Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Classic Hollywood Romances - Celebrating A Rainbow Of Life With The Varied Hues Of Love!

!±8± Classic Hollywood Romances - Celebrating A Rainbow Of Life With The Varied Hues Of Love!

Well, does anyone of us ever come to think of Hollywood's most memorable romance classics spanning decades? As an ardent admirer of romance and the alluring Hollywood musicals, I unmistakably feel my pulses rising with the sheer magic and aura of the timeless romances portrayed so very lovingly in the silver screen of the yesteryears. Be it the ever-touching saga of star-crossed lovers meeting during wartime under the Moorish arches of Rick's Café American in "Casablanca", or the sweeping melodrama, "Gone With The Wind"-- based on Margaret Mitchell's bestselling Civil War epic (which defined the term "Hollywood blockbuster"), I have an insatiable appetite for each of them.

Oh how can I ever forget the sweeping emotions of the magic of a shipboard romance which charms a Frenchman and American woman (Charles Boyer and Irene Dunne, respectively) into each other's arms in the ever-memorable "Love Affair"? Or do you remember that phenomenal romance between Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in "An Affair To Remember", where a man and a woman meet on a ship crossing an ocean and fall in love, only to part ways, promising to meet dramatically on the top of Empire State Building, New York (which unfortunately, doesn't happen later)? Equally unforgettable to my mind is the all-time epic love saga, "Roman Holiday", which happens to be the most priceless transient romance between a disguised princess and a handsome American reporter (Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, respectively).

When you come to think of candlelight romances, serenading, wooing the beloved or star-crossed epic love sagas, you would obviously mark the romantic chemistry between the lover and his beloved as the quintessential foundation behind these wonderful, witty and immensely touching tales of true love. Interestingly, the success of these blockbusters in romance in Hollywood comes from incorporating core elements of Hollywood (especially the music), classical romance elements and a degree of sentimentality which, again, is quite stylishly sophisticated in nature.

The 50's and 60's were the hey days of classic romance in Hollywood, when ethos, pathos, happy endings, heart-wrenching goodbyes and romantic love scenes along with power-packed performances by some of Hollywood's heartthrobs like Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh and Marilyn Monroe were the staple of every young heart. Now, I would rather not attempt this article as a primer of cinematic history comprising the best films of all times from the classic romance genre, for that is the job of an encyclopedia and not that of a human. And these days, you are sure to get plentiful of those online. So I would limit my writing to the discussion of only some of the milestones of our cinematic past, the era and the cultural milieu behind the production of these masterpieces, which again, comes from the sheer love I feel towards these movies.

While today, Warner Bros., Twentieth Century Fox, MGM and Columbia (Sony) are some of the pioneers in Hollywood film production and distribution, in the yesteryears, Paramount Pictures, the longest-lived American movie studio, used to lead the arena of American motion picture production and distribution. Those were the blissful times when the Hollywood studio system produced classic movies embodying a refined, evocative method of storytelling that left something to the audience's imagination. While this was true right from the early nineteen hundred and thirties' till the sixties', the audience those days were fed on films which did adhere to certain standards of discretion and used established cinematic devices to imply what they could not say explicitly. Without an iota of blatant sensory stimulations, the sheer use of compelling stories and characters, snappy dialogue, high production values (including those of cinematography, editing, shot composition, scoring, sets and costuming) and above all, extra-ordinary acting prowess of the stars those days gave birth to some of the most celebrated reel romances of all times, including "Gone With the Wind", "West Side Story", "Casablanca", "Roman Holiday", "My Fair Lady" and "An Affair to Remember".

The 40's, 50's and 60's, combined, was also the era producing the greatest silver screen legends like Marlon Brando, Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, the irresistibly handsome Cary Grant and the super charismatic Gregory Peck, the celebrated smidgens Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis, Ingrid Bergman, Sofia Lauren, Audrey Hepburn, and the ravishing Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe. Interestingly enough, did you know that recently the AFI has ranked the greatest love stories of the first century of American cinema, with "Casablanca" attaining the numero uno position? "Gone With The Wind" and "West Side Story" come only next to it among the greatest reel classics of America.

