Chips, Flips and Kung Fu grips…The Mighty 690 playing REO Speedwagon’s Take It On The Run and living in the sun in 1981…here and now folks, I present you my 11th birthday, packed with pics from the good ol’ golden days.
(Above) Before the festivities even started, I couldn’t wait to dig into the twin-bagged goodness of Laura Scudder’s chips before the guests showed up. And by golly, would you believe that I found what I believed then to be the record holder in the world’s biggest potato chip. When I found that big honking Sasquatch paw in the bag, I squealed in delight—“Dood! Lookit this chip! Dad! Get me the ruler and take a picture!” Yes, super dork indeed. I still vividly remember sticking out my tongue and my dad filling the entire room with blinding white light from those old Kodak flash cubes.
Dig the camo pants, courtesy of my grandma, who was constantly dishing out duds for me (she was an awesome seamstress). She even made my birthday shirt for my 13th birthday. And that striped JCPenney shirt was one of my favs too. Meanwhile, my brother (to the right) sports a Fred Perry, decades before their mainstream hit here in the U.S.
As soon as all my friends showed up, it was time to get the party started. And a real life of the party back then was Kubo (the blonde boy above), who made his debut star appearance in my 10th birthday from the year before. Here he is singing some crazy rendition of “Happy Birthday,” mouth cupped for effect and amplification. He was a total extrovert, and I wonder if he used that unique quality to get him somewhere when he got older. I hope so.
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