Thankfulness

Let the new year begin!

Carlos and I brought in the new year at our 2nd home...The Dixie Inn fuel stop in Minden, LA. Our original plan was to go to Shreveport and watch the fireworks but it was cold, cold, cold and raining. Now, we already don't like the cold and we certainly don't like the cold in the rain so it didn't take us long to decide that fireworks in Shreveport were out of the question. We spent a nice cozy night snuggled up on our wee tiny couch in our truck watching fireworks out the front windshield that were being shot off in the park across the woods from us. We also watched the greatest band ever on tv playing live in Mobile, AL...The Village People...NOT!!! And who needs to see The Ball drop in NYC...not us...we saw something even better. We watched a moon pie drop in Mobile. Now people really...The Village People and a falling moon pie...what could be better!

New Year's Day...I don't know about you but the New Year's Day lunch is a very important lunch. Our parents have drilled in us that no matter what, we must have black-eye peas, collard greens, rice and cornbread. The black-eye peas are for good luck and the greens are for money; the rest, I guess just goes good with the other. Well, just because we were in the truck didn't mean this year was going to be any different...except maybe for the collards. I'm sorry but those things stink to high heaven. I can't stand the smell of them in my house and the thought of stinking up LC was...well, it wasn't going to happen. I'd probably still be smelling those things today. Thank goodness it's all superstition or else we would be busting our hineys for nothing. We did have a very good meal though. I cooked some stew beef with carrots and potatoes, rice, black-eye peas and cornbread. I kinda skimped out on dessert so Carlos went to the Huddle House and bought us a hot fudge brownie cake with ice cream. He asked me if I wanted to share one or have one by myself. "REALLY...I want my own!" It was surprisingly very good. We hate we missed spending the day with our family but as long as we are together...all is good!

We loaded January 2 in Minden with another control building for the Solar Farm. Back to Boulder City, NV we went. If you remember this is the farm that is built in a Tortoise sensitive area with the Tortoise Crossing signs. I was so hoping I'd get to see a crossing Tortoise this time but once again no Tortoise in sight. Maybe next time. We successfully unloaded in Boulder City and loaded right back going to....CONNECTICUT. I do believe we have lost our minds. Y'all know we do not do cold! You are probably asking the same question I kept asking, "What were we thinking?" Originally, we thought it was the money talking but we later realized it was the Lord.

Timothy took an extra week of vacation so he didn't leave when we did. He left the following week taking a control building to Boulder City. He loaded on Friday along with several other trucks and on Sunday morning while in New Mexico sleeping...WHAM! A super trucker decided Toot's truck needed a little remodeling. He ripped the front bumper off, tore the lights out and messed up the fender. I know accidents happen but when they do most people stop and check things out...not this driver, he kept right on going. I do not understand how someone can be so inconsiderate, disrespectful and just plain sorry. I am so thankful that Timothy wasn't alone. The drivers with him also heard the commotion and jumped out of their trucks to try and stop the hit and runner but to no avail.  Do you remember the episode of the super trucker hitting us and me getting out in the freezing cold with just my pajamas on...Timothy is a lot like his mama! It was freezing...in the 20's and he jumps out with just his jeans and a jacket on...no socks, no shoes, no shirt. One of the drivers with Timothy unhooked his truck and trailer and told him to get in. They knew which way the trucker went so they off they went, to track him down. They even went to the New Mexico scale house to see if the truck could be seen on video but of course, the video camera wasn't working. Now picture this! Timothy standing there talking to the DOT with no socks, no shoes and no shirt. He is very proud of his truck and works hard to keep it looking good and when an A-1 driver hits his truck and keeps going the last thing on his mind are clothes. The DOT rode down to the truck stop, wrote up the accident report and told Toot what he had to do for his truck to be legal on the road. Instead of spending his day off relaxing, he and the other drivers spent most of the day patching, bending and fixing his truck so it would be road legal again. Then on Tuesday...yep, there's more...his truck broke down in Flagstaff, AZ. Once again, Carlos and I are so thankful he wasn't alone. I think there were six or seven trucks traveling together to Nevada and when Timothy said he was having problems and hit the shoulder, they all hit the shoulder. They looked at his truck and advised him on what to do. They helped him find a good shop and tow truck and even pulled his trailer to the nearest truck stop. All of those drivers with Toot were under permitted loads and could only travel during the daylight hours. There wasn't a lot of daylight left when all this happened but they stayed and helped. One of the drivers even stayed at the truck stop to keep an eye on his trailer until we got there. Why in the world can't everybody be like these guys? It really isn't that hard to be polite, kind and helpful.