Truly worthy of their legendary status by virtue of their sprawling, epic film romance, few would venture to dispute the position of these three films as the silver screen's greatest romances ever. And it is worth mentioning that in each of these films, there are potent screen moments between the protagonists that are replete with romantic content which again, unmistakably evolve into meaningful, personalized fantasies among the lovers of these reel romances. Whosoever has seen "Roman Holiday" will never for his/her life forget the phenomenal scene between Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck when Peck puts his hand into the "Mouth of Truth" (La Bocca della Verità), a stone face in Rome that according to legend, will bite your hand off if you tell a lie. In the film, when he pulls his hand out it is missing, causing Hepburn, the disguised princess Ann, to scream hysterically. The chemistry between the two in the scene is so infectious that the audience never fails to identify the film as a superior love story with the distinction of classic romance elements.

On the other hand, those were the times that produced the ever-memorable, ever-fascinating Hollywood musicals, like the legendary "Sound of Music" (1965), "Singing in the Rain" (1952). Regarded as two of the great movie musicals of all times, these are films that linger in the hearts of lovers of romance eternally. Who can forget the sweet, ethereal chanting of Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music" where she teaches the seven children the notes of "Do re mi" or where she asserts her individuality singing, "I have confidence in me", or where she playfully mingles with the children in the song "These are a few of my favorite things"?

For the records, the cast album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, while the film itself won an Academy Award for Best Picture and is one of the most popular musicals ever produced. "Singing in the Rain", on the other hand, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, is replete with wit as a satirical comedy, featuring one of the most lavish elements of yesteryears' musicals. It is the film where there's the phenomenal dance scene of Gene Kelly with the title track, "singing in the rain", while twirling an umbrella, splashing through puddles and getting soaked to the skin. "My Fair lady", another classic romantic comedy woven in the mould of a musical, happens to be one of my personal favorites with electrifying performances by Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle, the young, uncouth Cockney girl and Rex Harrison as Henry Higgins, an arrogant, irritable professor of phonetics. Together, they put the screen on fire with an unforgettable film adaptation of the stage musical, My Fair Lady, based in turn on the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw.

In the later years, to be more particular, from the nineteen hundred and seventies and eighties, there has been a noticeable transition of reel romance from the stylishly sophisticated, artsy and evocative style of the black and white years to the more bittersweet, flesh and blood world of the lovers, rocking with prolonged kissing and lovemaking scenes, unbridled energy and emotion. What can be a better example of the new cosmos in which the lovers find themselves other than that showed in "Love Story" (1970), one of the most romantic movies ever made? A romantic tearjerker from director Arthur Hiller about a passionate couple with a tragic ending, this one happens to be a heartfelt tale of the love of a lifetime. Regarded as the most successful Paramount movie up to that time, the film received seven Academy Award nominations including the Best Picture award. Another one, from the 90's, "Forrest Gump" (1994), revives the same pristine emotions of love as the story revolves along some of the most enduring and touching moments of love between Forrest (Tom Hanks) and his lifelong love Jenny. While in the film, we have a sweeping look at thirty tumultuous years of American history seen through the eyes of the charmed simpleton Forrest, we are gifted with some classic scenes those have unparalleled intricacy and depth while still being enormously engaging. Again, in the 90's, we see the enormously gripping passion and on-screen chemistry between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" (1990), a magnanimous love story about a wealthy businessman falling for effervescent hooker.

The chemistry between the lovers seemed to be so natural and convincing that it transcends the shackles of a romantic comedy and goes on to be remembered as quite a classic film in the romance genre. Towards the end of the 90's, the world of romance in Hollywood was again ablaze with the blockbuster of all times, "Titanic" (1997), a fictional love story between Rose (Kate Winslett) and Jack (Leonardo De Caprio), members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ill-fated 1912 maiden voyage of the ship Titanic. Even though the film is based on the historical sinking of the gigantic Titanic, the crux and the beauty of the entire film lies in the poignant tale of their love which is even more beautified by the soulful music and memorable soundtracks of the film. On a different note, though with the same poignancy and intensity of passion, unfolds the idyllic love story between Noah (Ryan Gosling) and his love Allie (Rachel McAdams) in "the Notebook" (2004). Adapted from the 1996 romantic novel by Nicolas Sparks, it has been one of the most touching screen romances of the present times.

Last but not the least; let me share with you my feelings of witnessing another classic film outside of Hollywood that portrayed romance on screen so evocatively yet with a poignant tone that I was immediately reminded of the classic undertones of creative suggestiveness and subtlety characteristic of the celebrated reel romances of Hollywood. The film is none other than the Italian masterpiece "La Vita E Belle" ("Life is Beautiful") directed by Roberto Benigni which went on to win 3 Oscars in 1998. While the film was based on the story of the violent indignities suffered by Jews in the concentration camps of World War II, the subtleties of the film transcend the horrors of the concentration camp with some of the most beautifully screened romantic sequences in world cinema.

