Too Much Sugar

I remember a particular silence throughout the house that I thought of as a shade of grey.
-Morag Joss
“Half Broken Things”
Once again, the ‘Health & Wellness’ section of the Wall Street Journal captured me on August 25, 2009 with an article titled ‘Sweet Surrender: Sugar Curbs Urged’.

Rob Winslow and Shirley S. Wang wrote:

‘Most women should limit sugar intake to 100 calories, or six teaspoons, a day. Men should limit their consumption to 150 calories. That won’t be easy. A 12-ounce can of cola has 130 calories, or eight teaspoons.’

I say, “Avoid sugar whenever possible. And don’t even drink soft-drinks!”

The American Heart Association made a statement on August 24, 2009 that Americans must avoid ‘added sugars’. Foods that add sugar during manufacturing contribute to the higher risk of such problems as diabetes, cardiovascular disease among the overweight and obese.

I actually found 146 reasons why sugar is ruining your health. Check it out:
http://rheumatic.org/sugar.htm
PRINT it and post it on your refrigerator door.

Lick the sugar habit!

Twenty-five years ago today:

September 4, 1984
Tuesday

I went through my regular drab day of training and looked forward to going home to entertain my guests. I also wanted to make sure that the English guests had not skipped town and ‘ripped me off’. Am I being too trustworthy?

I had pizza for lunch with Barbara Reynolds. We pitched in for a carrot cake for Kent Wood’s birthday. He’s a strange one. He has a pot belly. He’s married and yet his voice comes across as sounding like a woman. When we worked in Oakland I would often get customers asking for Mrs. Wood and they didn’t believe me when I said, “You mean, Mr. Wood”.

At dinnertime I treated the damn English fellows to the Casa Maria. Their obnoxious kidding around was getting on my nerves. It was like dining with seven year old children. Brenda Halverson, the cute blond in line at the Ole’s Waffle Shop the other day was our waitress. I learned that she is from Alameda. She graduated the same year as Sherri Lewis and Linda Nannizzi (small world).

Karyn Kossoff called and I told her that Wayne and Paul were staying here for a few days. She was surprised.
“I think you’re overdoing it and they are definitely overstaying their welcome,” Karyn said.
“You are probably right,” I said. It’s just that my heart could not be rude to them.

Karyn was telling me that Eileen had talked to her today about the adventure she had with Wayne the other night. As she was speaking to me Wayne flashed his tattoo at me (it was on his right or left ‘ass cheek’—I don’t remember which side). It was a heart. Was he trying to entice me with subliminal messages?

I turned in early.

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Who is Amanda Harris ?

"Don't I know you from somewhere?"
-Nial Kent
"A Divided Path"
as referenced about
a dramatic play of the same name

It was October 9, 2006 and the place was Madison Square Garden, New York City. The excited whispers and exclamations were all about Barbra Streisand doing a rare on-stage appearance via her tour with Il Divo.

Before the show there was a loud, uniform gasp from the audience because Oprah Winfrey had just arrived in a long red gown. One would think the Queen of England had just arrived.
Barbra sang like a songbird. It was no surprise that the night would be entertaining.
Alan and I were there with friends in very good center (to-the-right side) seats. It was intermission and Alan and I took a walk for refreshments when we saw “her”.
“Alan! That’s Amanda Harris…look!”
“You’re right…it is!”
“Amanda!” Alan shouted.
“Yell it again, she didn’t hear, I know it’s her.”
“Amanda!” Alan shouted loudly.
She turned her head as if it were a scene from Cinderella to look at us. She smile and (I think) gave a slight awareness wave of her hand. We were star-struck and no one could understand but us.

Amanda Harris is a character in the 1966-1971 Gothic TV soap-opera show known as Dark Shadows. The character, Amanda Harris, was in several episodes playing an alluring woman with a mysterious past during the 1897 time period. She also played Olivia Corey in the present day 20th Century of 1969. We had been watching the Dark Shadows DVD collection, so ‘Amanda Harris’ was fresh on our minds. She surely thought we were crazed fanatics but it was “Amanda Harris”!

