A Sunday Afternoon With the Girls

Sunday taught me that I should be prepared with a camera at all times, and not just my phone camera. The day started meeting up with two of my girl friends to go jogging. Well, after we opened a bottle of wine, that didn't quite happen.

It was a gorgeous warm fall day. Who would really want to spend that kind of day jogging? I decided that I wanted pizza. There is a pizza place in North Beach that makes gluten free dough. I'm on a mission to find the best gluten free pizza, and had been wanting to check out Tony's. So, my friends and I headed out to get pizza. On the way I saw a 1956 Dodge Custom Royal in pink with metal eyelashes on the headlights. It was so cute! I had to have a picture in front of it. As I got closer, I saw that there was a gentleman sitting in the passenger's seat. I asked him if I could take a photo in front of his car. I should have known that it wasn't his car, though. It was his girlfriend's car.

She suggested I get in the car to have photos taken. Well, that just made my day. I was also excited to meet another girl who loved classic cars too. The owner was friendly, and we chatted a little about her car. I walked away with a little skip in my step. It just takes one drool worthy old car to make me happy.

That wasn't the end of the day, though. We went to Tony's and put our name down for a table. While we were waiting, we went into the by-the-slice shop next door. Inside they had an old Coca Cola machine. So, naturally I had to have my picture taken in front of it.

We had so much fun, that we decided to get together on Sunday afternoons once a month. I can't wait until our next adventure.

Falling in love...

It was love at first sight. Well, love at first sight of photo. I knew once I saw the photo that I'd never love another as much. This was the one for me. If only the love was mutual.

No, I'm not talking about a person (those of you who know me knew better). I'm talking about a car. A 1954 (or 53) Buick Skylark to be exact. This is one sexy car. Just look at that tail!  I have fantasies of me driving down the road with the top down in a black model with red interior. And of course, nothing beats the the thrill of driving a classic V8. I finally got to see one in person in Reno, NV (and Sparks) a couple years ago at Hot August Nights. It is one event I look forward to each year, though I don't get to go as much as I'd like. The Skylark sitting in the row of cars that year, of course, caught my eye. I practically ran to it, knocking people out of my way, while an orchestra played Tchaikovsky's Fantasy Overture in the background. Once there, I had to wipe the drool from my mouth. The owner had completely restored it from the chassis up. They had photos showing each step that was made in restoring this car. I waited around not wanting to leave my love. But, sadly the time came when we had to part. Fortunately,  I was able to talk someone into taking a photo of us together so that I could always remember the good times we had.

February 18, 1953

Peter came back yesterday. We went out to dinner and I explained to him what his father was doing. He couldn't believe it. He said that his father has never been a good father, but his arrest was too much. He is done with Eddie.

He suggested that I leave town. He said that as soon as it was clear, he would come find me. But, that I needed to get away from his father now. He helped me pack my bags. Tonight I am  going to the bus station. He is going to try to distract the thug so that I can get away.  He gave me a little money to get a ticket. I'm going to take the bus as far west as the money will get me. I'm excited and scared. It is a new beginning, but I don't know what to expect. At least I'll have Peter by my side. He is a great friend. It is almost time to go. I should finish packing. I don't even have time to eat. I'll have get some food at the bus diner.

Photo from Bodie Bailey

Photo from Go Greyhound!

Photo from Go Greyhound!

Photo from Seattle Municipal Archives

December 14, 1952

I am so tired of taking the bus to work. I have to walk six blocks to the bus stop. Sometimes the bus is so full that I have to wait for the next one. Once I'm on the bus, it takes a half an hour to get to work. I don't know why Eddie got my apartment so far from work. Maybe he'll buy me a car. He can even teach me how to drive it. I would love the new Buick Skylark. I can see myself driving that with the top down. Of course, I'd have to have it in red. I'll ask him to teach me to drive. Then I can hint that I want a new car.

 Photo from Paul-W

December 13, 1952

I am so exhausted from the busy weekend. But, I will recover in time for next weekend. Bev leaves tonight. Before she left we had breakfast at a little cafe. She also showed off her dad's new car. It's a beauty. She said she'd write as often as she could. She wants me to come and visit as soon as she gets settled. Maybe Eddie will let me go out there for a couple weeks. That would be fun.

Eddie is having a formal dinner at his house this weekend. His son is coming home from living abroad. I didn't even know he had a son. He doesn't talk about himself much. I will have to ask Eddie if he will buy me a new dress. I want to make a good first impression after all.

Photos from ElectroSpark