Remember the scene where Guido follows his bride Dora into a greenhouse and the scenes which follow thereafter? Well, rather than showing what they do there, the scene slowly dissolves to a shot of the same greenhouse, only this time, a little boy is playing there. The implications are obvious, the device serves to advance the plot a few years without restoring to the clichéd "five years later..." inter-title and the love scene is left to the audience's imagination. By virtue of the amazing screenplay, the film turns out to be an unforgettable fable that proves the indomitable spirit of love, family and imagination in the face of all evils. Undoubtedly, this, along with the joys of love, and life--has been the most enduring theory working as the ultimate foundation behind all successful romance classics in the history of Hollywood! And so, be it in "Casablanca" or in "The Notebook", both 'cupid' and 'life' rule! For, all quintessential romances are a celebration of life in its varied hues. Struck by cupid's arrows, it becomes ever more beautiful and transcendental by all means!


Classic Hollywood Romances - Celebrating A Rainbow Of Life With The Varied Hues Of Love!

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Sunday, November 27, 2011

New Orleans Restaurants Serve Fantastic Gumbo and Cajun Hospitality

!±8± New Orleans Restaurants Serve Fantastic Gumbo and Cajun Hospitality

If you like to travel and love good food you should consider a dining weekend trip to New Orleans. My wife Jan and I took off on an expedition there recently and we enjoyed everything about our visit to Louisiana's most famous city.

Food is king in New Orleans and gumbo is on the top of most diners menu selections when in the Big Easy. Since my web site is dedicated to gumbo recipes and all things associated with this dish, it is only fitting that I tell my visitors where they can get the best example when visiting Louisiana. While there, Jan and I planned on eating the famous Cajun dish from as many different restaurants that our time allowed. We had only the weekend and that limited the number of meals we could enjoy. But I have to admit we were successful in sampling quite a few bowls during our visit and I devoured them all with much enthusiasm.

The real reason for taking this trip was to attend the annual Gumbo Festival held in Bridge City, Louisiana. This small town is located just across the mighty Mississippi river from New Orleans. The festival is held each year at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church. During this event a cooking contest is held and daring cooks enter in hopes that their gumbo is judged a winner. The big attraction though is the different varieties of this Cajun soup that can be bought at the festival. Large pots are cooked outdoors and festival goers can sample as much or as little as they like.

Due to heavy rains on Friday night, festival events for Saturday were canceled because the festival grounds were wet and muddy. It was disappointing to hear this unfortunate news but we were not deterred from our mission, and the main reason for making the trip. We reasoned since this event was canceled we would have more time to walk the French Quarter and Central Business District in a quest for our number one objective. Finding hot steaming bowls of dark, rich and delicious gumbo was our quest so we left Bridge City to seek our treasure.

Earlier in the week Jan made dinner reservations at La Petite Grocery, a restaurant in the Garden District. When making the reservation she asked about their gumbo and was told that it is not always on the menu but since she asked for it the chef would have a pot made and ready for us. By the way, don't let the name of the restaurant cause you to hesitate. It was formerly a grocery store but has been converted into a very nice restaurant.

The selection that night was seafood, and of course I had a bowl. It was beautifully done and so delicious. Being a gumbo fanatic with decades of experience sampling my most favorite dish, I am a chef's worse critic. Before my first taste I evaluated the color and texture and examined closely the ingredients used in this most famous Louisiana soup. I knew before I spooned the first bite that this would be a great dish. The color was perfect. The thickness level was just right and clearly demonstrated that this chef knows his bayou brew. The proportion of liquid to seafood ingredients was just exactly to the level one expects from a traditional south Louisiana gumbo. It had shrimp, oysters and crab along with some andouille and the amount of okra was absolutely perfect.

The spice level was true and authentic. And to set the record straight now, traditional Cajun cooking is not hot and spicy. I grew up on the bayous of Louisiana and we never had hot except for a couple of drops of Tabasco. Hot and spicy is a recent trend made popular by celebrity chefs. But I digress. My sample was not oily and the proportion of rice to liquid was precisely as I had hoped for. This demonstrates the chef takes the extra step of siphoning off the oil that floats to the top, and takes care to serve it the correct way which means more gumbo and less rice.

This example of New Orleans most popular food was delicious and I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone wanting to try a real Cajun dish at it's best. It really sets a benchmark for seafood gumbo and I am sure only a scant few can make a better example of what devotees like myself judge as nearly perfect. I would rate this serving of bayou soup at 4.5 stars out of 5.

