‘How Y’all doing?’
We recaptured our Texan accents almost immediately upon arriving in this big and bold state as well as the
odd turn of phrase.
“We’re running late,” I motioned to the editor to speed things up.
She replied, “I’m fixin’ to get ready.” I did not know anything was broken at that stage.
We reached Dallas, Texas, our turn-around point of Hike-about 24 but not before enjoying a wonderful simcha.
Samantha, the daughter of Jody and Charles Norton (Frysh), celebrated her bat mitzvah which began for guests on Friday evening
and ended early Sunday afternoon. Of course, there were periods where we were able to grab some shut-eye as well as refrain
from eating, even for a short while. What’s with this fetish for food? I’m sorry I asked. Who am I to challenge an old
tradition? Some things never go out of fashion. Pass me another bagel, please.
We debate philosophical issues but Ellie tires quickly.
Granny Ruth, who is my mother rather than grandmother, arrived from South Africa for the occasion. At her sprightly
age of … years, she was one of the stars of the weekend. She is the last remaining member of her generation of the Lazarow,
Ludman, Segell and Cohen clans. Fortunately, she looks strong and healthy and has not lost her strictness with her
elder son. Pity!
The speeches of Jody and Charles, followed by that of Samantha, were superb and should be considered the highlight
of the weekend together with Samantha’s leading of the service. For technical reasons, Jen and I did not make the shul
service but we read the speeches thereafter. Wow!
Gaga and the guys
We missed playing 'silly buggers'.
For the Lazarow family, it was very special but for other reasons. Every member of the family including Shelby,
that’s Robbie’s true love, attended. Shelby’s doing a test run on the family. Gavin arrived from Seattle, Robbie from
San Francisco area, Natalie and Anthony—San Diego, Fiona and Mark from Plano, their daughter Jade, close to graduating, from
Fort Worth, as well as son Justin, now residing in San Diego. He obviously misses Aunt Jenni terribly and so relocated. Rumor has
it that it might have something to do with post-graduate study.
However, the real stars of the show were Miss Ellie and Master Benny. We had not seen them since the end of September
so it was a big treat for us.
My favorite girl under 63 years.
One has to understand there is something deep going on here. They say ’two hats are better than one’. When we
are with Benny, I just know he’s going to take my hat so I should always have two. However, what you see is more than just
a hat. Under the hat is a yoyo balancing on his head but supported by said hat. The string hanging down and over his face is
from the yoyo. Now when I understand the deep significance of this expression of a three-year old I’ll be sure to let you know.
The reception proved to be an elaborate affair where all seemed to enjoy themselves. The luckiest guy of the lot
was the DJ. He had his ears covered and was not forced to hear the pounding coming from the boom boxes. In addition, I learned
so much about being a DJ from him that the field is wide open for us. We’re always on the lookout for an opportunity; I have
to keep the editor in boots, hats and on mountains. The trick in the business seems to be: Play loud music so people
cannot converse, sell earplugs on the side and utter the following phrases constantly so people reach levels of ecstasy: “Put your
arms in the air”; “Are we having fun?” and “ I see you”. I think I could do that with a little practice.
Typical of life, not everything works out well. We were with cousins Carol and Basil. Both have struggled with
health issues but Basil is being tested in a cruel way. We plead for respite and improving health.
Ellie struts down the runway.
Cost an ice-cream to get the hat back.
On a positive note, the maternal grandparents Sandra (Cohen) and Howard Frysh complemented the younger hosts
with their usual aplomb. The Nortons (senior) were wonderful hosts, too with Mrs. Norton reminding us of what many people say
to us—we love your accents.
We met friends from many years back, Susan and Jeff Peiper. They are locals whom we were very friendly with when
we lived in Dallas. In the last twenty-six years, Susan has aged about three-days. As for Jeff, a gentleman always remains one—so
few of those remaining today.
Lynda Lotz, a friend from our days when Gavin was in pre-school, continues to inspire us. She is currently
bringing up her four grandchildren. Although Linda’s feet are much smaller than mine, I could never fill her shoes.
We hear the mountains calling…(John Muir)
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A Gaggle...giggle of Lazarows: Jeffrey, Justin, Gavin, Robbie and Mark.
Three of Lynda's grandchildren: Jade, Craig and Alissa. John was busy. (Mom sits on the side.)
Susan and Jeff Peiper.
Apologies for too many photos of one of the spouses but Jenni controls the 'people' camera.
