The Christmas season in the dime store business was always hectic. I remember many times Dad would come home from work in the “Step Van” that was fully loaded with goods to be delivered to his Van Nuys store! Dad and I would hop in that old jalopy and head for the valley via “Cold Water Canyon”.
The canyon itself, in present-day Beverly Hills, adopted the Coldwater name by 1877, presumably owing to an old stream.
Our ride, you asked? The 1955 Chevy Step Van (part of the Task Force series) was a rugged delivery vehicle, built on a durable forward-control chassis by Chevy and bodied by outside firms, notable for using robust 235 six-cylinder engines or early small-block V8s, offering simple, functional design, and serving as a workhorse for businesses, with unique body panels and a rugged build making it a sought-after classic today for hot-rodding.
It was a “one seater!
The engine compartment was inside the cab, and it offered a 30″ by 30″ hatch to gain access to the engine. Dad would plop me on the hatch (covered with a small rug so it did not get too hot). Off we would go!
Dad was an excellent driver, but in those days, Cold Water Canyon was full of hairpin turns, steep inclines, and trees to avoid. Once we got to the top, we could see the entire valley below. That’s where the fun began. The truck was generally overloaded, so Dad had to really manage the braking. I can still hear him saying, “Hold On!!!” as he zig-zags down the steep decline.
Finally, we would make it to “flat land,” and a few miles further, we would be at the Panorama City store, and unload goodies directly into the store.
After unloading, we departed for home via Cold Water Canyon. The truck was empty, and it flew like a bird back over the hills into Los Angeles. We did this adventure every night during December.
In the morning, we just did some chores around the house, but at 10:00, warming bells and “get-dressed” alarm went off, meaning we were at 90 minutes from a mandatory departure from the barn.
Yes, today was the International Packard Car Club’s annual Christmas luncheon. Mary has been a member for many years, and it is a great time to sit with some “gear-heads” and learn about vintage cars from almost 90 years ago.
We went to Gulliver’s, adjacent to the John Wayne Airport. The Old English atmosphere and delicious food made it a perfect place for the past several years.
We almost made a long-distance call to the Finches!
The Post Office red painted telephone booths in England primarily to make them easy to spot on busy streets, a color choice consistent with the red used for post boxes by the General Post Office (GPO), which also ran the telephone system, creating a recognizable national look. The iconic K2 design, by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, was introduced in 1926, solidifying the red color as a beloved British cultural symbol.
Entering the establishment means having to get one’s eyes adjusted to the quaintness of an English pub. One could almost hear the darts flying across the room and onto their intended targets.
What do you get when you combine a Christmas tree with an iPad? A pineapple.
She lights up the room!!
Of course, Mary went to the VFR to Santa and pulled out her list of “must-haves”. Santa nearly fainted since he had no idea where to find an outdoor all-electric heated chicken coop that was Alexa compatible.
Our friend Tim plays Santa every year, and we see him every week at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge! I did, however, hear him whisper into Mary’s ear, “Do you want a piece of candy, little girl?”
How does Christmas Day end? With the letter Y!
I should have warned Tim, “Never argue with your doctor. He has inside information.”
Mary found Santa!
We sat at a corner table with Dianne and Fast Eddie. Our table was for six, so we looked around and spotted people who were alone and coerced them to sit with us; it’s always a good time to meet a new friend.
A gingerbread man went to the doctor’s complaining of a sore knee. The doctor asked him. “Have you tried icing it?”
I declared Victory on this December 7th!
I did well, I had a glass of wine and then went back to a Diet Coke.
Mary and I both wore our Christmas Bonnets, and we could NOT resist showing them to the “car guys”.
We headed home and took a long winter’s nap. I think we were still recovering from the all-day Saturday adventures.
We had a small dinner in the TV room, and since it was a bit cool, I enjoyed Mary making a big plate of INdian food. The hot curry was just what the doctor ordered.
It followed us home!
Mary did pay me a compliment on my decorating efforts!
James turned 85, and he invited us to his birthday party at Old Ranch for dinner with family and friends.
