done. Three days before the appointment we had to give her this god awful tasting medicine twice a day. Me trying to hold her while Ruth Ann squirted an eye droppper of the dreaded liquid into her mouth was a mix of strength, balancing act, self-defense and comedy show. As soon as the deed was done we offered tithes of treats to help her get the taste out of her mouth and while she gobbled them down you could hear what sounded like degrading remarks of us under her breath.

So, the big day came and Ruth ann took her to the Vet to have the work done. Minor procedure......" NOT "!!!!!!! After she was put under for the extractions things went wrong....very, very, very wrong. Baby Girl went into Cardiac Arrest and flat lined. After a minute of not breathing and many attemps of trying to get to a vein they were able to bring her back. We were at my eye Doctors when we found this out. We rushed to the Vet's office to be there with her. They brought her our for us to see....the mood was that " This could be our last time "...and the sight of her yelled that mood. She was breathing in paused rasps, her little body limp and her tiny tongue hanging out of her mouth.

The doctor could not even give us her chance of making it. That night we had to take her to a emergency clinic about 35 miles from home, one we had never been to nor knew the people there. This had to be done so she could be put in a incubator to bring her body temp back up and for someone to be there to keep a watch on her in case she had another seizure. We got no sleep that night form being worried and checking in with the clinic through out the night. The next morning we had to pick her up and take her back to the Vet for them to check her out. When we first got to the clinic they brought her out and she just looked at us in a blank stare then she reconized us and was very happy to see us whith her way of hugs and kisses. The Vet looked her over and gave us the okay to take her home, and to call her if we noticed anything abnormal.

These last couple of days have been over-whelmingly hard on Ruth Ann and I to say nothing what it has been on Baby girl. We have cried and worried. I have been mad at the situtation. To say that Baby Girl is our Alternative Child is an understatement. People joke about how we treat her and spoil her and I guess at one time in my life before Baby Girl I would have also. But, after these last few days there will never be anything too good for her.

Thank God, our Baby is still with us.

You all be safe.............Later, Brad

"Not enough said yet"

2009-07-19T11:12:00.000-04:00

The 1st amendment gives us the right to free speech. I, for one, use that right to the max. I am all for the idea to be able to speak your mind. That said, let me unload. If you do not like what I am about to say, then you have the right of the 1st amendment also.

MICHEAL JACKSON aka Pedophile, creep, wanna be white guy, jerk, idiot and all around pervert.

He is dead, get over it. He made a couple of good songs, big friggin deal..He is not a great role model, he is not a great person, he did not bring whites and blacks together.

Six people all died just about the same time, all famous people. Five were white and then you have him. There was hardly any mention for the other five. HHHMmmmmmmm, what's up with that?

Then you have all the so called mourners, the celebrities, the Jocks and of course the "Reverends".

If the media would just do a story then let it the hell alone, we would not have to hear about this 24/7. He is dead and the media needs to get a life.

If you want to give thanks then thank God he is dead.

Now, I wish I could put these people on one of those icebergs that have broken away because of the "Global Warming".............Nancy Grace, George W, Chaney, all of the Reality shows, Fox network, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, Nancy Polozie, Sara Pallin, American Idol, Dancing with Stars, Conan O'Brian, 99% of the people that work for the company I do......I am sure there are some I am forgetting....(oh, by the way..I don't care enough about these people to make sure I spelled their names right)....just put them on that iceberg and send them adrift. If they slip off, to bad.

So, now I have vented.

You all be safe............later, Brad

"Pig roast....kindda"

2009-07-11T11:51:00.000-04:00

Do you remember when you never thought about what might happen if you got caught? Do you remember those glorious days when fun was your only goal. Huh?? huh??..do you remember..huh? My life as a child was in the constant search of that goal, no matter what. And the boys I hung around with had the same goals. We did all the crazy stuff that boys do...race trains to the other side of the tressel, pee on flood lights, start earth moving equipment and run..put cats in mail boxes and then knock on the door and run. You know, crazy, fun stuff.

So, one day we decided that we would all steal, well, lets say sneak, cigaretts from our parents and then after school be would all have a good ole group smoke. All thru class we were in anticipation of the get out of school bell ringing. There was this place not far from shcool that we had picked to light-up, sit back and enjoy our great caper. It was a home for un-wed mothers and it was surrounded by farm land and in the middle of the farm land was a old pig pen that consisited of a small building that could house the four of us with room to spare.

We snuck thru the tall weeds like we were on a covert mission of some kind. We were, the mission of "Light em if you got em". We reached the pig pen and in we went. we looked at each other and laughed and then we got down to the business at hand. We each pulled out our bounty from our pockets and showed them to one another as it they were precious treasures. Even Mike, the one year older guy..the biggest and meanest..the one we all kinda was a little scared of...said he was proud of us and he took out his lighter..we all only had matches..and lit each of our smokes. Wow, how cool is that. So, there we were, laying back kidding, laughing and smoking. We are ssooo grown-up. Well, that one is almost done, time to light another. We watched Mike as he used one cigarrett to light another and we did the same. Now, that was really neat, did not even have to use a match. We all lit new ones and threw the other ones to the ground in the pig pen. As we were enjoying smoke number two, the pen began to fill with smoke, we looked in the corner and a small fire had started in the dead weeds and was growing fast. Quick, put it out. So, we all had the same idea at the same time, smother it, what with..why of course, our school books. HHmmmmm, only worked for a second, then they too were on fire. Holly Crap..get out get out get out. We all ran across the field as the pig pen went up in flames...pig pen and our school books. We got to a point were we stopped and could hear sirens in the back ground getting louder. We split up and went to our homes. I ran in and went to my room and closed the door. My Mom asked if I was ok and I said yes I wanted to change so I could go out and play. I did not come out. About a half hour later my Mom opened my door and told me to get in the living room right now. I did and there stood a Police Officer holding what was the remains of what looked like a school book. It was all charred. The officer opened the book and looked at it and then asked..Are you Ralph Lee Bradbury? My Mom looked at me, the Officer looked at me, I looked at the floor and in an almost whisper said yes. He said that they found several school books in a fire at the Home for un-wed mothers in and around a pig pen that had caught on fire and was wondering just how my school books had wound up there. I could not think of one thing to say other then saying....itwasnotonlymeitwasTom,AlandMikealsoandIdontknowhowithappenedandthatIwasverysorryandpleasedonttellDad. The officer said for me to go get in His car. We then went to Tom's house, then to Al's house. They were not happy with me and said they would get even. Then we pulled up in the drive way of Mike's house and Tom and Al both said at the same time, you have got to be kidding, you told the cop about Mike..man, you are dead meat. Mike had a Juvinile record already. We all blamed him for everything and said he made us come with him and he made us throw our books on the fire and the Officer sort of believed us and took us back to our house were we did not have to go to jail and where we only got the wrath of our parents. Wait mister Policeman, please take us to jail, dont take us home..please. Nope, you boys get to go home, not to jail. Mike, he went to a reformatory for about a year. when he got out,his family moved to another state. Thank God.

So, remember kids, if you are going to smoke do it in a open paved parking lot were there are no pig pens.

You all be safe............Later, Brad

"The Good, the Bad and the Brother"

2009-07-04T13:06:00.000-04:00

Another great Christmas. I got all kinds of cool stuff..best of all, my Uncle Charles got me a real set of cowboy chaps. He got them in Texas. Wow..they are so neat. I also got a pair of six-shooters and holster and a cowboy hat. I looked and felt just like a real cowboy when I had everything on. Not only did I get the guns but I also got a bunch of box's of caps for them....bang bang bang bang...I was having so much fun. My brother, remember him..the one that does stuff to me? got a
rifle and a Indian head band with a feather and other kind of stuff that I did not even care to look at. My stuff was so much better. I was running around and shooting stuff and having a great time. He, the brother, said that we should go outside and play cowboy and Indian. I, without thinking it thru jumped at the idea of me shooting him. I asked if he had any caps and he said no that he would have to make a gun sound of some kind. HA HA HAHA HAHAHAHA...he has no caps..i have caps..my gun sounds will sound real..his will sound stupid and i will shoot him over and over and over...so the game begins...he goes one way and I go the other...I sneak around the house and see him hiding behind a tree...bang bang bang..I shoot...he yells you missed me and shoots back..kapow kapow...(me) kapow? hahaha that sounds so silly...bang bang..I shoot and run across the yard towards the garage so i can get the drop on him...he steps out from behind the tree and starts shooting me...ow ow owowowowowow..something is hurting me...HE HAS A B-B GUN...ow ow ow I turn to look back and zing..I get hit right in the nose...owowowowowowowwwwwww. Again....slow learner.

You all be safe..................later, Brad

" I get the Point"

2009-06-29T22:09:00.000-04:00

I always was under the impression that your older brother was a person that looked out for your well fair, was there to help you, there to share and trust and there to protect you. Wait a minute, this is the same person that gave you the Easter Egg...brother + egg = screwed me. Right, don't trust the big brother.

So, here it is another sunny summer day. We are getting ready to go on vacation and were told to get out of the house so that the adults could finish packing and doing what ever adults do. I am walking around looking for something to do..jump off porch..kick an ant hill...watch a bird in a tree..find the marble i lost. I walk around to the back and there is the brother. Hey, what is he doing. He is throwing something at a round thing hung on the tree. Hey, whatcha doing. He looks at me and says..."What does it look like I am doing stupid?" Well....throwing something at something. (him) well, aren't you the smart one...hahaha...throwing something at something. (me) can I do it? (him) go play, you are to young. (me) awww please, i can't find anything to do. (him) looking at me with a strange grin..ok, i am going to throw the darts into the target and you go get them and then you can try. (me)ok ok ok ok...and i run to the tree to get the, what did he call them?, oh yeah, darts. as i reach the target i feel a pain in the middle of my back that was not there awhile ago and it hurts really bad. Brother forgot to tell me that i was the new target. i fell to the ground crying and yelling and i could not reach the thing stuck in the middle of my back...my mom came running out and knelt beside me and pulled the dart out...my dad asked my brother what happened..brother said that i came out of know where and ran right in front of the dart that he just threw..my dad asked me if i was ok and when i said that it still hurt but i would be ok he then slapped my butt and then again and then again and said that i never pay attention to what i was doing and that i could have been hurt bad. Brother? No, he was not in trouble, i was.....slow learner.

