Phewwwwwwww! Have looked high and low for that DVD. Yes, it is a Netflix one, but they don't charge extra no matter how long you keep it. No Problem - I'll get it at Christmas time! Speaking of which -- Ellen and I vote to have Christmas at your house!!

It's cold here today. We'll probably have a fire in the fireplace tonite. Dad is still working in woodshop, I'm painting and playing on the computer. Soooooooo, with all the gizmos you have in that truck, can't you plug in an electric blanket?

Nothing much going on here - will write more later.

Glad to see you here, Marianne! Love hearing about Christian.

Love to all
Mom

Hello from somewhere near Chicago IL

We are waiting to be unloaded at this place-us paper- right next to the Tribune!
Thanks for posting Marianne. I still need to go to the gift exchange thing...not sure of what to do there.
....Mom -Mark got out the little tv..with dvd...we have "flags of our fathers" I hope it is not a net flick. We will return it .....when we can.
Usexpress better send us closer to home if we are to arrive there by 6pm on friday.......we will see. Mark has to get his DL renewed and has to take the vision test - so we need to get home soon. I also put in a request for Thanksgiving..don't know if we will get it. Anyway when we get home I will buy a turkey .....and trimmings and Zsuzsi and Michael can cook it.
The truck does stay running ...except when we are fueling...so we have power -heat and air conditioning-most trucks do stay running.Some truck stops have- called idleaire- there is a snorkle devise that attaches to the window - has heat/air, phone, tv, and internet-but usexpress doesn't pay for it - and neither are we. They have already disappointed us.....week before last only got 1600 miles, cause Marks dispatcher gave him crappy runs- took all day to unload/load with very few miles. This week I think we got about 2900--and we did the $trees with all of the unloading...that kicked our asses.
I have taken several pictures from the passengers seat... I see the one that came out the worst is the only one posted...Ellen did you get any other pictures from me? I will have to resend them if not.
Anyway... went through the mountains..nc/tn...I think I'm glad it was nighttime and I could'nt see out the window...cause it was very scary..you can also tell an experienced driver vs. new drivers...the one ahead of us was going really really slow...and there were about 100 trucks behind us..2 lanes only...left lane was for cars only...one trucker used it to pass ..the truck ahead of us. the one ahead had to pull over to -the emergency pull over.
Indiana ...is a pretty boring state..flat and not much to see from the interstate..I like PA, WV, OH, TN so far..from the interstate ..NC,SC,GA and VA are boring..both sides have trees and you can't see anything.
I will say by for now ..gonna play a game of litterati.. my score is down in the 1800's now, from losing my connections.
Lots of Love to everyone
jane and mark

Hey There

Hey Everyone! Hope all is well. Anyways... thought I would finally post something. This is a neat idea for keeping in touch.
James and I took Christian to Busch Gardens on Saturday for HollowScream, we had a great time and turned out to be a nice day, weather wise. Christian won a huge stuffed dog!!
Mom-USAA is the same. Although know I can write Homeowner's Insurance it seems to be more interesting, at least the pay is better. One of these days I will go to College, when I find out what I want to do....
Well, tomorrow is Halloween and I think Christian is going to be a little Redskin Football player. I know...can't believe it's not the Steelers, the funniest thing is that Christian loves the Redskins and does not really care for the Steelers. Christian is also going to the Dentist for his cleaning tomorrow, hopefully everything will go OK.
It is getting late and still have lots to do... will post again soon. Love You All. Take Care Everyone!

hi from fredburg

Hi
I hope the gift exchange website will work. Perhaps in the meantime,sizes and info about our littlest Weber/Aldens - Jaida andChristian... will be posted? I know I would like to buy gifts for everyone and I see things all the time that would be great.....but....who can afford it?

We had an estimate done this weekend for a screened porch to replace the rotting kitchen porch. It would be nice to have -- but we'll have to wait and see if we can really do it.

