Sunset Stars

The stars of Texas, backlit by the setting sun.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Jaune
2017: No Small Adventure
2016: Do What Happy People Do
2015: Te Voglio Bene
2014: Dry Like An Oven
2013: I Saw And I Said
2012: Juicy Driving Treat
2011: Reckless In Rome
2010: Back And Forth, Back And Forth, Back And Forth…
2009: Eddie Enters A Copper Mine Friday
2008: Oshkosh B’Gosh!
2007: Queen Of The 21st Century
2006: Sketchbook

A Mammoth Proposal

Seven years ago today, the best man I've ever met asked me to be his wife.  He proposed at the top of Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes, California. 

Our first date was twenty years ago on July 21, 2004.  Twenty years! 

And I knew after our first date that I wanted to marry him. 

And then I did.

It only took him thirteen years to pop the question, but better late than never!

I got my man!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: The Day Began With A Burst
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Delicioso Since 1969
2021: Monsoon Afternoon
2020: The Day Began With A Burst
2019: Sorry, no post on this day
2018: Sin In The Distance
2017: Often, The Trees Speak To Us
2016: How I'm Feeling Lately
2015: Ed Goes With The Flow
2014: Big Coin Was A Big Hit
2013: Painting The Serengeti
2012: Why Fig Newtons Will Always Be On My Shopping List
2011: Losing The Wallet At Your Convenience
2010: Bridge Over Troubled Roadway
2009: If Only The Streets Were Truly Paved With Gold
2008: She Reigns Supreme
2007: A Match Made In Heaven
2006: Proof
2005: Caped Crusaders

Bound By The Road

Photo courtesy of Bound By The Cloak website

I was recently asked to be interviewed for a podcast called Bound By The Cloak. 

Chandi Guntapalli contacted me because she and her co-host,  Zoe Marshall, wanted to get the perspective of a woman truck driver and tell the story about what we experienced on the road as a truck driver.

I love talking about my job and sharing what happens in my daily life on the road.  Many people seem interested in this profession and don't always know what our days are like.  So Chandi and Zoey asked the questions they were interested in and I answered!

You can listen to my episode HERE.

Enjoy!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Welcoming Wyoming Wind Power
2017: Not Really A Loop
2016: Food For The Spirit Inside Of You
2015: These Little Piggies Went To Market
2014: Just Another View From The Road
2013: Polly Needs More Than A Cracker. Polly Needs A Roll Cage.
2012: Hats Off To Tits And Ass
2011: Approaching Chi-Town
2010: Paneful Outlook
2009: Gray County Silhouette
2008: This Little Piggy Went To Market
2007: I’ve Been Everywhere Sunday
2006: The Heat Bog
2005: Five

The End Of Another Day

 

They say Arizona has the best sunsets.  This is the one we see from our driveway.  Some days it's very fiery, other days more subtle.  But since the sun inevitably sets every day, we get a good mix.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Flightless
2017: Halo Of Color
2016: Western Exposure
2015: Heroes And Legends In South Tucson
2014: A Decade Of Love, Travel, And Monkey Business
2013: Thirty-Thousand Square Feet Of Stuff To Spend Money On
2012: Truckin’ With Ed
2011: Way Better Than Seven Years In Tibet
2010: His Charm And Understated Humor Is Totally Contagious
2009: The Creature Comforts Of Home
2008: Checklist
2007: Happy As A Clam
2006: Two Things
2005: Good For Licking

The Land Of Enchantment

 

Somewhere in New Mexico...

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: So You Want To Start A Trucking Company?
2017: Shores Lined With Fir
2016: #NeverKale
2015: Blue And Yellow Make Green
2014: An Instagram Glimpse Of Interstate 64
2013: More Fun Than Mr. Potato Head
2012: Triage
2011: They Claim To Have The Most Sky
2010: No Escape
2009: Help Wanted. Must Have Own Cassock.
2008: It’s All An Illuuuuusion
2007: Tipping Point
2006: Snap Decision To A Healthier Life
2005: Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer

Stormy Skies

 

During the monsoon season in Southern Arizona (June 15 to September 30), we typically get rain every afternoon or early evening.  The wind starts whipping, you might see rain somewhere in the distance, and the skies get a weird, eerie glow.