You all be safe......later, Brad

" California or Bust"

2009-06-27T22:00:00.000-04:00

Kids will be kids and I took it to the max. On a sunny warm summer day I wondered out side and behold, Moms car was sitting there in the drive-way doing nothing at all. It was like it was begging me to play in it. Not one to say no to things I should say no to, I jumped in. The gauges, the steering wheel the pedals. The radio. It was an amazing open door to fantasy. First it was an airplane, zoom zoom, all over the sky I went chasing bad guys and shooting them down. Then it was a speed boat. Jumping waves, going under bridges and racing other boats. Of course I always won. Then just as I was getting into all these wonderful things, out comes my little sister of 5 years old...ugh. Whatcha doin? Does Mommy know you are in her car? I better go tell her..no No NO NO NO NO wait. You wanna play? (her) what you playin? (me)oh, just pretending stuff. (her) i wanna go for a ride in the car. (me) fine, hop in the back. We can play Taxi. (her)ok. So in she climbed.(me) where you wanna go miss? (her) i dont know. (me)great, lets just ride around. (her)ok. Shift shift..vroom vroom..off we go. (her) i wanna go to California (we live in Missouri). (me) that is along way, it will cost alot.are you sure? (her) yes and I got lots of money in my purse. So, off we go...more shifting and more vrooming. (her) you dont drive good, I'm not paying you. (me)fine, you want to go to California then go. I put the car in neutral, released the parking brake and stepped out of the car. As the car glided slowly down the drive-way and entered the street my sister was laughing and waving from the back seat as I waved to her from the drive-way. Now she was in the center of a "T" intersection with other cars stopping and honking. The honking alerted our mom to see what was going on. To say she lost it would be an understatement. My sis wanted to do it again, our mom wanted to re-think my birth again and when dad got home he kept slapping my butt again and again and again.

You all be safe......later, Brad

" You Gotta Know When To Hold Them "

2009-06-14T20:44:00.000-04:00

While on our way to New York we ran out of hours...damn the bad luck..lol...and we round up with the week-end off. As Ruth Ann has posted in her blog, it was anything but a boring week-end. I have been a shampooer, a soft shoulder, a dinner date, a tech supporter of no help and a dog walker. I looked at the up coming week-end as a time to relax, sun bathe, surf the net...you know, do just about as little as possible. We are staying in beautiful downtwon South Holland, IL at the lovely resort area of the company we work for. The amenities are the following... rock fishing in the many craters in the lot. Hiking across lands of many varibles of soil or I should say soiled. The restrooms are what you may have of your own, luckly we do have our own. The nurishment is ... well, what ever you bring. The cleaning aspects ... well, what ever you may bring. The lot rent is cheap, $0.00. You can come and go as you please. The sites that you can enjoy are those of the strip malls, the street corners and well the landscape of the thriving metroplis,world head quarters of the the pot holes, beautiful downtown South Holland, IL.

Sometimes you just have to kick back, grab a cold one, shove all your money to the center of the table and tell the guy acrss from you that he might as well fold because you "ARE" going to win a hand....someday.

You all be safe..........Brad

" Joy of Parenting"

2009-06-08T12:38:00.000-04:00

" Heather and her dad Virgil"

There are few things in life that one actually can reap the joy from. One of them is your children and another one is your grandchildren. Because of life's circumstances I have never been able to meet one of my grandaughters, Heather. In the last couple of years I have been able to see pictures of her and read about her on her Myspace site. She is a very much alive girl in the fact that she is enjoying life to the fullest. She is a pretty girl, not that I am predjuiced or anything..lol...and now has become a young lady. She has joined the ranks of so many at this time of year..."YEA...I HAVE GRADUATED!!!!!!" I wish I, we..Ruth Ann and I, could have been there to see her get her diploma. Congratulations Heather, we are so proud of you. Her father, my son, Virlgil drove from Kansas City, MO to Flint, MI to be there for her big day, I am so proud of him for going. It is amazing that the offsprings are actually adults and somehow you where a cause for it in some way or another. Heather, I hope that what ever you may decide to do you will achieve. I hope that some day in the near future we will be able to meet, but untill then just know that I do love you and again, "CONGRATULATIONS!!!"

Love,
Grandpa

" Thank You "

2009-06-05T19:33:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of us that have goals and ambititions. Some of us actually achieve them, and the rest of us are still applying ourselves to that endevavor. This is about one of those that have reached thiers. She is a woman that has lived, enjoyed, achieved and overcome. She has fell from the sky, rode the Dragon Tail. Been in a war, survied Boot Camp, gave birth, built things, applied make-up. She is a Daughter, Mother, Sister, Neice, Cousin and a Friend. She has been happy, sad, mad and strong. She has never been weak. She has come up thought the ranks and reached the rank of Master Sergant in the United States Marine Corps. She is retiring this month with honors. She is an outstanding Marine. Semper Fi is her motto in the Marines and as she retires from the Corps that motto carries through that transistion into her civilian life to be applied to her family and friends. This Lady is the meaning of excellence, devotion, honor, country, comrade, family and friends. Thank you Jackie for all you have done, thank you for your sevice. I salute you Master Sargent Jacklyn D. Somers.....
With Much Respect and Love,
Uncle Brad

"They are our future"

2009-05-30T11:42:00.000-04:00

It seems only yesterday that I began my life with my new family just a little over seven short years ago. I remember going to my neice Felishas High School graduation. And last month watching her being pinned at her Nurse graduation. Now my nephew C.J. just graduated from High School and is going to WVU. I don't know where the time goes. These two kids, young adults, have achieved and overcome. These people do not accept the word "can't". They are both young and filled with desire, knowledge and goals. These little kids I once knew are now the ones I look up to. I am so proud of both of them.Seven years ago I did not see this coming, I am so in awe of both of them. Felisha is going to be a outstanding RN and C.J. will lead the way on what ever path he follows. Congradulations to both of you.

I AM BACK

2009-05-29T23:51:00.000-04:00

You know you missed me,,,if not...oh well. I have deleted my old email address and my old myspace and face book because if you read my earlier post...some S.O.B. gave me a comdom,,horse...oh yeah, Trojan and screwed my PC up..congrates asshole. Anyway, I am back and I really did miss all my friends.

" Happy Easter_____yeah, right! "

2009-04-12T20:04:00.000-04:00

This is a little story from my past when I was a kid. It has Bob my brother and Trudy my sister in a time where Trudy is about 4, I am about 9 and Bob about 17.

Easter ____a Holy day unless of course you’re a kid. Then it’s Basket day, Candy day, Egg Hunt day____it’s Stomach day.

After the Hunt, we___Bob, Trudy and I___sat demolishing the contents of our baskets. Trudy and I tapped our eggs on the table and peeled and ate them. Not Bob, he banged them on his forehead. I was amazed and I tried it. That is really neat___it did not hurt and it worked real good. SMASH, SMASH, SMASH, SMASH and all my eggs were gone. Trudy had hers gone and Bob was on his last one.

I wanted more. Bob said he saw one last one in the icebox and went to get it. It was bright pink with a bunny sticker on it. He said I could have it if I gave him some of my candy. Fair trade, I had a lot of candy and he handed me the egg.

Mom and Dad came in, and I said “WATCH THIS”! I rammed the egg against my forehead_______it was not a hard boiled egg…..slow learner…Bob has struck again.

Happy Easter to all.

You all be safe…………………Later, Brad

"They say I need to be caged"

2009-04-11T10:07:00.000-04:00

If you are one of the ones that actually knows me then you are one of the ones that puts Tags on me such as: You need help!, You are insane!, You are too twisted for color TV!, There is not enough help to help you!, You are perverted!, You are sick!,etc.,etc. I am sure you get the point. All I am doing is living my life and just, well, being me.

Ruth Ann has to put up with my off-beat humor on a daily basis. For instance: The sign says "Live Girls and Live Music" what? You mean compared to "Dead Girls and Dead Music"? Oh, that is just a for instance. The slightest little thing will set my mind to a whir. No one is safe, the general public, friends or family. I relish in the moronic and macabre . I excel in the silly and perverted. I bask in the stupidity and senseless.

Below is a few of the most common absurdities that raise their heads almost on a daily basis:

1. Sports: I am not into them and I pretty much make fun of those that are.

2. Politics: I am, was, of one Party but now I am really pissed at them.

3. Sex: Like Joey on Friends says, there is hardly anything that can't be sexual.

4. People: No one is safe in this category.

5. Lifestyles: Really? Yea right, this is a safe topic.....NOT!

I am not prejudice in any of the above areas and will at times include all if not more in the same story line.

I don't do it in a mean way, most of the time. I love my family and they have come to know that I am only kidding when I say that their sports team is a looser. They know to just smile when I put them down for the Party they like. They say "Bless Your Heart" when I talk about people. They look understandingly when Lifestyles are brought up and they just shake their heads when I get on the sex thing. Why, because they know me and they know that I can't help myself from saying something to someone about something.

So if I say........Your sports team is some reject of a dumb ass political party that should be wearing pink Tutu's and participating in a group of human rejects that would screw up a wet dream.....then you know that I most likely do like you.

A leaving thought......I went to Vegas and went to a store and there, right where everyone could see, was a display of Men's Cologne........"FCUK" for men. You have got to be kidding me, you are going to put this in front of ME? For men, what about WOMEN? Surely you want to FCUK this and that. Is this not FCUKed up? What the FCUK..Oh come on, you can't say you don't think this is not FCUKing funny. You can't make up FCUK stuff like this.

This is how my mind works.

You all be safe......Later, Brad

" HIGHWAYS OF THE LIVING DEAD "

2009-04-07T19:49:00.000-04:00

I can only imagine that when people get up in the morning that they are basically sane. They get up, walk around, fix something to eat and drink and get dressed. So far, they are a logical functioning human being. They are alert to all things around them and they proceed to enter the world, my world.

And then it happens, they open a door and sit down. They look in the mirror and congratulate themselves on being able to get to this point of their new day without hurting themselves. Then that round plastic object, the steering wheel, is in their hands and the pleasant outer layer of their appearance is melted away leaving a moronic alter ego insane personality.

