Nancy E. Anderson: The waning days of the outdoor pool
When I think about the reasons I love living where I do, near the top of my list is the outdoor pool that's a five-minute drive from my house. I...
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Commentary: Why I fly an American flag
I sent my husband to the hardware store to buy an American flag. "Do we need a new flag?" he asked. "Isn't the old one OK?" "It's faded and a...
Commentary: When it comes to swimming, give me the chlorine and concrete of the outdoor pool
Since I appreciate birdsong and begrudgingly turn on air conditioning, you would think I'd prefer a natural body of water. But while I love the panorama of nearby Lake Michigan,...
Why I’m celebrating America this Independence Day
As the Fourth of July has approached, instead of being in a celebratory mood, I’m feeling down. I don’t think I have to explain why. I subscribe to two newspapers,...
On being Midwestern
For a long time, I wanted my life story to have more glamour, especially when it came to geography. I grew up in Bloomington, Ill., but I thought it added...
Love, loss and Dominick’s in the background
I'm standing at the customer service counter at the Dominick's in my neighborhood. I want postage stamps, but they no longer sell them now that they're closing. The gentle-looking young...
A Christmas scene on North Clark Street
I knew there would be a line at the Swedish deli in Andersonville. There is always a line at places like this before Christmas. But this line is moving particularly...