My best friends in college... Dave and Omar by marlboromaam

My best friends in college... Dave and Omar

Picked up a really cheap negative and slide scanner at Big Lots around Christmas... Yesterday was the first time I used it. Pulled a few old negatives out to scan and found that it doesn't do too bad of a job. My negatives are kept in sleeves, but some look like they've faded over the years and some are stuck to each other - Yikes! I don't remember these pics being so washed out. May have to try to adjust them and do some more clean up in Photoshop. You can also see the one on the left is much sharper than the one on the right. These pics were taken some where around spring 1976 or 77. My gosh these negatives are practically antiques and so am I! LOL! We were at the small pond by the rose garden on campus (University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg) and just playing around with taking pics.

Dave was the only person, besides my dad, who could take a photo of me that I really liked! Omar, my beautiful Belgium Shepherd, was my roomie and constant companion. He's about six months old here. Dave always took care of Omar for me when I left on quarter breaks to visit family in other states, if I couldn't take him with me. It was great to have a guy for a best friend in college. They'll tell you stuff a boyfriend won't and it was always fascinating to get a very candid male perspective. Besides, Dave was always attracted to chesty blonds... What can I say? That sure did NOT describe me! LOL! Lost touch with Dave after graduation and that's sad, but ya never forget your best friends!

We didn't have cell phones back then... We had CB radios! WOO HOO! The games we played with our muscle cars, pickup trucks and CBs! "Breaker one nine for Big Daddy!... Ya gotta copy on the Mississippi Queen?... Ten four, good buddy... Got the front door... You can just ease on into that rocking chair... The Gray Ghost has your back door... I'll shake the trees and he'll rake the leaves for those big bears and county mounties... Let's boogie on down this highway!"

Film: Kodak (black and white) says "Safety Film"? May have been special film from the photography lab. Don't know.
Camera: Minolta TR202 (Do not remember which lens I used. Probably the normal lens vs. the telephoto or wide angle)

A song dedicated to the memory of just hanging out with Dave and Omar, from back in the day! Some Blue Oyster Cult... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy4HA3vUv2c
Wow, I never would have picked that these photos are older than me!! ;)
I really enjoyed ready your story. It is a shame that we lose touch with some close friends along the way, but it's so great that you have these special memories captured on film! Thanks for sharing :)
February 29th, 2012  
Kim
Looking at old pictures sure brings back memories...huh! I was looking at my high school yearbook a couple of weeks ago...can't believe how fast time goes!
February 29th, 2012  
Lovely collage
February 29th, 2012  
What great memories! I guess CB lingo was the first texting (with its own language and all). Such a beautiful dog and you need to google Dave. :-)
February 29th, 2012  
@munchkin84 Yep, I'm gettin' old, Kirsty! But inside, I'm still 17 and living a dream somewhere out west. Thank you for your kind comments, as always!

@kdei It really does fly by, Kim! Thank you for your thoughtful comments and the view!

@kerristephens Thank you, Kerri! Appreciate your comment, gal!
February 29th, 2012  
Really great collage. Thanks for sharing your memories. So wonderful! It's always to amazing to take a walk down memory lane and even better with photographs.
February 29th, 2012  
You have inspired me, Maggie. I will go looking for some old pics. Too bad we sometimes loose friendships along the way. I recently reconnected with a friend a had not talked to in a couple of decades and I'm very happy I took the first step. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but it's worth a try.
February 29th, 2012  
Lovely collage and what a great tribute to two old friends!
February 29th, 2012  
maam.. girl , you out did yourself... this is so nostalgic...don't get me started.. I'm speechless..
February 29th, 2012  
What great memories! It's wonderful that you have them so well preserved. It looks like it was a fun day, and Omar looks like a sweet pup!
February 29th, 2012  
Love the retro memories. So many good times.
February 29th, 2012  
@copperheadglass Meredith, I had a blast with my CB! I ran this country's roads from Mississippi to Sandusky, Ohio, to Wichita, Kansas, to San Antonio, Texas, to Atlanta, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina. Geez! I wish I could go back knowing what I know today. Omar was very handsome and Dave was the only guy he wouldn't growl at. Believe it or not, I have tried to find Dave. No where to be found. I'm afraid he passed away or surely there would be something. He was too outgoing not to be found on the net.
February 29th, 2012  
Vee
Wow! You and I are the same vintage! Seeing your photos brought back memories of my days at Whittier College where I listened to Blue Oyster Cult endlessly!
February 29th, 2012  
You never forget old friends. I still have mine here on 365 that I've had since I was 12 years old. And I'll just say, CB radio's and 8 track tapes, what memories. =) The old (I mean young) haha is Elaine... but I'm sure you figured that one out.
February 29th, 2012  
I wonder what happened to Dave .. love the photos. Love the collage. Omar was so beautiful. How long did you have him. Goes to show just how fast time goes . . fleeting.
February 29th, 2012  
@ebdubay Thank you, Erinn! Really appreciate your kind comments!

