Author Archives: rike52

Yesterday afternoon, we gathered in Chelsea to celebrate the well-lived life of Barbara Weidner Ike, who left us last February at 81.  Her husband Ron, who flew the F-4 Phantom in the Navy before moving on to larger personnel carriers bearing the colors of Republic, Northwest, and Delta – is a distant cousin.  I’d knownContinue reading “bye, Barb”

I’ve vowed several times to stop blogging about coronavirus. The pandemic is over, just like Uncle Joe said, and I should be bored with it. Mostly I am, but this video from David Martin PhD before the Europe Parliament caught my eye. From my old virologist’s vantage, none of this is implausible, and all ofContinue reading “corona”

Tickets to Boz Scagg’s concert at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids were already sold out and got me realizing I’ve got to keep better track of my favorites as other folks seem to like ‘em too.  I’ve been going to concerts since before I could drive, starting with Tiny Tim (1)  in Las Vegas whileContinue reading “anywhere! anytime!”

Memorial Day is a time to remember and respect those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Fortunately, my dear dad emerged from World War II unscathed, living a long and happy life until leaving 20 years ago in March.  But he considered his time in the service as the best thing he everContinue reading “Sgt. Ike”

I’ve missed the anniversary  of the canonization of Joan of Arc, who entered sainthood thanks to Pope Benedict XV on May 16, 1920.  That’s a long time to serve as a martyr, leading the French to victory over the English at Orleans in 1429 and in effect securing the coronation of King Charles VII ,Continue reading “Jean d’Arc”

A friend offered such nice condolences for my mom’s recent passing (1), I felt compelled to offer her some information about this person she never knew.  Here’s what I wrote: Mom was a spitfire.  Chose to carry me when she got knocked up at 19 even though cad-Dad offered to pay to “take care ofContinue reading “bye, Mom”

On this Mother’s Day, I’m back to being an orphan. I’ve been blessed with two wonderful mothers. Marion Lela Slater Ike (left) took me in and gave me joy until she left me when I was 10. Marlene Joan Gilbert (right) chose to have me when she became pregnant at age 19. I became reacquaintedContinue reading “Mother’s Day”

A dear friend who’s a surprisingly talented artist is turning one of my favorite Commander Cody photos into a painting. She’s needing clarification of some details in the photo. One of them is “what’s that on your t-shirt?” Well, it’s a poster for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of “Hot Rod Lincoln”, held atContinue reading “Pappy said son…”

Finally getting those old pots and pans out of storage and restoring them for sale proved to be a more emotional experience than I had counted on (1).  But they’re ready to roll, as good-looking as they’re gonna get, and about to get packed into a box to await being claimed by someone who seesContinue reading “more on Paul’s pots”