Collecting My Thoughts

J. J. Slayback posted his travels in northern Illinois on Facebook, including Mt. Morris, Oregon and Byron. Here's the piece on Mt. Morr...

In sorting files, I found this in my genealogy file, source unknown, but the handwriting looks like my father's and I know he visited ce...

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a lifelong Democrat, did eight years in federal prison. By the time he got out in 2020, his party...

"Click it or ticket. Buckle up." That is the banner at the intersection of Tremont and Kenny Rds. Golf course on the west. Luthera...

Not everyone cares. But I do. I send letters and notes and I like pretty or interesting stamps. My local USPS branch has diddly squat for s...

I recently received a notice from Family Search about the 1950 U.S. census. So, I looked at my mother, p. 27--interesting to see the details...

Today is Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, originally observed on May 30. It began in the South in 1866 to recognize their war dead, and...

When my mother was a little girl, her family still kept a carriage horse in the barn that did useful tasks like pulling their cars out of t...

 Reception December 11, 2022, 2-4 p.m. Bob and Norma, married for 62 years and UALC members since 1976, have both been painting since 1972 a...

 Things are a bit messed up in our house as we pull things out of closets, bags and off the walls in preparation for our combined art show N...

 In May we sold our summer home in Lakeside, Ohio, after owning it for 34 years. Part of the sale contract was we would stay until Labor Day...

I can't recall when I signed up for Family Search, the huge Mormon data base of genealogy, but every now and then I get an interesting ...

Dave Graf recalls: "When I was a kid (starting as early as age 5), I loved to take Route 64 to Chicago to visit my grandparents. They ...

I was reading about the Yale director who stole $40 million in electronics equipment from her employer and spent it on lavish living. She...

"It has become clear that the “follow the science” narrative – which has effectively shut down reasoned democratic debate and imposed h...

A certain man in my life (for his protection I’ve made up a name) decided he’d try substitute teaching in his school district. We’re about t...

I'm sure there is more to this story--cartoons and memes never tell the whole story. Perhaps someone from Illinois knows?  Is Illinois d...

“Our priest spoke about it numerous times, as did others. . .  The diocesan office encouraged everyone to pray, fast, and act.  For those wh...

I’ve looked over the latest abortion initiative for Illinois and am shocked and horrified. Particularly at the cheering! What has happened t...

The 'Perfect Storm' descended with full force on the citizens of Illinoi this week. Your Governor and legislators (both sides) thank...