Amanda Harris is actually known as the fabulous Donna McKechnie. We learned more about her after another chance meeting.

It was 4th of July 2009 (this MONTH!) when Alan and I were invited to our friends' home (Lynn) that has views of the fireworks on the Hudson River side of New York City. It was a small gathering of a handful of friends.

In walks a woman that I recognize from somewhere. I am with Lynn when this lovely guest is introduced to me on the outside balcony overlooking New York City.
“She played Cassie in “Chorus Line”,” said Lynn excitedly.
“Oh, wow! And I thought you were Amanda Harris,” I said.
Donna giggled with a slightly surprised look on her face.
The views were mesmerizing as we continued to chat about the beauty of the skyscrapers and Central Park. Alan walks onto the balcony and I introduce him to Donna as the ‘actress who played Cassie’.
“I actually thought you were another actress I remembered from Dark Shadows named Amanda Harris,” I said.
“I am,” Donna answered.
“Oh my God, it is you,” I said in amazement.
Alan began to realize that Donna was the Amanda Harris we knew from Dark Shadows. He went on to remind her about the 2006 Barbra Streisand concert and how he yelled out her name. Ironically, she recalled the strangeness of that moment, too. We laughed hysterically. What a great ‘reunion’ of sorts.

Donna McKechnie won a TONY Award for Best-Actress in the musical Chorus Line. She is an amazingly talented dancer, singer and actress. CLICK on either of these links for more insight on her history:
http://www.collinwood.net/cast/mckechnie.htm
OR here at the BARNABAS & CO. website:http://www.darkshadowsonline.com/where-mckechnie.html
The fantastic sounds of her music are available on her ‘Inside the Music’ CD.

http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Music-Donna-McKechnie/dp/B000065UNA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1248212678&sr=8-3

Donna is the choreographer for a Guys & Dolls In-Concert performance that will be appearing at “The Hollywood Bowl” on July 31; August 1st and 2nd, 2009. We hope to make it to one of the shows to honor her with more good cheer.

Twenty-five years ago today:

July 24, 1984
Tuesday

I mentioned to Barbara Reynolds about Nici stopping by my house late Friday night. I did not give her any further details. Barbara influenced me to pass on attending the section party on Friday night in San Bruno (the one Karyn Kossoff had invited me to attend). I think she is right. Why start something that I know will lead to nothing. Karyn is not really my type now (or is she?). She is so sweet and seems so wise. She smokes sometimes though (ugh!). Whatever happened to Katie Jones? She is the one I met in Concord who never called me back. I like what Barbara said about her.
“Well, she just wasn’t for you,” Barbara so succinctly pointed out.

At lunchtime, Barbara wanted to nap or meditate (or whatever), so I was on my own. I had to fend for myself this afternoon.

I decided to walk over to the BART station to buy a ticket. I decided to stop and talk to Bruce at his workplace. I checked out his store (Topps & Trowsers) for a while and kept the visit brief.

I ate some pizza on Powell Street at BLONDIES and saw some ‘humdinger’ type people. There were some strange ones out today! A lot of them kind of looked at me. Did I attract their eye or did they see me as an alien, too? The pizza cook at BLONDIES kept staring at me. What was that about? I got my share of double-takes today.

Training has been easy thus far.

I rode my bike a while and ate BBQ baked chicken at mom’s house. I came home and turned in for bed earlier than usual. I was just plain tired I guess. I must be mentally drained from all of the new information I am learning at work. At least I washed my car before I went bicycling. That was a good feeling of accomplishment.

