From my brother-in-law John Norlander

Would you forget your roots?

My friend Ann says, "After the untimely passing of Tim Russert, many tributes honored him as a man who never forgot his roots, never forgot where he came from." She goes on to say, having recently seen a photograph of the people she went to high school with, that she WISHES she could forget where she came from! And then [this is so Ann-like], she worries that Karl Rove might consider her elitist.

We of course consider Karl Rove a child molester, but that's beside the point.

Here's today's survey: have you ever been to your high school reunion? If yes, more than one? Would you go again? Take the poll! You may also answer in an essay. We love stories about people who act up at high school reunions, don't we, Ann?

Finally got our exciting vacation photos online!

By popular demand . . .

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=yhzfa9a.8oy2d54a&x=0&h=1&y=tpdzde&localeid=en_US

La Machine!

Last night McCabe and I were whirlwinds in the kitchen. We made a rice salad and the shrimp basil pasta salad in just under two hours. The rice salad involves LOTS of chopping and the second one starts with "a basket full of fresh basil leaves." Also lots of chopping and prep. Book club is tonight at my house and I am READY. Except of course I haven't read the book.

Well you can't do everything.

My best guacamole

In case you needed the recipe, here's the one I made at Rita's.

Pat's Guacamole

2 ripe avocados
1/4 c. white onion, chopped fine
1/4 c. your favorite salsa (I have to say there's nothing wrong with Pace's)
1 T. lemon or lime juice
1/3 c. finely chopped tomato
1/2 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt

All measurements are approximate, but these quantities will get you started.

Cut the avocados in half longways. Twist the halves apart; one side will have the seed in it. Whack your heavy knife blade into the seed and twist. It will come out. Scoop out the insides with a spoon.

Put the avocado into a serving bowl with the onion, salsa and lime juice. Mash with a fork until it's as smooth as you want it, but don't puree, that's gross. Stir in the tomato and cilantro. Taste for salt and add some. You'll need it.

Serve.

Summer in Minnesota

It's about 65 degrees this morning, sunny and breezy. Eat your hearts out, Texans. THIS is summer. We've had a great time at the Norlanders in Rochester. Casey and his cousin Shiloh bang around like junior high school boys on the wrestling team. Shiloh is half again as big as Casey; we thought Casey was a big dog until we saw Shiloh!

Yesterday we drove over to a river town, Stillwater, on the St. Croix, then met John and Niki for dinner in MSP. They both look marvelous and John has made incredible strides since the catastrophic illness that almost claimed him a year ago. He's a strong guy with an impressive support group, including an adorable wife who is obviously his rock.

Pics to come on kodak gallery asap.