My first marriage ended 45 years ago and those of my vintage understand that memories fade so there are not many really vivid ones to recall. However, there are a few …
1) Jerry was a doc so he had a few shekels to spend on his greatest love … Mercedes … not a lady, an automobile. I swore that he spent more time at the dealership on Main Street in Buffalo than anywhere else. One year, for my birthday, he surprised me with a new car. Independent and, as I realize now, stupid, I insisted that it be returned and that I get what I requested … READY? a new pair of Bass Weegan loafers!!! I still have those loafers today. They are an absolute horror … torn, worn and just ridiculous. I once took them to a shoe repair in Westvale and the gentleman said, “Lady, if these mean so much to you, wrap them up in plastic and put them on a shelf in the closet.” Apparently, they were a bit beyond repair. Do you know what a 1969 Mercedes would fetch today … me neither. And, do you realize that when men begin any sentence with “Lady” that what is to follow is seldom what we wish to hear?
2) In my third year of grad school at UB, and no longer a child-undergrad, I went to a hair salon. Dressed in typical college attire, cut-offs and a University sweatshirt, I may have passed for 18, but that was no excuse for the behavior of the receptionist. She gave me short shrift when I asked a question and kept me on hold far too long waiting for a simple hair cut. I cannot now recall why someone else made my next appointment but when I arrived, again dressed in my college uniform, she couldn’t have been more pleased to see me. I suspect she was not only the receptionist, but also the owner. She told me how my husband’s “girl” had called and how they would take excellent care of me. Now, because I was Mrs. Dr. B., I was pure gold. I never returned to that shop.