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How Edgewater Chicago can change your mind about Chicago being a friendly city

August 24, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Weekend Trip Chicago Style
Not For Tourists Illustrated Guide to Chicago (Not for Tourists Guide to Chicago)Not For Tourists Illustrated Guide to Chicago (Not for Tourists Guide to Chicago)

Chicago has the reputation of being a dangerous town, a corrupt city, and a dirty city. Even though it is the third largest city in the United States you don’t hear people talking about taking a trip to Chicago like New York City or Los Angeles. But visiting Edgewater can change your mind about Chicago.

Chicago is ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, and even the most depressing city in America.Where Edgewater Chicago can change your perception about visiting Chicago

But after visiting this summer I do believe the people of the Windy City really want to change this reputation.

I know my impression of has changed, and I want to go back. Most of what I hear about Chicago is depressing, the crime, the corrupt politics, the unemployment, yet I knew there had to be more.

Downtown is very much like any city, tall buildings, lots of shopping, restaurants, museums, and like New York, Chicago has a very efficient metro train system.

For $15 we bought an unlimited three-day metro pass which included the train, bus, and subway system.

Where Edgewater and Chicago Meet

Where Edgewater Chicago meet and how they are different
View outside the Chicago apartment

After researching online for the best places to live in the Chicago metro area my son picked an apartment in Edgewater. I helped him move in January. He researched on Reddit and searched the various websites which have neighborhood statistics on crime. He learned Edgewater Chicago Crime is one of the lowest crime rates in Chicago. After spending time there I certainly believe it.

The neighborhood is clean, and the residents take pride in the area where they live. The flower beds were blooming with color, restaurants have inviting outdoor seating with flower boxes and umbrellas.

There is a relaxed atmosphere, almost park like and yes, my son says he feels as though he’s living in a twilight zone when he steps out of his apartment. Considering he lived in a Marine Corps barracks in Yuma Arizona the previous three years seeing green and trees is probably a shock to his system.

Edgewater Chicago neighborhood
Midnight after getting off the Chicago CTA train

At night there is a police presence on the corners and they regularly patrol. We parked our car at the hotel and either walked or took the CTA trains everywhere.

Not once did I feel as though I was in danger, or threatened. Remember this is NOT the south side of Chicago, which from what I hear is a whole other world.

Chicago is Friendly

People were exceedingly friendly. We met a young black lady on the train who was taking her three young nieces and nephews to the fountains Saturday night to watch the fireworks.

She spoke with pride about her city and how “…so many people talk bad about Chicago, there is a lot the city offers, people just need to get out and experience it, there are a lot of family activities and events.” This is true, I had no idea Chicago had such wonderful beaches.

Our hotel and my son’s apartment was only blocks away from Lake Shore Drive and the softest, sandy beaches I’ve seen in the Midwest. It’s not the ocean, but Lake Michigan does have its own tide, and small waves.

Dog beach on Lake Michigan, Chicago
Dog beach on Lake Michigan, Chicago

It’s the perfect place to people watch and the dog beach is very fun. Dogs of all shapes and sizes playing in the water, playing fetch and enjoying the summer day.

The Chicago Park system is quite extensive and encourages people to get out and enjoy the trails with rental bikes, trikes (if you look closely in the photo below you can see the trike to the left of the bench) or bring your own roller blades.

I met the friendliest pit bull during our morning walk, his eyes just yelled: “Oh pet me, please pet me I’m so happy to see you”. The owner fit the pit bull breed stereotype, rough. But his eyes said the same thing. Don’t judge me by my looks. Where Edgewater Chicago meet is one of the best places in Chicago to visit. The Edgewater Chicago neighborhood has a lot to offerWe had a nice conversation about the pup, who was only 8 months old and already interested in a twig and a nearby bird, so off they went.

We also met a very wrinkled, larger old lady in a bikini walking her hairless Chihuahua. Yes, I said it a bikini.

The phrase of the day “You know when you get old and you don’t care what people think? I don’t think I can care that little”

Chicago Sightseeing Boat Tours

Part of the girls Chicago weekend trip to see my son included touristy things that he just doesn’t have time to do with his school and work. One of them was a lake and Seadog lake and river boat tour.

Chicago sightseeing boat tours and Chicago River cruises boat tours
Seadog boat tour in Chicago

It was a BLAST, seriously Chicago sightseeing boat tours can be boring and slow, but Seadog gives you speed on the lake beforehand.

