sound bites

• It is official: I am a Ralph’s World groupie. I am now planning to take Peanut to two — yes two — Ralph shows this summer. And one of them is just up the road in Bloomington! Mark down June 28 on your calendar. Ralph will be playing two shows at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts Family Fest. And the best part is … tickets are only $5. (Dora is also coming to Normal in June, but we’re trying to keep that hush-hush).

• Speaking of adult-friendly kids’ concerts, it looks like Dan Zanes will be returning to KCPA this fall.

• There will be a very special fundraiser for Larkin’s Place at the Y this Friday afternoon at Bella Mia in Champaign, just in time for Mother’s Day. Bella will be selling art and jewelry by the Trillium Project, which “is dedicated to raising awareness and empowering those facing extraordinary life challenges by expressing their words and stories through the creation of inspired art.” The pieces have been inspired by moms of children with special needs.

• Countdown to Market at the Square: three days

• Tonight is 31-cent scoop night at Baskin Robbins!

slice of heaven

This evening I received the following comment on my most not-so-recent post, and I wanted you all to see it.

Just a small comment to say “thanks” to all of you that I have enjoyed reading these past two years. My husband and I are moving to Fla. and even though we look forward to being where it”s
warm, we will miss so much of this beautiful city and you, the people. You have convinced us that Midwestern hospitality is so much more sincere than Southern hospitality, and we treasure each conversation we have had. We will miss the Market on Sat., and the cupcakes on Walnut, but we are excited about our move. Don’t let anyone tell you that central Il. is backwards…it is a small slice of heaven.

Thank you, Frances. Safe travels.

on the farm

When my suburban relatives venture down to “Southern Illinois” * for a visit, I feel responsible for entertaining them and showing them a good time. Usually they come in the summer when the pickins’ are easy, such as the Market at the Square, which they look forward to every year.

But when they come for Peanut’s birthday, the weather can be finicky. And it always seems to be Spring Break. So with options few, I took a risk and decided to take them out to see the goats at Prairie Fruits Farm.

On several Saturday mornings this spring, Prairie Fruits Farm – the north Urbana goat cheesemakers who sell their wares at the farmer’s market — has opened its doors to the public. On these Saturdays they have sold goat and sheep’s cheese, as well as produce and other goodies from local farmers.

goat

As much as I love their cheese, the attraction on a cold and blustery March day was the baby goats. Many had been born and they were on display. Of course, my city-dwelling niece and nephews don’t get the chance to see a real, working farm every day.

It was great fun, not to mention educational. Peanut was amazed that a baby goat three days old can already walk (unlike her baby sister who can’t do much of anything) and is almost the size of the Killer Cockapoo. And the human kids got a first-hand lesson on what a free range chicken is (they were worried that the chicken was going to run away). My niece picked out a few favorite goats, including Cocoa and Jaime. And we had a yummy yogurt parfait.

Early on this spring, PF said they would be open for on-farm sales every Saturday until the farmer’s market opens. If you have animal-loving kids, it’s worth a trip.

* Yes, my aunt really calls it that. And every time I see her, she asks me if I really like living here. Mind you, I see her several times a year, bless her heart.

we love it

Some of you may remember my angst last year over Peanut’s second birthday party. Of course many of you probably thought that was ridiculous, but in my family, we make a big deal out of birthdays, no matter the age. To recap, I wanted to do a birthday party outside of the house, but the options were very limited for kids under 4 in this town.

So I made the decision soon after that that this year we would have Peanut’s party at The Little Gym in Savoy. Peanut has been attending class there since it opened, and loves it. She is especially fond of Mr. Giles, the gym’s owner who is a fantastic guy.

Even though it was pricey, it was a decision I will never regret. It was a wonderful party, made so by a great group of kids and friends, as well as the superb orchestration by Mr. Giles.

I can’t say enough good things about TLG. The facility is clean; the teachers are warm, excellent with the kids, and well trained. There is always something new and different to do. I love the fact that unlike many programs, at TLG you can make up classes you miss, even attending different sessions if space allows. I love that sometimes they have “invite-a-friend” day. I love that you can try it out for free. I love that they have watched Peanut grow and spread her wings.

This week Peanut is having a TLG graduation of sorts. Now that she is three, she is old enough to attend the “big girl” class, the one without parents in the gym (yeah! and boo). It’s a little bittersweet, but I’m glad it’s happening there.