Introduce Yourself

[Pam]

I enjoy your company on the forum, even if you are all dinosaurs 

Thanks kat!  The dinosaurs enjoy your company, too. 

[Grandpa Muleskinner]

Well, nobody has asked it yet, so... How did you get the name Muleskinner?

Back, way back in the early 1970's I drove 18 wheelers cross country. I had started with a city cartage company and was a teamster (union member). When I told the union bosses I was setting out on my own (breaking my ties with the union), driving my own rig as an owner operator, they called me a 'muleskinner'. The name stuck and became my CB (citizens band radio) handle...good buddy.  

If you google muleskinner you'll find some information about mule team (cartage) drivers back in the 1800's.

There you have it and thanks for asking!  

[Grandpa Muleskinner]

I enjoy your company on the forum, even if you are all dinosaurs 

Hey, we're still walking on this side of the grass. LOL!!!

[Pam]

Heh Grandpa!  I also drove a big rig across the country in 1980.  Wasn't union, though.  Owner-operator for North American Van Lines.  I don't remember my CB handle now, but I know it was lame.  And you know this is true...  once you've driven a rig across the country, you can drive ANYTHING!  Lol!

[wildredchild]

Hey now Kat, I resemble that remark *giggles*. 

[Grandpa Muleskinner]

Heh Grandpa!  I also drove a big rig across the country in 1980.  Wasn't union, though.  Owner-operator for North American Van Lines.  I don't remember my CB handle now, but I know it was lame.  And you know this is true...  once you've driven a rig across the country, you can drive ANYTHING!  Lol!

Hi Pam! I started driving local (union job) for Global Van Lines. Then went independent (owner-operator) and contracted with Atlas Van Lines. I did my work with a passion, but it was tough for my family, what with me being away from home so much.

Yup!!! Back then I could drive anything. When I left the trucking business I suffered severe withdrawal. Every time I'd pass a big rig on the highway while driving my dinky car, I'd get the shudders. After 30 years away from jammin' gears, I've survived. And after all is said and done, I still have the good memories of my cowboy days in my big rig. 

[kat]

Heh Grandpa!  I also drove a big rig across the country in 1980.  Wasn't union, though.  Owner-operator for North American Van Lines.  I don't remember my CB handle now, but I know it was lame.  And you know this is true...  once you've driven a rig across the country, you can drive ANYTHING!  Lol!

Really Pam? I hadn't pictured you as the truck driver type. Well, every day's a school day!

[Pam]

Actually, it was 1981 for me.  Not 1980.  Had to be 21 to get a commercial license.  I was part of a driving team.  It was a fascinating and crazy year, to be sure!  One thing I always remembered is how much drivers watched out for each other.  I was perfectly safe walking into a truck stop by myself in the middle of the night.  And they were always so helpful...  always the first to stop if there was an accident on the highway.

[jestina]

Did they even have wheels in 1981? 

I was in elementary school...and that was the year MTV launched.

[Pam]

Did they even have wheels in 1981? 

Yeah, they had wheels, but my feet got really sore from all the pedaling on the ground. 

[kat]

I was in elementary school...and that was the year MTV launched.

You mean MTV hasn't always been around??

[Pam]

I was in elementary school...and that was the year MTV launched.

You mean MTV hasn't always been around??

Oh wow!  I hope that's a joke.

[Kreathyr]

Wow, that must have been back when MTV was a music station 

[TheLostGirls]

I have something to say.

I HAVE MY LEARNER'S PERMIT OH YEAH!

Be very careful Pam the streets of DFW are not safe.

[Metropolis Man]

Did they even have wheels in 1981? 

Yeah, they had wheels, but my feet got really sore from all the pedaling on the ground. 

Nice one. Is my sarcasm rubbing off on you, Pam? I hope so.