With this very cold weather in this winter so far being tougher than the last few it got me thinking about some things I haven’t for a while.  Most of us have a drive to work and we all leave at various times of the morning to get there.  True, more people are working from home these days, and that’s great. But there are still those that drive in, no matter the weather.

A few weeks ago, on a very slippery morning one of our 10 people that make up our morning shows here at the station house was very late coming in.  We were all concerned as we couldn’t reach him.  But as good fortune would have it he simply overslept, that happens too.  He eventually made it in safe and sound.  But there were a few moments, it was pretty quiet here. One of ours was out there.

I get up at 230AM and leave my house in Streetsboro at about 250AM everyday M/F.  It takes me about 30 to get here.  The ten of us all come from different areas and have different drives, some short –  some lengthy.  We are tight bunch and we are always glad to know that we have all made it in safely.  Doing morning radio I have always said is a “lifestyle” not a job.  It’s every single day, early at the exact same time, and when the weather is lousy, or when things are going badly in some other regard, that’s when we are needed most by our listeners to spread some sort of normalcy.  It’s a big part of the job we take for granted.  As morning personalities our DNA likes begin the party early by giving you the path you need to start your day.  And yes, there have been many nights I have slept on various radio stations couches the night before to be there in the morning if things were really going haywire.  And sometimes at coworkers houses much closer to the station.

We are up and on the road before the morning dew, or the morning low temperature.  Many times before the crews have cleared the roads, or are just starting such.  Snow storms, thunder storms, slick roads, ice, fog, frozen fog, wind, flooding, and everything else is a part of our day many days.  I have experiences all of them.  One morning years ago, I had to turn around and drive the wrong way on 480 for about a half mile at 3AM.   We all did, flooding.  I have also had to stop a few times over the years at rest stops and splash water on my face to make sure I stayed awake, but those days are behind me, not a problem anymore.

Plus, we are out there with many who maybe shouldn’t be driving for many reasons, as nothing really good happens after 3AM on the roads.  Those possibly impaired, sleepy drivers, and those simply not paying attention.  Deer, and animals of all kinds too.  I know many of you are out there too, we are just generally out there first…..and alone.  Sometimes it can feel very alone.  It’s everyday, it’s our way of life for years.  Many mornings over the last 45 years, I have been very glad to reach the station safe.  The biggest benefit of all this is, we are out there when not many others are and that’s scary at times, but also relief in terrible snowy conditions.  And rush hour has NEVER been a part of my life.

For you –  and for all my brethren  –   in this company and those at competing stations  –  and your very early drive in.  If in fact you are out there with us before anyone else, be safe this winter and for all the days and seasons that follow, we will keep good thoughts for you.

Thanks for listening today and everyday!