More details here.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Sunday, July 09, 2017
USA 2017 / South Dakota and Back Home
Our final week saw us doing the last rounds with family and friends with meals and get togethers.
I even read two Australian kids' books, Possum Magic and Wombat Stew, we had given over the years to a group of siblings' grand kids.
They wanted to hear them in a genuine accent (or was it really the adults who wanted that?).
By the looks on some faces they may have found it all a bit strange: "Is that word really pronounced like that?"
There was a well catered Harry Potter themed birthday party by sister Kay for the niece.
Am I the only one in the world that knows zilch about Harry Potter?
What is it with the brick walls and owls?
We stayed a few days with the Gs. The ladies talked (and talked) and sewed. In between meals, Em and I watched numerous old westerns on the 'hokey' (K's description, not ours) Westerns Channel. We don't have that one here on cable much to my regret.
On another night, we were invited to a birthday club get together at the local barn museum.
This was very interesting with so much to see.
But eating a lovely picnic style supper took priority over history so maybe a return visit is in order.
Back at Lake Hendricks we gathered for the traditional greed game and a family lunch. The game had been postponed from Christmas due to the bad weather then so we got to participate.
I won't go into the rules but it was fun and I scored some good loot.
Missing those black socks, Jim?
Talking of weather, we experienced some pretty heavy storm activity while in SD. The last night was particularly nasty. Storm cells with 75 mph winds, hail and torrential rain were spawning tornadoes. When the local TV channel suspends programming to concentrate solely on the weather, you know it is serious. Thankfully we were spared any problems.
I had one last try at fishing and brought in one mini sized bullhead. Lake fishing is obviously not my forte.
I am thinking about petitioning the MN and SD governments to rename Lake Hendricks as Lake Disappointment.
All too soon it was time to leave.
The flights home had only one hiccup. An already tight connection in Denver was made even tighter by a late departure from Sioux Falls but luckily our departure gate to LAX was almost opposite that of our arrival so we made it. Murphy's Law states it should have been 50 gates away.
The transpacific flight was in a 50% empty aircraft and I got three seats to stretch out on and slept for 7 of the 14 hours.
Arrival was on time and immigration formalities quick.
Thankfully, despite the very short connect time in Denver, our baggage made it too. We would not have wanted to misplace 4 x 23kg of predominantly quilting fabric. And a few rust items of course (don't ask!)
Then it was in the car for the 3 to 4 hour drive home which we took very easy with 2 coffee stops on the way.
Everything at home was in order. Our house watcher, Annabelle, and cow watchers, Bob and Jude, had done a great job.
However our bank had advised us by SMS while we were in flight that one of our linked CCs had been compromised late in our trip and both were cancelled. Luckily this did not affect us financially or during our trip and they have both been replaced.
Lesson? Always advise your bank of OS travel and take more than one credit card, both of which we always do.
Jet lag has been minimal and we are gradually slipping back into our normal daily lives.
It was, as usual, great seeing everyone and we appreciated their generous hospitality and fun company.
We hope to do it all again in 2019.
I even read two Australian kids' books, Possum Magic and Wombat Stew, we had given over the years to a group of siblings' grand kids.
They wanted to hear them in a genuine accent (or was it really the adults who wanted that?).
By the looks on some faces they may have found it all a bit strange: "Is that word really pronounced like that?"
There was a well catered Harry Potter themed birthday party by sister Kay for the niece.
Am I the only one in the world that knows zilch about Harry Potter?
What is it with the brick walls and owls?
We stayed a few days with the Gs. The ladies talked (and talked) and sewed. In between meals, Em and I watched numerous old westerns on the 'hokey' (K's description, not ours) Westerns Channel. We don't have that one here on cable much to my regret.
On another night, we were invited to a birthday club get together at the local barn museum.
This was very interesting with so much to see.
But eating a lovely picnic style supper took priority over history so maybe a return visit is in order.
Back at Lake Hendricks we gathered for the traditional greed game and a family lunch. The game had been postponed from Christmas due to the bad weather then so we got to participate.
I won't go into the rules but it was fun and I scored some good loot.
Missing those black socks, Jim?
Talking of weather, we experienced some pretty heavy storm activity while in SD. The last night was particularly nasty. Storm cells with 75 mph winds, hail and torrential rain were spawning tornadoes. When the local TV channel suspends programming to concentrate solely on the weather, you know it is serious. Thankfully we were spared any problems.
 |
| Prairie Sunset After a Storm / Pic: Crystal Peterson |
I had one last try at fishing and brought in one mini sized bullhead. Lake fishing is obviously not my forte.
I am thinking about petitioning the MN and SD governments to rename Lake Hendricks as Lake Disappointment.
All too soon it was time to leave.
The flights home had only one hiccup. An already tight connection in Denver was made even tighter by a late departure from Sioux Falls but luckily our departure gate to LAX was almost opposite that of our arrival so we made it. Murphy's Law states it should have been 50 gates away.
The transpacific flight was in a 50% empty aircraft and I got three seats to stretch out on and slept for 7 of the 14 hours.
Arrival was on time and immigration formalities quick.
Thankfully, despite the very short connect time in Denver, our baggage made it too. We would not have wanted to misplace 4 x 23kg of predominantly quilting fabric. And a few rust items of course (don't ask!)
Then it was in the car for the 3 to 4 hour drive home which we took very easy with 2 coffee stops on the way.
Everything at home was in order. Our house watcher, Annabelle, and cow watchers, Bob and Jude, had done a great job.
However our bank had advised us by SMS while we were in flight that one of our linked CCs had been compromised late in our trip and both were cancelled. Luckily this did not affect us financially or during our trip and they have both been replaced.
Lesson? Always advise your bank of OS travel and take more than one credit card, both of which we always do.
Jet lag has been minimal and we are gradually slipping back into our normal daily lives.
It was, as usual, great seeing everyone and we appreciated their generous hospitality and fun company.
We hope to do it all again in 2019.
Friday, July 07, 2017
USA 2017 / Iowa Part 2
Next morning, it was another quilt shop visit in Ames and yet another east of the small town of Ellsworth.
