How do you live on the road?

So I’m stuck in Nogales, Arizona. I came down here under the assumption I would be loaded in one day. I only had two picks and I was here by noon, so no problem right? Fat chance. I’m stuck in a parking lot, in the middle of no where. Just me. I could go to the truck stop, but at this point in the evening I’m pretty sure there isn’t going to be much for parking and what is left I know I wouldn’t sleep because I’d be up all night worrying about someone taking off a fender or worse on Rosie, so here I sit. Locked in. Left to entertain myself. Did I mention I’ve been here since noon, it’s now 8:50 pm local, and they don’t open back up until 10:30 am tomorrow? Yes, entertain myself, I will have to.

Luckily, for the most part I’m self contained. I have food, water, computer, camera, IPod, cell phone, power inverter, magazines, and a ton of paperwork I could should be doing, which I am not…

What I have been doing is thinking about how I live out here. It’s not glamorous by any means. Well, I think it’s glamourous, but I’m betting most of you would not feel compelled to admit the same. I thought I’d share a few tips on how I eat out here, and hopefully some people would share what they know/do out here too….

Years ago my mother use to make burritos and hamburgers and wrap them in tin foil for me… She’d send me with a half dozen to put in my fridge and when hungry I’d throw one on my dash with the heater on. Usually within a half hour or so I’d have a hot meal. What I wouldn’t do for my mothers cooking again…

Note to self: Go visit mom and dad!!  Oh, and remember to buy tin foil! It works wonders.

To this day, I don’t depend on truck stops. What I have learned to do is prepare at home and haul with. This works great for me because I’m home in between each trip although it takes work and adds to the getting ready process I already have when leaving. Sometimes, like this week though, I don’t have a lot of time to whip up much.  I do have back up though, which is hidden under my bunk in the form of a fast(er) food drawer, or when you get sick of what came from home, dig in here drawer…

My one thing I couldn’t live without, is my crock pot. I have a small sized crock pot that I can get soups, pasta, hot dishes and stews in. It’s easy enough to throw food in the cooker and let it go for a few hours and when it’s time to take a break I have hot food, which hits the spot. I’m happier and the food tastes WAY better since I know where it came from, who made it, and how fresh it is…

I use crock pot inserts so when the meal is done I just throw the insert away and have no dishes to do. As you can see, I keep a variety of easy made foods. I can make a quick sandwich, soup,  hot tea, or rice and beans… If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment!