So I was driving in my car the other day, had my radio tuned to Cool 108, a local oldies station, and was thinking random thoughts, when "Philadelphia Freedom" started playing! One of my faves! I cranked up the volumn, rolled down the windows and started groovin' to the tune, ya know? Singin' at the top of my lungs (ya know I luu-uhh-uhh- huuve you, yes I do!), clappin' my hands in time to Elton John, wiggling my bod as much as the seat belt allowed, totally diggin' the beat!

Ah, it was wonderful! The air was crisp and clear, the sun was shining and MY music was roaring out of my dog-smeared windows into the rolling countryside of farmland and forest!

Next song was "Mother & Child Reunion." I laughed in pure joy and kept on singin' and clappin.' But when "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" came on next, I just whooped out loud and felt like nothin' in the whole wide world could be better at that particular moment than hearing three of my absolutely favorite songs back-to-back! While Aretha did her thing, I continued to do mine, and she was still belting out her song when I pulled into the convenience store lot for a fill-up.

I pulled up to pump #2, hit the fuel door button, but continued to sit in the car until it was break-time for Aretha! I climbed out of the car smiling and a gray-haired gal at the pump behind mine walked up to me with an ear-to-ear grin!

"You're listing to 108, right?" she asked.

"Yeah, how'd you know? Did I have it too loud?"

"No," she responded with a laugh. "I've been driving right behind you for the last 10 miles or so. I was singing right along with you the whole way!"

Far out!!! What a hoot! A new friend, brought to me by the same music that brought my friends together so many years ago!

Thanks, Elton! Thanks, Paul and Art! Thanks, Aretha! You always rocked! You still rock!

Ah, life is good!