Coffee Street Chronicles

Winter Wonderland!

2012-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Well, winter finally decided to show up in Minnesota! Last week we were blanketed with snow. It is so beautiful here in the valley when everything is all snowy and white! I dusted off my skis and took my dog Stella on the trail. It was great to be outside!

We are excited for Feb 4 when they light part of the trail with candles! Ohhhh, how romantic or fun for a group of girls! We will be out there enjoying the scene and the fresh air! Come join us!

Over the Back Fence Schedule!

2012-01-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to share with you the 2012 Over the Back Fence Schedule! We hope you enjoy this series as much as we do!

February 10 “Baby, it’s Cold Outside”
March 9 “Green”
April 13 “Moon”
May 11 “TV”
June 8 “Birds”
July 13 “Protest!”
August 10 “Roaring Twenties”
September 14 “Rivers”
October 12 “Nighttime and Dreams”
November 9 “Pets

See you in February for the kickoff!

well, the weather outside is....DELIGHTFUL!

2012-01-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this weather we have been having? I can't! It makes me want to grab my fly rod, my bike, my kayak, my tent, all of it and go outside!! This weekend while wondering around the bike trail, we ran into bikers, hikers and horses! In JANUARY! In MINNESOTA! Last year at this time it was 22 degrees, yesterday it was 50 with sunshine! Here are a few snapshots from the trail...

And, after a long walk and soaking up all that Vitamin D, it was time for dinner. Here's a snapshot from our homemade veggie za...

We have a lot of exciting things happening at the Inn right now. Check our Hot Deals section for our January and February specials. We also have introduced some Winter Getaway Packages where you can come relax and have some romance and relaxation! Hope to see you soon!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from all of us at Coffee Street Inn! We have been blessed to have had a fantastic 2011 and we are looking forward to an exciting 2012! It is now time to relax and de-stress from the Holiday Season. It may be a little quiet in Lanesboro these days, but these are the days that the locals enjoy the most. We get to relax and enjoy our town and the people in it a little more often. These days, I am praying for snow though...the bike trail is just too inviting! But it's just too cold out to bike! I'm ready to try out my new cross country skis....bring on the snow!

With the temperatures dropping and no snow, I find myself in the kitchen a little more. Last night, I baked up some homemade granola and chocolate cookies. Hard to believe I made sweets after a very sweet month of December, but I couldn't resist!

Before....

After....

And of course, the good stuff...

In the next week or so, we will be introducing some very exciting Rest and Relaxation packages and Winter Fun packages. Stay tuned for details!

Warm weather and sunshine...in December? In Minnesota?

2011-12-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

To say the least, I have been soaking up the sun and warm weather! I can't believe it's December in Minnesota! Yesterday, the dogs and I wandered around on the trail and soaked up the sun! We even ran into some bikers! Here are some photos from our day.

Hope you are out enjoying the sunshine! Enjoy your day!

Happy Holidays from Coffee Street Inn!

2011-12-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Season is in full swing here in Lanesboro. The shops are open and offering some great deals! Shop local and support the local artists and shops!

The last show of the 2011 Commonweal Theatre season is tonight! They have also posted their 2012 schedule, so start planning your weekends now! The 2012 schedule can be found here: www.commonwealtheatre.org <http://www.commonwealtheatre.org>

Ring in the New Year in Lanesboro! Both the Riverside on the Root and the Old Village Hall are having special New Year’s Eve dinner. We still have some rooms available so call today to reserve your favorite room!

There are lot's of events planned over the winter, so dig out your snowpants and come play with us! In Whalen, you can bundle up and enjoy a Sleigh Ride through the Root River Valley. They have a warming cabin with bathrooms and heat where you can warm up half-way through the ride. Don't forget your thermos of hot chocolate and mittens!

Mark your calendars! February 4 the bike trail will be lit with candles for a cross country ski! There will be bonefires at each end of the ski trek and a soup supper is available at the Whalen Village Hall. Enjoy a warm and cozy room at the Coffee Street Inn after your adventure!

We've gone social! Be sure to follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coffeestreetinn.

We are embracing the winter season and the many outdoor activities it provides! Call us to reserve your room and come play in the snow with us!

Fun winter packages coming soon!!

Have a very Happy Holiday Season and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Meet the new Innkeeper~Heather Ready

2011-12-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Heather recently moved back to the Midwest from Bozeman, Montana. Born and raised in LaCrescent, MN, Heather found after being away for nearly 10 years, that her roots were calling her home. Wanting to be closer to her family, especially her 2 year old niece and infant nephew, Heather packed up her beloved golden retriever Stella and headed back East.

After college, Heather moved to Colorado where she was the Circulation and Advertising Manager at The Drake Magazine. This position evoked her new love for the art of flyfishing and quickly became addicted to both the sport and the industry. A rare but exciting opportunity arose while in Colorado and before she knew it, Heather found herself as the Assistant Manager of the Ponoi River Company (an Atlantic Salmon fishing lodge) in the Tundra of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. Although just a short season in Russia, Heather gained tremendous experience in the art of luxury lodging in very remote areas. Back in the states, Heather continued to be drawn to fishing lodges and after another opportunity arose, she found herself on a remote island off the coast of Belize as the Reservations Manager for Turneffe Flats Lodge. Splitting her time between Bozeman and Belize, Heather got the best of both worlds: sun, sand and bonefish and skipping out on winter! Heather was able to polish up her skills on providing excellent customer service and luxury lodging while being very remote.

Lanesboro has always been a favorite for Heather. As a child, Heather would take field trips to the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center and enjoy the bike trail with her family. Heather has always been an outdoor enthusiast, spending her free time hiking, biking, kayaking, camping and most importantly fly fishing. Heather is very much looking forward to exploring the bluff country again and getting out on the Root River.

Heather is looking forward to continuing to provide excellent customer service and comfortable lodging at the Coffee Street Inn. She is available for assistance in all of your vacation planning needs and looks forward to meeting all of our guests!

Fall! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2011-09-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

I love Indian Summers. It renews my soul and I get excited for the upcoming Holiday Season. Most people dread the coming of Fall but I don't. I love the crisp morning and hints of color in the trees. I wait for the color like a kid on Christmas morning.

This time of year ushers in good things like snugly sweaters, cozy socks and of course Chili and Cinnamon Rolls... Why does that combination have so many memories tied up in it for people? Is it the school days we remember fondly, or the awesome ladies in the school cafeteria that had big smiles on their faces knowing that all the kids were excited for lunch. I grew up in California where this combination was not to be had (unless you were from the Midwest). I remember when my family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and I had my first Chili Supper at church. The Parrish hall was packed and all of the kids (of all ages) were so thrilled to be there and I remembered the wonderful fellowship they shared.

