As a 37 year resident of Algonquin, my stories often start with "I remember when Algonquin...”

I am proud to be a contributor to the Algonquin Patch. After a four year stint as the Algonquin - Lake in the Hills Community Columnist, I took a four year hiatus to play mommy to my two youngest children. I am absolutely thrilled to be writing again.

I am "ma" to my 23 year old son, "mother" (usually with an eye roll) to my 15 year old daughter, "mom" to my 6 year old son and "mommy" to my 4 year old daughter. I like reality TV and texting with my friends. I enjoy cooking but doing dishes makes me crabby. I love the Chicago Blackhawks and have a dog named Lord Stanley Pup (or Lord Stanley Byfuglien) who we rescued after the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup and a dog named Moxie that we resuced because she is just so darn cute.

I look forward to reviewing Algonquin area restaurants with my kids and being a part of the Algonquin Patch family.