Hi Bill,
I see Joel has given you very sound advice. The best time is when it is YOUR time to quit. Sounds like you're there.
I can only speak credibly to my own experience.
Almost 11 months ago I was like you - late 40's, a long time smoker (since age 9) and wanting to quit soon. Just didn't know how.
I did not have time to set a day. I began reading at WhyQuit.com and then FreedomFromTobaccoQuitSmokingNow on January 9th. I read for hours. I read until I understood about why I smoked, why I was addicted, how I could break free in 72 hours and how I could learn to live & stay free by Never allowing nicotine into my body again.
I wrote this message about a week ago at Freedom about that particular 'fork in the road'. Maybe it will help. Message 7
All I know Bill is that if I could so can you. Anbody can. It's a wonderful journey and it begins with a single step in the right direction. Yes YOU can!
Joe