Becoming brits: The Grant family in front of Windsor Castle: Geri, Daniel, Jenn, Judah and Aiden. (JEAN LOTUS/Staff)

Thanks for sticking your nose out from under the covers long enough to read this. I’ll be brief mostly because I haven’t been out and about enough to pick up many stories of local interest. 

One exception. Roger and Geri Grant spent most of the bitter cold last weeks in London. They were visiting their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren who are temporarily living in London. Shown in the photo with Windsor Castle in the background are Geri, Daniel, Jenn, Judah and Aiden (All Grants).Young Judah and Aiden now address their father as “dahddy” and their mother as “mum.” The Grants escaped the cold and snow here, but were living in a historically rainy period there. The most rain fell in London since 1776. You can see the flag is flying over Windsor castle; that means the queen is in. When she’s away the flag is down. So make your plans accordingly.

It may not be too late to reserve a place for yourself tonight at the Community Center’s Valentine Party. Call 771-7737. Don’t miss crooner Michael Williamson, with his velvety voice singing Big Band Songs, Oldies, Broadway Show Tunes, costumes and dancing. A big lunch will be served. It all takes place today (Wednesday, Feb. 12) from 11-3 p.m. at the Community Center.  

Speaking of Valentine’s treats, you’ll certainly be welcome at the Oak Park Women’s Exchange on Friday and Saturday Feb. 14 and 15 where you’ll be able to indulge yourself in a wide assortment of home-made Valentine delicacies. The Women’s Exchange is located at 839 S. Oak Park Avenue and it’s open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. You’ll find lots and lots of really good art and craft items there as well.

If you’re a teenager, check out the Anti-Valentine’s Day party at the library Feb. 14. They’ll have breakup songs, a do-it-yourself breakup kit, pizza and chocolate.

If Charles Darwin is one of your heroes, come celebrate his birthday from 11 a.m. until 3p.m. on Wednesday, Feb.12 at Trailside Museum, 738 Thatcher in River Forest. You’ll get another chance later in the day between 7-9:30 p.m. when Barclay’s American Grill in Oak Park will hold a birthday party for him. This party is for Non-atheists, atheists, skeptics and believers. Darwin supporters of any kind are welcome. Cash bar; no cover, RSVP to endofthelinehumanists@gmail.com. Barclays is at 1120 Pleasant in Oak Park.

If it’s YOUR birthday happy birthday! Amelia Huebner, Rebecca Leehey, Michael Paulin, Haile Reeis, Timothy Lane, Kyle Vince Clifton, Valentina Marusk, Payton Schmidt, Marty Redmond, Mike Cossio, Julie Xia, Donna McKline, Shelby, Adelphson, Sammy Anderson, Hannah Brown, Judy Jilek, Becon Pfennig, Mary Haley and Leonard Gist. And again…Happy Valentine’s Day!

 Jackie is a former Chicago and Elmwood Park schoolteacher with an undying love for music, friendly pets and a host of life’s other treasures too numerous to list. She was born on the far southwest side of Chicago in a great neighborhood when it was a great time to be young.

Jackie is a former Chicago and Elmwood Park schoolteacher with an undying love for music, friendly pets and a host of life's other treasures too numerous to list. She was born on the far southwest side...