Folks Of Interest 50 years of "Playing ON the Freeway"

DANG! I accidently lost the second vid related to the "FIRE on the freeway" [ showed the engines arrivin & settin up ] all it takes is a mis-point of a finger

 

https://www.facebook.com/sandiegohighwayman stories here --

 

I have a thought for automakers - how bout a LOUD, annoying beeper, and possibly a flashing red light on the dash or windshield to go with it -- that goes off when a driver is following the vehicle in front of too closely -- it could be incremently calibrated for speed, so as to go off like 6 feet distance @ stops or inchin in traffic, to multiple car lengths, accordin to freeway speed - seems like *this* might dissuade some IDIOTS from tailgatin like they do -- the technology exists --

 

Hey Thomas, I didn't see you at the Big 3.

 

But what about the ones of us that race these cars? It's not uncommon for me to be a few feet behind someone going over 100mph...

You can't fix stupid people. They have to fix themselves.

 

couldn't do it -- no energy fer walkin, spent them days in my food garden -- weedin & clearin for spring ----- "soul" garden [ the highway ] is gonna haveta take care of itself fer a while -- I'm tired --

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sowing-the-seeds-of-kindness-on-san-diegos-highways/

 

The San Diego - Coronado Bridge

the view from the bridge is spectacular!

last week, got to enjoy the view fer 20 min as I sat, providin cover, fer a 2 vehicle TC right near the top, EB, in the #1 lane [ of 2 at that time ] fella wern't payin attention and ran inta the rear of an SUV & got his nose stuck under no one hurt, luckily, but vehicles requirin 1185's
[ tows ]
I'm all the time tellin folks that the freeway's not a dog park and if they follow too close they're agonna git brown on their nose first CHP unit took 20 min to arrive cause there was a traffic mess on the WB I-8 near the 5 at the time w multiple TCs they were busy with -- THEN -- there was the traffic, backed all the way up inta Coronado, that they, & the tows, hadta git thru as well.

fun times

sooo -- I got to sit there & enjoy the view

leave ROOM when ya drive folks!

been doin rescues & tendin incidents on the bridge since it was built in 69 -- lotsa stories -- some funny -- some interestin -- some not so funny [ won't mention the not so funny ones here ]

one night, late, I pulled up behind an older Dodge station wagon stopped by the rail [ he was standin behind the car lookin over the rail ]and inquired of the driver his trouble. He said he was outta gas. I said "well, no worries, I've GOT some for you."

He said he didn't have the key to the lockin cap -- well, I'm some worried, cause we jist had a near miss from a driver who wern't payin attention, so, I'm a leetil excited and I twist off the cap w my bare hands! Put in some gas. tell him to try startin it rhoommm -- starts right up! he waves and drives away.

well now, as i'm drivin away, I ponder the fact that the Dodge started instantly -- that year model, when it's run otta gas, takes a while fer the fuel pump to git it upta the carb -- likely he were'nt outta gas anyways --

nother bridge story w a happy endin --

ON the Coronado bridge today

Went out "searchin" tday -- took Shela to the dog park @ OB -- "She's" some happy -- been askin ta go

went over the bridge several times in the course of the day's run --

LAST time over WB I noticed in the EB lanes a tire "carc***" that hadn't been there previously -- turned around @ the plaza and started back EB -- p***ed the carc*** as it was gittin hit and causin vehicles ta swerve to avoid it

keepin an eye peeled fer the vehicle that lost it as it couldn't have gotten too far --

THERE IT IS --- on the bridge "collector" ramp to NB I-5 -- on the curve -- right in the middle of the #2 lane ---a little old lady standin behind her MB sedan w the RR tire blown and shredded and the rim diggin into the road surface -- prob she hadn't been hit yet cause she WAS standin behind it and that made it noticeable enough fer drivers TO notice since the sun was makin the MB's hazard flashers hard ta see.

