Berryland has asparagus?

Most of us, I would guess, don't even know how asparagus grows, right? Well, there's a rumor going around that you might be able to go and u-pick some of your own at Beeriland in Bottmingen, CH!

A friend of mine has been to Beeriland for berries on many occasion and she was told that asparagus season is about to begin. (It could be early this year due to the bizarre weather we are having...). According to www.beeriland.ch/ the season begins mid-April. Check out their website! They also have information on when the different types of berries are in season! Go to "erntezeiten".

Having picked for money/fun as a child I really look forward to checking this place out!

OH! And there's an ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL to boot!! Mark the date: 4-6 May!

http://www.beeriland.ch/

Toy library? No way!

Attention all parents and grandparents!! Are you overwhelmed by the extreme abundance of toys in your house? Are most of these aforementioned toys sitting the bench? Rotation is key!

Instead of buying new toys at every single occasion, think about signing up for a toy loan program!!

Here in Saint-Louis we have what's called the Ludothèque - it's a library of toys and games for all ages. All I had to do was sign up and pay a small fee. (A regular membership costs 40 euros). Wonderful!

For more information check out this link:
http://www.saint-louis.fr/index.php/Ludothèque-municipale?idpage=44&afficheMenuContextuel=true

Also new in town (or in the US since the concept has been around the block in Europe and Canada) is online toy borrowing sites. Do an internet search and find one in your area! This, however, costs a LOT more than our local bibliothèque de jeu. Another idea is to start a toy exchange with other parents or grandparents!

I'm sure you will enjoy seeing new, not more, toys around the house too!

Pumpkin Festival Sept. 25-6

Don't you just love the changing of the seasons? Next up: FALL! This means harvest - pumpkin harvest!  A local family opens their farm to create a wonderful yearly event and a sale of an extreme amount of pumpkins!

It's the Pumpkin Festival at Mathis Hof in Bottmingen! 


This is not far from Basel and easily accesible by public transport/ car. I have not yet been to the festival, but have heard great things about it! There are many activities for families including a corn maze and pumpkin decorating! You will also be able to purchase eggs, apples and vegetables and much more. 


Check out the schedule and farm online: 
http://www.mathis-hof.ch/kuerbisse.php


It's just a great local way to celebrate the fall!  See you there?