Trash Talk With Donnie - The Free Truck

I hope our loyal readers haven't missed my little area of the blog since I haven't done one in a while. I decided to share the story on my basically free dump truck.

How many people can say they turned a 4 wheeler into a dump truck? A number of years ago I was given this old wore out 4 wheeler. Its about a 85 model yamaha moto4 2wd. It never needed a penny!  All it took was a carb adjusting every couple of months. Well it got to where I weren't using it anymore, so last summer I decided to try out my bartering skills on the craigslist.

A guy offered me a 1971 ford pickup, that ran and had a clean title, for a straight up trade. I snatched that deal up in a hurry. I put a carb on it that I had laying around and drove it for a few months. The trans slipped some, so instead of spending the money on a trans rebuild I sold it. Got $900 for the old gal and turned around and picked up the International dump truck for $700 the same day.

It came with a fully operational 8 yard bed, a freshly rebuilt 345 and 4 speed trans. All it needed was a new $125 battery and she was on the road and ready to go. Top speed is only about 45, but that's about all you'll be ables to handle with the bouncy steering. If you need any hauling in my neck of the woods, let me know!

Floyd's Mini-Horse Emporium for Children

GOOOOD MOOOORNING VIETNAAAM!!! I'm so excited this morning. I just got finished with the blueprints for my Mini-Horse Emporium. I'm still perfecting the plans and adding details so please feel free to comment with your suggestions. This is going to be the single greatest achievement I've achieved in my life so far. The blueprints are attached so please click on the picture for a bigger version so you can see it better. So far, I have built the fence around the mini horse houses, put gravel in the parking lot, and started digging out the swimming pond. My next big project I'm starting on is the Living Merry Go Round. I plan to put in old fashioned merry go round music and have the minis be connected to a center post they will walk around. The kids are going to eat it up!

In other news, my brand new babies (mini-horses), Snap, Crackle, and Pop are adjusting quite well to life at Chateau Floyd. My sis says I'm spoiling them but I think they deserve it. Crackle even weaseled his way into the kitchen the other day while I was making supper. Its so funny how they want to eat whatever I'm eating!

Restore America Now

WHAAAAZZZZ UUUUPPP MY NERDS!?!?!? Restore America Now.

This post has been way too long overdue. Dearest friends, I am truly sorry to keep you all waiting in suspense. It’s true; I have been busy on the Ron Paul Campaign Trail. I jumped on the trail no long after he passed through my neighboring state of New Hampshire back in November. It has been a whirlwind of a rollercoaster ride so far. I’m about to run out of trip fund money so I have to travel back home to Maine after this last visit to Virginia. I’m calling it quits on this trail. Restore America Now.

Today I am posting from the cold state of Michigan. I’ve been in Detroit for a few days now. Got here early so I could do a little sightseeing. This city is pretty cool. Saw an 8 mile sign yesterday. Tonight the Man will be giving a little speech at some performing arts center. Probably will be saying a few words I’ve already heard before. No matter how many times I hear him speak it never gets old. That man can preach it! He’s not as old as he looks. I swear he drinks 5 hour energy drinks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. HAHA!! That man is the real deal. Restore America Now.

In case you’re asking yourself, no I do not go to every single Ron Paul event that he speaks or shows his beautiful face at. I merely hit the special events or cities that I really want to attend, but the whole purpose of my trip is to promote Ron “Dusty Bottoms” Paul. That’s what a few of us who have been touring with him refer to him as. Most recently I traveled from Arizona. That was my latest besides being here in Detroit. I’ve often thought that it would be so much easier if Dusty would hit these locations in some logical fashion. This jumping around across the country back and forth ain’t cheap. This is another reason I can’t hit every event he shows up to. Restore America Now.

My Arizona trip was amazing. I of course saw Paul speak at breakfast that was to die for. Those eggs benedicts knocked my socks off. Who knew you could do such amazing things with eggs. Talk about smack your momma good. Besides that awesome breakfast I was able to sneak away and take a peek at the Grand Canyon. We don’t have one of those in Maine, but holy smokes do we need one. Restore America Now.