Kaiti was up this weekend (she is home a lot). I didn't see her much, so she seems in better health. She is looking at other colleges to transfer to next year since Randolph is dropping so many of her fave classes. I think she will find her passion at many schools -- right now political journalism is an awesome choice for her. Mark's ferret lives with us now (hello Michael andZsuzsi -- another ferret baby???) and she is so funny, but I worry with 10 --- TEN --- cats chasing her around.

I saw Queen Eliz. movie over the weekend. It was good - romance for women, and action/violence for the men. Not entirely historically accurate...but go see it anyway.

I had a former collegue die this week from cancer so I'll be attending services for that. Sad to see people so young suffer so much. I am exhausted even though it's only Monday....when do the clocks turn back???????????????/

Hey everyone! Happy to see Szuszi posting here! Sent Shannon and Bobby the link so hope they'll be posting soon, Marianne too.

It got pretty cold here last night and is supposed to be colder yet again tonight. Jane - how do you keep warm in the truck when the weather is this cold? And don't tell me you leave the engine running - I'll never be able to go to sleep with worrying!

Dad is making a dry sink for Shannon and Bobby's restaurant - it looks pretty good so far. I am painting a welcome sign, too - . When we get it all done we'll take a spin up to see the new restaurant. Something to look forward to.

Jane - you have not signed up for the Christmas gift exchange, nor any of the Norge's. If you don't have the link ask Ellen to send it to you.

Fritz is fine as is Sandy. Fritz has decided that all carpets and dust ruffles should have yellow polka dots! I scrub and scrub, strip beds, etc., but he is very persistent. He's so little I can't tell when he is lifting his leg!

Okay - back to my painting.
Love to all,
Mom

in SC

good morning everyone from SC.
Hey Ellen, is that the only picture that came through? Don't know where we will go from here. we have to wait for a dispatch. Dollar General dc was way out in the boonies. We had dinner at an outback for our 12th anniversary...really wanted red lobster...but it was about 50 miles back the other direction.
I hope everyone has a great monday....happy to see michael and zsuzsu on the blogg.
luv ya
m&j

PIctures

Send me any pictures you want added as attachments. Happy (&)^&^%$&^%$# mONDAY.

Hi Jane&Mark!

How're you doing? Finally it's cold in Virginia Beach! Charlotte and Opus are doing great. (They are bad as always:) Michael and I are going to go to sleep soon. Tomorrow is Monday...the week-end was so short. Keep on trucking! Can't wait to see you! Miss you! Love, Michael&Zsuzsi

Went to Upstate NY

We picked up a load from raulph lauren, and took it to philly,PA. Then picked up from dollar tree distribution center and had to deliver in Hudson, Albany, and Rensslear NY- it's beautiful there, we even saw deer grazing along side of the interstate. Tonight we are spending the night at a rest area along the DE turnpike, its very nice- has a cinnabon, nathans hotdog, author treachers, sbarros, starbucks and a little store that I bought 2 power ball tickets in-also have power ball from PA and NY... I'm hoping!!!!!!!
We picked up a load of baking soda from Arm and Hammer(church and dwight) in North Brunswick NJ- had to exit....same exit for Rutgers U, Mark saw a sears..so we had to stop..got Dad a Rutgers fighting knights sweatshirt. Any who we are headed to Jonesville SC to a Family Dollar with the baking soda.
When we delivered to the dollar trees in NY we had to unload--3 stores = total of 40k, we will not do that again.. We are both sore today..I have broken all of my fingernails too- also saw a bum taking a leak too...and he asked Mark for $$..Mark gave him his change. Ok Mark says it's time for bed, cause we will be getting an early start in the morning.

Nancy.. I would put Rudy in his kennel at night..that way you know he's not chewing up stuff.
Katie we hope you are feeling better... and Ellen I am going to dl some pictures and email them too you.
Marianne and James and Michael and Zsuzsi please post something.. I gotta send the link and pass word stuff to bobby's my space.

Love to everyone
M&J...still....truckin......