Last night I made up a batch of my mom's chili and some rolls. We had a cozy dinner and talked about our day, and school, and volleyball. It was a perfect night and I felt blessed and remembered that it is the little moments in life like this that really make us thankful.

25th Anniversary of the Root River Trail

2011-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Join us this weekend in Bluff Country and celebrate 25 years of fun on the Trail!

2011-08-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

Coffee Street Inn enjoyed hosting the Women's Ministry Board from Cornerstone Church in Litchfield, MN. Reports continue to come in about the marvelous time they had in Lanesboro, and our "beautiful, cozy Cappuccino Suite" they stayed. Hats off to Brett at The Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe, reports are still coming in from the gals that the Scones "are the best they have ever eaten."

Retreat Weekends are Fun! Get out of the city and come relax at the Coffee Street Inn...

Fresh Coffee and Juice, Breakfast Service, Snack Service and Evening Treats!

We can customize to meet the needs of your event or group.

Coffee Street Inn can host group meetings!! The Cappuccino Suite provides a great Small Group, Hospitality and Retreat space for all kinds of churches, organizations or business meetings. Please contact Cheryl at info@coffeestreet.com for more information and planning services.

Lanesboro Happenings for August 11-16, 2011

2011-08-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the Coffee Street blog. My name is Cheryl and I am the new Innkeeper. This past weekend was Buffalo Bill Days and boy was it fun. We enjoyed the fireworks from the balcony here at the Inn and everyone was wowed at the spectacular view and show.

Coming up this week Lanesboro has a lot to offer. There is Open Rock Climbing over at Eagle Bluff and the St. Mane has the "Over the Back Fence" community variety show scheduled for Friday at 7pm. The tickets are only $5 per person. Saturday, the 13th there is the Union Prairie Toy Show, and the Lanesboro Art Center has a free art receptions for the public celebrating the opening of "Everyday Icons" a mixed media exhibit featuring the work by artist Mary Catherine Solberg. Of course there will be live music nightly at the Riverside on the Root- Dirty Martini Lounge.

This weekend here at the Inn I plan on serving our guests some fresh Blueberry Nectarine Buckle for breakfast and some yummy rolls from the Pastry Shop. We have a great group of guests this weekend and the weather is mighty fine here in the Root River Valley.

2011-08-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi!

My name is Cheryl Sherry and I am the new Innkeeper for the Coffee Street Inn. I am very excited to be a part of the staff here in Lanesboro and look forward to meeting all of our Guests soon. This weekend we are celebrating Buffalo Bill Days here in Lanesboro and the weather couldn't be better!

While all of our guest are special I just wanted to mention a very special couple celebrating their anniversary with us. We love special occasions here at the Inn and can accommodate most small events and special occasions. Ask me about small group meetings, and Hunting, Bachelorette, Quilting, Scrapbooking and Reunion events we can help you with.

I wanted to share a recipe from my families native home Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I grew up on these yummy little tarts but always thought the name was funny! They are really easy to make and keep well frozen too.

Cape Breton Pork Pies

1 Cup butter
4 Tablespoons icing sugar
2 Cups white flour
Pinch of nutmeg
Mix well and press into tiny muffin tins.
Bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Cool

On the stovetop cook the following until smooth:

2 Cups chopped dates
1 1/2 Cup brown sugar
1 Cup water
1 Teaspoon lemon juice
1 Teaspoon white vinegar

Add a spoonful of the date mixture onto each shell and top with Maple flavour butter icing.

Garlic Cheese Breadsticks!

2011-06-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

These were delicious! Here's my recipe... very simple to make.

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. yeast
1 c. very warm water
1 t. sugar
1 t. salt
2 T. olive oil
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c. unbleached white flour
1-2 c. mozzarella cheese
garlic powder
1/3 c. melted butter

Directions:
*Combine yeast, water, and sugar. Let set a few minutes to activate yeast.
*Mix yeast mixture with salt, olive oil, and both flours.
*Knead into soft dough. Let rest 5-10 minutes.
*Separate dough into 12 balls. Roll balls into breadsticks.
*Flatten breadsticks with rolling pin.
*Cut cheese into small strips.
*Lay cheese on breadstick. Sprinkle with garlic powder.
*Fold dough around cheese. Seal well!
*Brush melted butter on each breadstick. Sprinkle with garlic powder (again).
*Allow to rise 5-10 minutes.
*Bake at 450° for 12 minutes.
*Brush on more melted butter. Serve warm.

The Weekly

2011-06-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

Lanesboro: A Minnesota Legacy Destination
Pick up the schedule of events at the Lanesboro Visitor Center

Lanesboro is named one of eleven Legacy
Destinations in Minnesota for 2011. The
community is drawing attention to and
celebrating their local resources and
organizations by offering Minnesota residents
and visitors an eclectic assortment of activities
demonstrating the impact of the Clean Water,
Land & Legacy Amendment approved by
Minnesota voters in 2008. Experience
Minnesota’s great outdoors, history and the arts.
June 18 -25
Lanesboro

Documentary Film - "Waste Land":
Presented by the Lanesboro Arts Center this film
follows renowned artist Vik Muniz as he
journeys from his home base in Brooklyn to his
native Brazil and the world’s largest garbage
dump. There he photographs an eclectic band
of “catadores” – self-designated pickers of
recyclable materials. Free-will donations.
June 24; 7:30 pm
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
Free-will Donations

Stringwood Summer Chamber Music Festival
June 26; 1 pm
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
467-2437

Riverside on the Root: Dave Williams
Live Entertainment
June 26; 5 - 9 pm
Riverside on The Root
467-3663

Wednesday Walk About :
Visit nearby Duschee Hills Dairy and the DNR’s Fish
Hatchery! Brought to you by Summer Reading,
Lanesboro Summer Rec., and a generous gift
of time by all local participants Wear walking
shoes. Please have an adult accompany
children under 6 years of age. Advance sign-up
on rosters at the library, appreciated, group
size limited to first 25 participants.
June 29; 1 – 4 pm
Meet at the Lanesboro Library
467-2649

Riverside on the Root: Steve Fessler
Mix of Irish folk, blues, rock etc...
June 29; 5 – 9 pm
Riverside on the Root & Dirty Martini Lounge
467-3663

Little Shop of Horrors:
Seymour is a lonely flower shop clerk
living on Skid Row when an
unusual talking plant – with a very unusual
appetite – promises him fortune and fame…at
a price. Don’t miss this smash hit musical
comedy!
PREVIEWS
June 23, 24; 7:30 pm
$20
SHOW OPENS
June 25, 30; 7:30 pm
June 26; 1:30 pm
$30

Sylvia:
This outrageous comedy challenges
everything we know about love, relationships,
and the meaning of life. A financial trader
facing career burn-out adopts a stray dog who
turns his home, life, and marriage upside-
down. You’ll be “howling” for more!
June 27; 7:30 pm
$30
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525

Guest comments from May! (a bit late...)

