THE APRIL BIRTHDAY BASH

The Sisters' April Birthday Bash that was held on Friday was a success, as far as I have heard.  We gathered at Sister 3's house (I am the oldest, therefore am number 1!) where she served muffins and fruit, and of course coffee.  Thus fortified, we took off on our adventure. 

First stop was the annual book sale in a nearby two-college town.  I did well, spending only $14.00 and coming away with two quilting books, both originally $29.95, one of which seems to have never been opened, and 6 non-fiction books.  Three of them have Minnesota connections, one is a book by a Native American, one the story of newsman Bob Woodruff's accident and healing, and the other by another newsman,  Tom Brokaw.  Sister 2 won the prize for buying the most books.  Then on to the Penzey's Spice store, where I did spend a bit more moola!  However, my excuse is that I was also picking up a couple of things for my daughter.  Next came lunch, where two sisters had salad and wild rice soup, and two of us had a piece of grilled chicken and veggies.  Our table, right in front of the warm fireplace, was a welcome contrast to the gusty winds outside.

On to a nearby picturesque town nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Minnesota.  We visited a winery, and yes, I did purchase a bottle of wine.  It's for a gift though, so I don't show up on my patio expecting a taste test!  An antique shop was next, but it didn't take too long for the musty contents to drive us back out into the cool fresh air of the Minnesota afternoon.  We hit a quilt shop, where wonder of wonders, I resisted!  Honest!  One sister did find some great fabric to make a couple of pillows for her living room.  Next came a nearby farm market.

L to R:  Sister 2, Sister 3, Sister 4  (they made me promise not to use names!)

I think a couple of the sisters did make a purchase here, as one did at the next stop, a local pottery shop.  Whoops, I almost hit publish without including the stop at a bakery.  Not gluten free, so I wasn't even tempted, although it smelled delish!

The last stop was a cheese shop in Sister 3's hometown.  I did buy a very good smoked Gouda and a white cheddar with cranberries.  Then it was time to head off in various directions toward our respective  homes.  It was a fun time, spent with sisters who get along very well.  We had good conversation, a good lunch, and we helped out the economy just a wee bit!

Total miles traveled 203.1 with a MPG of 51.3.  Not too bad!  Have I ever told you that I love my Prius?