We are homeowners (again)!
Chris and I just got back from the closing, so we own another house! The best thing about this, of course, is that we finally have a home. The movers come tomorrow - let's hope they beat the blizzard! Now we're on a mission to buy things like a shovel and coat, gloves, hat (for Chris - of course I have several of those) to get ready for the big storm tomorrow. Hooray!
Be Smart and Do Good
OK, this might seem like a frivolous way to waste time (one of many, unfortunately...), but I just came across this site:
It's a way to test and/or enhance your vocabulary and for each question you answer correctly, they donate 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.
It's fun and addictive, but (at least somewhat) guilt free!
Thanksgiving in Michigan
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! We had a great time in Michigan. As with most vacations, the time went by too fast. Once again, I didn't take as many pictures as I wish I had, so I'll try for a compelling narrative.
After digesting and chatting with the Darnells, we met up with Opal and Suzanne. Suzanne turns 60 on December 23 (sorry! I hope you weren't trying to keep that a secret!) and we won't see her then so decided to do a small celebration one month in advance. We visited the Yates Cider Mill for some cider (of course) and - because of course we needed more junk food - their homemade donuts.
On Wednesday we arrived around rush hour in Detroit. It's hard to believe all the negative news about that place when the roads - from freeways to city streets to suburban avenues - are packed with traffic. There are millions of people there with places to go and things to do, so it can't be all bad! If only they would start buying houses...
After quite a long drive and picking up dinner from La Shish - the best Middle Eastern cuisine outside, well, the Middle East - we arrived at the home of our friends, the Harpers. It was great to see Chris and Kristin, but spending time with four-year-old twins Kate and Kyle was the real treat!
We awoke to tiny voices chanting "it's snowing, it's snowing" on Thursday morning. Sure enough, our first real snow of 2007 found us in Michigan! (It was also colder and gloomier than Minnesota for all you who continue to think we've moved to the frozen tundra.)
Chris and Chris (they go by their last names when together, but it still gets confusing!) played in the snow with Kyle and Kate for awhile in the morning.
By early afternoon, the Harpers left for Thanksgiving with Kristin's family. Once Chris finished watching the Lions lose (and taking a nap), we headed for Mike and Donna's house. Two of their kids weren't there (Laurie and Cindy (and Ryan)), but Jenny, Michael, Matt and Gina were there and Heather came in from New York with her boyfriend Jahn (sorry if I didn't spell that correctly). Grammy Opal was there and Suzanne came in from California for a few days. A friend of the Forans' also joined us.
There we enjoyed a scrumptuous Thanksgiving feast of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, yams and various side dishes followed by Grammy's out-of-this-world pies. Pumpkin, cherry and pecan. Mmmm, mmmm. Can we have Thanksgiving again this week?
On Friday morning we were, of course, ready for another big meal! Matt and Sherrie invited us to their house for brunch. They live just a few miles from the Harpers. Also joining us were their sons Jack (7) and Nick (5) and Chris and Matt's friend Jerry, his wife Gina and their kids Gueneviere (3) and Gabriel (1). We had a great time and ate way too much of the delicious quiche, sausage, fruit, veggies, bread that they had prepared.
After digesting and chatting with the Darnells, we met up with Opal and Suzanne. Suzanne turns 60 on December 23 (sorry! I hope you weren't trying to keep that a secret!) and we won't see her then so decided to do a small celebration one month in advance. We visited the Yates Cider Mill for some cider (of course) and - because of course we needed more junk food - their homemade donuts.After the cider mill, believe it or not, we went out to eat! At La Shish again (because it's also Suzanne's favorite). We've decided that we have to visit Michigan more often so we don't feel the need to gorge ourselves on all our favorite local food. I didn't even mention the many slices of before and after Thanksgiving pie from Achatz.
Following an early (and light) dinner and birthday toast to Suzanne, Chris and I headed back to the Harpers. We brought a make-your-own-bouncy-ball kit and wanted the chance to make them with Kyle and Kate. It was a very easy process of mixing water with colored crystals in a mold. I had fun and the kids seemed to enjoy them. Chris warned me that it might not be a very parent-friendly gift, but as of Saturday morning the Harpers weren't cursing us, so I think it was ok!
By noon on Saturday we were on our way back to Minneapolis. Although we wish we'd stayed longer, we were glad to have some time to relax. Thanks, all, for the fun and food!
A quick trip to Seattle
Chris and I flew to Seattle last weekend for the baptism of Keith's and Lauren's baby Greyson. They called it a christening but I really don't know what the difference is so I'm using the term that's more familiar to me. Does anyone know the difference, if there is one?
