Nick Vrtis Those of you from the Chicago area probably remember the Palos Toboggan Chutes (officially Swallow Cliffs). For those of you who haven’t.. These were probably the most awesome winter entertainment available. There are other places to go Tobogganing, some even have chutes (Ryan’s Woods on the south side was another spot that had chutes). But … Read more
I think I’ve turned into a compulsive pencil sharpener;I have an Uncle Ed, He’s a carpenter.Sharpening pencils has to be done;I think it’s an obsession; It’s no longer Fun.Sharpening pencils is my way of life;If I can’t sharpen pencils, I sharpen a knife.I get up from my seat to sharpen the lead;I dream of sharpening … Read more
These rules were written as part of the wonderful trip notes that my brother Mike wrote after a road trip he took. It was Mike, my older brother Chuck, my 82 year old Dad, and a cute little cocker spaniel named Lady. Good title for a movie… “Three men and a lady”.. Rule one – … Read more
Technically, this is a ‘funeral’ story. But it is also a family tradition story. And a pretty accurate story of what went on in our family too. Sort of a politically incorrect way of weeding out those who weren’t serious about their relationship. And yes.. it is a typical conversation that you could hear at … Read more
Mike wrote this shortly after Mother’s Day 2009 The older I get, the more I realize how deep the celebration of Mother’s Day runs. For me, as a son, it was just a chance to tell Mom that I’m glad she was my Mom (and to rack up a few Brownie Points!) But as I … Read more