There are other fantastic selections on the menu and you will love them all. Jan had grilled fish that was wonderful and I had a pork entree that was delicious. I can wholeheartedly recommend this quaint restaurant to anyone dining in New Orleans. The wait staff did an excellent job and the wine selection is very good. But most of all the gumbo was perfect and was my most favorite dish of the evening. Call for reservations in advance and ask if gumbo is on the menu for the evening. You can get directions or make reservations by going to their web site.

Day two found us walking the streets early. It's fun to watch people, see the sights and get some exercise too. A favorite restaurant to have really traditional Cajun food is Mulates. It is located near the convention center and is a popular restaurant for tourists. Here you can have fried seafood that is well prepared and shrimp or crawfish eetoufee. A Louisiana style sub known as a PO BOY would be a good choice and of course you must get the gumbo.

Our excursion found us in proximity to Mulates around noon so naturally we had to try a sample of my obsession. Jan and I saddled up to the bar and took a seat that gave me a clear view of a TV. Had to keep in touch with the football scores you know. I ordered a cup of their Zydeco gumbo and an Abita beer to wash it down. When the waiter delivered my order I knew this would be good. The Creole soup served in my cup had the correct dark color, was rich and had the right amount of seafood. I detected a slight amount of file' and my taste buds told me the effect was just right. File' is a Cajun spice made from ground sassafras leaves and is commonly used to thicken gumbo when served.

The rice was cooked just right and the proportion of rice to liquid was correct. Many cooks and some restaurants make the mistake of putting too much rice in the bowl. Gumbo is a soup and the right proportion is about one third rice to two thirds liquid. I like it without rice sometimes and serve it in a natural state with nothing added. Mulates gumbo is very good and I would recommend it to anyone. I would give it 4 stars out of 5. If you dine there in the evening you can enjoy some live Cajun music and dancing. For more information or to view their menu check out their web site.

That evening we had reservations at Cochon which is one of my favorite places to dine in New Orleans. The food here can be considered upscale authentic Cajun. I could write an entire E-zine on the food here but this is about gumbo. And gumbo we did have. We ordered wine and of course inquired into the object of my desire. The selection that evening was chicken and andouille which is my favorite. I was anxious to sample what I thought would be best of the trip so I ordered a bowl during our waiter's first visit to the table.

We were not disappointed. The gumbo was excellent and everything about it was perfect. It reminded me of the great examples my grandmother would make in south Louisiana. It was dark, and deep and rich. It was not too heavy. It contained the right amount of chicken and andouille, with just the correct amount of rice. No file'. While enjoying my bowl of Louisiana delight I was reminded how incredibly delicious a simple and rustic dish like gumbo can be. And believe me I know what it takes to make it so delicious. It was obvious the chef starts with a flavorful broth and not just plain water. The rich color demonstrates his patience and skill at making the perfect roux. A roux takes time to make and cannot be rushed. And it requires a great deal of experience to get the color perfect night after night. The chicken was lean and tender and the andouille was obviously made on premises to a precise and traditional recipe.

You may have heard the old proverb that it is the small things that matter the most. It may be a worn out phrase but it definitely applies here because a lagniappe (a little bit extra) to my dining experience was the home made yeast rolls served with my gumbo. They tasted exactly like the ones my grandmother would make down on the bayous of south Louisiana and is the ultimate addition to an authentic Cajun meal. As I dug into the gumbo and devoured the bread, memories of my childhood came flooding back. I felt as though I was sitting at Maw Maw Elma's table with my family enjoying a big pot of gumbo and her yummy yeast bread. Everything tasted exactly the same as Grandma's food and that is the real thing.

The gumbo at Cochon was the best of the trip and I will recommend you have a bowl every chance you get. Don't pass on the bread either. I award Cochon's example of my favorite food 5 stars. The best hands down! Reservations are recommended.

We had other gumbo while there and enjoyed them all but the 3 notables are mentioned here. You will not be disappointed in any of them. In fact I suggest you try all of them while there since they are each different in their own way and that is in keeping with the very nature of the cuisine. Variety is the spice of life and GUMBO. It's the variety of ingredients, cooking styles and interesting spices that keep gumbo the most popular food in Louisiana.


New Orleans Restaurants Serve Fantastic Gumbo and Cajun Hospitality

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Why Is Brushing My Cocker Spaniel Such A Big Deal?

!±8± Why Is Brushing My Cocker Spaniel Such A Big Deal?