Before we made it to Arizona I was in Idaho. Come to think of it, I didn’t even eat a baked potato while I was there. Hmm, maybe I should go back one day. Floyd, if you’re reading this, you up for an Idaho trip one day to get some potatoes? HAHAHA!! Maybe we could score some women like in the Myrtle Beach trip. That chick from Applebees. Restore America Now.

My other adventures, which I plan on sharing more of in future posts were as follows: (In no particular order)
• Minneapolis (That mall is huge!! So many beautiful women too)
• Las Vegas!! (What happens in vegas, stays in vegas ;))
• South Carolina (Been there done that state!!)
• Denver
• Reno (Bigger than I thought)
• Iowa
• New Hampshire
• Area 51
• Chicago (side trip for my own pleasure)
• Atlanta (just for fun. They have a Six Flags there!)
• Myrtle Beach (for old times sakes)

Yes, I did wash my clothes while on the road. Also, I did manage to make it back to Main about 3 or 4 times to refuel my batteries. Ron also made it to Maine. Gave me chill bumps. Restore America Now.

During my trips so far I’ve shook Ron’s hand 6 times, gave him 3 high fives, and accidentally gave him one hug. Some fat kid pushed me into him while we were in Minneapolis. It has been a life changing trip and one that I am proud of. I know where my vote will go. Being around Dusty makes me feel so much younger than I am. It’s a great feeling to know he’ll be our next president. Restore America Now.

One of the Ron Paul for 2012 signs that Jenny made.

One of the times that I came close to shaking Dusty's hand. I snaped a quick shot instead.

Mark and Jenny, two of these coolest Ron Paul supporters ever. They were just so delighful to be around. Hey Jenny, if you're reading this know I'd take you from Mark any day you'd let me. PS send some of those oatmeal cookies!!

Ted and I took a break from campaigning to visit the Grand Canyon.

Rocking Rookers 2.0!!!!!

GOOOOOOD MOOOOORNING VIETNAAAAM!!!!! I am super excited this morning because yesterday I started my very own facebook group. Whats it a group for you ask? Why, ROOK of course! I just got sick and tired of the negative energy that has been surrounding duelboard and Rocking Rookers lately (I won't say any names). After talking with some other rook lovers out there, they encouraged me to start my own group where positivity and open-mindedness is paramount.

Here is the link to the Facebook Group that was voted "Best New Group of 2012": Rocking Rookers 2.0
Anybody and everybody is welcome to join so please, come join the party!

In other news, this blog is about to get a crazy amount of new daily content so be prepared.

Also, Norm, if you are reading this, good luck on the Ron Paul campaign trail!

RIP Fruity Pebbles

About a week ago, during the night, my barn barned with one of my horses inside. After posting some questions on Yahoo Answers seeking advice about horse shelter, I just couldn't leave them all in the cold every night so I have been putting one in the barn a night to warm up next to a space heater. No, I didn't have the heater near any straw, it was on the concrete slab in the corner. Pebbles must have dropped some straw near it or turned it over. I really need to figure out who made that heater so I can complain about their faulty product. Now I'm stuck with two horses with no shelter for them other than a tent pavilion thing I found at Wal-Mart. I could put one of them in the garage probably but I really hate the thick ice that covers my whole truck in the mornings. Not sure what to do at this point. Hopefully this isn't the end of the horse emporium journey. It probably would be if I wasn't so stubborn. My mom told me before she died that she wanted me to follow my dream of having a horse emporium and I mean to see it through. Wish me luck, blogosphere.

Welcome Back Floyd!

Thanks Floyd, its good to be back. I apologize to all the loyal readers for me being gone so long. Its been a rough fall. First I had to up and move to Montana then online rook went to pay only then my mom died. Bummer after bummer after bummer. Trying to keep my head up though. Before she died, my mom told me to follow my dream of having an actual successful horse ranch/emporium for handicapped children and elderly.