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Three Good Things

"The work I am doing is helping kids keep from feeling so tired they give up. Instead, they might even find the ability to give themselves and others LOVE. After all, it is what we all want anyway."-Michael Kozuch
Massachusetts
as read in the book
"Telling Lies Out of School"

I spoke to a notable doctor known as 'The Naked Scientist' while in Cambridge, England last month, June 2009. He told me of a researcher he knew that was focusing on a study for improving our well-being.
She told him, "Each night before bedtime I take my notebook and write THREE good things that I did on the given day. W hen I did this similar study with others I found that each person improved their well-being and individual feelings."

My advice for you today is to buy a notebook. And, of course, each night simply write three GOOD things you did today. You will feel better. I have already begun and it makes for a better night of sleep, too.

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 20, 1984
Wednesday

I ended up buying two raffle tickets today. This is what happens. I sell a few Baby Pageant tickets and they all come from the woodwork, wanting me to buy their tickets. I bought from Barbara Pauley and Andra Wicks. Oh well, it all evens out in the end.

To my disappointment I learned that my current balance on my preferred VISA is now $940. How did that happen? I am definitely playing it cool until my bills are paid.

After the Sperm Bank visit today I headed home and ate some lasagna. I rearranged my pad a bit and did a lot of cleaning up at the ‘3348 Solomon Lane’ townhouse. It was time to give Chris a call.
“I’m moved-in,” I said with a sigh of relief.
We had a good chat. I think I will take his car in to the MOBIL Service Station and have his flat tire fixed.

I helped my brother, John, move his refrigerator, washer and dryer in to his new pad. After that workout I came home to shower and lounge. I waited for ‘Dark Shadows’ to start, watching it as I wrapped Salima’s Birthday gift and Chris’ Surprise gift.

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Mind Power

By the 2020's, once nanobot-based scanning becomes reality we will be able to place sensors (in the form of nanobots) at millions to billions of locations in the brain and thus witness living brains in action.
-Ray Kurzweil
'The Singularity Is Near'

PHOTO:
Mind Power Extraordinaire,
Angelique, The Witch
DARK SHADOWS

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 22, 1984
Tuesday

My boss (Robert) told me that Barbara Reynolds, Kent Wood and I are going to be ‘next up’ with our job transfer requests. I have heard nothing definite yet. Oh well!

I am losing ‘mind power’ over Chris Cordellos (meaning I am succeeding in erasing him from my mind). This is a good thing. I cannot keep depending on, overpowering my mind over him. I shall not dwell on the guy. I refuse to. I am keeping busy with other projects and people.

The evening bicycle ride was good. I thought about how I love driving my car with the convertible top down. My Birthday weekend is coming and another beautiful day is on the forecast.

Michael Thoennes invited me to a party at his house. I have decided to attend after all. My birthday is Saturday, so I will celebrate my birthday at the party as well. It could be interesting meeting his friends. Who are they? Colin is one name he mentioned. Who else?

I drove to Milpitas, CA (where Michael Thoennes lives) and I did meet a lot of Michael’s friends. I found a few of them somewhat amusing. It was a learning experience to see other people. There were a variety of ‘types’, too. It’s the typical Gemini. Michael T has such varied friends. He will be 23 tomorrow, May 23rd. I will be 25 on the 26th.

I returned home to watch ‘Dark Shadows’. It allows me to reminisce about my past. I became inspired to write Chris Cordellos a long letter. The letter expressed my feelings and the episodes of last weekend.

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We Are Hard-Wired To Seek Affection

"Of all the rotten apples I've come across in my life...you are on the top!"
-James Storm
as Gerard Stiles
Dark Shadows, episode 1123

During my JetBlue flight into New York on April 15, 2009 I was watching the National Geographic channel. There was a program about feral children. A feral child (or wild child) is a human child who has lived isolated from human contact from a very young age, and has no (or little) experience of human care, loving or social behavior, and, crucially, of human language.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_child

There was story in particular about a little girl named Oxana Malaya who was left with dogs since the age of three. Her parents neglected her because they were alcoholics and she lived with the dogs until age 8 (found in 1991). The study learned that the brain depends critically on experiences. She learned to act and respond just like a dog!


