Post Thanksgiving

As I write this, it is a dreary, rainy, starting-to-get chilly Saturday afternoon. But since I don't mind these kind of days once in a while, I was in a good mood to clean out my laundry room, aka the catch-all room. Also, this being the 'breather' weekend, when you can catch your breath a bit before jumping into the Christmas season, it is a good time - and a good day - to regroup.

And what else to think about as we launch into the holidays is - shopping. About a month ago, I received an email from a friend with a simple message: let's try not to buy a lot of stuff this year, let's make this a useful gift-giving and receiving season and let's keep it local. We all read a lot about buying local - and I do try to support our local businesses as much as possible. Also the message in that email was that - everyone needs haircuts, why not get a certificate for a local barber or hair stylist? Cleaning service? So many things that people really need - rather than buying more 'stuff.'

Last week, for example, I needed a new watch band. I parked right in front of Linnea Jewelers on Ashland and inquired about a watch band for my watch. Denise Rose, the owner, is always on hand to help and advise. They had exactly what I wanted and my errand was finished in no time flat. Since I had a great parking spot, I walked into the new shop uptown, Alixandra. They happened to have a sale going on where if you bought two tee-shirts of a brand I particularly like, you could get one free. Great deal and easy access.

One of my friends gave me a $5 gift card for Fannie May as a congratulations on the birth of my baby granddaughter. I walked to Fannie May at the corner of La Grange Road and Burlington and picked out my $5 worth of candy - incidentally, what a fun gift to receive! Then I made a stop at Hallmark, just five doors west of Fannie May and picked out my November birthday cards.

I should also add that before the time change, my husband said, "Let's walk uptown for breakfast in the dark." (always the romantic, he is) - We walked up to Cafe Calbay on a rainy morning and had a superb breakfast. I am ashamed to admit it, but it is the first time I was ever there and I thoroughly loved it. The place is bright, a throwback to the old places that were always most comfortable to us. I also noticed how many people come in for a 'go cup' of coffee, as the Cafe is located directly across from the La Grange train station.

And I also stop frequently at Veni Vidi Val. Val has been in business for 20 years, 7 here in La Grange. Prior to her moving the shop to La Grange Rd., she was located on Michigan Avenue. Her selection of gift items, clothing, purses, scarves, trinkets and Thymes bath and beauty soaps and lotions is always changing. It's a perfect spot for a gift for a friend....or a gift for yourself.

All of this with no hassle of following someone to his or her car at Oakbrook Mall, hoping they are leaving so you can snare their spot; only a five or seven minute ride and easy access with the owners of the shops eager to serve you - let's keep it local this year!

Happy Days

I was standing in line at the post office about 10 days ago as I often am - I have to deposit postage checks for my customers and so must wait my turn. It was one of those glorious early fall days when you feel the chill but are happy because it is crisp and clear and the day is what they call '100%' sunshine with an almost unbearable blue sky and not a cloud in sight.

A pleasant-looking gentleman was standing in front of me and I can describe him only as 'tweedy.' He looked the type to be wearing a well-loved wool tweed jacket with patches on the sleeves, though I could not attest as to what he was wearing that day. He kind of smiled and looked at me.

"It's a very very nice day," he said.

I agreed, and went on to say that I am happy to feel the chill in the air, that I like cold weather.

"Ah, you must have cold weather genes," he said. I said in fact I was born and raised here and my folks were from Sheboygan, Wisconsin so my genes may in fact have something to do with my weather preference. I asked where he was from, as I detected a slight accent.

"Canada, but from the western side where we do not have extremes in weather - not like here where you fear for your life sometimes..but I suppose if you are dressed for it, it is okay."

We were now nearing the counter, and at his turn, he mailed a package. I couldn't wait to get up to my post office buddies and tell them my news:  that my baby granddaughter had been born two days earlier. I was practically brimming over with the news, that is probably why my tweedy friend began to speak to me.

