Love makes grown-ups do the most peculiar things
JERRY AULDS

Kids may say the darndest things, but even otherwise even-keel, normal conservative adults enthralled by the rites of love and marriage may kick up their heels and exhibit wonderfully wild behaviors.

Consider local homemaker, businesswoman and grandmother Margaret Armatta, who attired in a pale pink pantsuit with matching helmet, crashed her grandnephew's April wedding riding co-pilot on her son Mark's Harley "Hog" motorcycle.

And at that same wedding, the groom's granddad, retired El Campo Leader-News adman "Squeaky" Socha, sitting tall in his wheelchair, had the entire wedding crowd cheering as he showed them his two-wheeled version of the Grand March.

Also coming in for Grand March cheers were Susie Socha, Squeaky's bride of nearly six decades and nephew Mike Armatta who steered Squeaky's wheelchair at the proper pace throughout the Grand March.

Grandpa Socha then provided yet another highlight at the reception. When the band laid down their first hot licks, Mike rolled his uncle out on the dance floor and Squeaky rose from his chair and commenced to "boogie" dance with his granddaughters Mandy Kelley and Kayla Socha.

Meanwhile Margaret, who was only slightly miffed when grandson Joey aced her out of another ride on the Harley, joined the cheering throng.

"It was a perfect wedding, the wedding couple Trent and Nikki Socha looked so happy, and we had four generations of the family there to join in the happiness," said Margaret who added that grandson Joey had been a "bit miffed" about having to wear that pink helmet.

On the other hand, Cindy Robinson, wife of KULP morning guy Clint Robinson, is joyful rather than miffed when April 16 rolls around, marking a milestone event for the Louise couple.

Clint told me that he and Cindy went on their first date April 16, 1983 and in honor of that date the heavily bearded "Ole Clinto" goes B&B - bald and beardless.

Clint's April 16th tradition results in some confusion among friends, neighbors and fans who, on encountering him in person, are surprised to hear Clint's signature deep voice emanating from a smiling, handsome, pink-cheeked cherub.

They need not worry. The beard's growing nicely, although maybe he could borrow Margaret's pink helmet to keep the sun off his head.

Ain't love grand, wild and wonderful.