MY SUN DAY NEWS
Hi there, I’m writing to seek your advice regarding a health condition I’ve recently been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib). As a senior, this diagnosis has understandably caused me some concern, and I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to manage it effectively.
Situated in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles off the coast of South America, the Galápagos Islands proved to be a unique environment that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. Situated on the equator and at the confluence of three major ocean currents, the islands are inhabited by a strange assortment of wildlife, thus one of the major reasons to visit. We all know about Darwin and his theory of evolution and that the islands were the inspiration for his work. The same species evolved differently based on the island on which they lived. Our daughter and her two sons recently visited and called it “Amazing.”
Chris, my husband, and I recently traveled to Nashville for Labor Day weekend. Christopher, our 23-year-old son, moved into his first post college apartment two months earlier, and this was the first chance we had to help him with the move. By my count, this is the ninth time we have helped our adult children make the transition from one living space to another. We know the drill.
Everyone needs medications at some point in their life. Our little puppy, Rosie, is no exception. Her medications are necessary to keep away those nasty fleas and ticks when she goes outside. We have tried everything, like putting her pill into liver sausage, peanut butter, or her (and Jim’s) favorite, the aerosol squirt cheese in a can. In the end, she will succeed in spitting the pill out on the floor while staring defiantly at us. The irony of this is, when she does go outside, her main diet consists of ants, spiders, and the occasional lightning bug. On our way to the vet to pick up her pills, we passed by a restaurant in Gilberts named Cruisin’ and decided to try it.
Letters for the week of October 3.
Note: The views expressed in these political submissions do not reflect those of the Sun Day, its staff, or those associated to the Sun Day.
Bruce Busboom, a Sun City resident, has an accomplishment that probably no one else in Sun City can claim: he built a castle. It’s not just any castle, but one with a working drawbridge, a moat with mechanical crocodiles, and a pair of gargoyles spouting water 30 feet into a moat. Busboom said, “My claim to fame is that out of the 350 castles in the United States, I have a working drawbridge. Disney has a drawbridge that was raised once, but has not been used since. My drawbridge is 10 1/2 feet tall, 5 feet wide, 4.5 inches thick, weighs 660 pounds, and is held together with 180 stainless steel bolts. The ‘portcullis’ is the counterweight and picks up 700 pounds of scrap iron when it reaches the halfway mark. A trumpet fanfare plays when the drawbridge is lowered.”
Bruce Busboom, a Sun City resident, has an accomplishment that probably no one else in Sun City can claim: he built a castle. It’s not just any castle, but one with a working drawbridge, a moat with mechanical crocodiles, and a pair of gargoyles spouting water 30 feet into a moat.
Busboom said, “My claim to fame is that out of the 350 castles in the United States, I have a working drawbridge. Disney has a drawbridge that was raised once, but has not been used since. My drawbridge is 10 1/2 feet tall, 5 feet wide, 4.5 inches thick, weighs 660 pounds, and is held together with 180 stainless steel bolts. The ‘portcullis’ is the counterweight and picks up 700 pounds of scrap iron when it reaches the halfway mark. A trumpet fanfare plays when the drawbridge is lowered.”
I hate that one of my kids is struggling with clinical depression. I really do. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, since my family’s DNA is a rich broth of bad eyesight, crooked teeth, questionable hearing, and clinical depression. Going back several generations, the old black-and-white family portraits of my ancestors depict stern, thin-lipped farm folk in uncomfortably tight clothing and eyes cast downward. I know these photographs came before the age of “Say cheese!” but these earnest, hardworking relatives don’t exactly look like they’d be the life of the party.
I faced a challenge the other day I haven’t met since I was twelve years old — a flat tire on my bicycle. Although I hadn’t ridden a bike through most of my adulthood, pretty much every morning for the past couple years I take a ten-ortwelve-mile jaunt into the countryside, where I converse with the corn and cows if they’re in the mood to listen. Whatever trials await me later, I always find a sense of peace peddling the pavement at the start of the day.
I faced a challenge the other day I haven’t met since I was twelve years old — a flat tire on my bicycle.
Although I hadn’t ridden a bike through most of my adulthood, pretty much every morning for the past couple years I take a ten-ortwelve-mile jaunt into the countryside, where I converse with the corn and cows if they’re in the mood to listen. Whatever trials await me later, I always find a sense of peace peddling the pavement at the start of the day.