Our load put us on the same interstate as Toot and when his truck broke down we were only about 70 miles from him. This my friends is when we realized it wasn't the money talking to us it was the Lord. You see, we try not to go to Connecticut in the summer, y'all know how much we dislike working the north east. So us taking a load in the dead of the winter is nothing short of the work of the Lord. Some may say it was luck or a coincidence that our path crossed with Timothy's but I do not believe in luck or coincidences. I believe that it is all God. I have said it before and I'll say it again...His timing is perfect!

Sitting at the truck stop and watching your son's truck pass by hooked to a wrecker is not a pleasant sight. We were able to postpone our delivery date by one day which gave us time to take Toot's load to Kingman, Az where one of the drivers that had been with him earlier met us and picked up the trailer. This driver drove all the way to Boulder City, dropped his trailer and drove back to Kingman to get Toot's trailer so his load could be delivered on time...that is team work. After spending three days in the shop and a boat load of money he finally got his truck back, went and got his trailer and has now reloaded headed back to Georgia so his buddy at Real Life Kustom Services can get that baby looking good again. We are now on our way to Connecticut for a Tuesday delivery and then we are off to Chicago, IL. Ok, Lord you know we are not cold weather people. Timothy is going home, we have no family up north so please send us back to the warm weather. One trip up north is enough.

I have to share...when Timothy was riding with Carl for his training, I had several people ask me why I stayed home and didn't go with them. My answer was...."Are you kidding me? Carlos, Toot, me and Spice all in that truck! I don't think so!" Well, we experienced a little bit of what it would have been like. Toot stayed with us Tuesday night in the truck...yep, all three of us. The plan was for him to sleep on the cushions on the floor...well, things do not always go as planned. Since I am the shorter, smaller of the three guess who got the floor...you guessed it...ME! On top of that, I had to use a towel for a pillow because someone forgot to get theirs. When we were trying to get settled for the night Toot said, "Y'all really didn't think this thing through did ya?" Not sure we were thinking at all! He and Carlos both offered to sleep on the floor but I said I'd take one for the team...although, neither one of them offered me their pillow. I read something the other day that said Your children may get older and grow up but they will never be grown. Some of you may think we baby Timothy too much or we need to cut the cord. We don't baby him...we love him, we support him, we encourage him, we pray for him, we are proud of him and as long as Carlos and I are on this earth we will do whatever we can to be there when he needs us. I don't care how old you are, you are never too old for your mama and daddy. My parents have traveled many, many miles for us and Carl and I will always do the same for our Toot Toot.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

No matter what our circumstances we are to give thanks to the Lord. It is easy to give thanks when life is running smoothly but it takes faith, love, commitment and trust in the Lord to give thanks when life hits a brick wall or takes a curve too sharp for us to handle. It is so easy to sit around and sulk during our troubled times but it is during those times that we get our strength and perseverance to carry on through Christ Jesus. Instead of having ourselves a little pity party, as Christians, we are to keep our minds focused on Christ and give thanks for His goodness, mercy and grace. It doesn't matter what is going on in our lives there is always something to be thankful for. Expressing our thankfulness to our Lord is the first thing we should do each day. Giving thanks for the sunset...the sunrise...the rain...the snow...the voice of our loved ones, the test that came back negative...the healing of a loved one...the birds chirping...the laughing of a child...finding your keys...the touch of a tiny baby...the food on the table...nothing is too big or too small for God. Expressing our gratitude and thankfulness puts a smile on His face and shows our love for Him. I know the things that Timothy went through did not directly happen to me but they did affect me. I am thankful that Timothy wasn't riding down the road when his truck was hit. I am thankful that he wasn't hurt when he got hit. As bad as the damage is, I am thankful that it isn't worse. I am thankful that when his truck broke down he was in Flagstaff and not in the middle of nowhere. I am thankful Carl and I were able to be there for him when he needed us. I am thankful for the truckers with him who stayed and helped.

