"Hmmm... a Charger SRT8? Now there's a four-door Viper that I might just be able to justify to Jennifer."

Saying goodbye is not without regrets. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

"What? Oh, the Charger. Right. But the convenience of a Magnum SRT8 or Grand Cherokee SRT8 would give you a better argument."

"You're probably right. Neither are Vipers, but they'd probably be the closest I'd ever get to owning one."

Looking out at the road ahead the prospect of living with a 425-horsepower Magnum SRT8 seems like a pretty good idea. What colour? It's gotta be black, for sure.

"Journalism may not make me rich, but you've got to admit it has its perks." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Oh, where was I? All of a sudden I'm in front of DC's regional office and I'm easing the big roadster into the parking lot and pull up beside my SUV loaner.

"Back to reality, uh Tim?"

"Ha, and a full-size SUV with leather seats and a DVD player is reality for you?"

"Hey, that was below the belt. But true... heh. Journalism may not make me rich, but you've got to admit it has its perks."

"True."

Driving home I can't help but reflect back on all the great times I've had enjoying one of my favourite hobbies, and how lucky I feel to have turned yapping about cars it into a career.

Life is good.