Then the rain comes, sometimes torrential, soaks every inch of the earth and leaves the air smelling like creosote. 

That's what it's like here during the summer.  Oppressive heat all day, rain in the afternoon, and then a little muggy after the rain.  Rinse and repeat.  Every day.

This is Arizona. 

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Peacocks In The High Desert
2017: The Place Beyond The Pines
2016: He Needs A Personalized Plate
2015: Get Down With Oscar
2014: Embrace The Heat Of Miami
2013: Oh, To Be A Kid
2012: Kind Of Like A Virtual Celebrity Bodyguard
2011: Jack & Jill Went Up A Hill To Fetch Some Aircraft Parts
2010: Live Longer. Live Better. And Be Sure To Have A Devil Dog Once In A While.
2009: How Can You Not Be In Love With The Man Who Invented Kisses?
2008: And We Wonder Why We’re The Fattest Nation On Earth
2007: Star Gazing
2006: Only A Southerner
2005: Do You Take Wolfgang Winkelmeyer To Be Your Lawful Wedded Husband?

Throw The Duck In The Air

I saw this bronze fountain sculpture in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  I'm not sure why she's throwing a duck and has a fish between her feet like a pet dog, and I don't recall seeing a plaque giving an explanation, but she seems really into it.

If you have any idea what this sculpture is called or know what she's supposed to be depicting here, please let me know.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: To Be A Kid Again
2017: Light Traffic
2016: Stop Taking Pictures Of Me
2015: Sooners Have Always Been Takers
2014: The Original Walking Dead
2013: Hey! It's A Million Degrees Outside. Wanna Help Me Move?
2012: Kind Of Like A Virtual Celebrity Bodyguard
2011: Things Are Going Just Swimmingly
2010: A Real Truck Driver Meets A Real Housewife
2009: Stars Glowing, Wine Flowing, Sax Blowing
2008: Western Ed Friday
2007: Salena Kandinsky
2006: Bam! Traumatized.
2005: Swing Low Sweet Chariot

Too Hot For Sitting

 

Patio bench.  Tucson, Arizona.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.

2018: A Bolt On Your Head
2017: Man Bun Burrito
2016: Boys And The Barn
2015: Not Your Average Meme
2014: Marine Transport

2013: Italian, French, And Classic Canadian
2012: A Hodgepodge Of Fun
2011: Sleeping Pill In A Swirl
2010: Putting Death On Hold
2009: Eddie Brings A Guest Friday
2008: The Things We Do For Love
2007: A Million Comedians Out Of Work And I’m Lucky Enough To Live With One
2006: Ah, The Primitive Beauty Of The Desert
2005: The Perfect Storm

Boys To Men

 

My youngest nephew turned 21 earlier this year.  My middle nephew turned 24 earlier this month.  And my oldest nephew will be 26 in a few months.

I'm officially old.  

I have been going through old photos and coming across so many of the boys when they were little, like this one.  I remember this day as if it were yesterday.  We were at my brother's house and the boys were all decked out in their motorcycle gear, riding the track my brother built on his three acres.

They were always so excited to ride.  And if I was around, I was the official photographer for the event.  

Now they are all working and living on their own; one in Hawaii, one just a few hours away, and another soon in North Carolina.  They're advancing in their careers, one running his own business and another learning a trade, while the third pursues a medical career caring for and helping others.  I enjoy celebrating the little successes along the way.  

I miss them at this age.  But I'm also so proud to watch them do the things they love most and look forward to the giant bear hugs I get from them when I do get to see them in the flesh!