Timothy's year did not start off the way he had hoped. He went from smiling and laughing to being upset, depressed, frustrated and stressed in the matter of just a few hours which he had every right to be...he's human. Things in life happen that are completely out of our control. What matters is how we let those life mishaps affect us. We can choose to live a life that is filled with sadness and a why me attitude or we can refocus our hearts and minds to the love of our God. We can choose to live a life of thankfulness even in the midst of troubles. Timothy didn't let his troubles get the best of him. He is right back to his crazy, funny self. Although, he probably wants to put a sign on the front of his truck that says "Caused by an A-1 trucker." The idea of people thinking that he doesn't take care of his truck or the fact that it doesn't look "SHARP" drives him crazy. But in just a few weeks, it'll be a sharp good looking truck again.

Til we meet again!
Only by His grace,
   Lynne

Love, love and little things

One of the greatest feelings in the world is the gentle touch of My Love's hand on my arm. I know, you are probably thinking "What? That's the greatest feeling you get from your hubby?" I said, "One of the greatest NOT the greatest!" I absolutely love sitting in the seat next to him...in my own little world (which seems to be where I stay most of the time) and suddenly feel his hand softly rubbing on my arm or a little squeeze around my bicep...this is usually the "show me your muscles" squeeze. Then there are those not so gentle touches...the moments of aggravation, like knocking my arm off the armrest or the tender arm pops or the finger poking in the arm...which usually leads to a finger poking fight. Whatever the touch or pop or poke, they are moments that I treasure and moments that mean the world to me. Just simple little love moments! It's the little things like that, that I really miss when we are not together. Last month I had a few things that needed to be taken care of at the house, so I caught a ride home with Timothy. If you read my last post, then you know there was certainly no "trashing" around on that trip! I was doing good to get him to stop for a restroom break! Click here to read As always, while I was home for those 3 1/2 weeks, I dearly missed those little rubs, pokes and nudges. It is nice being home, spending time with family and doing a little work in the shop. I just want My Love to be there with me. So, the day Los called and said, "I'm renting a car so Toot and I can come get you!" was music to my ears! Are you confused? Are you thinking, "Why is he renting a car?" "I thought Timothy was home?" "Why didn't she just ride back with him?" Let me clarify...Timothy only stayed home for a week. He bought a new trailer and had to go to Missouri to pick it up. He then went to Louisiana where he met up with Carlos. I love my son but his truck is a bit smaller than ours and having to take showers in the truck stops...oh my, I'm cringing just thinking about it...well, in the words of my hubby "I'm spoiled." I did have to take a truck stop shower on the way home but taking 5-6 was out of the question. Besides, I still had things to complete at home. So, that is why I didn't catch a ride back with Toot. After taking loads to California and returning back to Louisiana, Carlos decided 3 1/2 weeks at home was long enough. Since Minden, LA seems to be our second home, they left the trucks and rented a car. The rent and gas for a car is sooo much cheaper than diesel for LC. Now that I have confused you even more, let me get back to the music to my ears. Sorry family! I love you all very much but going from 24/7 with my hubby to 0 is extremely difficult. I've said it many times that I wish he could just carry me around in his pocket.  Oh, did I mention they drove 11 hours and were only home for 1 day. They got home Saturday morning about 8:00 and we left Sunday morning about 9:00.  Just for the record...I did tell him that it was too far for them to drive just to come get me. But he wouldn't listen...ooohhh yes, my man does love me! Now that you all are doing the finger in the mouth, uugggghhhh thing, I'll move on.

Love this man!

Love...love is a beautiful thing! Love...an emotional feeling that makes our heart skip a beat, brings tears of joy to our eyes, puts a smile on our face, puts a pep in our step, gives us sweaty palms, or sends a tingling feeling all through our body.  Love...protects, trusts, hopes, stands firm and perseveres. Love...the reason we get up in the mornings...go to work...wash clothes...cook supper...clean house...not necessarily because we like doing those things but because we love the people we are doing them for. Love...praying for others, caring for others, sharing with others, offering a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. As I was thinking about the love that Carlos and I have for one another and the love that we have for Timothy and our families and friends, I was reminded of this verse:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, 13

