Dear Dad
- xtra Peanut Butta' -
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
'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Author Community -
About the Creator
Jay Kantor
Retired: Write for "The Kids Someday"
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Comments (34)
Oh, Jay, I had to have my dose of your incredible writing and now adore your dad. The snacks, the welded convertible top, the rides to Vegas and your mom hitting the imaginary brake are so, so funny and charming. Those were the days, huh?
Sounds like I’d love big Ed as much as I’d love your mama! Sounds like a character! He and I have “popcorn, xtra Butta” in common! I can’t get enough. Hudson eats peanutbutta and pepperoni. All together? What a gut busting combo!!! Loved the bit about him speeding and your mom pushing imaginary brakes. I do that to Dave while grabbing the “oh sh*t” handle. Love this honoring story telling, Jamigo! Don’t know how I missed these pieces! Oh yeah, thought I was subscribe the first 10 times I hit the button. Let’s see if it sticks this time! 💫💞💫
Loved your mother's brakes!
TVs were full color and we had more channels, but I still had the cable-box clicker, and I was also the remote control sometimes for my pop! Haha. I recall watching reruns of stuff like Perry Mason (Columbo was our favorite), along with old Westerns and Action flicks with my pop. Funny factoid about modern youth: John Wayne was dead by the time I first saw him on screen, but I knew who he was. I asked my kids if they knew and they were like: who? But when I did the impression, they remembered it from Bugs Bunny!
This one took me down memory lane, with the “chips” reference ( loved that show) and the mountain living. I lived in the Rockies in co for twelve years. It was amazing but yes, the reception was sometimes unreliable. I’m loving the humorous details in your writing style. Keep up the great work!
Good one even though it is just a tad before my time. Nothing like good memories isn't it.
I loved this glimpse into your life with your dad ("Big-Ed"). Your writing style is so easy to read, almost like having a conversation with a best friend. It is refreshing. Fathers' roles have morphed over the years. Men like your father worked hard, provided for their families, and their homes were their castles. Not necessarily in an Archie Bunker way, but home was a respite. I had to chuckle at your "TV Remote" story. My dad's remote also had two legs! In addition to changing the channel, sometimes we had to stand by the TV holding the rabbit ears to get better reception! lol Great story, Jay. Thanks for sharing, and for honoring your father with this story.
Love how you began with channel changing. My dad was a carpenter/stagehand that along with other stagehands worked the shows (Steve Allen, Mitch Miller, etc). There was no taping shows at that time. Every Saturday, in season, we'd watch the Brooklyn Dodgers, or as dad would say, "Da Bums". Your story brought back so many memories for me.
This one really took me back. Very well written Jay
What a childhood with a wonderful dad! I've also seen my mom press an imaginary brake while in the passenger seat lol. Reading about these snapshots of your family was so much fun! Great job!
This really took me back to when my grandad was still with us. This was a great read!! Subscribed!!
I enjoyed reading your walk down memory lane. Times sure have changed, not all for the better. Your Dad sounds like he was a real card. I too have memories of being the TV remote control. Congratulations on your Top Story 🎉
This is so amazing, congratulations.
Excellent story that gave so many extraordinary visions of many pops in the chair; I enjoyed the read; thank you,
I love the humorous take on these past stories. I felt like I was there in the car as you crossed over into Nevada. This was a fun read, really enjoyed this style of yours! Oh and congrats on the top story too!
This was a great look at some vivid memories, sounds like he was a really interesting man!
A nice tribute to a man who sounds like a good dad, friend, and partier. I love the crates in the car. Good job.
Lovely memories. A well deserved top story.
Congratulations on Top Story, Jay!
This is a brilliant. You gave your dad a beautiful tribute. 👍
What a wonderful tribute, heartwarming and humorous. Congrats on the TS
Loving this humorous story, the memories and vivid descriptions are fantastic!!! ♥️♥️💕
This was a beautiful and hilarious tribute to your Dad. You have a new subscriber, Jay! I loved your way of telling each anecdote, made me feel like I was there and it sounds like you had such a good time as a kid! Congrats on Top Story!
Dad's will be Dad's...LOL! Good story
Oh I enjoyed this so very much!! You have such a delightful way of storytelling :) And I remember being the remote control for my dad and sleeping in the back part of the carpeted window in our station wagon and riding around in truck beds to go get ice cream. Loved that you shared these memories of your youth and your dad :) Congratulations on Top Story!!