@meisen325 LOL! I'm happy to know I can inspire someone, Monica! I'll look forward to seeing some older pics of your past, gal! Thank you for your comments! Always appreciated!

@luvs2scuba2 Thank you, Elaine! Your comments are always appreciated!
February 29th, 2012  
@joeboxster LOL! Joe, you just like the music! Ha ha! Why on earth are you speechless? Thank you for your comments! Most appreciated!

@furrylens Aww! Thank you, gal! I think it was a fun day and Omar was a real sweetheart!

@jaboney Great times, Mike! Thank you for your comments, always appreciated!
February 29th, 2012  
@vskolnik LOL! That's great to know, Vee! The music just keeps the memories going for me. Thank you for your comments, always appreciated!
February 29th, 2012  
These are a great trip down memory lane..CB radios..now that's a blast from the past....My handle was Buttercup...lol
February 29th, 2012  
Very neat :)
February 29th, 2012  
@fredia I know you and Elaine are old friends and I think that's fabulous, Fredia! Growing up in the USAF, you make lots of friends but often lose touch with them. It's always great to reunite when you can. Thank you for your comments! Always appreciated!

@karenann There is no sign of Dave on the net, Karen. I've tried to find him. I can't help but think he passed away. I had Omar for about six years, until I had to start some traveling on air planes. He went to live on a ranch in Texas though and was well loved and happy until he passed.
February 29th, 2012  
@cindyrez LOL! That's a big 10-4, Buttercup! Ha ha! Thank you for your lovely, lovely comments! Most appreciated!

