I made it to the Arkansas/Texas line today despite the pain in my lower back. Screw it, pain don't hurt.
I parked my truck at the BBQ joint across the street from the truck stop, had a decent BBQ sandwich, hung the receipt in my window to prove I'd payed my parking dues (a meal or six bucks) and walked across the road to the tavern.
I've been in this place many times over the years. It's one of the places around the country where I am an irregular regular. Those who have worked there for a while or have been stopping there for a while know me.
I had a pretty good time even though somebody stole my change from the bar. I had paid for a beer with a twenty, gone to the restroom, and came back to find that my change was no longer where I had left it.
I could have gotten bent out of shape about it, but shit happens and I figure that person will pay for their actions later on. Karma and all that. What comes around goes around. I let it slide.
It was a trucker bar and I had a good time telling jokes and doing a couple of my magic tricks for the bartender. Nothing like a few laughs to wash the road tension out of your system.
My back is sore, but better than yesterday. I made better time today as I didn't have to make quite as many rest stops for my back. I'm on the mend and the back will eventually get used to the routine again.
A couple of Mexicans came into the bar wanting to buy beer. The barkeep asked them for ID as is her job, but they couldn't produce any. When she refused to sell them any beer they became quite vocal and obnoxious. A few of us "escorted" them out of the bar. One of them tried to take a swing at me but I blocked it easily and clamped down a bit more firmly on his collar bone which convinced him to behave himself (that really hurts).
All in all it was a pleasant evening and I am ready to kick back and relax for the night as I am going to have a busy day tomorrow.