These quilt shop businesses in the middle of nowhere amaze me.
They seem to be everywhere and thriving.
Then onto Clear Lake for another quilt shop and, more importantly, to where 'the music died' on 3rd February, 1959.
First stop was the Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly, the Big Boppa and Ritchie Valens played their last gig.
This is really a place for the boomer generation.
Anyone who is anyone has played here over the decades and they continue to come.
There is lots of memorabilia to see and the room itself is wonderful with its huge dance floor, stage and tiered booths.
There is a memorial to the three performers plus the pilot outside the building. A number of oldies were on the same pilgrimage. I took a multitude of photos of a gaggle of old ducks with their phones.
They were obviously enjoying the experience.
One day I would really like to return for a show.
Then it was off to the crash site itself. Situated a little out of town in the middle of bean and corn fields, it was a no go zone for a very long time.
But apparently a new owner of the farmland agreed to allow a small right of way into the site, about 800m from a dusty road, and the construction of a small memorial. As long as visitors 'behave' themselves, it seems access will continue to be available.
We came across the entrance way with its iconic glasses, parked and walked in. It is just a small memorial where people have left flowers, flags and other bits and pieces. One for the pilot has been added separately. We flipped a coin, as has become the tradition and paid our respects. A couple of other people were doing the same.
Then it was back to Sioux Falls where we were having what has become our traditional SD date night at Foley's Fish, Chop and Steakhouse.
Since we were last there, the restaurant had changed hands and become Morrie's Steakhouse.
We shouldn't have worried.
It was just as good or maybe even better than before and the wine list has expanded greatly.
It is now an eclectic world wide selection.
Australia's top wine, Penfold's Grange, was there at $US650/bottle for the 2004 vintage (GULP!).
The non restaurant retail price here for this great vintage is $US560 (I have seen a $US1500 restaurant price!), so maybe not so bad at Morrie's after all.
The Grange was obviously put aside but decision crises still reigned.
After a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley with my starter (deep fried walleye pieces), I eventually settled on a 2014 Argyle Reserve Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon which turned out to be a great choice and went well with out meat selection.
The dessert was a huge piece of a rum infused carrot cake. You had to be over 21 to order it. Have never seen a potential carding required in a restaurant for a dessert item before.
We both had our fill and there was still heaps left so we took the rest home to mom.
This is one of the better restaurants we have eaten at....anywhere.
Our final week in SD was already looming and we still had lots to do!
These quilt shop businesses in the middle of nowhere amaze me.
They seem to be everywhere and thriving.
First stop was the Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly, the Big Boppa and Ritchie Valens played their last gig.
This is really a place for the boomer generation.
Anyone who is anyone has played here over the decades and they continue to come.
There is lots of memorabilia to see and the room itself is wonderful with its huge dance floor, stage and tiered booths.
There is a memorial to the three performers plus the pilot outside the building. A number of oldies were on the same pilgrimage. I took a multitude of photos of a gaggle of old ducks with their phones.
They were obviously enjoying the experience.
One day I would really like to return for a show.
Then it was off to the crash site itself. Situated a little out of town in the middle of bean and corn fields, it was a no go zone for a very long time.
But apparently a new owner of the farmland agreed to allow a small right of way into the site, about 800m from a dusty road, and the construction of a small memorial. As long as visitors 'behave' themselves, it seems access will continue to be available.
We came across the entrance way with its iconic glasses, parked and walked in. It is just a small memorial where people have left flowers, flags and other bits and pieces. One for the pilot has been added separately. We flipped a coin, as has become the tradition and paid our respects. A couple of other people were doing the same.
Then it was back to Sioux Falls where we were having what has become our traditional SD date night at Foley's Fish, Chop and Steakhouse.
Since we were last there, the restaurant had changed hands and become Morrie's Steakhouse.
We shouldn't have worried.
It was just as good or maybe even better than before and the wine list has expanded greatly.
It is now an eclectic world wide selection.
Australia's top wine, Penfold's Grange, was there at $US650/bottle for the 2004 vintage (GULP!).
The non restaurant retail price here for this great vintage is $US560 (I have seen a $US1500 restaurant price!), so maybe not so bad at Morrie's after all.
The Grange was obviously put aside but decision crises still reigned.
After a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley with my starter (deep fried walleye pieces), I eventually settled on a 2014 Argyle Reserve Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon which turned out to be a great choice and went well with out meat selection.
The dessert was a huge piece of a rum infused carrot cake. You had to be over 21 to order it. Have never seen a potential carding required in a restaurant for a dessert item before.
We both had our fill and there was still heaps left so we took the rest home to mom.
This is one of the better restaurants we have eaten at....anywhere.
Our final week in SD was already looming and we still had lots to do!
Wednesday, July 05, 2017
USA 2017 / Iowa Part 1
I made the trip down to Canton the day before our Iowa trip so I could visit the
Calico Skies Winery which looked good on paper. It was more than a hobby
vineyard/winery which seems to be predominant in SD.
I picked the niece up at the retreat and drove the few miles into Iowa to the winery. It was a very nice set up. The production equipment was very modern and the vineyards nicely set out. They grow mainly American French hybrids as well as bring in grapes from other vineyards. Their wine list covers a selection of sweet and dry whites and reds with a few sweet 'fizzies' thrown in. They also market a number of fruit wines.
It was their 6th Anniversary celebration so there was a big crowd there enjoying music and the festivities.
They were far too busy for an individual tasting so we enjoyed a glass each of their Chambourcin and Marquette which is an inter-specific hybrid red wine grape variety. It was developed at the University of Minnesota and is a cross between two other hybrids, MN 1094 and Ravat 262.
The former is the 'signature wine' of our local area and it always tastes pretty ordinary to us. This one was completely different and enjoyable. The latter is said to have some a Pinot Noir in its DNA and was also pretty good.
I was amazed at the number of people, mainly men, who were drinking beer in the tasting room.
The niece thought that was pretty normal for this part of the world.
I would like to return there some day.
