The big brother.....

Our birthday boy today is Pierre Barsaloux (Jewel Barsaloux) who turns 9 today.  Seems we had the age wrong last year so hopefully we've got it correct this time.  Happy birthday, Pierre; hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Farewell, Duluth.....

A few more observations re: our stay in Duluth....on our last full day in the city, we decided to check out what lay on the other side of the aerial bridge.  We drove for a couple miles to the very end of what is called Park Point, and there we found a float plane airport.  Who knew?  Turning back, we decided to check out the newer bridge that takes you over to Superior Wisconsin.  The only thing we found there on a pretty rainy morning was a flea market run by a guy who demolishes old buildings and then salvages what he can.  There were probably 12-15 small sheds/buildings full of doors, windows, and a lot of odds and ends (junk!)  When we left, hand sanitizer was a definite must!  
Back over to the hotel for a snack and then a walk down the street to the Maritime Museum where we spent a couple hours listening to a video about the shipping industry and then touring the two story museum full of artifacts and interesting details about the sea faring of yesterday.  

Another 'touristy' destination checked off our list....and then, it was time to get over to the Fitger's Brewery for their hour-long tour.  By then, it was 4 PM so the group was nice and small with only eight of us.  We had one of the brewmasters walk us thru the building where they had the various components set up for the brewing process. One of the beers that was going 'upstairs' that following Monday was cherry beer, so we were asked if we'd like to sample.  Um, yes please!!  Now that was a beer I could drink all the time...a rather pale pinkish tint with a hint of cherry.  Really very good!  We continued on with the tour which ended in the upstairs loft area of the restaurant. There the brewmaster finalized his dialogue and brought out two huge pitchers of their top two selling beers and told us to stay and drink as much as we liked.  What a deal....and all for free!  It is well worth your time if you have an hour to spend.  Dinner was next on the menu which was right next door at the Pickwick, a restaurant that's been there for years and actually has what look like doorbell buttons by each table; these were used in the early days to summon your waiter.  And, then it was the end of our last full day in Duluth.
We finished off the trip the next morning by going to Mass in downtown Duluth at the Lady of the Sea Catholic Church.  And, as we were going up for communion, who should we see but our realtor from Coon Rapids, who just ten days earlier had sat with us during our closing.  You should have seen her eyes when she came out of church and saw us standing there!  
So, next time you're headed to Duluth, hopefully our experiences will lead you to find something interesting to see and do.  A beautiful city charmed us during our entire stay...

Time for an anniversary

We haven't celebrated an anniversary lately, but we will today....Doug and Dawn (O'Donnell) Inman are celebrating their 10th today.  How time flies when you're having fun....and three kids to keep you busy!  Happy anniversary, Doug & Dawn....

A little more Duluth and the North Shore....

Continuing the travelogue on the little trip to Duluth and the North Shore....as mentioned in an earlier blog post, we decided to do as many 'touristy' things as we could while on our little 4-day excursion, so on the 2nd day we decided to drive up the North Shore.  Even though the leaf color was not near prime, the view of mighty Lake Superior almost constantly at our side was perfect.  First stop was Gooseberry Falls...now, one would think that with the devastating floods they had in that area earlier this summer that the falls would be pounding, but much to our surprise, it was really rather gentle and in some spots a mere trickle.   Even with kids being back in school, there were a moderate amount of people checking out the scenery as well....most of them of the senior citizen age!  

We decided to bypass the Split Rock Lighthouse, only because it was starting to rain a bit, and we have been there several times over the years...so we continued our drive with Silver Bay being the turn-around point.  Just as you enter the fringes of Silver Bay, you are suddenly hit with the starkness and dirtiness of the mining.  And, where else would a mining company suddenly stop traffic by moving product from one side of the highway to the other?

Over the years, hearing about Silver Bay so many times as they made the news about the drop in mining, etc. we were rather expecting a larger city.  What we found was very sad.  As we drove around a bit, you were struck with what could only be described as depressing.  Homes were in disrepair and so sad-looking; and, if there wasn't a pickup, boat or car sitting on the front lawn, that home stood out.  The word 'redneck' screamed at us!  We were saddened for those people who had 'for sale' signs in their yards, as no one will be buying any time soon.  It was a real eye opener for us.