They certainly do me proud!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Forty Years And Counting
2017: The Checkpoint Of No Return
2016: Stalemate
2015: If It Won't Fit, Don't Commit!
2014: The Breast Tour He's Ever Been On
2013: Joisey Tomatoes And More
2012: A Very Gradual Climb
2011: Out With The Old, In With The New
2010: Urban Rest Area
2009: Within Striking Distance
2008: An Island Of COWS, Lobsters, And Girls In Imaginary Prairie Dresses
2007: Freakin’ Ewww!
2006: And People Say All The Good Ones Are Taken
2005: Ahhhhh, Bahston

Lemon Garlic Bliss

 

I discovered this post online two years ago when I was looking for a new salad dressing to serve at a dinner I was hosting.  I wanted something new, light, and tasty.  This appealed to me because I love lemon and I love garlic.  And that's two of the four main ingredients. 

Is there anything more delicious than the combination of lemon and garlic?  I think not.  

Well, not only did Ed and I love this dressing, but my dinner guests gushed about it SO much, that I printed a copy of the recipe for her to take home.  She later told me that it was the only dressing she'd been using since that night and that she and her husband loved it.

Trust me, it's truly delicious.

I like more garlic, so rather than rubbing it around the bowl and discarding the garlic clove (blasphemy!), I grate at least two cloves (three if they're small) on my microplane so the pieces of garlic in the dressing are all small and smushy.  Yes, smushy.

Not only have I used this on salad, but I've also used the dressing on chicken, both grilled and baked in the oven.  

If you love lemons and garlic, this is the perfect dressing for you!



INGREDIENTS

½ lemon

1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed

1 spoonful of Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Good quality extra virgin olive oil

1 head or bunch of salad greens (the freshest you can find), torn into bite-sized pieces if needed

INSTRUCTIONS

Squeeze the juice from ½ lemon into the bottom of a large salad bowl.

Add the garlic, and rub it around the bowl. If you like a mild dressing, you can pull the clove out (I always leave it in).

Whisk in a spoonful of Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk in olive oil—you’re aiming for about twice as much oil as lemon juice.

Dip a lettuce leaf into the dressing and give it a taste. Adjust the flavorings as desired.

Pile the lettuce leaves into the bowl. If you’re not eating the salad right away, stick the bowl in the fridge (without tossing).

Right before serving, season the greens with salt and pepper, and toss them with the dressing.

Click HERE to print the recipe.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Summer Desert Flora
2017: Illicit Scrawl
2016: Wake-Up Call
2015: Chippin' It
2014: Dreaming Of A Craftier Life
2013: A Surprise In The Park
2012: A Little Red Water Never Killed Anyone
2011: Instantly Sexy
2010: Natural Light In Waterloo
2009: So, What Brings You To My Neck Of The Blogosphere?
2008: Eternity Is Going To Be SO. MUCH. FUN.
2007: I’ve Been Everywhere Sunday
2006: That Eddie Guy
2005: Pee Bum Head

Eye See You

 

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Happy Hipsta
2017: Shift Change
2016: A Chair Is Still A Chair
2015: Summer Calls For Cukes!
2014: Nature's Bounty Fills My Fridge
2013: Bags, Boxes, And Bikes
2012: Wrappers Delight
2011: Breaking The Spell
2010: It Never Ends
2009: 275 Square Miles Of Brilliance
2008: Four Standards, One Newbie
2007: Semantics
2006: 36 Hours Of Hell On Earth
2005: 11:11:11

Mountain Men And Vaqueros

 

I just came across this photo of my brother Michael (on the left) and a family friend, John Foss (on the right) holding the banner for the Tucson Mountain Men in the La Fiest de los Vaqueros rodeo parade. This picture was taken over 40 years ago! 

As you can see, the banner says "sponsored by Damiano's".  Damiano's was an Italian restaurant on Stone and Drachman in Tucson, Arizona.  It was owned by Damiano and Assunta Ali.  