Chris' other high school friend, Chris, and his wife Kristin were also there, along with several more of Keith's and Lauren's friends and family. We shared a suite with Chris and Kristin near Lake Union, which superstar marathoner Kristin did a quick 7 mile run around on Saturday morning. We felt like bums by comparison.
The baptism was on Saturday morning and it was a special ceremony just for them - not after church. It was certainly the most personal baptism I've ever attended. Lauren's dad sang "Forever Young" and played the guitar, which was so touching. Greyson was so well-behaved. She is almost six months old and by the look on her face it was almost as if she understood everything!
While talking about the importance of Greyson's baptism date being as important as her birthday, he asked if anyone knew their baptism date. Of course I do (September 24), so I raised my hand like any good nerd would. I don't think the priest expected anyone to know (or to say anything if they did know), so he didn't really seem to have a point in asking that. Although he was kind of an odd duck in general, so who knows.
They hosted a brunch at their beautifully renovated Craftsman-style home in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood. We spent the rest of the day there and then went to dinner with Keith, Lauren, Chris and Kristin. They surprised us with a bottle of champagne in honor of our anniversary. Of course I drank my share as well as Chris'!
On Sunday we went to brunch and did a little shopping with Chris and Kristin. Then we met everyone for bowling at Sunset Bowl in Ballard, Grandma Dottie's old stomping grounds. We even drove by her alma mater, Ballard High School!
Seattle's such a great city, not unlike Minneapolis in that the city itself is vibrant, walkable and interesting and more desirable than the surrounding suburbs. I hope we go back soon!
I know, I know. I have no pictures. Chris brought his camera but I'm not sure it ever left the room. I'm not living up to my picture-taking responsibilities, am I Mom and Grandma?
Chris' other high school friend, Chris, and his wife Kristin were also there, along with several more of Keith's and Lauren's friends and family. We shared a suite with Chris and Kristin near Lake Union, which superstar marathoner Kristin did a quick 7 mile run around on Saturday morning. We felt like bums by comparison.
The baptism was on Saturday morning and it was a special ceremony just for them - not after church. It was certainly the most personal baptism I've ever attended. Lauren's dad sang "Forever Young" and played the guitar, which was so touching. Greyson was so well-behaved. She is almost six months old and by the look on her face it was almost as if she understood everything!
While talking about the importance of Greyson's baptism date being as important as her birthday, he asked if anyone knew their baptism date. Of course I do (September 24), so I raised my hand like any good nerd would. I don't think the priest expected anyone to know (or to say anything if they did know), so he didn't really seem to have a point in asking that. Although he was kind of an odd duck in general, so who knows.
They hosted a brunch at their beautifully renovated Craftsman-style home in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood. We spent the rest of the day there and then went to dinner with Keith, Lauren, Chris and Kristin. They surprised us with a bottle of champagne in honor of our anniversary. Of course I drank my share as well as Chris'!
On Sunday we went to brunch and did a little shopping with Chris and Kristin. Then we met everyone for bowling at Sunset Bowl in Ballard, Grandma Dottie's old stomping grounds. We even drove by her alma mater, Ballard High School!
Seattle's such a great city, not unlike Minneapolis in that the city itself is vibrant, walkable and interesting and more desirable than the surrounding suburbs. I hope we go back soon!
I know, I know. I have no pictures. Chris brought his camera but I'm not sure it ever left the room. I'm not living up to my picture-taking responsibilities, am I Mom and Grandma?
We have a house!
As Amber would say - "holy cow Mert." I really wasn't expecting to get this house, although Chris was and now we aren't quite sure we want it. Figures, right?
Here it is - 5400 Washburn Avenue. The pictures are not very good, but you can see that it's in good shape and is right across the street from Minnehaha Creek and Parkway.
The house is dated inside, but clean and in good condition. It's got some issues though. There are only two bedrooms and one bath on the main floor. The basement is divided lengthwise by a block wall, rendering the space rather unusable. We'd like to add a second floor, but may not be able to do that due to zoning regulations.
Here it is - 5400 Washburn Avenue. The pictures are not very good, but you can see that it's in good shape and is right across the street from Minnehaha Creek and Parkway.
The house is dated inside, but clean and in good condition. It's got some issues though. There are only two bedrooms and one bath on the main floor. The basement is divided lengthwise by a block wall, rendering the space rather unusable. We'd like to add a second floor, but may not be able to do that due to zoning regulations. Plus, it doesn't really have a back yard. That doesn't bother us, because look at the front yard, but we think it might be a problem when we go to sell it.
