Hi, I'm Snazzy and I'm Trucker

Yep, Big Duker that picture says it all and sure helps the storyline, as Life Goes On.

Ed was behind his desk, " What do you want Barney ? "

I took a seat, " We just got the last one finished and I was ..."

Ed interrupted me, " Finished hell ! There's plenty more headed this way and this was just the start ! I don't have anymore trailers and we're just about out of everything else. You need to call Junior and ..."

I gave the look, " Me call him ? Your the Vice President and ...."

Ed slapped his desktop, " Quit playing games Barney ! He's your buddy and he won't listen, to anything I have to say. So, you call him and ..."

I lit up, " Ed ! I don't know what's going on between ya'll, but your my boss and I'm here to do what you say ! "

Ed turned red, " Don't lie to me ! You and Sissy both, did everything ya'll could to get rid of me ! Now, I told you awhile back, that I'm here to stay and you might as well get use to it ! "

I blew smoke, " Look ! Sissy might have wanted to be Vice President, but Ed trust me. I don't care about moving up. Hell, the last two promotions. Well, the last two positions I got, cost me money ! Hell, move up around, is like getting demoted ! I can't afford another pay cut ! "

Ed laughed, " I know what you mean ! I made more as General Manager than I do now ! Well not really, but if you figure in the hours..."

I chuckled , " Yep ! Once Junior gets you on salary and not paying by the mile. Well, you what I mean ! Oh, by the way. Have you heard anything, about us starting up a lease purchase program ? You know, for the drivers. A couple of them asked me and ...."

Ed rolled his eyes, " Man ! Nothing can stay a secret around here ! Well, since you already know, I'll fill you in. Now, it's not a bad deal and some of them can really benefit. Here's a copy of the lease and we'll be starting this up next month. "

I read over it, " Oh man ! You've got to be kidding me ! We don't have enough trailers now and how's he going to ...."

Ed explained, " We don't need anymore trailers for this. Oh, you really don't know ! Well, don't let this get out ! We're not hiring anymore company drivers and ...."

I had to ask, ' What do you mean, no more company drivers ? What about the school and the 2,500 drivers out there ? Their the backbone of this outfit and ...."

Ed dropped the bomb, " Here's how it'll work from now on. A company driver that has six months with us can apply to become a lease operator. Once he's approved, he'll have to agree to be a trainer, for six months. That way all of our new students ...."

I stood up, " Wait a minute ! That's not going to work ! This is crazy ! Who the hell came up with this ? You can't put a student in an owner's truck. They'll tear it up and you know that ! That's why TLX always uses the newer models, so their under warranty. It says here, that the owner leases are for the older models. Hell, they won't have any warranty left on them and you can't even buy ...."

Ed agreed, " So ! It won't cost TLX anything. That's part of the risk and those drivers will know that. "

I sat back down, " No they won't ! You dangle some keys in front of a new driver and mention being an owner op. Well, you know what I mean ! They'll sign anything and do anything ! They'll lose their shirt and be off the road in no time ! Then where will we be ? "

Ed grinned, " Screw em ! Now Barney ! This is a business and we're here to turn a profit. Your confusing being an owner operator, with being a leased owner op. There's a big difference ! If they can't make a go of it. Well, that's their tough luck ! There will be a hundred more drivers willing to take their place. Now, if a driver knows how to operate and ..."

I tossed the lease down, " I can't read anymore ! That's not a lease, it's a joke and someone is nuts ! There's noway any sane person would even try to pull something like this ! Ed ! What's wrong with ya'll ? "

Ed handed me back the lease, " You'll need to study this and be able to explain it. Your new title is going to be, ' General Manager of TLX Leased Owner Operator Division '.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Yep Snazzers, what a deal, as Life Goes On.

The weeks flew by and I was still in shock. Now I guess, what amazed me the most was how stupid the drivers were. No ! Not the new hires that barely had six months behind the wheel. It was the drivers who had over two, or three years experience with TLX. Yep, most of them knew better. Some of them were ex-owner operators, from back when. You know, like I was, before joining TLX. Yep, if anyone knew better. Well, you know what I mean. Anyway, I was busy as a one armed bandit, err... paperhanger, when Red came in.

I shook is paw, " Hey Red ! Man, it's good to see you ! Have a seat and ..."

