Category: Uncategorized

IS IT STILL THANKSGIVING IF I DON'T FEEL GUILTY?

Is it still Thanksgiving if I don’t feel guilty? This is the question I ask myself this year, as we plan to take the easy route and place an order for our Thanksgiving dinner – turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and fresh cranberries – all ordered from a well-loved local restaurant. The question nags... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
November 6, 2018 at 11:10 am • 

The Worst Part of the Fall Season

Here we are again. Last night ChicagoNow’s editor presented us with a Blogapalooz topic: “Write about the best thing in Chicago during the fall.” There’s only rule on these Blogapalooz topics: write a post in one hour or less.  Of course, I’m late again in responding to the writing challenge.  The excuse I have this... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
August 30, 2018 at 12:40 pm • 

And, Just Like That, Cher Was Gone

Where did the Cher Show go to so quickly? Hearing good reviews about the colorful and exciting Cher Show showing at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre, I had hopes of procuring tickets for my daughter and myself.  I wanted to treat her to the glitzy world of Cher. She’s the performer who – in my book –... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
July 31, 2018 at 11:00 am • 
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In Honor of Aunt Grace's Birthday...

A repeat from last year — in honor of my Aunt Grace’s Birthday. Enjoy. Earlier this year I wrote about my Aunt Grace and her commitment to Chicago and its great transit system, the CTA. What I didn’t provide was a little background on Aunt Grace and why she has (retrospectively) become such a good... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
July 24, 2018 at 11:00 am • 

Family Doesn't Let Family Move to The Villages

Family doesn’t let family move to The Villages.  That’s my statement and I’m stickin’ to it.  There may be some backlash over this post, but I’m ready for it. Because moving to The Villages in central Florida is where I draw the line.  Years back my mom, Dorothy, phoned to tell me she heard great things about... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
June 5, 2018 at 11:00 am • 

How I Kicked The Ironing Habit

I wore my favorite blazer the other day.  My friend complimented me on its look. “But look here,” I complained. “I recently washed the jacket, but the lapel is sitting funny and not lying flat.” “Try ironing it,” my dear friend advised. Was She for Real? She was trying to be helpful, but I was... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
March 6, 2018 at 11:00 am • 
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In Defense Of Books And Newspapers

Curl up with a good book. Get lost in a bookstore.  These are classic clichés we hear often. But as traditional expressions, they still ring true. Some of us are old school and still prefer holding a newspaper in hand as they read the daily news. And there are many who prefer a bound book... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
January 23, 2018 at 11:00 am • 

Just Another Day With the In-Laws

My husband and I typically spend a few hours each weekend with my in-laws.  It’s then that I learn more about them as individuals – especially my father-in-law, Bill. To first meet Bill, one finds a mild-mannered octogenarian, who is happy spending his time visiting friends, sketching landscapes using colored pencils, or puttering around his... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
December 12, 2017 at 11:00 am • 

Black and White Photo Challenge: In my own way

Many of us have come across or already participated in the Black and White Photo Challenge on Facebook:  post a black and white photo each day without citing any words or individuals. Since I like to do things differently, I decided to post the scenes I come across on a daily commute to work.  I disregarded... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
December 5, 2017 at 11:00 am • 
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Do You Know How To Use A Typewriter?

A young associate at my office approached me the other day and asked… “Heidi, do you know how to use a typewriter?” My gut reaction was to roar with laughter.  But instead I replied with a simple “Yes, how may I help you?” Immediately images ran through my head of us students taking Typing at Morgan... Read more »
By H. Van Howe,
October 17, 2017 at 11:04 am •