It's all about me ...

Growing Up Dottie

We have a lot of ground to coverÖ75 years to be exact, so I won't bore you with the earliest details. Isn't it enough that it's been a long, vital, interesting-to-say-the-least, satisfying life? And let's remember, there's A LOT MORE TO COME!

After Kosminsky Grammar School and Hyde Park High School, where I was suspended for a secret sorority, I headed to the University of Illinois, in Champaign-Urbana. I majored in drinking beer for two years while an Illini, I became determined to conquer a bigger arena in Westwood, CA and made UCLA my next stop.

Eventually, I came back to the South side of Chicago and settled at 8811 Bennett Avenue to be the little league team mother to Kenny and Brownie leader to Beth. Some would say that it was this kind of experimental training that prepared me for teaching, and I agree. But the city of Chicago wanted me to take a more proven approach to child development and education, so I went to Chicago Teacher's College to finish my degree and graduate Phi Beta Kappa. I showed them, didn't I?

It was this combination of theory and practice that led to my first teaching position at Bryn Mawr and then kindergarten at McDowell. I always wondered what happened to my earliest students, and how they turned out. Maybe I can find them on Google.

I spent the majority of my teaching years at Brentano on the North side of the city. I made dear, life-long friendships there among my fellow teachers and I was the happiest as a teacher to the youngest grades.

Since I retired from teaching, I have been very busy. This site contains some of my most favoriteÖHmmmm. This is not exactlyÖ.I mean, I think there's something missing here. What just a second, isn't that like me? I skipped too far ahead. Let me go back to Galitz and Old Orchard avenues in Skokie for a moment.

Oh yes, bet you're wondering about a certain guy that changed all our lives? I went to a singles dance at 4250 Marine Drive one evening, and when I spied the tallest man in the room, the next chapter of my life began!

Gambling on Norman


Think Frank and Ava. Liz and Dick. Think Archie and Edith. Ever wonder what kind of couple Frank Barone and Queen Latifah would make? Native New YorkerÖbachelor-father-of-threeÖ tireless card player, daily harness bettor, Vegas crap shooterÖimposing and loudÖever-present cigar chomperÖjokesterÖquick-to-blow with a heart-of-goldÖmeets Native ChicagoanÖsingle-mother-of-twoÖculturedÖ.grade school teacherÖworld travelerÖreasoned, but not always saneÖfunny and sillyÖbest-charosis-maker-in-the-worldÖloving girlfriendÖgets-along-with-everybodyÖfashionista!

Would you have put money on this joint venture?

Not exactly the Heinzes and the Kerrys. Or the Brady Bunch. But somehow - even though the lawyers were on speed dial at all times - Norman and I made it work for us and for our brood for more than 20 years. Sometimes you roll the dice and you winÖright, Norman?

Ditty for Dottie

Ode to Burnt Toast or How I Learned to Love Being a Crystal (Sung to the tune of "Burning Love" by Elvis Presley)

Lord Almighty
I see the smoke arising
Higher, higher
It's burning through the roof

Oy Vay
Someone put out the fire
The kitchen is flaming
I don't know which way to go

(Chorus) Your cooking is so dire
Like the smoke from a fire
You wake me every day
With burning toast

Oy oy oy I feel the temperature rising
Help me it's burning
Better call 9-1-1
Burning, burning, burning
The toast is almost a goner
Where's the fire extinguisher
I'd better go get us one

(Chorus) Your cooking is so dire
Like the smoke from a fire
You wake me every day
With burning toast

Just a hunk of hunk of burning toast
A hunk of hunk of burning toast
A hunk of hunk of burning toast

RUN D.O.T.

As most of you know, I single-handedly keep the travel business in the black. I don't know if I've missed any, but it is a good bet that I've visited most continents, countries, states, islands, mountains, beaches, casinos and malls this globe has to offer. What did I ever do before luggage on wheels?

For many years, my home base was Old Orchard Road in Skokie. Today, I call Lincolnwood home. But I am just as comfortable in Singapore or Malta, as I am in Wooster or Kona. Whether I am on an ocean cruise or cruisin' into Bloomingdales, I am always on the go.

Life Is a Beach!

Livin' La Vida Dottie

When I am home, I am hardly ever at home. I am a busy, busy gal. Here are just some of my interestsÖ
  • Opera
  • Tai Chi
  • Tutoring
  • Movies

    I love to cook - and one day I may try turning on the stove. I love my laptop - and one day I may even learn how to use it. And I love to play golf - and one day I may even shoot par.

    But more than anything, I love spending time with my friends. From my neighbors and my lifelong girlfriends and friends I have through Norman and Hal, I am lucky to have a warm and supportive group who will always be there for me.