[notfarnow]

George sounds like a familiar character.

When I was in high school, I worked in the old city market for my uncle. He had a table set up for the "Liar's Club", which consisted on 4-5 old guys who would sit around and heckle each other, the staff and passers-by. Think of the old guys on the balcony on the Muppets. I didn't have any grandfathers around when I was growing up, so I really cherished my time with these guys. I learned a lot from them for sure. They were still squeezing the last drops of life out. Getting out and causing trouble. Old Bill Bailey could wiggle his ears like someone in a cartoon. I had him show my girlfriend, and he leaned over and whispered "that's not all I can wiggle, dear". Puzzy Cooper used to come with me on deliveries, he'd sit in the car so I wouldn't get tickets when I double-parked. One delivery I was making runs back & forth to the car, he had a sandwich tray opened and he was eating a ham & cheese. "I don't work for free, boy! Next time make one for me or I just help myself!"

Sometimes they'd have great, loud arguments. One day one of them came in with JET BLACK hair, and the others accused him of using Rustoleum on his head.

As they got older, I watched them struggle to keep their dignity. It was tough. Sometimes they'd need a hand getting up & down, getting their coats. One guy started pissing himself, and my boss would have me discretely drive him home. One day the old guy started weeping as I took him home, sitting on a towel in my uncle's car. He was just so embarrassed. It broke my heart, taking him to his little apartment where he's just spend the rest of the day watching TV alone. He eventually sucked up his pride and started wearing Depends. It was too important for him to be out & about.

They've all passed now, each one of them. Glad I got pictures of them.