Exploring Burgenland, Part VII: Home, Faith, Schooling, Health, and the Little Burgenland Community
In which I discuss the “Little Burgenland” community that grew up in Chicago’s Back of the Yards and what life was like for them in terms of housing, religious practices (specifically at St. Augustine Church), schooling, health concerns, and community support.
Love is Building a House Together: A Tribute to My Parents, Part II
In which I continue describing the process of building our house on Minta Lane; this section focuses on moving into the old house that was in front of it in April 1980; completing construction to the point we could finally move in (though there was still work to do), and demolishing the old house.
Love is Building a House Together: A Tribute to My Parents, Part I
In which I begin describing the process of our family building a house together from 1979-1981. In this first part, I discuss purchasing the property on Minta Lane in Antioch, the early design stages (which involved a passive solar design), preparing the construction site, and building the foundation.
My Mother: Seamstress and Craftswoman Extraordinaire
In which I discuss my mother’s amazing sewing and crafting productions, including matching outfits, Bicentennial clothing, Halloween and Drama costumes, Wedding favors, Paintings, Embroidery and Crochet projects, and more.
My Mother: The One Who Taught Me to Love the Holidays
In which I discuss the many ways my mother taught me to enjoy and celebrate Christmas - including hand-crafted ornaments, Christmas cards, nativity sets, ornaments to commemorate special vacations and events, hand-sewn stockings and pillows, homemade cookies and pies, and so much more; and I share lots of photos.