Cambridge Mom’s Blog

A friend of mine had a birthday and invited us to join her family in Concord for Square Dancing.  My memories of square dancing include wearing bandannas and overalls in a show we had to put on in elementary school.  I shared my good memories, but my 8 year old son was not interested.  This is not uncommon, resistance to something new, so I stayed positive and kind but made it clear we were all going and if he was not enjoying himself after a 1/2 hour we could leave.  I spent the walk from parking in Concord Center to the Concord Scout House alternatively cajoling my son to walk and listening him complain about not wanting to go.  My 3 year old daughter, on the other hand, went skipping along carrying her bag with her dancing shoes (the locale asks people to not wear street shoes to protect the floors.)

The Scout house looks like a large barn or gymnasium on the inside, with a stage at the back where the callers were.  Yes, live callers that talked everyone through the dance before you did it.  After a little stumbling through the first dance (we couldn’t even organize four pairs to make the dance, or figure out who was your “corner”) we got into our grove, especially my son.  I was thrilled to dance with him, my younger one was a little more challenging.  It was a large room, I would guess there were more than 50 people, kids and adults.  But my kids didn’t get too overwhelmed, I assume because they had to focus on following the dances.  Yes, there were several times my daughter just ran around, or lay on the ground (she is three after all), but it didn’t detract from our fun.

The only real discord happened when my kids wanted to have the same partner, Mom or Dad, which at one point became diffused when they agreed to be each other’s partner.  We didn’t realize it was a dance were partners danced with and traveled through each set of partners as we all made a huge circle.  My husband nearly developed whiplash as he craned his neck to watch them promenade, but they did great! It felt good to see them off on their own.

Afterward my son commented the most of the people were helpful with the dancing but a few were serious and annoyed by them and it was especially fun when he had to drag his sister to the next partner.  I realize when looking at the flyer that it was recommended for kids 5 and up, though there were other younger ones, including those in baby carriers.  Some people do take their dancing seriously, but I found the vibe super family friendly and fun, including a break 1/2 way for cold cider.

Asked to rate square dancing he put one thumb up and one sideways. Why not two thumbs up? “I got really hot and sweaty.” So did I.  We left after about an 1 and 15 minutes and followed up with a visit to The Toy Shop of Concord, which is a sweet little toy store in Concord Center.  More family dances for us!

Family dances are hosted by the New England Folk Festival Association one to two Sundays a Month from 2- 4 pm from November through March.  Admission is $5 per person, with a maximum of $25 per family.  Check out the NEEFA Family Dance flyer for details about dates, locations and different dances.

I found a box labeled yards sale in the basement.  You know, a glass coffee table bowl from Pier One, candle holders, all the things replaced by Legos or non-breakable “dustables” (as my bachelor friend calls all decorative nic-nacs) in my living room.  I don’t know how long they were there waiting for the often promised yard sale (or imaginary yard sale as my husband calls it. ) But the time for liberation is upon us and goes by the name of FREECYCLE.

I am sure many are already aware if the beauty of FreeCycle, but I was a slow convert.   As it is I am not very good at managing my email inbox, especially the series of emails I received from other yahoo groups (even in digest form), so I didn’t even consider it until a friend informed me that I could opt out of emails and only access via my yahoo account. Now the only emails I receive are directly from people wanting my junk - the best kind of email.  Just imagine this subject in your inbox “Re: OFFER: Bag of stuffed animals and dolls.”  Someone wanted my daughters cast off stuff animals - Hooray! Additionally, I have successfully found new homes for toys, baby gear, and an old computer.

There are groups in Arlington, Somerville and Cambridge as well as other towns in the area.  You need a yahoo account to sign up for the group.  There is a thankless moderator who will approve your sign up and slap your wrists when you forget etiquette like stating “OFFER”, or put in multiple posts instead of grouping all your stuff in one.  If you are concerned about your privacy, the email you have on your yahoo account will show up on your posts (there may be an option to not show but I am not sure.)  Because they are town specific don’t be surprised if you see your buddies there. You’ll get an odd little view into your community (who is cleaning our their basement, besides you

The big surprise is the good vibe of the experience.  I guess if I thought about it I could have imagined that everyone in the transaction would be psyched.  I feel much better than when I drop off a bag at Goodwill (which I will continue to do) knowing that someone actually needs or wants what I don’t, that my stuff won’t rot in a basement or dump somewhere. Even if someone is just going to take my stuff and sell it I don’t mind.  It is not in my house anymore.  And of course there is the other side of the transaction - the takers.  I got a bunch of great condition moving boxes I would have had to buy otherwise.