The restaurant has since changed names and is now known as Bottega Michaelangelo, located at Magee and Oracle in Oro Valley.  This is the Italian restaurant that Ed and I go to regularly.  And the Ali family still owns it.  We always have a great meal there!

What a fun little history flashback!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: The Greening Of My Eating
2017: Backlit
2016: Theatric Reading
2015: The Trout Capital Of Oklahoma
2014: Looks Like A Regular Moon To Me
2013: Laundry Options For A Modern Trucker
2012: It Can Only Mean One Thing
2011: It’s Like Cheers, Where Everybody Knows Your Name. OK, So It’s More Like Where Just One Guy Knows Your Face.
2010: Social NOTworking
2009: Scattergories
2008: Time Isn’t The Only Thing That Flies When You’re Having Fun
2007: Anything I Want
2006: Burglar And Idiot Proof
2005: Virginia Is For Lovers

Following The Sun

 

This is the seedhead of a Western Salsify flower.   In this stage, it looks like a dandelion, but on steroids.  This one was about the size of a softball.  I came across this one in the badlands of South Dakota.  It is considered an invasive weed.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Prickly Heart
2017: Seventeen Years Just Whizzed On By
2016: Into The Mouth Of The Wolf
2015: We Have Our Very Own Air-Conditioned Theater
2014: A Real Weekend
2013: Gary Hits Me Up With Another Gem
2012: After Dinner Pusch
2011: Moments Before Sleepy Time
2010: Bakin’ It The Fake Way
2009: The Elegant Gathering Of A Life
2008: My, What A Nice Berg You Have
2007: The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Grapes Being Crushed Into Wine
2006: There Are No Words To Explain The Misery Of A Three Digit Temperature
2005: New York State Of Mind 

The Eye Of The Day Is Pretty And Everlasting

Red tulips and white and pink English Daisies in the Sunken Garden at The Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada.

The scientific name, Bellis Perennis, comes from the Latin words meaning "pretty" and "everlasting".

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Unlimited In Oklahoma
2017: The Crucible
2016: Find Yourself
2015: Bringing Back The Library Card
2014: Moab Muster
2013: Farm To Garden
2012: You Know You’re Getting Old When You Start Carrying Your Own Sugar
2011: America Runs On Dunkin’
2010: Los Links!!
2009: Here Kitty Kitty Kitty
2008: Intense Eddie Friday
2007: It’s An iPod, Not A wePod
2006: Doing The Wade
2005: It’s A Numbers Game

Color Pop!

The Mexican Bird of Paradise is one of my favorite desert plants.  I love the pop of color they provide to an otherwise bleak and colorless landscape.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Squeezing It In
2017: You Are The French To My Toast
2016: Junk In The Trunk
2015: Clean Panties In The Corner Pocket
2014: Total Throwback Thursday
2013: Attack Of The 50 Foot Chicagoan
2012: The Art Of The Merge (And Other Simple Courtesies Of The Road)
2011: Montana Fluff
2010: Stop The Presses!
2009: Fiesta Ed Friday
2008: Crotchety Old Woman
2007: One Side Of A Coin
2006: Why Oh Why
2005: Sign Of The Times

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Flashback to our time riding bikes around Chicago.  

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Loaded Up And Headed Home
2017: The City Girl Snaps A Sunset
2016: Imperfectly Wonderful
2015: Charleston Blues And Greens
2014: Dodging Locals Under The Oaks
2013: The Best Trail In Town
2012: It’s Even Better Than Having A “Plan B”
2011: Who Says Truckers Don’t Have Nice Legs?
2010: Boy, Have Times Changed!
2009: I’ll Have A Short Stack With A Million Scrambled Eggs On The Side Please
2008: It Came At A Perfect Time
2007: Experimenting With Scrotum
2006: Can Anyone Spare A Roll Of Pennies?
2005: Matching Purse And Flip Flops??