Corn Smut and Kindness with Lily Wilcock

Today was a treat, Certified Nicest Person in the City, Lily Wilcock was the guest on It's My Treat. It was suggested that their title should be Middle Class Progressive A-Hole, but I think she does a better job of being the nicest person. Did you see how I just used two different pronouns to describe Lily? They go by She/They. As I always say, I go by anything. He, She, They, Dad, Other Dad, Papa, or even Alligator (as long as it is a cute alligator.)

First, we have to talk about the food. I had the same thing as last time, tacos and cheese, but Lily had the Vegetarian Fajita Quesadilla. Didn't think anything of it until she said it had Corn Smut in it. Some of my conversations have gone to some risqué subjects, but this was the first time that we ventured straight into Smut! But apparently it has nothing to do with that kind of smut, but instead, it is a mushroom fungus that grows on corn that is supposed to be delicious. I think the world of Lily, but you would never catch me eating Corn Smut, Not even if I was hungry. Not even if I was starving. I'll stick with my chicken and cheeseburgers.

Lily is a planner at the City of Champaign and used to work in Urbana. There seems to be a lot of workers going from Urbana to Champaign. Since Lily is a planner, we did talk a little about planning and all of the interesting things that are going to be happening downtown and along Neil Street. Sounds like a lot of good things happening. They also explained to me why businesses like Walmart having move in on the edge of the city can be beneficial and bring in more money than it cost to support them. I have always seen the Prospect Ave. stores as a chaotic busy mess, but apparently it isn't as bad as I thought it was for a City. But I think we both agree that having a strong downtown is vital for a healthy city.

It is fun talking to people who are passionate about their work. Makes me want to know more about how good planning can make a difference in the vitality of a city. Learned a few things that I did not know about Lily. Married and divorced years ago. Owned a house in Urbana, and just recently bought and apartment in Champaign. They live close enough to walk to work! I am close enough to walk to work too, but I am just lazy and drive.

But I do remember living in the same neighborhood as Lily does and I used to walk downtown all the time. It was nice to be able to go out have a few drinks and not have to worry about driving home. They also have a dog that they love, but I didn't get to see any pictures. Yesterday, my therapist mentioned that it might be good for me to get a dog. Not sure I have the time or space for that, but it would be nice to have a pet to come home to. Pet owners who are reading, let me know in the comments the positive benefits you get out of having the companionship of a dog or cat. Well probably not a cat, because who wants a cat?

Lily offered to be my new bike guy, so I can go to them whenever I need to get my bike fixed. First, I need to get a bike, then I need to get in good enough shape to not die if I decided to take it for a ride. I like bike people, but now sure I will be one of them. She asked me if I wanted to go camping this summer. Yes, obviously. I have not been camping since I was a youngster. I used to like it and I'd love to give it another go this summer. There is a place a hundred miles away that they want to bike to and camp for a bit. I think I will pass on the bike ride but will be happy to meet them out there.

One story before I close up this post. It didn't happen today, but a few months ago right around the time that I first met Lily, I was walking to the parking lot, and she was walking toward me. Her arms went up and I thought she wanted to give me a double high five, so I matched their action and raised my arms up very high, but I thought it was funny because I am taller than she is, so I didn't think she could reach my hands, but I was completely wrong in what was happening. Instead of a high five, Lily just went in for a big hug. I am normally not a person who likes being hugged by anyone, but I don't know what it is about Lily, the kind gesture just made me so happy. That is just one reason that I think she is one of the nicest people I've ever met.

Thank you, Lily, for going out to lunch with me. Next time we can talk more about your music and why you have three flutes.