I think our bodies still think that they should be running on Australian time, given the opportunity we have quickly settled into very late nights and very late starts! After a stupendous sleep in, Kerstin prepares a big batch of crepes for a family brunch. And as we all seem to congregate in the kitchen anyway, Greg, Robin, Harris, Slater, Kerstin and I bunch up around the kitchen bench and tuck in, smearing our crepes with genuine Minnesotan Maple syrup, yoghurt, fresh fruit and having a glorious time! The party plans are all set, Slater is the king of party planning, and soon the house has an Australian birthday decorating theme, complete with helium balloons. Kerstin and I fall in love with a new food shopping experience, the Seward Coop, when out for party food supplies. Think big, beautiful, local, organic, delicious, realistic, inclusive, informative, innovative... and within walking or biking distance! Why can't we do this in Australia??? The party goes off without a hitch, lubricated with great food and wine, conversation flows, laughter is always close to the surface and although Kerstin struggles with the candles, the chocolate cake is superb, requiring at least two tastings! Another late night, another sleep in, Harris is off to Northern Minnesota for violin camp, we had the privilege of hearing he and his brother play a violin and cello duet, which was both impressive and beautiful. I'm sure he will be even taller when he gets home from camp!
A women's contingent of bikers heads out for breakfast at lunchtime, we are all on Australian time now and despite some grumbling tummies, we stop to take in the beauty of the Minnehaha waterfall, to admire the plethora of Minneapolians out in the parks and on the cycleways and to congratulate the city on being the number one cycling city in the US.
Robin is our biking leader and we scoot about town with confidence in her navigation, from waterfall, to breakfast, to park, to new and funky craft store, to the pathway to peace trail of sculptures envisioned and created by our new Minnesotan friend, Terry. The evening brings another new experience, as we head downtown to watch the WNBA play, the Minnesotan Lynx versus the LA Sparks. And it was fantastic! The atmosphere, the skill and speed of the players, sorry to say it Liz, but a much better spectator sport than tennis ;) we clap and cheer, stomp our feet and laugh with the ladies sitting behind us, as the home team wins and gains a spot in the playoffs!
So with basketball and baseball now ticked off the list, we still have football and ice hockey to add to our list of new experiences. Word from the locals is that the new big sport here is ultimate frisbee, but unless it is being played by Tiger the Blue Heeler from down under I'm not sure this is an experience I need :) - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Well, it's about time we got an update from my hometown! Sounds like you guys are having a BLAST! Fantastic! And the Seward Coop!!! Not sure if that was there when I was there, but did you check out the Seward Cafe??? Damn good homefries, though, I'm not sure that's what they call the mix of potatoes, vegies and eggs. Cool, earthy atmosphere, 'bus' your own dishes, and 15 cent discount if you only want/need one piece of toast instead of the normal assumption of two (which so often get thrown out). Ah, Robin, Greg and the boys have done you guys well, and it sounds like you guys have done the same. They are no doubt calling you wonderful people, and 'friends' as well. I'm so pleased :)
ReplyDeleteBig hugs XXX000
Wow, what a great time and fabulous hospitality.
ReplyDeleteAl and Ro went out for tea last night. Josey and John are here and with Joe and I, wish you both well and thank you for the blogs. J & J saw Al and Ro and say they both look really well and still basking in their holiday glow. Loved the falls. All the best to the family there whom you have been staying with from the family here.