Friday Sock Fairy Adventures

Story synopsis so far...

Will is searching through the clothes in the dryer for his lost soccer sock. He really wants to find the mate as his soccer socks are a lucky pair. He once scored a winning goal wearing them. As Will leans into the dryer he is sucked in and tossed about. When Will stops spinning he tumbles out into a new place called Sockland.
This new magical place has mismatched socks everywhere hanging on tree branches. Three fairies fly by Will. He knows they are fairies from seeing their pictures in his storybooks. He runs down the road hoping to catch up to them but trips and falls over a large rock on the road. His leg hurts but he manages to catch up just as the fairies disappear through the door into the Sock Bank.
Unexpectedly Will’s size changes to very small when he rubs fairy dust over his hands. He is able to make it inside the Sock Bank behind a fairy just as the door closes. Will watches sock fairies unload their bags of mismatched socks in the bank hoping to find mates for their socks getting a gold coin in return. When Will spies his missing sock he grabs it but is caught by the sock security guards. When the guards lose their grip on Will a sock fairy named Melinda is able to rescue him. They fly out the opened Sock Bank door around the corner and out of sight.
Will and Melinda spy a poster advertising a sock hop at the Avalon Theater. All Will needs to do is wear his lucky socks, bring his dancing partner Melinda to the Avalon and dance till dawn to win the bag of coins. Lucky for Will wearing his matched pair of socks he and Melinda are able to win the sock hop contest. But unlucky for Will the sock security police spy him in the crowd. Melinda uses her magic powers and they fly out the door away from the theater. Melinda gives Will the bag of coins and tells him to get on the Sockland Express but be sure to get off at stop #3. The driver, Rocky Socky, is a sock monkey who wants Will to pay for the ride on the Sockland Express.
Will enjoys the magical ride of the Sockland Express when suddenly the bus makes an emergency landing at the Sock Mart. A clearance sale sign excites the passengers. Will is able to make a purchase of mismatched socks. He discovers Melinda on the Sockland Express and tells her about his plan to return to Sock Bank. He wants to find more matches for his socks as each pair will give him a gold coin. But Melinda has another idea. Will goes with Melinda deep into the woods to get to her home. A grouchy troll pops up as they pass over his bridge. Lucky Melinda knew the secret password to get them safely across.
Vocabulary
Fairy Ring or Fairy Circle

A fairy ring is a natural occurring ring of mushrooms. They are also known as pixie’s rings, faerie circles, or elf circles. Fairy rings are where fairies came to a meeting to discuss major problems and how to fix them, share important news from the woods and to dance, feast and celebrate. The mushrooms around the rings are used as stools for the fairies to rest during the evenings festivities.
Deep Magic-a set of laws written on a stone table. 

And so our story begins...
Under The Full Moon at the Fairy Ring
Inside Will had never seen such tiny, tiny furniture made from stones, plants, twigs, grasses and shells. He was glad for his small size so he could stand up straight and not bump his head. Will's head felt dizzy looking at so many mismatched socks everywhere. Across the top of window was a large twig with socks hanging down as curtains. Looking out the window Will noticed a clothesline tied between two tree branches made from spider webs. In the corner was a red wagon filled a pile of neatly folded mismatched socks. In front of the door entrance was a large sock that said welcome. Socks were hanging off the chandelier, hooks on the wall and towel bars. One chest had drawers labeled with colors to help sort the pile of mismatched socks. Nearby another chest had drawers labeled striped and spotted.  A quilt made from mismatched socks was spread out. And even the table was set with place mats made from socks. Remember sock fairies do like to be tidy.
The same flower was in different kinds of vases everywhere. "What are these? Why so many Melinda?"
"Will, the number one fairy favorite is the bluebell. 

Sometimes we eat them, make music with their bells, make hats for our babies and we just love their bright color. So Will if  you can only grow one kind of flower be sure to plant bluebells as they will attract fairies to your garden." 
Will really wanted to ask to borrow her book How To Make Sock Puppets but he could see Melinda was in a hurry. Lucky Will remembered to set down his welcome gift, a shiny pink stone. He had heard fairies like sparkly gifts.  