The quilt retreat was in a building that was previously a bank. Three huge safes are still a feature of the sewing a room.
I hung out there with the ladies for the evening and then we headed for Cedar Rapids early the next morning, again along state and county highways. Our first stop was Le Mars for coffee and a snack and to pay homage at the 'Temple of the Bunny'.
The city is home to the Blue Bunny ice cream factory and claims to be the Ice Cream Capital of the World. They produce more than 150 million gallons of ice cream a year and have a tasting parlour in town. A one scoop turned out to be a mega cup but I managed to devour mine and what was left of the co drivers.
Further on, we stopped at a small town (can't tell you the name, they tend to all look the same) for a very yummy Mexican lunch.
After seven hours driving, we arrived at our destination, met up with our friends from Chicago, had drinks and dinner and then hit the sack.
Next morning we drove the 45 minutes to the Amana Colony.
The Amana Colony is seven villages on 11,000 ha which were built and settled by German Pietists, who were persecuted in their homeland by the German state government and the Lutheran Church. Calling themselves the Community of True Inspiration (Die Gemeinde der wahren Inspiration), they first settled in New York near Buffalo in what is now the town of West Seneca. However, seeking more isolated surroundings, they moved to Iowa in 1856.
They lived a communal life there until 1932.
Now the colonies are a tourist center relying on their "Germanness' as the attraction. This can be a bit of a stretch at times. From a previous visit there, we realized the only German thing about the restaurant food were the names on the menus. Whirlpool's Amana appliance factory is there and would have to be a big employer also.
At the main centre, Amana, the ladies were interested in a quilt shop so Roger and I just wandered, ending up in a furniture and wood working shop which was a fascinating place as well as the home of sticker shock.
Meeting up again, the four of us explored the main street with its many touristy shops. I particularly liked the Christmas shop but couldn't imagine working there and listening to carols 8 hours a day.
Then we drove to South Amana where, according to the co driver, was the quilt shop find of the entire 5 week USA visit, Fern Hill Gifts and Quilts. The CC got some damage done to it there.
After lunch we said out goodbyes to
the Chicagoans who were heading for Texas for a few weeks and we made our way, again on the back roads via Norway (of baseball fame) and Nevada (scene of a fruitless quilt shop search) to Ames and our hotel.
There we had a really nice dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. Good cold beer, tender steak done to perfection and exceptional service. The latter spawned a discussion on tipping.
We don't tip in Australia. Minimum wage for permanent employees here is the equivalent of around $US14/hr with benefits (superannuation (401K) payments, sick leave, up to 4 weeks vacation leave, long service leave, maternity or paternity leave, bereavement leave and penalty rates for weekend and holiday work). For casual employees the benefits are replaced by a minimum 25% basic wage supplement.
Our server told us she was earning $US4.35/hr plus tips. Australians who complain about tipping in the USA should really be made aware of the minimal wages some people, particularly in the hospitality and service industries, are earning there.
It was an early night in preparation for the next day's adventures.
I picked the niece up at the retreat and drove the few miles into Iowa to the winery. It was a very nice set up. The production equipment was very modern and the vineyards nicely set out. They grow mainly American French hybrids as well as bring in grapes from other vineyards. Their wine list covers a selection of sweet and dry whites and reds with a few sweet 'fizzies' thrown in. They also market a number of fruit wines.
It was their 6th Anniversary celebration so there was a big crowd there enjoying music and the festivities.
They were far too busy for an individual tasting so we enjoyed a glass each of their Chambourcin and Marquette which is an inter-specific hybrid red wine grape variety. It was developed at the University of Minnesota and is a cross between two other hybrids, MN 1094 and Ravat 262.
The former is the 'signature wine' of our local area and it always tastes pretty ordinary to us. This one was completely different and enjoyable. The latter is said to have some a Pinot Noir in its DNA and was also pretty good.
I was amazed at the number of people, mainly men, who were drinking beer in the tasting room.
The niece thought that was pretty normal for this part of the world.
I would like to return there some day.
The quilt retreat was in a building that was previously a bank. Three huge safes are still a feature of the sewing a room.
I hung out there with the ladies for the evening and then we headed for Cedar Rapids early the next morning, again along state and county highways. Our first stop was Le Mars for coffee and a snack and to pay homage at the 'Temple of the Bunny'.
The city is home to the Blue Bunny ice cream factory and claims to be the Ice Cream Capital of the World. They produce more than 150 million gallons of ice cream a year and have a tasting parlour in town. A one scoop turned out to be a mega cup but I managed to devour mine and what was left of the co drivers.
Further on, we stopped at a small town (can't tell you the name, they tend to all look the same) for a very yummy Mexican lunch.
After seven hours driving, we arrived at our destination, met up with our friends from Chicago, had drinks and dinner and then hit the sack.
Next morning we drove the 45 minutes to the Amana Colony.
The Amana Colony is seven villages on 11,000 ha which were built and settled by German Pietists, who were persecuted in their homeland by the German state government and the Lutheran Church. Calling themselves the Community of True Inspiration (Die Gemeinde der wahren Inspiration), they first settled in New York near Buffalo in what is now the town of West Seneca. However, seeking more isolated surroundings, they moved to Iowa in 1856.
They lived a communal life there until 1932.
Now the colonies are a tourist center relying on their "Germanness' as the attraction. This can be a bit of a stretch at times. From a previous visit there, we realized the only German thing about the restaurant food were the names on the menus. Whirlpool's Amana appliance factory is there and would have to be a big employer also.
At the main centre, Amana, the ladies were interested in a quilt shop so Roger and I just wandered, ending up in a furniture and wood working shop which was a fascinating place as well as the home of sticker shock.
Meeting up again, the four of us explored the main street with its many touristy shops. I particularly liked the Christmas shop but couldn't imagine working there and listening to carols 8 hours a day.
Then we drove to South Amana where, according to the co driver, was the quilt shop find of the entire 5 week USA visit, Fern Hill Gifts and Quilts. The CC got some damage done to it there.
There we had a really nice dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. Good cold beer, tender steak done to perfection and exceptional service. The latter spawned a discussion on tipping.
