One Week Down, Seven to Go

My first official week of school has ended.

I’m only taking one class this summer. Since it’s been almost 20 years since I’ve been in a classroom, I thought it best to not bite off more than I could chew.  The class I’m taking, Intro to Hospitality and Culinary Management, is strictly a lecture class. I thought I’d find it dry and boring, but a necessary evil as a prerequisite to other classes in the program. Much to my surprise, I’ve found it every entertaining and interesting.

So….one week down, seven to go. First test on Tuesday. I’m feeling confident that I know the material pretty well, so we’ll see if I can ace my first test in two decades next week.

We took a road trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota last week, where Mark bowled a regional tournament and we spent time with Mark’s sister and her family.

On Friday, we visited downtown Sioux Falls and enjoyed lunch at the Phillips Avenue Diner. Along Phillips Avenue, and at other venues in the city, is the Sioux Falls SculptureWalk, a collection of over 70 sculptures, most created by local artists.

"Baccus"

"Watch Dog" -- Louise Peterson

"Lazy Days" -- Kate Denton

These were a few of my favorites. I wish we’d had more time to look at all of the sculptures and take more photos. From what I understand, this is an ongoing project and the sculptures are changed annually.  What a great program for local artists, and a wonderful treat for visitors to Sioux Falls!

On Saturday, we were all spectators as Mark bowled in the Empire Bowl Midwest Regional Tournament. He didn’t do as well as he would’ve liked (9th), but we’re very proud of him and he came home with a check, which I always like.

Saturday night, I treated everybody to a home-cooked meal to thank Mark’s family for hosting us during our stay. As much as I like my little cottage kitchen, it was really nice to cook in a gourmet space.

Pasta with sausage, peas, ricotta and romano cheeses, and fresh basil

Spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing

Key Lime Mousse Pie

On Sunday, we visited Devil’s Gulch and Palisades State Park in Garretson,  just outside Sioux Falls. Who knew such beauty existed in South Dakota? I sure didn’t!

Devil's Gulch Falls

Rock Formation, Palisades State Park

Sean enjoyed the climbing opportunities

Palisades State Park

We arrived home late Monday afternoon. As much as we enjoyed our time in Sioux Falls, it was great to get home.

Our neighbors, Brad and Jill, were kind enough to keep an eye on our house while we were gone. I wanted to thank them, so I made some fresh salsas (tomato and mango) and tortilla chips, surrounded them with salsa bowls, a colorful striped kitchen towel, and a couple of limes, layered it all on a bright red platter, and took it over yesterday afternoon.

Fresh Fiesta Platter

Jill was blown away. I love being creative with food and creating unique gift baskets for all kinds of occasions.

So, it’s been a busy couple of weeks. Mark has a full weekend off (a rare thing), so we’re planning on perhaps taking in a movie (Sean wants to see “The Karate Kid”) and enjoying a simple meal out.

Have a great weekend!