In case it seems odd to propose a toast to trucking, I did it on purpose. Drinking and driving don’t mix!
(Please bear with my mini-soap box.)
Back when I maneuvered an 80,000 pound vehicle down the freeway, highway, byway, or city street, I was mindful of the responsibility of having a CDL (Commercial Drivers License.) The same goes when I’m driving my Jeep nowadays; on four wheels or eighteen, I value human life — mine included.
Please celebrate responsibly!
Ok, nuff said… I enjoy a good cocktail or a great wine now that I’m off the road.
To everything there is a season…
Speaking of which, it’s almost summer here and cocktails, beer, wine, and/or alcohol-laden concoctions are often a part of it. For those of you who don’t imbibe, you have my utmost respect and permission to skip this post — but you’ll be missing out on a trucking story or two later. :)
For those of you who do tip a glass now and then, Martinis are on my mind.
I searched high and low for the perfect Martini recipe (mostly on Google) and was confounded by what I found (mostly controversy!) Gin or vodka? I prefer the latter. To stir or not to stir? I like the James Bond version — “Shaken, not stirred.” Olives or lemon peel? I enjoy the former. How much Vermouth? A splash does me fine. (Have I lost you yet?!) Just call me “The Queen of Parenthetical Thought!” (Lol.)
Anyway, to add to the ambience of this classic cocktail, I recently went in search of a Martini-making set and “spied” one (pardon the James Bond pun) at Libbys in Eufaula. That’s where I got my very cool red double boiler, too. I love the stores in this town! By the way, Libbys features Picasso-like clothing combined with vintage cooking items and antiques — one of the many delights of shopping local, when I have occasion to shop.
Okay, I might as well throw in those trucking stories now, since one of them relates to being thirsty. :)
(Excerpted from an August 2006 letter)
Livingston, Tennessee was the place I heard my first genuine, bonafide “HOOO-EEEEE” from a Southern fellow by the name of Robert. He came to unload our trailer, took one look at the huge generator we were delivering, scratched his head, and let out a Jed Clampett sounding expression that tickled me pink! It was 100+ degrees outside, and humid, and by the time he was done unloading, Robert worked up a powerful thirst.
He went inside the office building, scrounged up the largest “water glass” he could find, and came out drinking ice cold H2O from a flower vase. Driving around is a pleasant part of our job, but it’s the PEOPLE who really touch our hearts.
HOOO-EEEEE!
There’s another fellow I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention him (excerpted from a January 2006 letter.)
This past week our trucking trip was an adventure from the start. We left early Thursday morning to pick up a load headed to Salt Lake City and the first person we encountered was “The Kissing Bandit.” We hadn’t been in the terminal more than two minutes when this grizzly-looking fellow climbed up to Russ’s window and asked, “May I have permission to kiss your wife?”
Russ’s answer was: “You’d better ask her.”
The gentleman ambled over to my window, held out his hand, and revealed two Hershey’s kisses. As it turned out, The Kissing Bandit carried a pocketful of chocolate kisses and enjoyed handing them out to the ladies. ;) That’s one of the reasons I love trucking — ya never know when you’re going to meet a character, and God provides such a variety of people along the way.
Well, I’ve worked up a powerful thirst… and it’s time for a cocktail.
Like trucking stories, one (or two) will do.
Have a great week!
Enjoying vintage storytelling (and Martini sets),
~ Kimby
a little lunch 
Dear Kimby,
This post is definitely Casino Royale “James Bondy” because you have a beautiful lake setting. I would so dearly love to knock back a few of those martinis during happy hour in your wooden deck. And yes, the recipe confusion might extend to what brand of Vodka, Gin and Vermouth makes the best martini. I prefer Vodka too as I find Gin can be a little sweet for my liking. Cheers!
ChopinandMysaucepan, I did a lot of research on martinis before settling on “the recipe.” Seems like there’s a lot of controversy over the “perfect” martini, but most of it has to do with flavor preference rather than technique, although die-hard James Bond fans always insist on “shaken, not stirred.” :) Cheers to you, too!
Keep the trucking stories coming–love it! :D Now let me try to get something straight. Is ‘Russ’ The Man Of Few Word’s name?
Hi, Veronica! Sorry for the confusion — yes, The Man Of Few Words’ name is Russ — should have clarified that at the beginning of my post! Now you “know” for future reference. :)
Love these tales from the road! And just might have to add martini to my to-do list ;-) xo
Kerrie, I’m certain you’re accumulating your own “road stories!” Looking forward to hearing them. Cheers!
Hi Kimby! Your stories are always so interesting to read! Wonderful Trucking story…I agree, it’s so interesting because you meet so many kinds of people on the way! Well, I also got to know that Martini can be made better with vodka (and shaking, not stirring!), although I don’t drink!
Kimby, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comments, as my website was getting ready. You are really so sweet!! Hugs! :)
Purabi, I was hoping my post wouldn’t offend my non-drinking friends… thank you for looking past “the drink” to the stories I shared. I’m grateful we have choices and I respect your choice! I’m also glad I chose to share a few snippets from my past… sooooo many stories yet to tell. :) Your new website looks GREAT!
I have to admit I prefer a nice glass of wine on the porch after a long day, but I’d be willing to give your martini a try! Love the trucker stories too!
Donalyn, wine is usually my “poison” of choice (on the porch, too!), but every once in awhile I walk on the wild side. :) Thanks for stopping by to visit!
I love you stories, and although I have been staying clear of Martinis for a while now (not a great story….) I do love yours! Classic and Delightful!
Isabelle, the delight is mine to see you again, my beautiful friend! xo
Kimmie…your trucking days make you one wickedly fabulous woman! And, on top of that you’re a dang good martini shaker! Ben likes his like you, so when we all finally meet, it’ll be stories and stories, great food, and savagely scrumptuous martinis!! xo
Ally, savagely scrumptious describes a Martini to a tee and stories and food are the ideal garnish! Apparently, I committed a no-no on this one — NO foreign objects (i.e. plastic cocktail picks) are allowed to adulterate the concoction. Further research is deemed… ;)
I’m with Charlie all the way, my friend, this martini looks very strong and intense :)
But classy!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Uru, it’d be even classier with the traditional martini glass, but I tend to spill things even when I don’t have a drink, lol. (I “talk with my hands” — picture enthusiastic gesturing!) This short stemmed version was the perfect compromise. :)
I’ve never had a martini. I’ve always thought of them as being very potent. Certainly James Bond made them very well known and I guess when I do try one, I’ll have it, ‘shaken, not stirred’. xx
Charlie, they are bracing indeed. Unlike 007, who tosses a Martini down his gullet like water before dashing off to his next hair-raising adventure, I “sip” — and the most pressing thing on my schedule is bedtime, lol. If you do order one at a restaurant, make sure someone else is driving!