Oddie, our 2005 Honda Odyssey, spent his first years as a family vehicle. He offered plenty of room for my one and only kid, his pack of friends, pups, and all the stuff that comes and goes with family life. Time flew by, and soon the kids were leaving for college—except for one. My high … Continue reading Camp Coup – Meet Our New Van
Family
Ode to Oddie – Honda Van with a Heart
In 2005, dearly departed Dearly Departed Joe and I owned two cars: a red Ford Taurus wagon, named “Apache,” and my great aunt’s Oldsmobile*, which we inherited and named the “Mimi-Mobile.” The Mimi-Mobile was the perfect vehicle for Joe-DD, but, as they say, nothing lasts forever. When Joe had to open the car door and … Continue reading Ode to Oddie – Honda Van with a Heart
Chicago Traffic: You’re Not the Boss of Me
Traffic in Chicago has been beyond bad. How bad is beyond bad? Really. Bad. Every day during the week, Cole and I provide transportation to and from camp for our day-camp pups. We travel about 100 city miles through Chicago’s neighborhoods. Daily, we overcome the trials and tribulations of city traffic, including countless detours due … Continue reading Chicago Traffic: You’re Not the Boss of Me
Sourdough Bread from Start to End
Sourdough Bread Internet recipes are not my friend. I’m sure the people who write and post them are nice, well-meaning people. I’m sorry, I lied. Actually, I’m sure most of the recipes I find online are written by evil, vindictive want-a-be cookbook authors. The exception to this rule is the blogger of the blog No … Continue reading Sourdough Bread from Start to End
Christmas is Coming
Christmas is coming The geese are getting fat Please put a penny In the old man's hat. If you haven't got a penny, A ha'penny will do, If you haven't got a ha'penny, Then God bless you. When I first moved to Chicago, each morning at my bus stop a man with a big … Continue reading Christmas is Coming
Cooking – I try I really do
Cooking. Some people like to cook. I like people who like to cook. I like reading their blogs, watching their shows, and best of all, eating their meals. Living vicariously should satisfy me, but every once in a while, I’ll read a recipe and think, ‘Wow, that looks so good. Why don’t I try to … Continue reading Cooking – I try I really do
Days of Our Hardwood continues
Before picture/Cole's bedroom: I neglected to take one of my bedroom. *Hardwood Installation Part 2 (Click to read part 1). It's a hardwood out there but perseverance will prevail... Pick: Ice Cube by Sherwin-Williams was the paint color I finally settled on. It was an unsettling choice because, once I started painting, the first swipe of … Continue reading Days of Our Hardwood continues
Odd Blogger Strips
Strips Linoleum! Flaky Odd blogger returns. Nope, I wasn't off fishing or wishing. I was emptying bedrooms; pulling up carpet, stripping linoleum and baseboards; and swinging a paintbrush. First, a little side information. Years ago, I talked dearly departed Joe into replacing the carpet in our house with ceramic tile. It looks great, is easy … Continue reading Odd Blogger Strips
Vaccination Myths and Polarization
Almost 19 years ago, I received a gift subscription to Mothering Magazine (unfortunately, it is no longer published in a magazine format). It was a beautifully presented magazine that offered alternative views on birth, breastfeeding, discipline, and schooling children. One of the articles in Mothering introduced me to the controversy surrounding vaccinating your child. This article … Continue reading Vaccination Myths and Polarization
Bad Bug Catches Blogger
A bad bug finally caught me. Oh, how I've swatted it away, but I've finally succumbed despite my best efforts. The upside is the last few cold days have created a perfect environment for laying low with tissues, tea and precious furs close at hand. I'll be fit as a fiddle and dancing an Odd … Continue reading Bad Bug Catches Blogger