The Wild Wild West

Mountains... hiking... skiing... views... fresh air... sunshine... sunburns... Elsa... Triumph... Wahoo's... friends... family... wild times.

S.H.A.

I am not Swedish, and I am really ok with that. I am. I promise. But you can't grow up in a Covenant church, attend North Park and have some fabulous friends and family of Scandinavian descent without brushing up against some of the finer features of Swedish culture. Take korv, for instance. We wouldn't have braved those drippy meat juices (I think there are still some remnants on Andrew's shoe) had it not been for our dear friends' gentle coaxing into the world of homemade potato sausage. We're still enjoying it (and probably will through the Spring). So, in the spirit of Swedish Heritage Appreciation, I thought I would convey to you the pleasure I take in a much loved item of Swedish persuasion that I inherited from none other than TK's mom.


I'm not sure what the whole back story is on these, and I can't remember the specific reason why she relinquished them to me, but I'll take them, real wooden soles and all. Whenever I wear them, I'm reminded of the great land of Sweden (and the 70s) and the many traditions it has birthed. And I will admit, I am the better for it.

Communi-tree

We put our tree up this past weekend and we wondered how simple trees with simple trimmings can look so beautiful. Several years ago, for our first Christmas as a married couple, we invited our dear friends over to help us fashion the ornaments for our first Christmas tree. We purchased some materials, poured some wine and laughed over what would soon become cherished symbols of friendship, creativity and a new life together. Every year, Andrew comes up with some newfangled tree topper, usually using something from around the apartment. So far, it hasn't been the same twice.

I like what a Christmas tree represents: light, change, preparation, nature, creation, memories... And specifically, I like that our tree represents a taste of our community, of those we hold dear - those of our past, our present and those yet to come.

Meat in a Tube

Last Saturday evening we participated in our first annual Sausage Fest, that is, a collaborative effort with friends to crank out approximately 50 POUNDS of potatis korv (potato sausage). That's right, 50 pounds (although it's still a toss up as to whether there was more sausage or bad jokes). This extremely entertaining and messy endeavor was hosted by our dear friends, Barbara and Nathan, and not only did they sacrifice their time, energy and equipment to get everything prepared, but also... their kitchen. Sausage making is not for the faint of heart, nor for those who cringe at the sight of dribblings on their stove... or floor... or cabinets. Barbara and Nathan had split up the grocery list and we each brought our allotted ingredients, and after all was said and done, we all had more than several pounds of sausage to bring home. Last night, Andrew and I cooked up our first few links, accompanied by horseradish garlic mashed potatoes, and I realized that we had been initiated into a tradition much cherished by our Swedish friends. And it was delicious.





*Photos and statistics courtesy of Barbara and Nathan.

Alternate Routes | Pure Michigan

I think I'm a sucker for state tourism ads. First Montana, now Michigan. But how can I help myself when in between phone calls and emails I am suddenly arrested by the lulling voice of Tim Allen (yes, Tim Allen from Home Improvement) crooning about water and sunrises? And have I mentioned that every ad is set to the music of the Cider House Rules soundtrack? GLORIOUS! I'm sold every time. We have taken several trips to Michigan since the launch of the Pure Michigan ad campaign and you can bet that I pop in the Cider House CD every time we cross the border. There's just something about that ad, that music, that makes me believe Michigan is truly pure. This past weekend, we spent two purely enjoyable days with friends lapping up all the purity Michigan has to offer.

A Weekend of Plenty

In these times of economic uncertainty, it is good to pause and give thanks. While there are times when we enact some creative financial strategies (read: "borrow" from our meager savings) to carry us through to the next paycheck, Andrew and I do not want for anything. If there is any reason we would like to make some more moola, it would be to become more generous stewards, to extend the reaches of our hospitality, always ready and equipped to help. But, of course, the lesson here is to be good stewards of what we already have. Ah yes... we are learning. In any case, this weekend was a reminder of provision, of the harvest. We are coming to a close of the CSA season with just a few weeks left of organic deliveries. I will miss the anticipation of discovering our bounty and the cooking possibilities that ensued. Pictured below is what we received yesterday: delicata squash, swiss chard, tomatoes, peppers, arugula, basil, sage and endive frisee. Pretty, huh?




