Minneapolis Taste Buds

Even though it's been 90 degrees out all week I can tell Fall is on its way. The young maples are starting to turn and the bees are angry because they know they'll freeze to death soon (one stung my running friend's head this morning). I can't wait to turn off the A/C and bundle up in the down comforter. That will have to wait a few more days according to Kare 11's weatherman, Sven. Fall is my favorite season and it makes me crave hearty soups and stew-like meals. The green crockpot I have is definitely older than I am. It's been in the family for decades and has seen many a Boeuf Bourguignon. Yes, I had to check the spelling of that meal in my handy Rival Crock-Pot cookbook. It's good to see crock-pot cooking coming back in style. Cooking Light's September issue featured Beef Daube Provencal , which I made last week, and I may buy a new cookbook dedicated to slow cooking. We bought a half-cow this summer (we filled our entire deep-freeze) and have a who

I tried to meet Mark for lunch, but the Saturn wouldn't start. Had a few lights appear, but she was stuck in the garage. My hero of a husband came home and saved me. After a nice push down the driveway with the butt of my SC2 hanging out into the middle of the street we gave her a jump. And by "we" I mean Mark. Naturally I first pictured a few tragedies: 1) Me rolling uncontrollably down the driveway into oncoming traffic 2) Mark and Amy blowing up both of our cars as he revs the engine and I turn the key to mine Disaster averted, and back to Steve's Tire & Auto we went. I just bought tires there a couple weeks ago. I think I may have them over for a BBQ soon now that we're on a first-name basis and they have all of my money. Oh well. We went to al Vento for lunch and a glass of house white wine, a crab cake, and a beet salad later, I'm feeling much better. Wasn't quite what I had in mind for my day off, but it'll do.

So I'm definitely doing a half-marathon. Well, 2 actually. My running friend and I signed up for the Women Run the Cities 10-Miler and the Monster Half , plus the hubby and I are postponing our anniversary trip this year until December. We're heading West for the Vegas Half Marathon on December 2. I'm nervous, but am pretty sure I'll be able to finish. I'm not exactly in it to win it or anything. I need to get my rear in gear after a long weekend away from running, but the 92 degree heat + humidity just makes me sleepy.

After another crazy weekend in Chicago, I need to get back on track. We went to my very first game at Wrigley on Sunday. Ever heard the catchy, but annoying Cubs song? It's been in my head for days now. Go Cubs go . . . Cripes - there it is again. Mark was able to reunite with the Starbucks apple fritter for 2 consecutive days, and we had a lot of quality time with our friend, Jackie, who took care of us and fed us well. I have today off to recover and to try to salvage our very thirsty garden in this sweltering heat. Meeting Mark for lunch, and then I think I'll workout and plan a nice dinner for us. It will be hard to beat sister Beth's fabulous Labor Day feast of grilled salmon and succotash though. Last week I made a great recipe from the September issue of Cooking Light that my dad and I just loved - Beef Daube Provencal . I'm not afraid to make it again this week.