a public service announcement

Attention. A few years ago I made a life-long resolution. I resolved to never ever, ever drive past a lemonade stand without stopping to patron the hard-working, zealous kids who sit patiently behind their card table waiting for cars to stop.

I am happy to report that I have done a pretty descent job of keeping this resolution. The key? I keep quarters in both cars, and have even put a few in the bottom basket of the stroller. I have found that if I don't have quarters on hand, I am much less likely to stop. But if the change ready, it's really no trouble to stop the car, get the kool-aid and be on my way.

A few weeks ago Ivar and I were wandering all around our neighborhood when we came upon a lemonade stand with four very excited, loud salesgirls. I was so happy to be served my glass of lemonade and then one of the younger girls asked if she could pet my baby. I looked at her sticky hands...and her grubby face...and thanked her for asking so nicely replying, "let's just look at the baby. He loves to smile at new friends."

Recenly Ivar and I were heading out to the Edina Art Fair. I stopped at two lemonade stands on the way because kids (or their parents) are smart and knew to capitalize on the increased traffic in their neighborhoods. I was all sugared up by the time I got to the art fair. I had spent 50 cents on my way and felt so good and thrifty when I saw the stand at the art fair that wanted to sell me a glass of lemonade for $3.25. Thank you kids for your reasonable prices!

When I saw the price they were charging I thought, "blog post. I need to get the word out that the key to stopping for lemonade is keeping quarters handy in the car." So readers, take a minute to scoop out some quarters out of your change bucket and stock up your car, strollers or running jacket. This ends my public service announcement.

Adorable picture found here.