I walked quickly to the counter, before my new friend had left. I burst out, "She arrived!  Charlotte Mae weighing 8 lbs 8 oz and beautiful!" as I whipped out my phone to show John and Eddie.

Charlotte Mae Owens one day old

Gran laur with Charlotte

Uncle Sammy with Charlotte Mae - only minutes after birth

Beautiful granddaughter and daughter Lizzie 9-22-2011

My Canadian friend was still there and looking at the photos as well. He then told me that he, too had just become a grandparent, that his daughter had delivered a baby boy just six days before. Like my daughter, his daughter had been at Hinsdale Hospital and he told me of the photographer that came around and took photos of the baby and that they were 'quite nice.'

We walked out together, me practically bouncing with each step, still talking about how excited we all are, how beautiful she is, how happy I am that everyone is healthy and so happy to welcome a new life into our family.

He stood at the top of the steps, and said, "I, too feel lucky."

Watching TV in 2011

Just a rhetorical question:  what is the fascination with these bloody, macabre TV shows? Plots involve people breaking the law, clearly, but with reason.

A couple of summers ago, both my stepsons came to visit. They are the same age and they both were raving about two shows we had never seen:  "Breaking Bad" and "Dexter."  When they told us the plots of each, we were wondering to ourselves, 'why would anyone want to watch something like that?' but we listened and it was hard to discredit their enthusiasm. Both are intelligent, well-spoken individuals, one a writer and marketing coordinator, the other in public relations for a major computer manufacturer.

"Breaking Bad" is a series about a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with lung cancer. After the diagnosis, his main concern is being able to provide for his family, a son who is in high school and his wife, expecting their second child. His knowledge of chemistry is genius and he runs into (literally) one of his former chemistry students who is dealing meth and making lots of money.

Walter, the main character, figures he could whip up some mean meth and does so with Jesse's (the former student) help. It turns out that it is killer meth, the best on the market. Their adventure begins.

Okay, based upon that, are you going to watch this show? We thought there was no way we would be able to sit through this, having tried to watch such things as "Old School", but we gave it a try. We didn't even know what 'breaking bad' meant! I think it is the modern-day way of saying going bad, falling off the deep end/

We totally love this show!

Which brings me to my question:  what is it about this show that keeps us watching?

The plot is great, a high school teacher becoming a meth cook. The characters have their flaws, we love them. The viewer is rooting for Walt and Jesse. They are hapless and get into situations that they never should have been able to get out of - but they somehow do get out. They are making about $7 million dollars a year - each. Jesse is a user, he has lots of ups and downs and Walter needs him as his assistant. There is conflict at every turn, including Walt's brother-in-law being a DEA agent.

Dexter - we have checked out season by season from the library. We are on season three. "Dexter" is aired on Showtime and we have only basic cable. But borrowing from the library costs nothing and you can put a hold on the entire season of a TV show.

Dexter is a serial killer with a code. He is very strict about his code and kills only people that desire to die. He is a vigilante, but a quiet one. He also works as the forensics expert specializing in blood at the Miami Police Department and his sister is a cop too! Again, great conflict, as we are wondering when someone is going to find him out. But the series goes on, he gets out of his tough spots and you are happy to still see Dexter on the screen.

And this show is bloody - somehow we got by this and I at least have no nightmares as a result of watching "Dexter." Also, when you watch a whole series with episodes back-to-back as we do, you know these characters and find yourselves talking about them during the day. "I wonder what Deb (sister) is going to do now?"

We like the writing, we are captivated by the characters, are we vigilantes at heart? Are we living vicariously through these characters?

Suffice to say, never in a million years would I have thought I would like these shows based upon the plot outlines. But not only do we like them....

Oh, gotta go - "Breaking Bad" is about to start - 9:00 p.m. on AMC.

My sister-in-law, the Artist

My sister-in-law, Lois Eakin is an artist. She is in fact a professional artist, since she has sold some of her paintings. They are beautiful and I am not just saying that because we are related.