As we turned around for the return trip to Duluth, lo and behold, there was one of the biggest single-seller flea markets we have ever seen!  Not only was it huge, it was organized....pink depression glass on one table, green on another; Corelle dishes here, Red Wing pieces there.  And, at night, they simply roll the tarps back over the tables and call it a day.  You would wonder how they manage to keep people from destroying what they have out...there are no fences or any possible way to secure the grounds as it sits right on the highway.  There was a LOT of stuff but really nothing that said 'take me home', much to Cliff's relief!

And, no trip to the North Shore would be complete without a stop at the famous Betty's Pies.  We have read and heard about this place for years...and so have the dozens and dozens of people there with us!  The parking lot was continuously full and people waited for a half hour to get in, and this was after 2 in the afternoon.  By then, our breakfast had worn off so we decided to try one of the local specialties (a miner's delight)....a pasty (or pastie).  They are much like a turnover but filled with cooked beef, potatoes, carrots and rutabaga and served with a yummy gravy.  On a coolish and cloudy day, the hot pastie went down very well.  

And, of course, no stop at Betty's Pies would be complete without a piece of pie...why else would you stop??  My choice was 'angel pie', a concoction that stood over 6" tall and consisted of meringue with a lemon/whipped cream filling.  It was to-die-for!  Cliff went with a more traditional berry pie...blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.  By the time we finished all that, we were ready to call an end to 'tourist day 2'.   Stay tuned for the final segment in a few days.....

A quiet time in a busy household....

Grandpa Derald Krentz seems to have the 'magic touch' with little newborn Vivian Roers (Kent & Susan Krentz Roers) as she snuggles in for a bit of a snooze.  This may be the quietest time found in a very busy household!  

And for those who haven't seen this recent photo of Kent & Susan's new little family, here it is...thanks to permission from Susan to show it here.  (And, we don't think the professional photographer reads our blog anyway!)  Can't remove the wording down the middle but the picture is so dang cute, who notices??  

Lucy, Austin and Vivian
Lucy looks like she'd like to roll that buggy right into the water!

Another birthday....

Today the birthday spotlight is on Lexi Dupont (Mike & Brenda Magnuson Dupont) as she celebrates birthday #8. Cupcakes for everyone....happy birthday, Lexi!

Excess tomatoes?

This morning, while finally unpacking my favorite cookbooks, I came across one book that I used almost exclusively for years.  It's called Favorite Holiday Recipes from the pre-Christmas 'show and tell' parties organized by Judy (Zacher) Kelly in the years of 1974 thru 1983.  (They were the BEST parties!)  At any rate, I know a lot of you have lots of tomatoes to use up and this recipe was made dozens and dozens of times at our house....I loved it because you didn't need to peel the tomatoes, and you could simply cut things into chunks, drop it all in, cook and then puree.  Lots of good taste and fiber in this sauce...and if I did it, you know it had to be easy!  Freezes beautifully...

SPAGHETTI SAUCE

2 large onions

2 garlic buds, minced (more if you like garlic)

1/4 c. cooking oil

12-14 large tomatoes

2 c. water or cooking wine

2 tsp. beef bouillon

4 tsp. basil leaves

2 bay leaves

4 tsp. salt

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Marjoram

Thyme

Chili powder

1 tsp. oregano

1-12 oz. can tomato paste

1 green pepper

Simmer ALL of the above until thick, 2-3 hours.  Cool.  Put thru the blender in batches and pour into containers for the freezer.  Can also be processed in a canner but freezing was always my choice.  This is the simplest recipe ever!

Party time?

Don't worry, mom and dad....Erik Nelson (#20)--(Kevin & Julie Korkowski Nelson)--is only going to be hitting the books on his birthday.  (He's already dressed for success!) Happy birthday, Erik, and remember it's homework only today!

Three musketeers in disguise?

A few weeks ago, on daughter Amy's BIG birthday, Evan, Abby and Isaac had a little surprise of their own for mama....they'd check to see if she recognized them with their new facial hair.  A bit of the old Groucho Marx? I'd say they did a very good job of confusing mom...and they're still cute besides!

Three months out and counting....

It's been a very long time since we first announced the date of the Korkowski holiday party at the Brandon Hall, so this is the first of several reminders to come.  Circle the date of Saturday, December 22, 2012...Brandon Hall. Time and other details to follow!

Some of our elves from 2011

Quite the threesome.....

