Lifestyle Columns
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How new Fannie Mae mortgage lending guidelines may affect condo boards, ownersMar 25, 2026 1:17 pm - On March 18, 2026, Fannie Mae changed their mortgage lending guidelines concerning reserve funding levels for condominium associations. These revisions will significantly impact condominium boards’ decision-making and directly affect an association’s FNMA eligibility for home mortgage lenders.
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How Tri-Cities traffic woes compare to Chicago’s most frustrating expresswaysMar 25, 2026 11:11 am - A survey by Munley Law identified Illinois' angriest commutes, with the Stevenson Expressway topping the list, followed by the Kennedy/Dan Ryan and Eisenhower Expressway. Tri-Cities traffic issues on roads like Randall and Kirk roads, though annoying, seem minor by comparison.
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Homemade cheeseburger mac a healthier take on Hamburger HelperMar 25, 2026 5:11 am - Nearly twenty years ago, Hamburger Helper’s Cheeseburger Macaroni and I were good buddies. I wanted to make a quick, tasty dinner as inexpensively as possible. Did I read the ingredient list on the side of that box? No. Was I as focused on healthy meals as I am now? No. Now I knew I could do better.
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Controlling insects, propagating houseplants and starting seedsMar 24, 2026 5:43 pm - Gardening expert Tim Johnson offers tips on controlling insects, propogating houseplants and starting seeds.
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Sellers’ home inspector missed defectsMar 24, 2026 5:08 pm - Before we purchased our home, the sellers provided a home inspector’s report stating there were no major problems. However, we’ve discovered the sewer line may need replacement and a deck and retaining wall in the backyard are totally rotted.
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Rare birds and new friends: A 5-day California birding journey leads to great findsMar 23, 2026 10:19 am - Birders, when not outside watching birds, can be observed inside plotting their next big trip. I was one of them last month, attending the 30th annual San Diego Bird Festival.
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Can absent board member assign proxy to another?Mar 18, 2026 4:43 pm - I am on the board of my condominium association, and I cannot attend all the board meetings in person because I travel for work. Can I give my “proxy” to another board member to vote on my behalf during the board meetings?
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How rolling window shutters can help with storm safety, security, and energy savingsMar 18, 2026 4:30 pm - I have two large west-facing windows and I am considering installing rolling shutters for security and storm safety. Will they also save energy and what are my options?
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Meet the ducks that nest in treesMar 18, 2026 2:16 pm - Early spring is a good time to see local tree ducks, both of which have nested at Stillman Nature Center in Barrington -- the wood duck and hooded merganser.
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Scenic strolls: Favorite places for a walk or hike in the Tri-CitiesMar 18, 2026 1:05 pm - Through the years, it has often been mentioned in this column which parks, paths and neighborhood routes my wife and I walk. Here are a few of our favorites.
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