It was here that we met the fourth very friendly Chicagoan, who was so excited to be sharing his city. Up until the week before he had never done a boat tour and he had lived there all his life. He recorded part of it on his iPhone and said we were in for an exciting trip.

His words were “Chicago has heart!”

Based on the people I met on this one weekend, Chicago is a friendly city and the people do have a heart.

The thing that topped off my respect and faith for the city of Chicago was when I misplaced my gift bag from Chinatown in the restroom of a restaurant. We were rushing to get on the Navy Pier bus at 4:00 pm and I wasn’t thinking.

More than four hours later my kids convinced me to go back, maybe it’s still there. You see I don’t get souvenirs that often and this one had special meaning.

So we made the trip back, I asked at the desk, I looked in the trash, I asked the bartender if anyone had turned anything in, no luck. Out of desperation I opened the door to the stall and in the corner sat my bag.

Yes, Chicago has a heart, Chicago is full of friendly people, Chicago has honest people.

Our girls weekend to visit my son was wonderful! We went to the Billy Joel Concert in Wrigley Field, ate Chicago pizza, went to Chinatown, did a boat tour, sat and watched a free concert at Millennial Park, watched fireworks, and visited Navy Pier (which I was very disappointed) But best of all got to spend time with my son who is going to school at Tribeca Film Academy and making quite the name for himself in a very short time.

Chicago sightseeing boat tours are fun and meet at Navy PierThere will be a next time, Shea Aquarium, a few museums, and maybe even a show or two. Someday I’ll actually sit on the beach for an afternoon, watch the dogs and the sailboats on the lake. Sounds like another great trip.

Yes, I know about the gang mob violence in Chicago. Like any big city, there are certain areas you avoid, there are precautions you take on the train, a certain way to behave, stay alert, not draw attention to yourself and stay safe.

I had a drunk guy fall over on me on the train, but I also witnessed people applaud when my son killed a flying bug and “saved” a little boy who was scared.

So how about you? Have you been to Chicago, do you live there? What do you like, what would you suggest for my next trip?

 

Filed Under: Travel Adventures Tagged With: Chicago, city, family, illinois, midwest, tourism, travel, Travel and Tourism, Vacation

Patriotic Video That Gets It Right

July 5, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Best Patriotic Video

Across the internet are scores of videos with patriotic songs, words, and performers that inspire and lift the heart. My plan this Independence Day weekend was to post several of my favorite patriotic videos here, and I had quite the list. But once I saw this ad by Food City centered around the true meaning of the holiday I changed my plans and only posted one.

Food City Patriotic video
Food City Patriotic video

The respect between these two men is overwhelming, and it’s a trait I see with people who serve in the military to those who have served before them.

As a Marine Mom this has special meaning to me. My two sons are in the United States Marine Corps and their grandfather was a WWII veteran and a paratrooper in the Army Airborne. He died in 1995, but would have been able to fit into his uniform. I could see him doing just this for one of his grandsons as they came home.

I normally don’t cry during patriotic videos, but I can’t help it on this one. The look on the Mothers face as she watches the two salute each other would bring a tear to even the hardest heart.

“At Food City, we honor those people that serve and protect our country, and we know that without the men and women who watch out for us, we would not have any of the luxuries we do. We are the land of the free because of the brave and we salute you!” Food City

It’s not often a company gets an ad right, but when they do it deserves recognition. I know these are actors, and not everything in the video may be accurate, but it accomplishes what it was meant to do. Remind the public that holidays such as Memorial Day, and Independence Day, often referred to as the 4th of July, are not just about picnics, barbecues and parties. But about recognizing why we celebrate our country’s freedom. It’s because of the brave men and women of our military, who for hundreds of years have fought for freedom so we can have the rights we have today.

If you have a favorite patriotic video please place the link below, I would love to see it and may even create a regular feature on either #MilitaryMonday or #WarriorWednesday

 

Filed Under: Military Pride, Social media Tagged With: 4th of July, advertisement, advertising, America, army, celebrating independence day, family, Independence Day, memorial day patriotism, military, patriotic, patriotic video, patriotism, veterans, videos, viral video

My Dad a WWII, D-Day Veteran

June 6, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

My Role Honoring Veterans of WWII

WWII Peace at Last

How did you spend your nineteenth birthday? For my Dad on June 7, 1944 he spent that day sitting on a gunner of a destroyer overlooking the beach of France.

