Pop, at 95, Makes the Scene: Our biggest night of the social season.

Last night Pop and I made the scene at two premiere Alton social events of the Spring Season. We field-tested the new rig inherited from my sister-in-law Patty’s mother, who passed away last winter. It’s a sort of combo walker/seat, and has a little pouch to easily take along his portable oxygen. We found it…

“We’re living like plutocrats,” by Erwin A. Thompson

Noun 1. plutocrat – someone who exercises power by virtue of wealth have, rich person, wealthy person – a person who possesses great material wealth. (from Free online dictionary) Our family is made up of just folks. There’s a joke in our family that whenever we feel we’ve stumbled into some unexpected wonderful situation that…

“Music, the International Language,” by my father Erwin A. Thompson. Stories from Botwana, Ghana, Brazil, and the South Sea Islands

Make sure to read Part 1 of Pop’s International Music stories! This set of stories written by my father Erwin A. Thompson is part of the ongoing Riehlife series “Mondays with Pop.” At 95, he continues to be a masterful storyteller who loves history, music, and culture. He was a reluctant traveler compared to my…

“Music, the International Language”–Stories by my father Erwin A. Thompson

This set of stories written by my father Erwin A. Thompson is part of the ongoing Riehlife series “Mondays with Pop.” At 95, he continues to be a masterful storyteller who loves history, music, and culture. He was a reluctant traveler compared to my mother (Ruth Thompson). But, once launched, he engaged with the people…

Our history in song: “The Mississippi Flood,” by Vernon Dalhart, 1927

Read related posts on Mississippi Floods written by Erwin A. Thompson. In this season of floods and tornadoes, our hearts go out to those who have suffered such terrible damages and even lost their lives. At Evergreen Heights we are safe, but all anxiously watch as the waters of the Mississippi crest this weekend. My…

Family Stories Our Way: In Poetry, Prose, and Music

My father and I have given several workshops on family stories. Last year we presented a workshop called “Family Stories in Poetry, Prose, and Music” at the Hayner Library in Alton, Illinois. With my father, these three always go together. I set up a structure for the workshop on how to write family stories. Pop…

13 Tips for Longevity and Health: “A tough old bird shows us how to fly.”

Here comes another present for my father’s 95th birthday November 9, 2010. My article “Erwin A. Thompson: A tough old bird shows us how to fly” has just come out under the “Inspiration” category in October’s “Recovering The Self:A Journal of Hope & Healing” Volume II, Number 4. Victor R. Volkman is the publisher for…