A freshly brushed Cocker Spaniel is not just a "styling" Cocker Spaniel dog - brushing gets rid of every day dust which would otherwise sit on their pores, and it elevates their skin's blood circulation causing their skin's natural oils to surface, creating a supple, shining coat. Skin diseases are often found later on in our pets' lives and brushing frequently can be very helpful in protecting our best friends against them.

Much like anything else with regards to dogs, the sooner you get started, the better. Essentially, it's best to start when they are still puppies even if they don't need it. If you start to lightly brush you Cocker at an early age and build it into a fun occasion where he/she spends quality time with you, your Cocker will think of it as a special event. But you must be very gentle with your pup. They have long hair and soft skin so it doesn't take much force to hurt them. If you start when they are a puppy, which is when I recommend, their puppy skin will be specially sensitive. Therefore brush them slowly, gently, and make it a nice, comforting experience for your little one. Believe it or not, brushing is an excellent bonding routine for you and your friend - dogs love to be pampered and if you start it at an early age, they will be happy to lay there for as long as it takes to get their "pampering" time.

For long-haired dogs, normal brushing between baths is a vital practice. For one thing, it eliminates tangles before they become very painful matts, it's an easy way to get rid of everyday dust and grime which eventually reaches their pores, it helps ventilate their skin which is also good practice, and finally, it enhances blood circulation which is very good for their skin, since all long-haired dogs are susceptible to skin problems. If that wasn't enough reason already, there is also aesthetics: your pup's coat will look shiny and silky if they are brushed on a consistent basis.

Okay...How Often?

The frequency a Cocker Spaniel should be brushed will depend on where you live in fact. A standard Cocker in a suburban home, for instance, would probably not get as dirty as fast as their country brothers and sisters so brushing them every three days or so will likely be okay. If your home is in a rural area and your Cocker is always out and about, they will be gathering lots of grime and dirt as they play, and that means you have to brush them more frequently; on a daily basis is ideal in this situation, but if that's too much for your schedule then no less than every couple of days - and of course, they will need to be bathed more frequently. Remember, it is much easier to brush them now than if their coat is tangled - that can turn a relaxing time into pure torment. And of course, if your Cocker is getting dirty, bathe them. Brushing helps remove most of the dust that stays on their hair and skin area however it's not a substitute to bathing your pet. Bathing is the best way to keep their hair and skin healthy.

A great suggestion with regards to how often you should be brushing your dog is actually by gauging the quantity of hair that is shed when you brush them. If there is a considerable amount of hair being released (check the brush after a couple of strokes) then you should comb more often. It truly varies according to your pet.

What About Matts and Tangles?

It's better to ensure that you don't allow them to happen at all by making sure that you brush frequently. Assuming they happen however, understand that they can be very unpleasant on your friend. It pulls on their skin and causes them pain. Based on how bad the tangling is, you should start with a wide toothed comb, sectioning off pieces and combing them out softly until all of the tangles are out. Then move to a brush.

Matts are more difficult to deal with and a lot more uncomfortable for your friend. It is different from tangling in that it has to do with the hair that is close to the skin becoming so tangled that it forms a thick mass or ball of hair. These are much tougher to get rid of, and often impossible. First, use a shampoo made specifically to get rid of tangles and bathe your dog, remembering that the matt causes pulling on their sensitive skin. Once they are washed and dry, get started with a wide-tooth comb, sectioning off areas of hairs and then carefully and slowly, combing out the matted bits. If the matted piece is too close to the skin resulting in pain when you try to comb it out, take it off by gently cutting the matted area out with a pair of scissors. If there are several matted spots, consider taking them to a professional groomer at that point. You see? I told you prevention is key.

And lastly, don't groom an agitated Cocker Spaniel dog. Sooth them first or hold off until they are calm or sleepy. Again, make it a form of petting and pampering so they co-operate and relish the experience. It will make both of your lives easier.


Why Is Brushing My Cocker Spaniel Such A Big Deal?

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Rathole In Omaha (Short Story)

!±8± Rathole In Omaha (Short Story)

((The Omaha Gambit) (November, 1967))

"Come on," Jerry Hino said, it was morning and we needed to get an apartment there was a light film of snow on the ground, it was November of 1967 and this was my second great trip. The anxiety and dilemma of the night driven through Milwaukee had passed, we had driven from Minnesota, to Milwaukee, onto Madison, Wisconsin, and here we were in Omaha, Nebraska. In Milwaukee we had almost got shot. Anyhow, we had hightailed it out of Milwaukee, onto Omaha.

