Los Angeles to Dallas

A single minute after my 70-hour clock had been refreshed, I went on duty. Our company didn't hesitate to load us up with work assignments. I picked up a JC Penney load from Buena Park, CA & relayed that trailer at the Fontana yard. Then, I hooked onto a trailer that had been relayed a few days prior. This trailer was also loaded with JC Penney merchandise, but was a day late for delivery to Dallas, Texas. Our supervisors wanted it to move immediately.

My trip eastward began in the rain. Many drivers obviously didn't know how to drive on wet roads, as was evidenced by several serious car wrecks I saw the aftermath of.

The rain let up enough to enjoy a little time outside, at an Arizona rest area. I truly enjoy the smells if the desert, especially at night. I was hoping to watch the meteor showers that my friends had been raving about, but the cloud-cover remained too thick. I had, however, seen about a dozen straight-downward meteors the previous two nights.

I am always impressed by how well-maintained & smooth Phoenix freeways are. Most of Arizona has come a long way in improving their road surfaces. The state used to have a reputation for neglected asphalt. My co-driver took over driving, in Tucson. There were about 6 Highway Patrol cars parked at the truckstop where we switched out. Nothing was going on - except a meal & camaraderie among the law-enforcement personnel.

Several urgent news alerts flashed across my phone's screen this morning. Any thoughts of sleeping in went out the window as I read the headlines. A vile act of terror in Connecticut, against kindergarteners. I quickly asked Victor to change the XM receiver over to CNN, where we listened to reports of an unfolding tragedy. I was emotionally affected by the news, as I thought about what if it were my kids in that school.

The wind blew hard against the truck as we made our way across Texas. Victor ended his work day in Ranger. My face & arms were sandblasted as I walked across the parking lot. I was sure to keep my mouth closed, to keep the filthy granules from making my next meal more crunchy than I desired it to be.

My dad & brother sent me a "Glympse" of their trip back to Springfield, from Oklahoma. Mark had just seen a doctor at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital about some concerning data from his heart monitor. It's a good thing that he can be seen by the same professionals who are helping my dad with his heart problems. Maybe they will be able to resolve or ease whatever problems Mark is having before they get too serious or unbearable.

Tonight, I'm at a truckstop between Dallas & Fort Worth. Our next load will be ready in the morning. We will be going to New Jersey.