Red sat and lit up, " Here's the deal Barney ! Finance told me, that I need to put at least 15% per cent down. Now, I'm only short a few grand and was hoping that you might...."

I plopped down, behind my desk, " Are you nuts Red ? Have you even read that lease, or looked at it ! It's a joke and you'll lose your shirt ! "

Red wouldn't listen, " Barney ! I was your trainer ! I was the one who..."

I lit up, " No ! Red we both knew the score back then. TLX is out to screw everyone and this isn't any different ! Now, you did break me in here and I'll admit that your a good trainer. But, this Lease Purchase program is ...."

Red tried to sale me, " I've done all the math ! Look, if I can run making an average of $1.15 per mile and average, at least 7,000 miles per week.."

I blew smoke, " Red ! You'll still be in the hole ! If you figure the cost of fuel, paying your student, the truck payment, taxes, worker's comp, repairs, and all the other stuff. Man ! It's a no win deal ! Now, trust me ! Your making good money now and ..."

Red blew smoke, " Yeah ! I bring in, about $2,500 per week. But, I don't have anything to show for it ! Now, if I was an owner operator...."

I agreed, " Yeah ! Your right ! But, a Lease Operator isn't the same ! You get to pay for all the big expenses and TLX gets to screw you every chance they get. The only way to make any money here is to buy you a tractor and lease it on. Don't fall for this Lease Rip Off ! "

Red was honest, " I know what your saying and your right ! But Barney, no one will sale me a used condom ! Not with my credit ! I can swing this deal and make it work ! You know, I can't get on with a good outfit, because of my driving record. Hell, you know what I'm saying ! "

Ed walked in, " Hey Red ! Is Barney taking care of you ? "

Red rolled his eyes, " Look Ed ! All I need is about four grand to put down on that Lease Truck. I've got the rest and ..."

Ed waved his hand, " I'll call finance and they can add the difference onto your monthly payment. Go ahead and get Dan to make her ready and we'll get you on the road today ! "

Red leaped up, " Thanks Ed ! You don't know how much this means to me and I'll owe you one ! "

I watched Red skip out, " Ed ! Have you looked at Red's driving record ? He's got a dozen serious violations and ..."

Ed laughed, " So what ? His CDL is still good and ..."

I jumped in, " It's not suspended yet, but it's just a matter of time. Then what's he going to do ? That Lease Purchase contract requires him to have a valid CDL and as soon, as it's suspended...."

Ed knew where I was going, " So what ? We'll just lease it to the next guy and maybe he'll make a go of it. "

I stood up, " What about Red ? He'll be left on foot and penny less ! That's just not right and you know it ! He's a good driver and ..."

Ed disagreed, " He's an Idiot ! Red can't pass up a casino and gambles away every nickel he makes. Your right ! He'll be on foot and that's where he needs to be ! I don't feel sorry for him and you shouldn't either ! "

I sat back down, " Well, if we kept him from leasing on. At least he'd have what little money he did save up. This sucks ! "

So, Ed nodded in agreement and called finance. Yep, Red got all the rope he needed to hang himself with. Now looking back, I guess your wondering why I didn't do more to stop Red ? Well to be honest about it, the truth is. Well who was I to ruin Red's dreams. I mean, maybe the State wouldn't suspend his CDL and maybe Red would slow down. Of course, I knew better and I think that even Red knew. That Lease Purchase deal was a one way ticket to the poorhouse. Yep, Red wasn't the only fool and there were plenty more to come, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1,

 

Sorry for the delay Snazzers, but it's been a hectic few days for me. Thanks for waiting, as Life Goes On.

It was a Saturday afternoon and I was trying to find an apartment. The add in the local paper got my attention, so I called the number. The real estate agent agreed to meet me at the marina. Yep, I was a little sick of motel living and an apartment near the lake sounded good. I sashayed inside and sat at the bar. The elderly barkeeper was wearing a ball cap decorated with lures, hooks, and such. The marina sat on the East side of Joe Fool lake and was pretty much to itself. Oh, it really wasn't secluded and just a ten minute drive to the Interstate. It wasn't nearly as large as I had imagined. Yep, from a distance she looked a lot bigger. The bar had that fishy smell mixed in, with that stale beer odor. The walls displayed pictures of exotic islands, complete with palm trees and coconuts. What a deal ! I sat and sucked down a few cold ones, before Hook Hat decided to get friendly. He poured us another round and took the stool next to mine.

