Code 66

A summer evening around 1997:

"Engine 202, car 3"

"Go ahead car 3"

"Code-66 at 21:00 hrs."

"Copy code-66"

"Engine 205, car 3"

"205 for car 3, go ahead"

"Engine 205, code-66 at 21:00, if you're interested. Advise truck 205 for me as well"

"205 copies, Chief"

*****

"Hello"

"Hey sweetie"

"Hi, Schmoe what are you up too?"

"Listen, we're going code-66 at nine if ya wanna pack up the kids and meet us"

"You know, it's nice out and the kids have been good. We'll see you there."

"See you then, Love ya."

"I love you too, Bye"

*****

My wife and I happened to be in El Rio a few days ago and decided to have our own code-66.

As you can see, it is no longer possible to have a code-66 at this location. They have relocated to a fancy new store, one located in a brand new strip mall. They now serve ice cream cakes and they have fancy uniforms. The days of cut-offs and car stereos at the DQ are over for good.

The Saint and I were forced to buy our blizzards at the new store, then drive El Cheepo Jeepo to this spot and savor our treats as we gazed through the empty windows and reminisced. Kahuna is retired, as are many of the other guys that I worked with. The remainder are scattered across the district. Our kids are too busy creating their own memories with their girlfriends and pals to get a treat with us.

Due to the current hostile political climate, we probably wouldn't stay and enjoy our ice cream anyway. People have been calling and complaining about our shopping for dinner at the grocery store. While admin supports our shopping for groceries, it is a little harder for them to justify a code-66.

My wife and I grew up sort of near this now vacant DQ. Neither her or I can remember when it wasn't there. It is my understanding that the building will soon be demolished, a developer has plans for the site.

It, like code-66s are a thing of the past. I guess you can never go home, it won't be there for you when you get there.

Thanks for reading,
a nostalgic Schmoe