Our weekend also brought us to All Season Orchard for apple picking in celebration of Alli's birthday. The amusing irony in this trip is we had to walk through the annual Lincoln Square Apple Festival outside our door to drive out to Woodstock, Illinois to pick our own fruit (not to mention the fact that I hail from Londonderry, NH, home to 5 apple orchards)! But, as I've said before, any chance to venture outside the city and breathe some fresh air is a welcomed event. And so, our weekend of plenty was increased by a 1/4 bushel of apples (Gala, Senshu and Cortland), and even more importantly, by good friends, generosity, laughter... and juggling.

At the Close

Over Labor Day weekend, we opted for one of those newly touted "staycations" and paid a visit to Milwaukee and then to St. Joseph, Michigan. We had been to neither and it proved to be just right for making the most of our long weekend. Our first stop in Milwaukee was the Miller Brewery, which, other than the free beer, left much to be desired. Actually, it was pretty embarrassing compared to other brewery tours I've experienced. I'm chalking it up to an "off day". In any case, at least Andrew got some good photos.




Michigan was our final hurrah of summer. Beaches. Sunburns. Swimming. Reading. Picnics. Perfect.

We bid Summer adieu, and while I will miss the long, warm days, Fall is my season and I beckon it with anticipation. I recently read a reflection by someone who thought Fall should mark the New Year. I couldn't agree more. There is a newness in the crisp air... a chance to start over... again.

Air and Water

The city looks different from 22 floors up. I've been to the Hancock tower, but nothing really beats an outdoor patio on a crystal clear, sunny, summer day watching the Blue Angels fly past at eye level. We were extremely fortunate to be able to attend the annual Air and Water Show via a Topiarius client's Lake Shore condo. Good company. Good food. Incredible views.

Ahoy!

Since a hobby of mine would never necessitate buying a sailboat, for example, that means I must maximize other available resources, like friends who have sailboats. Seriously, tell me that's not a good deal. Several weekends ago, a co-worker of Sarah's offered to take her and some of her friends out on his 30-foot Catalina to cruise around Lake Michigan. Our captain was exceedingly gracious and hospitable, and despite the brief thunderstorm, it was a wonderful opportunity to eat, drink and be merry... matey.

Mr. & Mrs.

Congratulations to Ilona and Derek on their marriage two weeks ago! Ilona and I first became friends at North Park, and it was a privilege to share in their wedding celebration. Andrew and I even tried our hand (or feet as the case may be) at some traditional Assyrian dancing. Best wishes to the both of you!

One Bet - $2; The Thrill - Priceless

While you can all breathe a sigh of relief that gambling is NOT going to become my hobby, I have to admit that I had one heck of a time at Arlington Park a few weekends ago. I lost $4, but it was totally worth it. Horse racing: a definite hobby potential.

Turnip Tales

This past week we received our second box of veggies from our CSA program, in which we discovered napa cabbage, kohlrabi, garlic scapes, purple-top turnips, head lettuce and baby beets. In order to dialogue about our experiences, our church has started a blog where we can reflect on our participation with Mike and Clare's Farm and Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm. The idea is to provide an opportunity to share thoughts, photos, recipes, triumphs and challenges. Check out the blog and my guest post for this week!

Party!

On Saturday we had the pleasure of hosting a graduation party for our friend, Cristina. We have developed a close friendship with her over the years since she came to the US from Romania to start her undergraduate education at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. Fortunately, when we moved to Chicago, so did she, and she has just completed her Masters in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. She is an inspiration to many and we are exceedingly proud of her. Congratulations, Cristina!