I was driving on I-294 going north bound on the out-skirts of Chicago,IL around the 6 mile marker. It is about noon Chicago time and of course there is construction as usual so we are are down to 3 lanes. At this time I am in the slow lane, which is kinda of silly to say as all the lanes are moving slow. I glance in my right mirror and see a white car coming down the on-ramp in a hurry. Why I do not know because no one else seems to be in any hurry. But this moron is and as he gets to the bottom of the ramp he pays no attention to the yield sign nor the slow traffic nor that the ramp is ending very quickly and that there is a concrete barrier in front of him. I see what I think is going to be a decision on his part to stop and ease into traffic behind me. HA..yes I say HA. Ney ney my friends. He is in a Cadillac Se Ville and the road is HIS...NOT!! I watch in disbelief as he continues to come up my right side as the space for him is rapidly diminishing. All of a sudden he gets a smart fart in his brain and slams on his brakes. AWWWWWW...to late. He swerves a little to the right and BAM..taps the wall. I watch to see what other skills he may process and I am amazed at his next trick. Now, we are bumper to bumper going slow yet this imbecile manages to cut out behind me across two lanes of traffic and is now in the far left lane. Then he comes back two lanes of traffic and is now right in front of me throwing his brakes on and flipping me off. He jumps out of his car and waves his arms in the shy, a lot like a monkey does, and walks around. He goes to the right side of his car and points to someplace on the lower front end of his fender that is not visible to me and looks at me. I am not sure what he expects of me, does he want me to applaud? Unsure of what to do I motion with my hands and arms in a manner as if saying....sssssssoooooooo??!!??!! I now try to maneuver around him and finally someone lets me out. I am not going to stop here in the middle of the highway and get hit in this construction zone because of this lunatic. I jester for him to move up the road and find some where else to present his show-n-tell work of art. I call 911 and let them know what is going on and tell them where I am and give them my name and cell number. They tell me to go to the toll plaza up the road a bit so we can get to a safe place and that is where I go.

When I get there I call 911 back and tell them that I have arrived and am waiting for the Police. They ask about the idiot and I tell them he is no where around.

I have a lot of respect for the Law enforcement people and the 911 dispatch. After awhile, 45 minutes, no one has come and I call 911 again making sure everyone is on the right page. I am told that there was never a officer dispatched and that one would be right now. I don't know what happened other then maybe something " REALLY " important came up. Anyway, the officer got to me and as I explained to him what had happen, why I was here instead of there and the instructions I received form 911 he nodded. He asked where the other driver was and I told him I had no clue. He asked if I got hit or if I hit the car and I said no and he said then why did I think I needed to make a report. Again, I told him that I was trying to do everything right and follow directions. He said okay, but I could go. No one, the Master Driver, had made a report and not to worry about it.

So, if there is any one out there that gets Plasticsydous when they get in their means of transportation, beware..you DO NOT have the right to enter thruways without yielding, you DO NOT have the right to try and sandwich your vehicle between two objects that there is no way possibly for you to get through and you DO NOT have the right to leave your home when you are stupid. Go back to bed and call in sick and stay there until you grow up and can play with the rest of us nicely.

You all be safe............Later, Brad

" If I had an Ice Pick "

2009-04-02T19:10:00.000-04:00

If I had an ice pick I would use it on some low life scum of some decayed cesspool of an decrepit diseased mutant form from some worthless piece of crap planet and poke its eyes out with it.

You think I am upset, you do not know the half of it. Upset is a nursery school word for the word that I am. Here it is, a day of relaxation. A day that I intend to get on the web and play, read, post and just have fun. The first place I go is to Facebook where all my friends and family are. It is the day after April Fools day and there is a message from one of my sisters. She thinks she is so cute and is gonna get me with some day late April Fool stuff. Ruth Ann is talking to her on the phone and I tell her to wait a second I want to see what was sent to me. It says it is My First Video and the heading is " I GOTCHA hahahah WATCH AND CRY " ssoooo I hit play to see what craziness this is and BAM...VIRUS..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"NO" my sister did not send it to me. Some shit bag has hacked into facebook and is pretending to be your friend or family member and when you open it up you are possessed with this garbage.

I reacted as fast as I could but to late. There is a Bloodhound, several Trojan Horses and a couple of other kind of sick ass virus all band together and working faster then the speed of light.

I have tried Norton and Lavasoft but to no avail. I am now going to take everything off my laptop and take it back to factory settings. This is nothing but a bunch of bullshit. Some piece of afterbirth has screwed my computer, my day, my piece of mind and now you get to listen to me rant.

I should say I am sorry about my language, but I am not. I am just that mad. I think you would be also. I just hope none of you opened anything bad. I don't know how this person can get caught, but there is got to be away. Here I am going nuts because of all the crap I got to go through to fix my PC and I don't even know if taking it back to factory settings will work and this web whore is laughing its ass off. If taking it all the way back does not work then that means I have to get a new computer..dammit, now I am really getting mad. I better go before you all start throwing rocks at me. be careful on what you open.

You all be safe.............Later, Brad

" I am one of THOSE people !! "

2009-04-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

We have a Min-Pin that truly believes that she is a Pinasorus. She, Baby Girl, is 8 years old and weighs all of 9 1/2 pounds. Remember that weight, it will come into play later. She is just as cute and lovable as can be and she knows it and will remind you of it in a heart beat.

She is a superb watch dog. By that I mean, no one is allowed to be by the truck, oh lets say with in the same state. Wherever we are parked it becomes her domain and you are not allowed in it. She has complete control of the truck and allows Ruth Ann and I to be in it at her pleasure. Let's say I pull on a fuel island. She will come up to see what I am about to do and let me out without much concern. If Ruth Ann gets out at the same time she has a little problem with that and voices her opinion. Now, I am done fueling and Ruth Ann has not returned. I release the breaks and pull up so the next driver can fuel. Now I am only going to move up a truck and trailer length and Baby Girl is back in the bed under the pillows. As I am in the process of pulling up the little black demon from hell comes flying up to the front and jumps onto the passenger seat, nose against the window, barking her fool head off, turns to me and gives me paws on hip cocked head barking as if to say "MOM IS NOT IN THE TRUCK, STOP THE TRUCK OR I WILL CHEW YOUR HEAD OFF" barking. I set the breaks and with this insane animal bouncing off the back of my legs and barking like crazy I slam the door in her face and wait to see if her maniac form appears in the driver's window and I smile up at her as I turn and walk inside to get my fuel receipt and see if I can help Ruth Ann with anything.

Let's see, what do we do for her: when we buy food for us we buy for her also, if we are eating snacks that are okay for her to eat then she is included in the snacking, when she needs to go out we stop just as soon as we can and carry her to the grass and back. If it is snowing, and no matter if it is a dusting or knee high deep, I will clear a area with my feet down to the grass for her even though she will sniff it and jump back in the snow to do whatever she has to do.

What she does for us: she gives us love, enjoyment, photo moments, warmth (she buries herself next to us and she is a very powerful source of heat), she amuses us. She is our alternative child.

She loves to burrough into the pillows and covers. When we have those times that we can park for the night we get our food either from the truck stop or Ruth Ann cooks it and we get the TV ready to watch. We get our PJ's on and sit back on the bed and watch the TV and enjoy our food, all the while two little beady eyes are peeking out from under a pillow or blanket at the end of the bed with a mouth salivating with anticipation of leftovers. We are done and always leave some for her. When she is done, most of the time we are on top of the covers because that is where we want to be. Baby Girl will walk up my chest and look at me and whisper bark at me. She will do this a couple of times and when I do nothing it gets a little louder. When I still say nothing she will go nose to nose with me as if saying "Look at me, look at me " then barks again. I say," I do not want to be under the cover, if I did I would be there. I continue to watch the TV and she gets her little attitude in a fluff, and now puts her whole weight into my chest. Now, she already had her whole body on my chest and it was not that big of a deal. Some how she can stiffen and make all 9 1/2 pounds zero in through her tiny paws right onto one of your ribs and now she feels like she weighs a ton and gives me one of those do it right now BARKS. I lift the cover and get under it, oh___I have to be under the cover also even though I do not want to be under it. As soon as I am under the cover, and God for bid I put the cover down before she gets under also, she goes and pretty much claws and pries my legs apart enough for her little body to fit in and she is happy, I am burning up but she is happy. " Happy dog happy life ! "

Anyway, I am a Dog People and am proud of it and would have it no other way.

You all be safe......Later, Brad

" The name of the Blog says it all ! "

2009-03-30T17:38:00.000-04:00

I recieved this in a email and could not just let it go. The first part is the email and the second part, well is me. I really hope I dont step on any of my friends feet by posting this but when I started my blog I wondered about a name. I came up with the one I have because it fits me. You read my blogs never knowing what might be there. I hope that you all will still keep reading them. So here is the email:

"
> SHALL WE HIRE A MONUMENT ENGRAVER TO GO TO ARLINGTON
> NATIONAL CEMETERY AND ADD THE MISSING WORDS ?
>
> A MESSAGE FROM AN APPALLED OBSERVER:
>
> Today I went to visit the new World War II Memorial in
> Washington , DC . I got an unexpected history lesson.
> Because I'm a baby boomer, I was one of the youngest in
> the crowd.. Most were the age of my parents, Veterans of
> 'the greatest war,' with their families. It was a
> beautiful day, and people were smiling and happy to be
> there. Hundreds of us milled around the memorial, reading
> the inspiring words of Eisenhower and Truman that are
> engraved there..
>
> On the Pacific side of the memorial, a group of us gathered
> to read the words President Roose velt used to announce the
> attack on Pearl Harbor:
>
> Yesterday, December 7, 1941-- a date which will live in
> infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and
> deliberately attacked.
>
> One elderly woman read the words aloud:
>
> 'With confidence in our armed forces, with the
> abounding determination of our people, we will gain the
> inevitable triumph.'
>
> But as she read, she was suddenly turned angry. 'Wait a
> minute,' she said, 'they left out the end of the
> quote.. They left out the most important part. Roosevelt
> ended the message with 'so help us God.'
>
> Her husband said, 'You are probably right. We're
> not supposed to say things like that now .'
>
> 'I know I'm right,' she insisted. 'I
> remember the speech.' The two looked dismayed,
> shook their heads sadly and walked away.
>
> Listening to their conversation, I thought to myself, Well,
> it has been over 50 years she's probably forgotten.'
>
>
> But she had not forgotten. She was right.
>
> I went home and pulled out the book my book club is reading
> --- 'Flags of Our Fathers' by James Bradley.
> It's all about the battle at Iwo Jima .