2011-06-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

I love reading these! So many people stay and say nice things to me, but it's great to get them posted on here or even better--TripAdvisor! Anyway, here is what people had to say in May.

"Great place for a mother/daughter getaway. Excited for the Amish Tour in the morning. Thanks for recommending Rhino's-- great pizza! Great room; very clean and comfortable. Thanks for the hospitality. Hope to be back again some day." -- A mother and daughter in out Double Espresso room 5/18, separated by a few states-- AL and WI

"We had a great time! The bike trail and weather were phenomenal! The Legion has great late-night food, and the Pastry Shoppe has the best breakfast around!" -- A family in our Double Espresso room, 5/11

"We really enjoyed the drive here-- the turkey smashing into our windshield, not so much. Beautiful area, wonderful bike trail, comfortable room, nice breakfast, thoughtful hosts. Went canoeing-- very relaxing!" -- A couple from Prairie du Sac, WI in our Latte room 5/30

"Your Cappuccino Suite was wonderful; Kate was so great. The weather was not so great, but we very much enjoyed our stay in Lanesboro. We will back and stay at Coffee Street Inn!" --A family in our Cappuccino Suite, 5/15

"This place brings back so many memories from when we were here last year! I didn't do any workshops or anything. I spent most of my time out in town. The weather was ok, but it was cold all morning. I hope we can come back next year. It was an awesome trip!" --A family from Iowa City, IA in our Cappuccino Suite 5/21 for the Bluff Country Gathering.

The Weekly...Garden Tour

2011-06-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Garden Tour is new to Lanesboro! This weekend, B&Bs around town will be opening up their garden to the public. Walk through and enjoy! See this and other events...

Lanesboro Inn Garden Tour:
STOP AT THE VISITOR CENTER for a list of
participating inns, descriptions, and map. This
is a low key self-guided tour of the beauty that
is showcased at participating inns through their
various gardens.
June 17 - 19
Lanesboro

Lanesboro: A Minnesota Legacy Destination:
Pick up the schedule of
events at the Lanesboro Visitor Center.
Lanesboro is named one of eleven Legacy
Destinations in Minnesota for 2011. The
community is drawing attention to and
celebrating their local resources and
organizations by offering Minnesota residents
and visitors an eclectic assortment of activities
demonstrating the impact of the Clean Water,
Land & Legacy Amendment approved by
Minnesota voters in 2008. Experience
Minnesota’s great outdoors, history and the arts.
June 18 -25 Lanesboro

Eagle Bluff: Becoming an Outdoor Family Summer Weekend:
Families will be
introduced to a wide variety of outdoor
activities in a safe, fun environment! Activity
options include: archery, fishing, shooting, rock
climbing, and high ropes courses! This event is
co-sponsored by the Minnesota DNR.
June 18 - 19
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
467-2437
$80/ person
OR $300 for a family of four &
$75 for each additional person.

"A Girl Named Vincent"
featuring Prudence Johnson: Prudence Johnson and other
musicians will perform "A Girl Named Vincent,"
with the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay set to
music by Minnesota composers. Millay (1892 -
1950), was an American lyrical poetry,
playwright and feminist. She was the second
woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry,
and was known for her activism and many love affairs.
June 18; 8 pm
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
$18 / $15 LAC members

Art in the Park Annual Father's Day Celebration:
Lanesboro Arts Center hosts
the Annual "Art in the Park" Father's Day
Celebration, with 80+ arts and crafts booths,
local food vendors, music--New Riverside
Ramblers, and Patchouli--and theater
entertainment by the Commonweal Theatre
Company, and kids activities including a
petting zoo and the 'Make a Tie for Dad' Kids
Create! booth. Sylvan Park is a beautiful
setting, with mature trees, a pond and a
playground.
June 19
10 am – 5 pm
Sylvan Park
Lanesboro
467-2446

Riverside on the Root Beef Slough Boys:
Beef Slough Boys and other vagrant musicians
join in playing a rich gumbo of pan-fried blues,
river bottom rags, organic originals and
heirloom classics.
June 19
5 - 9 pm
Riverside on The Root
467-3663

Wednesday Walk About :
Uncover local enterprise and community
service all in one block
of Coffee St. Visit Scenic Valley Winery plant,
neighboring Preston Specialties, and our
Volunteer Fire Dept. Brought to you by Summer
Reading, Lanesboro Summer Rec., and a
generous gift of time by all local participants.
Wear walking shoes. Please have an adult
accompany children under 6 years of age.
Advance sign-up on rosters at the library,
appreciated, group size limited to first 25
participants.
June 22
1 – 4 pm
Meet at the Lanesboro Library
467-2649

Riverside on the Root:
Michelle Lynn - From Decorah, IA,
folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
June 22
5 – 9 pm
Riverside on the Root & Dirty Martinini Lounge
467-3663

Riverside on the Root: Steve Fessler
Mix of Irish folk, blues, rock etc...
June 15
5 – 9 pm
Riverside on the Root & Dirty Martini Lounge 467-3663

Little Shop of Horrors:
Seymour is a lonely flower shop clerk
living on Skid Row when an
unusual talking plant – with a very unusual
appetite – promises him fortune and fame…at
a price. Don’t miss this smash hit musical
comedy!
PREVIEWS
June 17,18, 23; 7:30 pm
June 19; 1:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$20

It's summertime in Lanesboro!

2011-06-09T12:42:00.001-07:00

Whew, lots to do again this weekend as we continue to have beautiful weather! Check out some of the upcoming events... (of course, I favor the musician from my hometown-- Owatonna-- playing at Riverside on the Root tomorrow night!)

