Hi, I'm Snazzy and I'm Trucker

Nope Duker it wasn't any of them, but I agree with Pj, they all look guilty to me. Dolly made a good guess, about having twins, but it'll be awhile before we find out, as Life Goes on. Snazzy points all around.

A few weeks passed and I had gotten back into my work routine. You know, signing up the company drivers to be lease operators. It wasn't really a hard job, because every driver with TLX wanted in. Yep, the shop did a good job of sprucing up the rigs and finance could get anyone financed. Of course, none of the drivers were actually purchasing the tractors. Nope, they just signed a contract agreeing to lease it. Yep, every settlement they got, had several hundred dollars deducted, from it. So, on paper it looked good. You know, the driver thought that after a few months they'd have it paid off. Well, not really ! Yep, the fine print was written in legalize and was as clear, as mud. It was all in favor of TLX and didn't give the driver a fighting chance. You see, it wasn't like a loan contract. Nope, there wasn't any payoff due, or equity built up. Yep, that lease didn't allow anyway out and they were screwed, from day one. The only way to end the lease was to honor the contract. Yep, according to it the driver had to be the sole operator, unless they got a second driver approved by TLX. Yep, you guessed it ! Only TLX students and some of the married couples would get approved. So, I knew that after a few months a lot of leased operators were sure going to be left holding the bag. Now, even though I tried to explain it. Well, you know what I mean. It was like trying to rain on somebody's parade. No matter what I said, it never made any difference. Yep, it was like watching a slow train wreck and nothing I could do, about it.

Knock, knock, " Oh, hi Junior ! Come on in. "

Jr sat, " I just got back and we'll have all the units we need, by next week. Have you got any left here to lease on ? "

I was honest, " Well, not anymore of the three year old units. We've got a few of the newer models, but ..."

Jr cut me short, " I ended up buying that Freight Shaker dealership and we'll have all the used trucks you need ! Now, once those leases start maturing. Let's say, once their a year old. We can now offer them the new models and ...."

I rolled my eyes, " Do what ? Those leases are for three years and ..."

Jr explained, " Yeah, I know they are ! You see, this way we can take back the older model and put them in a new truck. I'll take their old truck, as a trade in and ...."

I lit up, " Hold it ! How are you going to do that ? Most of their credit isn't
worth a hill of beans ! "

Junior snickered, " Barney, I have it all planned out ! You see, from day one, I report all their payments to the credit bureau. So, the ones that last a year will have a good credit report. Then I use that information to get them approved on the new truck. Of course, I'm actually cosigning the loan and ...."

I got his drift, " I see ! It's like the housing and loan racket ! You'll sale the note to another lender and leave them hanging in the breeze. Man ! I'd be careful, if I were you. "

Jr educated me, " I'm not taking any risk ! By the time another lender buys the note I' ll already be sitting pretty. Let them worry about collecting from those Idiot drivers. Hell, they'll get those notes at a big discount and it's their own greed that ..."

I blew smoke, " Oh, I get it ! Since you own the dealership and still own the trade in...."

Jr winked at me, " It's all doing business Barney ! The only way to ever get ahead is to own the game ! You know, the house never loses ! "

So, Junior left on that note and left me to think about it. Yep, he was right and awfully shrewed about business. I mean, he sure knew how to make a buck and make it look honest. Well, I guess it was legal, or close to it. I mean someone might have a civil case. But, it'd take an army of lawyers and five years of litigation to sort though all of it. I mean, it wasn't any skin off my beak. Yep, that was just the business world doing what it does best. You know, scalping the working man and ... Well, you know what I mean, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

The weeks passed quickly and winter had really settled in. I was still sawing logs when the phone got my attention.

Ring, ring, " Hello ? "

The voice wasn't nice, " I've been calling all morning ! You know, you do have three daughters ! What about the other two, don't they count ? Piggy gets pregnant and you buy her a new car ! "

I defended myself, " Well, I wouldn't of had to, if you hadn't kicked her out and took back your car ! "

Wifey wasn't finished, " Me and Guitar Man have decided to file a civil case against the father. He's in the air force and training to be a pilot. We'll have them pay for the delivery and get full medical coverage for the baby. We'll try to get Piggy and the child listed as his dependents. Guitar Man is a licensed paralegal now and works at a law office. It will only cost us the filing fees and he says....."

I stopped her cold, " No ! Don't do that ! All it will do is get him discharged and the military will deny the claim ! When was I in basic the same thing happened. One of the guys had run off and joined the army, to get away from a girl he got in trouble. She came down there and raised a fuss. The Army gave that guy a general discharge, for the good of the service. They denied her claim and that, was that ! "

Wifey boasted, " Guitar Man is on the city council and he knows who to contact. Piggy isn't covered by our insurance and we're not going to pay for it ! "

I lit a 100, " Look ! I'll cover the medical expenses, so don't worry about it. Piggy has enough problems right now and ...."

Wifey spewed some more, " Oh, you don't even know ! She tried out for the Dallas Cheer Leading squad and made the cut. She was suppose to go for her final interview, but now that's ...."

