When I Was ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’

    They sat at the end of two long driveways. 

The driveways themselves were unique, those that had

only concrete for the tires alone. If my memory serves me correctly, there were two, maybe three homes toward the outside of each driveway. And between the drives were a line of deciduous trees. As a boy in the 1960’s this home holds some of the greatest of memories.

For children, likely the predominant ingredient to growth & enjoyment is merely imagination. And for a city raised boy, this home on Eucalyptus Ave in Hawthorne, California, with a field for a playground, not much more was required. Yet, more is exactly what we were about to receive!

Most adults would likely see the weeping willows that sat at the end of the driveways. Yeah, they were cool. But ~~ sitting in a ditch between the willows lay two vintage cars. I was seven, perhaps eight years old, so cars were not part of my repertoire. Not only was ‘Google’ not available, their inventors had yet to be born. So, I was up to my own to research on these fine antique cars. I discovered that they were 1930’s or 40’s Studebaker Champions¹. I’m sure that someone left these beauties behind just for Georgie and me.

Now yes, most of my spare time you’d find me outside, playing ‘Hot Wheels’ in the city that Georgie and I created within the deciduous trees. But it was the mid-1960’s and TV shows made for kids were plentiful. Whether it was the Andy Griffith Show and my favorite Don Knotts, Gunsmoke, The Addams Family or even ‘Batman’, of which I sat in the original ‘Batmobile’... Oh yes I did :) None could match my favorite childhood show ~~ ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ Such a favorite, that for one Christmas, mom wrapped the best present ever, my very own U.N.C.L.E. ‘Spy Kit’.

So with Weeping Willows, Studebaker's, my ‘Man from U.N.C.L.E’ spy kit, the only other ingredient, you guessed it ~ 'imagination'~. I became the better looking Kuryakin … I could never say his first name. So off to the Studebaker’s were Georgie, as ‘Solo’ and me (Ricky) as Kuryakin. I’m pretty sure we were able to solve and protect our country from all and every type of threat possible.

That old home ~~ now a parking lot for the U.S. Post Office. And ‘Kuryakin’, played by David McCallum, now plays ‘Ducky’ in one of my current favorite TV shows, NCIS. 

 

 RIP David McCallum ~ September 25, 2023

When 'Honoring' Becomes An 'Honor'

There are certain events in our history (both individually and nationally) which will not be forgotten. Neil Armstrong’s first step onto the moon in July of 1969 is certainly one. And his words, “That’s one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind”. Another are the events from September 11, 2001 ~ aka 9/11. Those old enough to remember that event twenty years ago this week, know exactly what they were doing. Myself, I was concluding my shift at PAF&R Station 80. We watched with numb unbelief as the events unfolded.

~ 10th Anniversary Badge ~

On the tenth anniversary we had a remembrance at Station 80, which included retirees, family, guest speakers and a ‘10^th Anniversary Badge’ that our department wore for the next year. Also included a beautiful reconditioned bell. Thanks to Rob Bigelow and Alan Lashbrook for your contributions!

So, the twentieth anniversary was approaching, and I knew that I would like to do something in order to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Having been a member of the ‘Patriot Guard’ for a few years now, I received an email which supplied several possible events in my area. I chose to honor and attend the dedication of the ‘Tyrone S. Woods’ Park in Oregon City, Oregon.

A beautiful 70’s degree day with wonderful clear blue skies and even a few new roads led me and the Yamaha FJR to the dedication event. To my knowledge, the name ‘Tyrone Woods’, meant nothing to me. That said, while aboard a flight a couple years ago, I do recall watching the movie ‘13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’. I will watch it again with a greater sense of honor.

After parking the FJR, and before approaching the pavilion where the dedication was being held, I walked over to the monument which was created in honor of ‘Tyrone’. Looking down and reading the inscription, I had chills as I come to realize that Tyrone was one of the ‘Secret Soldiers’. I had not even remembered that Benghazi began September 11^th as well. The year ~ 2012. Tyrone, a twenty year Navy Seal veteran, had become a CIA contractor after his military service and was one of the hero’s who sacrificed his life. The bottom of the plaque reads, “More than 25 American lives were saved by their exceptional courage and heroic actions.”

