The Pulice Report

Ray Riker, 1959-2010: In Memoriam

 
My wife and I were fortunate to call Ray Riker a friend. Ray and his partner Jim Gowran -- our friend, as well -- have run the Kirby House for more than a decade. Mary (who took the wonderful photo of Ray above)  and I stayed at this magnificent B&B numerous times since we were married in 2000. A few years ago, Ray and Jim even asked us to house-sit while they went on a rare vacation, which helped solidify our friendship, and gave our daughter Zoë (who was conceived in one of the Kirby's rooms) a chance to enjoy its many charms and comforts.

Tragically, Ray passed away on January 3rd from cardiac arrest, following a bout with colon cancer. So many people who knew Ray posted memories of him on the funeral home's Web site, and many of these writings, like ours, centered on his companionship and his smile. As the chef at the Kirby, Ray also crafted sumptuous breakfasts that put a smile on our faces, and jump-started our day as we made plans to venture into Saugatuck or Douglas for an afternoon of sightseeing, shopping and eating, often made even more pleasant due to tips and suggestions from our gracious hosts. Afterward, we would return, pour a cool drink, then chat, laugh and relax with Ray and Jim by the pool. Mary and I have always felt at ease, and at home, when in their company.

This past week has been a reminder to spend more time with loved ones, and we'll be there to support Jim as he goes through the grieving process. Thankfully, he plans to re-open the B&B in February, and Mary and I will be there to help, as our schedules permit. In fact, she has offered to assist with some of the cooking, since Mary, as was true of Ray, puts together wonderful feasts. Based on the comments of those who attended the funeral last Friday, the house will soon be full again, which always put a smile on Ray's face.   

Official NORAD Santa Tracker

 

As I write this, Santa Claus is working his way quickly through Australia, leaving presents for all the good boys and girls in Melbourne before moving on to do the same in Hobart, Tasmania. Of course, the folks Down Under are many hours ahead of us here in Michigan, but no matter where you call home, it's easy to follow the travels of the fabled gift-giver and his fleet reindeer with the Official NORAD Santa Tracker.

View tips on using this handy tool, remember to leave out milk and cookies, and Merry Christmas.  

Portable North Pole

 
The clock is winding down toward the start of Santa's annual sojourn around planet Earth. Even so, there still is time to thrill youthful ones in your life with a personalized video message from the jolly man himself. Kids the world over will be relieved to know they've made the 'nice' list, as I found when my daughter opened her message this evening. Smiles like the one that ensued are priceless. 

Arresting Resource of the Month, November: Absolute Michigan's A Very Michigan Thanksgiving

 

One of my "go to" online destinations, Absolute Michigan continues its mission of highlighting the best our state has to offer. The subject matter is diverse, the information timely and informative. They explore one of the country's favorite holidays, and how you can celebrate it in Great Lake style with A Very Michigan Thanksgiving, which I've selected as the "Arresting Resource of the Month" for November.

Peruse this terrific compendium, and consider suggestions for matching wine with food, learn more about America's Thanksgiving Parade, or read about that annual Detroit Lions tradition. There's much to digest on this page, which could be a valuable guide and time-saver as you plan and prep your meal for family and friends. In fact, it's possible that just about everything you eat can be grown in our two peninsulas.

Dig in!

Michigan Fall Color Tours

My wife, daughter, and I went to Parmenter's Northville Cider Mill on Sunday, and along the way I kept pointing out the vibrant colors that were starting to burst from trees on Prospect Road, M-14, etc. Check out these Michigan Fall Color Tours, courtesy of Pure Michigan, while you can still take in peak season, although that may soon pass in the Upper Peninsula. Still, there's much to see around the lower portion of the state, so grab the family and your camera, then enjoy some of the country's most spectacular vistas.

Big House Big Heart

Want to experience the rush of charging down the tunnel and onto the field at the University of Michigan's fabled Big House? You can do so and benefit charity all at the same time, but registration ends soon for the Big House Big Heart event, taking place this Saturday, October 3 in Ann Arbor, 5K and 10K chip-timed courses take you through the U-M campus, and there also is a 1 Mile Fun Run, all of which end on the 50-yard line at Michigan Stadium. I'll be out of town for this one, but would love to sign up next year. Great cause, great idea.

Arresting Site of the Month, July: Traverse City Film Festival

Not only does it take place in one of the state's most appealing locales, it brings together a diverse suite of indepenent cinema from across the U.S. and around the globe. Tickets go on sale to the general public July 18 for the 5th annual Traverse City Film Festival, which runs July 28-August 2, and which continues to gain momentum as one of the premiere gatherings of its kind. It also boasts a splendid online component, which I've chosen as the "Arresting Site of the Month" for July.

Last year the festival enjoyed more than 80,000 admissions, and founder Michael Moore expects that total to rise in 2009. Check out the film guide, and make plans to attend. As usual, TCFF will be filled with highlights, including a newly restored director's cut of Woodstock (Wavy Gravy himself is slated to be on hand!) in conjunction with the cultural touchstone's 40th anniversary, plus a Kids Festival, free movies each night at dusk, and plenty more. There also are parties and special events galore. Many of the filmmakers will appear, including at the first-ever Traverse City Film Festival Film School, and TCFF will host daily panel discussions. Intrigued? You can get tickets early by becoming a 2009 member of the Friends of the Traverse City Film Festival.

Yet another reason to celebrate the state of Michigan and its numerous cultural offerings.  

Fare Thee Well, May

It has been a busy May -- I'd say my favorite month of the year, due to family birthdays, comfortable weather here in Michigan, etc. -- but I plan to post more frequently in June. Stay tuned, and thanks!

2009 Ann Arbor Summer Festival Schedule

Once again, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, running June 12-July 5, has assembled a stellar lineup for its newest season. In addition to all the top-flight music, the festival offers myriad other programs, including kids' activities, workshops, educational events, and more. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday, April 27, for such mainstage performances as Los Lobos (with special guest Pistolera), Zap Mama, and the Capitol Steps. Many of the Top of the Park performances, including those from NOMO and Hullabaloo, as well as such movies as Horton Hears a Who! and Sunset Boulevard, are free.

Plan your visit and see you there.

Arresting Site of the Month, April: Detroit Eastern Market

It's the largest historic public market district in the United States, and a place that tens of thousands of residents throughout metro Detroit visit often, some each week, even in the coldest weather. My wife and I used to live in Hamtramck, which made shopping there easy, proximity that we miss. Still, we greatly enjoy making the fun, money-saving trip whenever possible, also a great opportunity to teach kids about the origins of the food on their plates. Filled with a bounty of sumptuous vegetables, spices, cheeses, and more, the market remains one of the region's brightest jewels. Like much of the physical area itself, its online counterpart has recently undergone a facelift. Thus, I've selected Detroit Eastern Market as April's "Arresting Site of the Month."

Now that winter has passed, today's blustery conditions notwithstanding, it's time to get ready for what may be your first venture of 2009 to this vital meeting place. Before you do, check out the site's many offerings, which include a full business directory, as well as details on market history walking tours and on the massively popular Flower Day. Check out the "Recipe of the Month" page, which for April spotlights Michigan White Bean Purée with Garlic Vinaigrette.

There is much to discuss where it comes to the site, which serves as a splendid guide to Eastern Market, especially for those who have not yet discovered its charms, particularly on -- though not limited to -- Saturdays. If you're a newbie, here are directions. Pore through the site's numerous pages, then embark on an in-person experience that likely will draw you back again and again.