A few weeks ago we traveled to Mineral Point, Wisconsin to deliver some of her pieces to Longbranch Gallery for an art tour. Lois developed her website about a year ago and the owner of Longbranch saw her work and asked if she wanted to participate in the gallery tour. Of course, Lois said yes.

The four of us drove to Mineral Point on a Sunday afternoon. It is a nice drive if you take the backroads you can see a bit of the Wisconsin countryside. We hauled the guys' bikes up with us, as they were going to bike into Mineral Point from Gratiot, WI - about a 20 mile trip - while we drove on and delivered the paintings.

Mineral Point is an old mining community in the southwest part of Wisconsin. We stayed a few years ago at the Mineral Point B & B which has a wonderful restaurant and a brewery where they serve their own beers. And it is the only place you can get that beer. The terrain is hilly and there are still some old miners' cabins in the city. They have a great website where you will find lodging, things to do, places to eat and places to browse and shop: Here is the link: Mineral Point

Longbranch Gallery had sent out a postcard mailing to its customers that featured one of Lois' paintings. A woman from Hinsdale who had received the card called the gallery, stating that she was interested in purchasing some of Lois' work. The customer was in Mineral Point for that week and was going to drop by.

As Lois and I were having lunch at the brewpub, we talked about whether we thought we would ever make big money with our art - she painting, me writing. We both thought no, not big money but there is a lot of adventure in trying. Lois also said she had plenty of inventory now, and she could take her time with her next painting endeavors.

Well, the customer showed up and true to her word, she wanted some of the Eakin originals. She bought five on Sunday and then came back later in the week and bought another two for her sister's home.

So much for the inventory. Lois is back at the drawing table - er, painting easel.

http://www.loiseakin.com/

P.S. It turned out that the bike trail is not so good for bikes anymore: the ATV group has put down large-chunked gravel that makes it almost impossible to ride a bike or even walk. The guys called us from a tavern only about 5 miles from their drop-off point. But we discovered a lot of places to rent an ATV for a fall trip.

A Neighbor

The relationship you have with a neighbor is like no other. Outside of the neighborhood, you may never talk to the guy across the street or have coffee with the woman who just moved in. Your neighbor could be a teacher, a lawyer, a writer or a corporate honcho. Your neighbor may be an unsung hero.




I talk with Jim Zwit practically every day, because he is outside with his dog Polly as I am walking my dog Mitch. We talk about the Bears, the Sox, the dogs, the kids, graduation of children, grandkids, traveling, flowers and anything else that is in the local news. So, when I opened the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, I saw an article with a picture depicting the Viet Nam Wall with pencil etchings highlighting some names. There was also a young man in combat gear, smiling for the camera. I spied the name ‘Jim Zwit’ – unusual name, could this be my neighbor?



I turned the page and there was his photo: his story is a wonderful remembrance to his war buddies and also a wonderful Memorial Day story.



Through the years, he has tracked down his war buddies’ families to tell them what happened to their loved ones. There is one family that he was unable to contact: the family of William Ward. It is this story that is so poignant about the quest.



After I read the article, I brought the paper to Jim. He told me that he allowed the Tribune to interview him on one condition: that the article was not about him. He also told me that throughout the day on Sunday, May 30, the day the story appeared, he received numerous phone calls from strangers, applauding his efforts. One call in particular stood out: a 90-year old war veteran called Jim to tell him that he had tried for years to find the families of his war buddies. Both men had tears in their eyes and voices as they spoke.



You can read the article by Mary Schmich and also listen to the video interview of Jim. You may have to copy them into your browser, but it is well worth the visit.

Here are the links:



articles.chicagotribune.com/.../ct-met-schmich-0529-20110529_1_memorial-day-soldiers-elusive-memories



http://www.chicagotribune.com/videobeta/c4d446f6-c566-498c-a61f-57e231be26ee/News/Vietnam-vet-I-ve-looked-for-your-family-for-35-years-

The Constant Cardinal

Living in the Midwest, we all applaud the burst of spring with the flowers, the scents, the warmth and sun. We love it.

