There is nothing quite like the taste of orange juice and vodka…I can’t stand it now almost 30 years later. But growing up in Robron 400 Block, the slums of Campbell River, and at a tender young preteen age…I developed a taste for it. The best way to drink a ‘Screwdriver’ (the name I learned early, but its origin I later discovered reportedly got its name – around 1949 – when American petroleum engineers in Saudi Arabia secretly added vodka to small cans of orange juice and stirred the mixture with their screwdrivers) is 1 part orange juice and 1 part vodka. I learned this from the ‘Beach Boys’ who lived in the basement of unit 16. Unit 16 is where I learned many things…the Williams’ place. The Beach Boys are not of course the ‘real’ Beach Boys…they are however three uncles and cousin of some connection who never adjusted to the discrimination, injustices and crimes against them…forever Indians lost and displaced. Wally, Buster, Samson and Pugs got the name Beach Boys because they lived mostly on the community foreshore where they indulged in whatever concoctions that could keep their minds from returning to the here and now…and on cold wet nights the basement door of the William’s place was always unlocked for them. Despite appearances…and in their own unique way they were kind and gentle men…that always had funny stories and made me laugh. I also learned some interesting things from them…though not entirely useful, are nonetheless a little ludicrous…AND not from direct experience. For example, one household can of Lysol is the equivalent drunk to a cases of beer or gala keg of red wine…I learned that Aqua Velva taste best when mixed with sugar, and is a great kicker to Pledge. The most potent thing I learned though…there are acts of men against others that can damage and destroy people to their very souls.

The real Beach Boys...but not the 'real' Beach Boys.

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Lawrence Lewis

“Alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life.” – George Bernard Shaw

About Lawrence Lewis

I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