Just a sunday

Today started out a bit rough and it’s been a sort of mixed-bag day. But I have to start with yesterday first, as that was a different sort of day altogether and it sets the stage for today, too.
Yesterday I spent the afternoon in Ikea with Rachael, Jamie, and Chris, and then we returned to my [...]

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Mila’s Story

My next door neighbor, Mila, is originally from Croatia. She’s now retired, but when I first moved into this house just over 7 years ago, she was working in light industry while still managing her household and taking care of her disabled husband, Tony.
Over the years, we’ve talked over the fence many times and I’ve sat [...]

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An interesting morning

So, today I took my rooster to a live poultry butcher. If this topic disturbs you, please read no further.
I never intended to keep a rooster in my backyard. But when I ordered 4 chicks last year, 2 of them turned out to be roosters. I found a home for one (he was an exceptionally [...]

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The friend brigade

I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends. They are often quite different from each other, as they may have been met through the varied interests in my life. But all have been a big support to me during this difficult time in my life.
Last night, I spent time with Rachael visiting what will [...]

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A robin!

A robin! A robin! I just spotted a robin in my yard when I let the dogs out for a little “constitutional!”
This is a *big deal.* Chicagoans count the sighting of a robin as the absolute authority that spring is here. Yay!

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Weirdness abounds

Well, it’s been a strange day for me. First, I finally caved in and went to visit a doctor. This is my second trip to the local immediate care facility in about 2 weeks. The intake nurse noted that I looked familiar, and all I had to say is “I was the one with the [...]

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What a difference a week makes

A week ago, I was here.
What a difference a week makes, eh?
We’ve had a not bad week in Chicago. The weather was kind until today, with highs in the 60s and 50s. Today we’ve dipped down into the 40s and I’m finding myself struggling to feel warm.
It probably doesn’t help that I’ve got a virus [...]

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Landing

I’ve returned to Chicago. My little fantasy trip ended a bit sooner than planned as my friend needed to get to Miami for business this afternoon on a 2 PM flight, while I had booked a flight for 5 PM.  So, we went to the airport together and I was able to get on an [...]

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Sunning

Well, I made it out of cold Chicago and down to the warm Caribbean. Not even the crappy rash could hold me back.
I did get in to see a dermatologist on Monday and found out that I have something called pityriasis rosea. Apparently there is no well-understood cause for this condition, but it’s not contagious. [...]

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Gimme a break!

I’m dealing with an embarrassing and downright annoying situation right now. I have a rash.
I have no idea what kind of rash this is and why it has stubbornly taken up residence on my torso and not budged. I first noticed it Wednesday after taking off my workout clothes. I thought it was just a heat [...]

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