Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Eight years ago, when I started driving across the country in an 18 wheeler, I said that the best thing about this job was that America was my office. What glorious experience it is to see this great land, in all it's variations and seasons, crossing my windshield every day. May I add to that a little? Another deeply gratifying aspect of this line of work is the chance I have to meet Ricochet people who, in my decidedly objective and unbiased opinion, are the nicest, smartest, and coolest people around.
Take Ricochet Member Mike LaRoche, for example, who was gracious enough to allow me to interrupt his holiday schedule long enough for lunch and conversation. We met at a local truck stop, where we enjoyed splendid company, splendid conversation, splendid food, and a waitress with a sense of humor. As the old beer commercial used to say, "It doesn't get any better than this." Except that they weren't serving beer, of course. Mike was kind enough to be wearing his sunglasses when I walked into the restaurant, so I would recognize him from his photograph on Ricochet. Since he was the only guy in there wearing shades, and Stevie Wonder wasn't in town, I knew it was him. To make it easier to spot me in a crowd, I wore The Hat.
Mike is precariously close to his doctorate. I don't think I was able to talk him down from that one, so I listened instead, which was as profitable an endeavor as I've enjoyed in some time. If you ever have the pleasure of talking to him, get him started on the period between the first and second world war and then just enjoy the ride. This was a period in which Great Britain's power began to wane, causing no small amount of anxiety with the United States. As one power diminishes, another fills the vacuum which prompted me to ask for comparisons between then and now, with an American president who seems to be working in earnest toward a diminishment in American power and influence. Mike's response was fascinating, and not one that I can easily summarize here, so I'll let him handle that one if he wishes.
For every erudite observation Mike provided (and there were many), I attempted a funny anecdote from my past, which anecdote coincided with the reappearance of our very chirpy waitress who had eyebrows stuck in the "surprise" position. She was very focused on our well being. Obsessively focused. There are some restaurants, of course, where you couldn't get the attention of the wait staff with a flare gun and a bull horn. Such was not the case at this truck stop. Just as I would wind my way toward the punchline of some story or other, up pranced Our Lady of Perpetual Drink Refills to enquire as to our wellbeing. But it's tough to be cross with someone who checks on you at an interval of every other bite, yet does so with a smile that brightens the room. I began to feel sorry for her and so enquired as to how she was doing, and was there anything I could get for her? Well sir, that lightened up her mood even more, and we became old friends. When I asked if the dessert was good, she was honest to a fault, telling me with deep regret that there wasn't a thing on the dessert menu she herself would eat. She did, however, consent to take our picture.
As far as lunches go, it was wonderful. As far as meeting smart and friendly people, it was everything you'd expect from the Ricochet membership. Unfailing courtesy and civility, good humor and grace, and smart as a razor. It was time well spent and, as usual, I look forward to more occasions to talk and enjoy the company of some truly wonderful people.
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May '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
I just worry that, the more we hang around each other, the more we'll start to look alike. People will say "oh look, he must be a Ricochet Member". Cover blown.
PS this is why I always hope Andrea hangs with us more often
Edited on December 30, 2011 at 6:20amJul '11
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
If you ever drive through Reno, I'd be honored to buy you food......and alcohol. We can discuss LSU's dismantling of Bama. The line is either pick em or Bama by a half point. My goodness, what a bargain that seems and I've already invested in my bayou bengals.
May '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Aw, so wish I could have been there with you guys!
Oct '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Thanks, Dave! Your kind words are truly humbling, and I too had a great time at lunch. The interwar relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has fascinated me for some years now. In retrospect, despite the anxiety the British faced as their star fell and ours rose during the interwar period, at least they could be comforted by the thought that their eventual successor on the global stage shared similar cultural and political principles and would handle its growing responsibilities as a dominant global power responsibly and with a relatively light hand. As the United States seems to be now occupying the same declining position that Britain held some eight-to-nine decades ago, the future looks far less reassuring at present. Of course, our apparent decline is no more or less inevitable than Britain's was. It can be - and hopefully will be - reversed.
