Even though I was just a kid, I feel like I spent a lot of time in the mid-70s at Phelan's T-Bird partying as Freddy Fender's "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" played over and over again on the juke box. For me, it's the perfect theme song for those days and nights spent at the bar hanging out with my Mom and her friends---an almost surreal collection of local desert characters and Mexicans who worked at the chicken ranch. The only thing missing in Fender's recording is the smack of the cue ball during a break and the smell of Joyce's questionable burgers and fries.
Obit: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-Obit-Fender.html
Hey, watch what you say about Joyce's cooking. It got us through those years. Your memory of the song is so right on, throw a little .25 draft in and I'm there...and will be "until the last teardrop falls..." (you really inspire me to get back to my book..Thanks)p.s. I've still got Joyce's platter from one of her famous burritos! (RIP FF)
ReplyDeletehey, how about the door that everyone signed (no longer there)and what do you think was in that chili? did you guys know that Joyce and Harry died in a car accident? Sol probably told you that...I think it was near my parents house like so many others...I remember standing outside of Smith's market with Mickey trying to get someone with a buzz already to buy us some mad dog or boones farm or one of those other fine alcoholic beverages...of course the only money we had was from recycling her mom's many coke bottles...ah, the memories...is there maybe a T-Bird rendezvous in your future? if so, count me in guys. Sharon
ReplyDeleteThanks for the note Sharon. I had heard about Joyce and Harry. That's sad. I didn't know that the T-Bird is still open. If you're game so are we! (If we ever make it back to Phelan that is!....Hope so!)
ReplyDelete