Duane made it to Jackson, WY blizzard coming. I had to put chains on to get off the street and into the drive way.

love my baby girls

This is part of why we are becoming truck drivers! In Boston playing...

Finally heard from Danielle. They

Finally heard from Danielle. They are on their way! yahoo..

so excited.dropped load in Conn.

so excited.dropped load in Conn. and took load to Hudson near Danielle and . they won't answer phones! I have 5 hours to visit

Tennesse Sunrise

Good Morning Tennesse!

Snowflakes & Laundry

Three nights ago I was in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We got parked early, I had plenty of time to take a shower and get my laundry done. Thought I was being so clever, packed all my laundry in my suitcase on wheels and pulled it inside to the truck stop. Took a leisurely shower. Got dressed in clean clothes, got ready to do my laundry and found out that none of the LOVE Truck stops have laundry facilities. I was disappointed. I was going to go back to the truck. I looked outside and the hour I had been inside it snowed 2 inches! I was relaxed, exhausted after driving 600 miles, so I didn't have the energy to pick it up and carry it back to the truck. So I drug it on it's wheels through the snow, pushing snow with me, looked like someone had plowed all the way to the truck. Needless to say, huge learning curve in this over the road lifestyle. Finally did my laundry today in Ft Worth,TX, but this time put just the laundry I needed in my pillowcase and got it washed at the truck stop. YEAH! Clean clothes, clean pillow case. Only 10 more days of training...156 hours so far, 84 hours left!

We dropped our load early

We dropped our load early here in Ft. Worth Texas...on to pick up next load to Manchester Connecticut..

stopped in North Platte, NE to sleep.

Duane is stopping at North

Duane is stopping at North Platte to sleep on way to Cheyenne, WY.

Having fun on the 405 South

just delivered the load of

just delivered the load of beverages. On to the airport to pick up a load for Ft. Worth Texas...

Duane made it to Duluth,MN.

Duane made it to Duluth,MN. with his load. It is a nice day at 27 deg.

Spent the night in Parawan

Spent the night in Parawan Utah..on my way to L A..

almost to steamboat springs..so beautiful..

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going throught the Eisenhauer Tunnel

it looks ominous ahead...

It's fun being in the passenger seat! A beautiful day in the Rockies

Wow..we just spent an hour

Wow..we just spent an hour with the Colorado DOT. They did a level 1 inspection.We passed with flying colors! My Trainer rocks

We are picking up a

We are picking up a load of beverages in Ft. Collins. the drink that had the frogs advertising for it.Deliver to Los Angeles

Dropped our load at the

Dropped our load at the Walmart Distribution Center here in Cheyene. I drove 578 miles today! A new record for me. It's snowin

Morris IL

spending the nite in Morris, IL On route to Rice Lake, WI. Next load will be Eagan, MN to Olive Branch, MS.

Duane is taking a load

Duane is taking a load from Siren, WI to Elwood ,IL First Years products for Target.

waiting for them to load our truck here in Dallas

Done with the pool filters.Picking

Done with the pool filters.Picking up paint to deliver to Cheyene,Wy.

In Dallas for the night...early

In Dallas for the night...early delivery..where will I go next? This is the load of pool filters from Homedale Idaho .

U. Dave and A. Nancy

had lunch with Uncle Dave and Aunt Nancy

getting ready to sleep...burrowing into my handmade..from Mom..quilts...night,night

done for the dAy..drove 509

done for the dAy..drove 509 miles! just outside of Albuqurque ...on to Amarillo Texas tomorrow. Lots to learn...I am so tired.

Early rising truckers sunrise in Montana

Made it Beach, North Dakota and stopping for the nite. There is no beach here though, only snow on the ground. I guess I could imagine it as being sand!

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Duane is heading to MN

Duane is heading to MN with his 1st load. will stop in Beach, North Dakota today.

I am on my way

I am on my way to Dallas,Tx w/load from Homedale,Ioad of water filters.Duane is on his way to Minnesota w/motorcycle parts!

I am so excited! Duane

I am so excited! Duane got our new International Pro Star! It only has 56k miles on it. It has all the bells and whistles 2.

Our truck!

This is our truck! I just got cleared to solo. 2010 International. 56000 mi. like brand new.

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I am on my way

I am on my way to Wells,Nv. to drop 6 ft. tall rolls of paper ..they weigh 4400 each and we have 11 of them!

Wow! Duane and I are

Wow! Duane and I are in Lewiston tonight- we found a great Prime Rib/Steak House called Rowdy's...best Prime rib in oh so long

Duane is taking a load

Duane is taking a load of bottled beverages from Otay Mesa, CA to Boise ID.