Tyrone S Woods

So on September 11, 2021 I rode my motorcycle in order to honor a fallen soldier. In retrospect, the honor became mine. Listening to the speakers, and reading how this man, ‘Tyrone S. Woods’ sacrificed his life for others ~ I was honored to be in attendance.

Now when the next anniversary comes, and the one after that ~ on 9/11, ‘Tyrone Woods’ shall be a name that I’ll remember with honor. And for those of you who would likewise wish to honor Tyrone or the thousands of our fallen, visit ‘Tyrone S Woods’ Park in Oregon City, or one of the hundreds of memorials erected for our veterans throughout our beautiful country. 

              

Play Structure at TS Woods Park

                         

                                                

 

More information & Donations in honor of Tyrone and the Oregon City High School Wrestling Team can be made at: https://tswwf.org/

 

 

 

 

Another YouTube to consider from the NZ Family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDZVM7p7_Ac

One Corner, Two Hours, Three Men

Photo by the Cameraman :)

“So what, you checking your EF Hutton?” Why I even began a conversation with this gentleman while completing my morning walk and stairclimb exercise, well ~~ it’s just what I do.

Larry and I conversed for better than an hour, learning that his career had been as a cameraman for a local news outlet. Pretty cool learning about a trade that is quite fascinating. As well, we chatted about his preteen granddaughter who is quite the golfer. Perhaps even pro one day.

While in the midst of our chat Greg approached asking if either of us knew of a local barber. Telling us that he was new to the area, I suggested the two that I was aware of. Though with COVID, I’ve purchased a Remington palm trimmer and ~~ well, other than Mexico trips, I haven’t seen a barber for a year and a half. Perhaps it shows :)

So ~~ here were three sixty plus dudes, never having met, who carried on with conversation like we had known each other since childhood. Conversation included many things ~ hey, we’re old & we’re men ~ that’s what happens :) Anyway, our discussion veered towards our faith and relationship with Christ.

When all was said and done … on that ‘one corner’ … for ‘two hours’ … these ‘three men’ enjoyed a very pleasant morning together.

The moral of the story ~~ slow down, be available, and learn the story of another. 

 

 

Just having fun on guitar :)

 

 

The mural in the background of the photo ~~ why is it significant?

More Than ~ Kicking a Stone

Do you ever watch people? I mean in a fun way. Where perhaps families are playing together. Where people are laughing, walking or running. Or children are simply using their imagination.

I have three places from which I love to sit in my house. And while reading or studying, I’m able to enjoy the view outside at the same time. This morning I was sitting near my large living room window, which provides a view to neighbors passing by and the hillside beyond. A family with four children were strolling down the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street. Pulling up the back of the pack was a young boy, maybe 6 or 7 years of age. Totally clueless to the rest, he was kicking a stone as he walked along. If the stone moved onto the grass he would slide over and attempt to return it to the sidewalk in front of him. He continued doing such for as long as I could see.

How is it that in a moment, a flash of time ~ a picture, a story, a song, at times a fragrance and at other times just watching others, can take us back to a memory from our past. Watching this little guy, was watching myself all over again. For years in my elementary school days, I would likewise kick a stone down the sidewalk. Even attempting to kick one all the way to school, which could be a mile or more.

The simple joys that we had as children. Might some of them continue, if only slightly, into our twilight years. Yes, sometimes I still find myself still kicking a stone. Though only a couple times, but none-the-less bringing a smile for doing something so silly. Perhaps if for nothing more ~~ a smile is more than worth the moment.

~~  Let this little one bring a smile for you today ~~ 

 

He Calls Me Son ~~ Forty-Five Years Today

They named me Ricky, but He calls me His son

Perhaps my 'testimony' could be described in Charles Dickens fashion...the journey past...the journey present...and, the journey yet to come!

