Friends

Hi there, J. Cooper Thurlow again. Today I wanted to talk a little more about me. I know, I know, you're not reading this for my thoughts on me, just my thoughts on life! Well, writing about this stuff got me back to thinking about sitting around that Roy Rogers with the fellas just talking about life. We'd usually meet around 11, that's in the morning, and dang it if we wouldn't be there until 3 or 4 or later just “shooting the breeze” as they say – or used to say, like I mentioned last time! Anyway, there were usually five or so of us. Myself, J. Cooper Thurlow, along with Bill Mandell, Walter Franklin, Dave Pullman and Charlie whose last name I don't think I ever knew were the usual core group. Occasionally some other folks would stop by or just listen in. We always kept it respectful, even when we talked about politics. I don't think I ever knew who any of those men voted for, and I'm proud to say that. But that doesn't mean we had boring conversations, no. I remember when the county wanted to put in those cameras that take your picture when you run a red light. We had a good long talk about that. But like I said, I never knew who those men voted for.

You know, it's too bad they don't have places where you can just sit and talk anymore. Those “fast-food” restaurants are all about getting you in and out these days. They won't even hardly let you sit and enjoy your coffee. There's the mall, I guess, but it gets too loud and they don't have any booths and tables next to each other. Plus most places nowadays are worried about loitering, so they play that classical music to scare off the high school kids. That's fine, but I don't want all that music going on while I'm talking, either. I guess that's my “thought of the day.” Why can't you just sit and talk in public anymore?

Yours,

J. Cooper Thurlow