During a 2001 interview after she'd been in an orphanage and had come to learn some English she said, "I like to run around like a dog. It is my nature." I found a wikipedia link that provides more on the story. Amazing!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxana_Malaya

Here is some video of Oxana. She was born in November 1983 and as of 2006 (at the age of 23) Oxana was living at a home for the mentally handicapped, where she helps look after the cows in the Clinic's farm. She has expressed that she is happiest when among dogs.
http://vodpod.com/watch/1330499-oxana-la-ni%C3%B1a-perro?pod=eldigital

The most interesting factoid while watching the National Geographic story was to be reawakened to the fact that humans are 'hard-wired' to seek affection...no matter what.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 25, 1984
Wednesday

At lunchtime I shared a liverwurst sandwich with Tony and Helen. I picked up my slide prints at FOX Photo. Then they walked with me to my parking lot so that I could place the prints in my glove compartment.

During my last break I telephoned Chris Cordellos at the US Coast Guard Base in Humboldt County.
"I am cutting lawns today," he said in a sorrowful tone.

He could not speak very long. I didn't let it distress me. It kind of pisses me off when I call him and he doesn't say much of anything though. I finally got fed up during this telephone call. I politely and blatantly 'hung up'.

I went to The Sperm Bank and made another "deposit" I wonder what happened to the check they were supposed to pay me?

I received a $45 check from the State of California. Whoopee!

My white football shorts arrived from the International Male catalog order.

"You got a call from Chris Cordellos at about six o'clock," my brother, Tony, announced.
I must have just missed that call because I walked in the house at 6:05PM.

There was no bicycle riding tonight. I simply felt lazy. It looked so windy outside, too. I ate dinner, showered, slept, watched "DYNASTY" and called Helen.
We chatted a short while about Helen's career competition (a black woman named Bianca). She made my tummy groan when she mentioned the homemade lasagna that she had made this evening.
"We might be celebrating at the 'Maya Azetca' restaurant on Friday. It's David's last day at the Oakland RASC," Helen announced, knowing I would not be too thrilled.

I gathered several photographic prints to mail to McKinleyville (for Chris and Barb). I am betting they will surely appreciate my thoughtfulness in sending these photos from their visit to the Bay Area.

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Music Is My Life's Breath

"You are so transparent
...to me at least."
-Angelique Collins (Lara Parker)
to Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid)
DARK SHADOWS, episode 1133

May 26th. THAT is my birth date. Yesterday, I learned of all of these musicians that are born on the same date:

Peggy Lee
(FEVER)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYxoAJ3Boyc
Al Jolson
(MAMMY)
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2031424457
Stevie Nicks
(SARA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQ_1sXZJxI
Lenny Kravitz
(BELIEVE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLDIcIrZO8Y
Hank Williams Jr.
(FAMILY TRADITION)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHjaW9sXl7s
Miles Davis
(JAZZ MELODY)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-fsn7JD6Kw

Have I missed my calling? Perhaps there is still time for me to sing or learn my instrument. Look at the wonderful spontaneity of Susan Boyle. I might have to hire a voice coach. What songs would I want to record? I think I do have a good voice. I hear myself singing in the shower. I've never smoked, so my vocal chords are 'in the clear'. Or maybe I shall continue to recall that line from Montgomery Clift in the 1949 film, The Heiress (as it applies to me):
"A great appreciation of music...that's a talent in itself."

Maybe music "is" in my life's breath. Peggy Lee will live through eternity with that line. Peggy Lee is buried at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Westwood, CA. On her marker in a garden setting is inscribed, "Music is my life's breath."

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 23, 1984
Monday

Barbara Reynolds took a 'sick' day from work. Beth Neroda came by to have lunch with me. She and I went to the Maya Azteca. I treated ($15.00). I am too kind. (And to think today the office had 'Baseball Day' with complimentary hot dogs and root beer.)

