Friends that travel together: lake superior

September 22-25, 2016

They are rare, those fine gifts of friendship.  The people that can travel together and have the times of their lives. 

These friends; we are refreshingly candid, laugh till tears run, pray together, thrive on adventure, and don't want to go to our respective homes for at least one more day.  Recent travels took us to the north shore and the Lake Superior Barn located in Maple, Wisconsin.

Keith Kuch

Allene Kind

Amy Kuch

Marc Glass and Chuck Kind

Kyla Glass

David Oliver

Margie Slingsby

Phil Slingsby

Julie Oliver (Photo by Kyla Glass)

The deciduous trees were not changing much yet in mid-September.  Still the north shore is always rich with pointy pines and rock face and paper birch.  Places to explore and hike.

We stayed at The Barn.

Like Phil described, "It's highly unique because it comes off as an old barn that's actually new.  It's warm in the regard of feeling like a home big enough for many yet cozy."  It is the vision of Tom and Nicole Wolfe, built from red elm, white elm, white ash, black ash, hard maple, red oak, white oak, hemlock, southern white pine, heart pine, tamarack - a patchwork of lumber from six different barns.  Rough suspended beams and barn doors included.  With all that wood there are some spaces such as the bathroom and shower areas that felt too dark.  The main living areas have the advantage of large windows and most of the bedrooms have great corner windows. 

We somehow managed to fill the downstairs and main level large refrigerators....imagine that with all the good cooks in the group.  Plus going out to restaurants wasn't on the agenda this trip.  We all liked that aspect of the space; a full kitchen with quality appliances(that dishwasher was a blessing!) plus a washer and dryer that was used given the muddy clay trails.  

Saturday was misty grey so a road trip was perfect.  We indulged in Betty's Famous Pies on the way to Gooseberry Park and Palisades Island.  Strongly recommend sharing the butterscotch pie at Betty's place! 

At Palisades, Amy spotted rock climbers.  Of course I needed to shimmy out on my belly to see what was going on.  Capturing all those colorful carabiners and that fab ponytail on climber Ben and his nearly identical brother was fun.

We felt the accommodations were good but it's the views and terrain that made this long weekend with best friends one of our favorites so far.

A Warm Minnesota Welcome at Orchestra Hall

A drizzling traffic-congested ride to Orchestra Hall made me tense, knowing I was behind schedule.  The moment I walked into the Lobby, I took a deep breathe and felt better.  I was enthused about the potential for the evening and have been to Orchestra Hall numerous times so it felt blissfully familiar.  I sought out Emma Smith, Minnesota Orchestra Associate Marketing Manager, for a friendly hug, gave her my apologies for being late, grabbed a drink from the bar and pulled out my Nikon with a 50mm lens. 

The evening was a rare opportunity for local Instagrammers to meet Minnesota Orchestra musicians on stage and wander the gorgeous Hall to take pictures.  A collaborative between Minnstameets and the Minnesota Orchestra with the following goals as outlined by Emma Smith:

• ·         Curate an interactive social media experience that increases Instagram followers

• ·         Collect professional photos for future Symphony in 60 marketing materials

• ·         Develop relationships with amateur and professional photographers in the Twin Cities

All Musicians are full-time, learning new music and practicing independently.  They are expected to arrive for final rehearsals fully prepared.  On occasion, there is a single full symphony rehearsal prior to an evening performance!  Only the best of the best are capable of that level of greatness.  This gentleman is Associate Concertmaster, chamber musician, author and extraordinary soloist Roger Frisch.   

Brilliant talent and charming Kristen Bruya, Principal Bass, joined the Minnesota Orchestra in February 2015. 

The friendly Viola Player, Kenneth Freed, is a conductor, chamber musician, educator and social entrepreneur. 

MN Youth Symphony Cello Student Ruth Stokes was enthused to meet Principle Cello, festival performer and educator Anthony Ross. 

There are about 150 performers and administrative staff plus 350 Ushers.  Ushers are paid and they are always looking for additional Ushers. 