If we decide to keep it, we'll be closing by the end of the month. Start planning your visit!
Per Amber's request, here's a link to the listing and a few more pictures: http://matrix.northstarmls.com/Matrix/Public/Email.aspx?ID=3981823808
p.s. Marilyn - it's 8 miles to the Mall of America. :)
A Stellar Effort
Last night's volleyball match was a real heartbreaker, with Angie and team losing a close one. The match went five games, with Delano keeping alive with a spectacular showing in game four. Grandma, it's a good thing you weren't there because every single game was a nail biter.
Angie did such a great job, though, with some outstanding kills and tremendous saves. She and her team have much to be proud of and I was so glad to be there to watch!
Angie did such a great job, though, with some outstanding kills and tremendous saves. She and her team have much to be proud of and I was so glad to be there to watch!
Are you ready for some...volleyball!
Angie and the Delano Tigers take on Stewartville tonight at 7:00. Good luck to Angie and her team! They are such superstars - I can't wait to watch them tonight!Here's the pre-game analysis, courtesy of Minnesota Sports Online:
"These two teams met during the regular season with Delano winning 2-0. Delano is making its third overall appearance, but first since 2001. The Delano Tigers tied for No. 9 in the final poll. The Tigers of Stewartville are hoping to improve on last year’s runner-up finish as they make their third consecutive and 18th overall appearance. In addition to facing Delano during the regular season, Stewartville also lost to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 2-0. The Stewartville Tigers were No. 8 in this year’s final poll and are in the hunt for their fourth championship. They won previous titles in 1991, 1997, and 2000."
Even though I missed Saturday's Section victory, I still got to be in the post-game photo with Bonnie, Angie and Grandma!
Most Affordable Place to Live Well?
You guessed it - Minneapolis!
Forbes is one smart magazine for ranking my new and favorite city at the top of it's 2007 list. For you skeptics who think weather is everything, here are a few reasons why Minneapolis is #1:
- Relatively affordable homes
- Cost of living is less than the median
- Top-notch cultural institutions
- Outstanding quality of life
"The "City of Lakes" is a case study in corporate social responsibility. A large variety of companies--from Target to Cargill--donate huge sums of money to the city's schools, cultural institutions and health services. This positively affects the quality of life and the arts and leisure choices. Housing and cost of living are both affordable, but aren't dramatically below national means."
Now don't you all move here at once, but feel free to visit any time. :)
Forbes is one smart magazine for ranking my new and favorite city at the top of it's 2007 list. For you skeptics who think weather is everything, here are a few reasons why Minneapolis is #1:
- Relatively affordable homes
- Cost of living is less than the median
- Top-notch cultural institutions
- Outstanding quality of life
"The "City of Lakes" is a case study in corporate social responsibility. A large variety of companies--from Target to Cargill--donate huge sums of money to the city's schools, cultural institutions and health services. This positively affects the quality of life and the arts and leisure choices. Housing and cost of living are both affordable, but aren't dramatically below national means."
Now don't you all move here at once, but feel free to visit any time. :)
Attention Deer Hunters
Deer hunting season is in full swing and hunters are getting more deer than they can (or want to) eat in a year. Why not do something good for those in need and donate the deer to a local food shelf! The Minnesota legislature funds a program to facilitate the donation of deer to food shelves. There is no cost to the hunter and processors will be reimbursed for their costs.
Review the list of processors participating in the program. It may require a longer trip than usual, but isn't it worth it? And talk to your local processor to encourage their participation in this program.
Happy deer hunting!
Review the list of processors participating in the program. It may require a longer trip than usual, but isn't it worth it? And talk to your local processor to encourage their participation in this program.
Happy deer hunting!
Hindsight is 20/20
This excerpt from a recent Garrison Keillor post on Salon.com got me thinking about how life would've been different for us Norwegians if our ancestors had never emigrated here. Of course it doesn't make sense, because if that had happened I wouldn't exist. But it is interesting to contemplate how the place my ancestors left because life was hard has turned into a place I think I'd love, borderline socialist that I am. That's not to say I don't love America, because I do, but Keillor's points, tongue-in-cheek as they may be, are hard to dismiss.
