Though we have spent most of our lives in northwestern Missouri, central Illinois, and especially northeastern Illinois, near Lake Michigan on the Wisconsin state line, we love the south and have visited many times. I hope for my sake (and everyone’s sake) this winter has been unusual because you are not prepared for it. Back in northeastern Illinois, there was an unofficial neighborhood contest to see who could snow blow their driveway first. Email newsletter signupHere, in my neighborhood, we saw hardly a ripple in the snow for a couple of days. Our spring vacation to a little-known barrier island on the gulf coast of southwestern Florida is my mental happy place.

Source: Daily Sun February 17, 2026 15:02 UTC