“Idle A-While…” | Grandma’s Stories

Apr 14th “Idle A-While…”

We all “Idle A-While” – or maybe even for a long time – if you were sitting in a “TAVERN?” Some time ago in the 1960’s – there was a tavern – called “Idle A-While” and it was very near the dividing lines in Fort Lauderdale – – North and South – East and West – and that is if I am remembering correctly? The “key words” – ‘was’ – evidently too many people were idle ling a-way too many hours – and the tavern closed.

Well, my husband, Lee just happened to hear about the fixtures and equipment going up for sale??? So, Lee was thinking about remodeling the “LUCKY Boy-Drive-in Restaurant” – for us – to include the sale of liquor. The measurements were made and Lee was able to get enough workers to bring in the long “BAR” and “Back-bar” including the glass and mirrors and extra nice wood-working that someone was able to dismantle – and then did a fine job of making some new parts in such a way that when matched with the older parts – just looked terrific – when everything was reassembled in our old dining-in area – now – becoming one of the busiest of spots to hang out and have FUN – and – with a good meal!

The best part of the remodel – was to add a “Pool Table” – this was the “ticket” to Lee’s having some spending money – as he could win good sums of money – as there is always someone who thinks “HE” is better than the old retired police officer from Saint Louis – and now that I think about it – there was always someone playing until “HE” would lose his shirt – and whatever else he had to lose??? There are some people gifted with different talents – but that was one game that even I would stay away from. I just hate to lose – but there is no way that – that I am going to show the whole world that I do not know how to win at “POOL” – and then pay – money out of my own pocket – just to prove that I do not know when to stop!

The other part of being called “LUCKY LEE” – was that – Lee also like to play the horses. Florida did have several race tracks near enough and with lots of good friends – Lee and friends would go to the track and “LUCKY LEE” would call me – after winning large sums – -to pick him up – before the money was spent on foolishness – and before he could get home, safely.

Just those two things – were enough – for my family to think that Lee was spending my money – and that anything that I was to ever inherit , someday – in the future – and that – could be spent on the horses – the word was – “TAKE HER OUT OF OUR WILLS!” So, as long as Lee was alive – I was taken out everybody’s will – no free lunch for the horses – from my side of the family.

Nothing like some old news to “idle – awhile” on – and see just how – and if – this would have happened – and – or if that took place – what would be different in LIFE – today?? It is FUN – – to just “idle awhile ” – with a few old thoughts – and remembering – all the good times with plenty of FUN – – and always to remember – that each day – even these simple thoughts will be some of the greatest of memories – someday in that “TIME” in our FUTURE!!!