Rich Koerner

A ridiculous problem 4915 - November 18, 2025 This is really not a problem. It is something that is terribly silly. So much in life is terribly silly and these days, I so appreciate them because they take my mind off of the international, national, and sometimes personal situations with which we are confronted on a daily basis. Yesterday, I went into my closet.

A ridiculous problem

My dad, in World War II.

Thoughts on Veterans Day 2025

A reset

4913 - October 14, 2025 Sometimes we need a reset. I looked upon our European trip, more than certainly long overdue, as a reset. Back in the day, before my first trip to Europe in 1971, I felt spiritually and mentally, as if I needed a reset. I felt that I was becoming embroiled in a life…

Arrival in Rome on September 25, 2025…Spanish Steps, staying at Stendhal Hotel. #rome #hotelstendhal, #spanishsteps #fiftiethweddinganniversarycelebration

The benefits of travel

4912 - October 13, 2025 Travel brings so many benefits. If only so many of the disenfranchised in our country had the benefit of more travel, I cannot help but think that we would all be better off. I cannot help but think that my woke ideas for education and healthcare…

Buy, Buy, Buy, till you drop

4911 - October 12, 2025 Truth be known, I am a shopper with stamina, but with a male penchant for getting in there, doing what I need to do, and getting out of there. Done. The Rialto Bridge, a surprisingly good place to shop! MK always complains about shopping and…

Venetian PR

4910 - October 11, 2025 So fifty-three years ago, Venice was not top on my list. I liked seeing it and its beautiful art and landmarks, but it was less than pleasing to the eye from my view of its canals. Palazzo Paruta & Wellness Suites This current visit changed my mind completely…

Newfoundland? No, Burano (island near Venice)!

I live in a suburb of 19,000. That is a great question.

Fifty-three years ago

4909 - October 9, 2025 Okay, Venice (Venezia), I am sorry! For fifty-three some years, I have said that you were not one of my favorite cities. I now stand corrected. Sadly, our trip to Italy is now over and we are safely ensconced in our home north of the city of Chicago.…

It has been a great run…

4909 - September 21, 2025 Today, I had no idea that our youngest was coming over. He brought his dog and the dog of a friend of his for whom he was dogwatching. Hershey is a great dog, apparently a Cavapoo, and was great with Stewart and Mr. Wiener. At some point, we came…

Fall and Halloween is on the horizon.

Theatre fun at Marriott Lincolnshire, IL! #jjniemann #nathanielstampley

The passion flower amazes me, growing from a pot, and having grown over a new trellis to the other side. Wow!

The plant was growing as a total volunteer in a dead yard zone poisoned by a neighbor. He’s gone. It is coming back now. The plant grew and today I was frustrated with the mildewy leaves, looked for something growing and saw nothing until I yanked it out of the ground. #pumpkins #volunteers

Love lovage is what the black swallowtail caterpillars are doing.

Highland Park at night. #highlandparkillinois

Black swallowtail caterpillar time in my parsley patch! #blackswallowtail

African violets and channeling my mom. #africanviolets

Latest puzzle: English Pubs.

The reading area where the old playhouse used to be and a new table with flowers and herbs from our garden: lantana, oregano, basil, and rosemary.

Latest puzzle: Rose of Sharon in Winter.

Praying mantis on the left, 2012, on the right, 2025. Long time since I have seen one.

Acorn season…

Backyard visitors!

With all the flowers we have, Monarchs have been visiting all summer. I have not seen any caterpillars despite the milkweed. Today, the lantana was the goal of this seemingly new Monarch.