Dear Dad

Author © Jay Kantor

— Super Size Me - Life with Father —

Nightly, as he sat in his reserved chair, that no one dared to sit upon, he would bark orders to anyone passing by to change the channels (no 'Clickers' in those days) on our un-movable - toe stubbing - state-of-the-art 24" Black/white R.C.A. TV console. Only talking to him permitted between commercials of his favorite shows such as Laurence Welk and Perry Mason; no fast forward then either.

As an aside ever notice lately the newbies are inserting ads within the programs now - no one is going to ignore them now - He would position himself with his Gallon size popcorn/wit xtra butta' on one side table and on the other a huge salami tube also with a smattering of peanut butta' scooped from a jar with a large spoon - Really -

We lived in the mountains and never got any reception at all on our (3) local channels so he put up a (50') high antennae that, almost on a daily basis, he'd climb onto the roof to adjust it screaming down to us "How is it Now?" Neighbor complaints always followed - Nah!

— Infamous Dad Quips —

Remembering: Sis-Betty, aka "Bet's" had a black '49 Ford convertible (really nice) and, once again The Bro's couldn't keep hands-off! The Ford had a shiny-silver-button on the dash-board that, when pushed, worked the top up/down —we kept fiddling with it while it was parked in the driveway. Big Ed yelled, Quote: "You boys are killin' the battery, God help you, one more time and I'm gonna WELD the F'n thing up!" Well, he actually DID — Bet's wasn't too happy about that!

All things were an adventure-experience with him! While traveling, especially to Vegas! We went there often since Dad; aka 'Big-Ed' had his 'core' business there. And, at the time, there was NO speed limit when crossing the Nevada border (Seriously!) Casinos wanted visitors to get to them to make their contributions-donations $ as Quickly as possible!

Although when returning back across the California border the CHP (Chips) were lined on both sides of the highway with their ticket book and pencil in hand giving out costly speeding tickets — They probably weren't in any big-hurry to 'Quickly' have us back? —

Twin Lar and I sat on opposite sides of the station wagon with our elbows hanging out of the open rear tailgate window. Seat belts-shoulder straps/airbags, even 3rd row seating wasn't a glimmer in G.M.'s eye in those days. Big-Ed just couldn't wait to approach the crossing. He'd scream-out "HOLD-ON" and pressed the pedal to the metal! He always had the big-block Chevy V/8's for just such occasions! The look of 'Joy' as he accelerated was hard to describe!

As he floored the Big-Powerful-Wagon and hit (+/-) 100 mph, Mom would instinctively press-down an imaginary brake pedal from the passenger seat, while gritting her teeth! As the Bro's grabbed onto whatever we could from the flat rear section.

This was nothing new with Big-Ed. He often brought home panel delivery trucks from the factory. And, because he always had them loaded with boxes, with this-or-that, he would make more cargo room by removing the passenger seat. When we went places with him he would pull out a milk or apple crate and put them where the seat once was for us to sit-on. We slid all over the place holding on to each other at each turn, as Pop would invariably shout-out "HOLD-ON" while rolling-out onto the road!

Dad~Pop, aka 'Big-Ed' always needed to be called 'Mr. K' The post-war American dream of being his own-boss was of huge importance to him; once achieved he became a "MR"

Although he'd take all 'the office workers' to lunch at Langer's Downtown Deli for a sandwich and a bottle of Pepsi/with long straw. That's way before (1) sandwich cost more than a day's pay! He was always going to lunch with customers as well as competitors and had tremendous belly laughs with all! His attitude was always: "If you can't beat-um-join-um-more-the-merrier! Keep the competition close to you!" — A profound lesson —

Lessons~Learned - Music Lessons: Lar took 'Trombone' lessons! At the end of our long driveway Big Ed permanently setup his chrome metal music stand behind our un-attached garage and relegated this as his exclusive 'Practice' Zone ~ How subtle is that ~

— Rise Above Yer Raisin' —

You are missed ~ Dear Dad ~

Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California

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