thependulumswings

In my best Al Pacino voice, ” let me introduce you to my two little friends, Lefty and Shorty.”  More on the WNBA finals that you didn’t know about in a minute.

Way way back in 1964, or 5, or 6, or 7 I frequently made a Sunday PM trip to the Gulf Gas Station a couple of miles from our house.  I did not know it then, but it was on that road and back that my father (Boom Boom) began teaching his lessons of life to me.

Lefty and Shorty were the amiable service station attendants.  Well, that’s what they were called back then as every pump was full serve. Sunday’s were slow.  We had their full attention.   Dad interacted with them as they checked the oil, washed the windshield, pumped the gas, and took the money.  He often tipped them as well.  They were the main characters in the first lesson I learned.  They were funny. They always had a back and forth to their banter.  And, they always had a kind word or three for me.

I’m gallantly attempting to write my first book.  Lefty and Shorty “star” in the first chapter.  What was the first lesson?  Sorry, you ‘ll have to wait for the book (my publicist, if I had one, would be SO proud).

If Lefty and Shorty were alive today their exchange might go something like the below.

Lefty–  The WNBA Finals were last night. Shorty- The what?  Lefty–The women’s professional basketball league, the WNBA.  Shorty- Oh.  Ok.  Lefty- The Seattle Storm beat the Washington Mystics 98-82.  Shorty– Who?  Lefty- The Storm swept them in the finals series three games to none.  Shorty- I heard about that storm named Florence that is about to hit the Carolinas.  Lefty- And that has exactly what to do with the basketball game?  Shorty– I think a lot more people are paying attention to that storm than the WNBA.  Lefty- You didn’t watch it?  Shorty- The storm coverage?  Lefty- NO.  The game.  Shorty- Fewer people? The final game last night or the Carolina beaches today?  Lefty- I’m going to fix a flat tire.

You’ll hear from Lefty and Shorty from time to time when a spirited debate is needed.

Lefty– Say bye for now Shorty.  Shorty– Bye for now Shorty.