We don't tip in Australia. Minimum wage for permanent employees here is the equivalent of around $US14/hr with benefits (superannuation (401K) payments, sick leave, up to 4 weeks vacation leave, long service leave, maternity or paternity leave, bereavement leave and penalty rates for weekend and holiday work). For casual employees the benefits are replaced by a minimum 25% basic wage supplement.
Our server told us she was earning $US4.35/hr plus tips. Australians who complain about tipping in the USA should really be made aware of the minimal wages some people, particularly in the hospitality and service industries, are earning there.
It was an early night in preparation for the next day's adventures.
Monday, July 03, 2017
USA 2017 / South Dakota Part 4
The ladies had taken off on a 3 day quilt retreat on the SD/IA border at Canton, so I took the opportunity, one day, of doing a small road trip to my favourite clothing store, Cabelas, in Mitchell.
Instead of taking the Interstates (I90 and I35), I zig zagged west along as many sealed minor roads as I could find.
It was beautiful country. Rolling prairie land with soy bean and corn fields just shooting, interspersed with cattle farms with rich green pastures, healthy looking stock (black Angus seemed popular) and isolated communities, some with very small populations.
I hardly saw another car until I headed south on a state highway to my destination.
Mitchell is home to the Corn Palace.
The Corn Palace is decorated with murals inside and out, made from 13 different colors of corn ( red, brown, black, blue, white, orange, calico, yellow and now green!), each framed with native grasses, straw, milo, and sourdock. A local farmer grows all the corn for the Palace, a local artist designs the murals, and a team of approximately 20 workers change out the murals every year beginning in late-May and working into October. They had already started on the outside the day I was there.
A different theme is chosen each year and murals are designed to reflect that theme.
The Palace is never un-decorated, as the murals are not taken down until it is time to replace them in the late summer, when the work is a gradual process.
The building is more than a point of interest for tourists however. It is a practical structure adaptable to many purposes which include industrial exhibits, dances, stage shows, meetings, banquets, proms, graduations as well as district, regional and state basketball tournaments. This day the floor (basket ball court) was a market place.
Unfortunately Cabelas didn't have many bargains (too early for summer stock on sale and too late for winter remnants) but I managed to get a few pairs of jeans at a reasonable price that will tide me over until next visit.
Then after lunch at Culvers (senior's discount!), I made my way back east also along roads less travelled.
A really enjoyable day and not too stressful driving alone on "the other side of the road".
Next day, Mark, Jim, the kids and I went to a dairy farm open day at a facility 30 minutes down the road.
What an absolute eye opener!
3600 cows reside in 4 huge, very long free stall barns. Their bedding is sand which is cleaned every day and recycled.
They are free choice fed with a formulated mixture hay, various corn residues and special ingredients sourced from a huge storage and mixing area on site. We had a interesting discussion with the nutritionists and were able to see the variety of feed components.
The cows are milked 3 times a day, a 100 cows at a time.
The facility has 38 employees and is in round the clock production
365 days a year.
12 calves a day are born there.
Three tanker loads of milk a day are sent to the Land o' Lakes facility in Sioux Falls
We got a great tour and free toasted cheese sandwiches, chips, milk and ice cream at the conclusion.
A very interesting morning.
The two bachelors survived their desertion on home bbq'd steak and beer one night and a Cubby's burger and beer the next.
But soon it was time for me to head for Canton, pick up the co driver, and start our mini Iowa adventure.
Instead of taking the Interstates (I90 and I35), I zig zagged west along as many sealed minor roads as I could find.
It was beautiful country. Rolling prairie land with soy bean and corn fields just shooting, interspersed with cattle farms with rich green pastures, healthy looking stock (black Angus seemed popular) and isolated communities, some with very small populations.
I hardly saw another car until I headed south on a state highway to my destination.
Mitchell is home to the Corn Palace.
The Corn Palace is decorated with murals inside and out, made from 13 different colors of corn ( red, brown, black, blue, white, orange, calico, yellow and now green!), each framed with native grasses, straw, milo, and sourdock. A local farmer grows all the corn for the Palace, a local artist designs the murals, and a team of approximately 20 workers change out the murals every year beginning in late-May and working into October. They had already started on the outside the day I was there.
A different theme is chosen each year and murals are designed to reflect that theme.
The Palace is never un-decorated, as the murals are not taken down until it is time to replace them in the late summer, when the work is a gradual process.
The building is more than a point of interest for tourists however. It is a practical structure adaptable to many purposes which include industrial exhibits, dances, stage shows, meetings, banquets, proms, graduations as well as district, regional and state basketball tournaments. This day the floor (basket ball court) was a market place.
Then after lunch at Culvers (senior's discount!), I made my way back east also along roads less travelled.
A really enjoyable day and not too stressful driving alone on "the other side of the road".
Next day, Mark, Jim, the kids and I went to a dairy farm open day at a facility 30 minutes down the road.
What an absolute eye opener!
3600 cows reside in 4 huge, very long free stall barns. Their bedding is sand which is cleaned every day and recycled.
The cows are milked 3 times a day, a 100 cows at a time.
12 calves a day are born there.
Three tanker loads of milk a day are sent to the Land o' Lakes facility in Sioux Falls
We got a great tour and free toasted cheese sandwiches, chips, milk and ice cream at the conclusion.
A very interesting morning.
The two bachelors survived their desertion on home bbq'd steak and beer one night and a Cubby's burger and beer the next.
But soon it was time for me to head for Canton, pick up the co driver, and start our mini Iowa adventure.
Saturday, July 01, 2017
USA 2017 / South Dakota Part 3
After a great pulled pork sandwich at the Backyard Grill in Brookings we met up with Aleycia and the kids and headed for the Dakota Nature Park.
This is a recently developed area converting a landfill and gravel mining operation into a 55ha nature park with walking and bike trails and a string of ponds.
It is open to public use for activities such as fishing, bird-watching, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, canoeing, kayaking and picnics.
Miles fished one of the ponds and pulled out 15 small perch in an hour.
It was suggested we take him to Lake Hendricks next time as he obviously knows where the fish are.
