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December 31, 2005

It's never safe to be nostalgic about something until you're absolutely certain there's no chance of it coming back. ~Bill Vaughn

Sure, I get nostalgic about Ventura, once in a while. As I got older, my emotions started gushing at the drop of a hat like when I'm watching a stupid TV sitcom. I tell myself it's utterly preposterous but age has me by the cajones making my hormones all screwed up and me, emotionally semi out of control. We all think this characteristic is normally attributed to the sensitive sex. However, it's not just women who go through some kind of change.

Although, beyond a doubt, I'm not admitting to having changes anywhere near the ferocity of the female species. If you've ever watched Mexican soap operas, you'll see a lot of men crying so down here, it's not so humiliating. The US stll hangs on to that wild west macho independent image that only wussy men shed a tear. That is except for the gurly men, the effeminate hetrosexuals and the educated elite.

With all due respect, no matter what you are thinking or how you are judging what I am saying, don't peg me as anything but pure buck goat. Always have been, always will be. There are certain things I've retained since my youth and with the chemicals now available from Pfizer and others, I'm able to pursue fantasies only imagined by the young and restless. So I'll shed a tear over trivia but then I'll recuperate quickly and head to the frig for a cold Pacifico. Ugg, me like everything about Jane.

Not too long ago, I got a letter from Jonell, a classmate from the 60's at VHS. She expressed feelings about the enjoyment she gets from taking a long walk along the beach and then hopping up to Palermo's Restaurant, where she meets old friends for some good coffee and conversation. I envy you Jonell. I still have great memories of Ventura and all my old classmates and friends from the past. It would be great to spend time there and re-connect with some of the home boys and gurls.

Of course the next question is, if I were to return to Ventura, where do I find a decent rental? I need something under $100 a month. Now that they have demolished the low-income housing in the Santa Clara River bottom, there isn't anywhere for me to put my hand painted paisley refrigerator box. What's the world coming to? It must be the patriot act or the housing bubble.

Looks like I'll have to tough it out, a little while longer, on the coast near latitude 23 degrees North where rent is less than what you'd pay for a meal and a bottle of wine at some moderately upscale restaurant in San Buenaventura. Not to brag, but there are people around Mazatlan who have center consoles in their cars that will accomodate a quart of beer and two glasses. Luckily, the speed limit is only 25 MPH. Decadence and hedonism still exists south of the border and it costs less than a breakfast at Dennys.

25 million baby boomers will soon know the pain of living in poverty until they discover this parallel universe down Mexico way. You can't afford Ventura? Come on down ya hear.