Principle Conductor Sarah Hicks and Julie Oliver

A heartfelt thank you to Emma for being a gracious planning partner.  Emma has refreshing ideas and such enthusiasm for finding new ways to introduce people to the symphony experience.  The organization is fortunate to have her! 

If you have been to a concert at Orchestra Hall, you are well aware of the remarkable world-famous talent that comes together to form the Minnesota Orchestra.  If you have not gotten to a concert yet there is no better time than now to look over their 2016-2017 season schedule and make plans to go.  

Truly, there is something for everyone.  I am already counting the years until I can take our grandchildren to their first concert at Orchestra Hall.  In the meantime, tickets to 'Inside the Classics: Love in a Time of War (Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet)' with Sarah Hicks, Conductor, and Sam Bergman, Viola and Host, are on my January calendar. 

The Robin Family

It is Springtime in Minnesota. 

In a basket next to our front door, a Mama Robin built a beautiful cradle to lay and nurture her babies. 

April 18th

Twigs arrived on Saturday, they are about 6 inch pieces. 

Mama Robin weaves grasses among the twigs and quickly places her belly in the middle to ensure a strong cradle is in progress.  It needs to be comfortable so twigs are not sticking out which would make the babies uncomfortable. 

Her favorite trees for hopping back and forth into the nest are the River Birch lined along the driveway.  She makes hundreds of trips to find materials and instinctively creates a sturdy bowl-shaped space.  This nest is four feet above the patio floor, in a wire basket protected from rain and heavy winds.  

Before flying into the nest, she consistently makes a quick stop on the neighbors roof to see if it is safe to approach our porch.

April 20th

We have gone from two eggs, then three the next day, to now four eggs! OK, they are tiny, tiny but I am protecting them like they are my own!!  When Mama Robin has to leave the nest I'm on watch-out. And picture taking.  

April 27th

Hatching

Of all the possible days to begin breaking out of their eggs it is Mother's Day when the first arrives!  It takes nearly a whole day to chip out of their shell.  It's hard work.  They are pale pink with only a few tufts of fine hair.  We think they look funny. 

The eggs usually hatch a day apart in the order they were laid.

May 8th

The whole brood and all four appear to be doing fine. 

May 12th

Their appearance changes quickly.  I like how they often prop their beaks on the edge. 

May 13th, Nicole, Alex, Brooke, and James are seeing the sleepy snugglers for the first time. 

Brooke did not want to leave her post but we knew the Mama was eager to return to her brood. 

Feeding and watching is constant work.  The mama and daddy bird take turns sitting on the nest to provide warmth, protect the nest with loud sounds if someone approaches and getting worms to feed their babes.  

May 16 th

One by one they get ready to fly. 

And then there are three. 

One remained and looks a little lonely without the others.  Or perhaps is enjoying the space! 

May 20th

We were a little sad to see them leave our special place on the front porch but we sure had fun watching each step.  We're grateful for this up-close opportunity to learn and love the Robin Family.   This is the last one to leave the nest on May 22, 2016.

The End

To Learn more, read The Story of Robin Eggs. 

Destination: French Polynesia

Bora Bora

The first week of our trip was spent in Bora Bora, acclimating to the gorgeous topography, listening to two dialects, Reo Maohi (Tahitian) and French, dodging rain and sleeping in bungalows about 12 feet above the sea!  We snorkeled around the property but our planned snorkeling trips were cancelled due to high winds and poor water visibility. 

I've kept editing to a minimum so you can see the surroundings as we saw them.  With all our heart we wished we had seen more sunshine.  But a tropical depression had settled in.  Clearly it was still a remarkable adventure and we are grateful we were safe and had the opportunity to see this magical place.

Travels with my Dad and Eva were extra extra special for us.

Raindrops

Toasted Coconut, a popular appetizer.

The island was originally called Pora Pora!  The letter 'b" does not exist in Tahitian but it was mistakenly pronounced Bora Bora, which means "first born", by Captain James Cook.   More about him when we get to Moorea.

