I had just learned to dance for the school prom, and that kindled interest in improving my skills on the dance floor.
In our area there were two dance halls that were open to the public on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The music was provided by local musicians playing BIG BAND STYLE TUNES. So, with my friend Gus, we tried to make the rounds on as many nights as we could afford to do so ($2.00 per night), danced until the doors closed at 11:00 p.m. . . . and headed home, sans dates.
The dance halls were lots of clean fun. You could treat a partner to a soft drink, or two, thus impressing her to no end, but without any further involvement. Jitterbugging was verboten, because of the crowd size, but we did it anyway, until a bouncer-type person broke it up with a smile and a "no, no."
Jitterbugging, in its mildest form is still a popular dance style. At any function you attend today, where dancing is included, you will see people of all ages doing their version of the "bug." Even in RETIREMENT VILLAGES, you will see couples in their 80s and 90s having a swinging good time.
During the summer months Dear Wife and I frequently do some Saturday night dancing in a nearby state park pavilion, with jitterbugging, AND the polka (my favorite) going strong.
More, later.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!
At about age 16, I discovered that those giggling, talkative people were somewhat different, in an attractive way, and that they were called girls.
By this time my family was in regular attendance at a nearby church where there were PLENTY of girls, so I put aside my baseball glove and became involved. My first "friend" was Ann - skinny and talkative. "Friend" number two was Charlotte - considerably quieter than number one, thank goodness.
Helen, a school "friend," was number three. Graduation and prom time were approaching, so I finally got enough courage to ask Helen to be my prom date. To my surprise, she said "yes" (I found out later that she was mad at her boyfriend and decided to spite him by saying "yes" to the first person who asked her, and I was that lucky one).
I convinced my dad that our old jalopy, a Model A Ford, was not spiffy enough for this important time in my life, so he got a friend to offer his almost-new Chrysler for the occasion. Wow!
All went well with my plans to impress Helen. Unfortunately, they went no further, for as the prom ended at midnight, a VERY DEEP FOG settled into the area (I could only see about 20 feet in front of the car), so my joyriding was out of the question. I took Helen home, and got a peck on the cheek for my efforts, and thus ended my adventure.
More, later.
P.S Helen married the guy.
By this time my family was in regular attendance at a nearby church where there were PLENTY of girls, so I put aside my baseball glove and became involved. My first "friend" was Ann - skinny and talkative. "Friend" number two was Charlotte - considerably quieter than number one, thank goodness.
Helen, a school "friend," was number three. Graduation and prom time were approaching, so I finally got enough courage to ask Helen to be my prom date. To my surprise, she said "yes" (I found out later that she was mad at her boyfriend and decided to spite him by saying "yes" to the first person who asked her, and I was that lucky one).
I convinced my dad that our old jalopy, a Model A Ford, was not spiffy enough for this important time in my life, so he got a friend to offer his almost-new Chrysler for the occasion. Wow!
All went well with my plans to impress Helen. Unfortunately, they went no further, for as the prom ended at midnight, a VERY DEEP FOG settled into the area (I could only see about 20 feet in front of the car), so my joyriding was out of the question. I took Helen home, and got a peck on the cheek for my efforts, and thus ended my adventure.
More, later.
P.S Helen married the guy.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I'TS ANNIVERSARY TIME
Yep, it was one year ago that I broadcast my first blog (REMEMBERING THE PAST). This is my 53rd blog - WOW!
I had no idea that I would be able to draw on so many past experiences. It has been a real bonus for me, personally, to remember each one as it is printed.
However, it is time to move on. I'll continue blogging with stories about late teens and early adulthood. STAY TUNED.
More, later.
I had no idea that I would be able to draw on so many past experiences. It has been a real bonus for me, personally, to remember each one as it is printed.
However, it is time to move on. I'll continue blogging with stories about late teens and early adulthood. STAY TUNED.
More, later.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
FORE! FORE! FORE!
As you might suspect, this blog is about golf and the adventures of my high school golf team.
When the announcement was made in school that a golf team was being formed, it didn't interest me at all, UNTIL, my mother reminded me that my Uncle Charles was a retired golfer and that he might loan me his clubs (having clubs was a team requirement). My interest grew, I got the clubs, and was on the team!
Picture this pitiful scene: eight kids from our school with a mishmash of clubs (mine were wooden shaft) and no golfing attire, meeting other kids from suburban schools with matched sets of clubs, golf shoes and other golfing attire. On top of that, our only experience was infrequent practices on range trips.
I can clearly recall our very first match when I had to instruct my playing partner, Barney, on club selection for every shot and how to score his game. We didn't even win one hole. I was soooooo glad when that match was over. Our optimistic golfing coach, Mr._____, tried to cheer us on, telling us that we would improve every week (we didn't). During my two years on the team, we never won a match, but I enjoyed the experience.
What pluses were there, if any? Lots of fresh air and a show of school spirit. Go, Orange and Black!!
More, later.
When the announcement was made in school that a golf team was being formed, it didn't interest me at all, UNTIL, my mother reminded me that my Uncle Charles was a retired golfer and that he might loan me his clubs (having clubs was a team requirement). My interest grew, I got the clubs, and was on the team!
Picture this pitiful scene: eight kids from our school with a mishmash of clubs (mine were wooden shaft) and no golfing attire, meeting other kids from suburban schools with matched sets of clubs, golf shoes and other golfing attire. On top of that, our only experience was infrequent practices on range trips.
I can clearly recall our very first match when I had to instruct my playing partner, Barney, on club selection for every shot and how to score his game. We didn't even win one hole. I was soooooo glad when that match was over. Our optimistic golfing coach, Mr._____, tried to cheer us on, telling us that we would improve every week (we didn't). During my two years on the team, we never won a match, but I enjoyed the experience.
What pluses were there, if any? Lots of fresh air and a show of school spirit. Go, Orange and Black!!
More, later.
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