T he 'Journey Past'... The oldest of four 'baby boomer' children I lived my first five years in the Southeast of the United States. We were not a family that attended church, though funny, years ago I came across this photo of our family of five at the time going to Easter Service. I have absolutely no recollection of this occasion. Shortly after this time, having moved to the Los Angeles area, my father decided that he would seek life elsewhere. He left months before my baby brother was born, I was 6 ½ years old. Though I would have some sporadic contact with my father over the years, it was the endearing spirit and labor of love of my mother that had the greatest impact on developing my character. Along with my grandmother (her mother), we were never without food, neither clothing, nor shelter. Though poor, I consider my childhood to have been a blessing. Thanks mom! As a young teenager mom married Bob Jopp, it is he who I have the privilege to call dad until this very day.

The ‘Journey Present’ began on July 25, 1976. A girl invited me to her youth group just three days earlier. Being cute, of course I said yes! Seriously though, for the first time in my life (other than family and a few friends) I really felt that I was loved. Yes, by the Lord, but by the body of Christ as well. It was on that Sunday that I acknowledged what Jesus had done for me on the cross. A sinner made clean by His blood and a hope through His resurrection, the likes of which I had never known before. Over the next month and even the next two years, the hunger for God’s word was almost unquenchable.

I would become a firefighter with the Forest Service and then the Air Force, who would take me to Alaska. It was there that I met and married my bride, Karen, of now 42 years this coming September. It was in Anchorage and later Palmer, that working with youth became a key ingredient of my life.

Upon my discharge from the Air Force we moved to Silverton, Oregon. It is here that Karen and I were the first to complete, as a couple, a two-year bible seminary degree at Canyonview, later called Biblion. Since those years we have continued to make Silverton our home, where we raised our three children. I would return to the fire service, working for 27 years at Portland Airport Fire & Rescue.

Through all these years, as with all, we have our broken moments, none-the-less Christ and His church continue to be the centerpiece of our lives. I/we continue to grow in His word. I have had the privilege to be His vessel while working with youth, leading music, and seeing how he would surprise me at using His gift of service in this soul.

Today we find ourselves at a Wesleyan Church in Salem, Oregon. And once again, you’ll find me as one of the coaches for our annual Basketball Camp in early July.

So, what is the vision for the ‘Journey Yet-To-Come’? Instead of ‘retirement’, I have called it “ReFirement”! How, where and when will the Lord ReFire this life and for what? I have found that as I wait patiently for the Lord, He provides a journey that is beyond imagination. It is a journey that often includes kids…baseball…and the gospel. My most recent lesson from the Lord, “Travel slowly, listen deeply, and wait for much more than what one can even imagine. 

 

This is the testimony of Rick. Life is not…has not always been easy, but it has been abundant.

Thank You Lord that I'm a child of Yours!

~~ ‘Thirty-Five Thousand Feet' ~~

View from 'Thirty-Five Thousand'

OMG … ‘Oh my goodness! Or, appropriate would be ‘Oh My God'!

One hundred years ago they could NEVER have imagined the beauty of creation from the height of thirty-five thousand feet. The view of mountains, channels and lakes is simply astounding.

Returning from my second “workcation' in Ketchikan, Alaska. The first was near the winter solstice in 2013, and this time arriving on the 21^st of June, 2021 … the summer solstice.

The ole 'Wollensak 6020'

Glad to help my ‘Towle' friends. In 2013, preparing their house after the death of their mother, to become a rental. This time emptying the LARGE basement, of treasures, momentos and debris, as they prepare to sell the only home that they have known since birth. Now in their sixties ~~ who can say that? I know that I can not.

As this trip concludes, I'm so glad to have assisted. Wednesday will stand as one of my top ten days of exhaustion. Ok … I'm now officially an OLD man, so these days surely are a tad more difficult.

Cessnun View

Now that we're done, and as I reflect on this week, I'm grateful for Marna Towle's direction, for Mike & Marna Cessnun's wonderful hospitality (Yes, two Marna's), and for the four ‘twenty somethings’ whom offered the strength of youth in order too accomplish this daunting task. Container is packed and ready for shipping.

