Time travel only takes place in science fiction movies and books. Right? If a time machine really did exist most of us wouldn’t be able to afford a ticket. Right? WRONG! This week-end I traveled back in time to my childhood for only 49 cents. Let me explain.
My nephew Michael invited his mother, sister, cousins and his three aunts (who are of a certain age) to his home for the week-end. Michael is a young family man with three kids, two dogs and a five bedroom house which he is remodeling. He is not bored with nothing to do, so WHY invite us? Michael feels that family is important.
We arrived at Belle Plain on Friday evening and had supper on his deck. The next morning after brunch we decided to go exploring. A winery and Minnesota’s largest candy store were close by. While Michael stayed behind to prepare a feast for us, we headed out for the candy store with his son Logan.
When we arrived at the candy store, a bight yellow rectangular building with a huge dome, we laughed at the customers leaving with grocery bags full of candy (both children and adults). There were about 200 cars in the parking lot so this candy store had to be exceptional.
We were not disappointed. Inside, we found candy and soda pop from around the world plus all the characters from the movie Frozen painted on the ceiling along with gigantic figures including the Incredible Hulk and cartoon characters from Marvel comic books.
Fortunately, Logan had been here before. He knew right where the candy necklaces, salt water taffy, fudge, and candy cigarettes were. The candy cigarettes acted like a time machine for me. I was back in fourth grade puffing away in a sophisticated and glamorous manner like everyone did on tv. The pack was smaller and the cigarettes lacked the pink point on the end to show that they were lit, but it didn’t matter. I felt incredibly cool! We bought several packs to smoke in the car and for later with a drink.
I owed Logan some birthday and felt this would be a good time for me to see him spend it. He immediately bought a 36-inch gummy snake named “Hissy Fit.” That was followed by candy sharks, button candy on paper (now called dots), candy necklaces, and a puzzle. He skipped the tiny wax pop bottles filled with “pop” and the Tootsie Pops so big that only a giant would have a mouth big enough to suck on them. The boy had so much stuff that he needed a box to carry it all to the car. They didn’t have any paper bags big enough!
We arrived home to be wined and dined. Marinated and grilled pork loin, mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and fresh strawberries were on the menu. WOW. I am so glad to be part of this family. You know that puzzle that Logan bought? That was for his grandpa’s birthday. He bought it with some of his birthday money. He will be in fifth grade next year and already family is really important to him. Like father, like son. When you entertain your family this recipe might come in handy.
CHEERY TOMATO BITES
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 – 8oz. cream cheese, softened
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Cut a thin slice of the top of each tomato. Scoop out and discard pulp. Invert the tomatoes on a paper towel to drain. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl; mix well. Spoon into tomatoes. Refrigerate until serving. Makes about 4 dozen.
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