The journey begins - purchased a truck.

Thanks. Has full fridge freezer, double sink, hot water, shower, cassette toilet, inverter charger, microwave, TV, table and chairs under fold down bed. Closet space for hanging clothes, and several cabinets.

No gas burners. Powered by 7.5kw diesel gen set.

 

I was told bald eagle casserole was a no-no here, so I leave the birds alone.

@spyder7723 had to break me out of the large car as the door requires a 2 hand maneuver.

 

Best feeling ever - taking the tarps and tire chains off the trailer, throwing them in the shop, and merrily driving off to work.

 

Though there were no facilities, and a sandy/dirt lot, it was nice to be by the water and watch the boats run up and down.

Not that quiet, but certainly beat the truck stop alternative.

 

Slipping on bird poop was not the cause.

I hauled 14 loads of pipe, Monday through Friday. The 12 mile drive to delivery was the relaxing part of the day.

It was throwing, winching and winding a 4” strap 280 times, and handling the chains 56 times, in 5 days, that caused - “de Quervain’s synovitis” or something like that. Basically a repetitive strain injury, radial side - thumb and attached tendon.

Friday night it was fine, Saturday morning swollen, so I iced it all day, and Sunday no better - so I bailed out and started heading home. Was supposed to have worked Monday and Tuesday. Made it to Jasper, AL Sunday night, pain at about a 9. Sleep sporadically interrupted when wrist moved.

Found an orthopedic place, my insurance was no good, they wanted $300 for a cortisone injection, bailed on them and went to an urgent care for an anti-inflammatory and pain shot in the hip - they weren’t keen on risking the wrist shot. $125.

Made it home that night. Yes - I can drive 1300 miles in a truck with one hand, shifting, turn signals and all. No work till April I think, better let this one heal up.

 

March figures, 1st quarter also.

March went pretty well. $4.74/mile to the truck. This was helped by the pipe, short hauls that equates to $20/mile to the truck loaded and empty and taking boats down for $4/mile. The wrist forced me to return empty, but thems the brakes.

This brings the quarter to $2.75/mile to the truck.

About $53k so far in 1099 income.

All good so far.