Until about a month ago, I hadn't been on a commercial airline flight since "9-11". Hard to believe for one of those Delta "Million Mile" guys, but I just hadn't flown anywhere -- not because of "9-11" -- but just no need to.

So, while I'd certainly heard and read about the airport security measures, I'd not actually experienced first hand the taking off of shoes, and the close scrutiny of carry-on bags. Keep in mind I'm a 'radio guy', and every other item in my carry-on is some kind of gadget.

Mr. O'Connell, what's this, sir?
      ... It's a microphone connector.
Well, sir, would you please turn it "on" for me?
      ... Errrr, Mam, it doesn't "turn on".
Then what does it do?
      ... Well, it connects   two things.
But, it has a switch right here, so please turn it on...

You get the drift, and so, ultimately, does the airport screener. And this is all well and good. An extra half hour at the airport isn't a problem.

For the better part of the 80's and 90's, it seems that half my life was spent on an airplane, going to or coming from just about anywhere they "threw a pass", made a "power play", took a "free throw" or even "drowned a hook". Week after week, I was off to no-telling where. And no, I had not forgotten the sometimes irritable airline delays ("Sorry, ladies and gentlemen, because of FAA Regs, we can't take off because there's no cold water in the restroom...). I'd not forgotten leaving something behind in the haste to make a flight, my motto always being, "Jet in, wreck a few lives, and jet out!."

Nope, I hadn't forgotten any of those little things that go along with traveling for a living...that is...that is, until last week. And what do you suppose jogged my memory about something I'd forgotten and taken so much for granted in the past? One word: "DETROIT".

It seems I'd totally forgotten how wonderful it feels to just "come home" ... drive my Jeep ... answer my phone ... sit in my chair, and yes, have my space. Please ... nothing against my Michigander friends, but yes, it took something like 'Detroit' to remind me of why I live in that little secret slice of heaven known as Austin.

Oh, and the airline food? Awww...Hasn't changed a bit. Come to think about it, WHAT airline food?