It wouldn’t be quite right for me to talk about road trips with an old girlfriend without mentioning Stephanie, whose birthday it is today. This isn’t facebook (which I don’t do), but then this isn’t only just about her. It’s also the oldest shot I have of a curbside classic, as I never deliberately shot cars back in the film days, saving that precious commodity for loved ones (I have mountains of family photos). Now I do wish I’d taken some street side scenes too.
We used to see this 1951 Mercury parked a few blocks away from our house on 12th Street in Santa Monica, and on our regular walks to the beach or downtown; this was in 1978 or 1979. We’d pass and ogle it, as we both loved it. So one day I finally told Stephanie to stand next to it and save it for posterity. And here it is, and I’m sharing my first CC with you. Sorry; I’m not sharing my “last CC” though. 🙂
Stephanie is currently staying with her mom in Iowa while her mom recuperates from a medical issue (she’s doing fine). And I know she reads CC every day, so: Happy Birthday!! and here’s to many, many more!
Happy birthday, Stephanie!
One of my oldest friends also shares this day as HER birthday, too.
Happy Birthday Steph! Hope we can visit again soon.
Well, as soon as it is safe to travel to the USA again, anyway!
Happy Birthday Stephanie!
Aww, I didn’t know she read CC every day, that’s wonderful!
Happy birthday, Stephanie! And I hope your mom has a speedy recovery.
You have to be pretty special to get the attention of this group!
Congratulations, happy birthday and get better soon!
VanDude
Happy birthday Stephanie!
Happy Birthday, Stephanie!
Paul, perhaps you could find a similar car for a present? 🙂
I wish. They were easier (and cheaper) to find back then. 🙂
Happy Birthday Stephanie! Glad I had a chance to meet you this summer. Nice car too.
Since my memory works on pretty weird basis, this date will stick in there for a while. It’s only two days after my birthday 😀.
So let me wish the ladies a happy birthday and a smooth recovery (in order of appearance).
My Stephanie have a wonderful birthday and may the lady who arranged for that day to be her birthday get well soon!🎂
Happy Birthday Stephanie, hope this finds you feeling better!
Happy Birthday, Stephanie! I was just out there last week to see my parents, who are 96 and 93. Mom nearly beat us at euchre, and Dad can still eat. Enjoy them while you still can.
Happy Birthday Stephanie!
Happy birthday Stephanie dont count them just enjoy them.
Great photo and best birthday wishes….hope you recover quickly….
Happy Birthday Stephanie, and best wishes to your mother..
I hope PN takes you for a nice dinner when you return..
Happy Birthday, Stephanie!
I think you guys may have it all wrong above about who’s recovering from the medical issue. If I am understanding Paul’s wording in the last sentence…..
I hope your Mom is feeling better soon, Stephanie.
(Or maybe I’ve got it all wrong here.)
Anyway, it’s nice that you read your husband’s blog every day. That’s awesome. It was an absolute delight meeting him over the summer. You’ve got a great guy there.
Paul: Besides to whom the “get well soon” wishes should go, let me ask this:
The car is a 1951 WHAT? – seems to be some ambiguity there as well.
Thanks for pointing out an omission and a lack of clarity. It’s a 1951 Mercury, and yes, Stephanie’s mom had the medical issue, from which she has bounced back very well. She’s almost 92, but still very lively and sharp.
Hope it’s been a nice birthday celebration for Paul’s LOAL/WOAL—best wishes to both women now in Iowa. Thanks for sharing this little life-highlight, Paul.
[Quick Math] I see the Mercury would have been about 27 years old then; maybe in Cali not a rare thing, but decidedly so here in Salt Belt country. Then again, today’s comparison would be a 1991-92 car, and I still do see those once in a while (though usually as beaters rather than as collectibles).
Stephanie was touched by all the greetings. And her mom’s doing much better; she drove her beloved Ford Contour today to the store.
Happy birthday Stephanie! Glad you’re helping mom, and thanks for sharing Paul and his passion!
Echo that!
Happy Birthday Stephanie !
Happy Birthday, Stephanie!
Best wishes Stephanie and glad to hear your Mom is out and about!
Happy Birthday, Stephanie!
That is a great photo. I wonder if that car has survived?