Tuesday, April 22, 2008

There's A Lot Of History In That Funeral Home

Thinking that yesterday was going to be relaxing, I suddenly realized around 4:00 p.m. that I had to attend a viewing of one of my friend's father who recently passed away. Fortunately, most of the things that I needed to do were done, so I ate an early dinner and left for the funeral home around 7:30.

Upon my arrival, I entered to see my friend and give my condolences. As most funerals go, there's always that uncomfortable feeling that one gets in those times of sorrow. Yet, I also had sort of a warm, fuzzy feeling.

You see, the funeral home was once a restaurant and lounge called Gatsbys, and yours truly used to go there quite frequently between wife number one and wife number two ( as far as bathroom humor goes, you can play that hand as you wish).

As I stood outside the funeral home, I remembered arriving at Gatsby's, pulling up under the covered roof and the valet opening the car door. If I was accompanied, I take my lady's arm and we would make our "entrance." I had some good times there, seeing my friends, performing with the band and just "hanging out."

As I left for home, I smiled and thought, 'Well, when my time comes, what better place? Hell, all they really have to do is rebuild the bar and prop me up.'

What Were They Thinking? Rescue workers are searching for a priest who disappeared off the coast of Brazil while trying to break a record for the most hours flying with helium party balloons. Rescuers spent a second day seeking signs of the Rev. Adelir Antonio de Carli of the Sao Cristavo parish.

Carli lifted off Sunday afternoon wearing a helmet, thermal suit and a parachute. He was reported missing eight hours after losing contact with port authorities. Authorities saw pieces of balloons floating in the sea off the coast of Santa Catarina state close to where Carli made last contact. Uh, call me silly, father, but I would have passed on that one !

The Pictures: Been to a big resort lately? Think you've seen some big swimming pools? Wrong, chlorine breath ! Wait 'til you've seen this one! My pal, Garnett, sent me these pictures of the man-made saltwater lagoon at the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo, on Chile's southern coast.

It is more than 1,000 yards long, covers 20 acres, has a deep end depth of 115 feet and holds 66 million gallons of seawater. I suggest that you wear water wings if you decide to do laps.

                      

I've added a few more of my favorites to today's pictures, as well.

This Date In History: 1864; Congress authorizes the use of the phrase "In God We Trust" on U.S. Coins. 1889; A gunshot signals the start of the government-sponsored Oklahoma Land Rush; thousands of Americans rush into the territory to claim land. 1915; The New York Yankees debut their famous pinstripes and hat-in-the-ring logo. 1976; Barbara Walters signs a record one million dollar contract with ABC and becomes the first female nightly news anchor in the United States.

Birthdays: Isabella I, queen of Castile (1451), Vladimir Lenin, Soviet leaderand theorist (1870), J. Robert Oppenheimer, American physicist who directed the development of the first atomic bomb (1904), Jack Nicholson, film actor, writer, director and producer. (1937).

The Hits Just Keep On Coming:

For three years, the young attorney had been taking his brief vacations at this country inn. The last time he'd finally managed an affair with the innkeeper's daughter. Looking forward to an exciting few days, he dragged his suitcase up the stairs of the inn, then stopped short. 

There sat his lover with an infant on her lap! "Helen, why didn't you write when you learned you were pregnant?" he cried. "I would have rushed up here, we could have gotten married, and the baby would have my name!" 

"Well," she said, "when my folks found out about my condition, we sat up all night talkin' and talkin' and decided it would be better to have a bastard in the family than a lawyer."

A guy phones a law firm and says, "I want to speak to my lawyer." The receptionist says, "I'm sorry, but your lawyer died last week." The next day the same guy phonesthe law firm and says, "I want to speak to my lawyer." Once again the receptionist replies, "I'm sorry, but your lawyer died last week."

The next day the guy makes his regular call to the law firm and say, "I want to speak to my lawyer." "Excuse me sir," the receptionist says, "but this is third time I've had to tell you that your lawyer died last week. Why doyou keep calling?" The guy replies, "Because I love hearing it!"

That's it for today my little honey bees. More tomorrow.

Stay Tuned !

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jim did you pee in the pool again?

Anonymous said...

Jim did you pee in the pool again?

Anonymous said...

I am with you on the funeral I want my kids to spread my ashes over my salvage yard I once owned and to have a little prayer no big fuss or they can spread me at the daytona 500 either way I will be happy ... I hope you have a great week and my condolences to your friend and their family
hugs
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Withe the resort pictures coming out, sounds like it's time to start thinking about a vacation! I'm ready to go again!

Jackie

Anonymous said...

Let's hope your next visit to Gatsby's is a long ways away.

Beth

Anonymous said...

I saw that on the AOL home page about the floating priest.  I can understand his desire for such an adventure, there was a guy in Oregon that did the same things last summer.  And even my significant other Bob, has thought it would be fun to attach some helium balloons to a lawn chair and go "sailing." I just hope they are able to find the poor guy unharmed.  I bet he'll never do that again.  Linda in Washington state   http://journals.aol.com/lsfp1960/LindasWorld/





Anonymous said...

 That's some pool.  Who has to clean it I wonder.  Only you would have fond memories at a funeral home, LOL.  As usual loved the photo's and jokes.

           Julie

Anonymous said...

I LOVE men in your age catagory.  They know how to treat a lady.  Open the doors and take her arm.   Too bad the young ones have never experienced courship or courtesey.  After the funeral of last week, I am having my demise, I plan on having a great catered affair...........with an open bar!   Gotta love it, right?     Anne

Anonymous said...

What a story about the funeral home. LOL!
Loved that resort! That is quite a lagoon they've built. Hope you are having a good night.
Love, Pam

Anonymous said...

    What do you call 500 lawyers at the bottom of the sea? Two answers: 1. Pollution. 2. A start. Have a good day.
Jude
http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay

Anonymous said...

That is something, turned it into a funeral home of all things! LOL, what a story. I love the man made lagoon, it is very inviting looking, some very beautiful pictures. :) Kelly