Tales From 2nd Street

 Remembering the things we did as kids often  makes me smile but also leaves me shuddering and thanking my lucky stars. It's hard to imagine back in those years, that like Billy, the star of our show, I was one of the  thousands of kids, roaming  the streets of Philly while our parents worked. Our parents, for the most part, had no idea of what we did during those unsupervised, unscripted day...

Lerty . A strange word. Here's an equally strange story to explain the origin of the word and  misuse of the concept. I guess we could break it down or parse it out as my English teacher encouraged back in high school.  Lerty is a combination of "loiter-hanging around" and "ET"-extra terrestrial. Can you see it?  I can barely, but it suits me as  a plausible etymology. Giv...

Back to Brewerytown in the 50's. An  8y/o  describes his experiences navigating the streets and living amongst the people of this unique and wonderful little neighborhood.  

Brewerytown.  The little neighborhood that could.  I hope to present the tone of life on 30th and Thompson for a young boy and his adventures in this unique place. Hopefully, some of the places and events described will serve as reminders of what we had when we lived there. 

In Chapter One of "Boat Fever," we met Joey, Kelly and their 3 kids as they wrestled with the prospect of boat ownership. They took the leap. They bought used. As we all know,  mostly from unfortunate experience; buying used is always a crapshoot. Their purchase was festooned in red flags from the gate, a bargain's a bargain afterall...or is it? 

Cy and Eddie. Remember the Robert Frost poem that speaks about "all the wonders"  we will experience as we go through life?  These guys ran into many wonders in the span of 3 hours while driving on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Strange things happen when we least expect. By the way, what ever happened to White Tower hamburgers?  

Joey and Kelly confront the realities of boat ownership. After a summer of enjoyable fishing and crabbing expeditions to the Jersey shore, Joey contracts the dread "Boat Fever." Those who have been bitten, will recognize the symptoms and understand the course of the disease.  Everyone else...be forewarned.

Many centuries ago, a young, homeless couple once traveled a great distance in order to fulfil  a government mandate. The girl is in the later stages of her pregnancy.  She and her spouse are exhausted and desperate for a place to rest. They stopped at an Inn and  pleaded their case with the inn keeper who insists he is booked. As a last resort, he offers them space for them and their donkey in hi...

The Blue Ghost is a tale told to me by a reliable source. I have relayed this tale  to many poor souls and it has left an indelible imprint on their psyches. No blood and gore. Simply waiting for the next shoe to drop. Enjoy. Let us know what you think. Connect with us at Dougs2ndstreet@gmail.com. We're always glad to hear from you. Happy listening. DS

Winning isn't everything.  Years ago in Philly where I grew up, when you would go Trick or Treating, people would invite you into their homes.  Before you were given any treats, you would have to stand there as  they asked with big smiles, "Do we know you?' and "What are you supposed to be?" All decked out in our costumes,  mostly cobbled together by our Moms, we couldn&ap...

Lisa and Jeff continue their road trip and are heading to their next stop...if they can find it. Road trips can be fun. Are we there yet?

Lisa and Jeff,  neophyte campers on a road trip encounter characters and challenges that elevate their trip into the memorable category. 

Hubris and OCD can be a deadly combination. After a shocking downturn in fortune, Jack, newly married and father of one, falls into despair. While constructing an elaborate plot to end his life,  he discovers hope on a desolate highway in the Age of Aquarius.

Hubris and OCD can be a deadly combination. After a shocking downturn in fortune, Jack despairs, then while constructing a plot to end his life, discovers hope on  a desolate highway in the Age of Aquarius.

One cold day of  beach combing in the "off season"  morphed into a remarkable example of synchronicity. If it didn't happen to yours truly, I frankly would deposit  it in the baloney files. I find it difficult to believe anyone who prefaces a statement with "believe me," but I promise the story is true.  The term "miracle" is thrown around  quite a bit. What does...

While listening to Joan Baez singing "James and the Gang, I was rocketed back to an incident  many years ago when I was caught in a rip current, and experienced the power of unseen forces. "James" had the same impact on me. Music is like that;  an invisible smack that bypasses our emotional defenses and transports us in living color to events long forgotten.  Let us know what you th...