"Will, quick the moon is rising and we need to get to the fairy ring. The Fairy Queen will be at our meeting tonight. We will gather under the willow tree. We have a problem to discuss with the trolls not letting fairies pass over the bridge. The trolls are making the fairies work for them as a payment to get over the bridge. The Fairy Queen knows Deep Magic and can help solve problems. She will have ideas on how to help you get back into the Sock Bank without the sock security police catching you. But I might warn you if you get the Fairy Queen's help you will have to share your wealth."
"But why meet under a Willow tree?" said Will.
"Because willow trees inspire us to communicate and be creative with problem solving. Then after we will be merry dance under the moonlight and have a feast."
Melinda grabbed Will's hand they flew out the door into the woods. The moon was just coming up over the trees. The path through the woods sparkled with bits of fairy dust. The sun light grew dim as they approached the willow tree. They flew through the swinging willow branches. Will paused, transfixed by the sight of so many other fairies seated at the Fairy Circle. He was surprised each one held a different type of fairy wand. He recognized a porcupine quill, a peacock feather, a pussy willow, a stalk of bluebells and many more different kinds. Many of the flower fairies were wearing outfits made from fallen petals.   
Suddenly there was a flash of light. The whispering and giggling stopped. The Fairy Queen appeared in the middle of the Fairy Ring.  

There was not a sound to be heard in the forest as if all were waiting for her to speak. She touched gently the hand of a young fairy nearby to join the group. A light shone around the Queen as she began to speak in a soft voice barely above a whisper. "Welcome, welcome! Gather around and makes yourselves comfortable. We have important business to discuss tonight." 
 Friday August 14th Sock Fairy Adventures 
An Adventure Under The Moonlight

Private Up North Home Tour Fairy Garden

"Hand in hand with fairy grace

will we sing and bless  this place."

-William Shakespeare

Today I was lucky to get a private home tour of a fairy garden created by Kate and some of her friends. 

They found just the right spot down a path into the woods toward the lake. Each part of this fairy garden was carefully thought out.

The tour begins at the base of the tree where Kate is standing. There is a sign on the door to welcome visitors. 

In the middle of the fairy garden is a fire pit with benches just waiting for dusk, the full moon to rise and fairies to gather for their evening meeting, eating and dancing. 

Nearby Dew Drop Inn is open to visitors who wish to spend the night.   

Next to the Inn is the entrance to a lovely garden complete with tables and chairs for the guests to enjoy their stay. 

And the caretakers of the Inn thought of everything. They put up a clothesline nearby just in case guests have to wash and dry their clothes.

Nearby a feast has been spread out on the cloth with a variety of fairy sandwiches to choose from.

Across from the Inn Kate set up more housing for visiting fairies. 

After the fairy home tour Kate and I talked more about her fairy garden I think she must have read this book carefully before she started. She remembered so many things that fairies love like shiny 

objects. Several glass droplets were spread around the garden.  A welcome sign on the door encourage more fairies to visit. Kate and her friends were clever to add a clothesline.  This appeals to fairies sense of cleanliness as they are very tidy and love doing laundry.

I forgot to tell Kate when I read the book I found out that fairies love dancing at night around the fairy ring so it might be nice to add some music with wind chimes.   

Kate and her friends worked really hard on this project and plan to keep adding things each time they make a return visit to the garden. Meanwhile she has asked her grandma to be the caretaker until she returns. 

Now I suppose you are all wondering how will Kate and her friends know if fairies have visited their garden. Some signs are if you see out of the corner of your eye a flicker or a glimmer, almost like a firefly-if you see it then you don't, that surely means a fairy is nearby. Tinkling bells when there is no known source of music is another common sign. Fairy rings and dew tents, those little wispy canopies over the grass in the morning, is another sign fairies had fun the night before. But probably the best sign that fairies have found your garden their favorite is uncontrollable laughter. Remember fairies love laughter!

Here are some food ideas for a fairy themed party  

Strawberry Mushrooms

http://www.partyideasuk.co.uk/Library/strawberry-mushrooms
cotton candy in small paper cups

Fairy Bites

http://www.landolakes.com/recipe/1080/christmas-shortbread-tidbits

Greek Orzo Spinach Salad

Greek Orzo and Spinach Salad

Cook's notes: Another salad for summertime dining. Olives and feta give a salty punch to this pasta salad. Bell peppers and sun dried tomatoes add a subtle sweetness. Spinach and fresh basil add a pop of freshness. The herb vinaigrette dressed pasta keeps better than a mayo based one.   

Recipe serves 4-6.

Orzo, also risoni, is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. Orzo can be served alone, as a soup accompaniment, as part of a salad or pilaf or baked in a casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups dried orzo (rosamarina) (8 oz.)
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 3 cups fresh spinach, stems removed
• 8 oz. feta cheese, coarsely crumbled
• 1 cup chopped roma tomatoes or 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry on a paper towel and chopped
• 1/2 cup diced red peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
• 2 TB. snipped fresh basil 
• 3/4 cup diced red onions 
• 1/3 cup olive oil or lemon olive oil
• 2 TB. lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp.each dried parsley flakes and dried oregano or 2 tsp. dried Italian herbs
• 1/3 cup pine nuts

Directions:

• Cook orzo according to package directions. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Transfer pasta to a large bowl. Add torn spinach leaves that will wilt when added to warm pasta. 
• Add feta, tomatoes, peppers, olives, fresh basil and onions. Stir to combine well. In a jar with a screw top lid, place olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and parsley or Italian herbs. 
• Shake vigorously to combine and pour dressing over pasta mixture; toss to coat.  
• Cover and chill in refrigerator 6-24 hours to meld flavors. 
• Sprinkle with pine nuts right before serving. 