It was D-Day, code name Operation Overlord when Allied forces landed on the beaches of France to liberate France from the Nazi Germans.

My Dad was NOT at Normandy, like I thought. But was in Southern France in the third D-Day which lasted several weeks and was a battle at sea.

I didn’t know this when I was a kid, he never told me about his military service. So now my role in honoring veterans of WWII is telling my Dad’s story.

ORDER History Of The United States Navy Wood Sign

Life on a Navy Destroyer

I know very little about my Dad’s military life, he rarely spoke about it and when he did I was too occupied as a teenager to really listen and remember.

When I was thirteen we went to Fall River Massachusetts to tour the USS Massachusetts and my Dad was more interested in showing us the  USS JOSEPH P KENNEDY JR DD850 destroyer. We climbed aboard the gunners and that was one of the few times I heard him talk about WWII.

The role of destroyers at Normandy is recounted in detail in an online book Destroyers at Normandy published by the Naval Historical Foundation. Most of which I don’t understand and can’t appreciate due to me know knowing the terminology.

Order USS Fiske DD DDR 842 T Shirt Vintage 90s United States Navy Destroyer Ship 50/50 Mens Size Medium

Through official military records, I have since learned my Dad served on the USS Kendrick DD612 and USS Edison.

He was very young and  first  was a “runner” then became a “gunner”. He wasn’t very big, about 5’8″ and about 125 lbs. His nickname was “Tiny Terry the Terrible” he was a scraper from what I could tell.

My Dad said the deck it was loud and confusing. His hands burned from the heat of the gun and at the time they didn’t really know what was happening.

Remember, this was before the days of instant communication, all they could do was their job, do what they were told, and pray for the best.

WWII and Korean War Veteran Ribbons, us army 82nd airborne division

Because my Dad’s WWII duffel bag was lost, stolen, or lifted immediately upon returning to the United States. He lost all of his medals, paperwork and memorabilia from World War II.

Enlistment in US Army Airborne 

He enlisted into the US Army 82nd airborne Division just five years later. I wonder if his WWII experience with the Army Airborne was part of his desire to become a paratrooper.

Although his medals were lost, his still wore ribbons from his previous service in World War II. It is these military ribbons that hang in my shadowbox on the wall.

Why Dad Decided to Join the Military

PFC Leo T. Tyrrell 1952, US Army Airborne

My father was one of five kids and his Mother had just died during childbirth. Their father was in and out of their lives and at this point had abandoned them.  Dad and his brother Vern Tyrrell (“Jub”) tried raising their sisters on their own, but they were teenagers themselves.

Eventually, the kids were divided between family and the poor farm. At the time being 18 years old was the only requirement to enlist in the navy.

According to official military records, my Dad joined the military on his 18th birthday. However, according to oral family history, he was 16 years old when he joined.

I can’t imagine having one of my sons at age 19 in such a battle. Yes, they are both Marines, but we don’t fight wars as we did back then. Thank goodness. I heard on the radio this morning that over 2,500 men lost their lives on the beaches of Normandy on one day, June 6, 1944.

My Dad died in 1995 and today he would be 89 years old. Happy Birthday, Dad. I miss you and wish you were here to watch your grandsons grow up to be fine young men. He would be so proud of them and they would love to hear your stories.

USS Fiske DD-842 Destroyer “World’s Greatest Navy” Embroidered 2-Sided Blue Satin Jacket

World War 2 Books and References

US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts - Specials series (6099)US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts – Specials series (6099)Scurvy Dogs, Green Water and Gunsmoke:Fifty Years in US Navy Destroyers, Vol 1, us navy destroyers ww2Scurvy Dogs, Green Water and Gunsmoke:Fifty Years in US Navy Destroyers, Vol 1US Navy Destroyers WW2, naval destroyer shipsUS Navy Ships
Three Years Aboard A Navy Destroyer, life on a navy destroyerThree Years Aboard A Navy DestroyerDestroyer Captain: Lessons of a First CommandDestroyer Captain: Lessons of a First CommandUnited States Navy Destroyers of World War 2, life on a navy destroyerUnited States Navy Destroyers of World War 2

History of Destroyers in WWII

US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and …

US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts – Specials series (6099) book download Al Adcock Download US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts – Specials series (6099) …

