Snapshot

John Deere hats, compliments of the Minnesota State Fair!

It's the busiest time of year here and while there is so much to share, there is the least amount of time to do so. I'll take this cool, rainy morning to give a little snapshot of the work and play we've been up to for the past weeks.

The garden is in full swing. A harvest day last weekend resulted in rows of carrots and potatoes dug up and stored; apples turned to applesauce; batches of canned tomatoes; and beautiful stacks of split wood. Our first fire of the season is heating up the wood stove this morning and I just finished a bowl of hot oatmeal--the first of a long season of warm winter breakfasts. I'm looking at a picnic table covered with red romas and am thinking this cool weather is perfect for firing up the canning crock.

tomato and apple prep with Kelly and Kari

stockpiling firewood

cilantro, basil and mint out to dry

Ellis, Chris and I have been blessed with some amazing vacations together as well - a week at my family's cabin with the Nordlund clan, a week on a houseboat in Voyageurs National Park with Chris's family, and a long weekend sailing in the Apostle Islands with our friend, Peter. Life is good to us! Ellis is THIS close to swimming on his own, thanks to these trips and daily dips in the Red Cedar River. But there is little that compares to diving off a rock ledge into the vast, crystal clear 55 degree waters of Lake Superior on a hot day - it's like the Mediterranean meets the great north. Breath-taking and breathtaking.

Grete, the beautiful sailboat on Lake Superior

We are considering our future here all together - what our goals are as a family, community, and how we can collaborate with friends and neighbors to serve others. Our new friend and neighbor Don told us about his son who, years ago, was trying to decide between going to medical school and becoming a chef. In the end, he decided he'd rather keep people healthy by feeding them well and now owns three of the best restaurants in Minneapolis. I resonate with that passion and goal - wellness through food and community. We are eager to set our roots in the rich soil of these values, waiting to see just how that plays itself out.

With fall comes cider and hot cocoa and fresh soups, changing leaves, cooler days and visits from friends. More change, more adjusting, more growth.