Cloquet, MN ~ September 9-15

We're heading into our last week, this year, in Cloquet with my mom. The weather has been wonderful, with temperatures reaching into the mid-70s, but cool at night...dipping down to the low 40s. The weather hasn't done anything to spur the change of leaves, as all the trees are still draped in the full greenery of summer.

Dick installed a new kitchen faucet for Mom, replacing the old one that had developed holes in the faucet causing water to spray in a fine mist all over the windows and surrounding area. Nice!  He also installed a new handle and parts in the commode for Mom. The toilet no longer wants to run continuously! Yeah!

MacKenzie’s soccer team went head-to-head with Woodland, a team from Duluth on Monday. Final score: tied 2:2.  Their team is still undefeated, but a win would’ve been nice. Unfortunately, MacKenzie came down with a cold and sore throat over the weekend so she wasn’t able to play. Of course everyone blamed the tie on her, saying, “if only MacKenzie would’ve been playing we would’ve won! Ha-ha!”

Wednesday we all became more beautiful (um, sorry, Dick…handsome…ha!) Haircuts for everyone and a perm for Mom. Amazing what a difference that made. Our friend and hairdresser Sherri does a wonderful job. Don’t know what we’ll do when/if she decides to retire.

Our good friends and Mom’s neighbors, Dave and Jan came over Wednesday night to play Pegs and Jokers. This was their first introduction to the game, and they loved it! Guys: 2, Gals: 1.  (We’re playing again with them Tuesday night this week, so stay tuned for the outcome!)

The apples on Mom's tree have grown to ripeness, so we harvested some on Monday and made a marvelous dessert, Apple Cake Dessert. It's in the Shold Family Cookbook that I created earlier this year, but here's the recipe if you're interested in making it.

Apple Cake Dessert

Cake:
3 c. apples, peeled and diced

1 Bosc pear, peeled and diced

1 1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs, beaten

3/8 tsp. salt

2 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 c. chopped walnuts

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 c. flour

Topping:

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. white sugar

2 Tbsp. flour

1/4 c. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. water

1. Mix apples, pear and sugar. Let stand 15 minutes.

2. Add egg, salt, cinnamon and nuts.

3. Mix together the baking soda and flour; stir into other ingredients.

4. Pour into greased Bundt pan,

5. Bake at 350 for about 50 minutes, or until cake tests done.

6. Let cake rest for a couple of minutes; then put on serving platter.

7. Spoon warm topping over top, letting it soak in.

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Thursday we had a luncheon in Duluth at the Red Lobster, celebrating family birthdays (my Aunt Fern’s and mine). There were 20 of us, coming all the way from Grand Marais and Minneapolis. As I’ve mentioned previously, they get together 3 to 4 times per year to celebrate, and ALWAYS have a wonderful time. Here are a few photos of the gathering.

Mom (in forefront) with Uncle David next to her.
cousin Caleb with girlfriend Nicole opposite, with
Uncle Erland and Dick. 

Cousins David and Beverly seated to the right of Dick

Aunt Fern, Uncles Don and David

Cousin Linda and her grandbaby, Aunts Jan and Bernice

No trouble seating 20 people at 1 table!

Uncle Kenny, Aunt Fern, Uncles Don and David, Mom,
Aunts Ruth and Glenna

Afterwards, my cousin Kim and her mom (my Aunt Glenna) introduced me to a fabulous place in Duluth called The Rustic Olive. Vats are filled with a variety of olive oils (plain and flavored), and balsamic vinegars. Oh my... I came out with Arbequina, an extra virgin olive oil, and Blenheim Apricot balsamic (birthday gifts from Kim), dark chocolate, black current and Cara-Cara orange vanilla balsamics...perfect for salads and desserts.  Need I say, "YUM?" As you enter the establishment, all you smell is the wonderful fragrance of olive. Definitely on my list to revisit!

We had a bit of excitement in the house on Friday: Mom left the screen open on the slider to the deck, thus inviting a little chipmunk in for the afternoon. With Dick’s help we were able to steer him in the right direction to the outside, so after about 10 minutes he ran out.  He’s so cute, but we didn’t want a new resident in the house!

Sunday was my birthday. Dick presented me with flowers: over 100 blossoms on the lilies…and no, that’s not indicative of my age! Ha! They’re beautiful, and I’m so fortunate to have him in my life.

As I said earlier, this week’s blog is short, but hope you enjoy reading it anyway. When we hit the road there's sure to be more fun and excitement!

Hugs ‘n’ Love,

Dick and Gail