Memories of 87 years by Bob

California II

So much happened in the 5 years we lived in Saratoga that I am sure I will leave out parts but this was a long time ago. My rep in NYX was VERY Italian and loved good food. He also weighed in at 400 pounds. I had quite a few occasions to dine with him in and around Central Park. He had an auto fitted for his figure and seemed well loved at our clients place in the Bronx. I think he knew every Italian Restaurant in New York, He would order a 7 course meal and still be hungry. Sadly this was also his demise. On one of the occasions I was in California I received a call that he had died of a coronary at age 37. Tony was a very special person and loved life but not enough to give up his desire of all things Italian. I felt proud to know him.

We had a company in Japan licensed to build product. I'm not sure how much they built but they were very gracious hosts. Bill and I were invited to an Embassy party in San Francisco on at least one occasion. This was sadly before I had discovered the marvels of sushi so I missed a lot of the flavor. Life sure can throw us curveballs once in a while.

One of the autos I owned was a Buick Wildcat, 2 door sedan. I loved the car but it just wasn't right for our family so we traded for a 9 passenger Buick station wagon. At least all our children would fit! I think Ellen drove that car all over northern California. If you don't think that is impressive, try driving in Northern California! I did get another vehicle, a 1964 Ford T-bird. It was all white with white leather seats. I loved the car but because of my travels I didn't get a chance to drive it much and finally sold it. Then, in a stupid mode (I have had many) I bought a Triumph MG-A, the worst looking and driving "sports car" ever! I tried it a few times and then dumped it. You couldn't even get a set of golf clubs to fit. It sounded impressive until I realized 35 mph was fast for this car! We had a company car which Bill and I shared but this was when California was regulating emissions without the knowledge to do so. The car spit and sputtered the entire time we used it due to a faulty catalytic convertor design. I will have more on convertors at another time!

Our middle son, Tony started school in Saratoga. We had purchased a small bike for him to ride to school. One day he was all decked out to go and he told his mother he didn't feel like going to school. Well, like a lot of mothers, Ellen doubted he was sick so sent him off on his bike only to get a call that he was sick and would need to be picked up from school. Sometimes you just have to trust your children.

On another occasion, Tony mounted his bike to go to school and wrecked before getting there. I believe has since conquered the bicycle!

Our youngest son, Thomas, started kindergarten a year or so later. Well, Thomas, like his dad, is a little swarthy. The teacher asked all the students about ethnicity (which I guess was allowed). Thomas answered that he was Spanish. His teacher asked him if he would say a few words in Spanish to which he replied, "I don't feel like it right now". We have absolutely NO Spanish heritage in either the Buchanan or Burkett families. Aren't children great?

I'm not sure of the exact year but the chief engineer and I flew to Paris to visit our sub-manufacturer, located south of the city. It was my first time out of the USA and of course I spoke no French (remember languages are not my forte). Luckily the engineer spoke fluent French (he was a Swiss citizen}. I stayed 2 weeks, one week in an older French hotel and the second in a more modern western style motel. The French hotel must have had straw beds and no AC (it was June) but the breakfast was outstanding, sweet rolls and coffee (espresso with cream and sugar). The French are not real fond of people from the USA although I'm not sure why. I believe most of the people I met spoke some english but certainly weren't going to help me out (except maybe the door).. One evening I was alone and decided I would have a drink at the bar. So, I ordered a martini and was brought vermouth. Heck, I never used vermouth in my martini's with Bill at home, just gin and a lemon slice. No way could I get what I wanted across so I gave up and went to bed.

Paris is a lovely city and I was able to do some touring. We stayed close to the Arc De Triumph and the views are magnificent. I had excellent food and the wines are to die for. I enjoyed the "western" style hotel as I was able to finally get bacon and eggs and the hotel had soft beds and air conditioning. The drive to the plant south of Paris was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don't think they ever sold any of the product in France but did ship some back to other locations. All in all, Paris is a delightful city with lots to see and do but it would be helpful to speak French.

The engineer and I left France together and flew to Switzerland where his parent s resided. We rented a car and drove to his parent's house where again, the scenery is spectacular, We parted ways there and I flew into Munich, Germany to visit our rep. He spoke perfect English and was a delight (Oxford educated). I enjoyed the countryside, food and beer and his company. He drove me out of Munich to visit a castle (Crazy Ludwig's castle). To get there we took the autobahn at speeds of over 200 km/hr which is a little scary in a small sports car. A side note: I found it funny that a lot of the taxis are Mercedes, which is a little pricey, but no VWs!

When I left Germany I was supposed to be accompanied by an Italian speaking fellow to Milan, Italy. Well it turns out he had some passport problem and the Italians would not let him in, so I wound up on my own. It turns out the Italians are wonderfully sympathetic to US citizens and were very accommodating. They were very disorganized whereas the Germans had everything in order. What different cultures in all the countries I visited. Nether ever sold much product.

I flew back to Paris to meet the engineer and we both flew to London, England where they speak some form of English, I think. Weather wasn't real nice there but I did do a little touring and then we headed back home. I was happy to go but just as happy to get back to California.

I will finish California in my next post. Lots of drama.