Jan 15 2007
Introducing Linda Erlank
Linda is Laverne’s younger sister. It wasn’t long after I arrived and had plunked down my luggage when I heard a knock on the door.
Linda has been waiting for her appearance for quite a while.
I was staying in the small apartment attached to Laverne and Shirley’s home; their tenant was away on holiday and had graciously allowed me to use her place (thanks!)
Laverne wanted to be introduced to me. Right away. I open the sliding door and there she is, a tall woman with straight, shoulder-length dark hair, blue eyes and a brash friendliness. Laverne, slightly taller and a lot quieter, is behind her. Not that Laverne is all that quiet. She’s quiet relative to Linda.
Laverne introduces us. Linda energetically greets me. Think freight train. Think bulldozer. Think Mack Truck.
Linda came, Linda saw, Linda bossed around.
I’m not sure if I managed to say anything.
When Linda heard about my blog she asked if I would write about her. I said that I would, and reassured her that I never use real names. I’m a private person and respect other’s privacy.
She wanted none of that.
“You must use my name. Linda Erlank. Linda Eehhrrr…laahnk!”
My response: raised eyebrows.
“You must tell me the name of your blog and when you will write about me.”
I look at Laverne. Laverne looks at me. Raised eyebrows are exchanged. Laverne does a great bemused.
Linda, her 9-month-old daughter A, and her mother, M were all visiting. They lived far far away and had arrived in a fully loaded (as in full of stuff) white BMW SUV. We’d all be spending a lot of time together.
You’ll be hearing about them.
Linda Erlank. Linda Eeeerrh-laahnk has made her appearance.
She came. She saw. She bossed around.
“You’re small. You must eat. You WILL gain 2 kilograms on your vacation!”
Ms. Q was in for an interesting vacation.
I do not think Linda Eeeerrh-laahnk is going to be amused, but I can’t wait for her reaction.
I hope Linda is amused! She gave me every indication that she has a well-developed sense of humor. I mean, I not only mentioned her BY NAME, I devoted an entire post to her! I wrote this with affection – isn’t it coming across? Well, I’m on another continent. I should be safe – got a decent head start.