Before every big road trip we take either Studly Doright initiates the phrase, “Off again, on again, gone again, Flanigan,” or I do. It’s part of our family culture.
His PaPa Noyes taught him to say the phrase as a small child, back before Studly was known as Studly. PaPa dealt in scrap metal and would often invite one or more of his grandsons to ride along to Fort Worth. They couldn’t leave the “yard” in Hereford, Texas, until the words were chanted.
Studly passed on the tradition to me, then to our children, and most recently to our grandchildren. Tomorrow as I head to Orlando to meet up with our niece CB and her family for a weekend at DisneyWorld I’ll say the words even though no one else will be in the car to hear them.
Peace, people!

My mother used to say (with alarming regularity I might add) ‘Am I right; or am I right?’ I have endeavoured to carry on this tradition yet my dear wife says ‘rude’ words to me when I utter said phrase! Where, I ask is the fairness in that!
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My husband says that and brooks no disagreement.
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Sturdy, lucky chap! Good be on him.
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Have fun!! How exciting!
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I’m looking forward to it!
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have fun
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I came down with a stomach bug this afternoon! Must get well before I leave for Orlando!
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NO!…….get well quick XO
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Trying!
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A wonderful piece of family culture. It makes me wonder whether it was handed down to PaPa, and how far into the future it might go
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There’s no way of knowing where PaPa learned it, but we’re doing our best to make sure it continues.
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