The End of an Era in Chicago

A big part of my life growing up died yesterday.

From the WGN website-

Legendary WGN Host Wally Phillips Dies
Longtime Morning Man Loses Battle With Alzheimer's

(WGN-AM) - Wally Phillips, considered by many in the radio industry for helping to pioneer the modern day talk radio format, has died. He was 82.

The WGN mainstay hosted the morning show from 1965 through 1986. During that time, he ruled the roost in morning drive, at times attracting half of the market's listening audience.

Phillips arrived at WGN Radio in 1956, retiring from a weekend show in 1998. His lasting legacy at the station is the "Neediest Kids' Fund," a children's charity. Phillips had been battling Alzheimer's disease for the past five years.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

And from the Trib-
Longtime WGN radio host Wally Phillips dead at 82

Wally Phillips was the voice I heard on the radio every morning for as far back as I can remember. I remember many a Thanksgiving drive to Nana's house where Wally played Alice's Restaurant. I may not have understood the song much back then, but it became a family tradition of sorts for us.

I also remember that it was Wally Phillips who introduced me to the terms 'hog futures' and 'pork bellies', when he would have Orion Samuelson (pronounced Or-ee-an) on each day to read the farm report and kibitz a while.

Of the three WGN Radio personalities I grew up with, Wally Phillips, Roy Leonard, and 'Uncle' Bobby Collins, on Roy is still with us.

Wally was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1993, and you can read more about his career here, at Wally Phillips on WGN Gold

Like they said at the bottom of the WGN Gold page, If you are from Chicago, chances are you have said more than once, "I grew up with Wally Phillips." So did radio.

Very true.

Rest in Peace Wally

Happy Easter!

First of all, I want to wish everyone a very Blessed Easter, and to thank you all for your love and support.

Aaryk's plane touched down at 1300 at Ft. Bragg on Thursday the 20th. I got to the Green Ramp (the terminal) about 0930 just to make sure that I didn't get lost, and was there in plenty of time. Several other wives were already there, and another had just arrived and was being welcomed home.

They were good about keeping us informed, and telling us where we could and could not take pictures (it IS a military installation after all!).

Here's some of the ones I took-



After they all marched in and got settled in formation, the band played the National Anthem, the Army Song, and the 82nd Airborne song. All the while, I could see Aaryk scanning the crowd with just his eyes. Thankfully, I was nearly right in front of him. When he saw me, he winked at me and then just had that 'almost smile' that he gets. During this time, there was a speaker, but I have NO IDEA who it was or what he was saying!



When they finally got released to us, it was a wonderful. Words really cannot describe.



After about 15 minutes, they called them back to get on the buses and get taken to the Company area. They still had to turn in their weapons and other gear and pick up their duffels and such.



After a longish briefing on safety, mostly warning the guys about drinking and driving (this is a real problem for these guys who haven't had any alcohol in 15 months!), they were finally released to go home. Aaryk had to report for formation on Friday morning, and then doesn't have to be back to work until Tuesday.

We're having a wonderful reunion, and taking time to really get off on the right foot here. It's almost like being on a honeymoon again!

Thanks again for all your prayers on our behalf!

Leavin', on a jet plane

Well, the redeployment of the first Brigade of the Surge is underway.

I got a call from Aaryk last night, and he's in Kuwait!

He'll be there for a couple of days, and then an 18 hour flight (with layover) and he should be home by the end of the week.

I'm just praying that he's home in time for Easter.

It's been a long, rough road, but we are FINALLY in the home stretch!

I will let you all know when he gets 'boots on the ground', and then don't be too surprised if you don't hear from us for several days! ;)

(oh, and yes, I DO have the internet up and running here now too!)

Offline for a time...AKA He's almost home!!!!!

This is just to give y'all a heads up that I'm going to be offline for the next couple of whiles.

I leave at 'Oh-dark-hundred' tomorrow for Ft. Bragg. Aaryk should be home sometime in the next couple of weeks!!!!

But, until I get internet set up in the apartment, I'll be offline.

Please pray for safety in travel (for both of us!), and that our reunion will go smoothly.

Brian has a request also. Seems my dear son is lacking for music! He asked me to send him some, and since I won't have a chance for a bit, I'm asking you all. He likes a little bit of everything from Christian to hard rock to country. He especially would like some of Matt and Tim's stuff, if any of my St. Tim's group would like to send him some. He does have iTunes, so an iTunes gift card would certainly be appreciated!

If you need to get a hold of me, try my cell first. I'll try and check in online as soon as I can.

Thanks for all your prayers!