Approximately 9,000 people live on this majestic 17 square miles.  From a local tour guide we learned the island sits in a gigantic lagoon and is very very slowly sinking into its hole.  It is projected that in a million years Bora Bora will no longer be above water.  That's an uber long time away but still difficult to imagine.   

Tourists are encouraged to talk with tour operators or taxi boat operators about which islets can be explored because so much of the lagoon is private land.  The only public beach is Marie Point.  The beach is located around the corner from Bloody Mary's Restaurant, an iconic place where you have a shot at seeing Johnny Depp or Marlo Thomas.  Wearing shoes is optional since the floor is fine white sand.  Don't you love a restaurant that casual?

Bloody Mary's Restaurant has groovy t-shirts so we stocked up here! 

Speaking of celebrities, this was Marlon Brando's hideaway hut.  It is now a famous place to drive by and available to rent.   

Jack Nicholson owned this one just a couple huts away.  Can you imagine the parties they had?!!

After a restful week in Bora Bora, we embarked on a cruise for eight days.  David and I have never been on a cruise before so we had quite a bit to learn.  It's something we would do again.  

We boarded a Windstar sailing yacht in Papeete, Tahiti on February 19th and made a giant oblong circle to explore Moorea, Tahaa, Raiatea, back to Bora Bora for a couple days, Huahine and returning to Papeete on February 26th. 

The service was first-class and the food beyond exceptional!  

It was a real treat to have personal time with Executive Chef Klaus; touring the Galley and learning about the layout required of a mid-size vessel and techniques specific to making food on a boat that consistently sways.  Chef Klaus also held a cooking demonstration featuring the local dish "Poisson Cru" which was grand for David, the best chef at our house.

Details of the yacht were fascinating.  I couldn't get enough of the textures, the size of the masts, the wooden handrails and on and on.  It truly is a beauty.

If we could have changed one thing on board it would have been the cabin room.  We would have enjoyed having a sliding door and balcony.  We've heard there are disadvantages to larger cruise ships such as long lines to disembark for day trips but there are two reasons I think we should try a larger boat - - having a room with a sliding glass door would have felt more open and there would likely be less turbulence.  There were two nights where we, along with most of the passengers and even the sailing crew, had bad sea sickness.  Walking wobbly in the hallways and holding yourself up using every stable piece of furniture around is fun for the first hour.  After that, it's just a feeling of being ill and nausea.  Thankfully we got prescribed motion sickness patches before the trip but the storms settled in for days making prescription meds only mildly effective.             

Moorea

Moorea's beauty was the paradise I imagined when I thought of the Polynesian Islands.  The ship anchored in Cook's Bay, on the northern side of the island.   Explorer James Cook anchored there in 1769, as did Europeans Samuel Wallis (1767) and Louis-Anthoine de Bougainville (1768).  Captain Cook was an expert at making maps as he circumnavigated the globe twice and is credited with drawing the first accurate map of the Pacific.  Before being brutally killed in Hawaii (1779) because of his mistreatment of the people of Hawaii, Cook's Bay was Captain Cook's final voyage. 

Tourism and a pineapple growing center are Moorea's primary economic drivers with a population of 16,000 residents.      

From our ship, boats transported passengers (roughly 20 at a time) into the smaller bays where the water made me think of sapphire jewels.  I would have liked to have spent more time on this island, make contact with local residents.  

The tour and history lessons of Moorea were extremely interesting to us.  Opunohu Bay, also on the northern side of Moorea, was a trip highlight and where we found some of the most breath-taking photography opportunities.  The Bay has been used for commercials and movies (Mutiny on the Bounty, South Pacific) because it is so pristine.   Moorea was the inspiration for James Michener's book, Tales of the South Pacific, and ultimately the mystical Bali Hai from the musical 'South Pacific'.  Filming in that bay is popular because it is easy to access and beautifully unspoiled. 