Duane left Hudsonville, MI with

Duane left Hudsonville, MI with load of plastic for Bose to Otay Mesa, CA. Drove thru 1st snow strm in MI

Duane's run today; del 400

Duane's run today; del 400 tires to Southbend, IN. Picked up at Grand Haven, MI car parts to Flint, MI./ bobtail NewBoston,MI

BIG TIRES!

that's how you get BIG TIRES off a truck

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It's a good day to rake leaves!

Back home again...

Well, my trainer didn't work out for me. He has a bit of learning to do himself, and I felt it would be best if I changed trainers. Duane should be done this week, and will get our truck hopefully the following week. I will go with his trainer and finish out my training that way. It will be quicker than working on the Walmart account, it was averaging about 5 hours of driving and about 7 hours of other work, such as off loading etc.. It makes more sense to train with someone that is doing long haul, as I will finish my hours more quickly and get on the truck with Duane. I can honestly say that I've learned so much, and am enjoying the driving. I just miss my husband! Duane and his trainer Tim did come through Caldwell on Saturday night. They met me at the Flying J truck stop, and I brought Duane home for a shower and clothing swap! It was great to see him and grab a quick hug! Hope there will only be a few more weeks of this, and we can be together by Thanksgiving!
I need to get outside and rake our leaves, it's a beautiful day so I am going to take advantage of it! It's a good thing I'm home to do some of those types of jobs that need to be done in the fall.

just delivering load of napkins

just delivering load of napkins and paper towels (23000 lb) to Aurora, CO. happy halloween.

Duane just made a run

Duane just made a run to Las Vegas with paper products from Potlash and is bringing a load back to lewiston.

on our way down us 97 south to Portland...Columbia River

me driving

on my way to port

on my way to port angeles..sequim..poulsbo..woo whooo

I am working at the Beehive!

I am driving with a trainer that is a "dedicated" Walmart driver. We take loads to the Grandview, Washington central distribution center and take loads out. Mostly we take things out. It's like a beehive with all the in and out business. This would be a great job for someone that lived in the area, as you'd be home every week, good for families. I think one of the hardest parts of the job is the isolation from family and loved ones. My heart goes out to all those who are on the road to provide for their family! They are truly dedicated to the ones they love!
Today I am taking a load to North Seattle. Hoping it isn't raining too much. The traffic is a bit crazy when it rains!

View from my room in Lewiston. My mentor has home time so I'm here in Lewiston for a few days. I'm staying at the Guest House Inn.

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On my way to Jerome

On my way to Jerome Idaho to pick up powdered milk to takebto Umatilla Oregon...

Duane is picking up a

Duane is picking up a load in Mankato, MN to Spokane. WA bottle products.

Duane is taking a load of candy from Creston, Iowa to Shakopee, MN

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Today is hard to explain...suffice

Today is hard to explain...suffice it to say I feel like Alice when she fell down the rabbit hole!

Duane picked up a load

Duane picked up a load of tires in Monee, IL and delivered to Kansas City,MO. He saw the arch in StLouis from 15mi away.

Caldwell Berry Patch Pumpkins for sale in Washington...commerce at work!

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On our way to Washington...Seattle

On our way to Washington...Seattle area..delivering meat and produce to Walmarts. Should be there by 3:45am...

crossing over the columbia river in Washington

my first load as a professional driver..pumpkins from Nampa Idaho to Grandview Washington

Making our unload at LG

My Mentor Called!

I am so excited! My new Trainer/Mentor called a few minutes ago. He will be here to pick me up in Caldwell at about 5am! His name is Ryan, he's been a driver for Swift for a few years, and just recently became a "dedicated route" driver , doing runs for Walmart. He had been doing Long Haul throughout the United States, but needed to stay close to home because of changes in his family. This means I will be close to home as well! He runs through Boise several times a week, so I am excited about this. I will get to be home maybe a little each week! He's the age of my older kids, so that's good too, and a non-smoker! So, my Journey continues! Every day with him is a day closer to being with Duane!

Cotton field in Georgia

Duane is in Orlando area having dinner with Eric. What a life our plan is workng

Napolean Bonapard Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida

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Duane is in Florida. Picture is the Napolean Bonapard Bridge in Jacksonville.

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Back home for a few days...

I am home for a few days, waiting for my Mentor/Trainer to be selected. I hope to go out on the road by next Wednesday. I will be with a trainer for 6 weeks/ 240 hours of over the road driving (minimum) to be deemed qualified to "solo". Then, I will join Duane on our new truck! I am not sure if it will be by the end of November, or first of December! I guess it's tougher to find a female/non-smoking trainer. They have lots of trainers, but not many with those qualifications....I will let you all know!

