Over the years his sidekicks have been called, Windy, Lucky, Speedy, and California. Windy because he talked so much, or, maybe he ate lots of beans. Lucky was lucky with the ladies. Speedy was fast with a gun. California was from California not Texas. If he was from Texas he would have been called Tex. Sidekick cowboy names were pretty simple.
Wanda and I decided we should have names in case Hollywood called. I became Ace Nevada and Wanda, Alameda Jones. Alameda is the city where Wanda was born. I did not want to be know as Detroit Nevada.
Isn't Frigate a strange word?
Today is the final day of June, tomorrow is July 1st. A couple of things about July. The 4th is our Independence Day and a very good friend celebrates his birthday. From 1966 when we were 18 up to 1974 or 1975 Bob and I remained close. I moved from Michigan to California, he followed a year later.
Bob and I worked together for a couple of years. A neighbor in Danville was trying to make a go with a construction company. Mike looked like a golf hustler tennis bum that spent most of his time on a surf board. This was 1972 and the company built private tennis courts. This guy could sell anything provided the buyer was a women. The courts were around 10 grand and unfortunately for the buyers it was real on the job training. By the second year we actually knew what we were doing and built a decent product. I found a picture taken one day after work.
After three years the company declared bankruptcy. Mike disappeared never to be seen or heard from again. A rumour had him living in Hawaii, or Fiji. I had problems for several years after he took off. I have to give Mike his due, he was very creative. The last year the crew of six worked he kept the money rather than pay our taxes. It was a learning experience for sure.
Bob and I drifted apart when the bad spouse and I got married. We hadn't talked in over a year when Rebecca was born in 1979. When she was a couple months old we went to see him and show her off (like new parents do). After an hour it was clear we had nothing to talk about. We left for home and I never saw him again.
Early one morning I got a phone call from a mutual friend in Michigan. She wanted to know the details of Bob's passing and why I hadn't called her. I was, speechless. I had no idea he was ill and had been hospitalized. Bob had a couple of minor health issues but nothing remotely life threatening. Eventually I discovered he died from kidney failure, he was 32 years old, or, young.
He enjoyed having his birthday on July 4th. He usually got to watch a good James Cagney movie and people everywhere were celebrating. He had birthday cake and candles and fireworks too. I think about him every year around this time. Bob had a daughter he never met I would like to see her some time. That's another story for another day. Happy Birthday, Bob
Wow, if you are still reading the blog, I'm sorry I got so maudlin.
She said, "You have to make some dough this week end."
He heard, You have to look like a dope this week end.
Let's get back to Ace and Alameda. I am trying to figure something out and I can't, maybe Alameda can help? I often take notes. There is no way I can remember a topic or subject for the blog if I don't. Occasionally a thought pops into my head that I know will make a great story or a small inclusion. I need to write these down almost immediately. I have had instances of forgetfulness after waiting just a few seconds.
Yesterday Wanda walked into the family room looking perplexed. I asked her what she was doing and she told me she didn't know. She couldn't remember why she came in the room. I suggested she return to the room she was last in. It was our bedroom, she did, and immediately remembered what she wanted to do. As for me, at times I forget before I have a chance to write a note.
If I continue this blog I will need a notebook on a string around my neck. Then I can spend my time looking for a pen or a pencil. I won't keep a pen in my pocket since I recently ruined a good shirt. And besides, I carry a Tide Stick. I should invest in a nice looking well made pocket protector. At this point in my life I don't care if I do look like a Geek. Tide Stick, pen and pencil, glasses case, small ruler, cell phone, flask. Maybe I should carry a man purse?
When getting ready for our trip to Europe Wanda ordered a Messenger Bag. It was well made, a good size, and I didn't mind having it over my shoulder. It was OK for London but I'm not sure I would wear it at the car show tonight. Man purse, not such a good idea.
Here is what I need help with. It is in my notebook of mis-heard or mis-said quotations. My She said He heard file.
I can not find the follow up note for: "I'm putting my teeth right here with your cereal."
I'm putting my teeth right here with your cereal?
What could possibly go with that? You don't need teeth to eat most cereal, especially oatmeal or cream of wheat. Neither of us have removable teeth. We have been together for twenty three years. We share many things, both tangible and otherwise. After all this time, after all we mean to each other, I just don't think I would want to share teeth.
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