From there we went to the SDSU campus for ice cream. The university has a 'cow to cone' ice cream production unit as part of one of the Dairy and Food Science courses. More than 60 flavors of rich, homemade ice cream and sherbet are served at the Dairy Bar.
You can actually watch the production process as you eat if there is a class in action.
The institution also has an Art Museum. I have been there before and enjoyed the permanent Harvey Dunn exhibition.
This time round there was a stunning Horses themed exhibition as well as additional Dunn works depicting his World War I imagery.
We spent a bit of time in Sioux Falls at Falls Park, walking the Sculpture Walk (see separate post), the Old Courthouse Museum for interesting World War 1 and George Catlin: Life Among American Indian Tribes exhibits and participated in a Paint and Wine Night with family.
We also managed to revisit the Phillips Ave Diner and found a nice new Mexican (and Guatemalan) restaurant, Jacky's and the coffee at Coffea Roasterie was still as good as ever.
Another culinary revisit also paid dividends. The steak at the Knotty Pine in Elkton was one of the best.
On Memorial Day a group of us set off on a tour of five cemeteries to visit and clean up family graves. I didn't know exactly what to expect. The attitude to death in this part of the woods is a little different to what I am used to.
But it turned out to be a fun day. I learnt a lot of family history. One particular graveyard in a rural area (near a beautiful Norwegian style church) was 'occupied' predominantly by the family name.
At our last stop at Granma Helen's, whom I had known (and Granpa Wes's) grave, we got out our lawn chairs and eskies (coolers) and had a hour's picnic with them.
We got some strange looks from other visitors but I saw a few groups doing the same.
This is a nice family tradition.
This is a recently developed area converting a landfill and gravel mining operation into a 55ha nature park with walking and bike trails and a string of ponds.
It is open to public use for activities such as fishing, bird-watching, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, canoeing, kayaking and picnics.
Miles fished one of the ponds and pulled out 15 small perch in an hour.
It was suggested we take him to Lake Hendricks next time as he obviously knows where the fish are.
From there we went to the SDSU campus for ice cream. The university has a 'cow to cone' ice cream production unit as part of one of the Dairy and Food Science courses. More than 60 flavors of rich, homemade ice cream and sherbet are served at the Dairy Bar.
You can actually watch the production process as you eat if there is a class in action.
The institution also has an Art Museum. I have been there before and enjoyed the permanent Harvey Dunn exhibition.
This time round there was a stunning Horses themed exhibition as well as additional Dunn works depicting his World War I imagery.
We spent a bit of time in Sioux Falls at Falls Park, walking the Sculpture Walk (see separate post), the Old Courthouse Museum for interesting World War 1 and George Catlin: Life Among American Indian Tribes exhibits and participated in a Paint and Wine Night with family.
We also managed to revisit the Phillips Ave Diner and found a nice new Mexican (and Guatemalan) restaurant, Jacky's and the coffee at Coffea Roasterie was still as good as ever.
Another culinary revisit also paid dividends. The steak at the Knotty Pine in Elkton was one of the best.
On Memorial Day a group of us set off on a tour of five cemeteries to visit and clean up family graves. I didn't know exactly what to expect. The attitude to death in this part of the woods is a little different to what I am used to.
But it turned out to be a fun day. I learnt a lot of family history. One particular graveyard in a rural area (near a beautiful Norwegian style church) was 'occupied' predominantly by the family name.
At our last stop at Granma Helen's, whom I had known (and Granpa Wes's) grave, we got out our lawn chairs and eskies (coolers) and had a hour's picnic with them.
We got some strange looks from other visitors but I saw a few groups doing the same.
This is a nice family tradition.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
USA 2017 / South Dakota Part 2
The family gathered for lunch on the Sunday at Lake Hendricks.
As requested deep fried turkey was on the menu.
This is something we never see in Australia. The cooking process seems to be a little dangerous for the uninitiated but not in the capable hands of the bro.
It and the other dishes and sides tasted great.
It was a fun day.
After the stress of the day, our hostess, Lisa, needed a little relaxation. What better than the local casino for a few hours. Our impromptu date evening sprang into action.
Who won? Who lost? That is for only we two to know.
Next day was warm, sunny and windless.
Time to fish!
Armed with my $43 Minnesota fishing license, we launched the pontoon boat and set off trawling around the lake, at first with lures and then with live bait (leeches and worms).
It was a beautiful, peaceful cruise with some stunning scenery.
But after 4 hours.....no fish, not even a bite.
Then, as a huge storm began to brew on the horizon, we headed for 'port'.
Within thirty minutes the rain pelted down and the wind blew once more and the temperature plummeted.
Nothing to do but retire to the local golf club bar and sink a few beers and eat a burger for supper.
Back home a little later, weather conditions had improved but it had become really cold. Despite this we sat on the dock until late evening (it doesn't get dark until nearly 10pm) and fished some more. The bro caught three nice walleye and I lost a huge what was thought to be a northern pike. They do put up a great fight especially on light gear and line.
Next morning it was back to Elkton
As requested deep fried turkey was on the menu.
This is something we never see in Australia. The cooking process seems to be a little dangerous for the uninitiated but not in the capable hands of the bro.
TURKEY IN
TURKEY OUT
It and the other dishes and sides tasted great.
It was a fun day.
After the stress of the day, our hostess, Lisa, needed a little relaxation. What better than the local casino for a few hours. Our impromptu date evening sprang into action.
Who won? Who lost? That is for only we two to know.
Next day was warm, sunny and windless.
Time to fish!
Armed with my $43 Minnesota fishing license, we launched the pontoon boat and set off trawling around the lake, at first with lures and then with live bait (leeches and worms).
It was a beautiful, peaceful cruise with some stunning scenery.
But after 4 hours.....no fish, not even a bite.
 |
| Walleye |
Then, as a huge storm began to brew on the horizon, we headed for 'port'.
Within thirty minutes the rain pelted down and the wind blew once more and the temperature plummeted.
Nothing to do but retire to the local golf club bar and sink a few beers and eat a burger for supper.
