In addition to the gourmet send off from Susan & Peter, I have been truly spoiled by many wonderful send offs.

It started with the family goodbye party hosted by my dear Aunt Bernis and Uncle Tom. They are always so welcoming hosting a family party practically every weekend. The highlight of this party was going to be a bouncy house. Let me explain. Axes and Bernis share a birthday, and for her 60th / Axes’ 2nd, she hosted a big bash where this was the main event. Ever since, the family has decided that no party is really complete without one. But alas on this day thunderstorms were predicted, so no bouncy house for us. In the end, the weather actually mostly cooperated, but there was just enough rain to justify the cancellation and save Aunt Bernis from the wrath of her granddaughter Sydney. 🙂

Next came Introducing Heidi to High Tea. My older sister Heather and I love high tea. Our love was born where else but Bath, England on a day worthy of an Austen novel (early drama only to end happily ever after). The Sunday after the 4th, Heather took Heidi and I to The Queen’s Tea at Mad Hatter in Anoka. We had such a lovely time. Although I don’t think Heidi loves tea quite like we do.

On Tuesday, the sensory group took me out to dinner at Corner Table. Another amazing food experience for this foodie. Our waiter’s recommendations were spot on and celebrating with those amazing ladies was a truly wonderful experience.

Yesterday was my last day at Land O’Lakes, and to say it was an emotional day is an understatement. What a a ride it has been! My team hosted the most amazing brunch for me. I had actually been composed all morning, but it was the marshmallows on the banner that Belinda had made for me that opened the floodgates. Those of you who attended, I actually was worried that I would cry more, so though I apologize, it could have been worse. 🙂 There were so many amazing and special people in the room with me. I received so many special gifts to help me always remember my days at Land O’Lakes, and felt so honored when Liz gave me a ‘honey roast’ and listed the things that I am most proud of accomplishing at Land O’Lakes. I better stop now, before I start crying again. 🙂

My friend Peter vehemently denies he is a foodie, because foodies just enjoy delicious food rather than preparing it themselves. He would rather be called a gourmand. If that is the distinction, he and his wife Susan are true gourmands, while I would place myself in solid foodie status.

Last night they hosted a stunning goodbye party for us. Peter smoked a ham (amazing) and provided his famous homemade English muffins (as delicious as always) for sandwiches. He also prepared a shredded carrot, citrus, and cumin salad that despite or perhaps because of the addition of cinnamon was simply delightful. Susan made an awesome sorrel pesto potato salad and super refreshing mojito slushies. I’d never had sorrel before. So good! There were also grilled and fresh vegetables, goat cheese with Minnesota honey, and moist chocolate cupcakes with do it yourself frosting. What a great idea!

It was a beautiful Minnesota night, and Axes enjoyed looking at Susan’s garden and eating the fruits (literally) of her labors. The company was delightful. And at the end Axes said, “I want to stay forever.” Through misty eyes, I agreed. Thank you so much dear friends. It was a true gourmet send off. John called all the extra ham, and at the time of this posting there is not a morsel left.

Every year the Johnsons have a family reunion in Saude, Iowa on the 4th of July. It is a can’t miss event. Well, unless you are traveling in Europe. Right, Heather?

This year it was especially true. I delayed my move to Pennsylvania for my new job to celebrate one last year as a true Minnesota team member. Even though I didn’t actually play in the big game. Is it bad that I don’t even know if Iowa or Minnesota was victorious this year?

What a wonderful day! We had one of the best turn outs in years. I know someone kept a list, so how many total did we have? Axes wore a Spiderman hat, Batman shirt, penguin pajama pants, purple crocs, and chocolate from the whoopie pies Heidi and I had made the night before. Truly Dirt Bomb John’s Offspring. We celebrated the upcoming nuptials of Brandon and Shannon S, Shannon C’s new baby Jasmine, and Eli and Lisa’s soon-to-be born little girl. And Axes agreed with Sydney that there is something not quite right about the Protivin House.

To add a little sensory to this sensibility, although Heidi was not a fan of her whoopie pies, I would say that they were a perfect balance of rich cocoa, bitterness, sweetness, saltiness, and cream cheese (milk fat, sourness, and cultured dairy). All the basic tastes (well minus umami) with some nice aromatics, but I am a sucker for some dark cocoa notes.