I was a little disappointed in the city; it didn't look like much, I spotted Dodge Street right away, and we drove up and down it looking for an apartment. Jerry was running away from his girlfriend Nancy, and I was on an adventure of my own, my second one to be exact.

I looked about at the huddled set of crude buildings, duplexes and corner grocery stores, dotted around what I called upper Dodge Street, and down an offshoot, here and there (Dodge being the main branch to the tree).

In my adventure in Seattle, I ended up with Jeff's wife coming along, and here again I got a friend who had left a love sick woman, for adventure, and I was hoping she'd not popup into the scene, and so far so good. Anyhow, we found a Rathole of an apartment just off Dodge street, and the duplex was side by side, so our neighbors were closer than white on rice. I didn't really have a plan 'B' here if things did not work out, only hoping they would between Jerry and I, and they seemed to. He, like me, liked our drinking, and he was perhaps a bit over weight, him being about my height, five-feet, eight inches talk, and two-hundred and forty pounds, I was kidding, he was way over weight.

The duplex was grey, and I expect it was built in the '80s, and it was as I said, 1967, so I mean, 1880s. We paid for two weeks rent, that was all we could afford for the moment, it cost us -dollars, and that was highway robbery if you ask me, I mean it was crude and meager accommodations. It surely was not unfamiliar with me for the times, during those years anyhow.

Jerry seemed to speak for both of us, and him being the elder, I took no insult to it, I often listened attentively during those drinking days, we had our stories to tell, and we told them, and laughed half the night. We must have gotten drunk every night we were in Omaha. And in-between I looked for work, Jerry did not, he slept the day away, as I looked; I think that was one of the reasons he and Nancy got into fights; I could be wrong. Anyhow, I went to the Omaha State Employment Office, and they asked me were I had come from, and why I was up there trying to take work away from the good folks of Omaha, who needed work worse than I. I had no other answer than, "I didn't realize this was I was stepping on forbidden ground," he didn't like my comments, and told me to go back where I came from, and stop taking jobs away from other good folks. I know what I wanted to tell him, but I just shook my head and left the buzzard to his fields of corn.

I did find a job across the bridge in Iowa, good folks there I felt, working for Howard Johnson, as a dishwasher. It paid well, and the work was not hard, and I got a hefty discount on food, and usually they'd give me an extra portion, and I'd bring it back for Jerry, I think they thought it would be my late night supper, but supper for me was beer, not food.

Well, a few weeks went by, and Jerry sent his mother a letter, telling her how he was, not sure why he did that at first, I mean, I never did, I kind of felt no need to, we had just been gone a few weeks, not months or years. Anyhow, our address was on it, this now took away the secret of where we were, and of course Nancy got hold of the address, as you would expect. It was now inevitable, she'd someday show up on our doorsteps, but of course I didn't know all this at the time. But it didn't take long, and yes, she was there one evening when I came back from work, and again I was in bewilderment, but not as shocked as I was when Jeff's wife, showed up from nowhere wanting to go with us to Seattle. I thought at the time: what is wrong with these guys, do they not have any stemma staying away from their patsy women, the ones they are running away from, can't live with, or deal with. I had old girlfriends also, and I was glad to get away from them, and the farther the better, and the longer the better. In fact, I never went back to one I left, or anyone that left me, what for, once the bond is broken, it is broken, like my mother used to say: get off the bus, and find another.

I was perhaps their shadow the following two weeks; I think we spent a month to six weeks in that Rathole. I went on my own, visited the museum, which had a lot of Indian artifices, and we all got drunk at night, like always.

But to make this story more interesting, and build up the plot some, not much though, because it is really the end to the story, we simply went back to Minnesota, I lived with them for six weeks, they asked me to leave after that, since they had kids, and I was sleeping on the sofa, and you know, that gets old. Anyhow, I do remember the Jewish Store, down the block in our Omaha neighborhood. I spent some time down there, talking to the old redheaded Jew. Gold teeth, not in bad shape for fifty years old she had pretty nice curves, and I of course ripe at nineteen. Her place was a Rathole also, but I suppose, it went along with the neighborhood. The store had high ceilings, you could see the wooden beams, and there was dampness in the place, clutter, and everything looked old, can goods with rust on them. Perhaps she was a dope dealer and this was her front, but I couldn't have imagined that at the time. I liked her, and she allowed me to come in and out and not buy a thing, and hang around.

5-17-2008


Rathole In Omaha (Short Story)

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