Lovely lilac bush at my driveway - more than 50 years old!

With the beginning of spring, there is also the chattering of the birds early in the morning. The expression ‘up with the birds’ comes to my mind every morning as I hear our feathered friends greeting one another at 4:30 a.m. They sound like they are in our bedroom, when in fact they are in a cluster of trees in the yard. It sounds like there are a thousand birds. Every morning, I wake up at the first ‘peep’ and then drift back to sleep, to be awakened by the twittering of many birds and their friends. In the mix, I can hear the shrill trill of the cardinal – seemingly to be king of the hill or tree.



Somewhere around 5:30 a.m., the group moves a couple of blocks away, still audible but subdued a bit. Once again, I close my eyes and sleep another hour.



The Cardinal, our constant friend, stays here all day. He is high up in the tree or on the phone wire, trilling the entire day. I had heard it is their mating call, the males calling out for a female to please come and rescue him from his perch. And by now, the 11th of May, I think he needs to chart some new territory – she does not appear to be coming to this neck of the woods. May I could import a nice girl cardinal for him.

Village Church Craft Fair

The Village Church of La Grange Park is sekking crafters for the craft fair to be held June 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  It is $25 for a 12 x 12 outdoor space.

For an application, please leave information at 708-354-0900.

Election April 5, 2011

This year in La Grange Park, there was something new:  a political party was formed as a result of some candidates not being endorsed by the La Grange Park Caucus. The Caucus has been in existence in our village for over 70 years and has provided an equal voice to residents throughout the village. There have been times that a candidate was not endorsed by the Caucus and decided to run as an independent. This is not the same as a party-backed candidate.

I have the utmost admiration for the residents in La Grange Park who put forth their individual efforts and funds to send informational mailers to all registered voters in the village. Their letters and newsletters gave an unbiased view of the differences between a Village Caucus and a Political Party and also outlined in detail what the mission is for La Grange Park and how some of the opinions put forth by the political candidates did not match the mission for our town.

There are 8,000+ registered voters in La Grange Park. In a local election, your voice is truly heard: every single vote counts. Scott Mesick at 1416, Patty Rocco at 1406, Susan Storcel at 1405, Tim Hayes at 1394 and Jason Vitell at 1226, it was a well-run and important - and close - ! election. On a local level, it is democracy at its best - we each have a voice - we need to use it!

What Time is It?

Daylight Savings Time. Again. One less hour of sleep. Is it just me or does it bother everyone? Try as I might, I feel like I have jet lag all week without the vacation or flying part. Yes, I know - it means summer is on the way, which is a good thing.  We will be out on our bikes, no jackets, no boots (thanks goodness - this had to be the winter of worn-out boots), enjoying the sunshine - it's just this week that kills me.

Even though presumably it is only one night that we lose an hour, my biorhythm, my cicadian cycle, whatever you want to call it is out of whack. I try to fool my body and my mind by sleeping in an extra hour on the Monday after the time change. It doesn't really help. All I had to show for that was really puffy eyes and a general grogginess that lasts all day long. Plus this morning I was wide awake at 4:00 a.m. old time, 5:00 new time.

My husband tells me there is no such thing as new time and old time - I beg to differ.

There is no answer but to wait out the week. By next weekend, especially if we get some spring weather, all should be restored to the good old summer - time. Then when we go back to Standard Time, yes, we have that extra hour......

Hablamos espanol

One of my neighbors told me about a class he is attending in intermediate Spanish.  It is an interesting group of people, all ages, both men and women.  They are looking for a few more folks to add to the group.  This is a great time to take on a new challenge.

Spanish language students needed for an adult class.

We are six people, intermediate level, seeking to improve our Spanish skills.

We need others to join in order to round out the class; four more ideally.

We meet 9:00 to 11:30 Wednesday at the instructor’s home in Clarendon Hills. Both Spanish conversation and grammar are included.

