I'm going to
start a new trend here. Each Friday, I plan to post a memory from
my life. I have 36 years of them built up, and many things bring
them to mind. I'll reserve Friday's for these thoughts.
I was driving home from work
today and saw a truck with "Mr. CB" on the window. I got to
thinking (which is never safe) about CB's. I didn't even know
they were still around, other than in tractor-trailers. We knew
CB's quite well when I was growing up.
Mom had a very powerful
"base" at home. There was a mobile unit in the truck. She
could talk to Dad from quite a distance. This was quite amazing,
in the time before cellular phones. She would sit on this high
seat (bar stool height) and talk on that thing, in the corner of the
kitchen. Everyone had a "handle." That was the name you
went by on the CB. The handles got very interesting. For
instance, my Grandma was an Avon lady, and the "ding dong" of a
doorbell was Avon's jingle. Grandma, therefore, was "ding dong
lady". Grandpa was "ding dong daddy." That's how it went.
I can remember the time mom
told me that I could pick my handle. I didn't know what to pick,
or how they were chosen. She offered some advice: "Just pick
something you like!" That is how I became "applesauce."
Yup...it was the best I could do, and mom let it stick. She
didn't try to talk me out of it, or guide me in another
direction. I was applesauce.
I can remember her powerful
base unit opening the neighbor's garage door. She was quite
unpopular during that time. I can remember riding in the truck
with Dad, calling home to tell Mom we were on the way. I can
remember Mom talking to folks quite far away. It was cool.
10-4 means "ok" or
"yes." 10-20 is your location. "What's your 10-20?"
"3 miles from home." "10-4." There was even the ever-famous
"over" thrown in. When you're done, you say "over." 'nough
said.
A friend of mom's went by the
name of "Cupid." As a kid, I thought I was very smart. She
called one time, and I handed the phone to mom, saying, "It's stupid
cupid." Cupid heard me. Mom made me call to
apologize. Sheesh, what a lesson. I was VERY careful what I
said, and how loud, from that time on.
Yes, I'd say the CB shaped me
in many ways. I know there are more stories about this, and hope
my brother jumps up and helps. I can't form any more right this
minute. 10-4, over and out, good buddy.
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10 comments:
Oh, I think I'm going to like these entries. Roll on, Big Mamma!!!! ROFL
I usually kept the CB in my truck turned off unless there was a traffic snarl or I needed directions. Unfortunately, like everywhere else these days, there are too many idiots with CBs out there that do nothing but talk trash and bitch over the airwaves. It was fun, however, on a boring streach of road to bait other drivers and get 'em all riled up over the stupidest topics.
You might enjoy this story http://www.layover.com/driverscorner/cbshop/ about how CB opps have been pulling together to help others in the wake of all the hurricanes. In many places down south the CB is the only form of communication that is still working.
LOLOL - my gramma had a CB in her car!!!! 'Breaker breaker 1 - 9...' hee hee hee..... ohhhh, listening to the truckers talk was such fun.... :-D
Great entry, Rachel!!
~Amy
I totally love the idea of putting memories in these blogs. Way to go, Applesause!! And thank you yet again for leaving such a helpful, supportive comment in my journal. Over and out.
Russ
I have friends ( a married couple) that still use the CB...even though they have cell phones too. Applesauce....that was a great name!
Yeah, I'll play along with this one over on my journal. Oh, and I remember the cupid incedent. That was what's known as a "cringe moment".
Oh, I remember this... My mother-in-law had one of the 'base stations' in her home. Several of us had 'handles'. My best friend of the time was Mustang because she rode horses all the time.. I was Kitten.. and yes, there is a story there <g>. Now you have me sitting here and trying to remember everyones' handles... It was a lot like your screenname now <LOL>
I remember when everyone had CBs in their cars. Then cell phones came along.
Have we progressed or what?
Love that story! My husband was a trucker and had a CB. I don't remember what his handle was though. I'll have to ask him. My uncle had one for fun in his car, and when he was dating my aunt, asked her if she wanted to try. She started talking and used the handle "Dolly Parton" (it was in the 70's). Well, apparently the trucker was in close proximity and when he passed them, let it fly over the airwaves that "She ain't no Dolly, more like two eggs on the griddle!" Needless to say, that was the last time she ever used it! ;o)
I used to have a CB. My handles was Cheeks. Given to me because of my high cheek bones.
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