We live in a strange and wonderful world. I live in it with my not-so-strange and oh-so-wonderful friend, Jan. Who has kept me supplied with the essentials: Triscuits, fuzzy socks, romantic novels and, now, personalized M&Ms. Who’d a thunk it?
Jan and I met in Los Angeles when we both worked at the Oar House (a bar) and Buffalo Chips (the attached hamburger joint) back in the ’70’s. I fondly refer to those as my wild party girl days: I would drink 3 entire [name your liquor concoction here], giggle relentlessly, than pass out. Talk about your cheap date.
Jan was my roommate and the BEST bartender at the Oar House. When a bartender got a tip, you’d ring your bell. Jan’s bell never stopped. The only thing louder was her laugh. She entertained, she listened, she knew your name. If she knew your story, she never told. She would have a theme for her Saturday night shift complete with costume, lights, props. She taught me a thing or two. When I was awake.
We lost touch for a few years then found each other again. She’d married Henry, Tortilla Chip Magnate and a diver, and they were coming to Key West for a dive trip. I’d been in real estate for few years by that time and, guess what, so was she. We had a good laugh over that! Some things make perfect sense.
Jan is one of those rare True friends. You KNOW if you needed her, she would be there, no excuses, no hemmin’ and hawin’. She knows what’s important. Like chocolate and trashy novels. Yessiree, life is good. Just like those M&Ms were. Pura vida, Saratica
The Oar House… was that in Venice Beach? I remember it being pretty amazing – it took me awhile to figure out that the telephone calls being broadcast on the intercom were taped!
Sorry it took me so long to respond! Traveling… The Oar House is in Santa Monica, just one street from the “border” of Venice, but right there on Main Street a block from the ocean (or maybe two blocks… it’s been almost 30 years. ack.) Fun place to work, I do remember that! When were you there?
Hey – since you both worked at the Oar House – check out this site – http://www.oarhousebuffalochips.com/ – it’s sure to bring back a good memory or two or fifty.
OMG – that brings back a few memories. Sending in my name for the list of employees… wish I could remember all those people but I was so drunk after 5pm, it comes back in fits and spurts. Is it still in operation? I wonder… thanks for letting me know!