Love is Christ! Christ is love!
Jeremiah 1:5 says..."Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. Oh my, how awesome is that! Before I was even born I was loved. I was born because I was loved. What a wonderful, wonderful feeling! Even with all our crazy antics, foolish mistakes, and self-centered ways Christ still loves us. He gave His life for me and for you. God sacrificed His one and only son Jesus Christ so that we...you and me...could have eternal life...why, because He loves us unconditionally. I think what brings me to my knees the most is knowing that while I was still a sinner, before I confessed my love for Him and asked Him into my heart as my Lord and Savior, He willingly went through torture. He was mocked, beaten beyond recognition, ridiculed, nailed, hung, bled and died on a cross...why...once again, because He loves me and you!
 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Once again we were able to travel with our Toot Toot. This time we were off to Kansas with...Verizon buildings! Oh my, you know the history with us and Verizon buildings...usually a nerve racking, heart pounding, sweat dripping experience! An experience Timothy has never had the privilege of having!  There's always a first time for everything! After Carlos and I unloaded our building in a bean patch, he road with Timothy to help him get unloaded. Off to the cow pasture they went...hummm...pasture...that should be easy enough...WRONG! Because of the way they made the road with all the rocks, he almost tore the side boxes on his trailer off and he did tear his mudflaps off.  You're probably thinking, "That's not too bad." Well, considering this was only his third load with his brand spanking new trailer...it was REAL bad! It was very close to... your trailer falling from the sky...bad!

 Timothy's third load with his new trailer and his first Verizon building.

He's not a happy camper right now!

Back to Louisiana we went...to get...another...Verizon building! Just can't get enough of a good thing! Timothy loaded up and off to Phoenix, AZ he went. Lucky dog, he took his to a church with a large parking lot. Easy peasy! Plus, the job foreman picked him up and took him to breakfast while the crane crew got set up to unload. WHAT!!!! Breakfast! Nobody ever picks us up and takes us to breakfast...heck, they don't even bring us breakfast...not even a cup of coffee or a bottle of water! 

When we picked up our building we were told the address on the bill of lading was not the correct delivery address. "Here are the coordinates for the delivery location." The look on Carlos' face was priceless! "Coordinates? I don't think my GPS knows coordinates. This should be interesting!" So you see, while Toot enjoyed his breakfast and got unloaded without any complications, Los and I were not using street/road names or numbers to lead us to our point of destination...nooo, we were using the coordinates! Who the heck uses coordinates?!

Cow pastures, parking lots, bean patches, corn fields, mountains and churches...just a few of our Verizon delivery spots. So where in the world did our coordinates take us to this time...the top of a very, very, tiny, narrow, pig-tail of a road. The road was so narrow and steep that there was absolutely no way we were getting LC up there. So what did we do you might ask? We dropped our trailer on the side of the road...yes, the side of the road! A much smaller truck hooked to our trailer and pulled it half way up...then, a bulldozer pulled the truck and trailer the rest of the way up. Are you thinking "WHAT?" Oh yes, let the heart pounding, sweat dripping, nerve racking moments begin!

LC sitting beside the road while we check things out. This is what I considered to be the first level of this whole insane 5 level process.

The starting point. The first of many, many narrow roads on this crazy adventure.

Carlos is in disbelief that they actually wanted us to drive our 75 foot long truck and trailer up this! "Since you can't make the turn, you can just pull straight ahead on this road and then turn and back up between the trees and rock. Then you can back all the way up to the wider open area." Seriously, have you seen the size of our truck and trailer!

 This is what they wanted Los to back up between. This is also what I considered as the second level.

 If I had a go-cart, I could have all kinds of fun on this little road and curve! It reminded me of some of the go-cart race tracks we have been on.

After backing between the rock and trees we would have to back up this road to the third level. This wouldn't have been a problem except for the fact that we didn't have enough room in level 2 to get backed up.

 Walking on up the road to the third and largest level of this whole crazy process.

 Now this, we can work this! Oh yeah, we have to get up here first.

And this my friends was the pig tail road that LC did NOT get the chance to travel up. It's hard to tell in the picture but this was a really steep hill. Our legs were worn out by the time we made it to the top.                                                     

 Unhooked from LC and rehooked to a small/shorter truck.

 Poor LC is all alone! For once he doesn't get to join in on all the fun and excitement!

 Let the fun times roll! Leaving level 1 and heading up to level 2.

After several tries of pulling up...backing up...running in the trees...almost running over the boulder...he was finally able to make it . Now, he had trouble with his day cab truck and they really thought we could do this with LC. 

