Squirrel Man’s Wife

My husband is following me on my journey to being green in our new urbanism community, but he is no treehugger…yet. That’s why I was excited (at least initially) with his developing interest in our “wild life.”

I don’t know if it has to do with hitting the big “40″ (a little while ago) but in recent years he’s taken a real liking to squirrels. I love animals but squirrels aren’t up on my list of wildlife I’d like to get closer to.

Case in point: Today he picked me up from my 2-day meeting in the city and surprised me with a decision to stop at our local market for some fresh items for lunch. I stayed in the car as I was exhausted. Then as I waited I hoped he would think to pick up some other grocery items that I know we were running low on at home.

That was wishful thinking. Unless we are specifically shopping for household groceries my husband can’t run into a store for one item and then change gears and pick up other things that might strike him as items that need to be replenished in our home - like toilet paper, milk, orange juice, cereal and fruit.

He’s a one track guy (personally I think this is a male gene thing - any guys reading this blog are free to argue with me in the comments below).

Anyhow, the point of this post is that not only did my husband not come out of the market with some useful household items instead of just some items for our Saturday lunch, but he bought an item that was for the consumption of someone other than his family or dog. He bought peanuts for his new found, wildlife friends - our backyard rodents squirrels.

They actually anticipate his return to the house. Just as we came up to the house two ran across the driveway. I thought I heard one squirrel say to the other:

“Big guy’s home Morton - go get the kids it’s lunch time.”

Now as I write this post, my husband is in the backyard on the bench under our maple tree with a glass of Chardonnay, and a bag of peanuts by his side.

He’s going to be one of those odd old men that the kids nickname “squirrel man.” YIKES - that makes me squirrel man’s wife.

Tags: Green Living, New Urbanism, Recreation, Your Home, back yard, community life, new urbanism, recreation

What are You doing for Spring Break?

It’s hard to believe that the Spring Break season is almost here. If you’re planning on leaving your community for sites a little warmer or a little different remember there are plenty of wonderful locations not that far away from home. Visit Expedia Travel Trendwatch for a top ten list of popular local destinations for 2008 and travel cost comparisons.

If a trip like that is not in your budget this year, make sure to see what specials are being offered by key venues in your own community. There are likely some interesting things to do or rediscover close to home.  Investigate now so you can book early for any popular events that will end up selling out fast. I speak from experience!

From interactive and compelling museum or art displays to jazz bands, book readings and tours–most urban centers and rural towns make the most of the Spring Break by highlighting the best that they have to offer that is unique to that town or city. Make sure to check out your local theaters, galleries, conservation parks, science centers, cafes, bookstores and universities for ideas of what to do with friends and family during this much needed respite from cold weather and work.

Pictured above is the “notorious” new addition to the very old, traditional museum in my town. The addition, designed by world famous architect, Daniel Libeskind, is called the “Crystal” and it is as enormous and imposing as it appears in the picture. For some it is unsightly and to others breath taking. One thing is for sure…it generates discussion about our museum and gets people in the doors. We’ll be visiting this spring break just to see what it looks like inside…

Tags: City Life, Recreation