Moorea is lush and dense, an island formed by volcanoes.  It would be difficult to maneuver without an experienced guide and a trail-tough 4X4 or safari vehicle.

Belvedere Lookout is located toward the center of the island and has remarkable views of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. 

Raiatea and Huahine

More thick forests for sure.  These were days designed to explore the villages, and get a feel for Tahitian lifestyle. 

Ra' iatea is the second largest island in the Society Islands and about 145 miles from Tahiti, the largest piece of land in the chain of islands.  Current population is about 12,000 and the area is considered to be a crucial economic driver for the islands.  There seemed to be fewer tourists here, perhaps due to the lack of beaches and activities.  The ship docked in the center of the main town, Uturoa.  Vanilla, pineapple and coconut are primary exports.  And all of the islands have several black pearl farms and boutiques. 

We wandered the large market; a combination of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish, oils, pearls, jewelry and colorful attire for sale.  We picked up a couple fun souvenirs but without a specific tour that day we found it to be a mellow afternoon.

Our time on Huahine was quiet and nothing particularly unique.  We were hot and getting tired so maybe our lack of exploring was a factor.  Merely my opinion, if you are trying to sort out where to spend time in French Polynesia, these are two islands that could be skipped.  Of course the views are gorgeous and if you want pure lounging on some sand they are good places to escape.  David and I just found the other islands to be more engaging.  So we returned to the ship early to catch a tour with Dad and Eva of the Bridge.  

I was surprised at how available the staff and on board spaces were to passengers.  Windstar staff made us feel welcomed in all of the ship areas.  We had such a great time in the Galley learning about food preparation we figured learning about the Bridge, the command and navigation space, would be great too. 

It was terrific!    

Of course I asked permission to take pictures.  They said, "sure you can."  The longest windshield wipers I'll ever see...                       

We traveled with my father, who still loves international travel at 84 years old and wears a Pareo and Tahitian tee like a cool cat, and his girlfriend Eva.  Such a great experience.  The time with dad was really precious.  He knows enough Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Thia, Tagalog, and Chinese to be able to communicate with a lot of people.  It's quite amusing to watch him light-up any time he can practice one of these languages.  This rather shy, extraordinarily caring, master inventor, deep thinker, highly-successful man has been remarkably supportive of David and I over the years, he is the father I adored as a child and that has never changed.  

Love you, Dad.     

An ancient legend says that Raiatea and Tahaa were originally one island until a giant eel swallowed a young girl.  Possessed by her spirit, the enraged creature broke through the earth surface, causing the sea to gush.  The impact of the water cut the island in two and Raiatea and Tahaa were created.     

Tahaa

Tahaa Island, the view from the yacht.  

This was our favorite cruise day.  A full afternoon of lounging on a tiny island and abundant sunshine.  The crew planned a great day.  Arriving by a small boat, we were greeted on the island with a coconut beverage and BBQ for lunch. 

Several passengers brought their own snorkel equipment. 

We thought about it.  I read several blogs and consulted Trip Advisor about traveling through the various islands before we left.  Nearly all said to bring your own snorkel equipment because cruise ship equipment can be beat up.  But the equipment is a heavy load in the luggage so we decided no.  I'm glad we didn't bring our own because our snorkeling time was limited with the rough water and the equipment provided by the ship was in excellent condition.  The other tip was to purchase water shoes before the trip.  We did this and would highly recommend it!!  The beaches are more rugged than other beaches we have been to because they are never groomed so broken shells and rocks are the norm.  I'd read that finding aqua shoes on an island can be difficult and expensive so look locally before you go.  Dick's Sporting Goods had the best selection to try on.  I anticipated we would be in these shoes often so fit was important.  My favorites are pictured below and only $14.99.  We tried on several Speedo water shoes but honestly the less expensive DBX brand were the most comfy.   