For more information, contact her via email at carolleehanley1@hotmail.com

Come alone or join with a friend.

The Turning Point

It happens every year - right around my birthday which is tomorrow.  You wake up one morning and hear birds chirping for the first time in a couple of months - not too loudly, just a faint peep.  Then on your morning walk, you spy a cardinal - beautifully red against the sky, the trees bare and recovering from winter - and this winter was really a winter!

It is lighter longer - you look at the clock at 5:15 and exclaim, "It's still light out!"

And today, February 16, my thermometer actually says - 55 degrees - ! 

Not that we are totally out of the woods yet, but it is the sign of things to come.  Maybe some of my crocuses will show their colors soon.....

ROCKET FOUND

Rocket was found and has been re-united with his family - healthy and happy - !

MISSING DOG PLEASE HELP

His name is Rocket -

 We lost him on Tuesday, Feb 8th at 9:30pm and have been searching ever since. We got a confirmed sighting of him in the Western Springs/ La Grange area and he originates in Western Springs. I have been asking people to call the local police department if they have seen him, or they can contact me at 708-259-9963 He is a rescue dog so he is very shy and very frightened. He is wearing a red collar and he is microchipped.
Thank you,
Mary Spagnola
Back Alley Burger
13 South La Grange Road
La Grange, IL 60525

February 10, 2011

Today dawned bright and COLD - it was actual temperature of 4 below this morning when I got up. I took Mitch for a walk, just 6 blocks instead of the customary two miles. I don't know how he can stand the cold on his bare paws, but he troops along beside me and matches my pace on the icy sidewalks.

But it is pretty - we had about 3 more inches of snow over the weekend, so everything is still winter white.  I heard cardinals chirping yesterday - not today though.

The light is so different when February comes - the season is changing a bit, though this winter is really winter - cold and snowy. 

Photos are in front of the house early in the morning of February 9.

Wednesday, February 2

February 2, 2011

THAT was a snowstorm. It was great. I love when the world shuts down for a day or two. No one could get much of anywhere today, Wednesday. Schools were closed, most businesses were closed – even the banks were closed for the day.

Total snowfall at O’Hare (where the records are kept) with 20.2 inches, so we didn’t break the 1967 storm, though we now rank in the upper ten storms.

My husband, Owen was up early with his big snowblower. He was able to get through the deepest drifts and he was helping everyone on the block. The smaller machines could not get through the deepness of this snowfall.


Flights were all cancelled, something like 1300 flights at O’Hare – and you don’t realize how quiet the skies are until you once again hear a plane after a day or two. It was so quiet in the neighborhood – I took Mitch for a walk early in the morning on Wednesday and he had a ball – he loves to romp in – and eat – snow. We met up with all of the neighbors, everyone was out and Mitch got to play with his dog friends Buddy and Rudy. No cars were on the street – it was wonderful.


John Gleason, one of my neighbors sent me the photo of Lizzie’s car stuck in the parking lot behind Palmer’s. He spotted the photo on AOL so she made the home page – I guess she got a ride home…..


And for the first time ever in history, there was no mail today – Wednesday. The trucks simply could not get in. We heard reports of people that were stuck on Lake Shore Drive for hours and hours – one guy reported he had been sitting in his car from 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday till 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Cars were running out of gas, people were being taken to St. Joseph Hospital on snowmobiles. Lake Shore Drive did look just like the Kennedy Expressway in 1967 – we thought it couldn’t happen again, but it did.

The sun shone brightly in the latter part of the day - truly a beautiful sight!

Let’s see – 1967, 1979, 1999, 2011 – 12 years, 20 years, 12 years- so the next huge storm will be in 2031 – you have to have at least one of these in a lifetime!

Tuesday night February 1

Not to be ones to miss any weather event, my husband and I decided to walk up to Palmer's Tuesday night in the storm - I didn't exactly decide - he dared me.

