My theme is Musical Memories: The Memories that music brings rushing back.
A number of years ago, an Aunt of mine passed away and I wanted to attend her funeral in Livingston and burial at Camp Ruby cemetery. Pete didn't really want to go. So it was decided that our son, Bubba, would accompany me for two reasons: one there would be a male presence with me on the S.E. Texas back roads to ensure my safety and help with mechanical issues. And two, so he could see family on my side. Or they could see him, daddy's namesake.
It came a gully washer that day. I was driving Pete's step side Chevy with the mags and Daytona 60's and 50's. Sharp looking, but not much for hugging a road full of water. We had to crawl along at 45 mph not to hydroplane on the road. It was pouring so bad, I missed my turnoff. We went a huge loop around in the downpour. We were both tense.
Listening to an oldies station on the radio, the announcer came on and said, "Now for the only number one hit by a group that never existed." and started playing "Sugar, Sugar" by the Archies.
Bubba found that statement hilarious! And we both started dancing in our seats and singing along. The stress melted away as we swayed and sang. And we completed our trip safely, if not an hour later than planned.
I shared with him how I was between seven and ten years old when the song came out. And was a devoted watcher of the Saturday morning cartoon. I told him how I used to roller skate at the old wood floored, Biscamp Rink in Silsbee and how I had my own hot pink pom-poms to tie on my rented white roller skates. About how "Sugar, Sugar" was the best song ever to skate to. The beat just went perfectly with the rhythm one needed to fly around the floor. But ever afterward and for always, I will think of that trip when I hear this tune.
Did you watch this cartoon?
Were or are you a roller skater?
Have you ever traveled the old Texas back roads?
