Writing

Lori lounging after flight from Houston

The Aztec Princess and Lori with a BOOK

Melitas and Lori. the props: Tequila on the rocks, a Margarita, & “What a Life!”

DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN                                   AUGUST 3, 2015

Already, I have stolen that expression – maybe it was from Yogi Berra, who murdered the English Language in hilarious fashion, he also was one of the greatest catchers in the MLB for the Great New York Yankees.

Now that that’s out of the way, I will start my story with, of all things: a PROLOGUE. This Prologue is only mentioned so that you can go to the heavy book titled “What a Life!” If you can lift it, (I have a little trouble, especially with my right arm which signed 175 of those tomes,) you go to story “New Neighbor” on page 201. Read that first, then you will be up to speed.

The story now begins: Talk about Déjà vu! This took place on

July 22^nd, the year is 2015. I had just arrived home from my annual appointment with the Cardiologist. The Warden, of course, sees to it that I get there for appointments, and she has her eagle ear listening to what the doctor says. She said, he said my heart is fine. She got my rocks glass out, and started to prepare a libation for me since I had been so good at the Cardiologist’s — well, I was too concerned to go on and on with my lame jokes. I was thinking about my 97 year old heart and how much longer the warranty was good for.

And now seeing the rocks glass out on the counter settled me down. Just then, the door bell rang, and I went for the door since I didn’t want Alba to get mixed up with the drink and maybe forget the Tequila. (Horrors!)

I opened the door, and whom do I see? It’s Lori, the lady who had come to our door around 5 PM around the First of December, back

in 2000. At the time, she was going through the neighborhood inviting folks to an “open house” to get acquainted, and we were last on her journey. She appeared a little bedraggled from tramping around, so I had invited her in. She wasn’t looking bedraggled in the present, and invited her in, anyway.

When the Warden heard Lori’s voice, there was commotion in the kitchen: cupboard door where Margarita glasses are stowed was slamming a bit, then pantry door was opening (that’s where the ingredients are kept,) was making a slight racket. This was going to be much faster service than it was 15 years ago. That’s for sure.

You see, Lori had moved from our ‘hood a couple of years ago

all the way to Houston. Houston!!!, and now she had put herself on a plane to Palm Springs — from Houston!— so she could be a part of the BOOK signing celebration on Saturday, the 25^th. Can you fathom that? All the way from Houston!, all by her little self?

We enjoyed the early evening recalling all our good times here during the years Lori graced herself with her presence, and bemoaned the years now without her. The bartender, meanwhile, was doing an excellent job, but to keep everyone on the straight and narrow, the bar is always closed after 2 rounds.

If I ever have to go to someone’s book-signing, it better not be an airplane flight away. I DON’T FLY. Not anymore. Anyway, I used to. I even piloted those little puddle jumpers — maybe about 70 years ago.

So, if you are planning to have a book-signing, just be sure it’s close by. The Warden doesn’t do long distance driving anymore.

In the meantime, Lori, have a safe trip back to your new stomping ground — HOUSTON!!!!!

Loved seeing you.

MELITAS FORSTER                                     MONDAYS WITH MELITAS