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Spring

Beyond the Rapture

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on May 22, 2011 Chicago, Seniors, Spring

May 222011

Here it is, May 22 The "rapture" has come and gone, and, oh, my…. I've missed it! Or maybe, I just wasn't among the chosen ones and this is hell and I'm doomed to stay here for the duration. Well, that's ok. I had a birthday to celebrate with my daughter. Chicago doesn't offer all that many wide open spaces that are easily accessible by car. But we like going out to the point at Montrose Park. The high rises are just far enough away and the lake stretches as far as you can see. At this particular spot, there's [Click here to see the rest of the story]

Spring Perspective in Chicago

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on May 1, 2011 Business - Not As Usual, Chicago, Spring, That's Life

May 012011

I do hope you took some time to get out of doors today. Even a short walk around your home can help to refresh and rejuvenate. Today, May Day, has traditionally been set as a day of celebration throughout the world. At no time has a day to regroup been more important. Yes, we've got problems. Politics has gone crazy. Gas and food prices are rampant. Unemployment has devastated countless Americans. Even a quick break to get away from the news and computers can help to put everything in perspective. In fact, I suggest that a half hour walk each [Click here to see the rest of the story]

Chicago: Spring’s First Robin

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on March 25, 2011 Seniors, Spring

Mar 252011

Don't let the cold weather this weekend discourage you. Spring really has arrived in Chicago. Sadly, I didn't have my camera handy when I left the house this morning so I don't have a picture. But I saw my first robin of the season today. It was the most beautiful robin I've seen in a long, long time. This bird was obviously well fed and it breast was a vibrant red that was glorious against the still winter-brown lawn. I decided to do some research and, lo and behold, I discovered that robins can actually be seen all winter long [Click here to see the rest of the story]

What writers do

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on March 9, 2011 Spring, Writers

Mar 092011

Do you have what it takes to be a writer? Take a quick quiz – and decide for yourself: Answer the following questions on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being least Do you look for the unexpected in everything you do? Do you look beyond the obvious? Do you have an insatiable curiosity? Do you see only what's in front of you? Do you have many passions? Are you a jack of all trades? Do you dig in and get your hands dirty? (or are you singularly focused on putting words on paper?) Do you really pay attention to [Click here to see the rest of the story]

Crocuses

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on March 20, 2010 Spring

Mar 202010

Crocuses Assure Us that Winter Is On Its Way Out Crocuses are hardy members of the Iris family. Look for them in areas where they can get full sun or partial shade. They like well-drained soil and are drought tolerant. Their grassy leaves will die back after the plant blooms leaving room for other flowers. It's too late to plant crocuses for this year. They should be planted in the fall. But be sure to add these to your fall planting.

Daffodil Promises Spring

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on March 20, 2010 Spring

Mar 202010

Daffodil Holds Promise of More To Come Daffodils are members of the Narcissus family originally from countries around the Mediterranean Sea. They have come to represent friendship. These are perennials that grow from bulbs that will grow and multiply prolifically. They have been known to flower anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on where they're grown. This is one plant that squirrels and rodents will not eat.

Anticipating Spring Gardens

Posted by Joan-Marie Moss on March 20, 2010 Spring, That's Life

Mar 202010

They're here! The daffodils have tentatively begun to show themselves. The daylilies, irises and other spring flowers are promising a splash of dramatic color in the near future. Spring arrived today. We even had two very warm days this week with temps in the upper 60s here in the Chicago area.. If you're like me you're chomping at the bit…ready to move on with this year's planting. You probably know exactly which annuals and vegetables you're going to nurture and where you're going to plant them. You're ready to get on with it. After all, it IS the fist day [Click here to see the rest of the story]