Well -- I "LIT UP" w everythin I have rear facin!! jumped out and began to rapidly change out the tire after advisin the lady to git inta the car where she'd be safer --

SEVERAL near TCs as drivers either ignore or can't see my warning displays ONE comes slidin to a stop jist feet away and our eyes lock and he mouths "sorry"

whirlwinding the change -- I look up fer a second, and see a CHP "lit up" and MOVIN through the traffic @ the crest of the bridge -- he covers the lane behind us w his cruiser sideways and comes up jist as I throw the shredded remains inta the trunk and yell fer the woman ta GO! GO! GO! no time fer nicities

anyways -- HE said thanks fer helpin her, then we both "got the HELL outta Dodge"

several other "ordinary" incidents as well -- but THAT one -- well THAT'S the kind thing that keeps me "out there" searchin.

 

25 minutes out of my day - yesterday -- 3/11/2016 travelin life's HIway --

https://www.facebook.com/sandiegohighwayman












This IS my out "Playing on the freeway" video music score! In my mind's eye, I can "see" pullin outta the garage -- headin out w Shela & I scannin the road ahead for folks stranded -- findin em -- helpin em -- and them drivin off smilin & wavin several times thru the score, then, at the end, turnin into our home driveway as the sun sets, pullin into the garage -- Shela and I comin out as the door closes -- and, w the final notes at the end -- "She" and I are asleep on rockin chairs on the front porch dreamin --

 

never had a new car, house, boat - always have made do w restored wrecks [ including Beulah ]. relics, and hand me downs -- my "cabin", of 44 years, is furnished from the swapmeet and Craigslist -- our drinking gl***es are recycled salad dressing jars -- haven't had a "vacation" in 13 years -- I git by as inexpensivly as possible so that I am able to go out and "Play on the Freeway" as MUCH as possible -- helpin others -- 50 years *this* year


NO REGRETS

http://snowchains.tripod.com/sandiegohighwaymansweblogonli…/

 

Thomas .I hope you regain your strength back and feel better. Bruce.P.S. say hi to the pup for me.lol.

 

I have memories like thisun to sustain me Bruce --- thank *you* for yer friendship


August 30, 2013·

Laura H 7:24pm Aug 29
Today you saved our lives,I want to thank you so much you are truly an Angel! we were the people in the RV you risked your life for us and I will never forget this day or you,God bless you and thank you and your Dog
Laura H 7:28pm Aug 29
I actually wrote this message last Saturday,I think you are an amazing Human being


was glad to have been of service Laura -- yup, that was a dicey one -- hope all is well w you -- tomas

 

Garage sale tomorrow -- Sunday -- sellin lots of stuff 9:30am to ?

Sears rear-tine selfpropelled tiller $250 Mantis tiller $150 Hunter on-car spin balancer $75 w head & adapters my travelin bike $100 my beach cruiser bike $50 "Good Vibrations" 2 Hein Warner shop jacks [ spares ] 1 ton& 1/2 $50 1 ton& 1/4 $100 coupla woven wood porch rockers
1 $50 & 1 &35 garden chemicles & related stuff coupla air tanks 1 $45 & 1 $35
LOTs of misc stuff
American Indian rugs

at a later date, I'll have my spare rebuilt engine [ Y-block 292 ] and spare rebuilt ****** for 55 - 56 Ford for sale as well $1500 ea

"IGTOFTS"

I'm Gittin Too Old Fer This **** --

619-442-3767

504 Macon St
Goose Creek Ranch
El Cajon Ca.92019

 

Don`t give it all up, Thomas--you and Shela have more to do yet. It`s a pleasure to read your reports, and the Inspiration you give us here is really valuable....Blessings to you...and Thanks for all you do..

 

Thank you Kiwi

 

As I approach the end of my trail, I have many memories to look back on to keep my spirits up -- my garage - yard sale was successful, in that I did sell my my 2 rototillers. The one large Craftsman, self propelled, rear tine tiller I've had since the mid 70s went for $125 and the littl Mantis I aquired bout 5 years ago for "weeding" between the rows, went for $100 -- I've informed my across the street neighbor gal, whose back yard was my "sharecroppin" garden --- my [ South Forty ] for years, that I'll no longer be producin there don't have the extre stamina to put in anymore --- happend across this -- http://snowchains.tripod.com/gardengrowin/ my FIRST webpage from YEARS back -- and enjoyed the memories --

