From just south of Minneapolis, I begin this blog. This is my 3rd visit to this part of the world. We over a week and half before we return to California. Great trip so far.
We flew in to Chicago on 8/2 from San Jose, drove through the city at night (beautiful!), and overnighted in Janesville, WI where we met Kay, the breakfast hostess at the Hampton Inn. She helped us with directions, gave us advice on places to visit (Wisconsin Dells) and stay away from (Interstate 90), shared the latest news on her grandchildren, shared with Vicki a recent medical issue, and helped me with obtaining my first AAA Tourbooks from the local office there in Janesville. All in one morning!! Kay was a great representation of the warmth we find throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota.
On 8/3, we drove about 6 1/2 hours (incl. breaks) to Essig, in the middle of Minnesota farm country. We had dinner at Carl's Corner (pop. 10) with our hosts, Denis and Eunice Gluth, and other family and friends. The restaurant is nothing special on the outside, or the inside, but it is one of my all-time favorites because it captures the local atmosphere wonderfully. We dined on thin crust pizza and local German beer was served in small, traditional glasses. As we were most of the way through the meal, several in our party were overcome with watery eyes. As we looked around, many started to leave the restaurant. Turned out, someone in the kitchen started cutting onions early and the pungent odor was causing farmers to cry. Ya don't getta see dat every day!
We made our way to the Gluths where we visited on their patio and eventually bedded down for the night. A prairie rain began to come down around 3AM and we dozed at the moisture laden air wafted through the open window. There had been no rain for months, and we were credited by our farmer family for ushering in rain (over 1 inch!). On each of my three visits, it has rained, which is great! New nickname is Rainman.
