Yearly Archives: 2010

Our 50s ranch house in Elmhurst was state of the art, in that it had a dinnette, a space allotted for meals, which was not a kitchen and not a dining room. This illustrates how modern we were. The best … Continue reading →

Before Dad burned autumn leaves in the side yard of our ranch house in Elmhurst, Illinios, certain atmospheric conditions were required: 1. His World War II tent tarps had to be ground spread so my two brothers and I could … Continue reading →

Here is a question I am trying to figure out: How is it that nuns, who are women who do what they are told to do, are so smart, strong, confident, fun to be around? Each nun I know answers … Continue reading →

Elmhurst’s downtown wasn’t added later, like Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Il, for instance. That shopping sprawl subs as a downtown for nearby ‘burbs that forgot to have one in the first place. Our downtown was, and is, one street, York … Continue reading →

Our son was born in the 1983 March I turned 33 years old and I left my job as a features editor at the Chicago Tribune’s suburban newspaper. I loved my job and I loved our boy. No contest. One … Continue reading →

In our Larson household during the 1960s, better was better than best. Others shopped Marshall Fields. We shopped Sears Roebuck & Co. My dad Henry worked there. It cost less. We got more. Better. Mickey Mouse ruled Disneyland. We watched … Continue reading →

Four standard issue ranch houses share the intersection of Sunnyside and Utley in Elmhurst but one of them secured its place in history when its owners bought the first color television set in our ‘hood in the 1950-somethings. Also distinguished … Continue reading →

Here is a conversation in the hospital between a mom who can’t talk so she writes on a pad instead, and her adult daughter: Your hair is up. Do you like it, Mom? A “chignon.” Yes. Ha! A “shig-nun.” I … Continue reading →

Here is a conversation between a mom in the hospital and her adult daughter: I think it’s better not to like anything too much because everything goes away. That is stupid. It’s American, Mom. Still. Stupid. What do you suggest? … Continue reading →

Sammy and Lillya, he from Kenya and she from Russia, won the Chicago marathon day before yesterday. Standing side by side in Sunday sun to receive their medallions-on-a-ribbon, they looked alike. Same height, same taut cheekbones, same stupified look part … Continue reading →