Rain and Driving

This may be considered a pet peave of mine, and I have shared comments about it before.

I made a trip to Cassville this morning in the rain; and I noticed many folks driving without their headlights on; not even park lights, or any kind of light.

Let me get this straight in my mind, and maybe in yours too.  I know you can see; after all it is daylight, the sun is up. I know you can see because you are smart enough to know not to drive if you cannot see.

I know you can see; but can you be seen? Headlights on enable the oncoming driver to see you.  Seeing you in the distance in case he/she might be following a slower drive he/she might need to get around.

Some of you use your automatic on, but do you know when the light is bright enough, as it is quite often when it is raining, they do not come on automatically.  You must switch the switch to the on position.

I am sharing this because it is a great safety issue in driving our cars and trucks on the roads and highways. Let me suggest one thing; use your headlight switch.  Not only is it a good idea to drive with headlights on in the rain, snow, sleet, fog, and the dark.  It is also the State law in the State of Missouri. If your windshield wipers are on you must have your headlights on.

The next time you get in your car or truck to drive, and it is raining, turn on your headlights. It could save someone’s life; even your own.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

A Sunday Drive on Friday

When I was a boy I can remember a few times when my Mom and Dad would decide to go on a Sunday drive after worship at our Church. I remember going to Silver Dollar City in the early 1960’s and it was nothing like it is today.  At that time it seems like we just drove up and walked in. I do remember a few drives that was just driving around to see different places.

Well; anyway I woke up yesterday morning [Friday] trying to decide if I needed to go to the Church office for further study prep and prayer or if I would just stay at the house. I decided on staying, and I did do some review, and praying over the text, and studying.

Along about the time I was winding things down I decided I wanted to go to Aurora for a cheeseburger at Sonic; so I asked my wife (Madge) if she would like to go and eat lunch. I knew she would not turn down an opportunity to go out and eat.  She said “Sure”.

The lunch date quickly turned into a drive.  While we were eating I asked Madge, maybe I stated to her, “Let’s go on to Timothy and Sarah’s, and see how the work on their house is going”. She was all for that.  They live in Stott’s City, west of Mount Vernon a few miles.  On the way I told her “We are taking a Sunday drive on Friday”.

As some of you know I retired from School Bus driving at the end of the 2018 – 2019 School year; from the Cassville R-IV School District. From September 2003 through May 17, 2019 I drove a bus to supplement our income.  I also enjoyed it until around the 2016 – 2017  School year.  I am now retired.

Several have asked me, “Do you miss driving the bus?” My answer to that is “NO!” I do miss the friends I have made among the other bus drivers, and some of our talks around the tables in the garage.

If it were not for retiring from the School, I would not have been able to take a Sunday drive on Friday.

I am still thankful to the Lord Jesus everyday for the strength, and life He gives, for the family and friends He has blessed me with.  I have plenty to do; and too much have left undone that I need to get done, so I know nothing of boredom.

I look forward to taking more Sunday drives on Friday.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

The Nevers

Have you ever thought about all the “Nevers” you ever said?  You know, “I would never do that.”  or “I would never have that” or maybe another one or two.

I think about that once in a while.  Here are some of my “Nevers”…

The first thing I can think of is that I can remember a day when I said, “I would never pay to watch television in my own home.”

The second thing I can remember saying is that “I would never have a computer in my home.”

The third thing I can remember is “I would never have  a ‘Smart Phone'”.

On those things I can say I have done all of those now.

When we moved to the State of California we lived in a remote location, no air TV available, so the only television we could get was by cable; I paid for television.  So after that, I guess it just became the normal thing for me to do. “Never?”

In the earlier part of this 21st century I was doing our Church bulletin for every Sunday on an old electric typewriter until a good church member brought me a computer he was not using at home, and showed me how to use the word processor on the thing, and I have had a computer ever since that day.  “Never?”

Just this past Summer my wife and I went on a trip (vacation of sorts) to Kentucky to see The Ark Encounter.  It was while we were traveling I realized how much better it could be using one of them GPS systems, and Smart phones have the ability, so by the time we returned home I was convinced to get a Smart phone.  Now I have one of those.  “Never?”

There are probably many other nevers I have said, for good or for bad.  I have gotten to a place where I think a little more before I say never.  One is when I see what other people can do in wickedness…  I like to think, “I would never do that”; but then I think…

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

 

Maybe I will be Getting Back

It has been a while since I shared anything on this blog, so I thought I would today.