Poetry Reading:
Through her life, Ann Schultz has experienced much, and now she
wishes to express much. “Message in a Bottle”
is a collection of poetry from ninety-two year
old Ms. Schultz as she shares her experiences
through fine verse. Ann’s son-in-law, Ken
Panger will accompany the poetry reading on
the mandolin.
June 10; 5 pm
Lanesboro Library
467-2649

"Over the Back Fence" Community Variety Show:
This month's "Over the Back Fence"
theme is 'Solstice,' featuring local talent and
musical & other guests. Ticket sales and pre-
show music begin at 7:00 pm. The show will be
broadcast on KFIL radio 103.1fm on Sunday
nine days following the live performance.
June 10; 7:30 – 9 pm
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446 $5

Riverside on the Root Dave Williams:
Owatonna musician with range of rock, country
etc..
June 10; 9:30 – 11:30 pm
Riverside on The Root
467-3663

Tube Race:
Sponsored by Eagle Cliff
Campground and Lodge. We will use Eagle
Cliff Campground tubes and launch from the
DNR landing on Hwy 16. Prizes will be
awarded for 1st and 2nd place, as well as Best
Costume! Sign up by calling Eagle Cliff.
June 11; 1 pm
Eagle Cliff Campground and DNR Landing Hwy 16
467-2598
$6

Lanesboro Youth Mission Group Car Wash:
2011 Mission Camp Destination –
Wadena, MN. This is our one and only
fundraiser- a car wash! This will help us pay for
the gas and van rental which we need to join with
what God is already doing in Wadena, MN
following last year's tornado.
June 12; 10 am – 3 pm
Across from the BP Gas Station

Riverside on the Root:
Irish Minstrels - Southeast Minnesotas Local
band with mix of Irish Folk, country, etc.....
June 12; 5 – 9 pm
Riverside on the Root & Dirty Martini Lounge
467-3663

Wednesday Walk About :
Go behind the
scenes at the Commonweal Theatre and
Lanesboro Art Center to expose our wide world
of Art! Brought to you by Summer Reading,
Lanesboro Summer Rec., and a generous gift
of time by all local participants. Wear walking
shoes. Please have an adult accompany
children under 6 years of age. Advance sign-up
on rosters at the library, appreciated, group
size limited to first 25 participants.
June 15; 1 – 4 pm
Meet at the Lanesboro Library
467-2649

Riverside on the Root:
Steve Fessler - Mix of Irish folk, blues, rock etc...
June 15; 5 – 9 pm
Riverside on the Root & Dirty Martini Lounge
467-3663

At the Commonweal

Sylvia: This outrageous comedy challenges
everything we know about love, relationships,
and the meaning of life. A financial trader
facing career burn-out adopts a stray dog who
turns his home, life, and marriage upside-
down. You’ll be “howling” for more!
June 11; 7:30 pm
June 12; 1:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$30

An Enemy of the People:
Newly discovered health springs offer prosperity to a struggling
town, until a local doctor realizes the waters
are dangerously polluted. How far will a
community go to turn a blind eye when the
truth will bring about their personal ruin.
June 9,10; 7:30 pm

Rhubarb again!

2011-06-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

A recipe, this time! I know I've been a bit lax on these blog posts... but I'll get better again! Let me know what you'd like to read about... and watch for the Weekly later today, and guest comments from May hopefully tomorrow!
Ingredients:
Coffee Cake

2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1 cup(s) sugar
1 tablespoon(s) baking powder
1 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
4 tablespoon(s) (1/2 stick) margarine or butter
2 large eggs
1 cup(s) buttermilk
2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
1 1/4 pound(s) (4 cups) rhubarb, cut into 1-inch chunks

Streusel Topping
3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup(s) packed brown sugar
6 tablespoon(s) (3/4 stick) margarine or butter, slightly softened
1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour 13- by 9-inch metal baking pan.
Make Streusel Topping: In medium bowl, with hand, mix flour, sugar, margarine or butter, and cinnamon until mixture comes together.
Make the Coffee Cake:In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With pastry blender or two knives used scissor-fashion, cut in margarine or butter until mixture resembles large crumbs
In small bowl, with fork or wire whisk, beat eggs with buttermilk and vanilla extract; stir into flour mixture just until flour is moistened. Spoon batter into baking pan.
Place rhubarb chunks evenly over batter in baking pan. Break Streusel Topping into large chunks and scatter over rhubarb.
Bake coffee cake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack 15 minutes to serve warm. Or, cool to serve later.

Recipe courtesy of GoodHousekeeping.com

The Weekly...Rhubarb Fest!

2011-06-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

We're big into festivals here in Lanesboro-- and the Rhubarb Festival is one of the biggest! Come to hear the Rhubarb Sisters, taste-test rhubarb recipes, see some great artist displays, and watch enticing live theatre!

Riverside on the Root:
Steve Fessler: Live Entertainment,
Great mix of Irish, rock, blues, etc..
June 3; 9:30 – 11:30 pm
Riverside on The Root
467-3663

Rhubarb Festival Events:
Rhubarb Reading Run, Rhubarb Sisters,
Rhubarb Olympics, Rhubarb Tasting,
Farmers Market, Rhubarb Chopstick
Contest, Rhubarb Jugglers, Music,
Entertainment, Pie making contest, “The
Return of the Rhubarb” in concert
PICK UP YOUR BROCHURE AT THE
LANESBORO VISITORS CENTER OR AT
SYLVAN PARK
June 4;10 am – 4 pm,
Sylvan Park
7:30 pm Concert; St, Mane Theatre
467-2446

Artist Demonstration: Nancy Monsebroten
- Juried Sales Gallery Artist Demonstration:
Nancy Monsebroten will demonstrate hand
build procelain ceramics
June 4;1 – 4 pm
Lanesboro Arts Center
467-2446
FREE

Eagle Bluff: Discover Root River Canoeing
Paddle 3.5 miles of scenic waters
down the mighty Root River! Regardless of your
canoeing experience, you'll have an
unforgettable adventure. All equipment is provided. Ages 10 and up.
June 4; 3 – 6 pm Eagle Bluff
Environmental Learning Center
467-2437
$10

Opening Art Reception: “Boreal Aura”
Landscape Oil Painting by artist Mary Jo Van
Dell. Open to the public.
June 4; 6 – 8 pm
Lanesboro Arts Center
467-2446
FREE

BOOM! 2011 Tour:
An International Lost
and Found Family Marching Band ---
"Agreeably Ridiculous!" Comprised of reunited
sibling orphans from around the world. They've
magically converged in the Heartland where they
seek meaning and healing through mysterious
marches and geometrical formations. In their
hour-long theatrical show they tell their sad, sad
story of how each was lost and found. On the
street, or in clubs, the musical family dazzle with
their deadpan, yet wacky, concert.
June 4; 10 pm
Lanesboro American Legion
$10

Riverside on the Root:
Kozy Little Duo Live Entertainment

Riverside on the Root: Rhubarb Sisters -
Guest singers with Kozy Little Duo
June 5; 5 – 9 pm
and 7 – 7:30 pm
Riverside on the Root &
Dirty Martinini Lounge
467-3663

Summer Reading KICK-OFF:
The Lanesboro Public Library is the place to be this summer
with great books, programs, prize drawings,
story times and more. The Summer Reading
Program “One World, Many Stories,” begins
June 6th and runs through July 27th. For more
information, call (467-2649) or stop in at the
library. Participants can also pick up
information and register at the Kickoff Event.
June 6; 6:30 pm
Lanesboro Community Memorial Center
467-2649

