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

Hubby’s Birthday Weekend ~How We Celebrated ~Day Two

Our hotel was only a block off of Nicollet Mall...

such a good location for good eats and good shopping.

Can you guess who’s my 

favorite person to shop for?!

There are so many photo opportunities.

With Harmon Killibrew is a good place 

to pose outside of Target Field.

Once inside the stadium,

another fan offered to take our photo here.

(Minnesota Nice)

We shopped here, too.

Hubby didn’t think he’d wear this.

Twins legend, Tony Oliva was there greeting fans, 

shaking hands, and posing for photos.

Again, it was a beautiful night for baseball.

We had great seats!

We took our “seventh inning stretch” seriously, 

and walked the perimeter of the stadium.

Bonus!

There are fireworks on Friday Nights at the Ballpark.

There’s no better way to spend a day!

Take care,

~Natalie

Hubby’s Birthday Weekend ~This is How We Celebrated ~Day One

It was Hubby’s birthday.

These empty nesters made plans to celebrate in the cities.

Our first stop was to get hubby’s 

favorite breakfast on the road...a breakfast pizza.

(I took over the wheel so he could eat.)

Our next stop was in Montevideo 

to get fuel for the big pickup.

A stop in Hutchinson...

We enjoyed a Birthday Beverage and a delicious Burger.

Next, our destination...Minneapolis.

We had made reservations to stay downtown.

When we checked in, 

we were upgraded to a room on the 21st floor.

This was our view.

It was Bison Fan Appreciation Night at Target Field.

There was no shortage of green and gold.

The NDSU Alumni Association had 

arranged a happy hour at Kierans.

We shared the Smoked Sausage Bites.

Seriously...

Sausages wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon, 

drizzled with 7 pepper maple glaze.

I would order those again!

It was a quick walk to the ball park.

We each got a hat and a couple of beverages.

Plenty of hits...The Twins win.

It was a great start to our celebration weekend.

Stay tuned for Day 2.

Take care,

~Natalie