Successfully completed level 2 now trying to make it up to level 3. Had a few pull ups and back ups but overall it wasn't too bad.

Finally made it up to level 3 and now it's time for the real fun. Even if we could have gotten LC up here there was no way we were going to let them hook a bulldozer to him and pull him up. Carlos said if they wanted to pull someone's bumper off they could pull their own off.

Instead of The Little Engine that Could, it's The Little Bulldozer that Could. I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!

 "I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!" said Carlos and Lynne climbing that hill.

Finally, level 4! We're in the clear now! The pad for the building is behind the tower. If I asked 1 time I asked 100, "How are they going to get the building around the tower to the pad?"

Now, you didn't really think we were going to get away without any major complications did you?  This is a Verizon building...you know better than that! Carl and I should have known better also! We were standing over to the side talking to the land owner when one of the men from the crane crew walked up and said,"Your boxes are sitting on the ground!" "What?" "Yep, and the trailer frame too." Have mercy, just one turn left...and it really wasn't even a turn...and this! These rocks can get you in a pickle almost every time!

After using a small front end loader to move some of the rocks and then hooking the back of the trailer up to the bulldozer so it could pull the trailer back out of the rocks, we were finally in the clear.  With the exception of some scratches and a rather significant size dent in the box, no damage was done. 

Up, up and away! I think this makes me as nervous as getting to the unloading pads. I am always so afraid the straps and cables are going to snap and instead of a trailer falling from the sky it's going to be a Verizon building crashing to the ground...on top of LC and the trailer. So, there is just as much praying at this point as there is at any of the others...especially when we hear popping noises!

Remember, earlier I couldn't figure out how in the world they were going to get that humongous building around the tower. Well, I wasn't the only one wondering...Carl and the land owner kept wondering the same thing. We would have never thought there was enough room between the tower and the trees for the building but then again, that's why we haul them and don't unload them. They did it with room to spare. This crane crew knew what they were doing...wish I could say that for all  of them. I swanee, sometimes I think Carlos and I could do a better job...shoot fire, I could do a better job than some of them. But, that's alright, it gives us something to laugh about and makes for an entertaining day...most of the time!

Reunited and it feels so good!

I know I give the crews a hard time about their thought process when it comes to the places they want us to get to, but I also realize that many of them have never driven or ridden in a big truck therefore have no clue what it takes to maneuver one of these big rigs. But aside from that, this was one of the nicest crews that we have worked with. The best part was not having to listen to any foul language...whether they were talking to us or each other. I truly think this may have been the first time. It's the little things that make a stressful experience not so stressful.

Til we meet again!

   By His Grace!

       Lynne

Pete and Repeat

 Get your motor runnin'

Head out on the highway

Looking for adventure

In whatever comes our way

This would make a pretty good theme song, don't ya think! I have no idea why but this verse just popped in my head and I haven't been able to get it out. Not the whole song, just this verse. Drives me crazy, and then I start making up my own words to finish out the song. Timothy told me that I take five or six songs and put them together to make one. He never knows what song I'm trying to sing.

Anywho..I was recently informed by my sweet and candid son that my blog posts are always about the challenges we encounter with our job. "You are always writing about the problems, troubles and frustrations. You never write about the good things. People are probably wondering why in the world you and Daddy are still in the trucking business. And, you never include me in any of the blogs. Wait a minute, I have to catch my breath. Wow! He actually reads my blogs. "I know but the crazy things we deal with are what makes it interesting and yes, I have included you in some. I can't help it if you're not always with us."

So, to make Timothy happy let me just say that not every load causes us to grit our teeth, roll our eyes, sigh in disbelief, clinch our hands or stomp our feet. Usually we are just doing the eye rolling thing and sighing. Carlos always just looks at me and says, "They don't want much do they!" "You can handle it! You are a professional!"

