A FUNKY GOOD TIME

March 29, 2005

           Saturday

Still a bit out of it from a long night and waking up early, I called Logan to meet up with him.  This is most likely his last day in Sacramento for quite some time before he makes his move to possibly his permanent residence.  Will he still ramble place to place?  I don't know.  But it looks like the state of Washington is his targeted, general area.

Last night (3/28/25) was a long night.  Logan and I had a play date that lasted way longer than expected due to a string of events and or lack thereof. This morning I woke up early to run some errands.  Needles to say I'm a bit tired but I still make it out to see Arrow one more time.  He asks me if I would like to try this one sandwich place which is claimed to have the best meatball sandwich in Sacramento. 

Okay.  I'm not going to lie.  That sandwich is pretty damn good.  He's eager to get the verdict if it's the best I've ever tasted.  I can't make that judgment call because I don't eat meatball sandwiches to that degree to know.  Now if we were talking pizza that would be a different story.  But I will say I was quite pleased with the flavor.

After our lunch we chat for a bit before dropping him off to the library.

Later we meet up on K street.  K street used to be known as K st. Mall.  Back in the day it was where the actual mall was.  There still remains blocks of stores, bars and restaurants.  And with the new arena where the kings play and live concerts happen, the area has come back to life.  Personally I miss the old mall but nothing stays the same forever. 

Today Papa Roach is performing so it's a lively crowd tonight.  Neither one of us are familiar with their music but the atmosphere brings back the nostalgia of when the place was jumping with people, although the new make is not really my thing.

I ask if he's ever been on the Delta King.  He says no so we go for a stroll on the boat.  Across the river are sea lions resting on the deck.  I still find it quite interesting to see.   Although I've read that they have been around for decades they are making more prominent appearances as of late.

Logan's buss arrives at 8:30pm. It is about 7:40pm.  I'm am getting a bit tired and announce that I will be heading back towards my car.  He agrees to walk with me a little bit but not all the way as I parked pretty far. 

As we are walking I am mesmerized by all the low riders cruising the street.  Back in the day before the cops cracked down on cruising, there would be somewhat of a parade of guys and girls showing off their rides.  

Predominately rooted in Mexican American culture, it is something that influenced many Black and Urban communities as well. 

As we are walking down the sidewalk, I notice a young Latino guy with his cigar raised in the air grooving to something.  I can't quite figure it out.  As we get to the intersection, there's a Black family walking by and take a moment to get their boogie on. As we get closer, I totally get the message.  

A group of fifteen or more men and women young and older chilling next to their ride blaring JB's Doing It To Death.  If you don't know who JB is...

I understand the assignment . I look at Logan.

"We gonna have a funky good time! We gonna have a funky good time!"

It seems to fly right over his head.  He is talking about an episode of Wheel of Fortune.  

Earlier I told him I was watching Wheel of Fortune and that sparked a series of quizzes about the daily double. 

Shit! I don't know! 

I did remember one answer. That's about all I got.  Right now I'm grooving. 

Well, it is obvious, he's not feeling James like I am.

I'm am floored that he just is not in the groove. This man is talking about Wheel of Fortune and I'm up here tryin' to take him hiiiiiiiiiiiiiya!

I then realize the funk ain't for errrbody.

I did get a kick out of one Wheel of Fortune story involving Ken Jennings giving the wrong answer for a gardening tool also meaning an immoral pleasure seeker.

Come on. Anybody would have answered the same thing.

What is a ___

All together!

Rake? 

Didn't see that one coming.

The time has come for us to hug and say goodbye.   He turns and go on his way.   I turn and go my way and then I stop and turn around.  I turn and watch him walk away until I can see him no more.  It is something I have always done.  From when I was a kid I would watch my mom or dad's car until it disappeared whenever they went somewhere.  I would wait until a friend made it safely in their home and the door closed.  I did it tonight as he faded into the crowd. 

This is not goodbye.

In the past it would be. But not this time. 

This is not goodbye.