Things

LADD – You might expect a cookbook from a rural community to feature all-American food.

"Un día gris de invierno, David vio un hermoso árbol.

Spring is in the air as the first birds arrive signaling the start of a new season. A male redwinged blackbird belts out notes proclaiming it's territory. The haunting call of sandhill cranes high in the sky on their way North to nesting grounds confirm winter is finished for another year.

Via Facebook polls, Illinois Valley Living asked you three fun questions regarding your favorites in the Illinois Valley. Here's what you said ...

PRINCETON — Despite the wintry weather on this particular Sunday morning, The Bobby Company parking lot was full at 10:30 a.m.

It's that time of year when family and friends start to gather ... Whether it's for an Easter meal, a baby or bridal shower or just a gathering of those you love, why not substitute a lunch or dinner meal with a fun and festive brunch or breakfast. The best part about hosting a brunch or breakfast is the meal is held early in the day, so you still have the afternoon to relax, enjoy each other's company and kick up your feet. Enjoy!

We sure can't complain about our Illinois Valley winter this year, however, it's always great to see spring arrive. From the baby animals sprinkled throughout the countryside, to spring flowers popping their heads up in your backyard, to our area farmers heading back into the fields ... spring in the Illinois Valley is a truly a welcoming sight.

They arrive to remind us of the cycle of life. Though dormant through the winter months, we watch them poke their heads through the moist soil every spring — life goes on ...

I don't see a freshly-planted cornfield without thinking of my grandfather. He was clearly a man of the earth, and he took his task of tending to the soil very seriously.