@horselover Thank you very much, Jennifer! =)
February 29th, 2012  
Oh this just puts the iceing ont the cake!!! Also an old C.B.er as my husbasnd drove an 18 wheller when i first met him in the mid 80's Double L was my handle he was lumberjack!! And i was right we do have alot in common!! Love the Old Pic's They are so Great and Best Friends Forever when you have a guy friend growing up! I just herd from mine tonight we went to school together since Kindergarten and it comming to Houston with his son for a Paintball tounament ! I so hope you can find Dave..that would be awesom! Did you try his parent' or family ?...Wish i had one of those slide thing's ..i would have a blast!! Thanks for sharing!!
February 29th, 2012  
@ellimae LOL! That's a big 10-4, Double L! I copy that! Thank you for your kind and lovely comments, gal! I hope you enjoy your friend's visit for the paintball tournament! I'm afraid Dave may have passed away. There is no sign of him on the net. He was also an Air Force brat. So have no clue where his parent may be or if they are even alive. Check Big lots for the negative/slide scanner! It was less than $50. Maybe they still have one or two. I have so many to scan and can only do one at a time but, cheaper than taking it to the professionals.
February 29th, 2012  
Deb
Thanks for sharing! Don't Fear The Reaper was one of my favorites songs back in the day :)
Great job on the photos for a cheap scanner!
February 29th, 2012  
@deburahiru Thank you, Deb! Appreciate your comments, as always! =)
February 29th, 2012  
What a neat story. I remember when my dad had a CB radio - he used to talk to the truck drivers on the way to visit my grandfather.
February 29th, 2012  
@loragill CB's were a pretty cool gadget to have when you traveled the roads a good bit. I think Truckers were a different breed back then, too! Much more likely to help a stranded motorist than run over one. Thank you for your comments, Lora! Always appreciated!
February 29th, 2012  
Breaker,breaker for the Mississippi Queen...this is Katy 2 sayin I enjoyed your pics, story and bringin back memories of good ole cb radios! I'll catch you on the flip side.
February 29th, 2012  
I love memory lane!! Thanks for taking us on this little journey! Your dog Omar was a beautiful pup! Great to have a good friends like Dave- lucky that you got to peek inside his man mind ;) The shots are fantastic!! Love the song- reminds me easier times...xoxo
February 29th, 2012  
You sound such a nice person - it was great your story and all the comments hereafter! I hope your business is picking up! You never know what is round the corner!
February 29th, 2012  
@wannabe Ha ha! Catherine, that makes 4 of us that I know of! We ought to start a club! LOL! That's a big 10-4, Katy 2! I copy that! Thank you for your lovely, lovely comments! I'll be 10 10 and listenin' in, gal!
February 29th, 2012  
@heidievans73 LOL! Heidi, I seem to be going there more and more in my old age and I seem to be missing my best friends from my youth more, too. I guess it happens to everybody when they get old. =) Thank you for your very lovely comments, gal! Always appreciate them very much!
February 29th, 2012  
I have wanted to get a scanner as I have a lot of old negatives but all are so expensive. I will be looking at Big Lots. What brand did you get? Nice memories to have. I have more paper photos and negatives than what I have on my computer to sort and scan eventually, did just a few including our wedding album from 1979. We had a friend who had the cell phone that you speak of. Wow, forgot about that. Sounds like a lot f fun and great memories. Those were the days. Great photos, love the old B&W's and those days past and the memories.
February 29th, 2012  
@maggiemae Aww! Maggiemae, thank you very much for your sweet and lovely comments! Hoping there is something good around the corner! It would be very nice!
February 29th, 2012  
Wow! How awesome! I love these shots!
February 29th, 2012  
@darsphotos It says "innovative technology"... their website is www.ithomeproducts.com If you can't find one at Big Lots, maybe you can find one online at their website or Amazon.com It seems to work fine but, I've only scanned 4 negatives so far. Thank you for the comments, Darlene! Always appreciated.
February 29th, 2012  
@nicedof Thank you so much, JP! Appreciate your comments!
February 29th, 2012  
You have such good memories! These shots are awesome, I think, great moments were captured. Thank you for sharing them with us! 8)
February 29th, 2012  
LOL, well, Mississippi Queen, I have to say you've got a great stash of memories.. You hear me? Come back.. It makes me wish for you somehow managing to find your old friend.. Great memories and I love the story with it..
February 29th, 2012  
Aww fab memories to treasure. Great captures. :0)
February 29th, 2012  
Great to see these old pics. They look OK. I started university in 1976
February 29th, 2012  
Very nice memories. I lost touch with my best friend too and it's very sad. But, you know, love and affection will never disappear ;)
February 29th, 2012  
Aw Maggie! I love the story behind these photographs.....and they're so clear considering they were taken before i was born! You should try to get in touch with Dave i bet he'd love to see these old photographs :) LOVE that song too.....
February 29th, 2012  
Great memories here. I haven't got a scanner yet and my wife is always grumbling about space and wants to throw away all the negatives. Till now I have resisted her.
February 29th, 2012  
Pam
Awesome memories. It is so nice to have photos to look back on them. Omar was such a sweet looking dog:) I bet if you found Dave and got together it would be like not a day had passed:) That song brings back some memories for me!
February 29th, 2012  
Amazing shots and I love the story you've shared! I've got the song playing and it is so fitting for the era of these shots! This is the thing I love about photography, each shot tells a story and takes you back to a time and place in an instant!
February 29th, 2012  
It is beautiful to have memories like that. We also had CB radios when I was young - it was a whole different kind of gang on its own - the CB buddies LOL!
February 29th, 2012  
Mags - Really enjoyed reading this. Of course it transported me to an earlier time in my life, wonderful, thanks.
February 29th, 2012  
What a beautiful memories Maggie! It's so sad you lost touch of him, maybe he has a facebook account search him on facebook. Omar was a beautiful dog. Thanks for sharing this photo and the wonderful memories you have with your two best friends... love the song too :D
February 29th, 2012  
hey mississippi queen! 10-4 a copy! my handle was moonraker! great memory lane trip. you must be similar age to me too.
February 29th, 2012  
Terrific share. Thanks. This old city boy had a CB back in the day. Can't recall my handle as it was oh, so long ago.
February 29th, 2012  
You sure brought back memories of the 70s! Your guys sounded very special...I agree, guys make great friends! Despite what Harry may have told Sally at first ...LOL. I have never heard of a negative and slide scanner and will need to check it out. How much is cheap, btw? Like under $10? This is a fabulous idea for a post and I really enjoyed the negatives that you chose. I have TONS of negatives stashed away ;-)
February 29th, 2012  
how fun and I agree, not a bad job! Love the shepard- he is gorgeous!!
February 29th, 2012  
@myautofocuslife Aww! Thank you for the view and the comments, Livia!

