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Pinstripes and
Details
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! So - for those of you that read my column faithfully (thanks,
much!), you'll know that I am drawn to the unusual - the things that
money cannot buy - you know...true friends...family...dedication, etc.
When I saw the truck I knew there was a story - and it would be a good
one. The truck arrived in or at the edge of Darke County from
California. The owner could not get the truck to run or run rightly.
Sorry about the "on or about" stuff. These details are not important
for the point I want to make. Eventually the truck's owner gave up
trying to figure out the problem and sold the truck.
A Father bought it for his Son - which starts my point. Father and Son
worked together, thought and studied until they got the truck to run -
rightly. Score 1 for humanity! The Son has thought about what he wants
the truck to look like - he's going to drive it when he turns 16. He's
got a couple more years to decide other details.
To look at the truck -- you would really not think much - if you gave
it a second glance. It's not "brand new", doesn't have a new paint job
- you know - pearlized paint or the like. It doesn't have tinted
windows, chrome bed protectors, etc...at least not yet.
Behind the truck's appearance is a Father/Son team. I'm told the truck
can "walk a Thunderbird like it's standing still" - that is - it's
fast. I say that because there are those odd few situations where speed
can get you out of trouble where a brake will not. The truck is
road-worthy. Score II for humanity!
Now for where "the rubber meets the road" stuff. With all of the heroin
usage...kiddies and adults...all of the items being set on fire
"randomly"...all of the broken windows - here in Darke County, is a
Father who evidently cares. It gives me hope to watch these things. -
far and few between that they are.
Maybe a trend will be reborn. Maybe Saturday night on Broadway will be
what it once was - a place to show your hard work to others - a place
to set goals where others helped you gain your goals and maintain them.
In the '50's - this was known as "Walkin' the Dog." You would ask a
friend if they were going to walk their dog Saturday night.
Maybe people will see that the "easy way" is not always the best way.
Maybe people will see that being a parent is not always easy. But, you
need to put forth an effort to get a good result.
To the Father: Keep up the work and effort. You have the right idea.
To the Son: When I was 15 - I had to sand my first car - by hand. It
took me three weeks...every spare minute I had. Finally, Dad said it
was ready to paint. I was so excited. I rode my bicycle everywhere and
that was all going to stop - soon!
The day came when the paint was dry, the masking paper was off, the
windows were shining, and the rims were polished. That's when Dad
announced that the car needed insurance - and I would have to buy
it. Back to the bike! I worked at the Wayne Theater and the now, long
gone Speedway Drive-In...every hour they would give me. I heard your
Dad was thinking of putting pin-striping on the truck. Dad
pin-striped my car. I smile about that now. That is not what I would
have chosen then.
I share the above with you readers because these are the memory-making
times. As I write this - Earl Baltes - previous owner of Eldora Race
Way has died. In all of the tributes I have read about him - no one has
ever said he helped Darke County by watching the tv, etc. He brought
new people with new ideas to Darke County using a little dirt track
that seemed to call to the racers - "Beat me if you can." In the
Track's history - racers have come from all over the world. And maybe
that's the way - new ideas and people on a proven track.
Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the
furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next
time. Ever Toodles!!
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