Fast food

Grace, our great egret, stopped by for a snack today. She got a big one, gobbled it up and paused a while with it deep in her craw. She explored a bit, inspecting the premises, then she was gone.

Band of Brothers, plus

Photo by Kathleen Rolfsrud

 We hosted a min-reunion of the Band of Brothers tour retracing the steps of the 101st Airborne in Europe. This group coalesced in the back of the bus as we saw the sights you've seen depicting D-Day, etc. That's Chicagoans Dave and Cathy (she didn't go) on the right and Jeff and Patty (she did) from Prior Lake, of all things.  A good time was had by all and there was time to enjoy a wonderful, picture perfect afternoon. Highlight was Face-timing with Bubba, a good ol' boy from Alabama, who continues to proclaim with a distinctive drawl, "The South WILL rise again!"

Springtime in Menifee

Hai's back yard is in full bloom in Menifee, California, as are the roses on the front porch. It reminds us that spring is coming here as well. . . though we don't hope to exceed the glory of Hai's gardening.

At right, that's Hai's sweetie, Xuan, on her way to work. Busy, busy, but she at least has the time to stop and smell the roses.

Good Morning from Pompano Beach

All we know is that she headed to Pompano Beach with Tasha and family for a good time, a flight to Orlando and a jeep to the coast. Then this comes with the heading "Good Morning." Our Jennifer is having a good time, beaching it in a rental in southern Florida.

Easter at Dan's

Dan's diner. Missy took the picture.

Dan set the pace down the hallways to Cafe de Nordique (otherwise known as the cafeteria at Abbott Northwestern). The family trooped in and found the premises almost deserted, but with plenty of selections for Easter Dinner. It was a memorable experience, with something for everyone -- but none of the family foods we remember. (Frannie -- where's the orange salad). Oh well, it's the family the matters, and for that Marcy brought  treats, Missy some banana bread and Mom made an Easter basket out of recycled paper. All of which we enjoyed back at Dan's place after dinner.

In the Lexington at Grand Ave

We joined Virg and Kim for a look-see this afternoon of the reopened Lexington Restaurant at Grand Ave in St. Paul -- and it's gorgeous. You need reservations a month in advance for their formal dinner, our waiter says, but we were happy to simply sample the bar menu in this 1930s setting, repolished for those who appreciate the authentic old school experience. Virg ordered an "Old Fashioned." Which one? she asked. There are five versions on the menu.
Of course we had to top it all off with waffle cones and such at the Grande Olde Creamery just down the street.

It's just scrambled eggs, right?

A 69-year-old stroke survivor was sent out into the pouring rain this morning to harvest fresh chives for his Lenten cheesy-chive scrambled egg breakfast. Wisconsin cheese, shredded. The eggs, of course, are free range, organic, raised on Mennonite farms. Lord, Bless this Food to our use, Amen.

Happy Easter!

As if rising from the dead, this budding tree sends its message of renewal, new life and beginnings. The Easter season brings with it hope and promise that we can learn from the past as we go into an uncertain future.

They should have just asked Emily

It's a new Era and a New Look, the Timberwolves basketball franchise announced yesterday. They spent a lot of money on this new look, new logo.
Grandma and Grandpa think they should have just asked Emily, our 11-year-old, who produced this tile some time ago. Looks great, if we do say so.

Breakfast Bites