DAM F##%$%^$&*(^^%@((*&^ DOG CHEWED MY GLASSES. i SHOULDA SMELLED TROUBLE WHEN HE WAS CONTENT UNDER MY BED THIS AM. ONLY TOOK HIM 2 SECONDS TO SNEAK AWAY WITH THEM.....I'M GONNA KILL HIM.........

Good morning! Hope you made it to Philadelphia okay. We've had rain here - yesterday and then thru the nite - 3 1/2 inches! Just showed the picture of Jane and the truck to Dad and, boy, is he excited. Wants to see it, sit in it, take a little ride in it! lol. I wouldn't mind a ride in it if I could haul my old bones up into it.

Gray and gloomy here today, perhaps more rain. Talked to Bobby last night - Jaida will be a black cat for Holloween - and sounds like restaurant will soon be reopening.

I am writing Senators today, as well as calling them. All I can do is blast them with numerous emails and calls, otherwise I'm powerless.

Nancy - we went to Lynchburg yesterday as Katie is sick. We took her to emergency room and it turns out she has bronchitis and pnuemonia. She was feeling better when we left and has a powerful antibiotic so she should be back to normal soon.

Tell Joey and Jamie not to touch anything in boys' rooms - kick door closed with foot, and get them some of those antiseptic wipes. Seems like that staph stuff is all over the place.

That's all for now - love ya
Mom

headed to NC

Don't know when we will be going home..we'll see, it is getting time.
We are in Newnan GA, Petsmart....taking it to Petsmart in Burlington NC, our delivery is in the morning but I think we can have it there ...tonight.
Talk to everybody soon.
M&J

Hi - good to hear from you. Did you like the new pictures? Will you get back to Virginia Beach soon? No, we haven't had any rain here in Farmville. It's about 80 today and everything dead or dying (no me or dad, hah, hah). We have a chance of showers today and it's getting a little cloudy now.

Ellen and Scott were here for the weekend and we had a nice visit. Scott was not feeling well - bronchitis - and Katie has it too. Made dad a birthday cake and we all had some - he sang happy birthday to himself!

I I have been dealing with fallen leaves. Can't get mulcher to start, so I suck them up in my leaf blower and it grinds them up for mulch - hard work.

Talked to Nancy this morning - everything okay there. Joey is going to a dance!!!!!!!!!!! First date.

Talk later - love to all

Mom

Arrived Mcdonough GA

finally got loaded -ft smith AR, just arrived at destination Mcdonough GA at 9:30 this morning- this is a place that delivers liquors- you should see the damaged liquor-just the containers were damaged- you could have one hell of a party for about 2000 of you closests friends. We are
supposed to be going to NC after this.
I cooked pulled pork in the rice cooker, Mark says it's the best meal so far- I say the nathans hotdogs and bush's beans were. We had zaterans yellow rice and garlic cheddar bisquits with it, I thought the rice was terrible-(Marked liked it). Hit lots of rain going through TN and MS, and it's raining in GA now.....are we getting any at home??
I will mail Dad's BD card as soon as we are at a place I can buy one--Dad I hope you had a great 73rd.Checking out for now....will post again real soon.
luv ya'all
m&j on the road again
I will also try and send Ellen some pictures to post also

monday

just spent 20 minutes looking for the principals number so i could call in sick....couldn't find it...and i'm not sick, so I guess i better get in the shower have to hit the road in 20 minutes! .....crazy cat person.

Where's the crazy cat person these days? Your favorite day of the week is about to happen..............

this my 3rd try to post

We are in ft smith ar, a plant called pernod ricard. What ever that is. They told Mark they would not be able to load him until midnight cause that is what time they open, our appointment is at 3pm, Mark will be getting paid delay time. This is out in the middle of no where, Mark says OK city is not too far from here...don't know if we will go or not ..midnight is a long way off.
Mark got a new toy..a Magellan roadmate. navigation system, usexpress has given him wrong directions every single trip we have been on. Mark went back inside to check on getting loaded again,,it's a no go not till midnight..oh well we are gong to Ok city, mark says it's not too far away. talk to everyone later..m&h

