Publications & Sites 
Gardening got you down?
Updated: August 30, 2012 6:10PM
Here’s Judy’s pick of coming community activities in the Northbrook area, spiced with a little commentary.
Garden Grief.
The public is invited to the Northbrook Garden Club’s opening program of the year, “Bulbs Through the Seasons,” at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Northbrook Civic Center, 2002 Walters Ave. Registration and refreshments are at 12:30 p.m., followed at 1 p.m. by the program. Admission is free. For information call (847) 564-1777.
I’m bringing all my garden problems to the Northbrook Garden Club because I’ve about given up on gardening. Many a summer afternoon, Judy can be found standing in a decaying flower bed, shaking her garden-gloved fist at the sky and shouting, “Why me, why me?” At which point, dirt from inside the glove cascades down her upraised arm into her mouth, which is the only answer she ever gets.
Judy’s truckin’ tales ...
Bring the children and come to the annual “Touch a Truck” event from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 8 at Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1750 Techny Road in Northbrook, where kids can climb aboard and pretend to drive trucks, construction equipment and emergency vehicles. Admission is free,but children need to bring an adult. For more information call (847) 291-2960.
When I visited to my uncle’s farm as a teenager, I not only touched a truck – I rode in a $%^#% truck, as I affectionately called it (not out loud, never out loud, as my Aunt Edna’s only curse words were “Mercy Maud,” said under severe stress, as when I told her the stupid chickens refused to hand over their eggs, even when I asked nicely). Anyway, I especially remember one time bouncing along in the back of my uncle’s old pick-up truck when he went through a ditch and the water splashed all over me and I screamed, “Uncle Art, you ruined my perm!” and Aunt Edna yelled, “Mercy Maud, child!” and Uncle Art ran off the road. I returned to Chicago soon after.
A slight, but crucial difference.
The silent film “Greed” (140 minutes) will be shown at 1 p.m., and again at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 5 at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. The sudden fortune won from a lottery leads to such destructive greed that it ruins the lives of the three people involved. Admission is free. For more information call (847) 272-6224.
What’s the difference between “destructive” greed and “constructive” greed? I think destructive greed is if you win the lottery and buy 18,073 pairs of shoes at Northbrook Court because you are a selfish, atavistic philistine; while constructive greed is if you win the lottery and buy 18,073 pairs of shoes at Northbrook Court because you want your family to gaze upon your tootsies with pride. Either way, gimme them Gucci’s.
Sing out, Baby Suzanne
The Northbrook Symphony Orchestra and the New Tradition Chorus will perform an American Pops Concert at 4 p.m. Sept. 9 at Glenbrook South High School, 4000 W. Lake Ave. in Glenview. Several popular musical genres will be featured, including patriotic pieces that pay tribute to the Armed Forces. To purchase tickets, visit www.newtradition.org or call (800) 746-9246.
At this special concert, a rousing rendition of our country’s national anthem will be featured, which everyone knows by heart except my daughter.~ .