Had to git Shela a memory - foam bed recently to place on the Merc's seat, to keep her more comfortable -- "She" is gittin weaker and havin difficulities walkin and gittin up -- I haveta pick her UP to put her in and lift her out when we git to the dog park and home -- sometimes falls down and I have to help her up [ good days and bad days -- sorta like me ] She can't stand in the shower for her final rinse anymore [ falls down ] so I haveta support her whilst soapin her up and rinsin her off [ bein clean has always been onea her most favorite things ] she sleeps on the couch afterwards

On an UP note -- fella I've been prayin would take notice of Beulah's woebegone electrical situation, surprized me by showin up yesterday afternoon late and stayin fer a while to famerilize himeself w her needs -- we'll see -- lifted my spirits considerable

 

10 YEARS ago --

http://legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/metro/bell/20060128-9999-7m28bell.html

http://legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/metro/bell/20060131-9999-1m31bell.html

 

a FUN day -- first one in a week -- only goin out to "play" bout once a week now --

 

April 14, 2015 ·
a 20 dollar bill --

Today, I worked round the "ranch" some in the mornin -- reparin a section of garden fence that was returning to dust -- courtesy of the termite population round these parts -- comin up on 10:30 am i'm ready to "go for a ride " w my Shela -- we DO -- don't come across anyone needin help tho -- we stop in @ Charlie's Best Bread in PB to git 4 loaves of their apple-cinnimon-walnut bread [ our fav ] when I walk in the door there's a tiny older gal standin there ahead of me -- I gesture for her to go ahead - she says she's looking for work and attempts to give me her resume -- I said I'm sorry I don't have any work for you -- bought my bread -- walked out thinkin bout it and watched her round the corner of the next building --

got in my Merc and drove round to intercept her in front of a drug store where I gave a hit on my electronic air horn to git her attention and signaled to her to approach me-- she
heisitantly did -- wherupon I gave her onea my cards I give to those I help on the freeway -- and with it a $20 bill -- [ my last with me after buyin the bread ] told her i hoped that it would help her git thru the day -- she blessed me and said thank you smile emoticon

I turned around and headed back the way I'd come to exit the parkin lot and go out to "play" some more -- didn't git but halfway thru the lot whan a man stepped out from parked cars and waved me down -- come up to my window he did and I said "how kin I help you Patrick?"

He was momentarialy stunned and asked "how did you know my name?" [ it was on his shirt pocket, he's a workin man like myself wink emoticon ]

I let him think I was physic for a few seconds as he explained that he'd stopped me because 5 years ago I'd stopped to help his son on the 163 when he'd run outta gas in a bad spot and he'd always wanted to thank me for what I'd done for his son and when he saw me coming he figured here's his chance smile emoticon [ gave me a $20 bill ] I told him what *I* had just done w my last $20 and he thought that was pretty amazin --

then I mentioned his name was on his shirt smile emoticon smile emoticon smile emoticon

the $20 *he* gave me paid for my lunch w my bro later up @ the Denny's in Claiermont where Shela is welcome on the patio as well smile emoticon

Isn't Karma wonderfull?

 

Oh we were SO much YOUNGER then ---
got Shela a memory foam bed for the Merc to better "stabilize" her in her favorite place -- She is 16yo and gittin wobbly frown emoticon falls down every so often frown emoticon I haveta LIFT her INto the car and arrange her hindquaters so she's comfortable -- buckle up her safety harness --
[ saved her life when Beulah was destroyed! if she hadn't been wearing it then, she'd have been thrown tHRU the windshield! ]
then, when we arrive at a destination, i haveta LIFT her out and set her down and hold her for a moment till she's stabilized herself -- forth pic is her as a YOUNGun! smile emoticon "ON duty" sittin tall, alert, and protective of her Highwayman -- now I'm watchin out FOR her!

 

She's a cutie !

 

You are a Gem, thanks for what you do for people in need of a hand.

