little blog on the prairie

• Saw UI men’s basketball assistant coaches Wayne McClain and Tracy Webster jogging on St. Mary’s Road this afternoon. I guess that qualifies as a celebrity sighting in Champaign. That’s certainly not as juicy as the time Da Vinci Code frontman Tom Hanks was seen at Custard Cup or when Harrison Ford ate at Hooter’s. Mr. lbotp and I saw two of the “Welcome to Tolono” stars at The Great Impasta the other night. Guess that counts too. Feel free to add your brush with celebrity below, and no, seeing Mr. Food at the Home and Garden show does not count.

• New mom goes to Potbelly’s with little baby in 90-degree heat. New mom forgets her money in the car. Manager overhearing new mom takes pity on her and gives her the food, trusting her to come back later and pay.

• Who knew water could be so interesting?

• Selective rainfall is weird. It spit a little on us in Southwest Champaign, but apparently the cats and dogs came down on North Prospect earlier this afternoon.
• One of Peanut’s very favorite gifts can be bought at one of her Mommy’s very favorite stores, Checkered Moon. Check out the pastel Mary Jane socks here (but they’re cheaper at CM).
• The Panera makeover at the Old Farm shops location is almost complete. Aside from the self-serve coffee being in a better spot and a see-through fireplace, it’s not that much different.
• Know a teacher looking for a job? According to WCIA, there are 123 openings in the Champaign school district.
• Speaking of WCIA, reporter/anchor/weatherwoman Alexandra Harold is headed for greener pastures. The homegrown talent and sister of former Miss America Erica Harold made an appearance yesterday on the 5 p.m. news to say she is leaving the station because she is getting married and will be leaving the area to join her husband. The revolving door continues …
• Am I the only person on the planet who doesn’t watch American Idol?

I’ve complained aplenty in this space about the delay (if you can even call it that) of the Champaign Park District’s dog “activity area.”

But I have found something that they did right.

The wide boulevard at Hessel Park is a stroller-pushing mom’s best friend. It also makes the park accessible to those in wheelchairs, rollerbladers, walkers and bikers who don’t want to take their lives in their own hands on the street. In short, Peanut and I dig it.

This N-G article from last September says that “several other parks” will get improved paths. Anyone know the others?

One of the first things I learned as a new mom is that the drive-thru is your friend. Anyplace you can go without having to take baby out of the car — especially in inclement weather — is a bonus. The one drawback is that it’s just so easy to give into temptation (repeat after me: McDonald’s french fries are not good for you.)

Some of my favorite C-U drive-thrus:
1. Walgreen’s. Speedy service (except at Springfield and Mattis. Make note to avoid at all costs.) and averts potential contact with sick people.
2. The Espresso Royale. Decaf isn’t off limits … but service is sluggish. Starbucks, here we come! (They do give out doggie biscuits, conditioning the killer cockapoo to believe that all drive-thrus are so inclined.)
3. Steak n’ Shake Drive-Thru. Chocolate-banana milkshake, yum.
4. Fazoli’s. I hate to love it, but I do. Breadsticks are another guilty pleasure.
5. Za’s. I’ve never actually done this yet. Might have to go get some yummy tiramisu.
6. Kafe K. I’m no big fan of their bagels, but their garlic and herb cream cheese is divine. Try some on the veggie wrap.

What place would you like to add a drive-thru? Dos Reales would be high on my list …

Why does it seem that all the tulips in my neighborhood bloomed, except for mine? Perhaps it’s due to the rabbit infestation in my backyard. The killer cockapoo evidently hasn’t scared them away, even though she mauled one of their many offspring last spring (OK, she thought it was a toy. At least that’s what I tell myself.)

Anyway, all this means is that it’s gardening time. Time to head off to Prairie Gardens for perennials, Home Depot for annuals, and World Market for cute accessories. I might even add another metal garden art piece from Wind Water and Light Gallery.

Perhaps the perpetual rain will hold off long enough for planting. Oh, and if anyone wants to dine on a little rabbit, I know a good source.

It used to be that when the paper was delivered at my doorstep, my initial destination was the sports page.

Not anymore.

The News-Gazette Letters to the Editor page has been especially fertile lately. Between incompetent school boards, the $5 million Champaign city surplus (more on that later this week), wild turkeys on the lam in Urbana, the mascot follies and other controversies marring the Central Illinois countryside, it is a must read for entertainment value.

There’s no excuse to miss it. As part of moving into the 20th century (no that’s not a typo), the News-Gazette’s redesigned Web site actually permits you to enjoy the show.

Hi, my name is lbotp, and I’m a grocery store snob.

I don’t need a 12-step program. There’s no cure for this ailment. It’s genetic, I believe.

That’s why I get way too excited when I hear about talks of Trader Joe’s or other such establishments (Hello Whole Foods? Are you listening?) landing in our fair burg. And I couldn’t help but cheer today when I read in the News-Gazette that Schnuck’s may open a new store in Savoy. That’s even better news than the recent discovery that the long-promised fresh sushi bar will soon open at the recently remodeled Champaign store.

I like the fact that the St. Louis-based grocer isn’t afraid to take on big bad Wal-Mart just down the street. And the name is just fun to say.

If you are reading this, bless you.

I’m sorry about the extended absence. Pregnancy brain and blogging did not mix.

Mr. LBOTP and I are happy to announce that our Peanut was born on March 26. She weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19.5 inches tall.

Joining the parenthood club opens a whole new window for this blog. But it also means I have little time for my favorite pastime.

Here’s to new beginnings.