Wild for Turkeys

There's a family of turkeys that has been hanging out in our neighborhood for the past month or so. Although I haven't gotten up close to inspect, it would appear that it is a Momma turkey and her five babies. They showed up one day in our back yard, in the fenced-in part where our dog likes to hang out. Gus spotted them from the window and shouted, "Mom, there's a pack of wild turkeys in our yard! Cool!"
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We've watched them from the windows, followed them around the neighborhood taking their pictures and once or twice, I've caught Gus chasing them with a squirt gun or a stick. I've tried in instill in the kids a sense of awe for their beauty, a curiosity for a "pack" of turkeys in an urban neighborhood. But yet, last week Gus said to me, "Mom, can I go get a knife and stab one?"
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Well, at least he asked. I think they'd out run him any day.

Harvest Time

We did a bit of harvesting this week. The carrots were planted this year, but planted a little too closely. They're a bit stubby, but perfect for little kid hands. The potatoes were planted last year and mysteriously showed up again this year. The kids and I imagined an alien potato hovering under the dirt all winter long, waiting and waiting for the spring and warm sun to return.

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We are well underway here in the back-to-school process. I am back at teacher's meetings this week for the first time in three years, preparing to teach Spanish part-time. As a result, the boys were at camp full-days this week and Louise began her half-day preschool. Monday afternoon was a bit testy: all three of them on a new schedule, the realization that I wouldn't be getting them ready in the morning any more, the frustration with an early bed time. Kids are resilient so I knew they would be fine. The one I was most worried about? Me. With five days under my belt now, I see that I'll be fine. All my worries? Not quite gone, but I'll give you an update next week after the kids show up.

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And you? How is your back-to-school transition going?

A little time away....

We went away for our 10th anniversary this weekend to a lovely place in the country called A Journey Inn. It is an eco-friendly Bed & Breakfast located on 66 acres of prairie and woods with winding paths throughout the property. We left on Saturday afternoon on a leisurely drive and arrived in the nearby artsty town of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin in time to visit a funky gallery owned by my friend's mom called Secret Heart Gallery. I had tried to visit it a while back when Janet and I visited Seed Savers in IA, but we arrived after hours and missed it. What a place! Ron and I found a few goodies to bring home to decorate our ever-expanding collection of Mexican-themed art in the upstairs hallway. I can't get enough of Frida!

Back at the inn, we enjoyed our stroll down the plush (and too buggy for being outside without bug spray) mowed paths through the woods and restored prairie. We dream of someday moving to our farm and maybe even turning the old house into a retreat center of sorts, so this place helped us to imagine what our lives could look like in ten years. The construction of A Journey Inn is very eco-minded and simple, with dramatic views of the nearby rolling hills and bluffs, as well as filled with thoughtful details like a walk-in shower, plush organic cotton towels, low VOC paints and a delightful organic brunch in the morning. The brunch is served at 11:00, with coffee and toast available for early risers (or coffee in bed fans, like me!).

We stayed on the 2nd floor and thought the view was amazing!

Our cucumber salad this morning featured house-grown cukes and tomatoes and was sprinkled with calendula flower petals and garnished with a nasturtium leaf. So beautiful!

For dinner we went to Norton's Downtown in Red Wing, MN. The restaurant is owned by a local MN musician and has been on our "must visit" list for years. Mmmm.

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We returned home 24 hours later feeling refreshed, well-rested and happily in love. And tomorrow... I return to work.

Happy 10th Anniversary to Us!

Ten years ago today... it was a beautiful 73 degree day. We were married in South Minneapolis, then proceeded to Uptown Lunds in our wedding clothes (where we met) for a little stroll and then to the reception at the Nicollet Island Pavillion. We've been busy... a house, a dog, three kids, a farm, lots of travel, and so much fun. I love you, Ronny!

We celebrated with a quick dinner at Pizza Luce but the real celebration will be this weekend when we take a little getaway to a Bed and Breakfast out of town. I can't wait!

Boys in the Kitchen

We harvested our first ever cabbage from our garden last week and declared that a big bowl of coleslaw was in order to celebrate.
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The boys hauled up the food processer from the basement (an old-school one that once belonged to my grandma) and tried to patiently take turns running it.
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We're really into making our own salad dressing, but there is no better coleslaw sauce than Rudolph's.

Smiles of Summer

Hope you're enjoying every little watermelon filled moment of summer. We are!