Friday morning, along with our neighbors, we piled in the van by 5:30 am and headed north to Sugar Lake.  It was a quick trip and we barely had enough time to finish with our coffee before we had to get to work. 

It was a sunny, quiet, warm, beautiful summer morning.  Once the fishing boat was launched, we donned the life jackets, organized the worms, leeches and some other funny looking bug like things.  I guess fish really like those little bugs. 

Our plan was to fish for walleye and bass, but the sun fish kept nibbling off the bait.  After catching and releasing many, we thought the fish started to look like some pretty big sunny’s and decided to keep the bigger fish. We promised our

B & B guests we would bring fish home for them to have for breakfast, if they wished.  They sounded interested so we were not going to come back with an empty stringer.

Got back to the B & B about noon and were faced with the big job of preparing the fish for cooking.  We got an assembly line (call it a cleaning line) going and it went pretty fast.  Today, after church, we fired up the grill and began to grill the fish.  Our neighbors came over, we showed the little boys how to get the bones out of the fish before eating, and we started the task of cooking and joyfully eating 35 sun fish. 

Our guests decided against sun fish for breakfast, they liked the sausage alternative better.  I am glad we have the first fishing trip under our belt.  The purpose for sharing this adventure is that if going fishing for a day while staying at our B & B is something you would like to do, we can make that happen for you.  Come and join us. 

Last night, Eva, Ingmar and Elisabeth arrived at the Minnespolis/St. Paul Airport for their first visit to the USA.  They were met by relatives who they have corresponded with for many years, but never met.  Thus began a one week event filled itinerary.

My Father and his family were first generation immigrants from Sweden.  I understand the mentality of packing in as much as possible in a one vacation.  My Dad use to plan a vacation for our family that would include so many stops during the day to look at “the view” and ‘historic markers” that my two sisters, Mother and I would beg to sleep under the stars rather than set up the tent.  We were always so tired from the busy day.  

We saw a lot of sites during a three week camping trip through the Black Hills, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Park.  Sadly my children have grown up without a similar camping experience………………..but I can still describe the stinky smell of the sulfur pots and Old Faithful at Yellowstone. 

Regarding our guests, I think they will be very tired also when they get back from their busy days this week.  I promised them to have their rooms cool and ready for bed and strong coffee set out on the patio for when get up.  Like so many of our bed and breakfast guests, these newly retired teachers and office worker from Sweden like to visit and share……………..so far they have lots of questions.

I am looking forward to this whole week.

Yesterday the perennials in this area went on sale for as much as 50 % off.  This is the time of the summer I just love to go and hang out at the nursery, visit with others shoppers and find something new and unique to add to our gardens. 

My Mom taught me to add to the gardens every year and often each year.  I remember her poking around in the garden before the snow was melted.  She was always thrilled to see plants beginning to wake up and also always sad when one of the plants did not make it through the winter.  She was almost surprised when a plant popped up in the spring and often took blame herself when something failed.

 I look at the process a little different in that I expect everything I planted and took care last year to pop up bigger and more beautiful this year so that we can add more plants.  That is what happened yesterday when browsing at a rather unusual nursery, Mills Fleet Farm. 

Hidden behind a stand of arborvitae, we stumbled upon a new hybrid bush recently introduced from the Netherlands called Young Lady Smokebush. Today it will be planted and when you visit our beautiful Bed and Breakfast, we will make sure you see it planted at the corners of the backyard sun gardens.  If you can’t wait, check it out at www.colorchoiceplants.com/young_lady.htm

The Minnesota Street Rod Association is sponsoring the 36th car show at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds.  The Fair Grounds is located just 10 – 15 minutes from the Historic Heights Bed and Breakfast.  Stay with us and be close to the action.

Billed as the largest 50s car show in the world, organizers expect 12,000 Street Rods, Customs and Classics to be displayed and more than 125,000 spectators to attend.  The fun will not only include “cars to be admired,” but 350 Vendors, 300 Crafters and 300 Swappers will be on hand to add to the fun.  Also plan to attend the 50s Dance which will be held both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Come and enjoy the whole car show……it is a wonderful place to be.

