UPDATED 05/09/2008. New Vote Caster - New message forum - Sign my guest book while you are here ~Thanks~
Washington, D.C. photos are now up online. See button in right hand column to view photos.
Truckers sick of middlemen in the industry living high on the hog by pocketing fuel surcharges are encouraged to be vocal in support of a bill calling for mandatory pass-through of surcharges. Click the banner to read the whole write up.
The red/burgundy truck in this video is of us in Harrisburg, PA. during the convoy!
Here is what has been happening! Before fuel went through the roof?
Welcome to my home. I put these pages together to share pictures with family and some of my bestest friends in and around the world. I have truly been blessed with a wonderful family and terrific friends. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. I have been blessed by their love, their kindness, their caring, loving hearts. I can't think of anything more in this world I could ask for. I have it all with you my family and friends. I wish you all good health and a life time of happiness, you all are so deserving of it. Thank you for being as wonderful as you are.
Everyone is welcome to visit. You might find something you like here. E--mail is always welcome. Don't be shy ... WRITE ME! I answer all my mail. Might take me some time, but I'll get to you. I have moments when I am right on top of the computer. Then I have moments where I don't look at the thing for days, even a week or two.
What's new? So much has happened since we last saw each other!?
Well as some of you know we found our family. The side that we haven't seen since we were young children. It is the most wonderful thing to happen to me I have been in the best mood ! Use to think there was just myself, my sisters, my brother, mom and dad. Plus my wonderful husband and children. We never saw anyone. Never went to visit anyone and the reasons why .... well let's not worry about the why, let's just say: "It's wonderful to have you all in our lives again"! All of You!
My sister, Robin and I have been doing things together. It's been a lot of fun. Wish we could do more of it. Seems two years ago we had plenty of time to do a lot of things. But the past two years it seems there is no time or money to do anything. In 2005 year we traveled to Buffalo New York twice to visit our brother who neither of us had seen in 12 years. Had a great time while we were there. We had hoped to get up there again, but that didn't happen. Just too many things happened at one time and we found ourselves having no time at all ... My hope was to get her to the ocean that year, but that fizzled because freight got slow and money got low! Maybe next year? How bout it Rob? I sure hope so. We were having so much fun!
Trucking is in the genes? We come from a very long line of trucker's in the family. Dating all the way back to the 1940's. The boys grand fathers did it (Paul's dad, both Paul's brothers, my Grandfather and my Dad). The boys, dad (my hubby) drives truck (can you believe 40 yrs. in 2008 wow!)
Sept. 2004 we retired our Black Volvo. She was just getting to be too costly with repairs. I told Paul enough already. I am tired of watching him lay on the ground in the winter! It's time to buy another truck. He said we shouldn't. I said we could! So let's do it!!! We had money in the bank and things were going really good ( UPDATE: I sure didn't see the fuel crunch coming ahead. Had we known then what we know now??? Well read on because the Freightliner wasn't where it stopped. Things were that damn good.) So we did! You will see pictures of it on the photo pages.
Some of you might remember that my son Curtis had a dream to drive tractor trailer like his dad. Well his dream came true. Both the older boys were driving truck over the road The boys loved it! They traveled to TX., KY, MS., AL., AR., TN., WI., MI.,OH., etc., you get the ideal. They would go just about every where, but they hadn't been beyond Texas.
The boys came to dad and I asking us to buy trucks so they could driver for us. We had no intentions of spreading this operation and farther at all. But they are our sons and we thought it would be nice to have a family operation. We knew the cost was going to choke us, but we were willing to take a chance.
April of 2005 we did it again! We bought a second truck. Curtis was driving that. Another freightliner. Again you will see pictures of it on the photo pages. Curtis had been driving truck if can you believe it since he was 19. It's true. He was working for mom and dad and liked it alot. In 2007 he was complaing about the Freightliner asking us to get him another truck. So in June 2007 we purchased another truck a beautiful white 2005 Peterbilt. Actually we purchased 2 of them. A white one and a burgandy one. The burgandy one was purchased for Nathan. After we stuck our necks out and invested so much becauseof whining from Curtis who was tired of his freightliner, Curtis decided he wanted to change careers and he is now a electrical engineer or something like that.
