London-during a heat spell. Midge stayed in Europe-continued travelling. We had enough money to buy plane tickets. Soon to go.

Were treated to a motorcycle race. Much fun.

Stayed with Jo’s Aunt and Uncle outside of London. They had a great house built in the 18th century and fixed up continually over the years. Very cosy, thick walls.

Time to get rid of the car. I took it to a used car dealer outside of town. The proprietor looked at it and said “I doan value it at nuffin..” Left it in the ditch outside his gate.

Uncle grew to like me. He gave me a full package of Cuban cigars! Couldn’t get them in North America-Cuba BAD!  They were still wrapped in cellophane and they were very handy on the plane and trip to Vancouver.

They took us to the airport and dropped us off.

The adventure wasn’t over…

If you want to see this story ‘Europe’ from the beginning or my previous story ‘Japan’ go to potpourri above and click on the subject.

Time to buy a car. The plan was to get married and then tour Europe. Midge wanted to come along and we agreed because we could use the extra money. We were all friends so…why not.

First time driving in London I drove right through the center of town on the way home. Lots of nervous sweat as I had to remember to drive on the wrong side of the road.

Fordson- driving on the left side.  I know it was a mistake to buy it but this car did a lot of hard work for us.

We draped a sheet over the front door and took photos for passports. This was  where my enlarger and developing brickbat came in handy. I was able to develop and print in my room as long as it was night.

OK! A few more days in London and we were on our way.

I’m not sure about other programs but on Windows you can click on the picture and ‘open in new tab’. The print will show original size.

Wedding!

I knew that, back home, any wedding would have taken place in a church with a huge party afterwards. This was one way of avoiding that. Jo’s Aunt and Uncle attended. Her uncle was an ex-bank manager and one of their sons was a university student. He and some friends took me out to have some beers (bunch of upper middle-class fops. oops!)
They were amazed when I pulled out a huge wad of cash when it was my turn to buy a round. Got lots of admiration.

Midge with Jo’s aunt. 1965

Jo’s uncle and one  of her room mates. I think she was the girlfriend of Mick Jagger who I met one night at their flat. 1965

I started writing a daily post and this was June 11.

We had to wait until after June 1 as you couldn’t get married without parental consent before you were 21.

The morning of my marriage I went to a local barbershop and told them I was getting married. They were Italian and immediately became excited. They jumped all over me. Washed my hair, cut  and styled it. And…for the first time in my life I was shaved with a straight razor. To top it off they wouldn’t let me pay!

These posts are very important as they bring back the memories and these days at this age nothing beats drowning ones self in 60 year old memories.

I’m not sure about other programs but on Windows you can click on the picture and ‘open in new tab’. The print will show original size.