In the case of the "Buzz Man", the memories began some thirty eight years ago. Matthew, nearly one year of age, already sporting a full head of hair, was in dire need of his first official haircut. Although it had been cut many times by "Mom the Barber", it needed the touch of a professional. Many times we had taken walks passed Buzz's barbershop, stopping for a quick visit and maybe a lollipop. Each time telling the young toddler, someday we'd venture inside and he'd be able to sit in the big chair, just like the big boys. With each walk, the process would be repeated. The thought process being, if and when the day actually arrived, Matthew would be ready. Fondly remembering my Dad's questioning gaze: "How did that work out for ya?" "Not the best!" I snapped, quickly adding..."Buzzy was the best!" That he was, to this day, still is! When on "his stage", the epitome of patience with children, sure to give them his "forever perfect...Donald Duck voice." So perfect in fact, young children flocked to his side, as he dined at Fred's News. "Please, please Buzzy, talk like Donald Duck!" He always obliged.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Buzz always willing to add his "Fish Tale". Mr. Bill tells the story of his first Salmon fishing excursion to Lake Ontario. Although the Buzz-Man did not accompany him, strict instructions laid out by him, were followed by the newbie salmon fishermen. "Yes, they all caught fish, yes, they had a great time, yes their guide was exactly as Buzzy had explained.....the rooms...not so good." Mr. Bill sums up the accommodations..."We paid ten dollars a night for the room, it was nine dollars too much!" Buzzy not to be outdone, "Did you or did you not ALL catch fish?" "Yes, Buzzy...but" "No buts about it," he replies, "What did you expect, a bed and breakfast? It's a fishing camp for God's Sake, and it only cost ten bucks!"
Quite the kind-hearted man, the Buzz Man..yes proud of his daughters, but definitely outnumbered in his own house, that at one time was full of females. He would arrive at Fred's News every morning, pick up his daily newspaper, a cup of coffee, sit and kibitz awhile, heading up to the shop, usually greeted by someone waiting outside. As Buzz would say..."That would sometimes set the tone for the day." Yet Buzz is a steady a businessman as there is, a true supporter of "his" Town and synonymous with the word "Baltic."
Going back a few years, when I first decided to get a computer, (no not the stone-age), Buzzy did the same. We agreed to take computer classes together, my son Todd announcing, "count me in." Buzz and I laughed continuously, Todd driving me berserk as he sat directly behind me in class. Stopping for coffee on the way home, we'd try to discuss the evening's lessons...mostly we laughed at Todd's antics, Buzzy wanting to "trim the instructors eyebrows and nose hairs.
New England winters can be harsh, every years "the worse" we've had. One winter as cabin fever set in, Mr. Bill, Buzzy, myself and friend Frieda, decided we swim once a week at a neighboring town's indoor municipal pool. There again the thought process being....we'd be miles ahead of everyone else, working on getting in shape for warm weather arrival. We swam, did laps and were diligent, each week working on our endurance. God it was fun, it's just the coffee and donut stop follwing the swim class, that did us in. Hey, hey intentions were great! What better way to spend a long, cold winter evening than in the company of friends.
As we made ready for our departure to Florida, I felt a sense of sadness, not only because we were leaving the Town that had totally supported us, but family and friends as well.....Buzz Man still cutting hair, entertaining the kids, caring for his family. We miss many things, this friendship and that special man Buzzy, will forever be cherished.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Buzz always willing to add his "Fish Tale". Mr. Bill tells the story of his first Salmon fishing excursion to Lake Ontario. Although the Buzz-Man did not accompany him, strict instructions laid out by him, were followed by the newbie salmon fishermen. "Yes, they all caught fish, yes, they had a great time, yes their guide was exactly as Buzzy had explained.....the rooms...not so good." Mr. Bill sums up the accommodations..."We paid ten dollars a night for the room, it was nine dollars too much!" Buzzy not to be outdone, "Did you or did you not ALL catch fish?" "Yes, Buzzy...but" "No buts about it," he replies, "What did you expect, a bed and breakfast? It's a fishing camp for God's Sake, and it only cost ten bucks!"
Quite the kind-hearted man, the Buzz Man..yes proud of his daughters, but definitely outnumbered in his own house, that at one time was full of females. He would arrive at Fred's News every morning, pick up his daily newspaper, a cup of coffee, sit and kibitz awhile, heading up to the shop, usually greeted by someone waiting outside. As Buzz would say..."That would sometimes set the tone for the day." Yet Buzz is a steady a businessman as there is, a true supporter of "his" Town and synonymous with the word "Baltic."
Going back a few years, when I first decided to get a computer, (no not the stone-age), Buzzy did the same. We agreed to take computer classes together, my son Todd announcing, "count me in." Buzz and I laughed continuously, Todd driving me berserk as he sat directly behind me in class. Stopping for coffee on the way home, we'd try to discuss the evening's lessons...mostly we laughed at Todd's antics, Buzzy wanting to "trim the instructors eyebrows and nose hairs.
New England winters can be harsh, every years "the worse" we've had. One winter as cabin fever set in, Mr. Bill, Buzzy, myself and friend Frieda, decided we swim once a week at a neighboring town's indoor municipal pool. There again the thought process being....we'd be miles ahead of everyone else, working on getting in shape for warm weather arrival. We swam, did laps and were diligent, each week working on our endurance. God it was fun, it's just the coffee and donut stop follwing the swim class, that did us in. Hey, hey intentions were great! What better way to spend a long, cold winter evening than in the company of friends.
As we made ready for our departure to Florida, I felt a sense of sadness, not only because we were leaving the Town that had totally supported us, but family and friends as well.....Buzz Man still cutting hair, entertaining the kids, caring for his family. We miss many things, this friendship and that special man Buzzy, will forever be cherished.
Such a great blog post! Buzzy is one-of-a-kind and truly kind soul! If only there were more people like him...
ReplyDeleteHe is very special but would rather let people think the opposite!
ReplyDelete