Cassville Schools started back on August 16, 2017; so I am back in full swing as a School bus driver.  There is still a thing about it that I enjoy, and seeing those kids has a way of making a driver either feel younger or older.  I guess it depends on your attitude and mentality.

I have been absent in the blogging department for at least a month now; for personal post, and Bible studies at Broken Pieces and I hope to return to that real soon.

Our phone and internet provided by CL, and which we had phone for 11 years, and internet since 2008, quit working on us about two weeks ago.  The phone just had static, but the internet did not work at all.  We called, and called, and called about it, but all they did was send us a new modem saying that should fix it.  It did not.  Finally  I called them with an ultimatum to either get it fixed within 24 hours, or I am no longer your customer.  Guess what?  I am no longer a customer.

I went to a satellite provider, and so far it is far superior anyway.  We even have home phone service through the company.

I decided a long time ago that I can survive without internet;  however, it is not without its own problems; and it is mostly the convenience of internet.

My how foolish we can be when it comes to our conveniences.

Well!  We received a bit of rain last night, and there was fog this morning driving in to drive the bus.  God is great and good, and all went well.

From the banks of Flat Creek…

`tim

New School Year

The new School Year began in Cassville, MO on August 17.  I also started driving a different route.

I now drive the Jenkins route, and though I am pretty familiar with the area, since I do live in the Jenkins area, I am finding myself having a bit of trouble with some names of my kids.  Remembering their names.

As it is in most communities people move away, and new people move in.  There are only  about three families I am I am familiar with from my years of living here growing up.  One family is cousins, another is nephews, and another is a native of the area.  I just remembered a fourth family, and they are distant relatives.

One thing about it; I will not get lost.

I hope all who are reading this have a great new School year, and great days ahead.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Let Me Tell You About My Mornings

My mornings are not important to anyone else.  I realize that; but to let you know what I do as a pastor, and a School Bus driver of the mornings – Here goes…

My alarm goes off around 3:15 a.m.  I get up do the necessary things before dressing, then proceed to make some coffee.  I get my computer turned on.  Then I take my Bible, my journal and set down at the kitchen/dining table; and I read a portion of Scripture (usually 2 – 5 chapters) to hear what God has to say to me today.  I spend a few minutes speaking to Him as well.

By the time I am through with my Bible reading the coffee is ready and I pour me a cup, mixed with a packet of Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Sensations hot chocolate mix.  Yum.  Then I begin writing in my journal.  You can read some of what I wrote in today’s writing at this link

After I have written in my paper notebook, journal; I come and do some post for our Church blog, and my Bible Study blog called BROKEN PIECES.  By the time I am finished with that it is about time for me to leave for the bus garage.  I do watch a bit of Fox and Friends before leaving, and clean up my coffee pot.

I leave the house around 5:15 a.m. arrive at the bus garage around 5:45, pre-trip my bus, and leave on my route around 6:05 a.m.  It is an amazing drive.  I get to drive approximately 25 minutes before I pick up my first stop.  From then on into school there is much talk, screaming sometimes, laughter, playing [not supposed to]; no more quiet time.

I arrive at he High School drop off about 7:45 a.m. then the Elementary about 7:50 a.m.  Then, that part of my morning is over.  Following the route this morning I went with some of the other drivers to the Primary Cafeteria for biscuits and gravy for breakfast; instead of coming home.

When I get home I check emails, facebook, my blogs for comments and such; but most of all I try and spend the time preparing sermons for Sunday mornings and evenings.

Today I am scheduled for an activity trip taking the soccer team to Springfield, MO.  I am blessed to be doing a work which I thoroughly enjoy; being a pastor, and a school bus driver too.

A Blessed and sunny day along the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Driving a School Bus

Where I live the new School year for ages K – 12 began on August 13; so we have been in school now for two weeks.

I have been driving for the Cassville R-IV School District in the southwest part of the State of Missouri now for the last 9 years, and started my tenth year.  I have a total of 16 years driving with the Cassville School District.  With the first stint being from 1984 – 1990.

I quit driving a bus for 12 years, even gave up my CDL for a regular license for a while until I decided I needed to go back to driving a bus.  That was in 2003, and I have been driving a bus ever since then.