He says he misses driving and he wants mom and dad to find something for him to do on the weekends, but weekend work is pretty hard to find. There's nothing we can do for him there.
When he sprung that on us we about choked. He's never been stable any where. He gets bored and moves on. he's always been that way. But we sure didn't think he'd do that to us. Especially since he was the one who talked us into it. We could of kicked ourselves in the ass for holding onto the freightliners instead of using them as trade. So now we have 5 trucks. Yup 5 and the fuel is killing us.
Nathan was working for a company driving long distance. No we hadn't purchased a truck for him back when we made the first purchase for Curtis. Nathan came to us asking us over and over. We were a little nervous about it because it was a huge committment considering the price involved for everything. In 2005 we purchased a 99 Freightliner for Nathan also. He loved his Freightliner. He's a good worker. never complains about much of anything. Takes good care of the equipment, works his behind off let me tell you. Nathan never wanted to drive truck. But ended up being the most dedicated and most committed. He was thrilled when we finally agreed to buy the freightliner. He was even more surprised when mom and dad got him the 2005 Peterbilt.
He deserves it. Wouldn't matter if he was our son or a hired driver. Anyone who works that hard deserves to be spoiled once in a while. We couldn't be more proud!
So we have 5 trucks. Curtis lets one sit. Nathan and Curt's Freightliners were parked because they were driving the new Pete's. Now you are asking what happened to the other trucks? Well we hired driver's. We had no choice. We didn't want to go outside the family, but these guys are just like family. We ran an ad in the paper and as luck would have it, we were blessed with two excellent drivers. Both of them are hard workers and dedicated, honest and just great in every way. They seem very happy with the job, the trucks and us. We hope these high fuel prices don't beat us all down, because we want to keep them for a very long time. Great job guys. Thanks you for everything. Without all of you we wouldn't be the company that we are.
There is still a truck sitting. We just spent $14,000.00 to put a engine in it (that's another sour story). We invested the money (kicking ourselves a million times over) before fuel got this high. I told Paul we've been making these payments on that truck for four months. I think we should leave it parked and continue making the payments. At least if it's not on the road we aren't running up the fuel bill more. Freight is down and so are the rates. It just don't make sense to put a driver in it and cost ourselves more money. She's sitting until fuel comes down, rates go up or hell freezes over. Which ever comes first.
In 2006 both boys got married. Both boys have children. Nathan has 3 (2 girls & a son). Curtis has 1 (girl) and another on the way.
Joseph is doing good. Can you believe that he is 14 years old already. Wow! time sure flies don't it? To think when we all first met and started talking he was just turning 5. Yeah that's what I mean! I home school Joey. It's not bad. I've done it for five years now. I would rather he be in school with his friends, but I have a problem with the teachers attitudes and how everything in this world has been taken out of shape and blown out of whack.
Some teachers seem to always be in a bad mood. A joke isn't considered a joke anymore, anything you say, can and will be used against you! Everyone is much too serious. Looking at a little girl or asking question is now considered sexual harassment in school. Curiosity is a crime now!
Kids can't play cowboys and Indians with imaginary or paper guns anymore, just going bang with your voice makes it a terrorist threat. That's what boys did when I went to school ... G.I. Joe, cowboys and Indians. Our childrens imaginations are being erased and everything has to be real. I'm an adult and I still have some wacky imagination (laughing), if anyone took that from me, I'd be bored and I'd be lost. So I brought my little boy home to be schooled, where he can relax and be a little boy!
I talk with family and friends on the computer often. We either chat in AIM or we write a lot of e-mails to each other. So much nicer than those high phone bills I use to have. The only time we really talk on the phone is when there's a real emergency or someone needs to be walked through something. Otherwise we talk online. It's noticable to come the beginning of the month when the phone comes in the mail. We don't talk much online. We meet once a month to catch up. Or sometimes when one of us is bored ... we send e-mail saying "Chat tonight at ???" See you then!
