Buzzy passed 17 years ago today. I still think of him quite often. However, sometimes current affairs make me think of him even more so than usual.
For example, there was this “Buzzy” item in the news the other day:
Then I was reminded of Buzzy through a recent exchange that I had with an elderly lady in the Store. As I added up her purchases, she asked me about the Hillary magnet displayed on the upper AC vent behind the counter.
As I usually do when asked about this particular photo of Hillary, I told the lady “My Dad Buzzy was a big fan of her. I wasn’t, but I leave it up because it reminds me of him and his politics.” That response usually suffices as most folks will generally smile and not followup.
However, this lady hit back at me with “Well, I certainly hope that you and your father are not suffering from TDS.” As I gave her change back to her I replied “Well I think my Dad is ok with it since he died in 09, but I may have a touch of it.” I was still trying to be diplomatic with her, but as I put her things in a bag she persisted by saying “Well, you need to get over it.”
Ordinarily, I ignore and avoid any extended back-and-forths with any Trumpsters because I know it is a waste of my time and energy to do so. However, I had had enough of this old biddy and the Ridge boy in me took over. I said to her “Well, since you are telling me what I need to do, you need to take a look at this” and showed her the following cartoon:
She looked it over, shook her head and said “Oh my. I don’t know what to make of this. You’re not serious are you?” As I handed her her bag, I said “Like Billy Joel would say – I’m as serious as a heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack!
She huffed a little, gathered her things and quickly left without saying another word. I doubt that she will be back. I hope that she doesn’t.
I watched and enjoyed the 5 hour Billy Joel documentary “And So It Goes.” He sure has had quite the life both personally and musically. To check out the trailer for the doc (click here.) And here he is with Anthony’s Song with the quote from above (1:05.)
P.S. For those of you interested in finding where you stand on the red/blue political spectrum, the Pew Research folks have developed a pretty good survey that helps you do that (click here to take a quiz and see where you land.)