Departing for Spring Break

Evanston, Illinois, March 1977. Mr. Irene's freshman-year roommate travels in good company.

It's "World Cepelinas Day"

Are you cooking Cepelinai today? We're not, but it's a nice day to revisit the recipe:

The last time Mr. Irene and I had Cepelinai was when we visited Grand Duke's Restaurant:

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Related by Marriage: Study Habits

Evanston, Illinois, January 1977. College classes resume today. Be prepared!

Winter break ends.

Evanston, Illinois, January 1977. It's move-back weekend.

Related by Marriage: Stars in his Eyes

Evanston, Illinois, about 1980. That's how the friend who sent this photo described Mr. Irene's expression. Mr. Irene, who does not remember the snapshot, thinks he looks like he is wearing a straight jacket.

Paint the Rock.

Evanston, Illinois, 1978. Mr. Irene and his friends visit the Rock.

I used to pass the Rock on my way to class; the Rock stood outside Harris Hall.

Related by Marriage: Three Gents

Evanston, Illinois, about 1984. Mr. Irene and two of his housemates return to their old living quarters as they ready to attend a wedding.

Related by Marriage: Wall Art

Evanston, Illinois, about 1977. Mr. Irene and his dorm hallmates celebrate their paint job.

Related by Marriage: Full-service fill up.

Skokie, Illinois, probably January 1978. Mr. Irene's friend leads Mr. Irene to the pump.

Related by Marriage: Clown Car

Evanston, Illinois, about 1977. Mr. Irene and his roommate take Sylvester for a spin.

Related by Marriage: Close Quarters

Evanston, Illinois, October 1976. Things get tight in the hallway of Mr. Irene's dorm.

Dreams Reunion

Chicago, Illinois, June 1977. Are you following the Cubs this year?

Waiting for the Pope

Chicago, Illinois, October 5, 1979. Mr. Irene and his friends await the arrival of Pope John Paul II.

Related by Marriage: College Boys

Evanston, Illinois, about 1978. Mr. Irene plays the guitar.

The Homecoming Float

Evanston, Illinois, October 1978. Mr. Irene's housemates prepare a float for the Homecoming Parade. "Bomaré" was the name Mr. Irene's friends used to designate their little group.

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The word "Bomaré" developed when one friend used it to describe people who "get stoned." The Easter Island figures became "Bomaré" mascots because they are ... stone heads. Mr. Irene (pictured here) had nothing to do with the name's origins or its iconography.

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The housemates march, wearing "Bomaré" heads, while Mr. Irene, on the float, sings to the melody of "Volare." (Were you expecting Dean Martin?)

Papal Visit, 1979

Today's canonization reminded us of Pope John Paul II's visit to Chicago in October, 1979. Mr. Irene and some of his college friends took the "El" down from Evanston to see the Pope celebrate Mass in Grant Park. Here are three images from that day:

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Chicago, Illinois, October 5, 1979. My Dad did not go downtown for the Mass, but he snapped a few photographs of the images on the television. (For two other occasions on which Dad photographed the television screen, see here and here.)