Odds and ends

Regional differences occasionally come home. I've now seen three different truck stop signs advertising cold pop. To a Southern boy this is a strange phrase.

I suppose a Yankee would be equally confused when somebody asks him "What kind of coke do you want?" And he learns that Dr. Pepper is a perfectly good answer. And so is ginger ale...
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I spent the day driving the streets of suburban Chicago to save fuel. Or is it to avoid tolls? Either way, the company benefits. And since I'm not paid by the hour, it's okay for them to waste my time.
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Now I'm sitting in a truck stop, watching a steady stream of headlights in front of me on the interstate. I can do this because I found a place where it's safe to park nose-first and back out in the morning.

That's right. I don't think I've mentioned why that's usually a bad idea, have I? Well, it's pretty simple. I have mentioned that these trucks are almost blind in a lot of directions. And that backing one is a major and scary operation once you have to turn even a little bit. Just think of the way you have to turn backing out of a parking space. Then imagine doing it when you can't see a thing in the direction you're backing.

Basically I don't go forward into a parking space unless I can back straight out of it.
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When I told you a few days back about interesting substances you can find at truck stops, one of the more amusing ones was kind of off-topic. Another of the "latest things" out here is something called "NJOY." It's a gadget that simulates a cigarette without using smoke.

I kid you not. Apparently it's battery powered, and generates a flavored, nicotine-spiked vapor that (supposedly) gives you the pleasures of smoking without any smoke--first- second- or third-hand. As a non-smoker, I am not qualified to comment further...
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In fact, the thing I am most qualified to speak on at this point is the pleasures of sleep. I got a shower in tonight, so I am doubly interested in researching that topic. Being clean can be so relaxing. So I think I'll relax now.

G'nite.