Wednesday Walk About :
Meet City Administrator Bobbie Vickerman, learn about
running our town, and visit the hydro-electric
plant which helps provide our power. Please
have an adult accompany children under 6
years of age. Advance sign-up on rosters at
the library, appreciated, group size limited to
first 25 participants.
June 8 ; 1 – 4 pm Start at
Lanesboro Public Library
467-2649

Riverside on the Root:
Patchouli - Truly
delectable and original... they embody the best
of modern day folk music. Angelic Vocals....
Flawless guitars
June 8; 5 – 9 pm
Riverside on the Root &
Dirty Martini Lounge
467-3663

At the Commonweal

Sylvia: This outrageous comedy challenges
everything we know about love, relationships,
and the meaning of life. A financial trader
facing career burn-out adopts a stray dog who
turns his home, life, and marriage upside-
down. You’ll be “howling” for more!
June 4 ; 7:30 pm
June 5; 1:30 pm

An Enemy of the People: Newly discovered
health springs offer prosperity to a struggling
town, until a local doctor realizes the waters
are dangerously polluted. How far will a
community go to turn a blind eye when the
truth will bring about their personal ruin.
June 2, 3, 9; 7:30 pm
June 3; 10 am
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$30

The Weekly

2011-05-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

A few rooms open in town yet... come stay and enjoy great theatre, arts, memorial celebrations, and Amish tours! I may even play violin at the tattoo shop for awhile...hmm...

Vietnam War Veteran Art Exhibit:
Ed will be at the Art Gallery on May 28th. Ed Gittens, very
prolific disabled artist and Vietnam war
veteran, will be presenting an art exhibit. A
fascinating person, Ed will share through his
exhibit his personal experiences in war, putting
together a very complicated puzzle of history,
and what war did to him and the importance of
his art, most of which has never been exhibited
before. He will share war memorabilia, a book
with excerpts of his feelings, and just plain
honesty that is rare for a veteran to speak
about. He will share what art means to him and
to other disabled persons.
May 28 – June 4 Valkyrie Ink &
Art Gallery 467-2444

Memorial Weekend Business Promotions

at the Root River Saloon:
Noon - free brats & dogs
2 pm meat raffle
8:30 - 12:30 Toad Runner Express
Open at Noon
Free juke box sunday nite
On & Off sale open at 10 am
1st drink free to all Veterans
Bar and Off Sale Specials all weekend!
May 28- 30
Root River Saloon
467-3355

at Tours & Treasures:
Store Wide Sale 20% off Fri – Mon: All Ladies
Fashions, All Jewelry, Patterns and Notions, Bike
Baskets and Bags, Entire Stock of Fabric, All
Soaps and Lotions
May 27 – 30
Tours & Treasures
467-4466

at R&M Amish Tours:
Memorial Weekend Special Friday only. $5.00 all
adults. Please mention Memorial Special when
making reservations. Call now as seats are
limited.
May 27
R&M Amish Tours
Depart from the Little River General Store
467-2128

Memorial Day Program:
Honoring our fallen comrades with a parade, a program of patriotic
music and speakers, and a gun salute with taps.
May 30;10 am
Lanesboro Community Memorial Center

Healthy and Delicious!

2011-05-25T20:12:00.001-07:00

Tomato Basil Eggplant Parmesan

This is a "for two" recipe... an attempt on my end to not have so many leftovers that don't get eaten! I figured it would be best to start at the root of the problem and just not have any leftovers. But then there's the problem of trying to figure out how hungry my husband is, and always getting it wrong... Anyway, if you're hungry, you'd better double this one!

Ingredients:
1/2 of a large eggplant, sliced in 1/4 inch thick slices (or about 12 slices)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can of tomato-basil bisque
one block (8 oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup basil pesto

Directions:
1. Lay sliced eggplant on a baking sheet in a single layer, drizzle olive oil over it, and bake at 300 degrees for about 12 minutes, or until softened and dried a bit.
2. Layer the tomato soup and eggplant in a loaf pan so you have 5 layers of soup and 4 layers of eggplant...start and end with the soup.
3. Put on the mozzarella cheese and top with the parmesan.
4. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes
5. Garnish with a drizzle of the basil pesto before serving

The Weekly

2011-05-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

Eagle Bluff: She Is...Outdoors:
This weekend will offer over 20 classes in a variety
of venues, both for the outdoor and indoor
enthusiast. Class choices will include rock
climbing, fly fishing, shooting, treetops, high
ropes course, hiking, canoeing, food
dehydrating, crafting and much more. Come
and enjoy this beautiful spring weekend in the
valleys of Lanesboro! This is a great
opportunity to relax with your girlfriends. Grab
your friends, family and neighbors!
May 20 - 22
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
467-2437
$180

Bluff Country Gathering Weekend:
Both events will feature all our terrific staff/performers.
The legendary Tracy Schwarz and Ginny Hawker
from West Virginia, Ozark-style fiddler Liz Amos,
Mac Benford of the old Highwoods Stringband
from New York, Wisconsin fiddler Tim Foss,
western song purveyors Ron Kane and Meghan
Merker from Montana, multi-instrumentalist and
dance caller Paul Tyler from Chicago, and North
Carolina old time fiddler and singer Bruce
Greene. There will be lots of exciting fiddle, banjo
and guitar music, powerful singing, and traditional
dancing…entertaining, inspiring and educational
for the whole family.
Lanesboro Community Center
(507) 498-5452
Tickets are available only at the door!
Concert May 20; 8 pm
$10
Barn Dance May 21; 8 pm
$8

Whalan Stand Still Parade:
Stroll along and view the parade exhibits in Whalan. "The
Parade doesn't move, the spectators do!"
Parade from 11 am – 12 pm. Celebration
10 am – 5 pm. Visit Artists, Crafters,
Demonstrators, Petting Zoo, and all the
exhibits. Little Blue Choo Train Ride, Egg
McWhalans, Homeade Lefse & Rommegrot
May 21
Whalan MN
467-2446

At the Commonweal
Sylvia: This outrageous comedy challenges
everything we know about love, relationships,
and the meaning of life. A financial trader
facing career burn-out adopts a stray dog who
turns his home, life, and marriage upside-
down. You’ll be “howling” for more!
May 19,20; 7:30 pm (Previews) $20
May 21; 7:30 pm
May 22; 1:30 pm
$30
467-2525

An Enemy of the People:
Newly discovered
health springs offer prosperity to a struggling
town, until a local doctor realizes the waters
are dangerously polluted. How far will a
community go to turn a blind eye when the
truth will bring about their personal ruin.
May 26; 7:30 pm $30

The Weekly

2011-05-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weather and lots of fun planned in Lanesboro this weekend! Get out of the house, bring the kids, and be ready for a great time!

