Things to do in Columbus::May 7th Edition

What a Spring we are having!  The forecast shows nothing but high 60s and low 70s for the next 10 days.  Never mind the rain we're going to have, don't you want green grass?  The asparagus is growing, the morels are up, and strawberries are just around the corner! 

I have so many projects going on right now; it seems as though I went from couch-potato lazy with hours to kill watching Alias reruns to the need to go at almost full speed.  I have finalized the menu for my first RW Sunday Supper, and I think it looks pretty good, if I do say so myself.  I am even coming up with a stream of ideas for the coming months! 

There are lots of opportunities to buy plants this weekend, so if your landscaping is looking as bare as mine, you might want to get out there and try your hand at green-thumbing it.  At the very least, get out there and do something!  As always, if you have anything to add, please email me or leave it in the comments.

• I have a confession to make.  I have long wanted to be a comic book writer and/or animator.  Unfortunately, beyond doodling, I am not a very good artist.  So I have to live vicariously through others. Do you know we have the creator of "one of the 10 best graphic novels of all time" living in our midst?  When I discovered that Bone creator Jeff Smith lived in Columbus, I was almost as excited when I realized I lived right around the corner from Charles Vess while I was in college!  (If neither of those names mean anything to you, you clearly aren't a comic book/fantasy dork like I am).  In addition to be highly imaginative and talented, Mr. Smith and his wife are also foodies, which I only know because I have waited on them on a few occassions.  On top of all of that, Smith is also a blogger!  At any rate, I am telling you all of this because the Wexner Center is featuring Jeff Smith and cohorts beginning this weekend and continuing through early August in Jeff Smith:Bone & Beyond, featuring originals by Smith and his biggest influences.  The exhibit starts this Saturday.  I'll be there Sunday, so see you there. 
• This Saturday is the Columbus AIDS Task Force's Art for Life.  This is main fundraising event of the year, and it will feature a silent auction, lots of wine, art, etc.  There are lots of galleries involved, and the event will be held at the Columbus City Center.  CATF is an amazing organization, providing everyday people with everything from assistance in getting their meds to providing counciling and low-cost vet care.  It's a great organization to support.
• This weekend is the Spring plant sale at Franklin Park Conservatory.  Check out their calendar for other events, including summer youth workshops and adult watercolor painting classes.
• Speaking of plant sales, Saturday is the first Worthington Farmer's Market and also the giant plant sale, Plant Fest.  I went last year, and there are tons and tons of plants and planters of all sorts, as well as bird feeders, rain barrels, lawn ornaments, you name it.  I need to plant some herbs this year, so we'll see if I can keep anything alive (except for sage, oregano, and fennel; those are thriving!)  The event takes place on the South greens at the intersection of 23 & 161, in downtown Olde Worthington.
• This Saturday is the Ohioana Book Festival at the State Library of Ohio.  Meet Ohio authors, attend a reading or two, and have your favorite book signed by your favortie Ohio author.  Oh, and another reason for comic book lovers to rejoice - American Splendor writer Harvey Pekar, who you foodies might remember from such Anthony Bourdain No Res. shows as "Cleveland with Ruhlman," will be there!
• Anyone with an interest in shelter farming might be interested in attending an open house this weekend at RainFresh Harvests.   RainFresh is one of the few greenhouses here in Columbus where restaurants and retailers can purchase produce during any time of year - which is still important, because everyone wants lettuce all year, and it's better to get it in Plain City than it would be to ship it from Mexico.  RainFresh is an off-the-grid facility; they produce their own renewable energy.
• Shadowbox is performing Good Vibrations through early June!  The show includes lots of skits and California-themed music.
• This week at Whole Foods, the Friday tasting will be Italy.  Saturday, you can learn how to maximize minimum space when gardening.  Sunday, take Mom to Whole Foods for a great-sounding Sunday Brunch; and Monday, take a Cook's Tour of Whole Foods.  Click over to their calendar for more information.