Cops, Jungles, and Santa Claus
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Any young people, under the age of 18, seen on the streets or in cars, and not with adults age 25 or older, after 11:00 p.m., would be picked-up, taken to jail, and released at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. No fines. No police record. No punishment. Parents would NOT be notified. These youth were just given a place to sleep over–night, since obviously they were not where they belonged, at home! I refused to pay attention to this curfew, because, I had a evening job. Well, it was bound to happen. One Friday night we were dismissed early at 11:30 p.m. The cannery had run out of peaches, and there was no more night shift until Monday. No problem. I passed a parked city cop as I was driving home. Still, no problem. Then I saw a teenage girl. She was a junior from my high school, who worked at the same cannery with me. She was walking along the road. At the same time, I saw that cop pull into the road behind me. BIG PROBLEM! I stopped and told the girl to jump in. She hesitated. I said: "Hurry, or that cop is going to take you to jail!" I never knew his name. But, I recognized that officer the moment he walked up to my car door. {Yes, he had stopped me before. Two times no less. He was the same officer that stopped me and accused me of following a blonde in a red convertible}. I was sure he recognized me, too! Not many high school boys had handlebar mustaches and drove Model A’s. I knew this was it! City Jail here I come! The officer was very polite. He didn’t ask for my license immediately. He, just kind of looked the situation over. He said, "Do know what time it is?" I said, "Yes." "Do you know about our new curfew law?" Yes, I do, Officer," I replied. "We both work the night shift at the cannery back there, and they let us off early. We are just going home." It was dark, but you should have seen his smile when he said, "Well I see, you finally picked–up that un–escorted blonde gal. She doesn’t look a single day over seventeen to me, and I doubt if you are anywhere near twenty–five. Let me see your license. (Pause) No. You better keep it. That way I will never know for sure. Take the girl home and drive safely. You hear!" "YES SIR," I replied, "THANK YOU!" I told my fellow worker the whole story as I took her home. We marveled at the facts: He did not take us in! He was polite. He acted as if that dumb "Curfew Law" really wasn’t meant for us. Sure, he knew we were too young, but he let us go. He was a wonderful caring cop. He was a human being. The girl riding beside me said, "I wish my father was like that!" Many police officers are fathers who truly care. WOW!
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About the Book
The Author has had an exciting life. This work is a summation of Larry's many exciting adventures: In actual contacts (conflicts) with our police and highway patrol; In the Jungles of Africa; In College; As a salesman; Life in General; and as Santa Claus.
The stories are true, and when there is an occasional variation from the truth for the sake of excitement, Larry will give you the honest facts.
The stories share exciting experiences that are worth sharing; Morals that are worth re-telling; and numerous events that you will enjoy reading more than once. Many readers willl find this book a special gift to pass along to relatives and friends.
Because Larry loves to tell jokes, many of his favorites (clean jokes) are found between the chapters of his life.
About the Author
Larry D. Flora, author, was born in Oshkosh, NE. at age 2 he moved to Liberia, West Africa. His father became a missionary (preacher, teacher, and builder) for the Lutheran Church.
Larry lived from 1838-'50 in the Jungles 45 miles from the end of the automobile road. His education was correspondence teaching through Calavert School, in Baltimore, MD., supervised by his parents.
In 1951, Larry moved to San Jose, CA. He graduated from Lincoln High, Midland College, Fremont, NE, and earned his Masters in Theology at Pacific Lutheran Seminary, Berkeley, CA
After three excellent years as a pastor, Larry chose his profession: Sales. He excelled in this profession as salesman, manager, and national trainer until his retirement in 2002.