Tinkering

Lately, my mom has been complaining about my dad's 'tinkering', as she put it, around the house.  In one of our recent conversations she mentioned that dad has been 'puttering' around the house and garage organizing and sorting...and along with that...complaining about where all of his "stuff" has disappeared to.  Now you have to know my dad's history with organizing his "stuff".  My dad, believe it or not, is quite anal when it comes to his own belongings.  I can remember his meticulous methods of organizing his tools, barber sets, guns, camping gear, etc etc etc.  Dad knew precisely where each item was located whether it was labeled or not.  Dad did NOT however touch or organize anything that wasn't his... inside or outside of the household.  THAT was reserved for my mother ;)  When the garage would become a mess... my dad would say to my mom  "Florence, we have our entire lives to organize and clean the garage!"  To which my mom would roll her eyes and sigh heavily.  This was a standard argument that transpired between mom and dad.  Over the years and children...and grandchildren...my dad has since stopped organizing and took somewhat of a "why bother" attitude.  Who could blame him...I mean with 2 daughters, 2 sons in law, 7 grandkids and 2 great grandkids one can imagine the chaos and disorganization that happens over time.  My dad has never been an authoritarian so rules and follow through are not his strong suit.  Now...after 51 years of marriage my dad has decided to 'tinker' in the garage and I have to say...he has really done a nice job of organizing his "stuff"once again :)

When I picked my dad up this time for lunch he was really excited to show me what he had done in the garage.  He was particulary proud of his tools.  Dad showed me the "tools of his trade" which became a nice springboard for todays lunch with dad.  We headed for Red Robin...one of our favorite places to eat.  We were seated right away and ordered the towering onion rings, which is a must whenever we visit RR.  Our conversation continued right where we left off. 

After dad came home from the Navy a few of his friends...in particular a guy named Art...talked my dad into becoming a mechanic.  Greyhound was hiring and they had an apprentice program.  While he was in school studying to be a journeyman mechanic he worked as a barber.  Remember...dad got his barbers license right out of high school.  He spent 4 years in an apprenticeship program and then worked for 2 years at Greyhound. But,  as life often goes, the union went on strike and dad was out of work.  Dad said he didn't want to go on unemployment with a family to support so he opened his very own gas station called Phil's Texaco.  Just as the station was thriving, life struck once again, and a recession hit.  You can imagine how a private business owner managed during a time such as this.  Prices dropped and business was grim.  Dad had to look at his options once again. 

Dad gravitated towards his comfort zone and what he knew best and applied at the Naval shipyard as a heavy duty equipment mechanic.  He started out at Hunter's Point and worked there until it closed.  He later transferred to Mare Island and Commuted from San Bruno to Vallejo for about 12 years.  My memory as a child begins here with my dad and his work.  I remember his commute and the toll it took on him daily.  It was a big relief when he was promoted to inspector and then to transportation specialist.  These promotions moved him to the Navy base located in our home town, San Bruno, California.  Dad's commute was about 10 minutes.  Life changed drastically.  With promotion came a much higher salary, but also alot more responsibilty and a ton of travel.  Dad began traveling all over the country.  His favorite place to visit on his travels was Sub Base Bangor in Washington.  He also loved Bremerton and Widby Island both in Washington, as well. I remember dad wanting to move to Washington state most of my childhood, however, my mother is a California girl and would not even hear of it.  Among dad's travels included Maine, North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida.  I specifically remember dad sending home 2 dozen lobsters from Kittery, Maine!  What a treat that was for the whole family :)  These travels continued to refine and shape the man that is my dad.  And the stories that he has to tell, if one takes the time to listen, are priceless.

Dad and I enjoyed our "usuals" Dad: the mushroom burger and Me: The BBQ chicken salad.  We left Red Robin and headed to my house where dad napped until my mom came to pick him up.  It was an exhausting but very productive lunch with dad :)