Back home a little later, weather conditions had improved but it had become really cold. Despite this we sat on the dock until late evening (it doesn't get dark until nearly 10pm) and fished some more. The bro caught three nice walleye and I lost a huge what was thought to be a northern pike. They do put up a great fight especially on light gear and line.
 |
| Northern Pike |
Next morning it was back to Elkton
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
USA 2017 / South Dakota Part 1
The word was that check in and security at Newark airport could take up to 2 hours and traffic, even early in the morning, could be bad so we placed a 5am wake up call and ordered a 6am pick up .
The drive to the airport took 20 minutes along a basically deserted highway and security was so quick we were air side by before 7am.....our flight was at 10am!
Were we just lucky or was UA airline forum just plain wrong?
Time then for a very expensive airport breakfast.
We arrived early in Chicago and transferred to our flight to Sioux Falls in plenty of time.
The UA flight attendant on this leg was, surprisingly, an Australian. For once I had no language problems ordering a coke and ice.
We picked up our rental and headed into town for the first of many Caribou coffees.
I had ordered a small Nissan Versa but somehow we ended up with a huge (for us) six seater Chevrolet Traverse. In the end we both fell in love with this car. It was a bit hard to park initially and a little thirsty but with the cost of petrol the equivalent of only $A0.75L, who cared!
Then it was off the Elkton to stay for a few days with sister Kelly.
We spent the next few days catching up with family, a financial planning meeting, eating (Mexican and Culvers struck off the list), clothes shopping (Kohls), coffee drinking and relaxing.
The weather was a little miserable ie. cold, wet and windy. One afternoon in Sioux Falls we took refuge in the Minnehaha County Administration Building due to a severe weather and tornado alert.
After breakfast at Perkins (love those pancakes!) a few days later, our destination was Hendricks MN and the bro's lake side home on the SD side.
It was mayfly hatching season and they were swarming. The birds were there too, feasting. It was like a scene from Hitchcock's The Birds. The birds' tummies were so full they couldn't fly let alone get off the road and out of the way of cars.
The mayfly swarms can be so thick they show up on weather radar.
The Saturday dawned cold, windy, wet and miserable.
The day brightened a little when the co driver brought home a dozen yummy donuts from the local bakery for breakfast. Not that I ate all of them of course.
Our plans for fishing in tatters, the bro and I headed into Brookings for an Armed Forces Day display at the Armory. This was very interesting and we had the chance to 'ride' a Humvee desert warfare simulator. The bro was the gunner and I was the driver. The fact I was driving continuously on the wrong side of the road (as pointed out by the instructor "He must be from England") apparently was blamed for us 'taking out' a high number of friendlies.
That evening after a stop at the local Bank micro brewery in Hendricks for some really nice beer, we were a little further north in Gary, SD for dinner at the Rock Room Bar and Grill in the Buffalo Ridge Resort.
This was once the first South Dakota School for the Blind which was a collection of nine buildings on 37 acres. For more than 60 years it served as the state’s educational facility for blind children. Average enrollment at the school was 55 to 60 students per year.
From the beginning, the course of instruction offered at the school followed closely what was taught in the common schools of the state. In addition to the regular curriculum, braille was taught, as was gymnasium, industrial work, piano tuning, broom making, chair caning and upholstery, as well as domestic science. The school was self-supporting with its own dairy, pigs, beef, chickens and gardens.
The garden produce was stored in the root cellar, which is now the wine cellar for the Rock Room Bar and Grill.
In 1961, the school was moved to Aberdeen SD and in the early 1980s the buildings became vacant. Although vandals, weather, and vermin took their toll on the structures, none of the buildings had been altered and most were considered structurally sound and in good condition. The beautiful neoclassical- and classical-revival designed complex includes classrooms, administration offices, dormitories, barns, boiler building, playground, unique water fountain in an old flower garden, and a gym/auditorium with a stage.
In December of 2008, a local entrepreneur purchased the campus from an estate and the restoration of the complex began.
After dinner, we were able to explore all the underground tunnels (just wide enough for the blind students to feel their way) that connected the buildings to protect them from the severe winter weather.
Then it was back to prepare for a family reunion lunch next day with, at the co driver's request, a deep fried turkey.
The drive to the airport took 20 minutes along a basically deserted highway and security was so quick we were air side by before 7am.....our flight was at 10am!
Were we just lucky or was UA airline forum just plain wrong?
Time then for a very expensive airport breakfast.
We arrived early in Chicago and transferred to our flight to Sioux Falls in plenty of time.
The UA flight attendant on this leg was, surprisingly, an Australian. For once I had no language problems ordering a coke and ice.
We picked up our rental and headed into town for the first of many Caribou coffees.
I had ordered a small Nissan Versa but somehow we ended up with a huge (for us) six seater Chevrolet Traverse. In the end we both fell in love with this car. It was a bit hard to park initially and a little thirsty but with the cost of petrol the equivalent of only $A0.75L, who cared!
Then it was off the Elkton to stay for a few days with sister Kelly.
We spent the next few days catching up with family, a financial planning meeting, eating (Mexican and Culvers struck off the list), clothes shopping (Kohls), coffee drinking and relaxing.
The weather was a little miserable ie. cold, wet and windy. One afternoon in Sioux Falls we took refuge in the Minnehaha County Administration Building due to a severe weather and tornado alert.
After breakfast at Perkins (love those pancakes!) a few days later, our destination was Hendricks MN and the bro's lake side home on the SD side.
It was mayfly hatching season and they were swarming. The birds were there too, feasting. It was like a scene from Hitchcock's The Birds. The birds' tummies were so full they couldn't fly let alone get off the road and out of the way of cars.
The mayfly swarms can be so thick they show up on weather radar.
The Saturday dawned cold, windy, wet and miserable.
The day brightened a little when the co driver brought home a dozen yummy donuts from the local bakery for breakfast. Not that I ate all of them of course.
