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More High School

     They old junker, the 47 Dodge brings back some memories.  I paid $35 for the car from one of the policemen that my dad worked with. Jim Torello.  I  removed all of the interior, including seats, headliner, etc.  For  seats  I bought some old kitchen chairs from a yard sale.  I bought a couple of old army helmets. A ragtag group of friends would drive all over town in that old car on those kitchen chairs.  If I accelerated to quickly the chair would go backwards my foot would come off the accelerator and I would frantically try to get the chair back under me without wrecking the car.  It's a wonder we weren't all killed!  I painted it flat black including the grill trying to make it look like a  gasser.  I painted white letters on the rear side window like they did on cars competing at the drag strip.  If I pulled the choke out all the way when idling it would chug, chug, like a  dragster with a 5 c...

Highschool

     Highschool memories are a mixed bag of emotions.  My freshman and sophomore years were enthusiastic and rewarding.  I was a student council rep, in orchestra, honor roll, played football, basketball, track, and wrestled my sophomore and junior year.        When I turned 16 I got my driver's license.  That opened up an opportunity to escape what I perceived to be a really, really, shitty home experience.  I worked, made money and bought an old junker car.  A 1947 Dodge.  I paid $35 for it.  It started, ran, and I was excited!  Working (making $$) and the car opened me up to a lot of new experiences.  I could buy new clothes, go out with friends for burgers, beer etc.       I was much less enthusiastic about school after that summer.  I continued to make good grades but work didn't allow me to play sports, music or other organized activities.  Had I been stronger and/or ...

Birthdays

     Wow!  I really don't remember anything about birthdays.  I know I never had a birthday party as a child.  I had a 25th birthday party when Mom and I lived in Raytown next to Ron and Jan Dean.  My next birthday party was my 65th.  Lots of fun with extended family and current friends.      Growing up we acknowledged birthdays but didn't party.  Sharon my younger step-sister's birthday was 3 days prior to mine as was my Grampa Emerson's.  Sharon and I probably shared a birthday cake once in a while.  I am sure my Grandma Fletcher and Aunt Nellie tried to  make my birthday special when I was younger but I just don't  remember any particular celebration. Maybe I'll celebrate again on my 80th!