Well we are Not in CA

We arrived Bentonville AR around 4:30 this afternoon- eastern time, have a load we picked up from the rail yard in Kansas City- KS. We had dropped a loaded trailer there the night before. They told us it would be a while before we get dispatched - Mark was looking up Independence MO on the mapS, then Michael called and told me about Harrah's - riverboat casino....yippee, found out info on both places, but when we got back to the truck there was a messege( it's called a Qualcom) to pick up loaded trailer and take it to Bentonville AR -walmart dc. Load was to be delivered tomorrow in the morning--Hey we have 175 , 32" Sony plasma TV's- i can get ya a good deal..ha ha. We are spending the night at a Pilot truck stop in Springdale AR city near by walmart. We will be at walmart in the morning, then we will pick a load -somewhere else in AR, 80 miles away and head to GA. Found out there was something wrong with my verizon, thats why I could not get onling. Well I'll say good night for now, got to get up at 4 am. I hope to post tomorrow. --got powerball tickets in Mo --keep your fingers crossed.
luv ya
M&J...stilltruckin 10/20/07

First Landing Park Walk

Hi...my turn to talk. Took the boys minus Bruti for a nature walk. We went to First Landing Park. It was a bit warm for a walk. But, we all still walked. They are having a fall festival today---we did not attend that. We walked on the trails and saw the Chesapeake Indian Historical things. There are a few huts along the way too. And some of the areas had a dressed up guide talking about things that the Indians did back in those days. I thought it was a very nice walk, however Jamie nagged and nagged at me to go further to the end. I told him it was just to far and i was all hot and sweaty. Promised him next w/end we would bring Bruti and we would walk again, this time to the end.

Then we went to the cemetery at Joey's request to visit Oma and Opa. Today is the 7th anniversary of her death. I think that was not a good thing to do b/c Joey got upset by it and was crying. But, he asked me to go - so i did.

Now we are at home relaxing. I'm making steak sandwiches for dinner. This is a new thing on our menu, as the boys love these sandwiches.

Bruti --bless his little heart--always looks at me w/the big brown eyes and looks like he's trying to tell me something..he's been pretty good lately--last night he pooped in the house. I'm sure that was punishment for me b/c we were out late. He's outside now with Jamie. I believe he loves to go out w/Jamie ..each time i see him go out his tail is sticking straight up. And as soon as he comes in, he's the little superdog...runs to me if i'm in my chair or if i'm sitting at the computer..then he has to smother me with xxx's.

ok, enough now. I think Mom has a good idea for Christmas. I think we should figure out how to draw names and then spend $50 or less on that person. Mom, I think you should be in charge of this project since you brought it up. And, speaking of holidays -- I know for Thanksgiving i'm cooking the turkey at Mom's. I plan to be here in VA Beach for Xmas b/c i did request any time off b/c my coworkers all have plans. What is everyone else doing?

Ok, i'm over and out and off to play literati. ....see ya

It's noon time Saturday and I'm waiting for Ellen and Scott to arrive. Ellen has been in Richmond since Wednesday at a conference. Dad is off to Buckingham to help with the train so I am here all alone. I just baked Dad his birthday cake and next I'll make beef stroganoff for dinner for us (Ellen's request) and chili for Scott - he won't eat the stroganoff. Will also whip up a batch of brownies.

Jane called yesterday from Missouri! She said they were headed for Kansas City, Kansas and I urged her to stop at Independence and pay her respects to HST at his library. I would love to go there - he's my hero! She hasn't posted here much because she has a hard time with the AOL signal.

It's beautiful here today. We had some rain yesterday - not even enough to measure in the rain gauge! I can't bear to look at my garden - all wilting and dying.

Time to close this down and get back to my kitchen duties.

Love,
Mom

Okay you slackers!! Am I the only one keeping this blog going? I wanna hear from you!

Hear is something for you to all voice an opinion on: Since funds are tight this year I propose that we draw names (one per person) for our Christmas gift exchange and limited to purchase price of $50. What do you all think? I have already spoken with Ellen about this and just now with Shannon and both are very agreeable. Of course, in addition, we can all buy a small gift for the little ones - Jamie, Christian, and Jaida. Let me know what you think. Ellen said Scott will devise a scheme for name drawing, possibly using the internet.

