The across-the-street Duleys, much like many residents of the Kansas Ozarks who relied on electric fans for respite during the summer months, kept their front door open to welcome a refreshing evening breeze. A screen door effectively kept insects at bay. With the front door ajar, I could discern when the Duleys were preparing their homemade chili or baking their delightful hot fudge brownies. Additionally, their radio played the popular songs of the day, which I soon memorized. I would have never imagined that, while listening for the umpteenth time in the late summer of 1953 to the immensely popular song "A Dear John Letter," hearing the tinkling piano being played by Bill Woods, would be someone who became a best friend 20 years later in Bakersfield, Calif.
Bill, Buck, Blackboard