Thank goodness, for the past several weeks we haven't had any fist clinching or teeth gritting loads. Since returning to work after vacation, Timothy has been with us pretty much the whole time. I think we've only been apart for 2 weeks. I love how the Lord works it out for us to travel and do trips together. Los and I have been one happy mama and daddy. We just have one little problem when we are all together. Toot likes to get up early...ride, ride, ride and get a good nights sleep...at least 8 hours. If he says he's leaving at 7:30 a.m. then by golly he's leaving at 7:30...not 7:35...7:30! Then there's Carl and me...complete opposite! We say 7:30 but it could be 7:45 or 8:00 before we actually pull out. Then, we like to ride for a couple of hours, stop and stretch our legs, ride some more, stop for an ice cream, ride some more, stop and stretch. It's a constant ride, stop, ride, stop...THIS DRIVES TIMOTHY INSANE! We may not have had any teeth clinching loads but there sure has been some breath holding. I am so glad we are in separate trucks and have CB's for communicating because every time Carlos grabs that CB mic and says, "Toot, we need to hit the rest area!" I  just hold my breath and wait for it, "Really, again!" I have absolutely noooo idea where he gets his promptness and drive to go, go, go...certainly not from his mother or father. Carlos' philosophy is slow and steady...gets the job done! Yes, it does! I'm not sure how but we are never late for an appointment. We may be a day early or two days early or it might just be 15-20 minutes early, but one thing is for sure...we are never late! My man may be slow but he gets the job done and that's all that counts!

I asked Timothy one night if he was tired of us and ready to be on his own again. His answer was music to my ears, "NO!" I guess the grilling at night, the cinnamon rolls for breakfast, the home/truck cooked meals, the freshly baked brownies and the evenly toasted on both sides ham sandwiches, make up for our tortoiselike speed.

He won't admit it but he enjoys his mama and daddy time just as much as we enjoy our Toot time!

Instead of a building, this time we took a power skid to a new solar farm in California, which to us, is known as the snake farm. Yep, the snake farm! We had already heard horror stories about this place and were not looking forward to going at all. First of all, we were told that it was a nightmare to get in and out of...second, you have to wear snake leggings...third, there are snake handlers on sight and fourth, you have to stay within a certain perimeter of your truck. One driver told us that one of the workers drew a line in the sand and told him, "Do not go past this line!" Well, okie dokie then! "Carlos, it looks like you and Toot are going to be on your own. I'll just sit in the truck and watch for snakes and if I see one I'll yell snake. I mean really, how many snake handlers are on sight? If there is only one per truck then how can he watch for snakes for me and for you if we are on different sides of the trailer. I really think it's best if I just stay in the truck!" "Why don't I stay in the truck and you do all the work this time?" "Nope, I don't think so!" Can I just say that we were not the least bit excited about this load. We hadn't even got the thing loaded yet and there was already some eye rolling and A LOT of sighing going on...from all three of us! EVEN TIMOTHY! We were getting ourselves worked up in a tizzy. Finally I was like, "Maybe it's not as bad as everyone says. Let's just wait and see for ourselves."

After a week of wonder, we made it to the snake/solar farm. What a relief...easy peasy in and easy peasy out. The workers saw what a difficult time the drivers were having getting in and out of the farm so they made some changes a few day before we got there. Isn't God good! Carl and Toot did have to wear the snake leggings, although, one worker acted like it was totally ridiculous. He just kept telling Los, "Man can you just please put these on before you get out of the truck? I've already been chewed out once about these things and I don't want to get chewed out again. It's crazy! Just please put them on before you get out."

Now that was a hoot watching Carlos put those things on. He couldn't figure out which was the top, which was the bottom, which one was the right, which one was left, and then, it took him forever to get the things fastened. Toot had both of his on, was out of the truck and had walked up to our truck before Los ever got his on...and Toot got his AFTER Los.

 Wouldn't they make great models for snake leggings in an outdoor magazine?

When Timothy was little we would get so tickled because everything about him was just like his daddy. The way he looked...the way he walked...the way he talked...the way he stood...everything. Some things never change! Twenty-five years later and he is still the spitting image of his daddy. When I saw the two of them standing there like this, I couldn't help but smile! Love my boys!

Usually when we are traveling to California, I am fascinated and in awe of the beauty of the mountains. I told Carl that even though we have seen them hundreds of times every time seems like the first time. But for the past several weeks I have been admiring the beauty of the clouds. As I was watching the storms brew in the skies above me, it reminded me of the storms that brew up in our everyday lives. One minute we are enjoying a beautiful sunshiny day and the next we are running for cover from the lightning and rain. Our lives are much the same. One minute we are happy and healthy and the next we get a heart stopping report from our doctor. One minute we are enjoying our family and the next we are unexpectedly having to say goodbye. One minute we are off to work and the next we are looking for work. In an instance life as we know can change.

