Author Archives: rike52

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”

Paul Revere’s day job was silversmith.  He was very successful.  His products were more functional than ornamental, vessels for preparing and serving food and drink.  We know his role as a patriot, and he applied his metal working talents to the war effort, during and after the war using the profits from his expanding businessContinue reading “the tarnish R coming!”

This morning, we had our second homemade batch of this breakfast treat.  It was then I knew I had to spread the news to the mountaintops.  Yeah, I know I only have my WordPres blog but, hey, Jesus only had 12!  Shaksuka is a spicy underside to your eggs that had its origins in TunisiaContinue reading “shaksuka!”

I first set foot in Hyde Park when I was 14.  Mrs. Kitchel had taken Vicksburg High’s Biology Club on a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry.  After horsing around the many exhibits, boarding the U-505 submarine, and descending into the coal mine, it was time to clown for the cameras.  SomeContinue reading “Hyde ‘n’ seek”