So with Freecycle, you may not have the $50 you might have pocketed with a yard sale but you do have the days you would have spent planning, setting up, having and cleaning up from the yard sale (if it doesn’t rain.)  And with that time you can post a few of the valuable items on Craigslist, find stuff you need on FreeCycle, or go back to cleaning up your basement.

Tags: donation, FreeCycle

Time to get some early birthday gifts (particularly great for kid’s gifts), or just get a fantastic treat for yourself. Here is the announcement of the annual Porter Square Books sale, from their e-newsletter

“Please remember to join us on Friday, January 1st between 1 and 5 pm for our annual New Year’s Day Sale!! Everything in the store, except for items on the HOLD shelf, will be discounted 20%. Many holiday items are already at a 40% discount and they will remain so. ALSO, calendars will be on sale at 40% off beginning January 1. We hope you will take a few minutes to stop by on Friday. It’s that same electric atmosphere as last week but without the pressure! We will even wrap your purchases. Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year!”

We like to go apple picking but somehow the autumn got past us last year before our trek to the orchards.  We had been going to the same place, Shelburn Farms in Acton for the last several years and noticed the energy and activities were really accelerating.  Boy, missing last year didn’t prepare us for what they had evolved to.  Granted we showed up on the most glorious Saturday afternoon — sunny and warm, but were surprised we had to wait in line to park.  While I waited my husband also waited in line to buy hot cider doughnuts.  In the time I waited to find a spot my daughter passed out in the back seat and as I carried her over to the concession stand line, bribing her with the doughnuts to wake up, I noticed a new fence along the orchard and a queue to get into the orchard.  Ack!!  She saw the bouncy house and the previously dead weight that was my girl nearly leap from my arms.  Too bad you needed a “pass” to use the bouncy house ($5 per kid for house and other activities) and my husband was already through the concession line where you need to buy the pass.  Once we also explained that they also could not play on the rider toys because we didn’t have a pass, we got on line to pick.  Fortunately the line was very quick and we began our adventure of picking apples (then taking three bites and dropping them on the ground, at least that was what my three year old’s style was.)  The picking itself didn’t take too long.  Though the ones by the entrance were pretty picked over, it is a large enough place that the full tree were still to be found further out.

But my husband and I were in agreement - a new place next year or at least visiting on a cloudy day to avoid the crowds.  I think with a less beautiful day or going earlier it might have been perfectly fine.  It is a lovely spot and not too far (maybe 40 minutes from my place in Somerville), but it depends what you are are looking for.  I have heard of some great places that are more low key, but I have to admit I love the caramel apples and cider doughnuts which seem to go hand in hand with the hay-riding/bouncy house jumping/petting-zoo circuses these farms become during the season.

I did make a pie this year — my first one!  I highly recommend this pie recipe.  I came out great, even for a novice, though the Cortlands suggested by the orchard for the pie were a little mushy.  I might just cut them a little larger next time — of course we have enough apples for several next times…

Check out last year’s apple post and comments for other ideas for pick-your-own apples in the area.

Tags: acton, apple picking

The Cambridge Moms Blog is looking for a few additional writers to share thoughts, ideas, and events around parenting in the Cambridge area. This is a great way to enjoy writing, share experiences, and build community at the same time!

Please email us at cambridgemoms@gmail.com if you are interested.  Thank you!

The Growing Center, one of my favorite city places to go with the kids, is hosting the annual Fairies in the Garden event this Saturday.  Although I have never attended (and will not this year because we are out of town I have seen the fairies all dressed up leaving the garden.  It just has to be a sweet event.  Here is the information I received in an email about the event from the Growing Center.

“all fairies, children, and
true believers in the little folk
are invited to…

Fairies in the Garden
the annual gathering of fairy folk and friends of the fairies

at…
The Somerville Community Growing Center
22 Vinal Ave. in Somerville (near Union Square)
www.thegrowingcenter.org

on…
Saturday September 12 from 2-5 pm

(raindate September 13)

Tea Party herbal tea juice and cookies crackers and carrots * Moovin’ and
Groovin’ with Su Eaton * Fairy House Building to leave for the fairies in the
garden * Bubbles Galore * Crafting * Face Painting * Chalk Drawing * Fairy Card
Readings * Visit the fairy bears and other soft cuddly creatures in the large
fairy houses where you can relax or read stories * Buy Fairy Para”fun”alia
crafts made by your local fairies * Find a new fairy name and get a fairy
certificate at the Fairy Naming Ceremony * Revel in the fairy chaos * Dance to
your hearts delight * Fun and Delight for all Ages

Things to Bring:  your own magical fairy tea cup for your sipping or gulping
pleasure; natural materials to build fairy houses; fairy treats to share at the
Tea Party.  And, of course, you are encouraged to come in your magical attire!