"Over the Back Fence" Community Variety Show:
Enjoy a Community Variety Show at
the St. Mane Theatre! The theme this month
for "Over the Back Fence" will be 'Syttende Mai
and Cinco de Mayo' with local talent and
musical and other guests. Ticket sales and pre-
show music will begin at 7:00 pm. Show will be
broadcast on KFIL Radio 103.1fm on Sunday
nine days following this live show.
May 13; 7:30 – 9 pm
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
$5

FOOD & FILM event -
Food Tasting & Documentary film:
Lanesboro Arts Center partners
with Lanesboro Local to present a
Food Tasting at 6:30pm - at Lanesboro Local -
followed by the documentary film "Ingredients"
at 7:30pm at the St. Mane Theatre. Public
welcome!
May 14; 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Lanesboro Local
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
(Lanesboro Local is located
across the street from
the St. Mane Theatre)

At the Commonweal
Sylvia: This outrageous comedy challenges
everything we know about love, relationships,
and the meaning of life. A financial trader
facing career burn-out adopts a stray dog who
turns his home, life, and marriage upside-
down. You’ll be “howling” for more!
PREVIEWS!
May 13,14,19; 7:30 pm
May 15; 1:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$20

A Mother's Day Meatloaf

2011-05-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

For some reason, meatloaf is always associated with mothers. Even in my family, where my dad was the main chef, that stereotype somehow spilled over. So, in honor of Mother's Day, I am posting the best meatloaf recipe ever. And its original, as far as I know... so give it a try! (It's my own, not my mom's! :)

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
5 large mushrooms, VERY finally chopped
2 slices of toast, torn/ground into fine crumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves finely chopped garlic
A dash of salt
Oregano and basil (I tend to use about a teaspoon of each)
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup pepper jack cheese
Ketchup

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except ketchup in a large bowl; mix well
Place is a meatloaf/bread pan and smooth the top
Pour a little bit of water over the top of the meatloaf
Bake at 375 degrees for 70-80 minutes
When the timer reaches 15 minutes, drain and add ketchup to the top

The Weekly-- Celebrate Mother's Day!

2011-05-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Celebrate your mom/wife/grandmother/sister/aunt or any mother in Lanesboro this weekend! There are LOTS of fun things to do, and great meals planned. My pics would be antiquing, birding, and biking...but that's just me. Coffee Street Inn still has openings, so call and reserve and I can help you plan the perfect weekend!

Happy Mothers Day!
May 8

Mothers Day Brunch at Eagle Bluff:
Menu featuring local foods
Seatings Available between 10 am & 1:30 pm
Eagle Bluff
467-2437
$18/Adult
$12/6-12
Free 5 – under

Mother’s Day Special at Kari's Restaurant:
4 Course Scandinavian Menu Served Family Style
11 am – 3 pm
Kari’s
467-3381
$16.95/ Adult
$9.95/ 6 – 12
Free/5 – under

Mothers Day Buffet at the Old Barn Resort:
All items made from scratch
10:30 am – 2 pm
The Old Barn Resort
467-2512
$12.95/ Adult
$10.95/ Seniors
$7.95/ 5-12
$1 year/ 1 – 2

Mother’s Day Special at Pedal Pushers:
Apricot Glazed Ham or Braised Chicken Dinner & Full Menu
10:30 am – 2 pm
Pedal Pushers Café
467-1050
$9.95

Mothers Day at the Riverside:
Bring mom in for the meal she deserves.
Complimentary glass of wine w/meal for mom!
11 am – 8 pm
Riverside on the Root
467-3663

Commonweal Theatre:
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
Newly discovered health springs offer prosperity to a
struggling town, until a local doctor realizes the
waters are dangerously polluted. How far will a
community go to turn a blind eye when the
truth will bring about their personal ruin.
May 5,6,7; 7:30 pm
May 8; 1:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$30

The Month in Review--April

2011-05-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

I love reading all the notes I receive from guests! It's also been really fun to connect with them on Facebook and over Twitter. (What? You didn't know we had those? Friend Coffee street Inn now!! :) Anyway, here are a few guest comments from last month.

"We so enjoyed the relaxing stay and would like to stay again! Enjoyed the Parkway Pub and the Winery too" --A couple from Cedar Rapids, IA in our Mini-Cappuccino Suite, April 3

"Our first stay at Coffee Street Inn. Have stayed at other places, but we like have the microwave and mini-fridge in our room." Very familiar with town--been coming here for 20+ years! A nice relaxing getaway." --A couple from Carleton, MN in our Java room, April 2

"This was a really wonderful stay. We came here at night with our dog Arthur-- he is a standard poodle. In the morning before breakfast we went around downtown. We really loved it. Loved the smell of the cows. Also, we loved the coffee here; it was delicious! Thank you so much! We really want to come back in the summer!" -- A family from Plymouth, MN in our Double Espresso room April 7

"We are back! Last year we stayed in the Java room. This time, we got the privelege of staying in the Latte room that is newly remodeled and it looks great! Even though it was a cold and yucky weekend we caught lots of fish. Be back next year! Had a great stay, thanks for the good service and brand new room to stay in! Trout opener in Lanesboro, MN was an awesome day!" -- A couple from Austin, MN in our Latte room, April 15-17

"Check out the Commonweal Theatre, EXCELLENT production! The Old Village Hall food is fabulous! Niagra Cave in Harmony was a blast!" --A couple from Buffalo, MN in our Latte room, April 24

"We will have to come back to this wonderful town when the weather is more accommodating. We really enjoyed the Commonweal Theatre and dinner at Old Village Hall. Thanks for letting us bring our dog! She loved Eagle Bluff." -- A couple from Winona, MN in our Latte room, April 30

The Weekly

2011-04-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

There is lots going on this weekend, and the weather looks promising, so head over here for some fun!

