October 2007

My favorite holiday is Halloween so I needed to get something on this blog about it.  There are many pumpkin farms in Northern IL and although I have a very long list, I decided just to mention those located in the southwest suburbs since that is where I work.  Benstons's Pumpkin Farm located at 13341 W. 151st St., Homer Glen, IL 60491. The phone number is 708-301-3276. Hours are 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and free parking is offered.

There is much more than pumpkins at this farm so give yourself time to enjoy all of the offerings which include a petting zoo, pig races, the Haunted Fun Barn, pony and train rides, cow milking and more! You can get a coupon and find out more on Bengston's web site which is located here.  Be sure to visit

Let me first say that I have never had fun on the Swallow Cliff Toboggan Slides located in Palos Township. A friend of mine broke her back on them in the '60s and the truth is, I don't think I'd be interested even if that didn't happen. I'm afraid of heights and fast rides. But I've used that excuse about my friend ever since.

My son Chad & I wound up at the Toboggan Slides walking a trail at Horseshoe Lake located in Palos Park over the summer this year. Because I've never been on the cliffs I couldn't remember exactly where they were located. Running into them during a trail walk was like finding an old treasure.

Sadly, that treasure, dangerous or not, will be leaving us. Cook County Forest Preserve District commissioners voted this week to