Actually I am driving for Cassville for my third time.  When I came back in ’03 I came in as a sub driver, then was given a route in the beginning of 2004 (January).  I left at the end of that school year, moved to Farmington, Missouri, and drove a School bus for the Farmington District for two years, then moved back to Cassville.

Driving a School bus is a challenging job; yet it is rewarding.  The reward is watching those kids grow up.  I took the route I have now in March of 2007.  I now have one student who is the only original student who was riding when I started it.  She is a Senior this year.  She was a third grader when I started.

It is a difficult job while you are driving, watching the road, tending misbehaving children, and watching for other drivers who are not watching what they are doing.

I guess I am writing this because I know many School Districts are in need of good bus drivers; people who love and care for kids.  If you are one of those go to your local School District and talk to them about driving a bus.

If you do it for the money you will not make it.  If you do it because of the kids, and you enjoy it.  You will do great.

I am writing this from the banks of Flat Creek.

-tim

Dogwood Trees

I have noticed driving around lately; whether it be driving my bus route, in the car or truck; that there are numerous Dogwood trees in bloom.  They are so beautiful in bloom, whether they are white, red, pink, etc. they are lovely.

A year or so ago our son James and his wife Amber brought us three Dogwood plants, we planted them, but none have survived.  Sorry James and Amber.  Thank you very much for thinking of us.

Our son Timothy and his wife Sarah Lynn brought us three Dogwood plants to plant in our yard; just yesterday (April 17, 2015).  Madge and I went out this morning before the rain started falling, and planted them.  Hopefully these will make it.

I have noticed many Dogwood trees with a canopy top look; with a top that spreads out almost in a circular flatness.  It looks pretty neat with them in bloom.

I pray all are enjoying Spring.  I know I am. 🙂

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Predictions

I am not a fan of prognostications; especially early ones.  A farmer cannot make a decision to not plow the ground because it looks like it might rain; or even if the weather people have predicted that it is going to rain.  The field would never get plowed.

What set this off I guess is because our School for which I drive a School bus, cancelled school today with only rain falling; upon the prediction of ice and snow on the way.

I know it is a safety issue.  We do  not want to get caught on the road with hundreds of children on the school bus, with a possibility of sliding into the ditch or another vehicle.

I will applaud their decision when the ice and snow, or snow and ice come.  I just do not like making decisions like this based on the predictions of faulty people, and their man made equipment.

It was probably a good decision, but that is yet to be seen.  From the banks of Flat Creek.

-tim

Snow and Cold

It warmed to 52 degrees yesterday morning, then the temp started going down, down, down.

Last night when I went to bed it had gone all the way down to the low twenties.  This morning when I got up it was 18 degrees, and just a moment ago it was 15 degrees.

We also received a bit of snow.  At the moment there has been no cancellation of our school.  So I will be leaving to drive a bus in a while.

Everyone be safe out there this morning.  Have a great day.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Early Autumn Days

We are now three days into Autumn of the year.  It is wonderful having cooler temps; even though I am a Summer type guy.  Summer heat starts getting to me nowadays.  These 40 – 50 degree mornings are wonderful; though I do need to wear a light jacket.

It is a wonderful thing getting up in plenty of time each morning to read the Bible, spend time with God in prayer and hearing Him too through  His Word.  Then going out on the School Bus and watching the sun rise in the Eastern sky as I head east down highway 76.

At this time I do not see it rising as I am heading down 76, but later as I am picking up some of the passengers.

It is a glorious thing to watch the sun rise and know the One who gives it to us.

Have a wonderful, marvelous Fall day.

Having one on the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Coldest Day – So Far

When I came into my living room this morning about 4:45 the thermometer read minus two (-2) degrees.  Thirty minutes later it was at -3 degrees.  The last time a took a look it was at -4 degrees.

I just took a minute and looked again; now it is at -5 degrees.  Is that what is called, “Dropping like a rock”?  I guess it could drop a bit faster.

I am sure thankful this morning though.  Thankful for a nice warm home.  Thankful for flowing water.  Thankful for many things.

I am praying this morning for all the farmers who will need to be, and already are out in this snow and cold caring for their cattle, and other livestock.  For those who are maintaining our roads; praying for their wisdom and safety.  For the EMT’s, and other emergency personnel.  May I add, if you do not need to be out, stay in, and stay warm.

