On the advice of the great Larry Kirwan (via Frank McCourt), I started working on a memoir. As I see the taillights of the end in sight during these uncertain times, I thought it might be a good thing to leave behind for my children.
Listening to the Fleshtones "Bazooka Joes Vacation" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQExDnGp-1I
tangentially reminded me of all the Bazooka Joe gum I used to chew on those Saturday's hanging out at Suburban Liquors with my dad and brothers. I say tangentially, because Bazooka Joe never did unmentionable things to me (nor did Keith and Stewart!!) Joe Heady, the Barney to my dad's Fred, worked there on weekends and we would hang out fetching carryout and blowing bubbles while he and my dad had some adult beverages. For some reason, I can't remember any of the content of those tiny wax comics. The game was to see how big a wad of pink gum you could create in an afternoon. The comics were quickly discarded. As my mom would remind me (half-heartedly) the gum would not be digested for another 7 years. No wonder I can never let anything go!! I'm not sure there are enough Suburban stories to warrant it's own chapter. Enjoy the tangent!!