Bluff Country Studio Art Tour:
Travel scenic back roads to the studios of the area's
finest artists. PICK UP YOUR MAP AT THE
LANESBORO VISITOR CENTER!
April 29 – May 1
Bluff Country

Lanesboro United Methodist Church Rummage Sale:
Housewares, Books,
Childrens clothing and toys, furniture, the list is
endless.
April 29; 4 – 7 pm
April 30; 8 am - 12 pm
Lanesboro United Methodist Church
467-2646

2011 Earth Day Celebration -
Food Tasting &
Documentary, Earth Day Dinner & Speaker,
Activity Fair and Kids Crafts, Informational
Booths & Demos, Build your Own Rain Barrel,
Performances, Kids Treasure Hunt, Quest for
Local Loot, Sustainable House Tour.
PICK UP YOUR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AT
THE LANESBORO VISITOR CENTER!
April 29 & 30
Lanesboro
• Eagle Bluff
• St. Mane Theatre
• Sylvan Park
• Lanesboro Local
• Commonweal Theatre
• Lanesboro Library

Lanesboro Farmers Market Opening Day
April 30; 9 am - Noon
Lanesboro
Sylvan Park

Artist Demonstration - Leisa Luis Grill:
Juried Sales Gallery Artist Demonstration:
Leisa Luis Grill will demonstrate acrylic
painting.
April 30; 1 – 4 pm
Lanesboro Art Center
467-2446

Artist Demonstration – Anna Loney:
Juried Sales Gallery Artist Demonstration: Anna
Loney will demonstrate forged silver jewelry.
May 1; 1 – 3 pm
Lanesboro Art Center
467-2446

A Red Wing you've never known:
The Victorian House of Lanesboro brings author
Marcy Doyle to entertain and to sign: "A Face
of Red Wing, MN from my perspective". Nearly
200 years of history, culture, architecture and
industry. Reservations suggested.
May 2 ; 1 & 7 pm
May 3; 1 pm
Victorian House B&B
467-3457

Commonweal Theatre:
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Newly
discovered health springs offer prosperity to a
struggling town, until a local doctor realizes the
waters are dangerously polluted. How far will a
community go to turn a blind eye when the
truth will bring about their personal ruin.
April; 28,29,30
May 5; 7:30 pm
May 1; 1:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$30

Biking Package Deals-- check them out!

2011-04-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

Surprise your significant other with a fun-filled bike trip in the Lanesboro area! These three-night packages are available during weekdays, and allow plenty of time for relaxing as well as exploring and enjoying the area. Call our office at 507-467-2674 or email me at staff@coffeestreetinn.com for more details! I would love to help you set up your perfect package for a very memorable getaway!

Cycle and Stay: Package Deals for the Bicycle Enthusiast!
Stay a night with us, a night at the location of your choice, then ride back for
one more night at Coffee Street Inn

Rushford Trip (18 miles each way) includes:
Hotel fare for three nights (middle night at Windswept Inn)
Two dining vouchers for the Creamery in Rushford and Riverside on the Root in Lanesboro ($60)
Voucher for bowling in Rushford ($15)
An activity voucher for Potiche Pottery or to put towards a massage in Lanesboro ($25)
Total Cost= $320

Harmony Trip (23 miles each way) includes:
Hotel fare for three nights (middle night at Country Lodge Inn)
Voucher for an Amish tour for two through Amish Tours of Harmony ($50)
One dining voucher for the Sweet Stop and Sandwich Shoppe in Preston ($20)
An activity voucher for Potiche Pottery or to put towards a massage in Lanesboro ($25)
Total Cost= $350

Houston Trip (31 miles each way) includes:
Hotel fare for three nights (middle night at the Saw Mill Inn)
Voucher for mini-golf or pie in Whalan ($10)
Voucher for bowling in Rushford ($15)
Two dining vouchers for Cross Roads Cafe in Houston and
Riverside on the Root in Lanesboro ($50)
Total Cost= $320

The Weekly

2011-04-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Not a whole lot going on this weekend, but the food served on Easter Sunday is bound to be great! These menus have my mouth watering... (I love scalloped potatoes!) Turns out I'm hosting Easter dinner this Sunday... any tips?

Easter Sunday:

Chat-n-Chew - Chat-n-Chew Easter Sunday
Brunch Special: ham, scalloped potatoes, corn,
fresh buns, dessert.
10 am – noon
$7.99

Old Barn Resort – Easter Buffet: Soup &
Tossed Salad, Honey Glazed Ham, Sirloin Steak,
Stuffed Pork Loin, Fresh Vegetables, Potatoe
Salad, Rice, Bread / Rolls, Desserts. Everything
made from scratch. Make reservations for any
size party.
10:30 am – 2 pm
$9.95 Adults/
$5.95 Child 5- 12 yrs+/
$1 per yr under 5

Riverside on the Root - Choice of Ham, Lamb,
or Prime Rib. Dinner includes Carrot Cake.
11:30 am – 5 pm

At the Commonweal

Commonweal Theatre: An Enemy of the
People - AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Newly
discovered health springs offer prosperity to a
struggling town, until a local doctor realizes the
waters are dangerously polluted. How far will a
community go to turn a blind eye when the
truth will bring about their personal ruin.
April 21, 22, 23, 28; 7:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$30

The Weekly-- and Ibsen Fest!

2011-04-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Lanesboro Grocery Store Informational Meetings:
Hear more about the project. Learn
how to be a part of it. Come and listen. Open to ALL!
April 14; 2 & 7 pm
Lanesboro Community Center
467-2278

Artist Painting: Open Studio -
Lanesboro Arts Center's Artist in Residence Wendy Rouse
will be painting the "Lanesboro Still Life", using
objects lent by local community members to
represent Lanesboro. Open studio! FREE. Just
come in and watch her paint.
April 14; 5 – 7 pm
St. Mane Theatre:
Upstairs Studio
467-2446

Poet, Todd Boss:
Boss's debut poetry
collection, Yellowrocket, enjoyed widespread
critical and popular acclaim. Todd's poems have
been syndicated on NPR and in Ted Kooser's
American Life in Poetry column. To celebrate
National Poetry Month and the release of the
2011 Poetic Strokes Anthology, SELCO has
organized a "Poets at the Library" tour. This
project was funded in part or in whole with money
from Minnesota's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
April 14; 7 pm
Lanesboro Public Library

Troubled Waters:
Followed by a discussion
about the controversy at the University of
Minnesota over the showing of the film, led by
Loni Kemp.
Troubled Waters is a new documentary about the
Mississippi River, by the Emmy Award-winning
team that created Minnesota: A History of the
Land. Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story
traces the development of America's bountiful
agricultural heartland and its effect on the
legendary river. Through beautiful photography
and inspiring narrative, the film offers solutions to
the river's troubles through fresh ideas and
concrete solutions. The Root River watershed is
a part of this story.

