Joe Browning was charged with looking after the home of family friends that first Basement Summer. As luck would have it, they had a swimming pool. How can I describe it? It was Cocoon meets Weekend At Bernie’s. I’m sure there were strict instructions from Joe’s parents about no visitors, no parties. And what a waste that would have been.

There weren’t a lot of swimming pools in Kennett in 1967 so this was a very tough ticket. Our trespass all the sweeter for this. I don’t remember how the decision was made that today would be a day at the pool. But Joe would put the word out and quickly and quietly we’d gather. Joe, Charlie, RP, Bobby and me. If you were there and I’ve forgotten you, my apologies.

Once again, it was Jane who made these afternoons more than a bunch of drunken college guys getting sunburned. She and her friends added just the Beach Blanket Bingo touch we needed. It was an innocent time.