I called Palmer's before we left to make sure they were open. I could hear a lot of buzzing in the background, it sounded like they were actually busy.

So, we went - bundled up, waterproof boots, waterproof mittens - it is about a 15 minute walk and we were fine unless the wind was blowing in our faces - not only wind, but pelting snow that actually hurt our cheeks.

But we made it - everyone in there looked dry and warm, we must have looked like drowned rats. We sat at a high top in the back room - had a burger and a couple of beers. Steve Palmer came over and talked to us and said he figured he would stay open, since everyone else had closed. The wait staff is mostly local, he said he told one of the girls who lives in Schaumburg to stay home, that he had enough people....my daughter being one of them.

Of course we sat in my daughter's station as is our custom when we go to Palmer's. When she saw us, she said, "Did you walk here??? It's life or death out there." We assured her that they meant if you were driving, not walking.
We saw a dad and his young son come in, obviously having walked decked out in snowmobile suits, hats, big boots. They got dessert and hot chocolate, the drink enticingly served in tall white mugs on saucers with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

On the way home, we saw another couple who did not want to miss this possibly historic snowstorm. Oh, and we also noticed my daughter's Volkswagen Beetle in the parking lot - I wonder how she got home.

The Blizzard of 2011

It is now 1:20 in the afternoon on February 1, 2011 - it looks like the weather forecast is correct though times differ as to when the big snow will begin.

I talked with my stepson in Tulsa OK this morning and he said they have 20 inches of snow on the ground, 4 - 5 foot drfits.  The fire trucks have chains on their tires and they are still having a hard time getting around.  Schools of course are closed as well as all highways.

There is talk of our surpassing the all-time record set on January 26 and 27, 1967 when we got 23" of snow.  I was a senior in high school, so we thought it was a total lark. I rode to school every day with my friends Kate Levan, Judi Hoffmeyer and Carolyn Salman in Kate's 1966 loden green Mustang convertible - white rag top. We laughed and carried on every morning and generally had a fun time just going to school.

It started to snow about 2:00 in the afternoon on the 26th. Miraculously, Maine West closed early so the staff and students could get home, as the snow was really coming down. We were ecstatic that we actually got out of school early. The Maine Township schools had a reputation of NEVER closing.

Somehow, we piled 7 or 8 kids in the car for the journey home. We all lived about a mile away from school; Salman was the closest, so she got dropped off first.  On top of it being the worst snowstorm ever, we managed to make the driving even more hazardous. It took us 4 hours to get to my house - I was about a mile and a half away from school. When I got out of the car, I am sure my folks were thanking their lucky stars - they must have been on pins and needles till I arrived home. My brothers are both younger and would have been at the elementary school, again about a mile walk away. My mom didn't drive, so I suppose they walked home, probably having a ball.

Four of the kids in the car ended up going home with Kate, as it was impossible to go any further. They stayed there for SEVEN days. I don't know where the Levans got that much food for the group, as all of the stores' shelves were bare. No delivery trucks could get through, so there was no milk and no bread. Kate lived in a big house on the Des Plaines River across from East River Road. When the snow stopped, I walked over to visit the menagerie of friends and we saw a horse-drawn sleigh riding along the road.

And it was so quiet! No car noise, no truck noise, just the muffled sounds of the snowstorm. It was glorious.

And now it is 2:30 and the snow is definitely getting thicker and it is very windy.

Just for the heck of it, here is a listing of Chicago's 10 biggest Snowstorms:



23.0 inches Jan 26-27, 1967
21.6 inches Jan 1-3, 1999
19.2 inches Mar 25-26, 1930
18.8 inches Jan 13-14, 1979
16.2 inches Mar 7-8, 1931
15.0 inches Dec 17-20, 1929
14.9 inches Jan 30, 1939
14.9 inches Jan 6-7, 1918
14.3 inches Mar 25-26, 1970
14.0 inches Jan 18-20, 1886

Update tonight or tomorrow.