As well, I reflect with a bit of emotion, as I sat across the street from their house and watched Marna while she walked around taking a video of her childhood home ~ one .. last .. time ~ . Only minutes earlier I was sitting at our cardboard box dining room table and enjoyed the breathless view through the 4 x 8' windows that Mr. Towle (her father) installed nearly seven decades ago.

A Full Container :)

One day I shall return to the mainland which was home in the late seventies and early eighties. Where Karen and I would tie the proverbial knot. For now, at least I can say that I've ventured back to Alaska twice … be it the most southern part of this most beautiful state. The view from ‘Thirty-Five Thousand Feet' ~~ priceless!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

"It's OK to cry, it's OK to grieve, it's OK to fall apart" Ryan Stevenson ~~ What a blessing to have had a parent that we so miss. "It's OK to fall apart" ~~

 

 

Third Flats a Charm ~~~

What do you think? Was it just that I got off too easy on the first two flats, or what?

In September 2020, a week after returning from our second motorcycle tour across America on US 20, I went to pull the Goldwing out of the garage, only to discover that the rear tire was flat. No worries, with nearly 10,000 miles on the tires, they were needing to be replaced. Then only two weeks later, I went into that same garage to do some maintenance on the FJR. And what did I find? You bet, a flat...rear...tire. So, having never had a flat on a motorcycle before, I now had not one, but two such beast. Though honestly, in the garage and not out on the road. Yeah, pretty simple I must admit.

But wait, the story continues. No, I’m going to sell you “Ginsu Knives”. Ha! Only a day prior I had called my mechanic in order to schedule the purchase and mounting of tires a month from now in late June, a week prior to my annual Oregon ride.

And then comes yesterday. My big plan was an attempt to confirm the mileage and time for a Memorial Day ride that I organize annually. Fueled up, my hope was to ride the entire 150 miles, stopping long enough only to write down information for a few landmarks or checkpoints. All was going as hoped until, well … it wasn’t.

Again, I’ve had two flats before, but as I mentioned above, both were in the garage. I had no concept of what a flat might feel like while riding a motorcycle. This experience to me, it was similar to driving my car while the alignment is absolutely out. I had no ‘counter-steering’ control. And honestly I was not initially thinking tires. The good news, only a short distance from my awareness of a problem I was able to pull into a service station. Immediately upon lifting the bike onto the center stand did I realize that yes, in fact, I have a flat.

At first I thought that I’d just pull up to the ‘air station’ and fill the tire. But do you know how much they charge you for air? Seriously! But here comes the second part of good news. I was prepared! :)

A couple years ago I had purchased a ‘Dynaplug’ for those emergency tire moments. The only issue is that I tried to use this device on both of the garage flats without success. I wasn’t even able to push the plug into the hole. And this even included drilling a small pilot hole. Because of this information I had chatted with my mechanic who had heard good things about a product called ‘Stop & Go’ Pocket Tire Plugger. I not only purchased one right then, I had both it and the ‘Dynaplug’ on the bike at the time of the flat.

Within the ‘Stop & Go’ kit are eight items, including more than a dozen plugs (I honestly hope that I never have to use that many ~~ just saying), as well as the pump and great instructions. The only additional item required are pliers, which should be an obvious part of anyone's tool kit. Right?

After placing a plug, I attempted to fill the tire. Quickly I discovered that a second plug would be required for this flat. The second plug proved to be sufficient! Inflating the tire took approximately 7 minutes with the pump within the kit,  and the FJR was back on the road. Sweet!

I did stop to check the pressure about 30 miles into my 75 mile return home. Only a pound or two was lost. By the following morning the tire had lost all of it’s pressure. That said, I consider the mission a success!

I’ve averaged 10,000 miles in the saddle per year over the past eight years. Whether you’re able to put on that many miles or simply a few thousand around your home, I would surely consider adding the ‘Stop & Go’ as part of your routine tool kit. For me, this kit is a definite thumbs up! 100% ... And no, I don't receive anything from the company. But ....

  

Perhaps one day I'll make my own video ~~ until then 'CherrieBee' does a fine job on this video. The only exception to my kit is that mine has the pump and not the CO2 cartridges.