Author Archives: Marty Ryan

Mother’s Day Redux

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Marty Ryan

Mother’s Day is behind us.  I never thought of writing about my mother, but I see that almost everyone I know posted a paragraph or two about their mothers on Facebook for Mother’s Day. My mother deserves more than a … Continue reading →

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Chuck’s House Party

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Marty Ryan

Last week, I read in the Vail Observer that Rev. Victor Rehmaeker died at the age of 85.  I have a couple of memorable moments that involve both my mother and Father Rehmaeker (RAY-maker). The last incident first.  When my … Continue reading →

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The Tipsy Pine

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Marty Ryan

I was talking to my sister on the phone Easter Monday, and for some reason, the Tipsy Pine came up in conversation.  Good God, what a dive! We laughed and laughed at each other’s stories about that place.  The bar … Continue reading →

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Midnight Saving Time

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Marty Ryan

The town of Vail, Iowa, has a population of fewer than 500 residents.  Nonetheless, it has a swimming pool.  It’s not a publicly-owned government pool, but a community pool ran by community activists and volunteers which has been in existence … Continue reading →

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Censorship Sucks!

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Marty Ryan

When I first heard about a possible censorship of Dr. Seuss books, like so many others, I said: “What?”  My eighteen years of working at the American Civil Liberties Union gave me experience to ask, “who is the censor?”  Not … Continue reading →

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Wishing you enough

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Marty Ryan

We celebrated Stephanie’s birthday last August in quaint, humble style.  I bought her a cake, but instead of the usual “Happy Birthday” greeting, the top of the cake was decorated with “Wishing you enough.” We’ll be married for 16 years … Continue reading →

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