Columns

Many moons and several columns ago, we wrote about oddities of Cook County law enforcement. Law violations were few, and we smiled a little about fishing with illegal minnows.

As we bid adieu to our visitors viewing the fall leaf-changing season, I would like to take the time to extol the benefits of being a “leaf licker”. I am a self-professed “leaf licker,” defined as someone who deeply appreciates nature, especially trees and plants. This term suggests that the person is so enthusiastic about the outdoors that they might figuratively lick leaves or immerse themselves in nature to connect with it.

20 YEARS AGO OCTOBER 10, 2003 v Environmental groups filed suit last week in U.S. District Court challenging a federal decision lowering the status of the gray wolf from endangered to threatened in the continental United States.

When did Service go out of fashion? I’ve always been impressed at the volunteerism in this community, but I fear it may be waning. Ruby’s Pantry had up to 90 volunteers— astounding.

As I write this column, I am on my very last day in my 50s. Tomorrow, I will be 60 years old. I never imagined myself at this age. I remember being nine years old, just waiting to turn ten. I lied all summer, saying I was already ten until my sister-cousin Dawn called me out. I wanted so bad to be 19. Not because I wanted to go to bars and drink….I just wanted to go to the Polar Bear in Lutsen and dance! 30 I was a new mom to Zoe and felt like a raccoon on roller skates! It took a while to get my balance. By 40, I had three littles and had just moved to Annandale: new house, new friends. My 50s have been a blur. I used to roll my eyes when Grandma Isabelle said time flies as you get older. Now I know just what she meant.

The Hayride Many traditions abound in October. Most, it seems, circle round in anticipation of Halloween.

Recently, the University’s Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics magazine featured one of the school’s alums in its magazine. This inspired me to add another type of column to Wondering 61—Sixty-One Personalities.

Marching Band I have, from time to time, harbored dreams of being a rock star. A handful of my best mates (I’m British in this fantasy) making music together.