Dec '11
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Well, I'm still waiting for Mike to make good on his promise to post on Coach Leach...
Oct '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Ah, I'd forgotten all about that! I'll have a post up in a day or two.
Dec '11
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Mike LaRoche
Ah, I'd forgotten all about that! I'll have a post up in a day or two. · Dec 29 at 10:34pm
Ok; then. We'll need an update on his current status as well. ;)
Edited on December 30, 2011 at 8:03amNov '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
FWIW, I always enjoy reading your reflections. I do a fair amount of interstate driving, and I like the thought of a kindred spirit among the rigs around me.
I flash the highbeams to you, and give you the road.
Mar '11
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
I enjoyed that. Thanks Dave and Mike!
Apr '11
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Dave, if you posted a list of when and where you'll be, I'll bet you could find a Ricochet member to have lunch with nearly every day.
Sep '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
The question every Ricochet member is dying to ask:
Did you save a pretzel for the gas jet?
May '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Pseudodionysius: The question every Ricochet member is dying to ask:
Did you save a pretzel for the gas jet? · Dec 30 at 8:26am
That one just zoomed right over my head.
Jun '11
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
For sure... let me know when/If you're passing through Evansville.
Sep '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Congratulations on nearing the end of a doctorate, Mike. Obviously you have enormous stamina! FYIW, I really get a lot from your posts, both in subject and tone, so I imagine your dissertation is going to be something quite splendid to read! All best.
May '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Dave, you're quickly becoming the glue that binds us all together. Who else has had face-to-face conversations with Ricochet members in every corner of America?
You're bound to stop on the north side of Houston eventually. When you do, mention it here on Ricochet. Aside from Boymoose and myself, I hear there are many Ricochet members in the Spring area. But send me a message on Facebook, too.
How often are you not on the road? I stopped in Lake Charles the other day and wondered. Isn't that your watering hole?
Agreed. I don't think much of credentials, but I admire your dedication... and your posts on Ricochet.
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
You know, that's not a bad idea, Randy. There are a couple of hurdles on occasion. First, I oftentimes have no idea I'll be in a given area until the day I drive through, and even then it's tough sometimes to narrow down the times. I had to push the lunch with Mike back an hour due to traffic and fog, for example. Second, many is the day that I don't even stop for lunch due to tight delivery schedules. Today was just such a day. I had one meal,...and that was when I finally got frustrated with losing three hours sitting in traffic waiting for a string of accidents to be cleared up (everyone is going to Grandma's to get drunk for New Years, I guess), so I pulled over at the next truck stop, had a burger and called it a night.
But on loads that I can actually plan, you've got a great idea!
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Aaron Miller: Dave, you're quickly becoming the glue that binds us all together. Who else has had face-to-face conversations with Ricochet members in every corner of America?
You're bound to stop on the north side of Houston eventually. When you do, mention it here on Ricochet. Aside from Boymoose and myself, I hear there are many Ricochet members in the Spring area. But send me a message on Facebook, too.
How often are you not on the road? I stopped in Lake Charles the other day and wondered. Isn't that your watering hole? ...
Wonderful idea, Aaron. I'll see what I can do. Yes, Lake Charles is one of several places I stop for a little down time. Precious little, though. I take between 3 and 5 days off per month. Most of the time it's just 3 days. The rest of the time, I'm rolling.
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
MMPadre: FWIW, I always enjoy reading your reflections. I do a fair amount of interstate driving, and I like the thought of a kindred spirit among the rigs around me.
I flash the highbeams to you, and give you the road. · Dec 30 at 4:57am
Thanks, MMPadre! It's nice to get a flash of lights instead of a middle digit for a change.
Jul '10
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
How 'bout a GPS attached to Yer truck and You could post Yer whereabouts online in real time? I searched for thebeast.com and I believe it's available.
Re: Lunch With A Ricochet Member
Not a bad idea. I'll have to look into that!