Last night, my husband found me hysterical in our bedroom with the television on mute and the phone to my ear. My mother and I were in the middle of our weekly postmortem review of Grey’s Anatomy, only my husband was sure this call was bearing bad news. He looked at me in horror and as he was about to ask what happened (SPOILER ALERT), I said, “I’m sorry, Derek died.” He shook his head and walked out of the room.
Most moms I know have some kind of ritual watching one or a few television programs. For many, it’s the Real Housewives, the Kardashians, HBO series, and of course primetime series like Grey’s Anatomy. It gives us something consistent to rely on for an escape during hard times, a reward after a long day, or a chance to cuddle with our spouses and let something else entertain us.
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I always get sad when a series I’ve committed to ends or the season finale leaves me so desperate for more. The death of Derek Shepherd has inspired me to find new activities to share with any fellow television widowers as alternatives to the emotional ups and downs of the May sweeps.
Farmers’ Markets
St. Louis offers dozens of choices when it comes to farmers’ markets on Saturday mornings. A few of our favorites include Lake Saint Louis Farmers’ and Artists’ Market, Tower Grove Farmers’ Market and Bazaar, and Ferguson Farmers’ Market.
Theater
Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Antony and Cleopatra from May 22 through June 14 for free in Forest Park.
Playgrounds
The Shaw Park Tree Top Playground is a must-see for all ages. The treehouse-themed upper playground can provide endless hours of fun for tots to teens, especially once the splash pads are turned on for the season. A smaller playground on the northern side of the park also includes a small sandbox. Walking and biking paths are short enough for the smallest athletes and large enough to get a parent’s heart rate going.
Restaurants
The Shack is now open for breakfast and lunch in Frontenac as well as Valley Park. Be sure not to mix the cereal shakes with the cereal killer boozie shakes if your table orders both. Bring a sharpie to decorate the walls.
Treats
Neighborhood shaved ice and custard shops like Tropical Moose in Kirkwood that were closed during the colder months are now re-opening! Which are your favorites?
