Tomorrow would be David's 60th birthday. A couple of years ago, we talked about a party, but never really got to the planning stage. I'd still like to do something. So how could I observe David Angel Day?
Breakfast would be an important observance. Breakfast could be Eggs in a Frame ala David with sliced cantaloupe. Or possibly french toast, or pancakes fried in butter. A cup of coffee. Breakfast out would be an entirely acceptable option. The Pantry or Shakers. A newspaper would be good in the morning. I could read the sports page and the front page. There might be some harsh words for conservatives, especially Clarence Thomas. Then I'd turn to the crossword puzzle. If a newspaper wasn't handy and a computer was, I could take trivia quizzes and/or play some online Omaha.
It would be important to share time with Frankie the Dog - David's best dog ever. A walk in the Arroyo would be sweet, as would a trip to Hermon Dog Park. A trip to PetCo would fitting, with a visit to the treat bar and a chance for Frankie to show his tricks to the employees.
I'd definitely need to spend time being useful, for sure doing the dishes. Maybe a home project - something to glue, something to paint. A reason to go to the hardware store. I should try to be helpful to others too. Maybe I could find someone who needed something typed, or summarized, or moved or connected. Anything for the Temple or Tiger Bingo.
I could make a mini-pilgrimage to all the places David lived and worked and wandered about. With a very brief exception, they are all right in and around Los Angeles - Boyle Heights, West Hollywood, Westwood, Downtown, Alhambra, South Pasadena. More food couldn't hurt. I'd have many favorite restaurants to choose from. Tommy's; El Tepeyac; Wahib's; Baskin Robbins; Burger Continental; the Dresden Room; Canter's; Pink's, Philippe's. If I could manage time travel, I'd also consider Rick's and Danny's Deli. Then, again, if I could manage time travel, I'd likely just have a party with David.
The right music for the day would be George Thurogood, Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, or really just about anything. Possible clothing choices (not to be worn together) include long-sleeved tee shirts, Hawaiian shirts, suspenders, Jerry Garcia ties, Birkenstocks, jeans or no pants.
Other observances of David Angel Day could include playing bocce, taking a nap, more trivia, movies, concerts, trips to museums, tequila shots, walking tours, wine tasting, cooking, poker, reading, Scrabble, Frisbee, smashing coins on the railroad track, baseball games, basketball games, golf, comedy, television, and travel. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete list. Of course, the most important element of a celebration of David Angel Day would be the people - the family, the friends, the acquaintances and even strangers. Long into the night, I would keep them close and talk to them.
Rest in peace David Angel, and a happy David Angel Day to all.