I got that pair of floral rubber walking shoes pictured below too.  I wore them A Lot!  On and off the sand, now a new favorite sandal from Target.  I took my old Crocs along and was happy to have them.  One pair of strappy high heels for dressier evening attire was enough for me.  David took tennis shoes, his Birkenstock's for everyday and a couple pair of dressier loafers.   Oh, and we both brought cushy slippers!  Take slippers you love because after a day of exploring and walking the boat getting into a robe and slippers is bliss.  Happy feet are important.      

 Back to this dreamy visit to Taha' a. 

We had massages side-by-side near the water, under a wind sheet for shade, and that was divine...something we had not done before.  Loved it!!  And several of us smiled through an entertaining cocktail-making demonstration.  A day to treasure!

Utterly enchanted.  A trip of a lifetime. 

Sweet Recipes!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

This is a cookie that gets lots of "These are gooood. Can I have the recipe?" Of course.

the ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup of quick oatmeal

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup butter flavored Crisco

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups of any combination: dark chocolate chips, semi- sweet chocolate chips,, mini-chocolate chips, cut-up Reese's peanut butter cups

1/2 cup broken walnut pieces

the directions

Preheat oven to 375*

Whisk together the flour, oatmeal, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Beat Crisco, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large mixer until light and creamy.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in flour mixture just until blended. 

Mix in chocolate chips and walnuts.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.  I use a large meatball scoop. 

Bake for about 9 minutes until the edges begin to brown.

Let cool on baking sheet for a minute before transferring to a cooling rack.

From the Recipe Collection of Julie Oliver

Blueberry and Lemon Buttermilk Scones

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk together:

1 ½ cup all purpose flour

½ cup cake flour (not self-rising)

3 Tbsp. sugar

2 ½ tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. finely grated lemon peel

¾ tsp. salt

Use finger tips to mix in butter until mixture has texture of coarse meal:

1 stick cold butter, cut into small pieces

Add and stir in:

1 cup (1/2 pint) fresh or frozen blueberries

1 teaspoon grated

Whisk together in a small bowl:

½ cup buttermilk

1 egg                  

½ tsp. vanilla

Add milk mixture to flour mixture till dough comes together but small amount of flour remains in bowl.  Gently knead once or twice.

Drop 12 scones onto prepared baking sheet or flatten batter into two disks and slice into pie-shaped wedges.  Sprinkle with sugar. 

Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 23 – 25 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.  Excellent served immediately.

May be frozen up to one month.  Thaw, reheat in 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.

From the Recipe Collection of Julie Oliver

homemade Ice Cream

A basic vanilla ice cream recipe that's easy.  If you want variety from plain-yet-spectacular vanilla, add cinnamon or fruit or peppermint candies or whatever you wish. 

The recipe does require an ice cream maker.  Our best advice on the matter of ice cream makers and their use: put the ice cream container in the freezer the day before so it chills the liquids quickly and buy a Cuisinart.

Vanilla Ice Cream

• 4 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¾  cup sugar
• ¼ cup plus 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 pinches of salt

To make Cinnamon Ice Cream, add 1 scant Tablespoon cinnamon.

To make Raspberry Ice Cream, add 1 cup of fresh or frozen (mostly drained) berries.

 Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well.

Pour into ice cream maker and blend for 20 – 25 minutes. 

Notes:  Place container in the freeze for an additional 2 hours for firmer ice cream.  Put ice cream in a covered plastic container for longer storage.

Happy 30th, Alex.....We love you

Roseville Fire Department Visit

what a holiday

Sliding and ice skating.  We made New Year's Eve party hats at Silverwood Park, bird feeders at home along with the annual Lefse Shenanigans.  Celebrated Christmas Eve with laughs and presents at Dad and Eva's home, ate Steelhead Trout caught out in Washington, tried to eat our vegetables, filled up on brie, mangos, red grapes, apples and raspberries, and crock-pot mac and cheese.  Snuggled through Christmas movies and went to an oncology appointment where we all piled into one clinic patient room.  Loved the Winter Solstice Celebration at the American Swedish Institute.  Prayers and angels were made in freshly fallen snow.  We may have had decadent waffles at Black: Coffee and Waffle Shop. 