When I telephoned Chris Cordellos this morning Barb answered the telephone after the 10th ring. I hung up when I heard her voice.

When I gave my mom a call I learned that Sherri had to go to the doctor because she felt like it was almost time. She was spotting blood and had a slight cramp! Who knows? I may be an "uncle" soon. Why does that line from I LOVE LUCY come to mind when she was about to have Baby Ricky ("The Time Has Come")?

I was surprised when Dave Vigil stopped by my desk today.
"I am thinking of partaking in a triathlon this summer and I want you to help me with some bicycling techniques," Dave said as strummed his fingers on my cubicle partition.

I spoke to a customer named Graham Wallace about payment arrangements on his telephone bill. He remembered me and suggested bike riding in the hills.
"Why don't you give me a call one weekend?" Gray asked innocently.
I just may take him up on his offer. It could be fun. I could also make a new friend. Gray?

When my workday ended I was bicycling until 7PM.
"You just missed a call from Mike," Dad said as I entered the house.
I'm sure it was Mike Thoennes. I bet he received the postcard I sent of the photo I took of him. This means Barb, James the Dog, and Chris received their photo cards, too.

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An Allergy Answer

"I believe a person can go back and change what has already happened."
-David Selby in character
as 'Quentin Collins'
Dark Shadows-episode 1133

On Tuesday I was subjected to heavy winds and the many Spring Time pollens blowing in the air. It didn't agree with me. Allergies kicked in and I had a flight to New York. It was a miserable flight of sniffling, nose blowing and restroom visiting. My right inner ear was clogged with mucus from the allergies. I was expecting my ear to "pop" from within so I could hear. This led to an uncomfortable first night in New York City.

The next day, April 16th (yesterday) I took an afternoon walk with Alan to KING's PHARMACY and discovered ZYRTEC-D. They are extended release tablets used for allergy and congestion. It really helped.

I capped off the first tablet with a most delicious vegetable soup with chicken broth at the new BOULEY Bakery in Tribeca. The nap a few hours later helped, too.

I would do a 'believe in it' testimontial for ZYRTEC-D. I can hear out of my right ear again. I am feeling better. Have empathy for those who are not feeling good.

Twenty-five years ago today:

April 17, 1984, Tuesday

I decided to get "spiffed up" today, wearing my best tie and slacks to work. I was excited about Barb and Chris taking the time to meet me in Downtown Oakland for lunch. I was especially happy because I was given AX time (Excused Absence Without Pay Time) right after lunch, too.

We ate at "Monica's" for lunch and took BART into San Francisco. Chris and I went one way and Barb was to meet us at a central point on Powell Street at 3:30PM.

Chris bought some 'soap' (what an odd purchase). I bought some black pillows (what an odd purchase). We stopped at A&W for a nibble and talked about how good we are together.
"You know, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me," Chris shared, "we are just such a plus."

Chris and I chose the MACY's furniture department displays to go lounge on. The way Chris talks it's as if his folks are very wealthy. Perhaps I am wrong. All I know is that I like Chris a lot.

We met Barb as planned, taking BART back to Downtown Oakland. We all gathered to my parking lot and I drove to San Leandro to the MACY's Clearance Place. I bought a jacket and a shirt. I also bought Chris a jacket that was regularly priced at $70for $17.50. I'm such a 'big spender'. He was so happy.

We went to The Red Robin at the Bay Fair Shopping Center for a 'Cookie Magic' drink. It was delicious. We continued to browse at the regular MACY's at the Center until we decided to end our day. I had to drive Chris and Barb back to their car in Downtown Oakland. We bid farewell and departed-until further notice. We had a good time but I was tired to say the least.

When I arrived home I looked through my developed pictures that arrived in the mail. There were 'ok' except for one set of pictures that belonged to 'God Knows Who'.