School's in session down in Florida, and this picture was shot on the first day of classes for Ellie, Joseph and Andrew Majhess (Joe & Jennifer Korkowski Majhess).  Looking good and ready for another year of learning....

More celebrating.....

Might need the birthday candles to keep warm today up in 'potato country' as Chad Hanson celebrates his birthday (#33).  Hope you stay warm AND have a great birthday, Chad!  It is, after all, the first day of fall as well......

Look out world, he's ready for action....

You can bet your life there will be a ton of action in Florida today as Andrew Majhess (Joe & Jennifer Korkowski Majhess) celebrates his 6th birthday.  Life is never dull for a second when Andrew is around...and today will be no different!  Happy birthday, Andrew Carl...we just know your day will be extra special!

Friday date night??

If you're looking for something fun and inexpensive to do tomorrow evening, check out this information from Joe Korkowski.  

While I am no Don Shelby, my wife and I are in another radio play this Friday night at the Lakes Area Theatre. (on Lake Geneva).

You are all welcome to come, of course.

It’s another in the “Life of Riley” series…..  called “The Haunted House”.

For those unfamiliar,…it’s somewhat comical….or at least that’s our goal.

Friday Sept 21 - 7:00pm…

Lakes Area Theatre

Admission - $5.

A full ½ hour of laughter…. Priceless. 

Another birthday again today....

Another sibling's birthday again today...this time Sr. Cordy Korkowski (#73) gets to have a day of celebration and fun.  We hope you find time to enjoy a bit of time just for yourself but also find a birthday cake with your name on it somewhere along the way.  Happy birthday, Cordy!

A septuagenarian today.....

A new decade for the birthday boy today....Cliff Korkowski leaves his 60s in the rearview mirror and rolls right over to the age of 70.  (Always loved an older man!!)  We'll see if he acts any older...and wiser...now that he's reached such an esteemed age.  Happy birthday, hon, and enjoy this next decade.....

The North Shore never disappoints....

Last weekend, we took a few days off from the still ongoing unpacking and headed north to Duluth and the North Shore.  We knew it was a bit early to see spectacular leaf color, but also knew we'd have an easier time finding a hotel, getting into restaurants, etc.  Even though the skies were pretty much cloudy the whole time, the temps ranged from downright hot and windy to slightly warm and windy, so the weather didn't stop us from seeing or doing anything.  
We started our little vacation by heading straight to....Staples Minnesota...home of the great little restaurant called The Spot Cafe.  It has become our go-to restaurant on any trips to...and from...the Brainerd area! Everything we've ever ordered has been very good, but our top two favorites are the Denver egg breakfast sandwich....swear they scramble the eggs with pure whipping cream...and the slab bacon.  That bacon is to-die-for...and we probably would if we ate it every day...it is delicious!  So, next time you're headed north, go straight to Staples first...it's that good.

After our tasty breakfast, we drove straight to Duluth to make sure we could snag a hotel room, and snag a good one we did.  Wanting to stay down in Canal Park and be part of the 'action', we were disappointed to find the first hotel was full.  Oh no, not looking good...and it's only 2:30!  Next stop was the Canal Park Lodge, where Cliff was able to snag a great Lake Superior view and an even better price because he told them we were celebrating an anniversary.  It had been our intent to probably go further north for the next night's stay, but we were so happy with the view and the room that we stayed for all three nights.  The boardwalk was right outside our hotel, and the views were wonderful.

Once we unpacked our 'stuff' and then laced up our sneakers, it was off to start being a tourist.  First on the agenda, go check out the aerial lift bridge.  Best place to watch the action is at Grandma's Saloon, just a stone's throw away, out on the 2nd story patio area.  It didn't take long before the lights started flashing and the bells started ringing, and the bridge went into Operation Lift-Up.  

Having seen that, we savored our delicious walleye sandwich, the specialty of the house, and then back to the hotel for the end of day #1.  Check back later for some of our other observations as we did indeed play the part of 'tourist'......

Girls only today......

No boys allowed today...it's just for the girls!  Birthdays today are Deanna O'Donnell (#31) and Alyssa Korkowski (Nate & Edith) who turns 4.  Happy birthday, ladies....may you have a great birthday....

Deanna

Alyssa

We're not done yet.....