@buggus Copy that, Oleta! I appreciate your wish and I have tried. Makes me think that maybe he passed away though. No hint anywhere. As always, appreciate your lovely comments and the view!

@lizzy_lu123 Thank you very much, Lisa!
February 29th, 2012  
@peterdegraaff Thank you, Peter! I must be older than you if you started in '76. As always, appreciate your comments and the view. =)
February 29th, 2012  
@simonesta I so agree, Simonetta! What a nice thing to say! Thank you for your kind comments!

@mantha It is a great song, isn't it! Thank you for your sweet and lovely comments, Samantha! They mean a whole lot to me. There is no sign of Dave anywhere on the web. I'm afraid he passed away, either that or he's very private.

@sangwann LOL! I hope you can afford one that will do more than one negative or slide at time. =) Thank you for your comments, Dione! Always appreciated!
February 29th, 2012  
@pammerritt Aww! Thank you, Pam! It would be nice to reunite with Dave after all these years. Omar was a sweetheart, no doubt. As always, appreciate your kind and thoughtful comments!

@aleksandra It sure does, Aleksandra! I seem to go back more and more in my old age, too! Thank you for your lovely comments. You are a sweetheart!

@ataylor CB buddies were great! Thank you for your lovely comments, gal! Always appreciated!
February 29th, 2012  
@ronphotos365 Thank you so much, Ron! Really appreciate your comments and the view!

@princesicita Aww! Princess, you are such a sweetheart! No, he's not on Facebook or any place else on the net. I'm afraid he passed away or he's just very private. Thank you for your lovely, lovely comments! Always appreciated!

@rach57 Ha ha! We need to start an old CBer club, Rachel! Copy that Moonraker! Thank you for your lovely comments and the view! Much appreciated!
February 29th, 2012  
@johns366 Oh, John, it's a shame you can't remember your handle! LOL! Thank you for your comments and the view! Always appreciated!

@cimes1 Carole, this one was under $50 and on "final" sale. I know there are others much more expensive that can do more than one negative or slide at a time. Just check Amazon.com or Ebay. Thank you for your kind comments, gal! Really appreciated!

@hillcrest Thank you so much, Cheryl! Appreciate your kind comments and the view!
February 29th, 2012  
lovely dog and friend, happy times
February 29th, 2012  
@windridge Happy and sad times, both, Susan! These photos are full of bittersweet memories. Thank you for your lovely comments, gal!
February 29th, 2012  
Very sweet!
February 29th, 2012  
This is so lovely! I love reading that story.. I really want you to try to get back in touch with Dave now!! :) I love that song too. x
February 29th, 2012  
I love these shots! Great memories I'm sure...really sounds like fun. Oh and your dog was gorgeous!
February 29th, 2012  
Great collage
February 29th, 2012  
eva
I don't know if it's beautiful story and lovely photos, or lovely story and beautiful photos. But it is.
February 29th, 2012  
@marlboromaam Thanks, Ann. Actually I have an all in one printer with a scanner where I can scan old photos to post. I believe I have all the photos from the negatives I have on file, so guess I wouldn't need it. I think I just keep the negatives in case photos would get lost. Who knows....I keep everything!! .LOL.
February 29th, 2012  
Pictures full of love! Very beautiful bw! I have to fav this!:)
February 29th, 2012  
Great stories, and good memories for you to keep forever, thanks to your negatives. lovely photos.
February 29th, 2012  
awe, such beautiful memories! it is really to bad that you and him lost touch over time :( But, you are right, you never forget the ppl who meant so much to us!! i love these shots...gorgeous dog!
February 29th, 2012  
@jaimeratchford Thank you very much, Jaime!

