Thought For The Day
Fred Doerr's behavior made Pandora's fiasco look like a misdemeanor. The lad was endlessly creative, persistent to a fault and more fun than a passkey to FAO Schwarz. When paired with Doug Jensen, an early version of Dr. Niles Crane and me, Opie without freckles there was no hope for the world which crossed our path.
When the call came from Doug to head north and go fishing, Fred and I jumped all over it. An adventure of any flavor was always welcome. Just being with Fred was an adventure. You were never able to predict what he might do. He was fearless, without boundaries and as convincing as Clarence Darrow. While all of that lay neatly packaged in the back of your mind you could never see it coming. It being whatever kind of jackpot he would eventually get us in.
Fred was musical. He could sing pretty well. He was persuasive and he loved adventure and the lure of the unpredictable. He was my friend and an endless source of inspiration and intrigue. Fred didn't always start things but everything that happened caromed off his brain like a cue ball gone mad.
Doug Jensen could have been an adviser to the king, even then. He probably is now. He was the picture of self control, excellent manners, thoughtful behavior, meticulous grooming and a generous nature. Doug has never known the pleasure of dishabille. His world is orderly, controlled and predictable. I still remember his mother and sister. The were elegant, gracious, well groomed and articulate. His father was personable, generous and a fantastic public speaker. Why Doug chose Fred and I as his travelling companions is still a mystery to me but the truth is we had a hell of a good time.
I'll begin the story about that trip tomorrow. And just so you know. I can document the upcoming story. It actually made the newspapers.
©Herb Ratliff, July 17, 2012, All Rights Reserved
Uh oh . . . Can't wait to hear.
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