"In Moorhead, Minn., you'll find a fine replica of an 11th century Norwegian stave church, which looks a little odd there with few trees and no mountains. And that's how the Norwegian emigrants felt who wound up on the prairie. The sky was too big and they had to learn to walk on level ground. But life was hard in Norway. The Black Plague had killed off half the country in the 14th century and made it defenseless, and so Norway fell under the woolen fist of Danish oppression until Denmark chose the wrong side in the Napoleonic wars and was forced by Britain to give Norway to Sweden, and between the Danes and the Swedes they managed to give Norway a national inferiority complex that lasted even beyond national independence in 1905. In these little villages along the fjords, people wearied of vertical agriculture and began emigrating to the Midwest back when it was a primitive frontier.
A Norwegian hates to admit a mistake, however, so the emigrants wrote glowing letters back to Norway, which lured even more Norwegians to the Midwest, so they missed out on the great Norwegian oil and gas bonanza of the past 50 years. Our oil profits go to robber barons who give it to their wastrel children to subsidize lives of insane narcissism, but Norwegian oil profits go mostly to the Norwegian people and subsidize the little villages and the roads and rails needed to connect them -- Norwegians are in favor of provincialism -- and also go to the largest pension fund in Europe, $300 billion, which is forecast to more than double in the next 10 years.
American Norwegians live in little prairie towns where health care is the main industry because everybody's old and their main asset is their home, which isn't worth what it was because the town is shrinking because old people have a tendency to die. Their ancestors took a wrong turn. They had no idea America would fall into the hands of a failed oilman who would waste the country's pension money on a war for oil while Norway, the world's most peaceful country, enjoys a very sensible prosperity. They've voted twice to stay out of the European Union. Why mess with success?"
"In Moorhead, Minn., you'll find a fine replica of an 11th century Norwegian stave church, which looks a little odd there with few trees and no mountains. And that's how the Norwegian emigrants felt who wound up on the prairie. The sky was too big and they had to learn to walk on level ground. But life was hard in Norway. The Black Plague had killed off half the country in the 14th century and made it defenseless, and so Norway fell under the woolen fist of Danish oppression until Denmark chose the wrong side in the Napoleonic wars and was forced by Britain to give Norway to Sweden, and between the Danes and the Swedes they managed to give Norway a national inferiority complex that lasted even beyond national independence in 1905. In these little villages along the fjords, people wearied of vertical agriculture and began emigrating to the Midwest back when it was a primitive frontier.
A Norwegian hates to admit a mistake, however, so the emigrants wrote glowing letters back to Norway, which lured even more Norwegians to the Midwest, so they missed out on the great Norwegian oil and gas bonanza of the past 50 years. Our oil profits go to robber barons who give it to their wastrel children to subsidize lives of insane narcissism, but Norwegian oil profits go mostly to the Norwegian people and subsidize the little villages and the roads and rails needed to connect them -- Norwegians are in favor of provincialism -- and also go to the largest pension fund in Europe, $300 billion, which is forecast to more than double in the next 10 years.
American Norwegians live in little prairie towns where health care is the main industry because everybody's old and their main asset is their home, which isn't worth what it was because the town is shrinking because old people have a tendency to die. Their ancestors took a wrong turn. They had no idea America would fall into the hands of a failed oilman who would waste the country's pension money on a war for oil while Norway, the world's most peaceful country, enjoys a very sensible prosperity. They've voted twice to stay out of the European Union. Why mess with success?"
Learning to Make Lefse
After a fruitless attempt to make lefse several months ago, I decided to attend a class to learn how it should be done! I'd call yesterday's class at Kitchen Window more of a demonstration than a class, but I did have the chance to make three lefse. The first one was undercooked, but the other two were quite good! Interestingly enough, hot-off-the-grill lefse tastes very similar to Swedish pancakes.
Rolling and handling the dough was not nearly as tricky as I expected. Th key is really in the quality of the dough and it doesn't seem that hard. Although those who recall my inaugural blog post about making kumla know what too much flour does to Norwegian food!
In addition to invigorating my interest in giving lefse another try, I learned that there are over 50 varieties of lefse and some are made without potatoes! Can you imagine? Immigrants favored potato lefse and so it has become the prevalent form in the US.
If I get my lefse equipment out of storage by Christmas I will attempt to make some for our gatherings. However, if you were planning to buy lefse please do, as I can't guarantee it will be anything like the pros make!
Photo credit: www.lefsetime.com (I didn't know that more than five people read this blog).
Remember this cute pumpkin?
While looking through photos trying to think of something to post today, I came across this super cute picture of Trevor as a pumpkin. It's amazing that this was two years ago! The expressions this kid wears never cease to make me smile.
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