I sipped on the suds, " I was suppose to meet someone here, about renting an apartment. I guess, she must of forgotten. You don't know anything for rent around here, do you ? "

Hook Hat wrinkled his forehead, " No, not off hand ! Now there's some new ones being built over by the freeway, but I don't know much about them. Do you live around here, or ..."

I lit up, " I work for TLX and have been staying over at the Vacation Inn. I'm wanting to get out of that motel and find something a little better. "

Hook Hat agreed, " Yeah, that's got to be expensive and those motels get old pretty quick. I use to be over the road myself. You ever hear of an outfit called, Ace Trucking ? "

I spewed like a whale, " Ace ? Hell, I was leased on there when Mr Ace sold out to Tarmac ! Man ! Where you sucked in, like the rest of us ? "

Hook Hat wiped his brow, " No ! I heard about that and it must of been rough, for Ya'll. I sold my truck and retired a few months before that. Now, Ace was a good outfit, back then. I had over three million miles with em and that's a fact ! Here's a picture of my Honey Bell. "

I looked it over, " That's a good looking rig ! What is she a ...."

Hook Hat lit up, " She was a Mormon and the best running girl that ever ran the blacktop ! I bought her new, back in 1967, and never bought another truck. She was the Bee's Knees back then and would out pull anything on the road ! Yep, those were the days and I sure hated letting her go. I was getting too old and my wife was in bad health. She passed away a few years back and ....."

My heart interrupted, " I'm sorry to hear that ! "

Hook blew his beak, " Oh, I get all mushy sometimes, but we had our time together and I still go visit her. She's resting on a pole over there in front of Pick Ur Part. "

I gave the look, " Your wife is hanging on a pole ? "

Hook Hat corrected me, " No, my wife was cremated ! That Pick Ur Part place bought Honey Bell and they stuck her on that pole. Hell, they put another million miles on her and the owner decided to do that. He claims that she brings in more business than the yellow pages. "

My cell phone chimed, " Hello ? Speaking ! Yes, are you.. Oh, I see. No, I understand ! That's alright ! No, that's fine ! Thanks anyway. ####, stupid, goofy, silly #### ! I've been sitting here for nothing ! "

Hook Hat overheard, " I guess, that was your real estate agent ? Hey, I have something that you might be interested in. Now, she's not in tip top shape and could sure use a coat of paint. But, it doesn't cost you anything to look. I'll get her keys and let you see for yourself. "

So, I took the keys and sashayed/staggered out to the boat slips. She was docked at the very end and was quite a sight to see. I never saw such a vessel in my life. Yep, her name was the River Queen and she dwarfed everything around her. Inside was a huge wooden wheel, with controls on either side, and a cluster of round instruments. Behind the captains chair was a stairwell that led below. Downstairs there were two small living quarters on the left and a full kitchen on the right. At the rear was a bathroom, complete with tub, shower, sink, and toilet. Another stairwell led up to her second deck. It was just a large party room, complete with shag carpet, wall mounted t.v., refrigerator, propane grill, and padded benches that circled around the walls. It was all glassed in and had two large sliding doors to exit from. The third deck sat ontop of the second and was just an open area to fish and sunbathe from. I finished my tour and returned to the bar. A few customers had arrived, so I remounted my stool and waited.

Mr Hook had to ask, " Well, what do you think ? "

I was honest, " She sure needs a good cleaning ! Does she run ? What kind of boat is that, I've never seen one like it ! "

Hook Hat educated me, " Well, you won't ! That use to be a gulf fishing rig and somehow it ended up here. An old fella did all that work and spent tons of money. He kept her stored here and did a little at a time. That second and top deck, came from a pontoon boat. He just cut off that part and added it. Now, that galley below, he gutted it out and hand built it all by himself. Yep, that old fart was a pretty handy guy and knew what he was doing. Now, as far as I know, everything works and she even runs. So, if your interested, I'll give you a good deal. "

So, he did. Yep, the River Queen was my new home and we'll see how that works out, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

I see that W5IT posted the perfect Smiley of me fighting the wheel and Big Duker, that picture sure looks like the River Queen. Yep pjw044, we're in Cool Digs, as Life Goes On.

