Category Archives: Winnetka

Cold Comfort

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Ellen Ross

Brrr. The weather has finally turned cold, rainy, windy and bone-chilling. A hint of ugly things to come. And when it gets cold and wet outside, my thoughts always turn to…. Comfort food. I find myself daydreaming about the warm, … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, food, Restaurants, Winnetka | 24 Comments

Reunited (And it feels so good)

Posted on September 24, 2017 by Ellen Ross

That’s my I.D. badge, Dear Readers, proudly bearing my class picture. (Wince.) The year was 1967, and although I was having a clearly a bad hair day, my four years at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois were the … Continue reading →

Posted in New Trier Class of '67 Reunion, New Trier High School, Nostalgia, pop culture, Winnetka | 14 Comments

Bygones

Posted on June 11, 2017 by Ellen Ross

That’s yours truly in August of 1987. I’m at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel where we had been living since June after our house had a terrible fire. I’m hosting a faux telethon to help raise money for “Ross Aid.” Jerry Lewis … Continue reading →

Posted in Face Book, Winnetka | 9 Comments

Teardown

Posted on April 3, 2016 by Ellen Ross

A couple of weeks ago an old high school buddy and I took a sentimental journey. We drove out from Chicago and went back to our old home town- Winnetka, Illinois. Our first stop was New Trier High School. “Bud” and … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Nostalgia, pop culture, Winnetka | 17 Comments

Forever in Blue Jeans

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Ellen Ross

That’s me. Summer of 1980. (I can tell because I’m still zaftig courtesy of Nick Ross’s baby weight.) I’m posing in my Winnetka back yard proudly sporting a cowboy hat and more importantly… My bleached blue jeans cut-offs. Circa 1965. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, pop culture, The 60's, Winnetka | 10 Comments

Teacher’s Pet

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Ellen Ross

Author’s Note: Although the teachers referred to herein were my high schools teachers, I ask you, Dear Readers, to now remember your favorite teacher, coach or mentor. Someone who really changed the course of your life in a positive way. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, New Trier High School, Teachers, Tributes, Winnetka | 14 Comments

Shall We Dance?

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Ellen Ross

Late Breaking Headline: Congrats to the Cubs! Onward! Do you remember when and how you learned to dance? Even though I have hazy recollections of teaching myself to jitterbug copying the kids on American Bandstand,***my formal training began at Avoca … Continue reading →

Posted in Avoca School, New Trier High School, pop culture, Television, The 60's, Winnetka | 24 Comments

The Driver’s Seat

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Ellen Ross

Letter From Elba Annual Announcement: Yep, Dear Readers, it’s that time of year again. I’m heading up to the North Woods for some R&R. I’ll be back in your email boxes on Sunday, August 23. But for now, relax and … Continue reading →

Posted in New Trier High School, pop culture, Teachers, Tributes, Winnetka | 18 Comments

Matchless

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Ellen Ross

I found this little car just the other day. It was stashed away in a kitchen drawer. Take a good look. It is the sole survivor of a huge convoy of Matchbox cars, Hot Wheels, Tonka trucks, and other motor … Continue reading →

Posted in Cars, hobbies, pop culture, Shopping, Toys, Winnetka | 14 Comments

I Scream, You Scream

Posted on April 26, 2015 by Ellen Ross

If you’re not from Chicago’s North Shore, you might not immediately recognize this beloved institution. It’s Homer’s Ice Cream Parlor in Wilmette, Illinois. Home of famous, fabulous ice cream. Especially peach ice cream in season. Its eighty years has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, food, Nostalgia, pop culture, Winnetka | 10 Comments