Navy Matters: Warship Design

The 5”/38 was splitting the difference, and for armored mounts on WWII destroyers, needed electrical power for AAW or even rapid surface fire. And there were sailors who swore that the Sumner was much more vulnerable …

TaskForce/Convoy Attacks Pre-1944 Advice Please …

And so were the WWII destroyers. They might have stayed there for 24 hours or even longer. At the end of the war there were destroyers as close escorts and as hunter killer groups. The hunter killer groups were not tied to the …

Navy Matters: Mk45 Assessment

Consider the size of WWII destroyers compared to today’s versions or the size of WWII cargo ships compared to the supertanker size vessels of today. Finally, the 5” gun of WWII was an effective AAW weapon (to the extent that …

Capt. Kirk Takes Command Of Hot New Ship – Really! USS …

We had several WWII Destroyers that took several hits and continued fighting. After the battle they would limp back to port, get repaired, and rejoin the fleet. You could penetrate the hull with a 30 caliber bullet. John Taylor.
 

Filed Under: Military Pride Tagged With: childhood memories, d day veteran, D-Day, family, historical events, history, memories, military, military history, navy, Normandy, veteran, WWII

God’s Blessings and Easter Miracle Stories

April 20, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Easter Miracle Stories Can Happen

I believe in Gods’ blessings and the Easter miracle stories because I witnessed a personal Easter miracle.

Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl and Her Amazing Story of Healing

Many of you hear of Easter miracles, stories testimonials and casually dismiss their validity. You may patiently listen, smile, and nod your head. But truly not believe.

I did the same. But no longer. My father was dying in a hospital. The doctors and nurses were saying any minute, any hour. But I witnessed my own miracle on Easter.

All we need to do is believe and have faith. It’s that simple. Christ died for us on Good Friday many years ago and through the miracle of his Resurrection showed how we can have everlasting life.

All we need to do is believe and have faith. It’s that simple. Christ died for us on Good Friday many years ago and through the miracle of his Resurrection showed how we can have everlasting life.

For by Grace you have been saved through faith and it is not your doing, but a Gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).

easter miracle stories

Easter has a special meaning for me and the traditional Easter hymns bring me back to certain times in my life when I have witnessed miracles.

There are true life miracle stories that happen every day. Stories that have no explanation that can only be attributed to the grace of God.

My Easter Miracle Story

In 1995 I received a call from my Mother on Good Friday. Dad was in the hospital and not expected to make it through the weekend.

I immediately flew 1500 miles to Connecticut and we started a 24-hour bedside vigil.

The years of emphysema and COPD had taken a toll, Dad was laying in the hospital bed, nonresponsive and hooked to machines that beeped his life story.

I had the overnight shift on Saturday night and spent the hours repeatedly putting his oxygen mask back on his face, as he kept pulling it down. The nurses came in and asked me what I wanted them to do if he stopped breathing.

They did not expect my Father to live through the night.

I just gave them a stern and outraged look and said, “He can hear you, we aren’t going to talk about it.” You see, my Father had not yet met his brand new granddaughter, who had just been born a few months earlier.

The next morning was Easter, and I left the hospital when I Mom arrived to attend Easter Service at my home church of Grace Episcopal in Broad Brook CT.  Traditional Easter songs have always moved me in ways I can’t explain.

I sat in the back, in one of the Mother rocking chairs with my baby girl, and listened to the traditional Easter hymns in that small church. I prayed, I held my baby girl, rocked her, and wept. The He’s Risen hymn touched my heart and soul and I can’t explain the feeling I felt.

It was a warmth, a radiating “tingle” throughout my entire body that did not cease. I tried to sing, but could not because of the lump in my throat.

Pretty Flower Christian Happy Easter Card
Pretty Flower Christian Happy Easter Card
by ChristianGiftIdea

I prayed for an Easter miracle.

After church, I went anxiously to the hospital. My Dad was sitting up and drinking coffee.

I have no explanation except as an example of the many Easter miracle stories that abound.  Afterward,  I learned he was on seven prayer lists that morning.

Thank you for that Easter miracle and those last few days with my Dad. Christ is Risen indeed, and Jesus gives life.

