Matthew on right

Victory is sweet. Especially when attending my grandson’s AYSO soccer game at 8:00 on a Saturday morning!

As a realtor, I favor early morning games that allow me to be present without having to juggle my showings. Even today’s eager buyers are not looking to get started before 9:00. In fact, with games at various times I only missed one this spring; I was successful in scheduling my appointments, for the most part, to suit my soccer commitment. Just one of the challenges facing a full-time realtor/soccer grandma…

Go Green Hornets!

And what a beautiful morning it was! With a spectacular 2-1 win in the final game of the regular season the Green Hornets (8-0) remain undefeated.

The upcoming June 6-7 tournament promises to highlight the remarkable team effort demonstrated all season long by the Green Hornets. I’ll try my best to be there—at whatever hour!

Jill's Fuji "hybrid"

I took his email as a reminder that it’s time to dust off my bicycle for the season and feel the wind against my face…

I bought this 12-speed in 1983 right after selling my car. A couple years later I had the racing handlebars switched out for the touring variety; and got larger wheels, far more practical for city cycling!

In my view, nothing says springtime in the city more than tulips. In fact, one of the rarely mentioned, tangible benefits of car-free living includes tulips. It’s true!

Strolling most anywhere in downtown Chicago during the month of May, well, what can I say? Tulips rule!

This time of year many of the high-rises along Lake Shore Drive conspire to create a floral feast for those of us who favor our daily constitutionals along the Inner Drive.

As a Lakeview resident, my lakefront tulip domain ranges between Belmont and Addison. Ever since my grandson learned to walk we’ve played a fun game of challenging each other to recognize our neighborhood tulips: calling out our favorite colors; pretending that the abundance has come to an end, only to cross yet another street and—surprise surprise—discover even more tulips! All the while singing the quirky tune “Tiptoe Through the Tulips“ made famous by the late Tiny Tim. 

When showing property in the city I’ve noticed that tulips provide a certain curb appeal duly noted by prospective buyers. It’s no coincidence that tulips tend to thrive at the peak of the spring real estate market. Forget about baking cookies to conjure up the comforts of home. Plant tulips!

With their vibrant colors, standing proud and tall, tulips seem to signal a season of promise; sentries ushering in a welcome time for change. And, like autumn leaves in all their glory, tulips herald an exquisite new season like no other force of nature.