MY ICE CREAM MAN PASSES

Mr. Softee is dead.

I didn't even know he was sick. I grew up with this guy; he was part of my childhood.

Parents in my neighborhood hated him because when they heard the music it meant they had to get some money out. No discussion; just get the money out so us kids could run to the curb and wave him down.

It was classic "conditioned reflex"-- Pavlov would've admired Mr. Softee because he put his theory into practice in order to serve us kids the best in ice cream treats. And according to his obit, he sold a lot of ice cream. Truckloads, literally.

Mr. Softee started his business in 1956--the year of my birth.

That music brings back memories. Gettin' old, I guess.