We absolutely love getting these pictures of the 'little people' in the Kork family so don't ever hesitate to send them my way!  These are pictures of Mike & Lisa (Krentz) Stark's boys as they started school this year.   First, there's Tyler who started 1st grade, and then there's Zach who started preschool.  Lastly, the two boys chilling out after school with baby brother Dylan.  Lots and lots of energy in that household.....

Tyler, 1st grade

Zach, preschool

Tyler and Zach hanging out with baby brother Dylan

This just in.....

Received word (and a picture) of a newly discovered Korkowski sibling in the form of a 6th sister.  She showed up on a bicycle at the annual 'sisters only' weekend held in the Twin Cities yesterday and today, and it was a surprise to all that she shared so many family traits with her 'sisters',specifically the well-known Korkowski hair.  We'll all be anxious to meet her at the annual holiday party in December!

Left to right:  Theresa Krentz, Sr. Cordy Korkowski, the newest sister, Faye Magnuson, Annette O'Donnell and Rosie Peterson

Time for an anniversary....

No birthdays today, but we do have an anniversary to celebrate.....Joe & Sue Korkowski are celebrating #22 today, and let's hope dinner out is 'on the menu'.  Happy anniversary, you two!

A busy year for this gal.....

A milestone birthday today for Rachel Krentz as she rolls over from 29 to the big 3-0!  It's been a year with lots of big changes....new home in a new city and a brand new teaching position.  Congrats on all your life changes.... and happy birthday, Rachel.

A big day for another little person......

By now, the luster of new backpacks and sneakers has sort of worn off for most kids, but for Hannah Korkowski (Rick & Deize), the excitement has just started as she starts her first day of preschool.  A new adventure begins...and it looks like just maybe the color purple is a favorite!  Have fun, Hannah!

A special 'club' of two....

Cousins Patrick Korkowski & Jill Korkowski (#37) are unique in the family in that they were both born on the same day in the same year, same hospital and same nursery and just one hour apart...the only ones in the family to share that distinction.  Happy birthday, Pat & Jill!  

A day of celebration...two ways

A couple of different occasions to remember today...first, Morgan Thompson (Troy & Brandi Magnuson) becomes an 'official' teenager as she turns 13.  Oh, yeah, remember those days well!  Happy birthday, Morgan....

And, on this day we celebrate the life of Jerry Korkowski who was freed from his pain and suffering four years ago on this day.  We all miss those one-liners, Jerry; we just know heaven is having a really fun time up there with you!

Birthday cake and ice cream on the menu....

Today's birthday girl is Donna Korkowski (#61), and we're fairly certain she is out and about having a fun time someplace!  Wherever you are, Donna, we know you'll have a great birthday!  

Another day of 'firsts'.....

A note and picture from Dawn (O'Donnell) Inman explains that today was a 'first' for both father and son....Logan set off for his first day of preschool, while Doug set off for his first day of work at his new job.  After 15 years at IBM, Doug is taking on a new position at Mayo Clinic where he will continue to work with security compliance in Global Business Solutions.   Lookin' good, men!  Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work (school) you go.  

Anniversary time.....

It's a day to celebrate for Bill & Megan (Korkowski) Nicholas as they celebrate their 7th anniversary today. Wishing you a day of great memories from the past and those to be made in the future...happy anniversary!

The best "job" in the world.....

Today is National Grandparents' Day in the United States, and we think it's safe to say it is the best 'job' ever....and we all have our kids to thank for it! :)  Enjoy your day, grandpas and grandmas everywhere...........

Time for a birthday

A week without a birthday but today we can send a shout-out to Monte Korkowski (#26) who is probably glad to have his birthday fall on a weekend...sleep in, party a bit, and just take it easy.  Happy birthday, Monte!

More school shots.....

Today's school pictures are of Kellen & Felicia (Peterson) Morrissey's family.  Trayton and Aspen are attending Zion Lutheran this fall, with Tray in 6th grade and Aspen starting kindergarten.  

Trayton and Aspen

And, this is Avery...she's not going to school yet but mom says that Avery has waited 4 years for her siblings to attend school so she can play with THEIR toys while gone!

And from the Wadena/New York Mills area, Haley Korkowski (Nate & Edith) was all smiles in her new outfit as she waited to start day #1 of first grade.  Pretty in purple and looking ready to impress! And, there was one last hug for little sister Alyssa before she scooted out the door....