Category: self-improvement

Starting Fresh

Starting Fresh
I have never been the type to make resolutions. Frankly (and sadly) I lack the self discipline to follow through. For that reason, I am a chubby woman with a disorganized house.  I am a barely passable cook, and a terrible baker. I have spurts of domestic efficiency, followed by ambivalent indolence. The bar is... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
December 31, 2016 at 10:46 am • 

Counting the years...in wrinkles

Counting the years...in wrinkles
Wrinkled clothes, that is. The Joliat girls are extraordinary ironers.  It was an Irish/Catholic school/uniform blouse/child management legacy- who really knows? But as soon as we were tall enough to stand up to the ironing board- we ironed. Our learner’s permit was earned on hankies and pillow cases.  We set up the board in the... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
May 31, 2014 at 12:26 pm • 

Touch and Go

Touch and Go
In his crazy-eights youth, Steve would toss off his marital status as “separated- Janet’s in the suburbs, and I am in Chicago.”  Ha Ha. Fast forward 30 odd years, and that joke becomes our truth. Except that he is in Pompano Beach, and I am in Chicago. With strategic blending. This is a blending week,... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
February 24, 2014 at 4:42 pm • 
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Random Observations on a Cruel Winter, Pt 1

Random Observations on a Cruel Winter, Pt 1
I’m tired of winter. You are, too. I am WAY more fortunate than most because I don’t drive to work, park overnight on the street, or work in the elements.  My dogs scamper to their dog run, so I do not even have to walk them. I like to snow blow: I never complain about... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
February 10, 2014 at 5:24 pm • 

Autumnal Rapture

OK- it has been an amazing Fall.  I cannot bitch in the face of oncoming winter, because the weather gods have conspired to seduce me. I cannot remember a string of  Autumnal days with bluer skies and better temperatures.  The cool nights mean open window sleeping, which means early leaf blower mornings. I don’t mind... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
October 14, 2013 at 5:23 pm • 

18 Years from the Last Shot and a Beer

18 Years from the Last Shot and a Beer
  18 years ago, a blurry eyed and hung over Steve Dahl put down his Jack Daniels and beer.  He had a concert at Navy Pier, and his boys (14,12,10) were there to see him. Dress rehearsal had been stressful. He was working with Brian Wilson, a legend and hero.  His friend Joe Thomas was... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
June 24, 2013 at 9:20 am • 
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I Pop, therefore I Am

OK- so here is my popcorn routine. I am a yellow corn person.  It is fluffier, therefore holds more butter.  I am an Orville Redenbacher fan, though I am preparing to have a Pop Off with Pop Secret.  Popcorn may well all come from the same hybrid seeds these Monsanto days.  I remember when a... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
March 10, 2013 at 10:33 am • 

Project Two, the Attic. Done.

Project Two, the Attic. Done.
Steve is never permitted to skeedaddle to Florida until all the Christmas stuff is in the attic.  This year he got lucky:  it was cold the week before he left, and so despite his OCD need to have things in order, he tossed the crates and foliage into the opening at the top of the... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
January 30, 2013 at 10:30 am • 

Alone Again, Naturally

Alone Again, Naturally
Steve is in Florida for the next 100 days, getting his endorphins balanced and avoiding the Midwestern gloom that asphyxiates him.  I am content to stay here, with my pack of Milly and Mabel to dig in with.  As I type this, they are stereo-snoring on the bed and I am rethinking my choice. My... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
January 19, 2013 at 10:41 pm • 
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Got it!

Got it!
Here is my pickle jar- not so grand as the image I attached to my last post- but adequate for my purposes.  $ 5.00.  That seems high, right? It came with a carrying handle that Steve and I were unable to affix.  Then we both wondered why anyone wanted to carry pickles.  Or why I... Read more »
By Janet Dahl,
January 2, 2013 at 9:05 am •