One more thing;  if you just have to get out and drive on the  highways turn on your headlights.  It is good to be seen; not just able to see.  It is a matter of safety; not just yours but others who are out as well.

-tim

Spring 2012 – School is Out

May 17 was the last day of School at Cassville R-IV School District in Cassville, MO.  That is about 11 days earlier than last year.

We had a rather mild Winter, so we had fewer days to make up due to weather, ice, snow and such things.  We only had one snow day, and we made it up by getting out a bit later than scheduled.

Anyway, School is out; Summer is on the way, and boy am I glad to see it.

Have a great finish to Spring, and a whole Summer of warmth, rain, and sunshine.

The Blessings of the LORD of hosts be with you.

-tim

First Accumulating Snowfall this Winter

I was really hoping for no snow accumulation this Winter; especially during the work, school week.  I was looking forward to getting out of school on May 16, but now that is not going to happen; it could be a day or two later now.  A day or two will not hurt.

It is best when that snow fall starts accumulating that the buses stay off the road.  It is safer for the students on the bus, the drivers, and for the schools.  I was thankful that they called me plenty early this morning to inform me by their automated School Reach system.  It is a system which notifies all the drivers, students and teachers at the same time; or near it anyway.  I received my call at 4:35 a.m.  I usually leave around 5:25 when I am riding with another driver into the bus garage.

This is our first measurable snowfall for 2012 Winter.  It is the first school day cancelled due to weather; and I  hope the last.  But who knows about tomorrow.

The snow sure is pretty, covering all the ugly of the  yard, and putting some niceties to the forms of trees.  I still do not like Winter, cold or snow, but I can enjoy it; and be thankful and appreciative of it.

Just sit back, if you can, stay warm and praise the Lord for His beauty.

-Tim

Our Driveway

For some who know where my wife and I live you know the drive to our house from the main road is a beautiful drive, and even that, this time of year you just might see an eagle, or two or more.  As you drive along the drive on the bluff overlooking Flat Creek the eagles often roost of the evening in the tops of the sycamore trees which reach out over the flowing water of the Creek.

When you get down to our home in the valley, our driveway is not so good when it is raining or shortly after a rain.  That is because it used to be pasture land, and we have worn a path through the grass, and it is without any gravel.  I have checked on having some limestone gravel hauled in and it is not cheap.  Now the thing about the limestone is that it would look nicer than the old brown creek gravel which we have plenty of.

We need gravel on our driveway, so today, I am going to go, the old fashioned way, borrow a pickup, and get my shovel and do some gravel hauling myself.  I will probably wear myself out again this Saturday, but that is good for me I suppose.

Get that gravel down, and then, we will have much better traction rolling out the drive to the road.  Last winter I could cut through the yard by the old house and get on the road.  This year we have an electric fence around the yard so it would take a little more effort to cut through.

I think sometimes it would be nice to have a tractor with a front loader and a small dump truck.  With those two items I could keep the potholes filled on the road to the driveway too.  But, that is going to have to wait.

Right now a pickup truck, a shovel and manpower is all I can do.  So that is what is going to happen today – God willing, of course.

When I got up this morning at 4 a.m. it was 18 degrees outside.  That is considerably colder than it has been all week long.  The ground will be frozen, but that will not stop the work.

Flat Creek is up and rolling right along in full view out our back patio door.

-Tim

The First Snow

On Tuesday December 6 we got our first measurable snow.  It was in fact the first I had seen this season.  By that I mean I had not even noticed a flake or anything until I got up about 2:30 a.m. and noticed in the lights there was a pretty serious amount of snow falling.  It did end up being less than an inch, but it was hazardous.

We had school that day, but I think there were a few of us drivers who were probably thinking, “What are we doing out here?”  I was probably one of them, yet we just did our job, picked up those kids, and brought them into school.

On the way into the bus the road did not seem slick.  Driving was pretty normal.  The snow seemed to be dry and blowing off the road as you drove over it; however it was packing under those wheels,  I guess, and it became a sheet of ice on some roads.

When I pulled out from Wildcat Drive onto Business 37 by the Administration Building my bus went sideways, and into a sign, breaking out the right rear clearance light, and I noticed later a mark on the sign.  I saw one driver in the ditch on his side on Highway 76 East of what is known as Bates Corner.  I rarely am stressed about driving, but this morning was an exception to that.  It is probably a good thing that I was.

