BACK ON THE JOB

Much has been going on with the Encinitas, CA Whitings. (That would be Bernita and yours truly, Jim.) It’s been difficult to tend to this blog; so much so that the entire month of July passed without a posting. I hope you noticed that. In any case, I endeavor to improve my track record. 

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VINCENT, at last report, was en route to the big magicians’ convention. Let’s see how he, his long suffering spouse Wanda and their domestic witch, Agnes are coping with the complexities of such an escapade.

I know . . . I've used that gag countless times, but maybe you haven't seen it before; besides, it fits in nicely here. I'll give it a rest now. Promise.

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A Kid Remembers

Some years before our teens, my older brother, Dann and I were privileged to board southbound passenger trains in Watkins Glen, NY. Our destination--a journey of perhaps fifty miles--was Canton, PA, birthplace of both of us. Grandpa Sterling Dann worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, so we probably enjoyed free rides on the old PRR. Or I could be imagining that. After all, 1936 or thereabouts was long ago. After a few carefree summer days spent at our grandfather’s “farm” (it wasn’t really that, but it was in sort of a rural area) we’d take the return trip to Watkins Glen; another two hours on board a noisy sometimes smoky, gritty day coach. 

I remember how wonderful it was to be arrive home on the afternoon train and walk a few blocks to our home where Mom would always have something special for our evening meal. Often the day would conclude at the only movie house in town, the Glen Theatre. We walked to that magical bastion as well. And what ecstasy it was if Laurel and Hardy--a short--or feature film--happened to be on the  program. Stanley and Oliver were favorites of our younger brother, Billy too.

I was thirty-six when I finally got around to writing a note of appreciation to Stan Laurel. I told him much the same as I’ve told you just now: How much delight he brought to the Whiting boys so many years prior.

Imagine, if possible----no, I don’t think you can----how thrilled I was to receive Mr. Laurel’s response to my long overdue fan letter. 

It’s now in a special place in my file cabinet. The picture, framed, hangs on a wall near our kitchen; Uncle Laurel and Uncle Hardy right there among other revered family members. 

Can you look at these gentlemen without smiling?   

             What a gift they gave to us all!

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Next time: 

TARZAN!

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Thanks for your comments. They help me feel connected.

Jim