Well, it's that time of year again, a tradition setting back to when I was a kid. It was Uncle Bill's saying. I couldn't wait to hear it, so I stole it and have used it ever since, in his honor.
Uncle Bill had a lot of fun sayings, and "Happy Easter How's Your Keester," my favorite. There were many more.
Uncle Bill introduced me to the Mets in '64 and Willie Mays. His oldest son Michael was a far superior baseball player; we imitated Willie Mays. Mike hit long homers while I was lucky to get on first base.
So, when you walked into the Andrea home, Uncle Bill always had something funny to say. Like, if he was watching the Mets on TV.
"Now, Charles," He would say, "I want quiet. If you have to pass gas, go in the other room cause I don't want to hear a peep out of you."
Here are some other Uncle Bill's sayings;
As the story goes, while Uncle Bill played golf, as he swung his driver in the tee box, in the middle of his swing, he would say:
"Delores (his adoring bride), "You are going for a ride."
"If anyone calls, tell 'em to call my Cincinnati office!"
"I hope you celebrate the 4th on the 3rd with a 5th!"
The Andrea family was the gathering spot, and it was all about sing-alongs. Singing was the mainstay. We were better than the King Family.
Our harmonies were amazing. My favorites were:
“Leaving On A Jet Plane” and “My Eggs Don’t Taste The Same Without You”
Uncle Bill's always had a different harmony, every different time we sang those tunes. Filled with surprises, that Uncle Bill. A natural comedian.
His kids got his sense of humor.
Bobby Bill's creation of his hysterical top-ten
Carla's famous saying, "I'm exhausted by your exhaustion."
Mike's comeback one-liners remain classic.
And Tommy? Who could ever forget Tom's classic at his dad's funeral! In front of a packed house, Tommy was the last to speak at his dad's funeral. And he said:
" Now,You all heard the heartfelt talks my brother Mike, Bobby, and Carla gave; they were just fantastic, weren't they?
"And as I stand here, I know what you are thinking. Doesn't Tommy look great?!".
Indeed, nearly all of their sayings help people laugh and smile. My way of honoring this family is to carry their humor and share them.
Imitation is the most fantastic form of flattery. Family laughter, nothing better!
