It was now or never, put up or shut up. The wood in my shorts was palpable. I arrived about 15 minutes early. I left the bag in the car and went insid.... I found a secluded booth in the back. I could see the whole bar from the vantage. I noted every female patron entering the bar. That girl is to skinny, that ones tits are too small, that one is with a dude, that one is too old. It went on like that for a few minutes until I saw a generous girl with a flowered skit walk in and look around. Architecturally, Ely hadn't changed. It was still ugly. But as I'd learned during my short tenure as John Windom, a town's architecture doesn't matter. What matters are the men, women, and children occupying a town.Armed with my freelance journalist business cards, I drove to White Pine High School. The emotional force of the nostalgia that struck me as I entered the school made my knees wobble. I wanted to say, "Hi, Evelyn," when she greeted me at the administrative office's counter. Instead,. You sure you leader? You smaller than most,” he said, poking him in the side again.“You’re one to speak of being thin. At least I’ve got some skin on me. You just don’t recognize fat enough to appreciate its survival value.”He didn’t respond, instead walking faster. “Let’s see how you do with a variety of tasks. If you survive the first few, I’ll eat my Zzolhoff!”“Hol’ on,” Sergeant Tillthilf said, doubling over and waving his hand. “Tha’s e’nough fer now.”Al, Gary and Delilah all pulled up,. She was smirking. "Hi Jamie." Hi Sis." He's got legs," Julie sang."Julie," said my mother. "You promised." Sorry Jamie. Your legs really do look cute in hose. Almost as good asmine." That's enough Julie." I was being nice," Julie protested."It's okay Mom. Thanks Julie. I guess."That broke the ice and the conversation moved to other topics--helpedby my mother."Is it okay if I talk to Jamie about his 'wardrobe change' as long as Idon't make fun of him?" asked Julie."As long as Jamie wants to talk.