I blew smoke, " She's young and there will be other opportunities ..."

Wifey exploded, " You always hated them cheer leading and I guess now, your going to have a good laugh ! Me and Guitar Man still think, that she needs to abort this pregnancy ! It's not too late, but if ..."

I spoke my mind, " Hey ! That's up to her and she'll have to decide that. No one can make that decision for her and ... "

Wifey went in for the kill, " She'll do anything you tell her ! Now, just for once try to do what is right ! She's too young to be a mother and I'm not ready to be a grandmother ! "

I had to remind her, " I knew a girl in high school that was 3 years younger than Piggy. She got pregnant and married the father. They were married, for over 20 years and ...."

Wifey got my point, " I know, but this isn't like that ! That sorry guy isn't going to marry her and she can't raise that child alone ! "

I agreed, " She's not ! Between, my mother, my sisters, your mother, and everyone else. She'll be lucky to see the kid ! Now, just chill out and quit worrying about it. Piggy is a grown lady and she knows what's best for her and that baby. "

Wifey sounded scared, " I've got to go. Click ! "

So, I gave the phone the look and hung up. I quickly sashayed over to the pot and bled the lizard. It was one of them marathon whizzes that went on forever.

Knock, knock, " Just a minute ! Oh, hey Dan ! Come on in ! "

Dan followed me inside, " Did I wake you up ? "

I popped a top, " No, I just got off the phone. You care for a beer ? "

Dan declined, " No, I can't stay ! I have a favor to ask you and ..."

I didn't hesitate, " Hey ! You name it ! With all that work you did getting this place in shape. Whatever you need ! "

Dan smiled, " We'll only be gone a week and she won't give you any trouble. She's in the car and I'll go get her. "

I watched, " Hey ! That's a good looking dog ! What's her name ? "

Dan handed me her leash, " This is Candy and she's a dover man pincher. She's two years old and house broke. This bag has her food bowel inside and she only eats once every evening. This this her water bowel and here's my number to reach me. If you have any problems, just call ! We'll be in California visiting my in-laws. I'll be back next week. Thanks ! "

So, I watched Dan run like a thief and jump in his getaway vehicle. The tires smoked, as he and his family disappeared. Candy cold nosed my crotch area and buried her face between my legs. I hobbled over and filled her water bowel. She lapped up a few tongue fulls, as I unlatched her choke chain. She was a beautiful animal and had intelligent looking eyes. Her black coat shined, with a blueish tint and there was a small brownish area under her neck. She stood, about waist high to me and weighed a good 70 lbs. She was nosy and checked out the River Queen. You know, like a kid in a new home. I kept the sliding door shut, so she wouldn't run off and watched her slide across wooden floors. Yep, this dog sitting was going to be a piece of cake, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snarrers, your Snazzy1.

 

I see that Big Duker and W5IT are still with us and I'm sorry for the delay. Let's see what happens, as Life Goes On.

I was honest, " Candy, you stink ! Let's get you a bath and spruced up. It's Saturday and we might go out tonight. There you go ! That's good ! No ! Wait ! Sit ! Sit ! No ! There you go ! Good girl ! "

So, I rub a dub tubbed and used the no tears shampoo. Candy seemed to enjoy herself and I had to snicker. Yep, she just sat there and let me do my thing. You know, I finger suds her up and washed behind her ears. They were pointy and felt like velvet. She licked my hands and leaned her head back. Yep, Candy was just a playful pup and starved for attention. I lifted her from the tub and used my good beach towel to dry her with. She shook and shuttered, like wet dogs do.

I fed her a treat, " I bet, you feel better now ! What happened to your tail ? Look at that ! See ! Someone done stole your tail ! That's alright, you don't need no tail ! Do you ? Good girl ! Now, you go lay down and let me get ready. Go On ! Good girl ! "

So, I showered and spruced up myself. You know, it was Saturday night and I was looking forward to a night out. I put on my going out duds You know, a pair of dress jeans, pull over knit shirt, and Docker laced shoes. I wanted to look casual and spiffy, but not stuffy. I splashed on a little extra smell good and even rubbed some on Candy. Yep, we were ready to party, so I slipped on her leash and locked the door. Now, the marina's bar was named the Pirate's Den. It was a small club and sat right on the lake. You know, on stilts and right next to it was a barge. Well, a wooded platform that was enclosed and had a hole in the center. You know, so folks could fish from it and still see the lake view. There was always a crowd on the weekends and they were a mixed bunch. You know, uppity ups who owned their own yachts, some family pontoon owners, and even some land lovers that just stopped by. I sat on the end toad stool and had Candy sit next to me. No ! Not on a stool ! On the floor ! Come on Snazzers !