Of course, we had to see Macy's fanciful holiday display and visit Santa!   

"Looking out on the morning rain."

Aretha sings Carole

Alleluia to a new year and every female trailblazer.  You make me feel inspired.   

Destination: Marco Island

November, 2015

We said,

It went too fast.  The best vacations do.

This was a highlight!  The Calusa Spirit adventure.  A mega pontoon boat ride that was perfect for our family. 

With the three little ones we liked the idea of a vessel with shaded seating and high sides for safety.  And the two and a half hour tour was just the right length of time. 

The dolphins were a thrill.  Stevie captured them jumping as they played right off the back of the boat.           

An outing we would recommend; the reservation was made before we arrived and we accessed the boat from the resort beach.  Super easy.  We learned the Gulf of Mexico has more than 10,000 undeveloped islands where crocs and alligators, osprey, eagles, snakes, sea turtles, bobcats and panthers roam.  The boat ride was beautiful, vast open water where you have that sense of being able to see forever.  Then time on an island to wander.  After an hour of feet in the sand and shelling we had bags of treasures to take home.   

Several people asked me where Marco Island is before we left.  I hadn't heard of the island until a couple years ago on a Naples, Florida vacation.   We love Naples.  We've always stayed at one of the Ritz-Carlton properties in Naples (both the Beach and Golf properties are swoon-worthy).  We don't typically rent a car for Naples but the last time we were there we specifically wanted to check out Sanibel, Fort Myers and Marco Island. 

The history of Marco Island is traced back to 500 A.D., when the Calusa people inhabited the island.  Today it is quite touristy but charming.  The weather and beaches are stellar.      

After searching Travel + Leisure and Trip Advisor, we settled on the Marco Island Marriott to celebrate Thanksgiving and our 35th wedding anniversary with our kids and grand kids.     

It was perfect, and that is saying a lot from me....I'm a self-proclaimed hotel snob.  Hey, I can live with that.  The Marriott staff were friendly, and eager to offer classy resort-style service the whole time.  Tony, Alex and David enjoyed the golfing and we all approved of our spa time.  Family activities geared toward all ages.  Excellent food as well (try the steaks at ARIO and causal eating at Quinn's on the Beach).  If only we could have brought that Pina Colada maker home!!    

Breakfast buffet was a great value.  Rosie ate her weight in watermelon and cantaloupe.  Made-to-order omelets, french toast with a delicious vanilla sauce, lox and capers, basically everything was terrific at Maia.     

Carried the trip home with us in pictures.  A little sand in the luggage helps too. 

Happy Gifting

Useful.  Clever.  Beautiful.  Practical.  Fun.   

Vintage Thermos Canvas Tote with Corduroy Trim

Crab & Cleek; $56

Blue Hawk Short-Handle Wood Digging Shovel

Lowes; $14.98

Light as many sticks from an assortment of America’s finest smelling wood as suits your preference.  Allow for proper combustion.  Extinguish the flame, and waft the rising essence of a freshly lit campfire over your flannel.

Campfire Cologne

Huckleberry; $12.95

Rain Boots for digging in the Garden. 

Fleet Farm; $29.99

Magazine Lovers Unite

Bird & Blooms Magazine; $10 for a one year subscription

Blacksmith Shoe Rack

Pottery Barn; $142 and Free Shipping

A birdy board game.

Terrain; $29.95

             An edible birdhouse.  Wrens need to eat too.

National Wildlife Federation; $29.99

A fresh Ivy Kissing Ball.

Pottery Barn; $59

Twinkly Starry Lights - Amber Lights on Copper Wire

Restoration Hardware; starting at $11.00 and Free Shipping

the Opening of Porsche of Minneapolis plus a rad guy named Magnus Walker

If you don't know this gentleman, Mr. Magnus Walker, watch his beautifully shot and edited video titled 'Cruising My Religion' here. 