@whaticallme Aww! I really appreciate your lovely, lovely comments, Sarah! Don't know how to find Dave though. No fruitful search on the net. I thank you though! =)

@sgoodin1 Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments, Sara! Appreciate it very much!
February 29th, 2012  
@simon0128 Thank you, Simon!

@redrucksack Aww! Eva, you are such a sweetheart! Thank you for your very lovely and kind comments!

@cimes1 Okay, Carole. Good deal!
February 29th, 2012  
@lianasaarepera Aww! Liana, you are so sweet! Thank you for the fav and most of all for your very kind comments! Most appreciated!
February 29th, 2012  
@aslessknownsu Thank you, Susan! Yes, ma'am. I am glad I have kept the few negatives I have. =)

@kdimagery Thank you so much, Kd! Appreciate your lovely comments, as always!
February 29th, 2012  
What great memories you were able to preserve!
March 1st, 2012  
@twinsplusone Yep! =) Thank you for the comment and the view, Sharon! Appreciated as always!
March 1st, 2012  
great photos!
March 1st, 2012  
Aww!!! That's sweet!!! Beautiful dog!!!
March 1st, 2012  
@earthbeone Thank you so much, Pamela!
March 1st, 2012  
Oh, keep sharing more of these! So fun to go back in time, even if it wasn't your own memory!
March 1st, 2012  
@cheyrebecca Thank you, ma'am! Always appreciate your comments!

@cmc1200 I will try, Caryn! I'm glad you enjoyed the time travel! LOL! Thank you! I always appreciate your lovely comments!
March 1st, 2012  
Now tha'ts a trip down memory lane missy! What fun on that cb radio lingo...I remember when it was so prevalent that it was part of everyone's chatter...
March 1st, 2012  
@lindag LOL! It was like a second language at the time, Linda! It was so much fun. Good times! Thank you for your comments! Always appreciate the time it takes to view a pic and type some thoughtful words. =)
March 1st, 2012  
So great to see some of your old pics! Thanks for sharing this fond memory of Dave and Omar. Muscle cars and pickup trucks - now you're talking my language!
March 2nd, 2012  
@melissapike LOL! Thank you, Melissa! I'm happy you could relate. As always, appreciate your comments very much!
March 2nd, 2012  
Nice! Look at you briging out the negatives and slide scanner! These are wonderful. They don't seem like older photos. Your story is so touching, makes me wish I could have met Dave and Omar.
March 3rd, 2012  
@cjphoto Aww! Chris you are a sweetie! Dave was very outgoing! I'm sure he would've liked you and your pics very much! Thank you!
March 3rd, 2012  
Nice diptych. Memories of collage are great fun. Reminded me of my time at university. Thanks for sharing.
March 5th, 2012  
@netkonnexion Thank you for your kind comments and the view! Much appreciated!
March 5th, 2012  
Some beautiful memories there...:):)
March 6th, 2012  
@veekay Aww! Thank you very much, Vicki! =)
March 6th, 2012  
Blast from the past. Yep i have done some negetive scanning too. i say thank god for digital and computers.
March 6th, 2012  
@lornavale Thank you, Barb! Yep! On one hand, what would we do if they were taken away from us tomorrow? Ack!
March 6th, 2012  
WOW !! THeres so much story behind these pics ! I love hearing such stories ! :D
b&w truly shows an another era ! Would love to see more of these pictures ! :)
May 10th, 2012  
@vignesh Thank you very much, Vignesh! I'm still looking for more of my old negatives! Glad you enjoyed the story.
May 10th, 2012  
ok! so your assignment is to search him out! Have you looked on Facebook? I was on the reunion committee and found tons of old classmates we thought were gone from sight! Don't give up!!!
May 31st, 2012  
@vickisfotos He's not on Facebook, or LinkedIn. I have a retired air force friend that's trying to use his connections to locate Dave since he was headed for navigator school after graduation. I'm afraid he has passed away, Vicki. No trace of him through any channel I've searched.
May 31st, 2012  
oh, so sorry...I was pretty sure you had tried...just thought if not, I would push to to try...it is so awesome to find old friends. Maybe he will pop up sometime! don't give up yet!
May 31st, 2012  
@vickisfotos Don't be sorry. LOL! I'll keep looking for Dave along with some a few other old friends, too. =)
May 31st, 2012  
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