DIDJA MISS ME? Bet you thought I was on vacation — or that Julie Mannis really DIDN’T want to see my ugly mug twice a month. Nope. I was on the cutting room floor. Editor John Gregory apologized, but said he had to bump me because there wasn’t room. Just between you and me, I think they could have gotten away with one less photo of the tall ship Amazing Grace. I DON’T WANT TO MENTION ANY NAMES, but my pal, Jeff Dalrymple, accepted a dinner invitation to a restaurant in Eastlake and went on Mapquest to discover the best way to get there. 125 South. What could go wrong? Turns out if you’re not careful you’ll find yourself on a toll road known as the South Bay Expressway. It gets worse. Jeff managed to exit in the Fast Track lane, so was unable to pay. Did I mention he repeated the mistake on his way back to Pacific Beach? He’s now in receipt of a letter charging him the original $3, plus a $50 fine — twice. Despite Jeff’s contributions, the company that built the toll road has filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS. The self-same Jeff, who has gained mention in this column before as wearing a T-shirt when the rest of us are hunkered down in parkas, showed up on his bicycle at Starbucks on April 15 wearing a large jacket. Immediate concern was expressed inside as to the nature of his malady. Turns out that Starbucks was offering free coffee on Tax Day to anyone who brought in their own mug and Jeff triumphantly wrestled his Starbucks cup out of one of the jacket’s many pockets. Turns out he doesn’t have a cup holder on his Schwinn. After an eternity in line, he returned to the table with bad news. His favorite “Half-Caf Americano” was not part of the free coffee offer. REMEMBER THE LUNCH COUNTER at Newberry’s in Pacific Plaza? Willie Skinner wants to know how many it seated. I got no clue, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the 35 he’s guessing. Wanna move on to the bonus round? Willie’s also curious as to how many lanes the Pacific Plaza Bowling Alley had. I think he recalled 48. I never made it to the bowling alley, so I’m off the hook. I’VE NEVER MET JEFF FERGUSON but I put his baby picture on the cover of the May issue of the PBHS newsletter. He’s being held by his sister, Kathy, at the opening of Ferguson Chevron on the northeast corner of Emerald and Mission. Also in the photo are brothers John and Michael and father Jack. In the background you can see the old Moonlight Café, where Bare Back Grill is today, advertising Chop Suey. Also visible is Sparky’s Furniture & Appliance store, site of today’s Hennessey’s Bar and Grill. Some of us prefer to pretend that it’s still Tug’s. You can get a copy of the newsletter at the library or by contacting me. John Fry may be reached at 272-6655 or [email protected]