Broccoli Bacon Tortellini Salad and Roasted Grape Crostini with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Tortellini Salad with Broccoli, Bacon and Pea Pods  

Cook's notes: Brightly colored vegetables mixed with cheese filled ravioli and tossed with a prepared reduced fat/lite ranch dressing make a satisfying light yet low calorie summer meal. Bacon adds a savory taste.  Chill several hours for flavors to meld. Recipe adapted from Midwest Living and serves 4-6.

To blanch pea pods place 1-2 min in large boiling pot of salted water. Drain and then transfer to bowl of ice water and drain again.

Ingredients:

• 5 slices of  bacon
• 1- 9 oz. package of refrigerated light cheese ravioli
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1-1/2 cups diced cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh pea pods
• 1/2 cup bottled reduced fat/lite ranch salad dressing
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Directions:

• Fry bacon, drain and a paper towel, dice bacon pieces and set aside.
• Blanch pea pods.  
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water and drain again. 
• In a large bowl combine cooked pasta, broccoli, carrots, onions, tomatoes, pea pods, bacon and sunflower seeds.
• Add enough dressing to moisten salad.   

Roasted Grape Crostini with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

I had never thought of roasting grapes until I saw this very delectable picture. The grapes are slow-roasted and served on top of toasted baguette crostini with goat cheese, walnuts and a drizzle of honey. It is an elegant appetizer or can be served after a meal as a cheese course.

The recipe comes from healthyseasonalrecipes.com Check out the website as there are many other recipes which focus on using healthy ingredients and seasonal produce.
Ingredients:

• 4 cups red grapes
• 1 TB. avocado or olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1 TB. balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup crumbed fresh goat cheese
• 24 slices baguette, lightly toasted
• ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 1 TB.honey

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
• Stir grapes, oil, salt, thyme and pepper in a medium bowl. Spread out in one layer on the baking pan. Roast, stirring occasionally until wrinkled and caramelized, about 30 minutes. Roll ingredients around in pan throughout roasting time to cook more evenly. Remove grapes from oven and drizzle balsamic vinegar over them. Stir to coat. Set aside.
• Spread goat cheese on the baguette, dividing equally. Top with the grape mixture. Sprinkle with walnuts and drizzle with honey.

Road Trip Winona, MN

Destination-Winona, MN for The 12th Annual Great River Shakespeare Festival.

 
with a few stops along the way.
The Mississippi divides Minnesota and Wisconsin for many miles. The Great River Road is scenic and winding on the Wisconsin side heading towards Winona which is on the Minnesota side.

The Great River Road is Wisconsin’s only national scenic byway established in 1938. The entire trail extends 3,000 miles along the Mississippi River through 10 states. A road trip on the Great River Road takes you through 33 historic and unique Wisconsin towns. Of course we would have liked to see all 33 towns but could only fit in a few. 

The drive to Stockholm is a little more than an hour from the Twin Cities and passes through some gorgeous country — the road dips and rises over the country hills, and it twists and turns over ridges with water views, causeways, and steep rustic hillsides. Often we were passed by a steady stream of bikers out for a leisurely weekend ride.

 Stockholm is small, compact, charming, quaint and even a little bit quirky

with its benches, unique trash cans

 and some small spring- like hobby horses along side of the building. 

Beautiful outdoor gardens and floral displays seem to thrive in this town.

At the 2010 census only 82 full time residents were registered. But don't let that number fool you into thinking there's not much there. 

Not only is Stockholm one of Midwest Livings “Best of” it is also ranked as one of the top 5 “Shopping Hotspots” in the State of Wisconsin.
Stockholm is home to many unique events each year – Swedish Midsummer Festival, the annual Stockholm Art Fair (35+years!), numerous art tours, and A Stockholm Country Christmas.

 
Stockholm Pie and General Store is where you can get a slice of their world famous pies,pot pies, savory pies, cheeses, wines and craft beers. 
Stockholm was founded in 1851 by Swedish immigrant farmers. Many historic buildings in the village exist from days when Stockholm was a commercial hub for farmers, fishing and clamming. Ice, cut from the lake, was shipped all over the country. During the 1970’s many artists were drawn to the area by the region’s stunning beauty and began to revive the old storefronts and homes. Today, Stockholm residents are proud of their heritage and its vibrant arts community. Visitors are also drawn to the natural beauty of the nearby Lake Pepin area, which, according to William Cullen Bryant, “ought to be visited in the summer by every poet and painter in America.”