Our plans for fishing in tatters, the bro and I headed into Brookings for an Armed Forces Day display at the Armory. This was very interesting and we had the chance to 'ride' a Humvee desert warfare simulator. The bro was the gunner and I was the driver. The fact I was driving continuously on the wrong side of the road (as pointed out by the instructor "He must be from England") apparently was blamed for us 'taking out' a high number of friendlies.
That evening after a stop at the local Bank micro brewery in Hendricks for some really nice beer, we were a little further north in Gary, SD for dinner at the Rock Room Bar and Grill in the Buffalo Ridge Resort.
This was once the first South Dakota School for the Blind which was a collection of nine buildings on 37 acres. For more than 60 years it served as the state’s educational facility for blind children. Average enrollment at the school was 55 to 60 students per year.
From the beginning, the course of instruction offered at the school followed closely what was taught in the common schools of the state. In addition to the regular curriculum, braille was taught, as was gymnasium, industrial work, piano tuning, broom making, chair caning and upholstery, as well as domestic science. The school was self-supporting with its own dairy, pigs, beef, chickens and gardens.
The garden produce was stored in the root cellar, which is now the wine cellar for the Rock Room Bar and Grill.
In 1961, the school was moved to Aberdeen SD and in the early 1980s the buildings became vacant. Although vandals, weather, and vermin took their toll on the structures, none of the buildings had been altered and most were considered structurally sound and in good condition. The beautiful neoclassical- and classical-revival designed complex includes classrooms, administration offices, dormitories, barns, boiler building, playground, unique water fountain in an old flower garden, and a gym/auditorium with a stage.
In December of 2008, a local entrepreneur purchased the campus from an estate and the restoration of the complex began.
After dinner, we were able to explore all the underground tunnels (just wide enough for the blind students to feel their way) that connected the buildings to protect them from the severe winter weather.
Then it was back to prepare for a family reunion lunch next day with, at the co driver's request, a deep fried turkey.
Monday, June 26, 2017
USA 2017 / New York City Day 4
Day 4 saw us on the subway and heading for the Guggenheim Museum.
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the building is cylindrical, wider at the top than the bottom.
Its unique ramp gallery extends up from ground level in a long, continuous spiral along the outer edges of the building to end just under the ceiling skylight.
It is the permanent home of a continuously expanding collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern and contemporary art.
Important works include those by Paul Gauguin, Edouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, Vincent van Gogh and 32 works by Pablo Picasso.
The co driver was particularly interested in the Kandinsky collection.
I think I liked the building more than the art.
There was a T-shirt in the gift shop which said “Modern art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't.” which was a message I took on board
For lunch we headed back to midtown to the 2nd Ave Deli which is now on 33rd St.
Most tourists head for Katz's Deli (think the "I'll have what she's having" scene from When Harry Met Sally) for their Jewish deli experience so I was looking for something a little quieter.
This alternative was a perfect choice filled with business people and family groups. The food was excellent and the service friendly and devoid of any 'tude prevalent in the other place.
I had Matzoh Ball Soup with Carrots and Noodles and half a hot pastrami sandwich with cole slaw, pickle and Russian dressing and a HUGE serving of fries on the side. The co driver had a traditional hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard and shared my fries.
It don't get much better than that!
Walking back to the station was the only glimpse we had of the Empire State building.
And this time around we managed totally to avoid Times Square.
Next stop was the Strand Book Store with its huge collection of new and used books.
As of July 2016, the store claims to have 2.5 million volumes.
The New York Times called The Strand "the undisputed king of the city’s independent bookstores."
The co driver was after some out of print quilting books and found one of the two.
The day had really heated up and we were quickly running out of steam so we abandoned our program eg. revisit the High Line, and headed back to the hotel in preparation for our farewell dinner with 'the kids'.
The selected venue was the Highlands Restaurant in Greenwich Village mainly because they serve haggis.
Nick and the daughter shared Scotch eggs as starters and the co driver and I shared smoked haddock and blue crab cakes with market greens, blood orange and citrus-chilli aioli.
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the building is cylindrical, wider at the top than the bottom.
Its unique ramp gallery extends up from ground level in a long, continuous spiral along the outer edges of the building to end just under the ceiling skylight.
It is the permanent home of a continuously expanding collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern and contemporary art.
Important works include those by Paul Gauguin, Edouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, Vincent van Gogh and 32 works by Pablo Picasso.
The co driver was particularly interested in the Kandinsky collection.
I think I liked the building more than the art.
There was a T-shirt in the gift shop which said “Modern art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't.” which was a message I took on board
For lunch we headed back to midtown to the 2nd Ave Deli which is now on 33rd St.
Most tourists head for Katz's Deli (think the "I'll have what she's having" scene from When Harry Met Sally) for their Jewish deli experience so I was looking for something a little quieter.
This alternative was a perfect choice filled with business people and family groups. The food was excellent and the service friendly and devoid of any 'tude prevalent in the other place.
I had Matzoh Ball Soup with Carrots and Noodles and half a hot pastrami sandwich with cole slaw, pickle and Russian dressing and a HUGE serving of fries on the side. The co driver had a traditional hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard and shared my fries.
It don't get much better than that!
Walking back to the station was the only glimpse we had of the Empire State building.
And this time around we managed totally to avoid Times Square.
Next stop was the Strand Book Store with its huge collection of new and used books.
As of July 2016, the store claims to have 2.5 million volumes.
The New York Times called The Strand "the undisputed king of the city’s independent bookstores."
The co driver was after some out of print quilting books and found one of the two.
The day had really heated up and we were quickly running out of steam so we abandoned our program eg. revisit the High Line, and headed back to the hotel in preparation for our farewell dinner with 'the kids'.
The selected venue was the Highlands Restaurant in Greenwich Village mainly because they serve haggis.
Nick and the daughter shared Scotch eggs as starters and the co driver and I shared smoked haddock and blue crab cakes with market greens, blood orange and citrus-chilli aioli.
The haggis, neeps and tatties were terrific and I couldn't resist the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
This was all washed down with a good bottle of Sancerre, Domaine Martin, Chavignol, France, 2016.
Roll us all outta there!
So our time in the city that never sleeps was up.