I am simply happy about how things have worked out and are continuing to work out. I trust it can only get better. Chris seems to think Barb is jealous because he has a friend like me.
"You're 'together' and 'good lookin' and she has no boyfriend," Chris had said.
I guess she could be envious. I think Barb likes me, but I'm all for Chris.

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Three Jewels of the Tao

"I intend to have my revenge"
-Grayson Hall,
Best Supporting Actress nominee
for the 1964 film,
'The Night of the Iguana'
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0355621/bio

"Force is followed by loss of strength,
This is not the way of TAO.
That which goes against TAO,
Comes to an early end."
-Lao Tzu

Taoism refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions and concepts. These traditions have influenced East Asia for over two thousand years and some have spread to the west. The word Tao means "path" or "way". Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao:
compassion,
moderation,
and humility.
Taoist thought generally focuses on nature, men-cosmos correspondence, health, longevity, wu wei (effortless action), liberty, immortality and spontaneity.

Twenty-five years ago today:

Saturday, March 3, 1984

Chris had an idea this morning.
"Hey, let's go to Sonoma!" Chris announced.
It was a Saturday, so why not? I drove in my car, following Chris in his car en route for Concord. When we reached Concord Chris drove to Sonoma (his old stomping grounds).

We had a great time. We ate fresh sour dough bread, sipped on wine and nibbled on cheese in the old Sonoma town square. We meandered into a few shops where I browsed at books, prints, cards, etc. I also found some neat looking bicycle memorabilia that I liked. We cruised around the Sonoma area for most of the day. I even had the pleasure of meeting Chris' brother, Nick, and his girlfriend, Julie. We went to visit some winery where we hung out and had a beer by their attached lagoon. We even popped in on Chris' sisters' house.

Later we enjoyed a root-beer float and ate dinner at Chris' parents friends' Italian Restaurant. It was a great getaway adventure. We drove back to Concord together and then I drove home to Alameda. Chris got ready and planned to drive out to my place by 8:30pm.

Just before Chris arrived I received a telephone call from Nadine DeShera of San Leandro. She is a customer I know from work. We arranged a tentative date fro lunch tomorrow. I am supposed to call her to confirm between Noon and one o'clock tomorrow. Who knows?

Chris and I decided to hit the "I-BEAM" for dance and fun on this Saturday night. Before we left we went upstairs to my bedroom and ventured into a 'vivacious activity'. Then we were bound for 'The City'.

I met Monica Vestfold of Santa Rosa, CA while at the "I-BEAM". Monica and I danced a few but we never got to the 'kissy-kissy' stage. We ended with a hug; however, I did give her my telephone number.
"I'll call you," Monica said.
We shall see.
"If she doesn't call, something is definitely wrong with her," Chris said.

While Chris and I were 'into' one another. I loved that we could go out and find girls to 'swoop on'. He liked flirting, too. I laughed at Chris' philosophy.
"You can't live with 'em, you can't live without 'em," Chris said on his philosophy of women.

On this night, Chris confided in me about a psychiatrist that he saw when he was only seventeen years old.
"Yeah, my dad would beat me just because I saw him with another woman while he was married to my mother," Chris shared as he looked downward with sad eyes.
"I locked myself in my room and just stayed there for about three days," Chris said.
"What about going to the bathroom?" I asked foolishly.
"I just went to the bathroom in my room and cried," he continued, "I even contemplated killing my dad while he was asleep."
It was all rather shocking for me to hear these facts.
"I've never told anyone about the incident but I'm glad I finally told you," said Chris with the feeling that I could relate.
I definitely could relate to his sorrow. I am happy he shared this with me. I think he told me because of my sharing with him about my own mishaps in late 1980. The important thing is that it is all over. He has to be thankful that he wasn't "put away" over something that wasn't his fault (even if his parents thought he was having a nervous breakdown).