FWD:

on my way home. cool dog bed and breakfast

Duane is on the way

Duane is on the way from Erie, PA to Lakeland, FL with a load of fruit juice to Sam's Club.

FWD:WESTERN PA JUST WENT OVER A BRIDGE.

WESTERN, PA JUST WENT OVER A BRIDGE.

the view from my room

my hotel room in Lewiston..

Taking a load of home

Taking a load of home improvement items from Plainfield, CT to New Castle, PA

back in Lewiston for Orientation at Swift. I am getting hired this week! I forgot my toothbrush- only one in vending machine...makes me smile!

Duane is off loading in Wilmington Ma and DANIELLE AND FAMILY IN ARLINGTON.Grandpa gets to see his girls today!

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Driving over a bridge in Cincinnati

over a bridge in Cincinnati

Duane is on his way to Columbus Ohio. just passed Cincinnati Bengal stadium

Cincinnati Bengal stadium

I Passed with flying colors....thank

I Passed with flying colors....thank you all for your prayers. I couldn't have done it without all of your good intensions...

We switched drivers I drove 560 mi. We are almost to Albany.

we switched drivers, I drove 560 mi. We are almost to Albany.

Tomorrow is the big day...

Well if I don't pass the State Test it isn't because my teachers haven't prepared me. They have been so wonderful here at the Swift School in Lewiston , Idaho. They are very concerned with producing top notch, safe drivers, and just drill it into our heads. I really appreciate their concern and care for us as people. I feel as though I've been in Boot Camp! If all goes well, I will be getting my license on Monday, and going to Orientation on Tuesday to be a driver for Swift!

Duane is in New York State, and on his way to Adirondack, New York to pick up another load in the morning. They will take this load to Memphis, Tenn. drop it and pick up another load there. Don't know what they're picking up, will let you know when I find out. But, the sugar made it to Wilton, New York, north of Albany! More on the "flip" side....picture to follow

I take the State Test

I take the State Test tomorrow...keep me in your prayers PLEASE!

Duane is in Wisconsin. They

Duane is in Wisconsin. They are taking sugar to a place north of Albany New York.

Mauston WI WATER TOWER

Mauston, WI WATER TOWER

Duane is on his way to Upstate New York...leaving North Dakota. I am studying for Friday final test.

Miles City MT on the way to Morgan Mn.

Miles City, MT

The view from Duane's upper bunk in the truck.

view from my upper bunk. love you!

I drove down the Grade from Moscow to Lewiston

Wow, I passed my test, and to celebrate we drove down the grade from Moscow to Lewiston. If anyone has driven that, it's amazingly scary! But, thank goodness for the inventor of Jake Brakes! They are my new found favorite mechanical tool! Duane is on his way to Moorehead, Mn. Hi to all of Mrs. Stansell's 2nd graders...thanks for the Cheers!

On the road Spending the night in Butte Montana

stopping for the night in Butte, MT My truck is behind me. We are heading to Moorhead, MN

Duane & Tim made it

Duane & Tim made it almost to Bozeman Montana and shut it down for the night. He called @ 4am slept great. I test today...

Duane was officially hired by

Duane was officially hired by Swift yesterday. He started his six weeks with his trainer Tim Carson.

Duane is doing Orientation for new drivers...

I am back in training and Duane is doing his new driver orientation. He will find out by Thursday who his Mentor/Trainer for the next 6 weeks will be. I will be here (provided I pass the back up test by Friday) for the next 2 weeks. We met this great family named Travis and Brie Bartschi at church on Sunday. She taught the adult class, and we enjoyed her class so much. She invited us to come to their home for dinner on Monday night. We had so much fun with them, and it was so enjoyable to be with their children as well. They are such a great family, and have invited us back to hang out while we're here in Lewiston. They both grew up in Idaho Falls, and he's a dentist here in Lewiston. We're meeting some really great people on our adventure so far. We sure miss all of family and friends. The week home for me was mostly spent hanging out with Henry and canning pickles with Yvette and visiting with the Shuey family....my life is always fun, so many great people in my life!

this is the training truck and trailer...53 foot long trailer... I love driving

Roz failed her skills test...

I did say that I'd keep this blog "real"...I failed my 90 degree backing test on Friday. So, I have to leave the school for 1 week and return the following week to join the new class that is starting this coming Monday the 20th of Sept. So, I will go home for a week while Duane finishes his CDL this week. Swift is very strict and follows the rules to the letter. That means they turn out very safe drivers. I will look for a truck to practice on this week while I am home. The test I failed is very difficult, but it is one I need to pass for the Idaho State Test. I have practiced so much I inflamed a problem that I already had with my left knee. Oh, well, right? The thing that is crazy is I can do this 90 degree back, but was so rattled by having someone stand there and test me! I will pass next time.