>
>
> I haven't gotten too far in the book. It's tough
> to read because it's a graphic description of the WWII
> battles in the Pacific..
>
> But right there it was on page 58. Roosevelt 's speech
> to the nation ends in 'so help us God.'
>
> The people who edited out that part of the speech when they
> engraved it on the memorial could have fooled me. I was born
> after the war.! But they couldn't fool the people who
> were there. Roosevelt 's words are engraved on their
> hearts.
>
> Now I ask: 'WHO GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE WORDS
> OF HISTORY?????????'
>
> Send this around to your friends. People need to know
> before everyone forgets.
>
> People today are trying to change the history of America by
> leaving God out of it, but the truth is, God has been a part
> of this nation, since the beginning. He still wants to
> be...and He always will be!
>
> If you agree, pass this on and God Bless YOU!
>
> If not, May God Forgive You!
> "

Now, here is my perspective of it:

"Before I forward this, I have to add a few things myself. If you get this from me then you know I cannot let things go and that I have my own agenda on this. To begin with, thanks a lot for electing the person you did, because I hate not knowing were we are going, but now I do....straight to the bottom. If you think that by leaving out a few words is why we are in the shape we are in then you may be right. Oh, we are told that we are free and that we are lucky and that we are this and we are that. But, in my view we are already the puppets of a mind control government. It is all right to say we are doing this in Gods name, Kill in Gods name, make war in Gods name control other people in Gods name, put Gods name on money, swear to God oaths you will do this job or that job. But put Gods name in school, use Gods name in prayer, write Gods name on memorials..oh no, that is Politically incorrect. Politically correct, that is nothing more then hiding what you mean. I refuse to hide behind some shallow statement. If I have something to say and it hurts your feelings then perhaps you had better take a better look at your self. I Praise GOD not Allah or any other false GOD. If you don't believe in my GOD then oh well. I don't care who you worship but leave my GOD out of it. This is a Christian country, ruled by atheist and well, those who have their own gods. We need to get back to basics and put a little religion in our schools and lives. And as far as you atheist, when you get in trouble or get hurt..stop asking for my GODS help."

I would like to see some comments on this with your views and ideas.

You all be safe................Later, Brad

" So, this is life "

2009-03-30T15:27:00.000-04:00

“ How I Got Here “

Dad ………………………………………..Played by: Robert Sr. ( Brad )

Mom ................Played by: Bernadine ( Billie )

Brother………………………….Played by: Robert Jr. ( Brad)

Sister………………………………..Played by: Trudy ( Trudy )

And of course our cute, lovable, sometimes

mischievous star: Ralph…….Played by: Himself

Brought to you by ……….. “Politically Correct…..Not “

Story line…………….. “ H.I.G.H. “ Saga

Written, Produced and told by…R.L.Bradbury

aka… Ralph….aka….Brad

Well, if you recall the last thing that was going on in my new life was being informed of what I was going to be called....ugh....you know that there will be plenty of retaliation, extra dirty diapers, more crying for no reason at all, up most of the night and spitting up in the most in-optune times...giggle giggle goo goo coo...hey, they named me, this is the moronic communication they get. You should see the faces and noises they and all their other tribe members bring to my face. And what the hell is up with all that finger under my chin stuff? Do they think I am a finger puppet? Anyway, along with the constant line of friends and relatives making wired ass noises and the ever touchy touchy, life at my new home is just that so far...LIFE.

They make, did you hear what I said...MAKE my brother Bob hold me. It is like sitting in a icy steel claw that could squeeze me into a....well, embryo..again. He does not want me on his lap, I do not want to be on his lap and....I got an idea....pppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....MOM. HE JUST WET ALL OVER ME........GET HIM OFF, GET HIM OFF, GET HIM OFF...............well, alrighty then, that works great, note to myself: Peeing gets results in your favor.

My brother and I now have an understanding, if he is forced to hold me for any reason at all then he will do it with as much love and passion that he can muster up or suffer the consequences from me.

In tales to come, you will see how this carved out our relationship.

Anyway, was just sitting around and thought I would give you a chuckle.

You all be safe.............Later, Brad

How I got here. (H.I.G.H. saga)

2009-03-25T16:27:00.000-04:00

Since I do not always have a lot to say, I have decided to entertain you with the reasons why I am like the way I am by letting you see parts of my life that has brought me to this time and place were I am today. Oh lucky you. I am sure that at my expense you will find humor in my growing pains. These little nostalgic glimpses of my past will be brought to you during lulls of nothing else to talk about. I hope you will enjoy them.

It all started when I was at a very young age. I was in a place that was warm and secure and I felt very safe and comfortable. When all of a sudden someone yells "MY WATER BROKE" and things began to happen very quickLY after that. I am not a happy camper and I react in the only way I know, remember I am very young. I stretch, kick, pull and punch at my now collapsing surroundings. I notice a bright light and as I gaze towards it. there is a head at the opening looking in and shouting push push push and I am getting squeezed and being forced down the tunnel toward the light and again I grab and punch and kick to try and stop this maddening ride all the while this head is shouting push push push and a wailing banshee is screaming her head off and I am really getting freaked. The head is saying it sees a head and to push push push, I see a head and do the same, I push back toward where I came. But I am out numbered, the banshee is screaming and yelling and squeezing me out while the head, which now has hands is pulling my head, it is a damn good thing that I am very young and don't have teeth because the head would be with out hands if I did. Now I am in this big room and the banshee has stopped those god awful screams and the head is now holding me upside down by my feet. God, please let me pee on him. Its a boy the head says and I think well duh, I knew that. There is this other person standing by the head of the banshee saying we shall call him Ralph. RALPH?????? What the hell is RALPH??? You got the whole alphabet to use, even the letter R has many variations to choose from. RALPH???? Hell, Ridiculous starts with R, that is another form of the name Ralph. Ralph, for the love of god what have I gotten into?

Here I am, to where I have no clue other then being with what I assume is a variation of my species. I now have parents and a brother whom I do not know because like I said before, I am at a very young age. Oh, I will get to know him soon enough and this thing called life.

More to follow in the ever growing saga of H.I.G.H.

You all be safe..............Later, Brad

" Driving "

2009-03-22T14:51:00.000-04:00

As I ride along these sometimes lonely highways_____
I think of all the things I see.
Into the night I drive ever long________
for tomorrow there is somewhere I have to be.

The cities and towns all lit up______
and families are gathered at home.
I get filled with envy of them______
for here I ever roam.

I see it all from my driver's seat_____
the beauty and the beast.
From the mountains to the oceans____
from who have most and who have least.

It is a life of traveling_____
never knowing whats around the next bend.
You drive both day and night_____
on a road that never really ends.

It is though I am a part of the roads___
that it flows through my veins.
It is a body of boats and airplanes____
trucks to trains.

Trucking is a way of life for many_____
to which my life I give.
Untill you touch, feel and see what I have____
perhaps you have not really lived.

You all be safe.............Later, Brad

" JUST SO YOU KNOW "

2009-03-20T19:14:00.000-04:00

I really do read and or listen to Ruth Ann read me other peoples blogs. I laugh and enjoy them. You are all fantastic writers. I also read the comments that you leave on my so called writings and I want to thank each of you for taking the time to leave them. I have done funny blogs, telling blogs and personal blogs. I want you to know that I do take your sentiments to heart and I thank you for your inspiring words. Not everyday is a fun one nor a good one. It is hard to let things just slid off your shoulders and carry on as if nothing happened. In time, all things seem to endure and get better, but the little video or the recording in your heart and mind last for ever. So you go on with your life and try to look at it in a way that makes some sense to you. Each step seems to be a very big slow step and in a path of unsure footing. But you follow each step with another and another and pretty soon the past is just that. Yes, it is still a part of you but now you moved on. Everyone of us has laughed, cried, felt pain and suffered losses. We are never alone in that respect. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that I thank my loved ones, I thank my friends and I thank you who care and leave those inspiring words that help me get on with my getting on.

You all be safe............Later, Brad

" THE TRIP "

2009-03-20T19:07:00.000-04:00

This is the load I most enjoyed. It started out at NAS North Island at San Diego,CA. For those of you who may not know what NAS means it stands for Naval Air Station. We have a military load. But it is not just any military load, it is a NAVY load. Why is this a big deal? DUHHH, I was in the NAVY!!! .So this is just way cool.

The load starts in San Diego,CA then to Crane, IN then to Sterling,VA then to Shelton,CT then to Merrimack, NH then to Kittery, ME. We were at the NAS, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the Aircraft Prop Shop, the Sikorsky Helicopter Aircraft Company, the facility for Advanced Defense Early Warning Systems and last but not least the Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard where they build Submarines.

We were under a broker load, and believe it or not, it was a good experience. The lady that we worked with was very pleasant and knew what she was talking about. She sent us directions to each of our stops and everyone was right on. I did not know how to handle this. We hardly ever get good directions. Not only was her routing on the money but everyone that we dealt with from the guards to the military personnel to the civil servant workers to the civilian workers were friendly, polite and accommodating. OMG, I have died and went to Heaven. I did not get mad one time, Yea Navy. And then to top it all off, the Lady gave us a big pat on the back and a “Atta Boy” to us. Really? I am not dead? All this really did happen? Wow, and they said miracles ceased to exist.

It was a very fast four days of 3459 miles but it was really fun, We were even in the shop for a service in route and lost time there but still made every stop on time. When you are doing something that you enjoy, things seem to go so much better. Ruth Ann was able to get a lot of pictures and we were able to sleep a couple of times without the truck moving, that is ALWAYS a good thing. I hope that we will be able to get a similar load in the very near future.

You all be safe…………Later, Brad

" THE SHY IS FALLING THE SKY IS FALLING !!??!!?? "

2009-03-13T21:43:00.000-04:00

Let me take you back in time to the days of "Yore"____you know, the era of "Your" laughing at me. If you recall, there was the day of scraps, bumps, bruises, blood, cussing, breaking of finger nails and oh yes, let us not forget the infamous screwing of the thumb with the electric drill. Oh, how I miss those days of great pain. Yeah, right. Everyone knows that I can not make it though one day without hurting myself in one way or another.

Anyway, back to the shelf. You would think that after all my aches, pain, sweat and blood it would be a shelf that would endure the ages. But ney I say to you, only about 200 miles. Alas, it decided to creak, rock, sway, groan and miss-quote Chicken Little.." THE SHELF IS FALLING THE SHELF IS FALLING !!!!! ". I swear I heard it laughing all the way down.

Now we have this pile of mangled wood amidst our clothes. If I thought I had a hard time getting it all in the truck before it was put togeather and without all of our clothing to deal with, well lets just say that was the easy part. Again, much pain, busted knuckles, scrapes, blood, broken finger nails, cussing and owing. So as in " When Days Were Old and Knights Were Bold" we left our load beside the road and drove away contented. Well, not really. We were at a rest area above West Memphis, Arkansas and Ruth Ann stacked the deceased ( Dead Wood ) remains of the shelf in a neat pile next to a trash barrel.

So, now we get home again and along with doing the tax's I plan a new shelf. A better shelf. A " SUPER SHELF ! "

Oh lame shelf take heed, the " NINJA SHELF " cometh. It is born of 1/2" Plywood, Metal Brackets, Washers, Lock Washers, Nuts, Bolts and Tie-down Straps. Unlike its weakling ancester with but only 2 levels, This mighy Beast is a 3 level Skysraper. I fret that if it should ever tumble it would surely take the truck with it.

