A View of the Valley

by Linda Schwanke One of my Christmas cactuses is blooming. It has over the years - originally it belonged to hubby Jim’s grandma so lots of years - it has bloomed at different times of the year. Often it has bloomed at Christmas but  also on Easter, the 4th of July, and now just in time for Valentine’s Day. I may have to call it a holiday cactus because it always seems to bloom near holidays.  I’ve been thinking of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day safely. A blooming plant is a nice start. Shopping local to share the love of the holiday is part of my plans. The flower shops in the Valley will have plenty of fresh flowers. Wine is a great Valentine gift and there are multiple places to buy a nice bottle of wine. There are many other gifts to give that are available right here at home. Books are high on the list. Candy, cheese, booze, coffee, trinkets, jewelry, toys, electronics, flowers, art... There is a nearly endless variety of gifts to be found here in the Valley. Gift cards are a big thing right now because of the pandemic. They are always the right size. These days eating out can be problematic. All our restaurants offer carry-out if you’re worried about dine-in service.  But eating in your car is inconvenient and if you wait until you get home the food is sometimes cold. I found a solution that allows us to eat out and not worry about the mess and concern of sharing a space with a “large gathering” of people. A couple years ago, I had the idea to make a tray for granddaughter Mildred. She likes her independence and wanted to have a snack in Papa’s chair or on the couch but little humans can be messy. So I made her a tray that has kept spills to a minimum and she can do puzzles, games and have a snack sitting in a big chair or on the couch. I bought a cookie sheet, two large sponges and a roll of non-skid shelf liner. Papa (hubby Jim) drilled holes in the four corners of the cookie sheet for me. I cut a piece of shelf liner to fit the tray. Then I tied the liner to the tray through the drilled holes, poking it through the sponges with a crochet hook. It isn’t beautiful but it works. The lips on the tray keep crayons from falling on the floor and crumbs are stuck there, too. The whole thing comes apart easily and washes up beautifully.  We got carryout from a restaurant one fine day not long ago, juggling drinks and sandwiches on our laps and I thought of Mildred’s tray. Why not make them for all of us so we can eat out in much more comfort. Guess what? It works. You can get the stuff to make the tray locally, carryout your meal and drive down to the river (or sit in the parking lot) and eat in as much style as is possible in a car. I wish I’d thought of it sooner. In these crazy times, we need to stick together and find solutions to all the problems that life is throwing at us. So shop local because it is important in so many way ways. Not only are our shops owned by our friends and neighbors and pay taxes here but you know them and they know you. Shopping for your aunt? Chances are they know your aunt, too, and can suggest a gift. Local shops pay taxes right here, which supports our communities. What is the first place you go if you’re looking for a donation for a good cause? Local shops and businesses. Remember, too, that packaging is a huge environmental problem. The more you shop local, the fewer cardboard boxes and plastic envelopes there will be to contribute to pollution issues. If you’re not sure where to go to find that perfect gift, the Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce website is a great place to start. Go to springgreen.com Chamber executive director Julie Jensen is the answer person for all things River Valley. Have a nice Valentine’s Day. Stay in touch. My number is 574-3159. Email me at homenewseditor@newspubinc.com or write to me at the Home News, P.O. Box 39, Spring Green WI 53588. The news deadline is 12 noon on Mondays. Visit our website at homenewsrv.com