This last weekend I visited Becky Tim and Henry in Minn. for the world famous state fair, AKA "food on a stick fest". Here are the pictures, at some point I want to do a montage of all the food pictures. Don't worry we didn't sample all of it, although it was a splurge day, we divided it all by three :-)
Fair FOTOS. I downloaded a bunch of Becky's pics click here to see more.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Gramps is Back Home!!!
After six grueling weeks of rehab, Gramps is sleeping at home tonight! I have observed others on this journey and have seen what a struggle physically emotionally and mentally the task of relearning can be. Gramps has always been one of my heroes, but even more now. Climbing a mountain is an incredible feat but maintaining your determination to get better, relearning everything from how to eat to how to walk to how to preform the most basic biological functions, that is something to be proud of. Even more amazing is the fact that this is only the beginning, returning home is a big adjustment, there is so much more to re-learn. Now with Grams and Rascal to cheer him on I am certain his recovery potential is unlimited. Please keep them in your prayers as establishing new routines and juggling lots of home health therapy appointments provide new challenges and frustrations. I can't wait to get home in October and see Gramps, I have a felling he might just be ready to start hitting the trail.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Local flavor!
Not much appeared to be open here in Viropqua with the exception of the Viroqua Public Market; a Co-OP of stalls selling g all sorts of fair trade, used and handmade items. At the back of the market hidden away is a lovely cafe called Sibby's. the owner was working today. Everything is organic, whole foods. I felt transported back to CA this resturant would fit right in downtown Santa Barbara. This is the largest town associated with the area where I attended the organic sustainable farming festival two weekends ago. What a wonderful area the community is even doing work with bartering for services, as one of the closed restaurants had a sign in the window saying it accepts script. Someday I will land for good in one of these utopic communities but preferably one that does not spend a better part of the year covered in snow.
How does one explain a concept like butterscotch, Sweet yes but how does it differ from caramel say ... German tourists entered the shop while I was finishing my lunch, along with an English speaking woman who appeared to be a very demanding tour guide. I guess butterscotch doesn't translate, so the owner just gave them all tastes. Europeans love their espresso and cappuccino, a rarity in these parts, but ice cream sundaes...that was a different story. I realized something I have never really given organized words to before while observing the interaction between Sibby and the tourists, there were not many Thank Yous or Pleases. It is as if service , good service is just expected and nothing out of the ordinary hence we have this perception of snobbery European tourists. The snobby part I picked up on while waiting tables in one of the biggest tourist traps in the World Financial Center (they don't tip either) but I hadn't realized why until today. Culture is a funny thing, even for someone like myself who feels somewhat educated about intercultural communication, I so easily succumb to stereotyping based solely upon my own ethnocentriciy. Culture is so funny some of the nicest people I'm sure anyone would ever want to meet live on the European continent, but our own cultural bias must be subdued before we can be comfortable with the interaction: especially in the service sector.
Beans fresh from the local co-Op all sorts of , rice in a spicy tomato sauce fresh pizza and then cheese glorious cheese. Finnish Baked cheese I was thinking brie, but even better it was more of a curd, not fried (thankfully! it is everywhere here) it was squeaky just like good curds are supposed to be...so Ive been told. Fresh ingredients make all the difference, a dipping sauce fresh sour cream and herbs picked from the patio along with a tomato blended before my very eyes. Delicious! All this for less than $10.00 the 45 min drive was worth it just for lunch!
How does one explain a concept like butterscotch, Sweet yes but how does it differ from caramel say ... German tourists entered the shop while I was finishing my lunch, along with an English speaking woman who appeared to be a very demanding tour guide. I guess butterscotch doesn't translate, so the owner just gave them all tastes. Europeans love their espresso and cappuccino, a rarity in these parts, but ice cream sundaes...that was a different story. I realized something I have never really given organized words to before while observing the interaction between Sibby and the tourists, there were not many Thank Yous or Pleases. It is as if service , good service is just expected and nothing out of the ordinary hence we have this perception of snobbery European tourists. The snobby part I picked up on while waiting tables in one of the biggest tourist traps in the World Financial Center (they don't tip either) but I hadn't realized why until today. Culture is a funny thing, even for someone like myself who feels somewhat educated about intercultural communication, I so easily succumb to stereotyping based solely upon my own ethnocentriciy. Culture is so funny some of the nicest people I'm sure anyone would ever want to meet live on the European continent, but our own cultural bias must be subdued before we can be comfortable with the interaction: especially in the service sector.
Beans fresh from the local co-Op all sorts of , rice in a spicy tomato sauce fresh pizza and then cheese glorious cheese. Finnish Baked cheese I was thinking brie, but even better it was more of a curd, not fried (thankfully! it is everywhere here) it was squeaky just like good curds are supposed to be...so Ive been told. Fresh ingredients make all the difference, a dipping sauce fresh sour cream and herbs picked from the patio along with a tomato blended before my very eyes. Delicious! All this for less than $10.00 the 45 min drive was worth it just for lunch!
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