http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story--953-.htm Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00:03 PST Updated every 10 minutes - FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY Copyright: (C) Castanet.net http://www.castanet.net/rss/ http://castanet.net/images/castanet-small.gif http://www.castanet.net/ http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-40351-953-.htm#40351 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00:00 PST I am writing this on July 1, three days before the most important national holiday in the United States. Hence, choosing a topic was a no-brainer. Neither was using the following quote from the late humorist and author Erma Bombeck. "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every ... http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-40206-953-.htm#40206 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:00:00 PST Chicago Mary would be shocked at my lack of finesse, were she to watch me pack for vacations. A 1980s trip to Vancouver, for example, marks one of the few times I actually used a purse. But then I had to put my change of clothes somewhere. The mentality behind that hands free style of vacationing is... http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-40072-953-.htm#40072 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 05:00:00 PST When last talking with Linda, this column's "North" writer, I mentioned that my husband, daughter, son-in-law, and I were flying to Florida to visit my father-in-law. As our conversation ended, Linda said, "Have a nice holiday." Images of ornamented Christmas trees came to mind, and I started hummin... http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-39921-953-.htm#39921 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 05:00:00 PST Happy Father's Day! "I have the accent?" I shrieked. Chicago Mary was on the phone for one of our hilarious visits. "Accent?" I chortled before she could get her reply out. "You're the one with the accent!" The topic that started it all regards our favorite varieties of grape juice, the kind yo...