My column for February...
Another year and anniversary of my career in radio broadcasting in a new city and state where I didn't know a soul. I had moved to #2 Powers Avenue in Clear Lake it was the winter of '77-'78 one of the worst in years and living in Oakwood, there were a lot of late night drives around the lake side to home. The snow drifted so deep along south Shore Drive it buried the garages. I have told the tale of who was here at the beginning, now just Brad Johnson and myself, and how the Mad Hatter was a listener to the station I worked for in Mpls. Here's a story of the first time we met...
I had spoken with him and arranged to meet at his place a few miles west of where I was living, it was almost Chtistmas, blowing snow and limited visibility. I was dressed for an interview which was not necessary. He took one look at me and said I thought so. We got along well and I was hired.
On my way back home I saw a guy who was hitch hiking standing shivering on the side of the road so I picked him up. About twenty minutes later I got a flat tire. I was not dressed for the weather. The hitch hiker told me don't worry about it, got our and changed the tire.
I never got his full name and had to drop him off when our paths diverted, leaving him in a sheltered spot.
I think about that drive around this time of year, everything that changed my life for the next 39 years started with some friendly gestures.
In 39 years I have been fortunate to have made so many friendships that have lasted all these years. Unfortunately the sad part is that too many were cut short but remain in my heart. Thanks to all of those who have been part of my "legend"
Another year and anniversary of my career in radio broadcasting in a new city and state where I didn't know a soul. I had moved to #2 Powers Avenue in Clear Lake it was the winter of '77-'78 one of the worst in years and living in Oakwood, there were a lot of late night drives around the lake side to home. The snow drifted so deep along south Shore Drive it buried the garages. I have told the tale of who was here at the beginning, now just Brad Johnson and myself, and how the Mad Hatter was a listener to the station I worked for in Mpls. Here's a story of the first time we met...
I had spoken with him and arranged to meet at his place a few miles west of where I was living, it was almost Chtistmas, blowing snow and limited visibility. I was dressed for an interview which was not necessary. He took one look at me and said I thought so. We got along well and I was hired.
On my way back home I saw a guy who was hitch hiking standing shivering on the side of the road so I picked him up. About twenty minutes later I got a flat tire. I was not dressed for the weather. The hitch hiker told me don't worry about it, got our and changed the tire.
I never got his full name and had to drop him off when our paths diverted, leaving him in a sheltered spot.
I think about that drive around this time of year, everything that changed my life for the next 39 years started with some friendly gestures.
In 39 years I have been fortunate to have made so many friendships that have lasted all these years. Unfortunately the sad part is that too many were cut short but remain in my heart. Thanks to all of those who have been part of my "legend"