Duane will now be a week ahead of me with his orientation and training with the company. That is fine as things are flexible in that area. I think that will be good for him to get going on the road. The bright side is I get to go home and visit with all my family, play with my grandson, Henry and catch up on all of our mail etc.... The funny thing is having been with Duane 24/7 I am going to feel lonely. Weird, we've already adjusted to this new lifestyle. Life has so many surprises in store for us, doesn't it? Thank goodness for that, or I guess we'd all be drones!

I hope I can go visit Mrs. Stansell's 2nd Grade class out in Marsing! I am drivng home today, and will be back up here on Friday to pick Duane up!

Roz drives the Big Rig...safe and sound..Big Cat lookout- we are coming!

we are driving...

truck driving

Learning to back up ...

Learning how to shift...

Okay, I thought that I knew how to drive a stick shift, and that would help to learn the shifting on the Semi-truck...wrong! It is so different, and it's like learning how to drive all over again. You have to get your rpms up to down shift, and you must double clutch to just to get it in gear. Also, you need to remember not to put the accelerator down to go into a higher gear....AYE,YI, Yi, I feel so ignorant! I will have to say my "hat" is off to all of those hard working truckers out there....so when you buy something, anything, remember a truck driver got it there for you! I am not kidding, this is not for sissies! I feel like a sissie right now, that is for sure. I come back to the motel with my "tail" dragging everyday...I thought that I would get to read a few books in my spare time-Ha, Ha, Ha...what spare time. We have studying and are just to tired to do anything entertaining. Even food has taken a "survival" meaning- eating just so we get through the day. I am keeping a smile on my face, and Duane says he still loves me, so not much more to ask, Right? hugs to all....Roz and Duane

We passed some of our tests!

Sorry I haven't written lately...I have been more tired than I've been in years. This is far more difficult than I thought! What an ordeal, and yet it's been so fun. I finally passed my 88 part inspection test on the Rig...wow, that was too much memorization for me...now I know how to do a Pre-trip inspection for the Idaho final test. Now they had us learn how to back up from a 90 degree angle. Mrs. Stansell will have to draw that on the board for her 2nd graders... Now we are learning about the unhook and hooking up of the trailer to the semi-truck...I will post a video later...

2nd day of training...

We passed our DOT physicals! I wasn't too worried, until I was in the exam room with the Doctor. It became very serious, and all business...Duane was in another room, kind of scary for a minute. But all is well, and thankful Duane and I live a fairly tame life. No regrets there, that's for sure. Learned all about keeping our Log books, and let me tell you it's no picnic. There is so much to remember, and if you forget to do something you can have major fines and even go to jail! So, I take this very seriously, and will do my best, that's for sure. We came back to our room and I started dinner. We have our little camping stove here, and I made a little pasta dish with some Albacore and a green sauce that Duane likes. We don't have to eat like we're camping out, even if we are! Tomorrow I am leaving dinner in a crockpot and hope the chicken casserole will be done when we get back. I know Duane thought I was bringing way too much with us, but now he's enjoying the meals...
I have to learn the pre-trip inspection by heart, and I want you to know it's crazy. Once we have it down it should only take about an hour to get the inspection done each time we change drivers. Once I've actually practiced it on a truck I will remember it better, but I have to know it by heart to recite and explain to an inspector with the DMV for my final CDL test. Lots of prayer needed here people! Cannot do this alone. Thank you to all of you that are cheering us on, we really appreciate it...WE LOVE YOU ALL! Hope to be back tomorrow.

First day of training...

It was far too early this morning when the alarm went off at 4am! We did make it to bed early, about 11pm here in Lewiston...but not early enough for that wake up call! Today was full of filling out paperwork, learning new terminology, and just the fight to stay awake... Our trainer is an interesting woman, and very experienced in CDL driving. We will be in the "rigs" this week, and I think I'm looking forward to it. The hotel/motel we're in is not one we would normally try out on our own. It's a very basic type property, and has a different type crowd staying here. Having said that, they have just done a remodel and have done a very nice job. The beds are new and are very comfortable, which really suprised us. We drove up and thought we'd give it one night, and then maybe look for another hotel. We slept well, and it was quiet - can't ask for much more than that under the circumstances...Just finished studying and doing our homework...of course I cooked dinner here in our room and we watched Boise State pull out a win in the last minute of the game. It got to be a real nail biter there. I will send some pictures tomorrow, hope to get caught up with myself....

We are on our way to training class! It was so hard to say goodbye to our Ashley girl. A new chapter has begun... it is so beautiful driving through Montana.