oh, you betcha! (make sure you say it in a Minnesota accent)

I've been really lucky in my 8 years working at The Merc that I've gotten to travel a lot. I've been to the International Herbal Symposium in Massachusetts, 5 times to the Medicines from the Earth Conference in Black Mountain, North Carolina and 4 times to the National Co-op Grocers Association Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota. This year I decided to get a one-way ticket to the conference in Minnesota, spend 4 days working and then Chris would drive up (10 hours!) and meet me and we would spend the rest of the weekend exploring Minneapolis and drive back to KS together. It was such a good idea! We had a ball! 

First of all the conference was incredible. I'm really proud to work in the co-op world with a network of people all over the country who stand behind the same causes that I do. It was great to have us all in one place to talk shop and listen to some really incredible speakers, such as, the founder of the Just Label It campaign (the labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms).

Chris showed up on Friday afternoon and we jammed packed the weekend! We went to the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Mill City Museum and Farmers Market, and Sea Salt. Oh yea, and it was Pride weekend! We went to the Pride festival and the parade. It was incredible. There were more than 300,000 people at the parade and festival!!!

After we left Minneapolis, we drove to Rochester, MN where a friend of ours grew up. She happened to be visiting! Her folks are master gardeners so I was eager to see the place. It blew us away! Stone paths, baby goats and donkeys, chickens, bees, a pond with a waterfall. Their very own Eden. We ended up spending the night there and getting up early to get on the road toward Decorah, Iowa.

I've wanted to go to Decorah for years! Seed Savers Exchange is there. There mission is to conserve and promote America's culturally diverse but endangered food crop heritage for future generations by collecting, growing, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants. Not only do I have a strong connection because I use their seeds in my own garden, but my very good friend, Tracy, grew up there on the farm. Her parents started Seed Savers back in the 70's. What a crazy connection! So, Tracy's mom, Diane, met us there and gave us a tour of her garden and then Lou, who I order seeds for The Merc from, met us and toured us around the rest of the farm. It's such an amazing place! I'll just let the photos explain...

What an awesome trip!!!

Dinner at the 112 Eatery

The Farmers Market was tucked between those buildings 

right next to the raging river.

Love is the Law in Minnesota!

Our favorite artist, Egon Schiele

Kendra, the queen of the gorgeous snack tray!

A grotto built by Kendra's folks.

Baby goat and Edith

View of the goat field and pergola from on top of the grotto.

 A gardener's Mecca!

The Seed Bank!

Beef Jerky and Crystals

I know it's an odd combo, but this is what's happening in my life right now - beef jerky and crystals. We were given a food dehydrator by our awesome bro-in-law, so we immediately got to work. We made 3.5 pounds of the good stuff and guess how much is left? That's right. We devoured it all. And shared a bit too. I intend on making more very soon. Might need to hide it in a secret place though.

Each spring and fall is the KC Gem and Mineral Show. Us gals at The Merc get to go and buy stuff for the store. I know what you're thinking. You sell crystals at a grocery store? Well, yea. Why not pick up some smoky quartz to go with your sweet taters. Who wouldn't want that? It's a really fun work day and I definitely pick up a few things for myself too. 

Well, spring is supposedly here. It was 85 degrees last week, yet we woke up to another 7 inches of snow this morning. Kansas weather is freaky. I don't mind though. If you can't change it, why not just enjoy it? Although, I am looking forward to get my hands in the dirt. 

Our teaser day in the garden last week.

""""***ERIN***""""

This post is dedicated to my sassy friend, Erin. Erin has been living in the wine country in California for the past 2 years. Chris and I visited her last summer and where she lives is truly magical. Her folks live in SE Kansas and so for the holiday season she decided to come back to the Sunflower State for a month! She's been staying with them a bit and us a bit and other friends a bit. We've had SO MUCH FUN. We celebrated the New Year together, spent many a night at 715, had a sweat lodge, played with essential oils, went to a movie premier and just hung out and talked for hours. Oh yea, and drank wine. Erin and I have known each other for 12 years and have had lots of adventures. Every time she comes in town, we fall right back into place, like we've never been apart. Erin is a beam of bright light. She's fun, sassy, positive, adventurous, loving, encouraging...she's everything you'd hope for in a friend. I love you Erin! 

Our holiday party

With Alicia at our holiday party

With another super longtime friend, McKenzie at Pachamama's

With more awesome longtime friends: Erin, Cat, Me, Gina, McKenzie

 before we went out for sushi and a crazy nice of dancing

 

New Years Eve!

Movie premier bathroom pics

 Playing with essential oils in front of the fire 

after our sweat lodge with Josh and Alicia.

Visiting me at The Merc while I was working. 

She worked there for years before I did.

Eating dinner in front of my fireplace.

715 with Erin, Chris and Kenzie

 Ya know what the cool thing is? She's back in town. Our birthdays are next week and are 1 day apart. The weeklong birthday celebration begins tomorrow! Yahooooo!!!!