Pine Bluff News
By Pat Matheny
Tuesday afternoon I took Susie to an appointment with an ophthalmologist at the Clarksburg Eye Center on Chestnut Street.
The doctor said that her left eye’s cataract wasn’t serious enough to mess with at this time, which tickled Susie to death. Then, we ate at the Parkette Restaurant on old Bridgeport Hill.
When the Parkette was formerly located on top of the hill, it was a happening place back in the late 50s and 60s. It was the half way point between the Ellis Drive-in/Restaurant on Bridgeport’s side of hill and the Satellite Restaurant on Clarksburg’s side. When you were out cruisin’ the streets with your girl, these three places were a must to hit on Friday and Saturday nights (American Graffiti).
On Saturday nights, there was a cop directing traffic in front of the Satellite because of cars looking for a parking space. There were all kinds of black marks in front of the restaurant on old Rt. 50 from guys lighting the tires up for a short distance while circling. If you wouldn’t or your car couldn’t bark the tires while circling, you were not in the “In crowd”. Thank God, John J. never found out how much rubber this son left there.
Both sides of the old hill were ideal for drag racing with two lanes going straight up and one coming down on each side; as long as the cops weren’t in the area. They’d have a guy with a flashlight at the top of the hill signaling when everything was clear. Now, I hope you folks don’t think I was involved in any such actions. Boy, do I long for the good old days.
Wednesday I took Susie to get her hair done at Ahead of Style Salon in the Barrick Centre in town. It hasn’t been open long, so she decided to give them a shot. While waiting, I listened to the car’s radio and read the newspaper. When she returned to the vehicle, she seemed to be well pleased with the finished product, and I told her now it’s my turn. So, we drove over to the Bridgeport Barber Shop, where Jim did the honors on me. She spent her waiting time in the vehicle reading a book.
Afterwards, we hit Walmart on the Hill to pick up meds and to do some shopping, plus hit Staples for a copy of TurboTax … yep; it’s that time of the year. For dining, we hit Casey’s of Anmoore. While there, it was good to chat with #3 Shane and Lindsay.
When we returned home in late afternoon, our Santana was sitting in her car in the driveway waiting on us.
Later in the evening, Andrew showed up and they watched the first half of the WVU game, then they left because the weather was turning bad.
Thursday morning I had another appointment at the Clarksburg VA with Vascular Surgeon Dr. Tucker. It was a follow up to the procedure he did on my legs last October. This time I was seen fifteen minutes before my appointment. Doc asked me how I was doing and I said that I’m maintaining. So, he set me up with an appointment to have the legs rechecked in six months. I enjoy talking to doc … he’s a cool guy. I love the valet parking.
Since this year’s legislative session has started in Charleston this week, I wonder if any of my Harrison County Representatives can find out for me why they won’t paint lines on Big Bingamon road. My number is in the phone book!
Until next time, have a great week and remember our Veterans.
Pat