I talked to Shannon earlier today. Dad is making a dry sink for the restaurant and we wanted to make sure they still wanted it. Bobby was off to the Discovery Museum with Jaida today. Jaida fell and banged her front tooth a little but dentist says it'll be okay. Restaurant will probably reopen first week in November.

Dad is off at lumber yard now to get wood for the dry sink. My life is soo much easier when he has a project going in the woodshop!

that's all for now - hope to hear from you all soon!

Good Tuesday Morning! Interesting how you cooked those taters, Jane! Could you use a crockpot, too? I suppose if you kept it in the back and only partially filled it would work. I could think of some titles for your truckin cookbook - heh, heh!

I have finally put back bedroom together - neglected to do some things - like window washing, etc. but it will do for now. Really needs to be painted but I just can't bring myself to face all that mess - especially with dad! Maybe after Christmas. I shampooed the carpet in there on my hands and knees - I"M TOO OLD FOR THIS! Can't find adapter for my electric shampooer and Dad doesn't seem to comprehend what I'm talking about. Will check in Wal-Mart.

Slept thru Little People, Big World last nite but caught it on TIVO this A.M. Not a mention of Matt's DUI - but then, I didn't expect one. I really love that family, but I dislike Zach - he is just too fresh. I watch the Barefoot Contessa every day - I love her show - but have only tried one recipe - Chicken Parmesean - which Dad detested! I got an old pole from woodshop and beat the living daylights out of the chicken breasts - made them very tender. I should have just breaded them and let well enough alone. I even bought a bottle of wine to make the sauce - what a waste. This weekend I will attempt an apple pie with "from scratch" pastry. I haven't made that in many, many years but the Barefoot Contessa makes it look so easy. (Can I put leftover wine in it?)

Dad and I drove thru Kentucky when we came here from California - just beautiful if full of rednecks! Pretty horse country and lots of picturesque farms. It must be gorgeous this time of year.

Roy Spain just cleared some land across from his house - says he is going to build a new barn.

Can't think of anything more to tell you - gorgeous day here but dry, dry, dry.

Love,
Mom

headed for Nicholasville KY

left Ga and now on 75n to ky, in tn right now in the mountains-beautiful.. I should find the camera, but not right now.

Hey how do I put a new picture on?
I made the baked potatoes in the rice cooker, they were actually steamed, but tasted ok with butter on it. I've been thinking of a new show, truckluv cookin,good food on the roll.
Well bye for now - we are going down the mountain now, and I am a little nervous.
luv to all
m&j still trucking, just crossed into ky

Just had to check in

It's 11pm and all is quiet -- Joey has finally gone to sleep ..and now i'm wide awake from him scarring me awake.
Just had to get on and see what's new on this little blog --good to see all have managed to say something..even if they hate Mondays! I'm glad I don't have to face a bizzillion kids on Monday.....ok, enough for now Damm Joey just came out to see what's going on..i'm gone...bye

monday

I hate Mondays. Nothing else to say.


--crazy cat person

So glad Jane finally got to read our little blog! It's early morning - Dad and Fritz are still sleeping - I took Fritz outside when I got up (5 AM) - this seems to work for keeping floor dry although I have to carry him otherwise he races all over the place to avoid going out. As far as chewing goes, we have nasty rawhide in every room of the house and he is seldom without it - in fact, he chews by the hour even in the middle of the night.

Jane - how did you make those potatoes without a toaster oven? Years ago I heard about a method of cooking where you attach your aluminum wrapped food to the engine while driving! I don't think i would recommend it, tho, and if you can't open the hood that would be a problem. Overcooked potatoes might explode - hah, hah.

I will try to mail Jane a package this week - books and tapes.

I have the back guest room all torn apart - washed all the bedding and shampooed the carpet. Today I have to put it all back together. Need to go to Wal-Mart too Yuck.

