Speculation about plans for the area has been a conversation topic for months. The building itself evokes memories of happy and celebratory times. Special events, evenings spent visiting with friends, weddings or anniversaries in classic elegance and comfort all come…
Author Archive for Sandra Dempsey Post
Lilac blossoms remind me of Elizabeth — Serendipity 2011
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Lilac blossoms remind me of Elizabeth — Serendipity 2011
Lilacs blossoming in the spring will always be a cherished and poignant reminder to me of Elizabeth. She and I knew each other for ten years and a few days. For the first five years, we saw each other twice…
Serendipity: Being a Grandmother is a great life
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Serendipity: Being a Grandmother is a great life
She calls me on a Saturday morning to tell me my granddaughter is argumentative, difficult, and sassy. For a moment I think she has the wrong number. Those adjectives don’t describe either of my angel granddaughters. But her familiar voice…
Sentimentality is my Specialty!
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Sentimentality is my Specialty!
While walking through the subdivision, we maintain a steady commentary about current and former owners of each house. Living in the same neighborhood since 1977 means the list is long with familiar names and addresses. When our son and two…
His day and his heart are overflowing
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on His day and his heart are overflowing
Cooking lunch each weekday for some 375 people and delivering those meals is a formidable job. Dedicated drivers like Ron Walster help make it possible. About 9:00 every weekday morning, he leaves his comfortable home in Bartonville for the 15-minute…
Advocates for Access empowers the handicapped
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Advocates for Access empowers the handicapped
Independence is valued by people of varying ages and personal situations. Young people yearn for it, adults often take it for granted, and seniors sometimes lament its loss. Advocates for Access, a nonprofit organization, has as its mission statement “to…
Sometimes ‘I’m Sorry’ is the best response
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Sometimes ‘I’m Sorry’ is the best response
Some 31 years ago, plus or minus a month or two, my handsome date, who later became my handsome husband, stood in a long slow moving line with me and many others at the Madison Theatre in Peoria. We were…
Serendipity for January 2011
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Serendipity for January 2011
You’re as young as you act, so act accordingly! After an early morning eye doctor’s appointment, I visit a fast food restaurant for a quick breakfast at bargain prices. Without inquiring if I qualify, a senior discount on coffee is…
Hick’ry Stick Cafe: New Addition to Family Catering Business
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Hick’ry Stick Cafe: New Addition to Family Catering Business
Standing proudly in front of their new cafe, Hick’ry Stick, located at 1122 E. McClure in Peoria are (L to R) Ron Foster III, Ron Foster, and Ryan Foster. The family-operated business offers eat-in, catering and carry-out. Tip jars on…
Christmas
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • Comments Off on Christmas
Celebrating December 25th has become a complicated affair. We struggle with what to call the day: Christmas, as it’s traditionally known; Winter Solstice, a newcomer name; Winter Holiday, rather generic; with additional options certain for the future. Even the most…