cricket – est. 1944

Yesterday started out pretty early. What was going to be a surprise birthday party for Elise’s mom at her place turned into a “coffee” party at a little cafe in neighboring Webster Groves.

“Cricket Vandover” – the zany genetic pool and embryonic oven whence from half of Elise’s chromosomes sprung from thirty-someodd years ago… it’s uncanny.

Just as how anyone who’s ever met my dad would agree that I’m merely a diluted version of the extremely wonderful, yet strange, original.

Cricket has worked for decades in this town as “the costume and props authority” for photographers, videographers and film crews. If there’s ever been a major motion picture filmed here, (yes.. there has been), – she’s worked them.

Among the local production folk, “Cricket” is a household name… To me – she’s the wonderfully whacky mom of one of my best friends.

About 14 people showed up to celebrate her 60th birthday.

Her face lit up when we arrived, gave us a big hug, lowered her voice, painted on a mischievous grin and said – “come-on, let’s go outside and smoke!”

Went about our day… Left Kevin with Elise to knock around… I took Chad to work and headed to clients.

I hope I’m that cool at sixty.

I hope I’m not blogging.