GEORGE CARLIN...The Loss of a Legend...RIP

The world lost an icon...George Carlin. There will be less laughter in times when we need to try and laugh more.

I had the privilege and honor of meeting Mr. Carlin when I lived in Los Angeles and it is a memory I will treasure.

Many of you know that I worked for a retail establishment that served many celebs...some merely legends in their own minds, but some bona fide celebrities. George Carlin was a bona fide star...and a gentleman behind that gruff exterior.

One day, I got a phone call...no name was needed as I recognized the voice at hello. It was George Carlin saying he had bought a microwave and it didn't work. He wanted to exchange it. No problem I said. He then said that he didn't want a fuss or hubbub around him. He wanted to get in and out quickly and un-noticed. I assured him it would be smooth and painless! He only needed to ask for me and it would be done. I looked up his purchase and had a new microwave waiting at the desk so he would only have to walk in, drop off the defective one and grab the new one and be on his way.

About 45 minutes later, I hear a hand slam on the counter and the unmistakenable voice announce..."I'M GEORGE CARLIN AND I'M HERE!!!!" I looked up...directly into his eyes and the glimmer was shining bright! Mr. Carlin proceeded to walk around the desk to where I was and together we went into his "STUFF" routine! This went on for about 15 minutes. I was in my glory! After we completed our tag team routine, Mr. Carlin graciously signed my autograph book (yes, I kept an autograph book at work and have 3 filled!) and left with a chuckle and the glimmer still blazing in his eyes.

It was a day that I will never forget. I will forever miss the irrascible gentleman that could make me laugh regardless of anything else on my mind.

RIP George Carlin...you will be missed.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Today is Father's Day. June 15, 2oo8. I can not believe that my father passed away 41 years ago. I have shared many stories about my mom either here or with many of you, so today is all about Dad.

My dad, Harry, was the best father anyone could ask for. It is sad that I only had him for a short part of my life, but he is still with me in my heart and in my memories.

Dad was physically ill a lot, but it never got in his way of being a dad. His wife and his kids were his life...and that was by his choice...not by obligation. Dad usually worked 5 and a half days a week, but when he got home on Saturday afternoon he was HOME. We always did things together. We went to the beach in the summers. We went for custards, we played in the yard, he bbbq'd. Dad made the best ham on the grill. It got to the point he had to make 2 because as soon as the neighborhood could smell dad's ham they swarmed to the house! Dad was a much better cook then mom, so you know the meal was gonna be awesome when dad cooked! And he enjoyed cooking, so he did a good share of it. Oh, and Dad loved cheese...the stinkier the better! He would actually let cheese get moldy, cut off the mold and eat it! Ewww!

Sunday's had their own special routine. I would get up and "help" him take his insulin shot, then he would read me the comics (I knew it was him, even though he used my little blue monkey...Chimpy, to pretend to read them!) and then we would make pancakes. I will never forget those Sunday mornings. And then off the family would go. Dad was in sporting goods, so fishing was a big part of our Sundays. Lake Oconomowoc here we come!

Dad loved to have new cars. About every two years he got a new one. We always teased that instead of emptying the ashtray, he would just trade it in! My brother has inherited that gene. While I am content with my car until my car is no longer content with me! I would rather drive a 10 year old car then make car payments!! That explains why I have only had 3 cars in my life!

And Dad did what seems to be a natural dad thing...fall asleep watching tv. He would be snoring away and as soon as you either changed the channel or turned it off he woke up saying he was watching that! His favorite show to watch was Combat. But we also watched other shows together. My favorite to watch with him the the Rifleman! I would dress up in my cowgirl outfit and swoon over Johnny Crawford! Yes, I know I was only 6 or 7!!

Everyone loved my dad...the neighborhood kids, his nieces and nephews...everyone. But none more then I did. He always had a kind word and a kind way. And he was fun!

Rest in peace dear Daddy. I still miss you and love you so very much.

Until next time...