Each year, St. Vincent DePaul conferences around the United States hold a “Friends of the Poor” walk to raise funds to carry out their mission of helping those in need in their local area. Sun City resident Kay Nelson has participated in this walk, supporting the efforts of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Hampshire. Nelson said, “Because our parish is relatively small, we used to join with a larger parish hosting the walk, but only 10 or 12 people from our parish would travel from Hampshire to walk with us.”
Each year, St. Vincent DePaul conferences around the United States hold a “Friends of the Poor” walk to raise funds to carry out their mission of helping those in need in their local area. Sun City resident Kay Nelson has participated in this walk, supporting the efforts of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Hampshire.
Nelson said, “Because our parish is relatively small, we used to join with a larger parish hosting the walk, but only 10 or 12 people from our parish would travel from Hampshire to walk with us.”
Tony Pratt, a Sun City resident, enjoys volunteering and encourages others to donate their time. Pratt starting working with the Fox Valley Music Foundation in Aurora. The foundation promotes local musical artists and provides educational programs to help foster a love and appreciation for music in the community. Pratt said, “I got involved when I met a record store owner in Batavia. Kiss the Sky record store owner Steve Warrenfeltz, the former President of the Fox Valley Music Foundation, got me interested, and that’s how it began.”
Tony Pratt, a Sun City resident, enjoys volunteering and encourages others to donate their time. Pratt starting working with the Fox Valley Music Foundation in Aurora. The foundation promotes local musical artists and provides educational programs to help foster a love and appreciation for music in the community.
Pratt said, “I got involved when I met a record store owner in Batavia. Kiss the Sky record store owner Steve Warrenfeltz, the former President of the Fox Valley Music Foundation, got me interested, and that’s how it began.”
September 11 is a day that Americans across the country reflect on the attacks that stunned the world. It’s a day that unites us in remembrance and reflection as we recall where we were when we heard the news of the planes hitting the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. A Sun City Resident, a Chicago firefighter, and twenty fellow firefighters traveled to the site. He will never forget that day.
Grandpa, Grandma, & Me (GG & Me) Charter Club members celebrated Grandparent’s Day on September 8 at GLO-BOWL in Marengo. It was a day of inclusivity and togetherness as grandparents, grandkids, and families came together to celebrate the occasion by throwing a few strikes.
It’s been a while since Jim and I had Chinese food and sometimes our bodies start craving MSG. Anyone can find a Chinese takeout restaurant, but it is much more difficult to find a good Chinese dine in restaurant. While driving through Crystal Lake to buy some donuts, we spotted the Kirin King-Asian Cuisine and decided to drop in and check it out. The site is an older building and has housed several different restaurants during the past years. When walking in, there was a gigantic fish tank with lots of salt water fish swimming around (their sushi must be really fresh). There are a lot of steps to get into the restaurant and also into their dining area, so obviously this restaurant is not handicap accessible.
It’s been a while since Jim and I had Chinese food and sometimes our bodies start craving MSG. Anyone can find a Chinese takeout restaurant, but it is much more difficult to find a good Chinese dine in restaurant. While driving through Crystal Lake to buy some donuts, we spotted the Kirin King-Asian Cuisine and decided to drop in and check it out.
The site is an older building and has housed several different restaurants during the past years. When walking in, there was a gigantic fish tank with lots of salt water fish swimming around (their sushi must be really fresh). There are a lot of steps to get into the restaurant and also into their dining area, so obviously this restaurant is not handicap accessible.
Chris, my husband and I recently purchased seven new appliances. While the process was a bit overwhelming, we honestly, just followed the advice of our sales person and made practical conservative choices. On the highly anticipated day of delivery, not only did our appliances arrive but so did reams of paper in the form of operating manuals. It took me hours to sort through the manuals, fill out the registration cards and luckily, in some cases, apply for energy rebates. My take away from this whole process was that plants should be sold with operating manuals. Specifically, trees. If all goes well, the trees in our yard will be alive and thriving decades after our appliances are relegated to the junk yard. More information should be given to the owner of the trees regarding their care than the owner of a microwave. In an attempt to right this wrong, this column summarizes a few key points for tree owners.
