My father was my age, 61, when he retired from journalism, and I am again following in his footsteps. After 36 years in the business, including 29 at CTV, I have decided to retire and rewire for the other pleasures and opportunities that life offers. My last day in the office will be March 15.

It has been a great run. I enjoyed postings in Beijing, London, Vancouver and Ottawa. I covered 10 federal elections and eight prime ministers. My assignments took me to more than 60 countries and gave me that "front-row seat on history", from political turmoil in the Philippines, Tiananmen Square and Eastern Europe, to the horror of Lockerbie and Oklahoma City, to the joy of the Barcelona Olympics. . . and all those hockey stories that provided a break from politics.

Along the way, it has been a privilege to work with the best in the business -- my friends and colleagues at CTV, in news organizations around the world and in the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

To Bob, Craig and all of you in the CTV Ottawa bureau, a special thanks for your help, hard work and camaraderie. I will miss you.

And to Wendy, Lisa and the rest of the CTV News team, thanks for the support and keep up the great work. I will be watching.

RLS