Wednesday, June 29, 2011

My how you've grown - Wordless Wednesday

My family thinks I'm nuts because I get such pleasure from watching my garden grow...








 These Peppers continue to make this Momma proud.


 Heirloom Tomatoes


 Cherry Tomatoes

And now it's your turn... Grow Baby Grow!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Lunch via Vellee Deli

For lunch the other day I ventured the 3 blocks over to Marquette & instead of my old faithful spot, I thought I'd try out one of the newer Food Trucks that serve downtown Minneapolis.   Parked between 5th & 6th Street on that day was Vellee Deli. They call themselves creating food that is a fusion of Asian & Mexican.


I had heard that they served fish tacos, but did not have a clue what to expect.

For $7.00 I tried what they call The Kraken which is 2 "tacos" - a beer batter fish filet topped with shredded red cabbage & pico de gallo, served on a couple of cold corn tortillas.


They all wore tee shirts that said on the back:
"it's not just good...it's VELLEE GOOD! "

My verdict?!

The portion size was small - I almost wished I would have ordered something else to go along with it.  The presentation was good, however I would have preferred to have it in a box that I could close for the walk back to the office.  Onlookers jealously peered at it as I walked back up the street.

The crunch of the battered fish was a nice contrast to the cold corn tortillas & the toppings were surprisingly flavorful, enough so that I though a portion size of 3 tacos would have been perfect for lunch.

I may have missed the boat with my order because as I stood waiting for my lunch a number of dishes quickly sold out: The Dragon Melt ( a Quesadilla), one of their Burritos, and one of the Baugette sandwiches.

It peaked my taste buds enough to go back another day & give one of the other dishes a try as you know a woman can not nosh on Lobster rolls alone!

I did appreciate that they made their social presence known with the Twitter & Facebook buttons on their truck. If your are interested in viewing their menu - click Vellee Deli & check out their website.  I'm following them on Twitter & you can also @VelleeDeli.

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy: Minneapolis Loves A Good Food Truck Vendor or Happy Mother's Day To Me!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - More LEGO Fueled Imagination

Another Wordless Wednesday
Inspired by one of Munchkin's favorite things...LEGOs

The first attempt at building a crane...a few weeks ago

And last evening's version...
relaxing in the cool air on a 100+ degree day

 Fueled by an ever growing imagination

It turned out a little bigger & a little better ;  )

Saturday, June 4, 2011

The Recycling Of Vintage Memories

There are so many things my parents saved for me... for when I had a family of my own but few that I appreciate more than some treasured toys.


The label above I've read they began using about 1974.


You'd never guess that the same kid who has a vast collection of black dolls, many of which were custom made, would also be so attached to her Tonka Trucks, but I was. I remember the Tonka Headquarters well since we used to take our canoe out & go fishing in the lake right across the street.


  Luckily my parents carefully stored away my treasured trucks & handed them over finally when we moved into our home 5 1/2 years ago where we had plenty of room to store them until we started our family.


It was many years before we would have our son & a few years after that before I would let our son play with Mom's metal trucks. 


I would put them up high on the shelves where Munchkin couldn't reach & then after I'd go upstairs my husband would take down the trucks for our son to play with. 

Tonka T-6 bulldozer 2300 Pressed Steel Truck
 
After a while I just gave in & took them down whenever Munchkin asked to play with them.

 


I always insist that Munchkin treat the trucks with care & respect the way I did as a child.  Hopefully they will last another 25-30 years or so until I'm a grandmother & can share them with our grandchildren.