Oh you stick around and I'll be talking more .... I can sometimes do that. I talk so much more on paper then I do in person. I am shy in person, but you give me a paper and pen, or a webpage and keyboard and hang on! I can talk and talk and talk ... Haven't you caught on already? I'm doing it now!
I love you all ... each and everyone of you. Drop me a line in e-mail .... see that little itty bitty button on the bottom of the page that says : E-Mail? Well click it and say "Hi"! .....
Ruffle through the pages where the old stuff is and see the new stuff that's been added. I have to do so much more work on these pages! Until then ....... Have fun!
Love, Brigette
Some of you passing through here probably remember me as ~Sassy~ or ~Truckinsassy~. Yeah it's me! I've added new things to my pages this year. You can read a little bit below about what's been happening in my world.
If you remember me, then you know I am out_spoken and speak my mind about how (I) personally feel, see and experienced things. More times then I care to remember my stories upset alot of trucking wives and driver's. They'd get upset with me for sharing things. Hey! I am not sharing or speaking for anyone else, but myself,based on my own experiences. No two people see, think or feel the same way. Although there have been plenty of letters received by me years back from people who experienced the same situations or close to the same.
I am not writing asking you to agree with me .... heck No! Chances are there are a lot of things you think, feel and see that I don't agree with, but I won't bad mouth you, slander you or hurt you intentionally.
I had one wife who was rather upset with me for my poetry. Said it made things sound bad. Now correct me if I am wrong, but poetry is what's in the heart. At the time I wrote them it came straight from my heart. So to her I say, "Unless you've walked in my shoes don't tell me what I should or shouldn't say!" I write about me, myself and I. I do not speak for anyone else. Just "ME!"
The old pages are back! Yes, I will be sharing some of the old trucking stories and other things I had on my pages in the past. You will also find new adventures through out my pages. My holiday pages will be back also. The Halloween page is up and ready to go! Everyone knows how I love the holidays and making holiday homepages!
I look forward to meeting you and sharing tales. Come on in and make yourself at home. I'm a really cool, easy going person ... I love people, music,
stories, pretty much everything in general. I know I sound a little snippy at the opening, but "I'm Cool ...... Honest!"
This is the banner my sister had displayed for all traveling the Interstate to see. Is this support or what? Everyone should do this! She is not a trucker or truckers wife. She's the sister, sister-in-law, aunt and daughter of truckers! You don't have to be a trucker or know a trucker to support them and yourself against the rising fuel, gas and oil prices! The banner says it all. It does mean ALL OF US!!!!!!
This site was designed by ~Brigette~!. A good many of the graphics, clipart,photo's and stories belong to Brigette. If it belongs to someone else or I located it some where else you will most likely find a link to that source listed at the bottom of the pages.
If I find any of my stories, graphics, images, clipart etc. on your site I will not hesitate to report it to your server and your homepage provider. I don't mean to be a bitch, but fact is, I left because of cheaters and theives who stole things that did not belong to them. They then placed it on their own pages taking credit for the work! Currently I have no intention of making graphic links with our tractor trailers etc.. Many passing through here wil probably remember me because of the tractor trailers graphics we'd design. We are currently looking into making disk of these items to be purchased in the future. For now enjoy the new pages.
I'm back and I'm as mean as ever! Actually a little bit mouthier and meaner. Most of you have known me for years. I've been online since 1993 and I am a pretty easy going lady "UNTIL" someone tried to step on my toes by stealing my ideals, graphics and thoughts. I am really fed up with people thinking they can do whatever they want and thinking they will get away with it. I will raise the roof if I am pirated again! It's against the law!
If you can't take the heat, then don't touch the kettle!
Help yourself to the graphics you know for a fact are not mine or that I authorize. ( You will find links at the bottom of some of the pages to get your own ). If in doubt ... write me.
