The red, white and bruised

Road trip?
I love road trips. Man, it feels so good to get in your car, roll down the windows and sunroof and allow the wind (smog? exhaust?) blow through your hair. Turn up the radio and blast your favorite tunes, watching the world pass by your window, and that idiot driver cut you off --- HEY! HEY! WHAT THE &*##$@'s WRONG WITH YOU!
The best part of a road trip is getting to your destination, and hanging out with your buddies, who also sacrificed their time and blood pressure to join you. This summer's road trip promises to be quite awesome. Who's gonna be there?
Well, there's Venus Williams, for one, who's bringing her bling. What, you say? There isn't Venus Williams? She pulled out of the Acura Classic (her first stop) because of wrist problems.
OK. That's a damper. Ah, well, at least there's Serena Williams. She's on the comeback trail. Should be interesting to see -- oh. She's out, too? Doctor's orders, huh? (Is this the same girl who proclaimed herself her own doctor after her first knee surgery a couple years ago?)
Downers both, but can't say it's unexpected, really. But you know who won't let me down? Lindsay Davenport, who hasn't quite been the same since that Wimbledon final last year. She's got to be itching to play, considering she's been out since March. I know she loves hard courts. I know she'll be ... out. Still. Back problems.
Speaking of back problems, this trip is starting to become quite the pain in my backside. I guess I'll have to settle for watching Andy Roddick. I hear he's going for the bowl haircut, like his new coach, Jimmy Connors. Could be interesting. Maybe he's been working on his game and his fitness. I know he was signed up for this Legg Mason event, but can't quite find his first round match... Oh, you've got to be kidding me! He's injured, too?
Well, damn. Why did I make this trip? Seems like most the people who invited me aren't showing up. It's not like there's no one here, though. There is Tommy Haas, who's trying to kick-start his career again. It's fun watching him. Kim Clijsters is holding it down. So it's not a total wash. But how about some honest advertising next year? If we're going to get Dmitry Tursunov and Patty Schnyder, then let's find out what they're bringing, since they're actually coming?