So I plead with all of you to "Hail the Shelf" and wish "It" safe riding. For it looms over our heads and we give daily thank to "It" for storing our belongings so well. The beauty of
"It" is worth all the money and pain that was put into "Its" creation.

You all be safe. later...Brad

Need to get it off my chest

2009-03-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

This will be a little, well a lot, different from any of my usual run of the mouth Blogs. I have a few things that I need to get fof my chest. I will not bore you with the complete story of my life to date, but I do want you to understand where I am coming from. My childhood was pretty much the same as everyone's. The things that helped hone my persona were formed at a very young age. My parents were good parents and I love and miss them, neither are here anymore. My Mother was the typical house wife of that era. Coffees, card parties, shopping, a little part time job sometimes and taking care of the kids. My Father was a working man and a good provider. Neither of them the "hands on " types of parents. They loved us and were there for us, but not the roll around on the floor or go fishing type of parents. My Dad was a big flirt and a hug and kiss type of guy. My Mom was a funny and loving person. Oh, by the way, I have an younger sister and my older brother is also no longer with us. You can see, I was the middle child. That is not a good position to be in. My Dad was very judgmental.

Enough said about my childhood. I have had many ups and many, many let downs. I have been hurt. I have learned that trust in general is no more than a word. So throughout the years I have put up walls to the point that I would not allow anyone to enter my little black world. No, I was not having a pity party, it was a place that was mine and mine alone and no one could destroy it. Foolish, perhaps.

I am very judgmental and I judge by first impressions. I know, that is wrong and I should always look for the good in people and things. Well, from my life experiences I do not look at the world in the same way most other people do.

I still have my little world, but now I fill it with people that are close to me. If you find yourself in it you should consider yourself privileged, not because I am special, it is because I find you extraordinary and very special. Not all are welcome inside, some are allowed at the gate where I am more than happy to be with there. But they cant come in.

You are asking yourself what the heck is he talking about. Stay with me please, I am getting to it I am trying really hard to type my words in a manner that will not be filled with anger.

The saying "Blood is thicker than water" is not so much the case with me. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love my family, but that does not mean the I like them. There are some that have used, lied and turned their backs on me. Each to their own, but not in my world. I have 6 children of my own and only one of them is part of my life. Not my choice, there's.

When I married Ruth Ann, she brought with her an amazing family. I was truly blessed. I love each and everyone of them and if anyone would hurt any of them I would defend them to the max.

There was one person in this configuration that I felt was a very unique individual. He was, for me, a hard person to figure out. But, there was something about him I really liked. As time went by the more I liked him and admired him. After years, we, I thought, became friends. Unlike me, I trusted this friendship and he was one of the few that I placed in my little world. It did not take long for the knife to be put in my back. While he was pretending to be the great father and terrific husband he was laughing and lying and cheating on the whole family. No, it is not about me I am not the most hurt one. What I am sayingis that no matter who you think someone is, perhaps you may want to take another look.

Are the gates to my world close, no. Will I still let people in, yes. Can I trust people...........I will always hope so, but because of this I once again raise the bar a little .

I hope you are in my world, it would be lonely without you.

You all be safe...........Later, Brad

" To Hat or Not To Hat...!!!! "

2009-03-10T01:41:00.000-04:00

Anyone that knows me, or even if you have only seen pictures of me you know that I sometimes wear a Cowboy hat, not that I am one, and it is BLACK. It is what I call my attitude hat. It may represent me being happy, I do have those moments, or it could be because I am....well a little not so happy. But the main thing I am trying to impress upon you is that the Hat is BLACK !!

Now, I said all that because of my son Virgil. We were able to get with him and his lovely family during the Christmas holidays. We exchanged gifts and all were happy. It is so hard to buy for people when you don't get to see them for months at a time. During the visit and the many conversations that evolved so many topics as we have not seen them for over a year and there was a lot of catching up to do. Anyway, Virgil said something about a Duster, the coat not the car, that he got and I said that I had always wanted to get one but never really had the money for one when I was thinking of it. It was like Thomas Edison re-born, his face lit up as the light bulbs in his head came to life. Hey, Cattleya (his wife), guess what Dad likes? He said he always wanted a Duster like mine. She said "Great, now we know what we can get him"! My son, like myself, likes black.My son, not like myself, is pretty buff and a little taller and heavier than me. He likes black. Did I already say that? Well, I don't care because it is important to this story.

For my Birthday they bought me a Duster? Well, they thought they did. What came was a Waist Coat. A very nice one, and it was Large and it was Brown. Again, I am a medium and well I like BLACK !!!!!

I called him and he asked how I liked the coat and I said that it was a very nice coat and that it was Brown and that it was a Waist coat and that it was large and that I was very happy that he had bought it for me. He said "WHAT", it is not suppose to be a Waist coat it is suppose to be a Duster and that it is suppose to be Black.

I said...nope!! he said to send it back to the shipper and that they would have to exchange it because that was not what he ordered. I said..OK !! Oh, by the way, this coat is Large, it is kind of big. He said that they run big and did not know what size to get. I asked him what size he got, thinking that it would be large and he said a medium. A Medium? Virgil, you are bigger then I am what made you think that a large would fit me if it did not fit you....then there was a lot of good humor cutting each other down for a few minutes..I love that kid.

We called the shipper and was told to put it back in the bag it came in and to tape it up and send it back via UPS. We did as we were told and just like Elvis Presley's song "Return to sender" it came right back the very next day. UPS said that the package had been open, DUH, and that they could not return it to the shipper.

Ring Ring Ring, hello Virgil? Guess what, UPS won't take it. More phone calls to the shipper. Our sister leaves the package on the back porch, and in a day or two it is gone. Please God tell me UPS picked it up.

Ring Ring Ring, hello Virgil? The package has been picked up. They call the shipper and the shipper has the returned coat. They now have to reorder the coat, Duster----Medium----Black. Okay, got it, we will ship it to your Dad via U S Postal.

Excelsior, The package has come. It is a small box that looks like it may hold a shirt not a coat. But I open it and amazingly it is a Duster. I get it unfolded and it is a Medium and it fits, told you so Virgil. And it is B......rown. Crap. It is a very dark Brown and I grab my Hat because I am really hoping upon all hopes that perhaps it is really Black and not Brown. Hell no, it is sssooooooo Brown. Now I am beside myself on what to do. If I send it back then the kids will have to go through the re-ordering thing again, and I really don't want that. If I keep it, then I will have to buy another hat. Oh Me..Oh MY..!!!!!!

Well, I think that I am going to keep the Brown Duster, I am afraid that if I send it back I just may get a Pink TUTU instead of the Right Coat, the Right Size and the Right Color. So To Hat or Not to Hat was the question and I have answered it to the best of my knowledge and that is my final answer.

You all be safe. Later, Brad
'

Can you spell...D U M B ?

2009-03-08T00:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I really don't know where to start. The stupidity never ceases to amaze me. It is like all the comedians say..."I CANT MAKE THIS STUFF UP". I loose it pretty much on a daily basis because of it. I know, it does not do any good to let it get to me, but for some reason I cannot help myself. I know not only because it wares me out but because my lovely wife Ruth Ann will in no uncertain terms tell me I am making an ass of myself. I really do owe my life to her...she has let me live.

To start with, I guess I will start with the fast food industry. I will not pick anyone in particular because they are all about the same. Almost the same menu, almost the same smells, almost the same taste and for certain the same type of employees. Where in the hell do these people come from? If you are lucky enough to find the order taker an English speaking person then at least you got that going for you. As you know, or if you have not read another bog or don't know us_____we are Brad, Ruth Ann and Baby Girl (our alternative child, our Min-Pin)____so when the order is placed it covers all three of us. Ruth Ann has the only normal order____ double cheese burger, fries and ranch dressing. Me, don't quite so normal but not hard____two cheese burgers with nothing on them and a _______here it comes, wait for it.........."WILL THAT BE TWO CHEESE BURGERS WITH NOTHING ON THEM? DO YOU WANT CHEESE ON THEM?......no, I want to pay extra for the hamburgers and just call them cheese burgers...dumb-ass....and give me a small fry. Then............"SO THAT IS TWO CHEESE BURGERS WITH NOTHING ON THEM EXCEPT THE CHEESE, RIGHT"? Right, now......"WILL THERE BE ANYTHING ELSE"?....Y---E----S, I also want two hamburgers with nothing on them, not even a bun, it is for our dog.."DO YOU WANT CHEESE ON THEM"?...I said nothing, no cheese, no ketchup, no mustard, no lettuce, no pickle and no bun. Put them in a little container or wrap them in paper I don't care just don't put anything on them, it is for the dog and the dog get pissed when it as to eat around all that crap. They read it back and after a few adjustments they place the order. During the time it is being prepared the order taker is telling the food builder ( I don't know what else to call the people behind the line, they are not cooks) how to fill my order, and then there is the food sliding down that metal troughs and being bagged by the order taker. I have to remind them to put the ranch dressing in the bag. I peer into the bag and count, people..you have to at least count to make sure the quantity is at least right.
There are enough packages and so off I go to deliver the feast to my awaiting family. We pull our bounty from the bags and unwrap our mundane super. Yea, Ruth Ann has a complete and right order. Next it is Baby Girl, they have put her food in a plastic covered bowl, oh how special she is. But alas, her dinner is right only in the part that there are two hamburger patties in the bowl. You ask, how could they mess this up...oh, please let me inform you. The two patties are resting on top of a leaf of lettuce,and did they leave them naked (with nothing on them)? NO!!!! They have decided to decorate them not with just ketchup but with added flair, mustard also. Baby Girl just looks at it and rolls her eyes then looks at me as if to say.."You know that I am going to eat your food, I don't care what you do with this crap"!!! I want to go back inside and wipe the condiments off on there counter and let them know who and what I think they are, but I don't..because I am such a people person. Ruth Ann reverses the problem with Baby Girls food by wiping off the goo on the burgers, throwing away the leafy green yuck and puts the bowl on the floor and Baby Girl looks up at her and I swear throws her a kiss and then inhales her food. I look at mine and am very surprised that they got it right. I take a bite and Baby Girl is barking and bouncing off my leg begging for my food.

