August 2025 – Midwest Mary
6 posts published by Mary K. Doyle during August 2025| Midwest Mary
I’m in a cookie-baking frenzy. We are in the midst of a series of family parties and events, and I’ve been asked to bake. Requested cookies include white and dark chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut, double-dip chocolate, oatmeal raisin, butter, cut-outs, and a variety of Italian Sliced Cookies, also known as biscotti. Biscotti, […]| Midwest Mary
On the Edge of Extinction Monarch royaltya realm threatened to expirefor human “progress” Butterflies are some of the most beautiful wings of summer, and the wings of those butterflies are currently on their way to warmer climates. We don’t have to be a lepidopterist, an entomologist specializing in the study of butterflies and moths, to […]| Midwest Mary
Open the stunning cover of Kimberly Vargas Agnese’s new book, Kadupul Flower: Poems, and her poetry comes alive through the voices of her characters and visual descriptions. Topics are heartfelt, featuring the homeless, underprivileged, immigrants, and ethnically diverse, as well as current environmental conditions. Readers vividly see and hear those who are portrayed. I volunteered […]| Midwest Mary
When something continues to work easily and economically for centuries, it’s likely because there are good reasons for its use. Epsom salts is one of those old, tried and true solutions. Many homes have stashed the product in their bathrooms since its discovery more than 400 years ago. In 1618, a man named Henry Wicker […]| Midwest Mary
Sweet Autumn Clematis Sweet autumn clematis–a solid wall of green and white,full and lush from two small sprouts.A little bit of love from the gardener, sun, and raingoes a long way with nature. These vivid, white, four-petaled blossoms cause me to ponder.What if they were bright, white starsscattered throughout a green sky in the middle […]| Midwest Mary
Take a walk with me along the Fox River in Batavia, Illinois. We’re sure to find interesting plants, birds, and waterways. * Lily pods minus the lilies. Duck ducking in duck weed. Male goldfinch striking a pose. Cranberry bush–but I’m not certain these are edible. Egret in its pure form. Pond-slider turtle looking for you. […]| Midwest Mary
Mourning Summer’s Passing I love the summer so—bright rays of sunshine,warm, gentle breezes,concerts of bird calls,and cicada dances.Greenery everywhere—grass, shrubs, weeds,floral blooms in every shade,and sandy beaches with cool waves. But the season is drifting away.The days are growing shorter,and the nights are cooler.“Please, don’t leave.I love you so,“I beg of Summer.She pays me no […]| Midwest Mary
Following is an excerpt on intimacy with Alzheimer’s disease from the book, The Alzheimer’s Spouse. You may be interested in reading more from that book or Navigating Alzheimer’s and Inspired Caregiving. *By mid-to late Alzheimer’s, we must manage most of our spouses’ daily needs—bathing, dressing, and feeding them. Most likely, though, sexual intimacy is part […]| Midwest Mary
Dreams to Realityby Mary K. Doyle Imagine your dreamsexactly as you want themand they will come true. * well, maybe. * In my mind, I saunter around the pool in a glamorous sun hat, designer sunglasses, and heels. I remove my hat and glasses and set them on the edge of a lounge chair. I […]| Midwest Mary
Tiny Vampires Teeny, tiny ticksattach, suck, regurgitateswap poison for blood * A new vampire’s in town, and she’s out for blood. The Asian longhorned tick was first detected in the US in New Jerse…| Midwest Mary
Finding the Extraordinary in Ordinary, Everyday Life| Midwest Mary
If you are a caregiver, especially the primary caregiver, to someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s, I understand your journey. My husband showed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease for 15 years. I know …| Midwest Mary
