Yeah, I'm back.

Been crazy-wild around the Homestead this last 6 weeks...

Himself started driving OTR for a small firm running reefers nationwide. He drives one of these Big Boys to the left. That, gentle readers, is a Freightliner Columbia.

He's out on his own after training second-seat with an experienced driver. Fairly short hauls for the next couple of weeks, not going to FL or AZ, yet. This afternoon he'll be on his way to KS, after that? Wherever the next load takes him.

The world of OTR trucking is a totally different place. indys are out anywhere from a few days to weeks at a time. While they're out there, we hold things together at home and wait for them to call. It isn't a life for everyone. The driver needs to be able to manage a thousand different things, know rules and regulations by the hundreds, be able to route, plan and drive for hours, sit at docks to load and unload, negotiate with shippers, receivers, brokers, sleep 3 feet in front of a running reefer, make sure all the mechanics on both the truck and the trailer are in good working condition and be able to fix things if they aren't. Those at home have to be able to handle all the kinds of things that driver would do if they were home. In this case it is repairs (cars, house, yard equipment), bills, disciplining kids, and sleeping all by yourself, knowing they miss you as badly as you miss them. Himself says it's crazy. For him, it's a toss-up between loving to drive and hating to drive.

The road today will be long. He's rested and has eaten but it's very windy. Keeping that truck and a 53' load under control in 45 mph side winds is like wrestling a buffalo.

I worry about him but don't tell him that when he's out.
I miss him but don't say that, rather I just tell him I love him and stay safe.
I wish he was here but wouldn't mention it because he is doing what he does to keep food on the table and pay the bills.
I handle situations that I would rather not be involved in but I never complain because he has enough on his mind as it is.

That's the way it works.

I am so proud of him...

Love My Trucker.