I took a few days off and moved in. I mean, there wasn't much to move. Yep, I didn't own any furniture and could stuff all of my worldly belongings in my company car. What a deal ! Mr Hook had a dock hand that worked for him, so I offered the hand a few extra bucks and he got busy painting. Yep, some nice fresh paint and a good cleaning sure couldn't hurt. I stopped at the local hardware store and loaded up with what I needed. I decided to put window tint on the glassed in areas. You know, it gave a me a little more privacy and could help keep the sun out during the summer months. Dan was on vacation and stopped by to check her out. He crawled out of the engine room and popped a top.

I had to ask, " What do you think ? "

Dan wiped his hands, " That looks like a brand new engine ! I'll know more once we get the new batteries in. This really is a neat boat. How much did you pay for her ? "

I was honest, " Too much ! That old man Hook wanted to rent this tub, for six hundred bucks a month ! I told him, that was more than the motel got. So, then he offers to let me have her for twelve grand ! I started walking and he came down to seven. I offered six and he jumped on it ! "

Dan whistled, " That's cheap ! Man, you got a good deal ! "

I rolled my eyes, " Cheap ! Hell, I'll have to sink another couple of grand in her, just to make her livable. Next year, I'll need to have her dry docked and take care of her under belly. I don't even know how she looks under there. Besides that, I still have to pay docking fees, electric bill, fuel cost, and whatever else comes up. I wonder, do I have to pay city and school taxes ? Man, I should of asked a lot more questions. "

Dan grinned, " You just have the new buyer jitters ! You got a good deal and I'll give you six grand right now for her ! Well, as soon as I crank her up and see how she runs ! Oh, you mentioned something about an electric bill ? There's a generator hooked up to that diesel and if it works, it should put out all the juice you need. Let me get back down there and hookup them batteries. "

So, Dan disappeared below, as I continued with my window tinting chores. It was cool day and there was just a hint of winter in the air. My mind was racing, with what if's and could be's, when my cell phone rang.

I answered, " Hello, hello, anyone there ? "

The voice was all business, " Are you busy ? "

I dropped the phone, " Sorry about that ! What do you want ? "

She yelled to someone, " I told you, I was going to call him ! We need to get this settled ! Are you still there ? "

I lit up a 100, " Who are you talking too ? I'm here ! Whose that in the background ? "

Wifey cut loose, " Well ! It's about time you gave a #### ! They haven't even heard from you ! Now, me and Guitar Man have already decided ! We don't want any more children to raise ! He's raised his and your daughters are almost grown now ! Do you want to talk you him ? Well then, quit crying and don't interrupt me ! Are you there ? "

I blew smoke, " Yeah, I'm still here ! How did you get my number ? "

Wifey exploded, " Guitar Man told me, you wouldn't do anything ! We'll just handle this and you don't have to worry about it ! "

I went postal, " Tell Ostrich Neck, that he's lucky to be alive ! Now, what the hell is going on and quit yelling ! "

Wifey dropped her bomb, " One of your daughters is pregnant ! "

I dreaded to ask, " Which one ? "

Wifey spit it out, " Your favorite one ! Daddy's little girl ! "

My knees went weak, " Pig ? Pig is pregnant ! How long ? Who by ? Is she alright ? "

Wifey had to say it, " She's the only one you ever cared about and .... "

I'd heard enough, " Shut up and listen to me ! If she needs a place to stay, or a shoulder to cry on, I'm here for her ! Now, put her on the phone and quit jerking around ! "

Wifey barked, " Your father wants to talk to you and he's fit to be tied ! Now, stop crying and talk to him ! Tell him, how sorry you are ! "

I put a stop to it, " Wifey ! Don't say another word to her ! Have her call me, when she settles down ! Now, you need to chill out and let me see what I can do ! "

Wifey taunted me, " What you can do ! That's a laugh ! Are you going to have her move in and raise a another one ? I bet you've been drinking all day and have some bimbo staying with you ! "

So, I hung the phone up and took a swig. Dan got her cranked up and was all excited. He came strutting in, but knew something was wrong.