Totally dig his TED Talk, too............

“Eight weeks ago, I didn’t know what a TED Talk was. To be honest I’m not quite sure why I’m here today. ”

Thanks to Eddie Rediske | Porsche General Sales Manager (pictured above with Julie Oliver), Eric Voge | Sales Professional and all of the exceptional crew at Porsche for taking care of David and I, and the invite to an excellent bash! 

If you want to connect with a knowledgeable and uber nice member of the Porsche Team, send an email to Eric at evoge@carouselmotor.com

It's a labor of love: State Fair Tomatoes

I met Steve Baker earlier this summer and we got to talking about his hobby farm.  He enters the Ag Society tomatoes and potatoes competition at the Minnesota State Fair every year.  

He calls it 'a labor of love' that he has been doing for 10 years.  In a good year of winning, the premium award is around $200.  But the investment is 2 - 3 times that to get about 6 perfect tomatoes timed just right. 

In the 11/4" or smaller category, he likes Black Cherry Tomatoes.

In the 2' or larger Heirloom category, he likes Cherokee Purple and Black Prince

To begin with I can't imagine spending six hundred dollars on tomatoes.  That means either canning or giving away A LOT of produce.  Exhibitors can't sell what they grow.  And then going to all that effort (because let's be honest tomatoes can be quite challenging to grow) with the intent of harvesting a handful for a competition?  Dedication.  I will never look at the fruit and vegetables in the Agriculture Horticulture Building in the same way.          

An Unforgettable Umbrella

Jill Emmer was the first local Instagrammer that I met in person, just a simple walk in the woods with lots of candid conversation and we became instant friends. 

Jill's traveling umbrella project began when she borrowed her mom's umbrella;  people admired her compositions with the colorful umbrella and began asking where they could get one.  Ideas sparked and now a handful of umbrellas travel from photographer to photographer as a way to meet new people and tap into their own creativity.  They are currently in Malaysia, California, Rome, New York, Minnesota, Australia, New Jersey, and London.  Midwest Living Magazine captured the project here and you can find more of her work here.  I think this Snapwire article gets at the heart of Jill.  She is collaborating on a book and wants to use the Rainbow Umbrella Project as a catalyst for raising money for charities.  In June 2015, the Huffington Post published an interview with Jill titled: "The Umbrella That Traveled the World".   

When the umbrella arrived on the doorstep I knew I wanted to take pictures in a variety of places.  Thanks to Jill for including me in her clever project. 

Amy among the grapevines at Indian Island Winery (Janesville, MN)

Just resting on a fancy new Porsche Panamera.  (Minneapolis, MN)

David on the rooftop of the Minnesota Children's Museum (St. Paul, MN)

  James & Elizabeth at the Minnesota Children's Museum (St. Paul, MN)

Sinking

Two of my favorite models, daughter Nicole and grand daughter Brooke. (Shoreview, MN)

Wash Day (Blaine, MN)

Elizabeth in brightness (Downtown St. Paul, MN)

Russell on his very First Birthday. (White Bear Lake, MN)

Huge thanks to Amy, James, David, Elizabeth, Russell, Nicole and Brooke for participating in the Umbrella Project!

An online magazine I think you might love as much as I do.

The Midwestival is a travel blog - of sorts - with gorgeous photography and a smattering of this and that.  It has not been around long but has a fast-growing following.  Entertaining articles.  Good recipes.  A stylish, clean look that I admire.  See for yourself.      

The Midwestival

Their motto:   We love the Midwest and we won't shut up about it.

If you want ideas for places to travel/things to do with a unique perspective, sign-up for THE WEEKENDER.  Then you will get a message every Friday morning that is filled with possibilities. 

3 years old today, darling Brooke. We are completely smitten and love you to the moon and back, Papa and Bamma

A week that leaves us rather speechless.

