I need to road trip home.

The last time I went home it was St. Patrick's Day so it's been close to a year since I visited. That's the longest I've gone without seeing the prairie for a long time.

And last year I wasn't able to make it up for the autumn season nor could I attend my high school's state championship game in football.

That's compounded by the unseasonably warm winter we've had here in Florida. Normally, I like a couple months of cool to cold weather to help me face the coming onslaught of 95 degree days. That didn't happen this year. I've worn a jacket once this winter and I probably could have gotten by without it.

I need to go home and get blasted by some Arctic air. I figure a few days of sub-freezing temps will take some of the heat out of my bones and prepare me the long, hot, muggy days ahead. Also, Midwest folkss get sick of gray skies and barren fields by this time of year, but to me they are like a cool balm on a bad sunburn. I've been gone long enough to appreciate the stark beauty of winter in Illinois. I love the barren fields, hiding life under the broken cornstalks, that stretch to a horizon that fades into flurries or mist. I love the skeletal trees clawing at the sky and the preternatural stillness of a frosty night.

So this morning when I received an email invitation to attend a hometown buddy's 40th birthday dinner in two weeks, I resolved to make a road trip out of it. All I need is my trusty tavel buddy, pictured here on the way back to Florida a year or two ago, and the blessing of the L.A. Hottie.















It won't be an elaborate vacation. I'll probably hop in the car early on a Thursday morning and make home by Thursday night. Friday, I'll drive around visit some peeps in Illiopolis, Springpatch and C-U and maybe hit the Tuscola High School basketball game. Saturday I'll hang out with friends and then hit the birthday dinner and subsequent party that evening. Sunday, I'll recover a bit, hit the road around lunch time and try to make it to Macon, GA, then coast back to the Florida homestead Monday afternoon.

I need to pack some Yuengling lager and find a cool gift for the old guy. Should be fun.