Sooooooo, now let get to the jobby thingy. We have delivered in Aurora,IL and was then dispatched on a load picking up in the Chicago area at a UPS facility, we get to Willowbrook,IL and the load cancels. So we set there waiting to see what our wonderers travel planner is going to come up with next. Now, this is the 4th and we are suppose to be home on the 5th, 600 miles away. We are told to go to Palatine,IL and drop our empty trailer at a UPS facility. That load is going to York,PA. Nope, we are not going to take it, we are just going to give up our trailer and someone else will come and get the load. HHHMMMMMmmm..very, very astute. So we sit another couple of hours. Now they want us to go to Hodgkin,IL....you guessed it...to pick up an empty trailer...where you ask..why at an UPS facility. "ARE WE HAVING FUN YET??????" So off we go again. We get the empty trailer and they send us the load information. It is a Dial Tile load, heavy. It is going to Edgerton,MD....nope, not WV. And it does not pick-up till in the morning and then delivers on the 9th. We get the load and after weighing it three times to get the axles right we are off. We get to Perrysburg,OH. they tell us that they want us to take the load to Columbus,OH and drop it and pick-up a load going to VA, not WV. Needless to say, I have pretty much had enough of this BS and started to voice my views of it. We get abut 50 miles from the place they want us to drop the load and are told that they changed their minds. Now they want us to take it home and deliver it when we come back out from thee house. There is much discussion on the safety of the load while we are home. We live in a very small town and park right in front of the house. We are told that they will try to find another driver to pick-up the load and deliver it.

YEA, we are at home, late, but at home. The next day, I decide to do the taxes and have everything out and I am working on them. The telephone rings and it is dispatch telling us that there will be a driver picking up this load. Ruth Ann is tell dispatch on where the driver is to drop his empty till he comes up and picks up the load because there is no where to put two trailers in front of the house even long enough to switch out. All is good. Now the truck stop is in Jane Lew,WV and we live in Lost Creek,WV....5 miles apart. We are right alongside of I-79 and you can plainly see our house and the truck a trailer. I can stand on the front porch and throw a rock onto the highway, we are close to the highway. I told you all that so that you can have a better picture. Truck stop is at the 105 mile marker and we are at the 110 mile marker.

The driver calls, and it is like talking to one of the fast food order takers, and with deciphering what he is saying he may or may not be here till tomorrow. We don't care, whenever. He gets in about 8 PM and calls us from the truck stop. We say, great. Now drop your trailer and come to get this one and we will go back and get the empty after you leave with the loaded one because there is not enough room till you do. No, he says....dispatch said he cannot drop till we are there to pick-up the empty trailer. Well...I am just overly delighted with this and want to shout with joy.....who am I kidding, I shout alright...but not with joy. I am in
the middle of doing the taxes, and oh yeah....mid-afternoon there has been a truck wreck on the south bound side of I-79 around the 108 mile marker. Yep, in between us and the truck stop. Now, there is another way to the truck stop and that is by the old highway that runs right along side of I-79. I is a two lane twisty road. We take it all the time but the problem is that now there is traffic on it and the only way for me to get turned around and head back is to go to the next exit north of here. I take off and in no certain way am I a happy camper. I get up to the next exit and get turned back south. The traffic from the 110 to the 108 mile markers are at a dead stop and have been that way since the accident. I get to talking to another driver behind be and tell him that I am going to go around this and he can follow me if he wanted to. He says okay. I am about to get off at the 110 mile marker when I notice a pickup backing up the shoulder trying to get to that same exit. I have to slow down a little faster then I would have so that I am prepared for whatever little driving skill that the pickup may try. I warn the driver behind me of what is going on. The pickup is now in the wedge of the highway and exit ramp but stays put till we get by. Anyway, I make it down to the truck stop and the driver that was following me thanked me for leading him down that way. I change trailers with the driver that had been waiting for me and head home. Now it is very dark and there is little light when I get back to the house for me to see what I am doing. But, I get parked and as I walk up the drive-way I notice a pickup. I go inside and Ruth Ann introduces me to a woman she has known forever but had not seen in many years. We talk and after awhile the woman mentions that she was in that back up on the highway and had already gone by the 100 exit. You guessed it, she was the one I met at the ramp. Small world

So, here it is Saturday. The load is gone, we have an empty trailer. The taxes are done and the Fed. and State both owe us. Ruth Ann went to the eye doctor and got glasses. One of our sisters came by for a visit. I am sitting here at my bar and having a Martini. I am writing because I want to entertain all my friends.

You all be safe. Till later....Brad

Isn't trucking fun ??? !!!!!!

2009-03-02T15:40:00.000-05:00

Once again the day drifts by as we set in the truck waiting to go pick-up another load. We made it to New York state but not with out our never ending miles of little horrors. When they decided to free us from Los Angeles, and oh yeah, we now have our IFTA sticker, and headed us to Mablevale, AR. It was cold and windy, but the roads were good. We got to Bushland, TX and we switched out driving. It was my turn. Ruth Ann went in to get a few things at the Love's Truck Stop and then when she came back she took Baby Girl out for her potty break, Baby Girls not Ruth Anns. I finished up my log and Ruth Ann and Baby Girl got back in and off we go. After about 40 miles Ruth Ann come to the realization that she no longer has her glasses. We pull over and search everywhere, and I mean everywhere from the top of the fuel tanks, to the bottom of the trash can. From under the seats and down Ruth Ann's blouse..hhhhhmmmmmm...better take another look down there to make sure....lol....but to our dismay, they are not to be found. Ruth Ann calls the truck stop and they said they would go look. We debate on going back but with reluctance we continue on with the trip. But both of us are not happy with that decision and decide to turn around and go back. We have now driven 50 miles from the truck stop. On the way back Ruth Ann call the truck stop again and they say that they looked but found no glasses. When we get there, there is a truck parked in the spot we was parked in. This did not set well in either of our minds. Ruth Ann goes to the passengers side of the truck and low and behold, there are her glasses, right where they fell off her blouses neck line as she put Baby Girl back in the truck. The only difference now is that they are in a handy dandy storable size. Yep, both lens in many pieces and the frames all bent. She picks up a few lens pieces and the frame and stores them in a sandwich bag for future whatever. Off we go again and we deliver in Mablevale,AR without anymore problems.

Our next pick-up is in St James, MO. about 300 miles north of us. Off we go on yet another fantastic journey. Ruth Ann is driving and she is on Hwy 63 in Missouri. I wake up and pull the curtains open only to find that perhaps I am blind because I can see nothing out the windshield. Oh, I forgot to put my glasses on. There, that should be better...nope....it only made it worst because now I can see that I cant see. Crap. The windshield is iced over and the wipers are caked with the stuff. We are only doing 15 mph and cant see were we are going. It is a two lane road and there is no shoulder and no where to pull off. And of course, we are the leader of the parade. There are a bunch cars and trucks behind us that can see where they are going and are getting rather upset with us...They should have left earlier. After what seemed like hours we come upon a gas station that has a couple of trucks in it. Ruth Ann, I want to make something very clear right now, has done a fantastic job getting us here, her only means of knowing that we was still on the highway was the center rumble strip and the birm rumble strip that we bounce back and forth off of. Anyway, we turned to pull into the gas station lot not really knowing where the drive was. As we pulled in, there was a Walmart truck that was going to come out but had already jacked-knifed and was stuck. We pulled down and onto the lot to only find out that we did not know how to get around the station to the back. At the same time we was wondering, another USXpress truck pulled down behind us and a CFI truck was ready to turn in behind him. The only thing that was missing was the Indians because we had the wagons circled. It was still snowing like crazy. I got out and walked almost knee deep in snow up the other drive way and made my way around back. I came back and with great..if you remember the last time I had to do this, displeasure drug out a couple of chains and got them on. I stopped and counted my fingers, felt my head for blood, and looked to make sure my feet were on the ground. Everything was alright and I had to ask myself WHY. Anyway, we tried to get going but to no avail. After many many many tries, I was able to get off the lot and then around back only to be blocked by 3 other trucks. The hell with it, we are spending the night. A tow truck came and got Walmart out, then the USXpress truck had to use him because now he was stuck. He got out and left. The trucks that were in front of us got out and left. We still had the chains on and decided to try and go. We were about 35 miles from Rolla, Mo where I-44 is and the highway we needed, So, off we went. When we got to Rolla, I pulled off on the on ramp and took the $$@@%%$#^ chains off and put them away. We made it to St James, MO. and got our load then drove a few miles to Cuba, MO. and spent the night as we were both exhausted from our fun filled day. So now here we are in Liverpool,NY picking up a Fed Ex load tonight going to Newark,NJ. Wow, a whole 242 miles. Boy, we are in the money now. We are suppose to be home on the 5th and OMG, I can hardly wait. You all be safe. Later, Brad

"What country is this???"

2009-02-25T21:42:00.000-05:00

Jes?..Can I hlp jew?? What? My name is not Jes and I am not a jew. Oh I get it, I am at a fast food counter and I am now going to try to order something from someone that does not either know very good English or just refuses to use it.

I was in a Pilot truck stop the other day doing something that is so easy and requires the minutest use of the brain. I pulled the truck on the CAT scale and then went in to get the ticket, While on the scale I was asked for the truck number and I gave it and then was told to come to get the ticket. See how easy this sounds...."NOT". Now the stupidity starts. There are two women, no I am not putting down women so calm down, behind the counter. There are two lines each with 10 people in them, I know because I counted them. Now there is 11 in one because I am in it....but as the story of my life goes, it is the wrong one and the other one is moving faster. Anyway, after a good 15 minutes I reach the front of the line and get ready to pay the $9.00. Jes, can I hlp Jew? It is not only fast food places that hire these people. I say yes, I want to get my scale ticket. Jour what? Jew want a scale ticket? Yes, I want my scale ticket. Oh sir, I m sory, I cnt do that. Jes have to go to the other lady to do that. I say, ARE YOU FRIGGIN,(not the real word) ME, I JUST SPENT 15 FRIGGIN (again, not the real word) IN THIS LINE AND NOW YOU TELL ME I HAVE TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN????!!!!!!!!!???!!???? Jes, I m new and don't no how to do it...LOOK, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TAKE THE DAMM TICKET OUT OF THE MACHINE, PUT THE COMPANY NAME ON IT AND PUT THE TRAILER NUMBER ON AND TAKE MY FRIGGIN MONEY..ANY FRIGGEN CHILD CAN DO IT, EVEN A MEXICAN. I m sory, I cnt hlp you...

Nope, I did not wait in the other line, nor did they get my money. We left and went to another truck stop and scaled the load and I went inside and managed to do this extremely hard transaction with amazingly ease.

I am so tired of having to work with incompetence and this so called free trade, free right to work, free open boarders bull that I cannot see straight. Call me what you will but the way I see it we have literally screwed ourselves out of jobs and homes.

Free country my ass. It used to be that we had a say in what was what. Now, if you are not a minority you are a minority. What this country needs is a swift kick in the ass. We need to close our borders, If you want to be an American, then you need to file your papers, go to immigrant classes, and be sworn in. And guess what, we speak ENGLISH here. Learn it or get out. If I wanted to speak a different language, it would be because I was going to a foreign country and wanted to be able to communicate. Get it, a different country. This is America, I am a American, I speak English...learn it.

