His plan was to arise at 5:55 a.m. today and arrive at Mick's of Warren for coffee with the guys at 8:55 a.m.
This is more than just another day in the life of Rick Roley, who runs Roley Electric and the Dairy Queen in Warren. Still, he wonders if it has some kind of a double golden description. He was born May 5, 1955. He celebrated his golden birthday in May 1960, when he was 5.
. . . And now, 50 years have passed. He is turning 55 today. So, he is looking at 5-5-55-55. Though he is not quite sure, he thinks there must be something special about this birthday. He has been trying to figure out if there's a reason to turn on the afterburners for a special celebration. He said he once got picked up for speeding. The officer looked over Roley's driver license and commented, "That's a unique birthday. Five must be your lucky number." Roley responded, "No, sir. If it was, I would have been driving 55."
This morning, as always, Roley will join his gang at Mick's. He said that's where the affairs of the community are discussed and remedied by the town's intellects over multiple pots of coffee. They include Motel Bob, Mick, Jimmy, Grandpa, Will and Brad. He doesn't figure he is one of the intellects because he claims to be just a listener. And most days, he said he walks away with a sensory overload.
He plans to make his way to the Dairy Queen for a 55-cent soft drink in honor of his "Gold Plated Birthday." And since this is Powerball Wednesday, he will stop by Jet Stop to buy $55 worth of assorted lottery tickets. He plans to take a 55-minute nap in the middle of the day.
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On Tuesday, he got wind of some friends volunteering his home for a social gathering today. It will start at 5:55 p.m. As the evening goes on and the friendship and fellowship flow, he knows the clock will reach 11:55 p.m. There will be only five minutes left before the end of a wonderful day.
Next year, there will be another Cinco de Mayo and another celebration. This year, there's the gold coating.