Just bare with me. These pages are a work in progress. Meaning we are currently
Keep coming back because I am always adding something new when I get in one of my rare moods!
Hey! Don't forget to sign our guest book when you return. That will be up and running then as well.
I do not claim to be a professional at designing webpages. At least I don't have a degree to do it. I am self taught and love the challenge of learning and experimenting with new things. I do my best, but sometimes I make errors and maybe a link might be broken or there is some other problem. Drop me a e-mail and I'll get the problem corrected as quickly as possible. I design pages for myself and my visitors. I also design on the side for people. Sometimes sites I linked to disappear from time to time and you will find a broken link. It's hard to keep track of them all sometimes. If you find a broken link PLEASE drop me a note and let me know what link it is.
My pages are designed "JUST FOR FUN!" Nothing more and nothing less. Just a place where we can hang out and share stories. All the stories shared throughout this website are true and based on the personal experiences (I) myself had! Some stories are what I've personally witnessed and what changes I personally feel could be made!
Do not copy, write, change, or use in anyway! You may not use my stories without my written permission.Thank you very much in advance for your understanding. Sincerely, Brigette
UPDATED: 04/30/2008
You will find all the photos I took at the convoy in Harrisburg, PA. from 3/31/2008. I was in the passenger seat so the photos I was able to get are not perfect. I also took photos at the Gables while we waited to head to Harrisburg, PA.
Was a witness to the impact the high fuel prices are having on his buisness and other trucking businesses. He testified before the "House Committee on Small Business"
This is a very interesting video. It is 1 hr. 15 minutes long so be sure to have your drinks and a comfortable chair. Interesting information about oil in Alaska.
Rising Gas & Energy Cost. There are graphs showing the oil companies profits over the years. I did write a letter asking her "What about Now?" Truckers and Families need help NOW!
A place to share with others who feel like you are feeling right now. Current discussion is these high fuel, gas, oil & grocery prices.
You are welcome to start a topic of your own as well. Not limited to or restricted to the listed topics. (ADVERTISING WILL BE REMOVED) This board is strickly for truckers, their families, friends and the general public. Not for spammers and advertisers!
The topic right now is fuel, gas, heating oil and groceries and the affect the high prices are having on you. So many truckers are losing everything because of them. We know it is not just the truckers feeling this pinch. Share what they are doing to you. What changes have you had to make? What sacrifices you have had to make?
This is to see how real people vote and answer questions. I've never personally been approached for my opinion or ask how I would vote. So I thought it would be interesting to see how, "WE THE PEOPLE" answer questions.
Local Stories & Newspapers Cover Story News from all over the country! - Below -
I have a lot of my own trucking stories all the way down below. The stories go back many years ago to the current. They are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
I am not asking anyone to agree or disagree with me. This is how it happened to us personally. This is how I personally feel. This is how I see things. I do know I am not alone, it's just there aren't many who will stand up and run their mouth like I will and sometimes do. The following pages have a little bit of everything. And hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts and your stories. Happy reading!
We will soon be in for the fight of our lives, our livelihoods and our families survival. When do we finally say, "ENOUGH" !
Crazy Ass Peterbilt About the Peterbilt who tried to run me and my son off the road on 3/19/2006.
Our leasing Nightmare Read all the fine print and make sure you ask alot of questions before signing
a lease. If in doubt or you are new to O/O ask questions of other O/O.
Do you remember this morning kids show? This show aired in Pennsyvania only. If you didn't live in Pennsylvania (Scranton, Williamsport, Harrisburg etc.) you probably don't know this kids show!
Our Sunday Drives Just some ramblings of days gone by! Families don't spend time together anymore ... We loved family time!
If I've mislead you! ~Sorry~ Some say I don't share the true and lonely side of being a truckers wife! So I will .. here and now. My personal feelings &thoughts.
Washington, D.C. photos are now up online. See button in right hand column to view photos.
