Growing Older: The Move (4) – Do I Look Dehydrated?

"Would you like some water?"  I have never been asked this question when doing business in Chicago. We've been here in Sioux Falls for three days and I've been asked if I'd like some water four times-- by our new homeowners insurance agent, our new banker, a salesperson in a furniture store, and the owner …

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Growing Older: The Move (3) – “Gloriously Blinded”

I sit here at my desk, overlooking Millennium Park, with a pile of mail, including renewal notices for Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Art Institute, Grant Park Orchestra, a few museums, Lincoln Park Zoo and more.  And I’ve had two calls in the last week, Am I renewing or not? If not, they will give my seat …

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Growing Older: The Move (2) – Anecdote on Books and Purses

“When I heard you were moving here, I asked why you would leave your wonderful place in Chicago with that marvelous view.” Oh my. I’ve heard similar exclamations from my Chicago friends, but this was the first time in my soon-to-be new hometown of Sioux Falls. From another grandma, no less. We were there last …

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Growing Older: Moving to Grandchildren

Yes, you read that right. After eleven years of high-rise living in Chicago’s Loop, my husband and I are moving to a ground-level ranch in Sioux Falls, SD, in an area with lots of grass and evergreens near our little grandchildren. We’ve just told our family and friends. Responses have at first been shock, then …

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Turtle Sundae at Richie’s Diner – Palm Desert, CA

Before returning on Thursday to Chicago's single digit temperatures, I'm enjoying every minute of Palm Desert's mid-80s with its clear blue sky, gently waving palm fronds, and sweet aromas of new-to-me flowers, including those of startling red bougainvillea. A turtle sundae at Richie's Diner in Westfield Mall--shared with my sister: Happy day! Stay warm wherever you …

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