Technology is both a blessing and a curse. We spend our days like mice on a wheel, oblivious not because we are callous or ignorant, but at times overwhelmed by all the demands of our lives. Lisa and I have been blessed to do quite a bit of traveling. These past two weeks we clocked almost 4000 miles across the eastern upper half of the United States. To all who would have chosen the modern luxury and flown back and forth to Minnesota, you would be the poorer for it. Li and I try as hard as possible to be travelers, not tourists. Every day that we progressed we learned more about "us" and the colloquialisms that make each part of our country decidedly different from each other, yet come together to create a special culture that could never be replicated.
We now know what the "squeak" of fresh curds in Wisconsin is all about and why I would drive 20 hours for another bag.
I have tasted what farm fresh eggs from Rose's Farm in Cushing MN are like when paired with Wally Parlow's farm fresh Tomatoes and Jalapenos in an omelet while watching the cattle move into the upper pasture during sunrise.
I was able to convince Lisa that you can enjoy a museum dedicated to Meat in a Can or a man's twenty year dedication to twine.(See For My Wingman Blog)
We toured a sustainable community farm. Rose raises chickens, beef, fruits and vegetables that feed her family and her neighbors. Her farm is so diverse that she even raises cranberries. poppy seeds and pigeons that are used to help train bird dogs. (See Rose's Farm Blog)
We were overwhelmed by the the love and friendship of Lisa's friends. Chris and Bernie Gulachek opened their home so that we could share an afternoon with over twenty life long friends.
We laughed and screamed our way through the amusement park and aquarium at the country's largest mall.(See Mall of America Blog)
We were in awe of the sunset over the corn fields of Illinois; flat, colors that an artist could never fathom and seemingly lasting forever.
We witnessed the Eastern European version of the quilting bee. Thirty plus ladies and men making 2000 pirogi every Tuesday in an effort to raise money for the Church and community that they hold dear.
We spent a day learning about our country's century long love affair with Chocolate and Cars in Hershey PA.
We have a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice so many have made after visiting the War Monument and Air Force Museum. Having spent this time I also understand why so many have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for America. We cannot wait for our next trip and I hope each of you experience the fun of hopping in your car with a flexible agenda and find out where this beautiful country can take you.
The
Ridgeline loaded and ready. Lady that lives in the Dashboard was tired by end of trip.
The pups chilling on their sheepskin platform.
Dozens of hand made cheeses in the heart of Wisconsin.
A spectacular Wind Farm in Southern MN.
O'Day's cattle at the
Parlow Farm in the Front Forty.
Wally
Parlow harvesting Beets, Carrots and Tomatoes
Fence Line.
Sunset over the
Parlow Log Home.
The local omelet. All ingredients raised within two miles of the kitchen.
Lisa and Denise
Lynn and Will
Betsy, Lisa, Lisa and Lynn.
Lisa and Chris.
The whole gang.
Our neighbor's bus at the Hershey Antique Auto Museum.
Ed and the Hard Top
Convertible Ford
Fairlaine. Where is Dice Clay?
The National Spam Museum. I think, therefore I Spam!
USAF Museum.
The War
Monument in Indy.
I have known my dear friend Raymond Ost for over sixteen years. He was the Executive Chef at the Meridien Hotel when I started there in the early 1990's. Since then he has become a Maitre Cuisiner de France(a french chef's highest honor), opened his own restaurant to national acclaim in Harvard Square, Sandrine's Bistro, and with the help of his beautiful wife Cathy they have raised two great children, Sandrine and Stefan. During this time I have been lucky enough to help him with his restaurant by supplying the finest foods Dole & Bailey can source, and was blessed by celebrating my marriage to Lisa in his restaurant.