Winona is a city on the Minnesota side located in picturesque bluff country on the Mississippi River, its most noticeable physical landmark is Sugar Loaf rock formation pictured below.  

It is the home of Winona State University, Watkins Incorporated and Minnesota Maritime Art Museum. There are lots of outdoor activities with numerous parks and trails.   

Watkins Incorporated is a manufacturer of health remedies, baking products including vanilla extract and other household items. Their entire catalog includes 400 products and largely relies on an independent sales force of 25,000 people to distribute its products. 

One unexpected surprise was the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. The building is located along the Mississippi River. It houses an impressive private collection of land, river and seascapes masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Turner, Homer and O'Keeffe. In addition there are many annual temporary exhibitions and nationally-touring artworks throughout the year. 

 The outside grounds were a stunning display of prairie grasses and flowers. 

The Great River Shakespeare Festival is a nationally recognized festival which offers professional theatre productions, free concerts, educational opportunities for all ages and community outreach programs each summer from late June to early August.  We saw the their final performance of Much Ado About Nothing. It was an artistic, creative production with a very talented cast of performers. I would highly recommend attending next year if you happen to be in the area. 
The ride back to the Twin Cities on the Minnesota side was almost as scenic as the Wisconsin side. 

One of our last stops was Lake City. I was intrigued with the signage on this building which sent me sleuthing. Today this building houses Lake City's best antique,coffee shop and consignment store. But it is rich in past history. Check out Audrey Kletscher Helbing's post http://www.minnpost.com/minnesota-blog-cabin/2012/07/discovering-historic-gem-pearl-lake-city to learn more about this historic gem. 

As you can see in 48 hours we covered a lot of ground. Ending with this quote I saw in Stockholm 

and adding my own... explore the countryside.   
  

Weekend Round Up

Some of the week's best

The best way to start out the weekend is with a mojito.
If the Mojito was one of Ernest Heminway's favorite drink it works for me too! Ernest Hemingway made the bar called La Bodequita del medio famous as he became one of its regulars. He even wrote on the wall " Mi mojito en la Bodeguita" (My mojito at the Bodeguita) These words can still be read on the wall in his handwriting. Note you would have to go to Havana to actually see this for yourself.
A Mojito traditionally is made of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime, sparking water and mint. The original Cuban recipe uses spearmint. In the past few years the mojito has become a popular summer drink.
Cook's note: There are a variety of Mojito recipes but an important step not to skip is making your own simple syrup  ahead of time. The syrup keeps in the refrigerator several weeks covered. This recipe makes one drink.
Simple Syrup
Heat equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan until just before boiling. Stir until sugar has completely dissolved.
Ingredients:

• 2-1/2 oz light rum or try using mango rum or Bacardi Limon or which really kicks up the taste
• 1 lime
• 1 TB. simple syrup
• mint leaves
• ice
• club soda

Directions:

• Place 4 mint leaves and 1 TB. simple syrup in a glass and squish it all around with a spoon for 25 seconds till you have a good minty smell. This is called muddling.
• Cut the lime in half and squeeze juice out from both halves into the glass.
• optional at this step using a cocktail strainer to remove the mint leaves.
• Pour in rum, stir with lime juice and simple syrup together. 
• Add ice and top mixture off with club soda.
• Garnish with a lime.

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
A tasty Mediterranean lemon, garlic and oregano skewered grilled chicken that is perfect in pitas, in salads or right off the stick. Recipe serves 4 and comes from closetcooking.com
Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes in water before threading on chicken pieces. Add tomatoes and peppers.
Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• 1 TB. yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp.pepper

Directions

• Marinate the chicken in the mixture of the remaining ingredients in the fridge for 30 minutes to overnight.
• Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked, about 6 minutes per side.

Alternative Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Gyro

Pitas stuffed with tasty grilled chicken souvlaki, tomatoes, onions, creamy tzatziki sauce, feta and roasted red peppers. Serves 4
Ingredients

• 2 pitas, cut in half with pockets opened
• 1 pound chicken souvlaki, warm
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1/4 cup feta, crumbled
• 2 roasted red peppers, sliced (optional)

Directions:

Assemble the gyros and enjoy.

Pesto Chicken Salad

http://theclassychapter.com/pesto-chicken-salad-recipe/

Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

http://lecremedelacrumb.com/2015/02/mandarin-pasta-spinach-salad-with-teriyaki-dressing.html
NEW RELEASE