Winter Clearance Downtown

The Monkey and many other downtown retailers will have a winter clearance this Saturday, Jan. 31.  Details are a secret, even I don’t know what will be on sale.  A Bag Lady, Anna’s Closet, Barefoot Studio, digs, Fashion Fare, Glass Garden Beads, Monkey See, Monkey Read, Paper Petalum, Present Perfect, Ragstock, Rare Pair, Sisters Ugly, Sweet Peas Loft, The Sketchy Artist, Women and Kids on Division will have bargains.

John Updike 1932-2009

John Updike died today of lung cancer.  He will be remembered as one of America’s greatest writers.  I love his short stories, especially  A&P.   I never tire of reading this story.

In walks these three girls in nothing but bathing suits. I’m in the third check-out slot, with my back to the door, so I don’t see them until they’re over by the bread. The one that caught my eye first was the one in the plaid green two-piece. She was a chunky kid, with a good tan and a sweet broad soft-looking can with those two crescents of white just under it, where the sun never seems to hit, at the top of the backs of her legs. I stood there with my hand on a box of HiHo crackers trying to remember if I rang it up or not. I ring it up again and the customer starts giving me hell. She’s one of these cash-register-watchers, a witch about fifty with rouge on her cheekbones and no eyebrows, and I know it made her day to trip me up. She’d been watching cash registers forty years and probably never seen a mistake before.

Nicholson Baker’s U&I is a humorous tribute to Updike if you’ve never read it.  It’s been a few years but I may have to reread this book.  Tonight I raise my glass to Mr. Updike.

Classes at the Co-op

Just Food, our locally owned Co-op, is hosting two cool classes this month.

Small Wind Power, January 26, 7-8 pm.  Ever wonder what it would take to power your home, business or farm with a wind turbine? Join instructor Dan Borek as he answers your questions about small wind power possibilities. Held in the Just Food Event Space, please preregister for this free class while you are at Just Food or by calling 507-650-0106.

Gardening, Part 2- What to Plant? January 29, 5-7 pm.  Erin Johnson and Ben Doherty of Open Hands Farm will lead a discussion on the different varieties available, what’s new, and which varieties work well in our area and which don’t. Held in the Just Food Event Space. This class is free, but please preregister at the front of the store or by calling 507-650-0106.

Picture Books, Bargain Prices

The Monkey received a nice selection of picture books for kids today.  These are new books at bargain prices.  Hardcover picture books usually sell for $15 or more.  The books we received today are all under $10, most are $5.99 or $6.99.  They won’t last long at these prices.

Let it Snow

I had a treacherous ride home tonight.  Deep snow on unplowed streets. Even my studded tires struggled to find traction.  This is reading and skiing weather not the best biking conditions.  I’ll ride again on Wednesday.  

In the meantime, I plan to read a book.  Maybe a good mystery.  All of our hardcover mysteries are buy 2 get 1 free.  The lowest price book will be the freebie.  check out our selection.  Most of these books are under $10 to begin with.

New Years Resolution

Have you made one?  Mine involves biking and reading.  I know, big surprise.  We’ve got some pretty cool books on various topics that wind up on most peoples resolution list.  Fitness, better diet, Yoga.  Monkey See, Monkey Read has started stocking a nice selection of yoga books.  These books come with the stamp of approval from the folks at HeartWork Yoga Studio.  So whatever you resolve to do this year, get a book on the topic at the monkey. Or sign up for some yoga sessions at Heartwork.