TO THE WEST!

Well, I've had some time to think about things over the last few days, days that have been filled with far too much sadness to re-tell and re-live, but I think it's time for a change.  I think it's time to head west, as much for a change of scenery as a change of perspective. You might call it a mid-life crisis, but I frankly think I'm already too old for that. I'm not itching for a girlfriend half my age or a ragtop Porsche (not that I would turn them down if offered....), or anything to mask the grey on my temples. It's just TIME, time to regroup and rethink a lot of things and spend some time where I've spent far too little time. And there's been a Public Relations Director job with Charles Schwab that's been calling my name for years and I think I'm ready for the challenge. And so do they. So I'm 'Frisco-bound.

With the help of my good friend, Philly radio icon Pierre Robert, I'll be borrowing his famous VW bus "Minerva" (below) in which he trekked his way to Philly some 30 odd years ago to ply his music-spinning trade, and heading west to where the wind and Minerva's sturdy engine will take me. Pierre assures me that Minerva comes with tons of good karma accumulated over the years and will carry me in good stead (along with anything I might find in the many crevices of his cleverly designed home-away-from-home.

This will, alas, be a solo project. The twins have no such wanderlust desires, and besides, as they matter-of-factly pointed out to me yesterday, they're just starting Little League and the season begins next Saturday. The Queen (more about her later), will hold the fort and get to enjoy each and every one of those Little League games and hopefully text some photos from time to time. She actually seemed quite eager to help me pack, despite the sling she's wearing after her recent rotator cuff surgery. It's good to have help and even some enthusiasm.

So, off I go, hoping to stop by to see friends and family in Ohio, Chicago, Oklahoma City and maybe even Austin. Some hot dogs and deep dish in Chi-town sure might hit the spot. And some onion burgers and chicken fried steak in OKC, maybe even time for some cigars and fedora shopping with my dear friend  Bob. Some barbecue outside of Austin will be a must-stop as well.

WIsh me luck. Can't wait to catch sight of that Golden Gate bridge, God and Minerva both willing.  Keep in touch here with suggestions for stops along the way. I hear it's a pretty long drive.