I've been so busy trying to acquire horses and animals that I haven't been able to do much else. Not having anything but a small shed on my property, I had to make due by making it into a small barn with enough room (barely) for one horse. I've also acquired three new horses, Sweet Bun, Benedict, and Fruity Pebbles. In the past week though, Sweet Bun was either stolen or ran away. Its okay though, trying to keep my head high. I've got plenty to be thankful for, three healthy horses, beautiful land, and since my mom passed, my ex-wife and I have been on speaking terms again. 2012, Floyd is ready for you.

Below is a pic of my barn, the first of many phases at the "Eleanor Brewer Memorial Handicapped Horse Emporium."

Hiking with Norm

I'm back!! The trip was amazing, wild, scary, and scenic all wrapped into one. Rick and I had one wild trip that we'll never forget. The only downside was I never found the pretty lady from the post below. There were plenty of ladies on the trail but not my type, smelly and old. We also had some bad luck with our map reading skills. Rick thought he had it all figured out but in the end it threw a kink in our entire trip.

We left town on the 21st of July drove south a few days. Since Rick had a month off from work we took our time driving. I won't bore you with the driving details but do know Rick got locked in that restroom at the Pilot in Staunton, VA. I will never forget that, HAHA! That fool had the whole truckstop thinking he was an idiot. That was the highlight of the drive. Then three days later after we left Maine we made it to the Nantahala Outdoor Center just outside Bryson City, North Carolina. The parking lot there is were we began our hike of the Appalachian Trail.

The hike was amazing. We were putting in a lot of miles each day. The trail was hot and beautiful. At nights the temperatures would dip lower and feel great. Luckily along the trail they have shelters that we could stay in each night. That made it easier on us since we wouldn't have to carry a tent the entire trip. That choice ended up hurting us later on.

If you're asking yourself what we ate while we hiked well don't worry, we had great food all along the trail. Most nights we whipped up some amazing noodles that came with little packs of seasoning. They were so easy and super delicious. Can't remember what they were called but Rick picked up a bunch for us. He never would let me pay him back for them. They must have cost him a forture. That Rick is one heck of a guy to have hiking with you. Along with those fantastic noodles we had energy bars, oatmeal, powder milk, rice, crackers, tuna, and lots of water. I'm tired of drinking water after this trip. A few places on the trip we came across wild blueberrys and blackberries. They were the sweetest I've ever tasted. My goodness they were good. There were a few other berries that I didn't know the names of that weren't as flavorful.

Our first sign of map reading trouble came about half way through the hike. We stayed at a shelter named Double Spring Gap. It was a nice place and wasn't that easy to get to because it was on the uphill side of Clingman's Dome. That Clingmans Dome area is pretty cool and super crowded. I tried talking to this one family but they were rude and wouldn't get anywhere near me. Anyways, we woke up the next morning and started hiking the wrong way, which we didn't realize at the time. Around lunch time we noticed that we hadn't seen any white blazes. For those fools that don't know what white blazes are they are the markers that mark the AT (Appalachian Trail). After lunch we checked the map and realized we walked half a day in the wrong direction. We turned around and spent another night at Double Spring Gap to wake up and hike to the highest of our entire trip.

We made it through Clingman's Dome, Newfound Gap, and Charlie's Bunion perfectly fine. It wasn't until we stayed the night at Tricorner Knob that we ran into trouble again. We woke next morning to being our day in the wrong direction again! This time we walked for a few days in the wrong direction. After the white blazes disappeared we couldn't figure out which we we came so we ended up making two circles to get back to the original AT trail. Spending two nights without a tent or shelter were two of the worst nights ever. I'm thankful that I've watched Man vs Wild on tv a few times or I probably would have died. Rick and I had our two nights under the stars. He said 3 bugs crawled up his nose those two nights. I didn't tell him but I flicked one bug off of me and it must have landed on him. Ooops, haha.

Saw a live bear hiking in the woods while we were hiking on the trail.

We spent another night at Tricorner Knob and continued our trip on towards Max Patch where we left the rental car. Luckily we had no more map issues and compeleted our trip 4 days later than we had originally planned. We were so thankful to get out alive that we found a Cracker Barrel along the way and pigged out like a bunch of wild animals. Those chicken 'n dumplins are amazing!! Great job on the service, Martha! I left her a heck of a tip because she never let my chocolate milk run dry.