After our dance excursion at the "I-BEAM" we went to check out the Echo Beach nightclub South of Market Street. It was here that I met Maureen Donovan of San Francisco. She is twenty-six. It is too early to say but we may 'go out' when she returns from her vacation in Colorado. She was nice. I met her by approaching her with a 'single rose'. I gave her my business card. Tonight was such a popular night for me (Nadine, Monica and Maureen). Wow!

By 4am we arrived at my pad. My brother, John, wasn't home. I assumed he wouldn't be coming home. I was wrong. I heard him come into the house as Chris and I were sharing some intimate moments. John had no idea that Chris spent the night until I told him the next day. Actually, if we returned at 4am I guess one could say he 'spent the morning'. Funny. Chris left for Concord early that morning. It was officially March 4th, his 21st Birthday.

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'Junior High' Flashback

"To be, or not to be: That is the question."
-Soliloquy in Hamlet
by William Shakespeare

Several years ago my junior high school buddy (Anthony Battu) and I reconnected at a high-school reunion. He sent me an old photo of me--in the playground--with the love-of-my-life (at the time), Vicki Coffin.

This was 8th grade at Lincoln School in Alameda, California. Our mini-romance lasted around the end of 8th grade and through the early part of the Summer of 73.
Once high-school started (9th grade) I was no competition for the good-looking jock junior and senior boys.

For me, the best part of junior high (8th grade) was that increase in popularity. I lost a lot of my 'baby fat' from chasing the girls in the playground during recess and lunch. I grew a bit taller which obviously helped me out.
I admit it now, "I was a flirt."
I was so happy to feel my husky-sized pants reduced. Every week I heard a new girl had a crush on me and 'secret note passing' was all too fun.

My focus was so much on 'Vicki Coffin' at one point. I wonder what ever happened to that gal? I am pictured (above) with her in 8th grade during a 'young love' moment. There was not a worry in our worlds...but "us". Again, I still wonder what ever became of her. Her surname (Coffin) probably intrigued me more because of my obsession with the TV-series, DARK SHADOWS. As I look at this 'Junior High' flashback image I think I wanted to bite her neck (or at least give her a hickey).

The last time I remember seeing Vicki was our sophomore year at Alameda High School.


It was definitely not meant 'to be'. Do you have a mini-flashback to share?

Twenty-five years ago today:

Sunday, February 6, 1984

It was another typical work day. After I parked my car I ran into that "questionable guy" at the lot. He is so nice to me. What's with that?

Work was busy. I decided to call Jerry Chalmers--after all--during my break. He was busy (at work himself).
"Hey, would you mind if you call me back later?" Jerry asked.
I never returned the call on this day.

During lunchtime I walked to the Art Supply shop and purchased two 4B pencils. They are required items for my class tomorrow night. I had time to order a hamburger at the company cafeteria. I sat with a few of the 'cafeteria regulars'. Ugh! It was boring for me. I am happy that Helen Wong is back at work. I am very glad. I missed her.

David Vigil said he saw my brother, John, bar tending at Gallagher's in Jack London Square during Sunday brunch.
"You're the cutest of your brothers," David said as I wondered if that was supposed to flatter me. I should probably laugh at his viewpoint for each of us have our own so-called "cute" phases.

I had some daylight left after the work day and did a quick bicycle ride to the Crown Harbor area of Alameda. I called "pops" when I returned home and he invited me over for dinner. We watched "Wheel of Fortune" together. I'm so good at those word scramble games.
Dad told me he met a mutual friend of mine and Sue Miller's named Walter Seabuck. I'm not recognizing the name.
"He said he had met you before," Dad said.
I don't remember him but it is a small town. Who knows when or where?
It was good spending some time with Dad and Tony. Mom was working her usual shift at the post-office. We talked about the new housing in San Ramon, spare ribs (yummy) and Dennis Reno's dad (a school time classmate of mine who has become good friends with Tony). Dennis Reno's dad recently died of a massive heart attack.

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