Dan looked concerned, " Are you alright Barn ? What's wrong ? "

I was honest, " My Ex Wifey just called and my Piggy is pregnant ! "

Dan dropped his wrench, " You own a pig ? "

I explained, " No ! That's my girls nickname. You see, back when they were born, I gave all of them nicknames. My oldest girl, I named Monkey, she always swung in her crib and loved banana baby food. The name stuck and when the twins came along. Well, Pig was a butterball and use to take Mouse's baby bottle. So, I called her pig and Mouse looked like a mouse. She was tiny and had mouse ears. Anyway, I've always called them that and it was our way of showing affection. My Wifey never minded and she called them the same thing. Well, until now ! Yep, she's all bent out of shape, as you can imagine ! "

Dan understood, " I'm sorry and if there's anything I can do, just let me know. I guess, you need to take care of somethings, so go ahead and I'll wrap things up here. "

So Snazers, I went and took care of it, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

I drove straight towards Fort Worth and was still on the Interstate, when my cellphone chimed. Piggy gave me directions, so I followed my nose and pulled in. The lot was crowded, so I parked near the exit. I hadn't been there long, when Wifey swung in. She was driving a late model Cadillac, with Piggy riding shotgun. I stood next my trunk and waited for them to approach. Piggy was balling and looked like a lost pup.

Wifey spoke first, " Here she is ! If she needs her things, I can have Mouse get them for her. Now, Piggy I mean it ! If you want to stay with us, me and Guitar Man won't put up with ...."

Piggy fell in my arms, " Daddy I'm so sorry ! I, I, ..."

I couldn't hold back my tears, " It'll be okay and we'll work through this. "

Wifey barked some more, " I never thought, I'd see the day that you could be so stupid ! Guitar Man and I both, tried to ....."

I gave the look, " You need to leave ! Can't you see she .... "

Wifey looked scared, " You better calm down ! Guitar Man told me not to meet with you. He wanted to bring her, but I ..... "

I spoke my mind, " Tell that Idiot, to mind his own business ! You had your say, now get going ! "

So, Wifey spun on her heels and drove away. I sat Piggy next to me and took the wheel. There was a long moment of silence, as I chose my words cautiously. Piggy rested her cheek on my shoulder, so I placed my head against hers. She was still whimpering and I wasn't doing to good myself.

I tried to sound assuring, " It'll get better and this isn't anything to get all upset about. Your young and a few years from now...."

Piggy wailed, " It'll never be alright ! I love him Daddy and he knows it's his. He won't even talk to me and .... "

I was blunt, " That's between the two of ya'll ! I don't care about him and it's best, that I don't even hear his name ! Now, I care about you and we need, to get you taken care of. First thing, is to find you a place to stay. Now, I just moved into a ...."

Piggy cut me short, " Monkey told me, that I can move in with her. She has an apartment just a few blocks from here. The only problem is, that I don't have a car. I need a way to work and go to school. "

I had to ask, " School ? I thought you graduated ? "

Piggy giggled, " Oh Daddy, you know that I did ! I'm going to college and I work at that drugstore we just left. That's why we met you there. It's just a few blocks, from Guitar Man's house. He was loaning me Mom's old car, but they won't ...."

I piped in, " Screw him ! Let's go find you a car ! "

So, we did. Yep, a brand new Mustang convertible with all the options. The salesman must of thought that I was nuts. You know, I let Piggy pick out what she wanted and wrote out the check. My bank made good on it and everyone was happy. Now, Piggy didn't want me to do that. It was my idea and worth every penny to me. You know, it was a way for me to make up, for not being there, when I should of been. Oh, I lied and told her that it was just a loaner. Yep, when she was back on her feet, I'd want the car back. Of course, I knew that day would never come. But hey, what's a few dollars. Well, you know what I mean. Anyway, Piggy drove off with a smile on her face and I drove back to the River Queen.

I couldn't sleep, so I paced the floor and chain smoked two packs. I reran it all through my mind. Let's see, Piggy was 19 and had been the home coming queen. She had dated the star quarterback and their team had won the State Championship, for it's division. I never had met him, but Piggy had mentioned him in the past. Yep, he was probably the father, but it really didn't matter to me. You know, I was just curious. Well, at least she had a place to stay, a car to drive and a bright future. Yep, she had grown into a beautiful young lady and had the world at her feet. My only regret was not being around, when they needed me. You know, all three of my girls. Now, Wifey had been right about one thing. Yep, Piggy had always been Daddy's little girl. No ! It wasn't because I didn't love my other two. It's just that, from the first day that I ever held her, she never let go. We bonded as close, as any father and daughter ever could. I'm sure my other girls never felt, as close to me. But just between us Snazzers, I love them all the same. What a deal, as Life Goes on.

Nightie night Snazzres, your Snazzy1.