Staff/Contact Info Advertise Classified Ads Submission Guidelines

MY SUN DAY NEWS

Proudly Serving the Community of
Sun City in Huntley

News & Features Columnists Editorials Hang Your Hat Obituaries My Huntley News

December 6, 2012

A candy-crazed criminal’s long-overdue apology

I don’t recall her name — I’m not sure if I ever knew it — but I would like to apologize to that skinny, curly-haired girl for giving her a bloody nose.

Why some dogs dress up in winter

Have you ever seen someone walking their little dog with a fur coat and booties on? Did you think to yourself that person is crazy to put clothes on their dogs or they have way too much money to spend? Fact is, some dogs should have clothing on to protect them from the cold elements.

Turkey talk brings to mind appreciation of sports

My wife (I love her dearly, God bless her) says, “If nose-picking was a sport on TV, he’d watch it.” It’s her way of describing how much of a sports fanatic I am.

My autobiography, told to the best of my core memory

I checked Ancestry.com and was able to trace my lineage back to about 1936. We sure didn’t look anything like we do now. The earliest I could find some of my ancestors that were anything like me, at least in the internal organs, was 1941.

An exploration of great modern-era sax men

This column is all about the Sax Men.

Our very first cruise (or: How young and stupid were we?)

I don’t remember exactly when or even why my husband and I decided to take a cruise. We had never been on a cruise ship. We didn’t know anyone who had ever been on a cruise ship. We knew nothing about cruising. I do know it was a long time ago. There weren’t any cruise websites or message boards back then. Booking a cruise online was unheard of.

Ask an Angel: November 29, 2012

Q. My family doesn’t want me to drive anymore. I am not ready for this and don’t want to give up my driving, because it really makes me think I will lose my freedom. I can’t imagine not being able to drive and having to rely on others for transportation. What do I do?

Is alternative health the answer?

I want to thank the people in my classes for the interest they have shown in learning many things that are completely contrary to the medical profession and massive false advertising. Some of you have questioned this new philosophy and others have asked where I get my information.

Concerns over the approaching fiscal cliff

The term “fiscal cliff” refers to the effect of current laws which, if unchanged, could result in tax increases and government spending cuts beginning in 2013. These laws include tax increases due to the expiration of the Tax Relief Act of 2010 and spending cuts under the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Laughter by Paul: November 29, 2012

At Judy’s granddaughter’s wedding, the DJ polled the guests to see who had been married the longest. As luck would have it, it turned out to be Judy and her husband, Ray.

Sometimes it’s best to know you can’t get there from here

I don’t know if my parents naturally had more patience than I did, or if they came by their patience through long practice, but they somehow managed to resist the temptation to leave me at a gas station after the hundredth time I asked them, “Are we there yet?” on our annual drive to Lake Nicaboyne in northern Wisconsin.

An old-fashioned supper club, spiced up Italian-style

Back in my youth, Chicago was known for its great supper clubs. Places like the Edgewater Beach Hotel and the London House were destinations for senior proms. These were restaurants that offered entertainment as a package deal, usually with a cover charge depending upon the quality and cost of the performers.

How to identify and trap Norway rats

One of the Woodchucks noticed a strange, medium-length, furry animal on his bird feeder. After patiently watching, he was able to get some good pictures of the critter. He sent the pictures to the McHenry County Extension Services, who told him he had a Norway rat.

It can never hurt to teach some puppy manners

Being a responsible dog owner is a job that requires a lot of thought and effort. It doesn’t only include making sure that your dog is current on vaccinations, eating the right foods, getting proper socialization and plenty of exercise. A responsible owner should also teach their dogs what I like to call puppy manners and being respectful of others.

A dream come true

It took some 40 years for me to put the pieces together on how to get healthy and stay that way. Sometime around 2005 I was starting to get restless. I had stored much information but started to realize my knowledge wasn’t helping others.

Are extended warranties worth the cost?

I use my exercise bike almost daily. It is an important part of keeping in top physical shape. For those of you who know me, you know I am not in physical shape. However, if I didn’t use the bike, I would be much worse off. I purchased my current bike about four years ago. It was one of the better (not the best) brands at the time. The salesperson convinced me to take the extended warranty because it included at-home repair service.

Some parting words until the next time we garden

A few weeks ago I visited the campus of my alma mater, Texas A&M University. On a Friday afternoon, I sat on a bench reading The Battalion newspaper while being drenched in the warmth of the sun. Everything was right with the world. That experience reminded me of how much I love newspapers.

Braised turkey and dressing

Here’s another way to cook a turkey that I found to be a great alternative to the conventional way. The benefit of braising is that both white and dark meat come out perfectly cooked and seasoned, juicy, and carving is so much easier.

Paying homage to the first lady of song

In previous columns, I’ve only mentioned some of the great female vocalists while writing about other musicians. It’s time to pay homage to an all-time great vocalist who began as a jazz singer but later became hugely successful in pop. The undisputed First Lady of Song is, of course, Ella Fitzgerald, who used her voice like a musical instrument.

Laughter by Paul: November 15, 2012

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinarian’s office and laid her pet on the table.

Recalling days when rooftops branched and combed the sky

While walking through my neighborhood the other day, I was stunned by how much I suddenly missed seeing TV antennas standing tall on every house, each as different from the others as the families who slept beneath them.

Ask an Angel: November 1, 2012

My mom has been in great health until recently. She is 81 and I see her decline, and I recognize she needs an extra set of eyes on her. I still work full-time and cannot afford to retire right now to care for her. Someone told me to check into adult day care, but quite frankly, I never heard of that before. Can you explain the difference between day care and home care options?

Don’t get ripped off with air conditioner repairs

Question: I have a Mackinac model that was built in 2002 with a York air conditioner. We moved into it in 2005. Twice when I have had the AC annual checkup done (I have it done every two years), I have been told by the repairman that I need to replace a rusted capacitor 40/50MFD-370V at around $130 each time. Has this been the normal practice for this type of AC or have I been taken to the cleaners each time?

What is behind ‘cut and paste?’

If you are a frequent computer user, you’ve likely heard the term “cut and paste.” You know that scissors are not involved here, but did you know how this – as well as “copy and paste” – actually works? It sounds easy and it is, but it does take some serious technology to manage this task.

Memories of times gone by that cut to the heart

Grandpa Kerth, my father’s father, died when I was very young, so I have few memories of him.

Heading south for the winter? Follow this checklist first

As many Sun City residents pack for warmer climates, it is important to spend an hour or so to prepare your house for the winter.

Cooking with the Geezer: October 25, 2012

This week’s recipe is from me, and as you might expect, it’s traditional Italian. More specifically, it is Sicilian, which is my heritage. All four of my grandparents were born and raised in a small town near Palermo.

Reap your senior discount rewards at these local spots

One thing is for certain about seniors: we love deals, especially meal deals! If you are a Seinfeld fan, you probably remember the episode when Jerry visits his parents in Florida and they go out for dinner. They arrive just as some of his parents’ friends are leaving the restaurant. The friends immediately question why they arrived after the early bird specials. What typifies the senior crowd more than catching the early bird bargains? Seniors love deals whatever the time of day!

Is chocolate to die for?

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s important that you take caution with what you give your dogs. It’s customary to give children chocolate, candy, and other delicious goodies, but what we give our kids is not necessarily good for our dogs.

Perceived value and brand loyalty

Did you happen to catch the segment on 60 Minutes (October 7) entitled “Sticker Shock: Why are glasses so expensive?” The segment covered the world’s largest eyewear company, Luxottica. The Italian firm began making eyeglass frames from goat horns and has grown to dominate the world market.