Donations Gratefully Accepted (and The Growing Center is pleased to host this
free special annual event.)”

For more information check out the Growing Center Schedule.

Redbones will be selling grilled veggies in the parking lot in Davis Square at the corner of Herbert and Day Street (around the corner from Redbones) to benefit the Farmers Market from 12 - 5:30 today.  The market runs until 6 pm.  I am so excited that the early apples are available, as well as peaches and other stone fruit.

My love for Agassiz Preschool, a cooperative preschool with a loyal alumni following and dedicated staff and curent parents, is deep and lasting (in case you missed a past blog on it check it out).  I tend to gush a bit about it, so please bear with me!

Agassiz has unexpected (people move, I know) openings for 3-4 year olds.  We’re a month away from the school year opening in September.  For those of you who got to the process a little late, or gave up on it in general (the application process for preschools in the area and competitive nature of it all can be a bit much), this is your chance to visit the school while Summer Camp is in process.  During a tour, you’ll see kids ages 2 to 5, playing together, cooling off in shallow water or squealing with delight!

Agassiz is in its last year in Porter Square (on the corner of Roseland and Mass Ave), and will be starting the 2010 school year at their newly purchased and soon-to-be renovated home in Somerville (corner of Spring and Summer).

Please call Agassiz’s director Tracey Kaplan for details and a tour: 617-547-9355.

Tags: 2009, Agassiz Preschool, cambridge, fall, middle group, openings, school year, somerville

Well….Looks like the rain may have skipped us for today (phew!)…..Why not check out the Open Air Circus.  Chances are good (especially if you live in Somerville) that you or your child know some of the performers! And the price of $3 can’t be beat.

Today’s the better weekend day, so pack your kids up and head out. We’re off soon ourselves to do a little urban adventure before a 1:00 birthday party (Bloc, Hub Comics, Union Square Farmer’s Market and maybe Bunker Hill Monument if we can squeeze it in), so I’m afraid I must refer you here for ideas:

http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/specials/summer/

A couple of our recent faves: Canobie Lake Park (amusement parks are a bit of a necessary evil, in my opinion, but the kids LOVED it…there are plenty of rides for wee and bigger ones. Arrive after 5:00 and admission is only $20. Those 3 and under are free) and Wingaersheek Beach (again, if your sleep schedule and general family temperament will accommodate a late-day outing, after 5:00 parking is free and crowds much smaller).

If your family is anxiously awaiting the opening of the new playground in Cambridge Common, as ours is, here’ s the official update.

(I decided not to take my daughter’s suggestion that I call up and ask why they were not working harder to get it done, but I did sign up for the email updates).

This is from Jeffrey Roberts, Cambridge’s Neighborhood Planner.

Dear Community Members,

I am writing with an update on the construction of Alexander Kemp Playground at Cambridge Common. Those of you who have passed by the park have probably noticed that it is nearing completion. However, there are still several tasks that need to be completed, and items that need to be tested and checked before the playground can open for use.

The construction team is now anticipating that work will be complete within the next week or two. The actual date at which the playground can open will depend on the progress made on a day-by-day basis. I will continue to update this list, and will let everyone know when the work has been satisfactorily completed and the playground can be used.

When the playground opens, please keep in mind that it includes many new play features and it will be important for both children and adults to spend some time familiarizing themselves with the new features and the level of challenge associated with each. Children should be supervised by an adult at all times, and adults should use their judgment to determine what types of activity are appropriate for different children based on age and ability level. You can contact me if there are any questions.

Thanks, and stay tuned for more information soon! — Jeff.

TIMEOUT NY has called Jose Conde y Ola Fresca “One of New York’s most important Afro Cuban voices.”  This weekend The Jose Conde Band performs Baby Loves Salsa, a jimmying, wiggling, fun time for young kids and adults!

Conceived as a way to introduce kids to the joys of Afro-Latin music and to bilingual English-Spanish songs, “Salsa for Kittens and Puppies/Salsa para gatitos y perritos,” features salsa songs by an imaginary band of our favorite pet variety.

Tickets are $12, and sure to sell out!

Tags: baby loves salsa, cambridge, jose conde band, music for kids, regattabar for kids, salsa for kids