 

had a wonderfull day today, got my gr*** mowed in the cool of the mornin -- then, went out to "play on the freeway" helpin folks, several "situations" smile emoticonbrightened their days -- as well as mine smile emoticon Shela got her dog park outing -- I picked up some more blueberries and blackberries for the food garden @ Home Depot in the Midway district -- as I pulled in to park, a pickup pulled in across the way and a couple got out and approached me --- -- turned out, the gal was my PLHS girl friend [ cl*** of 66 ] Christine, yer lookin GOOD girl -- and yer mother was likely right about me wink emoticon smile emoticon and they'd followed me off the 8 to talk w me & reminis smile emoticon 15 min later, there was a small crowd around us chattin & pettin Shela & takin pictures -- fun day --
Christine sent me this yesterday -- That's my FIRST Ford wagon in the background -- my *only* 2 door of 9 I've had -- Fords & Mercs in 50 years -- sent me this littl note as well

Funny you should say that about Jim Carey because I think my son David age 46 looks like him too..ha
We'll that picture was taken 50 years ago February( which is impossible to even think how time has flown.)....but my point is the timing is off so your off the hook calling him Son .....ha!
My mom would be happy!!!!

 

50 YEARS of "memories" keepin me cheerfull --- some of em here -- https://www.facebook.com/sandiegohighwayman

 

Funny note!

 

July 2012 https://www.facebook.com/sandiego.h...0000195688117/988546977828482/?type=2&theater

 

I like to come and check out your thread from time to time. It's a well needed reminder to stay humble and help those when ya can.

Stay safe.

 

thankee kindly pardner --

it's a rainy Friday here -- I've been sittin on the front porch, readin a Louis L'amour novel
Comstock Lode -

Don't go out to "play" in the rain anymore -- TOO damn dangerous w all the idiots speeding and tailgating IN the rain.

https://www.facebook.com/sandiegohighwayman

Yer note lifted my spirits

GOOD ONya!

 

8 years ago, Brent Foster was workin for the LA times as a photographer - videographer when he took this pic -- and a number of others for this story -
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/24/business/fi-highwayangel24
- he actually had to come down from LA twice because the first time he rode w me, we didn't come across a single soul in trouble -- [ happens sometimes ] ya never know ---
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-highwayangel3_k2koy7nc-photo.html

6 years later 2014, he came all the way from Canada to do this, on his own, for me "While I'm Here"

Thankee kindly Brent!

Say, Brent, how do you *say* BEER -- in Australia?

https://www.lucentfilmfest.com/san-diego-highwayman-brent-foster/

 

I FIRST STARTED READING THIS EMAIL & WAS READING FAST UNTIL I REACHED
THE THIRD SENTENCE. I STOPPED AND STARTED OVER READING SLOWER AND
THINKING ABOUT EVERY WORD. THIS EMAIL IS VERY THOUGHT PROVOKING. MAKES
YOU STOP AND THINK. READ SLOWLY!

AND THEN IT IS WINTER

You know ... time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware
of the p***ing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just
married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it
seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know
that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of
all my hopes and dreams.

But, here it is... the back nine of my lifeand it catches me by
surprise...How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and
where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking
that those older people were years away from me and that I was only on
the first hole and the back nine was so far off that I could not
fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.

But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting gray...they move
slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some
worse shape than me...but, I see the great change....Not like the ones
that I remember who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age
is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to
see and never thought we'd become.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for
the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory!
Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I
sit!

And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for
all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and
do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know,
that though I’m on the back nine, and I'm not sure how long it will
last...this I know, that when it's over on this earth...it's over. A
new adventure will begin! Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish
I hadn't done...things I should have done, but indeed, there are many
things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not on the back nine yet...let me remind you, that it
will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to
accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too
long!! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can
never be sure whether you’re on the back nine or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your
life....so, live for today and say all the things that you want your
loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you
for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!


"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to
those who come after. Make it a fantastic one. LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY
TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY ! HAVE A GREAT DAY Remember "It is
health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. LIVE
HAPPY IN 2016!

LASTLY, CONSIDER THIS:

~Your kids are becoming you......but your grandchildren are perfect!

~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!

~You forget names.... But it's OK because some people forgot they even
knew you!!!

~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything like
golf.

~The things you used to care to do, you aren't as interested in
anymore, but you really don't care that you aren't as interested.

~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV 'ON' than in bed. It's
called "pre-sleep".

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF"
switch..

~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... ???

~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

~Everybody whispers.

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will
never wear.

~~~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of
all, OLD FRIENDS!!

Stay well, "OLD FRIEND!" Send this on to other "Old Friends!" and let
them laugh in AGREEMENT!!! It's Not What You Gather, But What You
****ter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN; YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE,
SO ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS

“ Do Not Regret Growing Older. It is a Privilege Denied to Many. ”