Add Church Name to Easter Button
Add Church Name to Easter Button
by ChristianGiftIdea

Hymns to Enjoy this Happy Easter

To me, these hymns are Easter. They are my favorite traditional hymns and I look forward to singing Jesus Christ is Risen Today hymn during church every Easter morning. I do have to admit there is always a lump in my throat as I remember sitting in my hometown Episcopal church praying for my Father.

Jesus Christ is Risen Today Hymn

Traditional Easter songs cross over various denominations. The following Christian hymns and music are sung in churches of various denominations including Episcopal, Lutheran and Catholic churches.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today Hymn

My favorite traditional Easter hymn is “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” It reminds me of not only my own Easter miracle story but God’s grace in my life every day.

He’s Risen, He’s Risen Hymn

Another favorite hymn in both the Lutheran and Episcopal church is the He’s Risen Hymn. It’s also one of mine. The majesty of the He’s Risen hymn played by an organ is magnificent and will send a chill through your soul.

Thank you for reading and listening. If you have a favorite Easter Hymn or Easter miracle stories please share them, below.

Remember Easter is not just one day, but all year round. Christ is Risen!  

Have a Happy Easter and look for Easter miracle stories in your life, not just on Easter, but every day.

If you love the traditional Easter songs and are looking for Easter hymns and sheet music for the piano try the music books below.

Lorie Line - The Heritage Collection Volume 6 - Piano Solo PersonalityLorie Line – The Heritage Collection Volume 6 – Piano Solo PersonalityHeritage Collection 2 by Lorie Line (2000-09-29)Heritage Collection 2 by Lorie Line (2000-09-29)Christ Is Risen! - 26 Easter Songs Celebrating the ResurrectionChrist Is Risen! – 26 Easter Songs Celebrating the ResurrectionA Month of Sundays: Easter and Lent (Sacred Performer Collections)A Month of Sundays: Easter and Lent (Sacred Performer Collections)

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Christ, christ the lord, Christian, christianity, church, Easter, Faith, family, God, happy easter, Holiday, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, memories, miracles, religion, Spring, video

Marine Mom Challenge Coin

March 4, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Look what I just found! A Marine Mom Challenge Coin, I didn’t even know they made them. If my Marine Corps sons ever read my blog this is a big hint for my birthday, Mothers Day, or Christmas. (no more need for a hint) Both my sons have received Challenge coins from their superiors while in the Marines. They have also purchased commemorative coins to recognize their service. I love the meaning behind them and how they chronicle events in a Marines life.

Proud Marine Mom Challenge Coin in the military tradition of the United States Marine Corps

I recently took did a photography shoot of all of their coins when they were home on leave. Some I have transformed them into cards and other gifts, but many I just took photos of for posterity. But, I didn’t know there was a challenge coin for Marine Mothers.

 I’ve since had inquiries on Twitter whether the company makes Proud Army Mom or Proud Navy Mom challenge coins, and they certainly do. So if you have a soldier for a son or daughter, or a sailor you too can have a challenge coin to keep in your pocket, purse, or on your desk as a talisman or sorts. As military Moms, we have our challenges of our own, we have to know what to say, what not to say, all in supporting our sons and daughters.

UPDATE: I’m not sure if my son read my blog or not, but he was home shortly after Mothers Day and after handing me a “fake” Mothers Day gift he then handed me a small packet, then put his hand over his mouth as he was hiding a smile and a smirk. I did get my Marine Mom Challenge coin. I keep it with me in my purse and love it. My son’s are so thoughtful.

Marine Mom and her son

Yes you can say I’m a pretty proud Marine Mom. I have my coin, I have my shirt and I have my bumper stickers on my car. I also have a necklace and a few USMC blankets. I don’t get to see my boys very often, but whenever I see or use one of my US Marine gifts I think of them and get a little teary eyed.

If you’re looking for a Marine Mom gift you can’t go wrong with any of the below items.

Marine Mom Gifts

Marine Mom Dog Tag NecklaceMarine Mom Hooded Sweatshirt in Dark Heather GrayCafePress One Proud Marine Mom T-Shirt Women’s DarkWhite 6in X 6.5in — Proud Marine MomMarine Mom Mother’s Day Dog Tag MMFNecklace: USMC Strong Pendant Necklace by The Bradford

 

Filed Under: Marine Corps Tagged With: blue star mother, family, gift for mom, gift idea for mom, gold star mother, Marine Mom, marines, military, Mom, Mother, troops, United States Marine Corps, US Marines, USMC

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