Syttende mai

June 10, 2011 | Holidays,Iowa,Norway

I spent syttende mai in a cooking class about Norwegian cuisine. I wore my sølv.

And my red, white & blue.

Then I got to eat a fabulous dinner, thanks to Creative Kitchen Cooking School, run by Anne Bakke. She made shrimp salad with asparagus, Norwegian meatballs and whipped-cream cake with strawberries. Wonderful food, great company and, of course, Ole and Lena jokes. It was a fun way to celebrate syttende mai.

My funny Valentines

February 14, 2011 | Family,Holidays,Valentine's Day

I have the sweetest Valentines in the world.

My last poinsettia from Mom

February 8, 2011 | Birthday,Family,Holidays

This was the last poinsettia I’ll ever get from my mother on my birthday. She and my father had been doing it since I was born. Then, after Dad died, it was Mom.

See, I was born in December. Ten days later, they had me in church for baptism. They had poinsettias on the altar that Sunday. And they sang something about roses … oh, I don’t know. She’s told me the story a dozen times, and she told my children the whole story again last birthday. I didn’t ask questions. Nor did I write any of it down. I just know that my birthday and poinsettias have always gone together.

Now? Not so much.

Eagle

December 30, 2010 | Family,Holidays

We visited my aunt and uncle in Missouri over the holidays. While we were there, we did some sightseeing and saw this eagle.

But do you recall the most famous … automobile?

December 23, 2010 | Holidays,Iowa

See the antlers? It’s a Rudolph car! Merry, merry, everyone!

It’s the season for lutefisk

December 17, 2010 | Holidays,Norway

I just learned that lutefisk is sold at my local grocery store. Lots of Norsky-Americans in these parts.

Ice storm

November 24, 2010 | Holidays,Iowa,Weather

Brrrrr! This is what an ice storm in Iowa does. Good thing we’re all safe and warm at home and ready for the holiday tomorrow.

Boo!

October 31, 2010 | Family,Holidays

Lilies

April 4, 2010 | Holidays,Spring

Drinking in the New Year over at Ilina’s

January 1, 2010 | 2010,BlogHer,Holidays,Norway

I got to meet Ilina in Chicago last summer. She’s always cooking up something tasty and tempting, and she celebrates 5:00 every Friday with a cocktail. And guess what? She let me kick off the new year with a guest post. Thanks, Ilina! Raising my glass and wishing you a happy New Year!