Hope everyone had a great Labor Day as the weather was quite exceptional. Now with the official end of summer behind us, some are heading back to work and others to school. Retirees, your endless summer has been spared. Often this time of year reminds me of notebooks and syllabuses, much to the chagrin of my friends. The perpetual student in me always sees the changing of the leaves as study season. However, I sometimes wonder what it would be like on the other side of the school desk.
I’m reaching out because I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and could use some guidance on how best to support my mom as she navigates the challenges of aging, particularly her increasing anxiety. Mom is in her late 70s now, and while she’s always been incredibly independent and strong-willed, I’ve noticed a significant shift in her emotional well-being recently. She seems more anxious and restless, and it’s starting to affect her daily life. Small things that never used to bother her now seem to cause her a lot of stress, and I’m at a loss about how to help her through this.
I’m reaching out because I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and could use some guidance on how best to support my mom as she navigates the challenges of aging, particularly her increasing anxiety.
Mom is in her late 70s now, and while she’s always been incredibly independent and strong-willed, I’ve noticed a significant shift in her emotional well-being recently. She seems more anxious and restless, and it’s starting to affect her daily life. Small things that never used to bother her now seem to cause her a lot of stress, and I’m at a loss about how to help her through this.
Letters for the week of September 19.
After a nearly 30-year career as a teacher, athletic director, and coach, Jim Meyers received a top honor from the state-wide Illinois Association of Athletic Directors (IADA). Meyers was one of three members of the IADA Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, along with Terry Dobbs who worked at Palatine and Greg King of Sterling, at the May IADA meeting. Meyers explained that due to his retirement as Johnsburg High School Athletic Director in 2003, he is one of the elder statesman so honored. “I was nominated by the present Johnsburg High School Principal Kevin Shelton, and filled out an informational and career packet from IADA, including letters from colleagues (former tennis coach Rick Bailey), and that went to a committee,” Meyers, a long-tine Sun City resident, said.
After a nearly 30-year career as a teacher, athletic director, and coach, Jim Meyers received a top honor from the state-wide Illinois Association of Athletic Directors (IADA).
Meyers was one of three members of the IADA Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, along with Terry Dobbs who worked at Palatine and Greg King of Sterling, at the May IADA meeting. Meyers explained that due to his retirement as Johnsburg High School Athletic Director in 2003, he is one of the elder statesman so honored.
“I was nominated by the present Johnsburg High School Principal Kevin Shelton, and filled out an informational and career packet from IADA, including letters from colleagues (former tennis coach Rick Bailey), and that went to a committee,” Meyers, a long-tine Sun City resident, said.
One of the foods in the news lately is microgreens, as this February headline notes: “Microgreens: Superfoods for the future, packed with nutrients and easy to grow.” Since 2023, research studies on microgreens have risen sharply with more than 103 articles on microgreens published in PubMed, the national medical database. You may have heard of them, but wondered what they are and why you might want to add them to your diet.
This fall, Sun City’s Pencil and Palette Club is hosting an art gallery exhibit, and you’re invited. The exhibit will feature the work of resident artists. Carolyn Gordon, the Chairman of the Exhibit, said, “We are featuring the work of our novice through experienced painters.”
This fall, Sun City’s Pencil and Palette Club is hosting an art gallery exhibit, and you’re invited. The exhibit will feature the work of resident artists.
Carolyn Gordon, the Chairman of the Exhibit, said, “We are featuring the work of our novice through experienced painters.”
If you haven’t seen me around for a while, blame the ‘vid. That’s what my son called it when he phoned me to ask: “How you doin’ against the ‘vid?” I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him — three times — what he said: “Are you saying ‘vid’? What the hell is a ‘vid’?” Something in the corner of my mind hinted that it might be a term having to do with gambling, but I hadn’t placed any bets lately. Or at least I didn’t remember if I had.
If you haven’t seen me around for a while, blame the ‘vid.
That’s what my son called it when he phoned me to ask: “How you doin’ against the ‘vid?”
I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him — three times — what he said: “Are you saying ‘vid’? What the hell is a ‘vid’?” Something in the corner of my mind hinted that it might be a term having to do with gambling, but I hadn’t placed any bets lately. Or at least I didn’t remember if I had.