Minneapolis area is often referred to as the City of Lakes, and for good reason.  Within the larger metro area, there are hundreds of lakes, big and small where  fishing and canoeing are enjoyed and most often walking around the lake. 

Within 25 blocks of downtown Minneapolis is a chain of lakes especially loved by city dwellers.  Lake Harriet is well known for the bandshell where you can find youth talent shows to the Minnesota Orchestra performing.  Almost every summer evening you can find something to stop and watch as you walk the area.

For several summers, churches in the “uptown” area take turns hosting an ecumenical church service Sunday morning.  We attended yesterday and I walked away from the gathering with a wonderful feeling.  All of my senses were treated to new experiences.  The park was quiet; the early morning sun was warming and the breeze so soft and sweet.  Add to that the view of Lake Harriet’s quiet waters made the time special. Even outdoors the music was great.

And let us not forget about food.  Within just a couple of blocks of the bandshell are restaurants, big and small, to stop and get a bite to eat.  Attending an outdoor service at the Lake Harriet Bandshell is another stop to make when visiting this wonderful Minneapolis/St. Paul area during the summer. You’ll not be disappointed.

Home town based Famous Dave’s of America Inc. won the award for “Greatest Ribs in America”  at the 18th Annual Marc’s Great American Rib Cook-off recently held in Cleveland, Ohio

Our guests often ask how they can get to the Uptown Famous Dave’s because of the great food and live entertainment.  It is an easy jaunt, and sometimes we bring them ourselves.

Come to the Historic Heights B & B and enjoy a trip to Famous Dave’s, you will not be disappointed.

This week we were honored to host a guest from South Africa. He was in this area working on behalf of the organization he founded and is CEO, The African Leadership Academy. He also attended his 10 year Macalester College class reunion. He was really excited about the reunion; just imagine the many stories he will have to share.

During the time he was attending meeting and promoting his academy, he went to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. It is easy to get to the campus from the Historic Heights as it is just 11 minutes south on University Avenue.

If you are planning to visit the University, consider staying at the Historic Heights. For sporting events, we are often able drop you off at the venue.

We are hosting a Father’s Day Tea, Minnesota Style.  Make this a special day for both you and Dad or attend as a family.  Take your father or father figure to the tea and enjoy special treats as follows:

        Bacon Cornmeal Scones

        S’more Scones

       Walleye & Kraut Sandwiches

        Hot Dog Log Rolls

       Gingercake in a Blackened Skillet.

       Black tea, either regular or decaf.

We will serve the tea buffet style and outdoors, weather permitting.  RSVP now as space is limited.  See www.specialtymesteaparties.com for more information.

Would you be surprised to find out that 75 different languages are spoken in the Minneapolis Public Schools? Yes, Minneapolis area residents come together from worldwide cultures.

Minneapolis Mosaic Kickoff will start a summer long festival celebrating our diversity and cultural traditions through all of the arts.

Check the weekly schedule at www.minneapolismosaic.com for the weekly schedule. This is such a fun festival, each weekend you can find something to attend.

Visit the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for a weekend and stay at the Historic Heights B & B. As an Urban Bed and Breakfast, we are close to all of the venues and will help you get to your favorites.

It is June 1st, but not too early to start to think about a different and unique way to celebrate Father’s Day, June 21st.

It is generally thought that women enjoy attending a tea, but men do not, after all finger sandwiches, scones and delicate tea cups are not the first thing a guy would ask for. But the real reason a tea is so wonderful is because it is an hour or two when folks sit down and have time to enjoy conversation (yikes!) and each other’s company.

So our Father’s Day Tea will not have tea cups and finger sandwiches……instead it is an outdoor theme, especially a fishing theme. We will have a fishing boat on premise and you are invited to wear fishing gear and bring the fish stories, you know the story about the big one that got away.

No finger sandwiches, instead big bear paw role deli sandwiches. Tea cups will be mugs, some of them camping metal mugs. No delicate table clothes, red and white check is what we will use.

Please plan to join us, we have even contacted the Star Tribune and invited them to the Tea.

Once the menu is finalized, we will publish the cost. We want it to be $15 – $20 per person so everyone can join us.