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We’ve opened up the “comments” feed on our blog roll for you - our NorthShoreInsider friends. If you read something that makes your ears burn or your heart sing in agreement, post a comment! If there’s a blog about a great restaurant, and you can one-up us, go for it! If you want to chime in with a “OMG! I love that place too!” - we want to see it! From time to time, we’ll ask a question - if you’ve got an opinion, share it!

NorthShoreInsider can only get better when we hear from the people that use it - namely, you. So don’t be shy! To start things off on a summer theme, we’re asking you:

What’s your favorite beach and why?

Post a comment and let us know - where’s the best sand? Who’s got the best looking lifeguards? Where are the kids the friendliest? Best concession stand? Talk! Talk!

I meant to post this Friday evening, but I was whooped. While I wasn’t surprised I got the call at 5:30 a.m., I wasn’t able to get back to sleep, imaginary voices beckoning within my brain to “Take Me Sledding!” That, and one of the new kittens decided it was a great time to tap dance on my face.

I’d escaped the call to sled so far, in that really, there haven’t been that many suitable days for it, even if the almanac says it’s one of our snowiest winters in recent history. Either it was too little, too slushy or melted too darn fast. Our ruler-in-the-snow trick said we got 11 inches overnight on Thursday, and there was no way I was going to fool anyone - there was definitely enough snow.

We took advantage of the day off to hit a slope that required a brief car ride, rather than just walking across the street. So we headed north to Techny Prairie Park in Northbrook:

The boys had a great time, and there was a lot to watch – especially the teenaged spawn snowboarding on the side of the hill, clearly ignoring the “no sledding” sign posted. Yeah, I know – they were snowboarding. I was a smart aleck once, too. The boys were enthralled with one young gun, claiming to be Sean White’s cousin, Blake. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know. But if it is, then I am Uma Thurman’s sister.

It is a really nice set up, though the parking leaves something to be desired. And truth be told, having the older kids gallavanting off on the side of the hill kept the main run fairly harmless for younger kids. It’s also lit up at night, which means Daddy (or Mommy!) can take the kids after dinner!

As for the snow tonight, I am hoping it does taper off – I have to head downtown tomorrow for jury duty. I’m edgy enough as it is, without having to deal with crappy roads. Wish me luck!

Technorati Tags: North Shore Chicago sledding, Chicago area sledding hills, Techny Prairie Park, Northbrook sledding hills

Having had to put our precious Snowshoe kitty, Cleo, to sleep earlier this month, I thought it would be a very, very long time before I was ready to have another pet. Making that decision to end a pet’s life is a tough one, even if it’s the right one. So color me surprised that as of this weekend, I’ve got two little furballs running underfoot.

I couldn’t help it – I found myself wandering over to Petfinder.com just to peek to see what was available locally. Not that I was going to get anything, right? I was just looking. But then, I came across this:

Argh! How can you even think of looking away from such cuteness? North Shore, meet Moo. Of course, Moo had a buddy:

Oh, but is this little guy is a LOVER. How could I resist a kitty named Comet? After much sitting-on-pins-and-needles waiting, I finally got the call - we could come pick up these little guys!

We found them through a Petfinder.com link to Adopt-A-Pet, a Mount Prospect-based foster care organization for animals in need of a new home. You simply complete an application, then let them know if there’s an available pet that has struck a chord with you. Be warned - they check references - both the ones I had listed told me they got a call. This organization loves their animals, and want to make sure they are going to a “forever” home. When the kids and I went to get Moo and Comet, we were greeted by a foster mom with 14 cats in her home, only a couple of which were staying with her forever. (Gosh, I hope someone goes to get Jonah! Adorable!)

Seriously – while I don’t discount the allure of owning a purebred – we did, too – what an awesome way to bring a lot of love into your home, while doing something so beneficial. These cats and dogs are just as loving and adorable as purebreds, and need a good home! Check them out - I am SO glad we did!

Technorati Tags: Adopt-A-Pet, Mount Prospect Adopt-A-Pet, North Shore pet adoptions, North Shore Chicago pet adoptions, North Shore Chicago cat adoptions, North Shore Chicago dog adoptions, Glenview area cat adoptions, Evanston area cat adoptions, Northbrook area cat adoptions, Skokie area cat adoptions