Walking My Baby Back Home

I didn't see much handholding during my time around my parents marriage. One rarity stands out.

I worked at Corner Pharmacy on the southeast corner of 79th Street and York Avenue (see bottom photo). My bosses were Marty and Milton. It was Christmas time on a Saturday night around 1965. I was itchy to leave, standing in front of the door waiting for my seven o'clock end of shift watching people go by, coming or going shopping or if they were really dressed up I figured they were rushing to holiday parties. I turned to my right across 79th Street in front of the Chase Manhattan where the guys were selling Christmas trees. As I daydreamed about running up 86th Street to Woolworth's to look at records, I saw a couple pop through the canopy of evergreens arm in arm laughing and the man was hugging the woman's fur hat covered head. She shrugged away, not mad but like someone who'd been tickled, and I knew before I saw their faces its my parents. (Mom didn't like anyone touching her head.) After they crossed to my side, I asked them what was up, "Nothing, just wanted to drop down and say hi to you." I smiled big. Dad asked, "What are you doing later?" I told him about Woolworths, he said be home by 9:30. I made a face. He said 10. This was good, I was eleven years old.

As they walked away I yelled, "Where ya going?" "Dad yelled back, "Down to 57th over to the Plaza, then back up Madison. Just a walk."

I was never happier they were mine, and couldn't wait to walk my girl back home.

Walking My Baby Back Home - James Taylor

Photos here: Madison Avenue along the mid 70s and one shot of 78th Street's trees leaning south.

a perfect Stocking Stuffer or holiday gift ~ my book of photographs, "River to River: New York Scenes form a Bicycle."  $12.95 from Amazon.

Next Friday, December 21st @ 7pm, I'm telling a story @ Eric Vetter's "No Name and a O' Bag of Chips free variety show @ Otto's Shrunken Head, if you want terrific holiday cheer, this is the place.

Mom and Dad - 12.31.67

The former Corner Pharmacy with half of the original sign

Country Road

Here are a few more photos from the shore this past weekend. The island was eerie quiet giving the place the sense of a long time ago. Listened to James Taylor while I tooled around.

Country Road

My first book of photos, "River to River ~ New York Scenes from a Bicycle," is on sale for $12.95 @ Amazon. 

 

Up On The Roof

One way to see the rarified heights of New York City on a fixed income is to join a writing group that rotates meeting places.

As spring edges towards summer the odds are high that someone hosting a meeting will live in a nice place with roof access. Don't miss this meeting!

Rain or shine, tar beach will provide views to make your socks go up and down.

I highly recommend you join a writing group ~ and I'll meet you up on the roof.

See other roof pix here.

Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day, Alison, I miss you, love, Dad

ps here is my favorite Valentine song by Nils Lofgren.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd2whmhGelg


pss here's a February 14th memory


Valentine’s Day 1971 , I'm sitting at Nan’s kitchen table while she cuts vegetables for pea soup.
.“Thanks for the card. What are getting Gin?”
.“A card.” I answered.
.“What?” She stopped cutting which was a highly unusual thing for her to do. Abort a chore to talk? She was a multi-tasker.
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"I spent all my money on her Christmas and birthday gifts, I'm broke."
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"You like the girl?"
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"Yes."
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"Want to lose her?"
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"No."

"Then don't be a knucklehead. Get my pocketbook."
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She reached in and pulled out a ten.
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"Here, get her something nice, and if you don't spend the the ten, I want my money back."
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"Thanks, Nan."
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I bought two James Taylor albums at Woolworth's on 86th Street. Then, I went to Mickey's florist on 84th & First and bought one rose. I delivered the package hiding the records inside my corduroy jacket pulling them out after Gin took the rose. I got a long hug and a big kiss. She didn't let me go. Nan's mind reading skills were started to scare me.
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