With us being so far behind we weren't able to make it Nashville and the Ragin Rookers Live Tournament. Sorry friends that I wasn't able to come show you fools how to play some cards. I was pretty bummed about missing the Nashville part of trip. Rick felt pretty bad and decided to take me to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN. That area is AMAZING!! I want to move there right now. I have never seen so many go-carts and bungee jumps in one area besides the beach. We ate at the Dixie Stampede, rode go-carts, saw a magic show, went to the Ripley's Believe It or Not, saw the #1 aquarium, rode a ski lift, went to the top of a space needle, and bought some moonshine. That's right, you can buy and taste real moonshine in Gatlinburg. I bought 3 jars of white lightening.

Overall we had a pretty amazing trip. I would do it again. Hopefully I will if I ever move to Gatlinburg, TN. Throughout the whole trip I couldn't wait to see my new friends from Duelboard but it's ok, I'll still get to hang out with them online.

Nashville or Bust with Norm

Today I begin my journey to the Duelboard Live Nashville Tourney on August 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Those dates could be off somewhat but that's when I plan on being in town. Yes, I am leaving early but I am doing a little hiking with my good friend Rick before the tourney. We will be hiking 10-11 days on the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It will be a manly trip like non-other. We will camp, walk, spit, sleep in sleeping bags, drink lots of water, and see beautiful things (hopefully women too!). Wish me luck friends as I begin my long exploration of the eastern United States!

Look forward to a recap when I return in a few weeks. I will have my camera.

A sign from the Trail. I didn't take it, yet.

Hope this foxy lady will be on the trail when we're there.

Nashville, where all my friends will be!

The Journey.

4th of July with Norm

I finally got my camera back from the 4th of July accident. Looking at the pictures it was a lot of fun but the end of the day was more like a blur. Well, my end of the day was around 4:00 in the afternoon but that's not completely my fault. There were some other factors involved in the day ending early. Thanks Pamela for keeping my camera and taking a few pictures after The Event.

The day was awesome! I was with Rick and about 6 other friends. We went out on the beautiful Sebago Lake which is just outside of Portland for you non Mainers. I love that lake. It's huge!! We go out there every 4th and live the dream for a day and. When dark rolls in we watch the fireworks and even shoot off a few of our own from the boat. 4th of July might be my favorite holiday besides Halloween because women wear awesome costumes at The Beaver Pit.

Around noonish we stopped and had lunch at one of the many cliffs that line the like. There were plenty of people swinging from ropes. I pushed Rick off a few times before he had his grip. That fool was so ticked at me! Haha but I got to go next and I usually did canon balls right next to him. Luckily he's not as good a swimmer as I am. By the time 3:00 rolled around we decided to go meet up with another boat that was out having a good time. We were all having a good time thanks to a few alcoholic drinks of choice. I love some Buds! That fool Rick drinks Smirnoff. Haha!

Then the most tragic thing happened. We were cruising across the lake at a top speed. I wanted to move towards the back of the boat where they were cutting up about some jokes. It's what I do, make jokes. Suddenly we hit a huge wake and I stumbled. Tried to catch myself, I think, and went overboard. Hit my head on the way out and don't really remember much. The life jacket probably saved my life because from what I was told, my friends didn't immediately turn around. It took them a little while to notice that I fell out. After who knows how long they pulled me back into the boat and the police came to take me away to the hospital. Another boat in the area radioed the emergency in and helped save my life.

After one night in the hospital it turned out that I only suffered from a severe concussion and cuts and bruises. Thank goodness I have Jerry and his wife to take care of me. They made me come home with them the next day and I camped out at their house for a while to recover.

It was a wild day and one I'll for sure be telling my grand-kids whenever I do have grand-kids.

Thomas and Pam taking a dip while we got Rick ready for the tube.

The rope swing area. It was awesome because there were so many people gathered around and having a good time.

Ron schooling everyone on his two skis. That fool had some skills.

Pamela rode the patrol boat back with and took a picture of one of the punctures on my leg. Thanks Pamela!

Thanks guys for life saving heroics! If you read this you're not forgotten. Thanks Pamela for the great picture!