Mar. 10, 2022

"I KEEP FORGETTIN"-- SOME THINGS BUT NEVER--THE DOOBIE BROTHERS!

I’M SHARING THIS MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FROM THE EARLY EIGHTIES.  AND---I SUGGEST---IF YOU’RE EVER LONELY OR SEEK ATTENTION---GET A DOG!!!

"Checking our bags at the Little Rock Airport Terminal after a brief visit in Pine Bluff, my youngest daughter and I were impressed with all the attention Miss Starr was receiving inside the terminal. No doubt “Missy”--- as we so-often called her--- enjoyed the affectionate hugs, pats, and comments from strangers of all ages. Tall, stately, and a natural blonde---Missy, a standard poodle—loved to displayed her Pedigree and Show-Dog manners.  In fact, Miss Star modeled her Traditional Poodle Cut like a princess.

Also checking in at the crowded ticket desk, a group of young men---surrounded by guitar cases, sound equipment, and other performance paraphernalia--- began paying attention to Missy--- petting her and commenting on her classic good looks.

One man in the group was particularly friendly and soon struck up a conversation. He was tall, nice-looking, and his name was Ken Cross. I couldn’t help but notice his ear lobes, not only were they pierced but---both lobes were also tattooed with half-moon designs.  Don’t forget, this was the early eighties and tattoos were rare.

It wasn’t long before my daughter and I met Ken’s friends, learning they had performed in Little Rock the night before and were now returning home. Sorry we had missed their show-- they asked for our address-- saying they wanted to send us tickets for future performances.

On the flight to Philadelphia, my daughter and I were sitting in coach until Ken came looking for us, insisting we join his group. Since the group had purchased every seat in First Class, there were quite a few extra seats. Before leaving us in Philadelphia, our new friends insisted on sharing lots of hugs and kisses for all concerned---including Miss Starr.

For several years after our surprising airport encounter, we---and that included Miss Starr--- received tickets to concerts, invitations to dinner, even Christmas Cards from our new friends--The Doobie Brothers."