December 6, 2023:
I loved the roller derby.
This was the 1960s version, skated on banked tracks far larger than the small ovals today. The banks and long straightaways allowed speed and drama not possible now. Of course, the games were rigged, which as a child I didn't understand. Only that the Thunderbirds (home team) were the good guys, the visitors skated dirty, and Ralphie Valladeres was a hero.
Home from grammar school, T-Birds on TV, the great malingerer, faking illness, to escape.