ROUTE: Romeoville, IL to Canton, MI: 312 miles (280 loaded + 32 deadhead)
Sunday May 3rd, I started my day at 1:00pm after completing the pre-trip inspection of the truck and having a Philly Cheesesteak for breakfast. Though technically that’s the typical time for lunch I consider breakfast as it was my first meal of the day. The previous assignment had ended well past midnight after driving ten-and-half hours that day. I don’t simply finish my days and roll over into bed, though I have done it a couple of times, it is not the norm. There’s time needed to decompress. Most people get that from the commute home from work but truckers sleep in their cab so during the work week that’s our home. For me that decompress time takes hours; sometimes two, sometimes four or more.
This shipper was just 32 miles away and it took a little over half an hour to get there. It’s a 24/7 facility and drop-and-hook. My fuel level was low but we have cheaper fuel at our terminal so I got enough to make it there and qualify for a free shower that I could use at a later date. Most free shower vouchers last seven-to-ten days after fueling. This load was headed to Clinton Township but delivery was for Wednesday so I was instructed to bring it to our yard for a Local Driver to deliver it later. The trip took five-and-half hours and I arrived at our terminal at 9:00pm. I finished fueling the truck, dropped to loaded trailer then bobtailed to a Hungry Howie’s nearby at got a single pepperoni and onions pizza pie for dinner.
BOOK REVIEW: A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey (2024), ROMANCE – RATING (*****)
A lighthearted enemies-to-lovers small town romance with a strong FMC and a tearjerker backstory about life choices.
Keaton Saint James Smith has her New York City professional life in good order when she gets summoned to a meeting with her boss. The number two of the company is present who happens to be her ex-boyfriend and the boss’s ex-husband. That’s a love triangle worth a story of its own. She’s expecting a promotion but gets such a shock announcement that she quits on the spot. Her mom suggests that she go to Beaufort, NC, to prepare a house that’s been in the family for generations for sale. The house has been empty for the past fifty years after her grandparents mysterious death. The story combines beautifully present day life of Keaton’s time in Beaufort and what she discovers of her grandparents life.
A slew of other characters fill the narrative with subplots that are amusing, romantic and nostalgic. Anderson, a ten-year-old neighbor steals the show. Salt, Keaton’s lovable dog. Her grandparents that lived a love story charmed Southern life. Bowen, Anderson’s single grumpy dad. Four elder ladies that know all the town’s gossip and past. Harris, Keaton’s older brother and her parents. The pace is perfect as it navigates the decisions Keaton is going through and the revelations of her grandparent’s life and the mystery of their death.
Overall very entertaining.