Just as I saw the beauty and grace of God's work in the clouds, we are to find beauty in our life storms. We do that through keeping our focus on Christ and knowing that He is walking through the storm with us. We are not alone. There are so many verses in the Bible where Christ is reassuring us that we are not alone. Joshua 1:9 says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." In Psalms 46:1 it says, God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Isaiah 41:13 says, For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Matthew 14:27 says, But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!!" These are just a few. I hope you find comfort in knowing that even though it may seem like you're all alone...YOU ARE NOT! Christ Jesus is right there with you!

I have been following a sweet, young, newly wed couple on facebook who are currently going through a horrific storm. It's more like a hurricane. The husband is battling brain cancer for the second time and the faith and assurance they have that everything is going to be alright is remarkably strong. They are turning their storm into a true testimony of faith and love for Christ and for one another. Christ tells us to find joy in our troubles, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

Sometimes I wonder, "Lord, how in the world can we find joy in our troubles...especially when our troubles are the size of hurricanes, like the one this young couple is in the midst of?" When he tells us to find joy, he's not talking about being all happy go lucky. He is telling us to have a positive outlook...keep our focus on him...remember the blessings in our life and to hold on to our faith in Him!

Some storms are short...some last forever...some are strong...some are light...some come with a vengeance...some come with a warning...some appear in the blink of an eye but one thing is for sure...they will come...and, they will go! When that storm comes, whether it is a wind storm, thunderstorm, tornado or a hurricane and everything around you starts turning dark, look up and there you will find that ray of sun, shining down on you, letting you know that you are not alone.

When life's storms come, I may look into the dark sky and say "God a little light please!" Then I remember - Jesus light of the world.  Max Lucado

Please remember to keep the young couple I mentioned earlier in your prayers!

Oh, I almost forgot, the rest of the snake/solar farm story. We did not see the first snake or the first snake handler. I was really kind of disappointed. I was looking forward to being on snake watch! Oh well, we have enough excitement without having to add snakes to the mixture.

Til we meet again!

Only by His Grace!

   Lynne

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The Salt of the Earth

Howdy folks! It's been quite a few weeks since my last post so let's see if I can get you up to date with what's been going on in the truckin' duo world.

First let me update you on how Timothy is doing.  He loves trucking and has already enjoyed seeing some of God's amazing country. He was faced with a few challenges his first couple of weeks on his own but he handled them great. Just like his mama and daddy he loves the west and just like his mama...he loves to talk on the phone (which I am so excited about). During one of our many phone conversations he said, "I think I am going to move out here to Washington. It's so pretty." "Oh no you're not! You can go visit anytime you want but moving is out of the question!" When I told Carl what he said he just laughed "He'll change his mind once it turns cold." Then it happened..."Mama, I woke up freezing this morning. I had to get up and turn my heater on and now they're talking about snow. I've got to get a load and get out of here!"  Just like his mama and daddy...he does not like the cold.  "Ahhh, yes...Lord I love your timing!"

Now...on to us. We said goodbye to the east and headed south to Louisiana and then up to Oregon. Since we were in Oregon and Toot was in Washington, we were hoping to meet up with one another but we just couldn't get it to work out. So close but yet so far away!

I am always excited when we get a load that takes us on a different route and to remote places. I just love the changes in scenery and the places people live. This trip we were able to see the salt flats in Utah. I've never really thought that much about salt and where it comes from other than the fact that I love it on my food and I buy it in the store. Now, I sound like my little kindergarten kids..."Where does corn come from?" "The store." Where does our meat come from?" "Winn Dixie." They bought it at the store so that's where it comes from. Well, I buy salt at the store so that's where it comes from.

Beautiful! Loved how the crystals sparkled in the sun.



As you can tell by my expression, it was not what I was expecting. I had in my mind that it would taste like the salt from the ocean. Oh my, what a surprise! It was much saltier. Carl said it tasted just like salt out of a salt box but I think it was saltier.

Even Spice enjoyed the view.

Carlos checking out the salt crystals.

Mama, this one's for you!

Got Salt!

As we were riding and looking at the beauty of the salt flats, I was reminded of the verse about being the salt of the earth.

 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." Matthew 5:13.

