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Ellen Fagan's avatar

Yay! Thanks, Tonya, for the return of these gorgeous vintage vignettes. The photos stand alone as objects of unique beauty & are also perfect delivery systems for Paul's humane, witty observations. I would sell my soul to know what Grumpy initially said to make such a crummy first impression, but I am glad it all smoothed out into a kinder memory. :-)

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

and thanks, El.

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Ellen Fagan's avatar

Thank YOU! I truly thought the Grumpy's insult was indelible but lost to history... actually thrilled that you provided the missing link.

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

Grumpy was really nasty and harshly questioned something inconsequential in our gasoline transaction. I'll try to remember what, but he was so nasty that I went to the gas station in the town of Empire for years after.

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John M.'s avatar

This was a fine read. Thanks. I once spent a few months in Ely working on an oil exploration crew back in the 80s. I look forward to your musings so we can compare notes.

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

We need to talk about Ely in detail. I have things to say about that town. Thanks.

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