It was good to see where Nick and the daughter were living and to know they were happy in their jobs and new environment.
I don't think they will be heading home any time soon.
And they really went out of their way to show us around with plenty of places off the usual tourist route.
And they really went out of their way to show us around with plenty of places off the usual tourist route.
Next stop for us.....South Dakota.
Friday, June 23, 2017
USA 2017 / New York City Day 3
Day 3 saw a complete change in the weather with it being much warmer and sunny.
We started with breakfast just down the road at one of our hotel's recommendations, the 12 Chairs Cafe.
Excellent food and coffee!
Then the daughter met us for a day exploring 'their' part of New York ie. Brooklyn.
We started at DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with its great views across the East River towards Manhattan.
The walk along the river is lovely. Lots of people and families were out enjoying the Sunday sunshine
The daughter and the co driver rode a great old fashion merry go round (Jane's Carousel) virtually under the Brooklyn Bridge. It can be fully enclosed for winter.
Then we explored Brooklyn Heights with all its lovely homes followed by a nice light lunch at a French Patisserie.
Next on our list was the Brooklyn Transit Museum.
What a find!
It displays historical artifacts of the New York City subway, bus, commuter rail and bridge and tunnel systems under the administration of the MTA and is located in the decommissioned Court Street subway station in downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights
On the platform level, two fully powered and operational subway tracks contain many historic examples of New York City subway and elevated railway equipment on permanent display. Preserved rail cars date as far back as the predecessor companies that came before the New York City Transit Authority.
Most of the subway cars in the fleet are operable and they are frequently used for subway excursions run by the Museum and New York City Transit on various parts of the system. The subway cars are fully furnished with vintage advertising placards and route maps, completing the period atmosphere inside the vehicles.
It was easy to spend a couple of hours here.
Then we headed for the daughter's and Nicko's apartment in Fort Greene.
She and I explored the area for a while until we got caught in a huge downpour. Luckily there was a awning nearby which we shared cheek by jowl with 10 others for about 15 minutes. Those sheltering under trees in Fort Greene Park opposite were not so dry.
It's a nice leafy neighbourhood (in summer anyway) with some lovely old houses and brownstones and has a good 'feel' about it.
That evening it was BBQ at the Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
What an amazing place.
Situated in a very industrial area, the restaurant specializes in authentic, pit-smoked meats prepared in the classic Southern technique of smoking on oak wood.
It also serves up a wide selection of traditional sides and dessert. Two bars feature craft beers, a wide range of American whiskeys, seasonal cocktails and reasonable wine.
In classic barbecue style, it's walk-up service to the counter on a first-come, first-served basis until that day’s specially cooked offerings are sold out. Nicko and the daughter 'did' the line while the co-driver and I manned the table. It took nearly an hour to get our meal but it was more than worth it.
To make the wait more enjoyable we all ordered drinks from the bar and people watched as couples and large families with kids of all ages dug into the wonderful food.
We ate pulled pork, beef ribs, mac and cheese, mashed potato and corn bread.
The meat falls apart on eating and is both intensely peppery and slightly sweet. It's served on butcher paper-lined metal tray with the sides in paper cups. Nothing fancy here except the food.
For us, a 'must do' in NYC!
Filled well above the plimsoll line, we ubered it 'home'.
Another great day.
We started with breakfast just down the road at one of our hotel's recommendations, the 12 Chairs Cafe.
Excellent food and coffee!
Then the daughter met us for a day exploring 'their' part of New York ie. Brooklyn.
We started at DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with its great views across the East River towards Manhattan.
The walk along the river is lovely. Lots of people and families were out enjoying the Sunday sunshine
The daughter and the co driver rode a great old fashion merry go round (Jane's Carousel) virtually under the Brooklyn Bridge. It can be fully enclosed for winter.
Then we explored Brooklyn Heights with all its lovely homes followed by a nice light lunch at a French Patisserie.
Next on our list was the Brooklyn Transit Museum.
What a find!
It displays historical artifacts of the New York City subway, bus, commuter rail and bridge and tunnel systems under the administration of the MTA and is located in the decommissioned Court Street subway station in downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights
On the platform level, two fully powered and operational subway tracks contain many historic examples of New York City subway and elevated railway equipment on permanent display. Preserved rail cars date as far back as the predecessor companies that came before the New York City Transit Authority.
Most of the subway cars in the fleet are operable and they are frequently used for subway excursions run by the Museum and New York City Transit on various parts of the system. The subway cars are fully furnished with vintage advertising placards and route maps, completing the period atmosphere inside the vehicles.
It was easy to spend a couple of hours here.
Then we headed for the daughter's and Nicko's apartment in Fort Greene.
She and I explored the area for a while until we got caught in a huge downpour. Luckily there was a awning nearby which we shared cheek by jowl with 10 others for about 15 minutes. Those sheltering under trees in Fort Greene Park opposite were not so dry.
It's a nice leafy neighbourhood (in summer anyway) with some lovely old houses and brownstones and has a good 'feel' about it.
That evening it was BBQ at the Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
What an amazing place.
Situated in a very industrial area, the restaurant specializes in authentic, pit-smoked meats prepared in the classic Southern technique of smoking on oak wood.
It also serves up a wide selection of traditional sides and dessert. Two bars feature craft beers, a wide range of American whiskeys, seasonal cocktails and reasonable wine.
In classic barbecue style, it's walk-up service to the counter on a first-come, first-served basis until that day’s specially cooked offerings are sold out. Nicko and the daughter 'did' the line while the co-driver and I manned the table. It took nearly an hour to get our meal but it was more than worth it.
To make the wait more enjoyable we all ordered drinks from the bar and people watched as couples and large families with kids of all ages dug into the wonderful food.
We ate pulled pork, beef ribs, mac and cheese, mashed potato and corn bread.
The meat falls apart on eating and is both intensely peppery and slightly sweet. It's served on butcher paper-lined metal tray with the sides in paper cups. Nothing fancy here except the food.
For us, a 'must do' in NYC!
Filled well above the plimsoll line, we ubered it 'home'.
Another great day.
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