Without further incident or accident every bus made it safely back into school with all the children who rode that morning.

Just to note: our people at the school who make the decisions concerning weather conditions do a good job, and this morning was no different; considering the time and conditions.  It was not slick, then it was.  There was many incidents/accidents that morning, but thankfully not many were too serious; that I know of anyway.

Now safe and warm on the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

It is Snowing Outside

I sure hope it is not snowing inside.  That would mean we were cold; when actually we are warm and cozy inside the house while the snow is falling; at least it was a while ago.  I have not looked to see recently.

I just went and took a peek out the front door with the porch light on and it did not seem to be coming down very heavy if at all.  I am not a fan of snow fall, but I will take what we get, and learn to live with it.

The temp outside when I got up was 26 degrees.  That is probably just right for a good heavy snow fall; but I pray we do not get that.  It is good for the ground, and that is about the only benefit there is for it except if you live in a ski resort area, than that may be your income.  For you I pray you get all the snow you can handle; and many guests coming to your slopes.

Everyone be careful out there this morning.  The roads may be slick and dangerous.

From the snowy banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

George Washington Carver National Monument

Yesterday, two other bus drivers and myself took three buses of children to the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, MO..  There are probably a lot of people who do not know about George Washington Carver.

He was a generous man.  He cared for people.  He was a man of faith, and used his faith in his life.  He worked with peanuts and discovered many things and many products have come from peanuts because of his work.

The park is on the West side of Diamond, and is a beautiful park.  If you ever get a chance to go there it would be worth the visit.

That is it from the banks of Flat Creek today.

-Tim

Motorcycles and Mustangs

When I was 24 years of age I bought a brand new Honda Hawk 400 motorcycle.  That was almost 33 years ago.  I loved riding that bike.  I rode it to Little Rock, AR. several times attending Boyce Bible School down there in the old Baptist Hospital.  The last time I rode down there it rained on me all the way back;  205 miles in the drizzling rain.  I nearly froze.  I  had no rain gear for riding.  Like I said that was my last time riding down to Little Rock.

I also rode it to Tulsa, OK. for a Bible Conference one time; and with a brother in law.  We had a wonderful time.  My cycle got 68 miles per gallon on that trip.  Now would that not be nice today?

Anyway on to why I am writing this.  I got rid of that bike, trading it for a car for my family; which I think turned out to be a bad deal; a bad car.  It was an old 1967 Ford Thunderbird four door.  It had the “suicide doors” for the back doors.  It would have been a great car, if money was no problem.

I rode Timothy’s [our eldest son] Honda VTX 1300 to the Bus Garage yesterday.  After arriving home I was worn out physically.  I realized something as I was coming home.  I was not handling that bike as well as it ought to be handled.  I have decided not that I no longer want to get one.  If I cannot handle it properly and safely; I sure do not need to be riding one.

Instead I will dream of a Mustang GT convertible. 🙂  That will not be too high on the priority scale; probably at the bottom of the list.  Oh yeah, and that is with a manual transmission.

There is nothing comfortable about a Mustang, but it sure would be fun to drive, and the top down would still give me that out in the air feeling, that comes from riding a motorcycle.

Craziness on the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

 

School Has Started Again

Cassville R-IV Schools began on August 18, 2011.  And man, did my route change.  It is a little longer.

I now go down to the place by the Lake I did when I first took the route four years ago.  Down there I pick up two little girls who are a couple of sweet little girls, but need to learn how to stay in their seats, and be quiet; especially one of them; the youngest.

I do not think people realize how much of a distraction moving around and a loud voice can be to a bus driver.  It really is though.  One sudden move can call the driver’s attention to the mirror and away from the road.  Sure we have training, and experience, yet, even the best and most professional driver can mess up, by a child’s scream and such as that.

If you are a parent; please teach your small children to be seated; and a non-distraction.  It will go a long way in a peaceful ride on the School Bus and a long life for your child and the others on the bus.

I do not want to see any of them hurt, nor do I enjoy the idea of taking them to see their Principal.  If I must though, I must and will do so.

I will be taking care of; and most drivers I know will be taking good care of your children on the way to school.  There is no other way.

Tim A. Blankenship