The trauma of being told that your husband has cancer can't be put into words easily.  I want to soothe his pain.  I want someone to fix it.  I want the years to jump backwards to when we first met in college, when the babies woke us up in the night, when we poured over house plans to build our first home, when the kids were in confirmation and quiet evenings on the first deck we built together.   

It all came crashing down on July 6th. 

David has battled lung and heart changes for 18 months, a path that surprised us at every turn.  A horrible tunnel of tests, surgeries and pain.  And waiting; to find answers, to understand.  And by the end of 2014 there was closure.  The answers were found.  His body repaired and healed. 

It genuinely felt like the worst was behind us.

Then a new CT Scan indicates something is still wrong six months later.  Surgery and pathology results confirm the fear.  What had been labelled as benign became characterized as cancer.  It feels unfair.  This kind and loving man has been through too much.  And now more medical appointments, more procedures, more anxiety.

But we are not alone.  Too many others are faced with this same realization that life is delicate and can change without warning.

The blessings come in the shape of family and friendships and the grace of God.  

Our kids rallied around us last week like eagles over a nest.  The littlest ones bring smiles and laughter.  They are beautiful distractions.           

We are walking with Sophie, thankful for warm weather that is filled with possibilities.  We cry.  We try to keep busy.  We are busy.  We pray for guidance.  We rest.

We look to the future with a huge sense of urgency and a sense that we have many more things to accomplish. 

It has taken time to absorb the initial shock.  Time to find our voices again.  

The weight is lightened because others share the burden with us.  We know we are loved by God, family and friends and that is a wonderful thing.    

Mid-Summer Gardening

By the middle of July I want time to slow down.  The mid-point of Minnesota summer and for as much as I talk about enjoying our change of seasons I just want summer to go on a whole lot longer.  

There's sort of less to do in the garden but more to do.  I guess that just makes it different things to do.  All the vegetables and flowers are in the ground.  The mulch has been top-coated.  The heat and sunshine are exactly what the plants thrive on which translates into lots of this: water, weed, water, fertilize, weed, water some more.

Let's talk fertilizer.  It makes a difference.  

The plants are working overtime to produce fruit or vegetables or flowers; they need a boost.  Finding the perfect fertilizer is probably less important than just getting something applied.

Water soluble powder fertilizer comes in a box or jug.  It is typically a good value because you have to do the mixing with water (more labor = less cost).  It also comes pre-mixed where you connect the applicator to the hose and spray the fertilizer - this option is a bit more expensive.  With the water solubles, I recommend products based on how many plants you need to fertilize.

• Plants mostly in containers and not too far from the water source (i.e. the kitchen sink faucet, garden hose) --> use the powder, measure it out, mix in the watering can and apply.
• Lots of plants or area to cover --> use the pre-mixed products. 

Slow release fertilizers are even easier than water soluble options.  They can be mixed into the dirt at planting time or sprinkled on the soil anytime. 

I'm a fan of slow release fertilizer.  I shake the granules on top of the soil (not the leaves) and then water as usual.  It's simple.                     

If you want the healthiest plants possible with the best yield of fruit, vegetables or flowers get out there and give them the boost of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and stuff they need.  It's worth the half hour.  

Sure, you can go buy seven different products specifically formulated for different types of plants if you want to but it's not essential for most gardens.  Use what you have sitting on the garage shelf or buy a good all-purpose fertilizer.

Apply fertilizer every few weeks.  More or less.

Some other things you can do to keep everything in great shape: 

• Keep roots consistently watered.  Not too much.  Not too little. 
• Lift your pots.  If the pot feels light, the plant really needs a good drink of water.  If the pot feels heavy, then leave it be for a while.  
• Manage the weeds.  Mulch is excellent for keeping weeds away, plus keeping moisture in the ground and roots cooler.  I'm not gonna mislead you.....weeds will still happen but with mulch down and some weeding by hand it's a good combination.   
• Divide your plants and share with others.  Preferably on a nice comfortable day when you feel like digging and the plant won't get stressed in extreme heat.
• Remove spent blooms (aka deadheading so the energy goes toward new growth).