What’cha Workin’ On ~Looking for the Blog Worthy

When you are a Retired Empty Nester, 

nearly everyday is the same...

Do House Chores, Run Errands, Prepare Dinner...

Start over the next day!

I haven’t posted to my blog for nearly three weeks, 

because, to be honest, it would be quite dull.

However, we are enjoying fresh produce 

from Great Grandma’s Garden this fall. 

That’s blog worthy, right?

Do you all peel your fresh tomatoes this way?

Immerse them in boiling water,

Then plunge them into ice cold water.

It’s a hot job, but it is so easy...the peelings come right off.

When the tomatoes were simmering,

I chopped the onion, pepper, garlic, and celery.

BTW, the pepper is from Great Grandma’s garden, too.

This sauce simmered all afternoon.

The next day I added ground beef, Italian sausage, 

mushrooms, fresh basil, and all the seasonings.

Of course, we had to try some right away!

It is sooo delicious 

with fresh Parmesan Cheese and a green salad.

While it seems labor intensive, 

we have enough sauce for six more meals!

Nothing compares to the flavor of 

homegrown garden vegetables.

I hope you all have had a chance to enjoy some of your own!

Take care,

~Natalie

Yesterday, Our Community Said Goodbye to Herbergers Department Store

I stopped at Herbergers last week, and walked into this...

I knew the store was closing, 

but was quite surprised at the emptiness.

The last time I had been there was 

with Amy and Baby Jack in June.

At one time, this was the menswear department.

It was filled with suits, sportcoats, shirts and ties.

My intention was to look for new pillows for our bed.

I guess I was too late.

 ...Way too late.

It was a sad site to see.

I can only imagine how the employees felt 

when they arrived at work every day.

Herbergers has been an anchor in our community’s 

mall since it opened nearly 30 years ago.

 

It was our go-to store for special occasion attire, 

coats, boots and shoes, purses, 

gifts for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and babies.

It was always our first stop on Black Friday Morning.

Herbergers, we will miss you.

Take care,

~Natalie

Saturday’s Work ~Those Chores Will Keep ~Picken on the Prairie

You’d think since we were gone all last weekend, 

we’d stay home and be responsible?

Nope...it is more fun to go gallivanting around the countryside!

It was the 3rd Annual Pickin On The Prairie.

It is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, 

but Google Maps can find it!

Pickin On the Prairie is the perfect blend of a Junk Market...

...with handmade items.

Vendors were set up in their trailers, 

under tents, and in the Quonset farm buildings.

There were vendors that had come all the way from Wyoming...

...and others that are native South Dakotans.

Some vendors were selling food and beverages...

There was something for everyone!

After touring small towns in the countryside, 

we found a little spot to stop for a refreshing beverage 

and some South Dakota Chislic...

some of the most tender I’ve eaten.

See you next year!

Take care,

~Natalie

Hubby’s Birthday Weekend Celebration ~Day Three ~It Was All About The Sports

An advantage of staying downtown is that we can walk...

to restaurants, to shops, to Target Field and to the US Bank Stadium.

We left our pickup in the Parking Ramp on Thursday 

and didn’t pick it up until Sunday.

After two evenings at Target Field, 

this morning we had other plans.

But, not before breakfast at one of our 

favorite places, The Keys at the Foshay.

This morning, we were heading to US Bank Stadium 

to cheer on the Vikings.

Nestled amongst the tall buildings downtown 

is the Hennepin County Government Center.

The gardens and fountain are a pleasant surprise 

in between the skyscrapers of steel and cement.

It was our first visit to this impressive venue.

Before going in...there is so much to see! 

The Skol Line could get anyone fired up for the game.

Small groups of the Vikings cheerleaders 

were performing around the exterior and posing with fans.

This little girl will go to sleep dreaming 

about being a professional cheerleader someday!

The Vikings Ship, a great photo prop.

Once inside, an usher 

was taking photos for groups of fans.

We couldn’t pass on that opportunity!

The Vikings Playbook paid tribute to Tony Sparano. 

His family was also honored at the game.

Once again, we had great seats.

I felt like we were part of the game!

After the game, back at our hotel, 

we took in the view from the Foshay Tower 

Observation Deck...

Something hubby has always wanted to do.

For dinner, we shared the Smoked Wings 

and we each ordered our own side salad.

The Beet salad is a favorite of mine.

Hubby always enjoys a good Caesar.

They tasted as delicious as their 

menu description makes them sound!

It was a beautiful evening to walk back to our hotel.

Who thought we’d ever be hungry again?!

But, Sunday morning we couldn’t leave town 

without a trip to Hell’s Kitchen.

And, there was live music.

The man on the left was playing a saw, 

and the lady next to him was playing the washboard...

quite entertaining!

After a plate of Corned Beef Hash, Eggs & Toast, 

and their famous Peanut Butter, 

we were on our way home...and back to reality!

 Happy Birthday, Honey.

Take care,

~Natalie