The way it is outside now...1:45am, 80 degrees...evokes 1983

I can't explain the smell and feel of it. Super tropical, including the refreshing breeze. It's just the epitome of an urban NJ summer. It takes me back to being 10-years-old and playing Kick the Can or Manhunt till after 11pm...the thrill of being out so late at such a young age. But we were all allowed. It was right out front...on a dead end street. And there was usually SOME authority figure/parent out watching us. Can't forget Freeze Tag. And if there wasn't a game going on, I'd just sit out there myself...either on a chair or on dad's Chevy. And I'd bring his ancient transistor radio with me. And The Police or Donna Summer would be on. And I'd be sipping iced tea. Maybe I'd be roller skating, too. I broke my wrist on August 5, 1983 around 7:30pm...a Friday night. I'm a date savant, I know. Fell backwards...on my skates. Better my wrist than my head to break the fall. Mom didn't believe me...thought I was whining. When I was still in agony past 10pm, she finally figured maybe I needed to hit the hospital. Damn cast itched like a sonofabitch. CUJO was released that August, I recall. VACATION came out earlier. The Warner Theater...hmm, it was either $4 or $3.50 for adult tickets, $2 or $1.50 for kids & seniors. Can you IMAGINE?! Danny's not only had our favorite pizza, but MY favorite video game...ASTEROID! I like remembering all this, but it's also scary. SAD scary. Because it's so vivid to me, yet it was 24 years ago. HOW can that be? The whole "life goes too fast" thing. What may be even scarier to you readers -- I sleep in the same bed I did then. Yup. And have the same dresser & same desk. In fact, a couple things ON and IN my desk have been there for 24 years. It's like the Lincoln Bedroom in here...I may soon put up ropes and charge admission. For tours, not sex. Am I officially a Crazy Eccentric yet? I'm equally about change AND consistency. Damn, all this from the SMELL and FEEL of the air outside. I'll always love you, 1983.