Friends, Humor, Life, Menopause, Travel, Uncategorized

How I’m Making Winter My Bitch

Last winter, I had a tough go of it. In fairness to myself, when I was not in pain, I was making flavorless Rice Krispie treats. So really, I was not giving myself a head start. There were some high points, though. I had a cozy green chair I could not get out of, and… Continue reading How I’m Making Winter My Bitch

Chicago, Family, Travel

Our Girls Finally Got to See Bears

  Recently, we had the chance to go to Soldier Field in Chicago for a cool event called Family Fest, where families can experience the Chicago Bears for a fraction of what an actual game costs. It is very family friendly, with lots of fun things for kids to do. Except there is beer.Lots of… Continue reading Our Girls Finally Got to See Bears

Chicago, John Hughes, Travel

Walking in John Hughes Footsteps: Movie Locations & Addresses

First published August 3, 2015 I wrote a piece for Chicago Parent about John Hughes in January 2015, including addresses such as his former home, the cemetery where he is buried, and his favorite pizza restaurant. Then, one late May night, my friend Jen and her boyfriend George were walking around Lake Forest, Illinois, looking… Continue reading Walking in John Hughes Footsteps: Movie Locations & Addresses

Family, Humor, Travel

Return to Snake Island-Cedar Point 2015

  Last week, we got to go on a little family getaway to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. A few years ago, we met up with my brother and his family there, and this year, we decided to do it again — this time also meeting up with our dear friend Vikki and her family.… Continue reading Return to Snake Island-Cedar Point 2015

Chicago, Family, Friends, Humor, Life, Menopause, Photography, Travel

The Day I Ran Away From Home

My husband works long hours. With my perimenopause symptoms, headaches, and the kids' schedules, this year has been difficult. Especially in the last few weeks. Lots of tears, frustration, temper tantrums, and storms from the morning until the lights went out at night. I literally turned off my phone after my youngest got off the… Continue reading The Day I Ran Away From Home

Family, Life, Travel

A Much Needed Spring Break in Tennessee – 2015

We left for Tennessee a few weeks ago to visit Mamie and Papa for a week during the girls’ spring break from school. It had been three months since we saw them at Christmas, so we could not wait to get down there. 65 degrees in southern Illinois.It was 30 degrees where we had left.… Continue reading A Much Needed Spring Break in Tennessee – 2015