'Oy Vey'... - Rick Ollie

What Next

January 23, 2024

I remember hearing the term, ‘Oy Vey,’ for the first time, while growing up watching reruns of the television sitcom ‘McHale’s Navy’ that originally aired from 1962-66. For you youngsters that have never heard of it, here’s Wikipedia’s breakdown McHale’s Navy – Wikipedia. and if you’re still interested episodes are available on YouTube. Matter of fact, I’ll put the first episode here.

Getting back to ‘Oy Vey,’ I was sad to learn, today a year later, of Yoshio Yoda, who played ‘Fuji’ on the show, had passed away in January of ’23, at the age of 88.

Yoshio Yoda. McHale's Navy, Actor — Yoshio Yoda

🤣🤣 Enjoy the three second clip of Yoda (Not Star Wars, Yoda; he’s below) from an episode of McHale’s Navy. He’s a favorite character of mine from the show and if you don’t know ‘Oy Vey’s’ meaning, this is for you Oy vey Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster

My ‘Oy Vey’ moment came when I learned that the Detroit Grand Prix and the Detroit Tigers lone trip to Boston, this year, coincide with one another. Creating my own conundrum as to which one to attend to kick off my ‘Birthday Month’ in June. The grand prix is scheduled for May 31 – June 2 while the Tigers are in Beantown for a four-game series May 30 – June 2.

As you can tell, the dates collide just like our Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49er’s will this Sunday for the NFC Championship Game that’ll send the winner to the Super Bowl. If it weren’t for my hometown team being in this game, I’d be rooting for the 49er’s. My prediction 32 – 17, Detroit. Our defense will step it up, as this is no ordinary matchup. This means too much for not only the club but the city, state and entire Midwest region of the country to let slip away and the team knows it.

I’ll let Ylona Garcia sing my latest theme song, SPACE.

Ylona Garcia, Space, Singer — Ylona Garcia tap for Video

To my west coast friends it’s nothing personal, except to one. And to that person I can now laugh…As I type this, I can see you thinking about me with a grin 🤣, as it should have never ended the way it did, but now every time you hear Detroit, Lions, football, or any combination of those words, you’ll remember me and the good times we had while wondering if I’ll come to the ‘Bay Area.’ Someday perhaps when the Tigers play the Giants, I’ll make that trip. Afterall baseball is my first love and I’ve been making the rounds. For this game, though, it’s all about #OnePride and that my friend, I’m a part of! #GoLions

Back to travel plans, I’ll also be making a journey to Minnesota this summer over the 4th of July holiday to catch the Tigers and Twins at Target Field. Actually, I can’t wait for this trip as I’ll be meeting friends Midori and Neil who have recently returned home to the twin cities from a long life in San Diego. Midori is a cousin of deceased, former NL Rookie of the Year Steve Howe, whom I went to the same high school with.

An out of the ordinary, line of thinking, of letting words out as they flow, I’ve gotten their blog for July already titled. And it’s a good one, take in part from a 1974-76 television sitcom. You’ll have to come back then to find out as I’m not giving any clues.

Whether it’s peace and harmony of Boston or the roar of the engines from downtown Detroit, time will tell as to which event I’ll attend once ‘Gemini Season’ begins. Sadly, I’m not ‘twins’ like my zodiac symbol.

One thing is for sure is that I’m going to have some fun. Last year’s problems are in the past and if there’s anything I’ve learned, its life is short. Have to enjoy myself and learn to ‘appreciate’ (a word I hated last year) that some things are good and meant to be treasured.

But will that mean stay home for the Indy Cars of another adventure east? My overthinking is already in high gear. With that I leave you with another Yoda.