I think also that we should cut back on the export and import business. Grow it, build it here then eat it and buy it here. I feel that this would make us solvent again. Helping our own is what we should do. I feel sorry for those in other countries but our products and our money should be applied to our own. The goverment spends billions of dollars each day. I thin we should have a say in that matter. Perhaps we should work for the goverment, they have all the money. Wait, they wor for us, that IS our money, hey dammit, I want some of my money to pay these bills. United we stand until it is time to stand up for what is ours. WE THE PEOPLE
demand our country, rights and voice back again. Democrate, Republican or what ever, this is our country and if you are not n American and are here for more ten just a short vacation then please, get the hell, and come back again thank you

Another thing...this war crap really mystifies me. We are at war, with the enemy. They kill and maim us and we do the same to them. What the hell is this..

WE ARE GOING TO REBUILD YOUR COUNTRY crap? How about all the lives, the wounded, the destruction of our equipment that they destroyed and harmed. Not even an "I am sorry". Bullshit, rebuild their country my ass.

HHHHMMMmmmmmm...guess Brad is having a bad day. No, not really, just that this stuff really gets to me and I get really tired of it. Like this company we work for. Our IFTA permits are due on the truck by the 1st of March. We told them a few weeks ago to send them to our terminal in Olive Branch,MS. When we got there, the Fed Ex truck had not arrived yet so we waited there most of the day. It was getting late and we had to drive about 350 miles to pick-up our next load and we had to leave. About an hour latter we got a message that the Fed Ex had come. We, I , sent the terminal a message saying that we were to far away now and for them to please send it to Colton,CA, another one of our terminals as that is where we would be next. Guess what, when we got to the Colton area we called and nope, there was no Fed Ex there for us, oh, Ruth Ann had also called the main Office and told them that we would be in Colton and to make sure it was sent there. Now it is two weeks latter and it is now the 25th of Feb. We went thru this ordeal again on the way back out here, to Colton, and then when I called Colton I was told...ready for it...nope, not here. I called Olive Branch and you guessed it, they are still there. Ruth Ann called the main office and told them where we were again and they said that they would send it and that it would be here tomorrow..yeah, I really believe that. But here we are sitting not making any money waiting on them.

Oh, while we sit in California, you cannot idle your truck so you pay for IdleAire. For 24 hours of that service it cost $65.00 . If you go to the yard you cannot idle there either and with Baby Girl and both of us in a non-running truck..well it is just not the best of things. Yes, there is a terminal you can go in, people..not pets. IdleAire has a thing you put in your window that allows you to have electric outlets, phone outlets and data ports along with your own air and heat, so you pay and pay and pay and you do not get re-reimburse.

And then to top it all off I was an asshole yesterday..all day yesterday and really bad lastnight..yep, I am telling on myself, and now I have to figure out how to get back in my wife's graces. If I called myself an asshole then you better believe that I was. I guess if you want to take sides I could not blame you because if I had a chance I would take her side also. I could say I am sorry, but I say that a lot..I can be hard to live with at times...so if I put it in writing and the whole world..well anyone who reads this...will see it. I am so sorry for being me Ruth Ann, please forgive me, I Love you very much.

I will close with these last words...................2 $$@$#####@^&*((*&&^^^$%%#%##@@$$%%%....there, that should take care of it for awhile.

" O...M...G "

2009-02-19T23:18:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is, a beautiful sunny day, a little chilly but what the heck, it is winter after all. We just left Nevada and are now in California headed to Porterville, CA to deliver. We are taking our time and enjoying the ride and scenery as we have lots of time. We come to one of the highways that are on our route and it says that trucks of a certain length are not advised, but we are from WV and are used to twisty roads and since we are routed that way... venture on. No big deal, yep..had a couple tight turns but no problems. Now we are at Lake Isabella,CA and it is gorgeous. Big lake surrounded by mountains and it has a cute little town. This is where we pick up a different highway, HIGHWAY???, more like someone's driveway. As soon as you turn onto it you are going up an 11% grade with "S" turns and switchbacks and it says for the next 14 miles. The truck must have read the sign also because all of a sudden it did not want to deal with it anymore and we had just got started. On up, up, up we go and then a sign reads.."Winter Conditions May Exist". HHHMMmmmm,well like I said, it is winter..so onward travelers, onward. Every once in awhile, there is some snow and ice on the road but we have no problems..hehehe, this is going to be a cake walk...(Never ever never say that)...We are now but 2 miles from the top, 2 miles and 50 miles from delivery. The truck must know that because I can hear the RPM's going up and the truck is getting all excited and huffing and puffing and even dancing.....wait a minute...the truck is not going faster, just the engine, and that huffing and puff sound is really the transmission changing gears back and forth and the dancing is us sliding side to side and backwards.. we are on snow and ice about 100 feet for dry pavement..."OMG."..we have lost traction and are lo longer going forward...."HOLY CRAP"....we are going backwards....(remember me mentioning that it is a 14 mile hill with "S" turns and switchbacks and oh yeah 11% GRADE?????) and the friggin brakes are of no use....think think think....try to jack-knife more then you already are and put the back of the trailer into the snow bank on the mountain side. Alas, we are stopped with the rear doors of the trailer in the snow bank and the tractor jacked a little into the middle of the road but not enough to block traffic, oh yeah, during this fun ride backwards the passenger side bumper was able to stop BEFORE we did, and now has ridded its self of extra weight like braces, brackets and some useless plastic. Okay, I have stopped peeing my pants and was able to pry my hands from the steering wheel. I need to get out and view the situation. Just as soon as my feet hit the snowy icy pavement they decided the view would be much better if they were above my head and they take flight and my butt makes a nose dive for the frozen earth...wwwwweeeeeeeee...oh just fun...BAM...not so funny..I get up and scold my feet for their prank....perhaps I should not have been so harsh with them as they retaliated and did it again a little later. We carry chains because we have to, it is the law in some states, but we do not use them. If it is bad enough to put them on then it is bad enough not to go anywhere. But here we are, in a very bad situation and I am going to have to put these #Q@$#%^$$#@ things on. Now the fun begins, while trying to get them out of the basket and bags they are in I have managed to bloody most of my knuckles, the tops of my hands and my fore arms, now I have a long sleeve shirt, a heavy coat and thick gloves on so I am not sure how all these wounds came about, oh yeah..I also broke 5 finger nails. But I get two chains out and as I am putting them on the tires...OUCH %%$#@&*&$#@#@$$#@ my head my head my head, the bottom of the trailer is really friggin hard..dammit...as I stand-up I punch the side of the trailer...OUCH....@##@#$%^%$##@ the friggin side of the trailer is hard also. Anyway, I have the chains on the tires and Ruth Ann now has to give it just a little gas so that the end of the chains will rotate around so I can secure them. Yea, I have them all hooked up. So now I climb back in the truck and very easily try, notice I said try, to get up the hill. The truck starts to move then..the truck makes these wired sounds "Nope,I am not gonna go no where cause I did not wanna come up here to begin with !!!"..and we don't. I get back out..remember what I said about the retaliation feet..well there I am again looking at the sky. I get back up and check out the chains..CRAP, broke one...get it off and now I got to dig out another one when I catch movement out of the corner of my eye..I turn and see that the Calvary has arrived...a CHP officer is walking my way. He says...What's going on? OMG I wish I had a sign right then so I could have said that I was in the area and wanted to install a new ride for the kids....here's your sign. But I thought better of that and told him that well, we were stuck and that one of my chains broke and we lost traction. He said yeah, but what are you doing up here...again, I thought about another sign thing..but knew I should not. I said we are headed to Porterville and that this is the way the company told us to come. He said NAY NAY, driver, no trucks over 65 feet in length are allowed on this highway ever, we are 75 feet, then the words..."LET ME HAVE YOUR DRIVER LICENCSE, MEDICAL CARD AND TRUCK REGISTRATION". CRAP, I know what that means. He did say for me to continue what I was doing...lucky for him he did not say to continue what I was thinking....Anyway, got a new chain on and low and behold...nope, it broke also. I am now ready to have war with the world and everything and everyone in it when he, the CHP, comes back and see's or feel's the raging maniac within me and kindly says now Sir, this does not go against your license. and that he is sure that the company will pay the fine as it is their fault for sending us this way and hands me the ticket..Oh thank you sir, I will send this into the company..ggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. As it turns out he can see that we are in a position that is going to take more than chains and he leaves and goes and gets a road crew. They plow and throw some sand and hook their grader to us and pull us up to the cleared spot in the road, 100 feet, where we can make a "U" turn. They give us the thumbs up and I think laugh as they turn away. The CHP said that he would follow us and make sure we were okay, If he is so worried about us why doesn't he drive the damn truck down the mountain and let us drive his car?. So we start down, now we have an automatic transmission which means it is crap. We have Jake brakes but they only work in 6th or 7th gear at a faster speed then dead turtle, which is the speed I plan on taking. I put it in 1st gear and lock it in and start off, the RPM's go from 0 to 2500 in a heart beat, the engine is screaming, and I think I can make out the words it is saying.."WHAT THE F--- ARE YOU DOING TO ME????" I simply reply, better you than hot brakes. We drive, if that is what you want to call it, for about 2 miles that took nearly 30 minutes and get to dry pavement. I pull over to the side in a little pull off area and the CHP pulls up along side of us and said that we should be okay now for the rest of the way down, I get out and take the three chains I have on off and we continue the rest of the way down. We take the route that the CHP told us to take and 90 miles later we are on the back side of the mountain we were on and still 20 miles from delivery. Remember that when we where almost to the top we were but 50 miles from delivery? But we made it and all is well. The next day we put the truck in the shop to get the bumper replaced and also to fix a leaking windshield, nothing to do with the mountain. The bumper parts have be ordered so the company says to forget the bumper for now but to go ahead and fix the windshield. While they are taking the window out they break it and now it has to be ordered. So here we sit in a motel not making any money because some stupid computer programmer that has put a routing program together for us to follow has has (Politically Correct phrase) made love to us...think about it, think about it...aahhhh, I think you got it. Have I ever mentioned WHAT A GREAT LIFE A TRUCKERS LIFE IS ?????
AMEN !!!

oooOOOOOOCCCCCHHHHHHHH

2009-02-06T18:36:00.000-05:00

Well here is it the day after the BD and nothing has changed. Lets see, got up and came downstairs and had my first cup of coffee as I try to focus my eyes on the screen on my pc. So far so good. My lovely sister Wanda came out and brought her dog, a very very happy dog that wants to show it's love by jumping into your chest. Oh yeah, did I mention that the dog is a small horse and weights about the same. Some how I kept my footing and survived. The next little item is to go to the Post Office. I jump into the car and turn the key....nothing. Crap!! Get Wanda's keys and go to the Post Office. Oh, if you do not already know, the Post Office is my Xanadu. I arrive to retrieve my bounty only to find that they have changed their hours and there is 45 minutes to wait. I go back home and jump start our car off Wanda's. I wait the allotted time and go back to the Post Office and retrieve our mail..yeaaaa!!!