Love and kisses to all,
Mom

The Truck

by the way the truck looks very much like the picture..except it is bigger, has 2 windows in the back, 1 on top and 1 on the bottom..oh and a table that makes into a bed.. that's it for today cause mark wants to make the bed so I must get up from the table and but my note book away.
M&J trucks still running

Thank goodness we are out of NY city

We left Staten Island yesterday from Visy Paper, it was right next to a Con Ed power company.
Us Express gives bad directions too. They gave us the direction to Staten Island - coming from NJ....not from where we were in Long Island (Islip)----rude people live there.
Mark can't get the hood up on the volve- they should send us 1 in GA, so that is where we will be tomorrow...steak was good with steamed baked potatoes and canned asparagus. Till
tomorrow..M&J still trucking.

Hey everyone!!!

Well finally able to get to the site...I don't know if it was me or the area ..couldn't get a
signal.
We are in Florence SC. at a Pilot Truck stop, fueled up, about $300. We are headed to
Conyers GA. We have a load of huge rolls of brown thick paper, like the stuff they make boxes out of.
Thank god Shannon gave up the george forman grill....our inverter is only 800 volts, not enough for the toaster over or the hot plate...or coffee pot.

I talked to the truckers tonight

I talked to Jane and Mark, asked if they have been able to read this blog - NO they haven't because they haven't gotten a signal. Tonight J and M are having George Foreman steaks and baked pototoes..and it's cooking in the truck while they shower ......hmmmm

Newest trick of Bruti's ---in addition to chewing my cell phone so now i have a HOLEY phone - Bruti has managed to sneak one of my nice silver dress shoes I wore to Marrianne's wedding...it's now not fit for a homeless person to wear....

Farmville News

Whooaaaaaaaaaaaa! What a surprise - didn't think this blog was going to work! Won't Jane be surprised! I finally called her this morning because I hadn't heard anything from her in 2 days and hadn't seen her on line. They're fine - in New Jersey headed for truck stop in Bordentown to shower(!) and then on to Georgia. She hasn't been online - no signal. I presume Ellen put up the nice truck picture - Jane and Mark will love it.

I worked in garden a bit - a very little bit. Dug up 2 plants and potted them. They won't make it outside over the winter and I'm hoping to keep them alive in the house. Potted 6 coleus that I had rooted and hope to keep them going, too.

I am reading Ken Follett's new book - so far so good. And Ellen, yes, I think you have read that Ruth Rendell. It's an old Inspector Wexford I believe - just read it again. Don't know if I would like the Stephen Colbert book - his humor really does nothing for me. Was surprised to hear he went to Hampden Sydney.

Dad is home - spent today doing the Buckingham Branch train trip.

Over and out,
Big Mama

Bruti ba tuti

Can i post a picture of Bruti? Or maybe i should post my newest holy phone thanks to Bruti.

i'm on thanks to Ellen

Ok, this is a first for me...have to add house is a wreck. Don't feel like cleaning cause i don't feel too hot...Fall is here, finally...and now it's time for Jane who is Ms. Trucker to add a note...

Big Mama

I guess the only way to do this is to have us all use the Big Mama name, and then sign our posts within the post. Like so:

by Ellen

Yes, it works!

Just go to new posts for anyone who wants to make a post!

Here, I'll start. Today it's a cool, crisp, sunny, autumn day. The house is a mess, laundry piling up, cat litter stinks even though only changed yesterday.

I got two new books to read last night: Stephen Colbert's I am America and So Can You. Its a hilarious satire. I found out that he actually went to Hampden-Sydney. Wow.
The other book is a Ruth Rendell I don't think I've read: A Sight for Sore Eyes.

I am going to wash a load of laundry, take a shower, clean up a little and go down to Ben Franklin for paint and yarn and glitter. I have an hors d'ouvres party tonight and I am making stuffed mushrooms.

Kaiti is home (most weekends she is) for fall break. No grades yet.

Ok - tag, your'e it. Each of us should post.

Does it work?

Have created this blog and am wondering if you can enter it to post your thoughts. Let me know.