Mr Hook leaned over, " That's a beautiful dog ! When did you get her ? "

I lit a 100, " She belongs to Dan and I'm just babysitting. I'll have a beer and Candy wants some of them beef jerkies. Don't you girl ? "

Hook tossed a couple down, " Look at that ! She swallowed those things down whole ! Don't you feed her ? "

I blew smoke, " I swear, she eats like a horse ! Go ahead and give her a couple of more. Oh, thanks for the beer ! "

So, the night was young and off to a good start. I was a little worried, if Candy would be welcome. You know, some bar owners don't allow pets. Anyway, the bar grew crowded, as the jukebox sang and folks loosened up. You know, it was a typical Saturday night in the One Star State. Of course, Candy was the star attraction. Yep, everyone threw a fit over her and she lapped up their affection. I kept a close eye and made sure that she behaved. Oh, not that she wouldn't, but well, you know. Anyway, the night passed quickly and last call was served. I wasn't feeling any pain and Candy had managed to doze off.

Mr Hook took the stool next to me, " So, how's the River Queen doing and why haven't you taken her out yet ? "

I was honest, " I'm waiting for the weather to warm up. Hell, I might have to swim ashore ! "

Hook chuckled, " Your a Hoot Barney ! That girl is sea worthy and I'd bet my life on it ! Oh, we're under a severe weather warning and suppose to have some heavy rain headed our way. It sure got foggy out there ! "

I agreed, " Yep, it doesn't look good, so we better get going. Thanks, for having us and we'll see you later. Come on Candy ! "

So, I snapped the leash on and sashayed/staggered for the exit. Candy's paws clicked on the boardwalk, as she followed along. We hadn't gotten far, before the fog got the best of us. Yep, I couldn't see five feet ahead of me and had to stop in my tracks. It was a dark night, but the marina was well lit. Well, as any driver knows, lighting up fog only makes it's worse. I couldn't even see the boardwalk and had to feel the handrails to make our way. We managed to hang a right and weren't far from the River Queen. Now, instead of the fog, it was the pitch blackness that slowed our way. I swear, I couldn't see my hand, in front of my face. So, I shuffled one foot in front of the other and .... #### ! Yep, Candy for some reason jerked her leash and away she went. It almost knocked me over and I was caught completely by surprise.

I tried to sound commanding, " Candy ! Candy ! Get back here ! Candy ! Get back here ! I mean it ! Come on Candy. I've got treats ! Come on girl, it's Daddy calling ! Treats Candy ! #### stupid dog ! Get back here ! "

So, I stood there in the blackness and weighed my options. Let's see, I could stand there like an Idiot calling in vain, try to chase after her and risk falling in the lake, or .... Yeah, I'll shuffle over and fetch my flashlight. Let's see, slow, slow, a little more, over this way, there you go. I got it, that's the rail, that's right, careful, careful. Let's see, keys in my pocket, there it is, that's the lock, easy, easy, turn, that's it ! Now, light switch, here, no there it is ! Great ! I can see ! Flashlight, flashlight, there it is ! Ok, here we go. #### fog ! Wait a minute ! Do ya'll hear that ? What ? That ! Oh, that yelping ? ####, mind voices shut up ! It's coming from over there. It must be coyotes ! #### ! They got Candy ! Hurry, hurry, their killing her.

I stumbled closer, " Hang on girl ! I'm coming ! Where are you ? Candy ! Hold on girl ! "

So, I followed my ears and tried to make my way. I still couldn't see, but a few feet ahead of me. The flashlight, just reflected off the fog and wasn't any help. The sounds of a fierce battle echoed across the still night. Deep throated growls, followed by cries of pain and snarling warnings. I couldn't move fast enough and wasn't even sure which way to go. My mind's eye in visioned sights of flesh being ripped apart by razor sharp teeth. Fear tried to slow my progress. You know, how it stiffens you with cold feelings of fright. My neck hairs stood up, my knees grew weak, but I continued on. Just as approached the picnic area, I stumbled right into the affray. The beast had her circled and were going in for the kill. I had no weapon, so I threw my flashlight and screamed. The pack of cowards headed into the thicket and didn't dare challenge me. I knelt in the darkness and cradled her in my arms.

My voice strained, " Hold on girl, I'm here, I'm with you, don't die. Please God, help me ! Oh Candy ! "

She laid limp in my arms, as I struggled to lift her. I carried her close to my chest and made my way. The distant lights of the River Queen grew slowly closer. Tears of pain dripped down my cheeks, as a sharp stabbing pain poked at my heart. The fog blinded my way, but couldn't stop me. The quietness was broken, by a distant voice, " Barney ! Barney ! "

I choked out a reply, " I'm over here ! Candy .. They got Candy ! "

Mr Hook shined his light, " What is that Barney ? What have you got ? "

I nestled my nose into her side, " The coyotes got her ! I need to get her help and ....."

Mr Hook froze, " Barney that's not her. Candy is with me ! "

So, you guessed it. Yep, I was carrying a full grown coyote that was as shocked, as I was. She jumped out of my arms and took off like a bullet. I really don't know who was more scared. Yep, I later learned that coyotes sometimes play dead, like possums. Anyway, maybe she had been in heat, or did something to piss off the pack. Yep, they seldom kill each other, but do fight among themselves. Anyway, Candy must have decided she wanted more beef jerky. Yep, she had clawed on Mr Hook's door and had been eating treats the whole time. Of course, I wasn't upset. Yep, Candy could eat crackers in my bed anytime. What a deal, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.