Next is to bring the dirty laundry in from the truck, which I do and about have a heart attack carrying all that grime down out of the truck into the house and up the stairs.

Now, for the main event. We have a new truck and with all we carry I must make a shelf to hold it all. I climb up and down and in and out till I have all but one, mind you ONE screw left to put in and the job is done. Did I mention that I only had one screw left to insert into the wood? The wood puts up a fight, the drill is at max RPM, the screw is trying to penetrate, the body and arm is pushing with intent. Then, for no reason that I can think of, the drill bit decides it has had enough and jumps out of the screw head, did I mention that my arm and body was pushing hard on the drill?, and it leapt to its death bringing the drill , arm, body with it. Oh, fear not, it did not accomplish its suicidal death because my thumb broke its fall. Drill still engaged and bit still spinning and yet my thumb was able to stop all this rushing force..oooOOOOOOCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhh. The drill was no longer a drill, it was now a ##$#@%^&**%$#@#$. Blood gushing, thumb throbbing I make my way out of the truck and into the house....RUTH ANN!!! RUTH ANN!!! get me the peroxide and bandaids.

Peroxided and bandaided, I return to the scene of the crime and with determination, put the last screw in the wood....screw by the screw I screw the screw and it was good and they all said amen.

Once again..All about ME

2009-02-04T14:30:00.000-05:00

Well.....here it is, another birthday....ugh..well not really ugh, I don't feel any older and as Ruth Ann will quickly tell you, I don't act any older either. I refuse to get old or be or act old. I have always said that age is but a state of mind. It is not a nice day outside but in the house it is warm and cozy and I can smell the beans n ham coming from the kitchen. I have gotten a few presents, more then I deserve I am sure, and they are fantastic ones. See, if you would have come here you would also be able to enjoy my bounty, but NNNOOOOO...you had to work, or lived in another state...yeah yeah yeah...lol....really, I do wish my family and friends could be here, it is very scary with all these candles flaming...lol,

Anyway, I wont bother you anymore with this BD stuff.

Happy Birthday to me...Happy Birthday to me...I get to eat, drink and play with all my stuff..Happy Birthday to ME !!!!!!! .

Where has all my stuff gone?

2009-02-03T23:04:00.000-05:00

Driving for the company that I, we, drive for reminds me of when I joined the Navy. In Boot camp, they give you a comb, then cut all your hair off. Next they give you a tooth brush, and pull your teeth. Next, they give you a Jock strap and well, I said goodbye.......

Here they give you a truck and take away your clutch, just as well, they take the gear shift also. They give you all kinds of outside mirrors, then take them away. They give you a view camera to replace the mirrors, then forget to install it. They give you fuses and don't tellyou how to find them. They give you multi cabinets but leave only room for a note pad. They give you a special motor that only runs on special fuel and is suppose to burn it off through a special thingamajig and does not. They give you wipers that do not have fuses for when they stop working. They give you catwalks and then take them away so you can hardly attach your air lines and light cord. They give you a space under your bed to store stuff then fill it with their stuff that is some kind of heater that no one knows how to tell you how it works. They give you a communication device that will allow them to say stuff to you while you drive but you cant respond till you stop. They let people type in directions that can't even spell S P E L L.

They say they are all about the driver and family, but just not yours. You can have home time in for 2 months and they still can't get you there on time.

But we are at home now and thank God for that. Tomorrow is my Birthday and Ruth Ann is fixing my favorite food...beans n ham over cornbread....love it love it love it......LOVE HER...wish you all could be here, but you can still send presents....lol.......

"The Monster Commeth"

2009-01-28T21:47:00.001-05:00

Today…….let me calm down before I start to type…………never mind, it is not going to happen…We were suppose to pick up a load in Rialto, CA going to Bloomfield, CT but on the way here it was postponed till tomorrow…ugh…but what the heck. So we had to go to a truck stop to wait, not usually a big deal….till today. This state has a no idling law, but we have never had a problem before…..TODAY!!!! Oh, by the way, did I mention that I had been in bed as Ruth Ann drove down here from Lebec, CA? Well I had been. I was waking up after she parked here at the TA (Commie) Truck Stop in Ontario,CA. She was saying that cops were everywhere here on the lot giving out tickets to drivers that had their trucks running..I thought she was kidding…NOT!!!!!! The cops would come by and write your plate number down if your truck was running then come back in 5 minutes and if it was still running you would get a ticket…$300.00 worth. The way the did it was that a cop would be in a van or car and another one would be following right behind him….just in case there was a problem….then out came the book and you now had a CA. handy duty paper receipt were your money was going to go….this is nothing more then harassment and it is private property that the TA gave permission for them to come on….now, what’s the big deal you say…oh my friend please sit down and grab a drink and I shall enlighten you…first of all…for us, we are a team with a pet…engine not running…no light, no air, not TV and no computer. They have IdleAire which will allow you to put a monster thingie in you window that will supply you with outlets so you can plug things into, also extras like internet, telephone, movies all which you pay extra for…now that don’t sound so bad now does it….WRONG……in order for the monster thingie to be of use you have to pay a membership fee for 6 months..$10.00.…..so you ask what the big deal…wait, there is more….then you have to buy this holder for your window so the monster thingie doesn’t fall down and get hurt…another $10.00...wait, there is more…..so now you got your membership card and you got your window whatchmacallit and you think you are ready…nay nay I am told…if you want to use this wonderful apparatus. you will be charged the minimum of $2.00 per hour…and of course this has to be paid up front…so you give them your money and they load it on your card…and there you go…you are ready to attach the monster thingie. You get all plugged in and you have your computers fired up, the air is on and then you realize….I don’t have any lights on and it is getting dark and there is noting on the monster thingie that will make them work..(sure wish I had a regular lamp I could plug in)…but what the hell….you have spent money and kept from getting a ticket…oh yeah, one more thing, the commie truck stop charges you $10.00 to park on its lot. Aaaahhhhhh, the life of a trucker.

What the hell happened?

2009-01-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

I am not sure about this reccesion thing. I hear about all the job loss, the companies going out of bussiness the major cut backs. I see this first hand with the company I work for, of course where this company has decided to make cut backs, to me, seems just dumb, but that is neither here nor there. How did we get in this mess? To most of us it seems that it took place almost over night, but I am sure that it has been in the works for quite awhile. The people that are in charge of our well being, you know...the ones that have been lining thier pockets over the years..Bankers, CEOs, Politicions. The ones who saw the problem, but did not try to fix or stop it when they could have. The ones who only cared about themselves.Oh, and how sorry I feel about thoes that are now being kicked out of thier luxury high profile offices...the ones that say "I am out of a job just like all the other unemployed". EXCUSSE ME. You are out of a job..WWWWAAAAAAAAAAA.....you that have millions of dollars, you are now "just like all the other" unemployed? You SOBS put us in debt, you took our jobs, you took our home. You SOBs put us on the street. How dare you compare your sorry ass's to the general American public.

I am against Free trade, I am against opening or boarders. I am against moving our companies out of the USA. I am against...I know that I will hear about this one...UNIONS!!! I guess that in one point in time, they, the unions, were a good thing. But now, all I can see they are doing is raising the price of product to meet the wages of of thier members. If a company is a non-union company and is getting along just fine and someone is hired that is pro-uniuon and organizes the other employees to start a union then that means the company has to raise its prices to meet the demands of what were content and happy employee's to the now union ever growing choking moblistic demands.

I would love to see our boaders closed, no export and no inport. I would love to see America produce, supply and buy our own. I would love to see America get back to basics and take care of our own. I would love to see America become America once more. We need to take back these United States and regain or freedom.

What the....??????

2009-01-27T11:25:00.000-05:00

When asked what I think about the election I simply answer that I believe we now live in a "Obamanation" of a troubled society. The other day I was listening to CNN when they had a "woman" that was the head of some Woman's Right organization. She was complaining about how she was so disappointed with the new president because there was just not enough women in the new cabinet. She just could not understand how he had let her down..WWWAAAAAAAAA. Hmmmmm, lets see......WHY DID YOU BACK HIM INSTEAD OF "HILLORY"? Yadda yadda yadda. I am all for women's rights, don't get me wrong, but if you are going to be for women's rights then follow the road that will help the cause. I think that if I was a woman I would vote for a woman. I am a man and I voted for a woman because I not only thought but I knew she was the best candidate.

Now, the next WWAAAAAA goes to the new First Lady....hhhmmmmmmmm, all I have heard is that the American youth are so impressed and look up to your daughters. They are becoming role models for our young. A toy manufacturer has produced two dolls that are named after them and look like them...OMG, the horror of it all. How dare they make these dolls. It would be a disgrace if the little girls who are in love with these girls were able to have a replicate of them to have and play with....for the love of god lady, they are not voodoo dolls, they are dolls....you had no problem with all the stuff that was being sold with you, his and their face's on them during election...cups, hats, nails, banners, t-shirts, posters, etc,etc....you need to pull up your big girl panties and get on with the getting on of your new position.

In the beginning

2009-01-22T16:01:00.000-05:00

Well here goes.......the blog name should say it all, but if not, then let me explain.....I am one who believes in being forth right. I feel that if you have something to say, then you should say it. I am not out to hurt feelings or cause anger, I am just saying if you got something to say then say it. To me, "Politically Correct", is a round about way of talking behind someones back. Lets see...I could say that I am a French, English German American or I could say I am a American. Why we have to tip-toe around all these so called eggshells is beyond me. With that said I offer my deepest sorrow if I should step on someones foot, so sorry.

Okay.....so much for that. I am a over-the-road truck driver and I team with my wife Ruth Ann and our min-pin Baby Girl. By the way, Ruth Ann has a blog also.."all things bradbury" you should check it out.

In my blogs the subject matter will vary depending on my mood....everything from sad to funny and from religion to politics. The latter I am sure will not be of your views but feel free to voice your thoughts.

Today is a easy day for me, I am laying around in bed and letting my lovely wife drive me around. We are delivering in NY state and the headed to MA. to pick up a load going to CA.

I have a myspace account and a facebook account for those who may be interested.

Anyway, this is my new bloggy thingy and I hope you will read and even respond. Thanks