 Just as salt adds flavor and makes a difference in the way our food tastes, we as Christians should add flavor and make a difference in this world. When people look at us they should see Christ. Our love...our works...our behavior and attitude towards people and situations in our life should reflect Christ. If we are not being obedient to Christ and our life is not reflecting His love, then we are just like salt that has lost its saltiness. We are useless! Being a Christian is so much more than just believing Christ is the Son of God...that He died for us and rose again and that He is our Lord and Savior. A Christian believes all that PLUS lives for Christ...works for Christ...loves like Christ...and is obedient to Christ.

Luke 14:34-35 says, "Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for fertilizer. It is thrown away. Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!" What good is a Christian who doesn't live as a Christian? As Christians we should not just blend into the world, we should stand out and make a difference. We should stimulate in others the thirst for Christ just as salt stimulates the thirst in us.

As we were riding and looking at the salt flats, Carl said, "Look how the salt crystals shine and sparkle in the sunlight." That should be us...we as Christians should sparkle. Shine. Stand out. Make a difference.

Are you a salty Christian shining with Christ's love or have you lost your saltiness and sparkle?

And now for the rest of our trip. There is only one road that leads to Fields.  When we turned on the road the first thing we saw was a sign that said...Next gas 179 miles. Yep, better make sure you have a good car and plenty of gas when traveling this road. We even saw one man carrying an extra gas can with him on his motorcycle. Guess he's traveled this road once or twice. Hmmm, wonder if he learned from experience. 

About 22 miles before we got to Fields was a little town called Denio, NV. Let me just say that calling it a town is a bit of a stretch. It is a census-designated place with a population of about 47. It has a post office, a hotel with a restaurant and The Diamond Inn Bar; where all the action takes place. 

Diamond Inn Bar

Post Office

When we got to Denio it was already dark and hauling a wide load in the dark is a big no-no. So as soon as we came to a wide pull off in the road we stopped. We didn't realize we were across the road from the happening place in Denio, the Diamond Inn Bar or we might have gone over and shaken a leg or two.

Our home for the night.

Our view when we woke up the next morning.

When Carl called to get directions to the delivery spot, we were told to stop at Fields Station. "When you get to Fields there will be a station on your right. You can't miss it. Make sure you don't go pass it because the road turns into a dirt road and gets very narrow and curvy. There won't be any way for you to turn around." At the time we had noooo idea that Fields Station was the only and I mean the only thing in Fields. So we really weren't sure what we would be getting into. We thought they were going to meet us and lead us to the job sight...oh no...they unloaded us right there in the parking lot of Fields Station. They had to unload the building off of our trailer and put it on one of theirs and they were going to haul it to the job sight using a dump truck. The guys told us it would take them 3 1/2 hours to get to the job sight and it was only 21 miles away. The job sight was at the top of the mountain and the road was a dirt, rocky, curvy road that was more like a path than a road. They had to take a bulldozer to widen it and then use the bulldozer to pull the truck up to the top because the incline was so steep. All I can say is thank goodness for Fields Station.

Fields Station was a happening little place...seriously!
It was a grocery store, a gas station, a liquor store, a café and a motel.
If you're ever in Fields, OR check them out. Carl said, "That's the only thing to check out!"

Moving the Verizon building from our trailer to theirs.

They had to put weights from the crane in the back of the dump truck to keep
it from popping a wheelie.

Taking care of business in the drive of Fields Station

I know one thing if you live in Fields or Denio you certainly don't run to town every night to pick up groceries for supper. I asked the young couple that owned Fields Station if they have a lot of visitors and much to my surprise they said yes. "What do people come here to do?" "Hunting, bird watching, hiking, and to go to the hot springs. We actually have several things to do." Well, now I know...never judge a town by its what appears to be "nothingness." I do know one thing, when Verizon gets finished with the new tower they will have better service out in the middle of nowhere than we get in the middle of somewhere. "Can you hear me now? What about now? Can you hear me now?" That little man needs to make his way to south GA!!!!

It took 4 1/2 weeks but we were finally able to meet up with Toot. I was one excited mama. I even got to ride with him for a couple of days. Oh yeah baby...my excitement was through the roof!

We are now off to our next adventure...Connecticut...with a wide load. We're so excited and we just can't hide it. We're about to lose control and we think we like it.  NOT!!!

Til we meet again!

Only by Grace!

    Lynne