Yearly Archives: 2011

The best excuse I can think of for living in Chicago is that bad weather brings you closer to other people than good weather does. Three examples on this Saturday, which should be a “Tra-La!It’s May!” day, but is most … Continue reading →

Once, I bad mouthed a nun and have yet to get over it, clearly indicating the lifelong bad that careless words can do. I was 13. Sister Clarentine was our teacher and by “our” I refer to 60 of my … Continue reading →

Samson is a dog I know only second hand, which may mean something, since he is a second hand dog, meaning he had a life before he was adopted by our son’s friend. Seeing him rarely, I can’t be quoted, … Continue reading →

As a new Mom during the 1980s in Downers Grove, IL, Mr. Rogers’ TV show for wee watchers taught me the difference between grownups and babies. Babies are smarter. I latched onto the show early in our boy’s babyhood to … Continue reading →

The senior women of my Midwestern tribe tend toward lightness in language. This has the effect of living happy, which isn’t altogether true; but in some ways, it is. If speech patterns are environmental, my aunties evolved as soft-tread speakers … Continue reading →

Aunt Dollie warrants remembrance and attention, which was what she got when she lived. I knew her as my Dad’s aunt during the 1960s and thought her exotic and stylish, as far as aunts go. Her haircolor was eggwhite, and … Continue reading →

If news happens and you don’t know it, is it news? I am sure there are those who don’t know that the last 72 hours witnessed a wedding in England, scrap of a space shuttle launch, beatification of a dead … Continue reading →

To erase his name from the polls of humanity will take time. To become indifferent will take time, but that’s what it takes because the opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is indifference. I want to … Continue reading →

I hope Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D), in therapy to recover from a shot in the head that leveled her Jan. 8, 2011, near Tucson, AZ, is crabby. To regain use of her right side, she pushes shopping carts down … Continue reading →

On this airplane, I want to sit as close to the pilot as possible. Having done a little airborne transport, I know for a fact that the butt of the plane is where bumping and thumping ravel nerves and provoke … Continue reading →