The thing about a rainstorm is that it doesn’t wait. Of all the things that can be canceled or delayed or rescheduled — a meeting, a dentist appointment, even a tax deadline — a storm moving in, chased by thunder and lightning, refuses to bend to anyone else’s schedule. Between the curtains on the window over my sink is when I first see the trees swaying wildly in the wind, then notice that the late afternoon sun is lighting up a huge thunderhead cloud. Fluffy white columns billow higher and higher. Below it, a blanket of dark gray clouds moved in.
The thing about a rainstorm is that it doesn’t wait.
Of all the things that can be canceled or delayed or rescheduled — a meeting, a dentist appointment, even a tax deadline — a storm moving in, chased by thunder and lightning, refuses to bend to anyone else’s schedule. Between the curtains on the window over my sink is when I first see the trees swaying wildly in the wind, then notice that the late afternoon sun is lighting up a huge thunderhead cloud. Fluffy white columns billow higher and higher. Below it, a blanket of dark gray clouds moved in.
Kelly Bertrand, Prairie Lodge’s Fitness Coordinator, said, “Knowing the (Paris, France) Summer Olympics was coming up and knowing we have some competitive athletes here at Sun City, I thought it would be a great idea to celebrate that spirit of competition and doing your best with some events here at Sun City.”
Sun City Neighborhoods, united in their celebration, marked the 25th anniversary of their community on Sunday, August 25. Despite the heat, residents, brought their chairs and contributions and participated in the community event in a show of solidarity. The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) invited each neighborhood to hold a community-wide Drinks on the Drive.
Sun City Neighborhoods, united in their celebration, marked the 25th anniversary of their community on Sunday, August 25. Despite the heat, residents, brought their chairs and contributions and participated in the community event in a show of solidarity.
The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) invited each neighborhood to hold a community-wide Drinks on the Drive.
The healthiness of living things, at times, can be paramount. We spend a good portion of our lives either trying to remain healthy or fighting to become healthy again. We also worry about the health of those around us; our family, friends, neighbors and even, if applicable, our pets. As trivial as it seems, by comparison, we also want our lawn, flowers, shrubs and trees to remain healthy. This year unfortunately for many, our lawns are suffering from diseases. The symptoms of these diseases have become increasingly obvious over the past 4-5 weeks. This column focuses on identifying turf diseases as well as possible causes and treatments.
I’m hoping for some guidance on a topic that’s become increasingly important to my family: home care. My parents have recently started receiving home care services, and as their daughter, I want to ensure that they’re receiving the best possible care and support. While we’re grateful for the assistance that home care provides, I must admit I’m quite new to this experience, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to expect and how to best utilize the care services available to us.
I’m hoping for some guidance on a topic that’s become increasingly important to my family: home care. My parents have recently started receiving home care services, and as their daughter, I want to ensure that they’re receiving the best possible care and support.
While we’re grateful for the assistance that home care provides, I must admit I’m quite new to this experience, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to expect and how to best utilize the care services available to us.
Movie theaters, and viewers, have been holding out on a savior. Very little has clicked with audiences this summer, with family fare sequels and the occasion horror flick being glimmers of hope. That was until a certain superhero graced our screens and deemed himself to be our Jesus. That person I am speaking of is Ryan Reynolds. His Deadpool serves as a counterpoint to the usual gifted people in capes we normally see. But when he is co-opted, it comes as a bit of a mixed bag.
Now that beef prices are at an all-time high, of course, Nancy has a recurring taste for steak. To stop her incessant whining, I cleverly suggested that we go check out a steakhouse. We have passed by this restaurant a number of times, but never gave it a second thought until today. “To the Mini-Mobile Nancy,” and we headed out to Addison’s Steakhouse in McHenry. When we arrived in the strip mall, we were surprised that the restaurant had outdoor seating by the shopping center’s fountain. We decided to dine indoors due to the Florida like weather we’ve been experiencing.
Now that beef prices are at an all-time high, of course, Nancy has a recurring taste for steak. To stop her incessant whining, I cleverly suggested that we go check out a steakhouse. We have passed by this restaurant a number of times, but never gave it a second thought until today. “To the Mini-Mobile Nancy,” and we headed out to Addison’s Steakhouse in McHenry.
When we arrived in the strip mall, we were surprised that the restaurant had outdoor seating by the shopping center’s fountain. We decided to dine indoors due to the Florida like weather we’ve been experiencing.
