There are many challenges during the Spring, even when on a thirty four hour break. For me, it is the time to play “catch up” on old work, consider changes and expanding my routines in the future, and still have time to see the scenery. I have rarely needed much to be entertained. Maybe a new movie or surf the world wide web. If not for driving this truck, I’d be in a home simply enjoying the time down.

During the April weeks, there still were some snowfall up north, and by practicing to stay out of the cold, I even missed the downpours of rains seen in places such a Chicago. As Spring comes into full season, and the trees begin to hide the transparencies of what lies beyond, a different feeling of being consumed by forest and colors begin to add to the pleasant amusement of over the road driving. Of course, no one stops to smell anything anymore, let alone roses. Only from time to time does just knowing they are there is simply enough.

This spring had some rivers swell, and still, by avoiding the rain track, I stayed from harms way. Of course, as April comes to an end, the much needed rains begin to happen more often, and with the environmental changes, so do the tornadoes. They remain the biggest concern, simply because of the possible damages. I guess as long as the success of the “Snowbird” Project worked for the long winter storms, planning around the weather in the spring should wind up along the same lines. Of course, with the plans of now avoiding the extreme heat of the appending Summer season, staying north will limit many concerns.

So, as the laundry finishes in the washer, I get to finally sit and enjoy a few moments write. Still, except for a few downtime Blogs, it is geared to related projects. I did want to let some know it is not all work and no play. I just never needed much to entertain myself, or feel like this downtime needed to exploit blowing off steam. Rest, just simply a slower pace, and rest.

With a freightliner, the “snap on” covers come off, and I sleep up top, with the window and a view (it depends on where I park of course). I start keeping the interior cleaner, and focus on life in what I call “the loft”. Much of the winter clothing gets one last wash, and stored in a carry bag, stuffed in the clothes cabinet, and out of site. The plastic screens allow ventilation through the door windows, and I simply enjoy the unexpected winds and noises that occur, as opposed to the winter long silence of everything shut and covered. Then comes the many ideas and brainstorms of how to use the space (I typically keep everything portable since I am never completely satisfied with anything I have mounted or installed for very long).

As far as outside the truck, I amuse myself with walks around the blocks, and rest areas have plenty of interests to learn from, especially the historic points of interests. I have learned that I was very outgoing in the past, but found a great interest in simply being alone. It is not for everyone, and rarely have I found anyone who can go from one extreme to another. But, yes, I do enjoy not being noticed, and simply noticing everything. I actually get to explore new interests, or recognize some old locations, simply passed by without thought; along the lines of when I am rolling. Sitting here outside a truck stop, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, is an unexpected revelation of being isolated “out in the open”, since for the most part, it is what panhandlers, homeless, and scammers do. So, even with the pedestrian traffic that goes by, I am ignored. Not bad. A compromise of being left alone, for someone who always liked being noticed.

The Sunday sun gets a chance to have my indirect attention, and I get to just watch the world work around me. It won’t last long. I’ll get back to the truck, catch up on more paperwork, or back ups, but if nothing else, as long as the sun shines, I’ll  always make something to do.