The University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum of
Natural History produced the film over nearly four
years, telling the story of agriculture, pollution
and farming solutions to clean up the great river.
Learn about the turmoil caused at the University
of Minnesota when the film's scheduled premiere
and broadcast on Twin Cities Public Television
were abruptly cancelled and later reinstated.
April 15; 7:30 pm
St. Mane Theatre
875-2571
Free Will Donation

Artist Demonstration:
Fiber arts by Debra
Gangelhoff: Fibert artist Debra Gangelhoff
will demonstrate techniques of felting, applique
and stitchery in the gallery. In conjunction with
the Commonweal Theatre Company's Ibsen
Festival.
April 16; 1 – 4 pm
Lanesboro Arts Center
467-2446

Spring Luncheon & Bake Sale:
Hot Beef on a bun, BBQ on a Bun, Potato Salad, Baked Beans,
Rommegrat Sweet Soup, Choice of Pie or
Dessert, coffee, milk
April 16; 11am – 1pm
Sons of Norway Lodge

Pick up the schedule of events for Ibsen Fest at the
Commonweal Theatre or the Lanesboro Visitor Center

Commonweal Theatre:
An Enemy of the People - Newly
discovered health springs offer prosperity to a
struggling town, until a local doctor realizes the
waters are dangerously polluted. How far will a
community go to turn a blind eye when the
truth will bring about their personal ruin.
(Preview)
April 14, 15
7:30 pm

April 16, 21
7:30 pm

April 17
1:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$20 preview
$30 show

Innkeeper tasks

2011-04-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Winter overstayed its welcome this year, and that causes a lot more trouble for Innkeepers than it does for anyone else! Once spring comes, there is a huge push to have gardens and lawns looking perfect, and every bit of paint needs to be touched up. Items needs dusting and power washing, and we also have regular spring cleaning to do (see previous cleaning post). Anyway, my week began with a looooong task list. Yesterday, here is what Matt and I did...

Started at 8:00a.m. with some cleaning of the house and Inn office and checking emails with the owner.
Moved to the outdoor shed which needs to be primed and painted.
3 hours spent covering two sides of the shed before running out of primer.
Started to stain the fence in back, ran out of stain.
Helped Matt finish cleaning the garage which he had already been working o for 4 hours (he did a GREAT job!)
Around 2:00p.m., realized we were hungry.
Drove to Rushford to get more primer, a paintbrush, pads to fix a table, and pizza to go.
Matt went to a Kwik Trip meeting while I primed the rest of the shed.
We laid grass seed over almost the entire lawn, since burns from last year are still visible. This required the digging up of the lawn by hand in order to loosen the dirt.
Tried to fix a few burnt-out light, but ran out of light bulbs.
Cleaned out the shed.
Picked up the lawn and gardens area.
Put in patio umbrellas.
Touched up paint in 2 rooms.
Cleaned the Inn grill.

As you can see from the picture, I got really dirty working yesterday! The primer and fence stain won't come off... tips, anyone?

The Month in Review-- February and March

2011-04-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Comments from our guests! It's been a long winter, but people are finally starting to come to town for biking, walking, antiquing, and other fun hobbies. You should too! Remember to leave comments on our TripAdvisor account after you leave!

"In town on a beautiful weekend for a wedding. 40 degrees the day we left town! We loved our short stay here at Coffee Street Inn. Can't wait to come back this summer for a longer stay!" --A couple from Monticello, MN in our Double Espresso room, 2/13/11

"We enjoyed the coyotes yipping on the bluffs...made me realize we are so close to nature here in Lanesboro." --Friends visiting from Rochester, MN in our Double Espresso room, March

"Well, we had hoped for a bit of 'spring' during our spring break getaway, but if e had to have rain and snow this was a nice cozy place to watch it from! This visit has whet our appetite for another trip to this beautiful bluff country, thanks!" -- A couple from Minneapolis in our Mini-Cappuccino Suite, 3/15/11

"Nice new touches added to the Coffee Street Inn! Keep up the good work; it is appreciated!" --A couple in our Latte room, March

Still just a few notes for me... but I love receiving them and hope to share more of them soon! I am excited to move into the summer season... it's going to be busy, but we have made a lot of changes over the winter and it will be great to get comments! New carpet, new paint, and some tiling definitely kept me busy. Now, it's time for dusting, washing, mattress-flipping and finally-- gardening!! Just some of my many tasks for today...

Don't forget Ibsen Fest this weekend! We still have rooms available, so come on out to enjoy the great weather and great theatre!

The Weekly

2011-04-07T11:09:00.001-07:00

Beautiful weather today! I'll probably walk the dog twice, rollerblade, and run all my errands on foot. You should come visit! Plus, there are all these fun activities...

"Over the Back Fence" Community Variety Show:
Enjoy a Community Variety Show at
the St. Mane Theatre! This month's "Over the
Back Fence" theme is 'Vegetable, Animal,
Mineral,' with local talent, musical guests,
sponsor interviews, and more. Pre-show music
and ticket sales begin at 7:00 pm. Show
broadcast on KFIL radio 103.1fm on Sunday
nine days after the live show.
April 8; 7:30 – 9 pm
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
$5

Fashions in Bloom Ladies Day
Fashions in Bloom: Mini-Sessions, Style
Show, Luncheon and Drawings
Sample some tasty local food items. Stop by
Lanesboro Local’s booth at the fashion
show. Register for our local gift basket
give-away and learn about the expanding
local food selection in our Marketplace.
April 9; 10 am
Commonweal Theatre
467-4466
$20

Artist Painting: Open Studio -
Lanesboro Arts Center's Artist in Residence Wendy Rouse
will be painting the "Lanesboro Still Life", using
objects lent by local community members to
represent Lanesboro. Open studio! FREE. Just
come in and watch her paint.
April 9; 10 am – 12 pm
April 14; 5 – 7 pm
St. Mane Theatre:
Upstairs Studio
467-2446

Eagle Bluff: Discover Geocaching -
On your mark, get set, geocache! Learning the basic
concepts behind GPS technology and how a
receiver works is just the beginning.
Participants will use a GPS receiver to
navigate through the woods in search of
hidden caches. All equipment is provided.
Ages 10 and up Class is also being offered on
October 15th
April 9; 3 – 5 pm Eagle Bluff
Environmental Learning Center
467-2437
$10

Art Reception: Fantasy Photography -
Lanesboro Arts Center presents an exhibit of
Fantasy Photography: "Photo Impressionisme
dans un monde numerique" with photography
by Ron Germundson, Jamie Heiden, Michael
Regnier.
April 9; 6 – 8 pm
Lanesboro Art Center
467-2446

Lanesboro Grocery Store Informational Meetings:
Hear more about the project. Learn
how to be a part of it. Come and listen. Open to
ALL!
April 14; 2 & 7 pm
Lanesboro Community Center
467-2278

Commonweal Theatre: An Enemy of the People (Preview) -
Newly discovered health springs offer
prosperity to a struggling town, until a local
doctor realizes the waters are dangerously
polluted. How far will a community go to turn a
blind eye when the truth will bring about their
personal ruin.
April 14; 7:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$20

Healthy Food #1

2011-04-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

So, if you read a few posts ago, you would know that I mentioned a bunch of foods suggested by Mayo Clinic that we should be eating. As such, Matt and I went out and bought a few strange new fruits and vegetables (eggplant, artichokes, spinach, and a cantaloupe--ok, that one's not so strange) and we are dedicated to making them taste good! And finding out how to actually use them...

Anyway, this is the first of several posts I will be making that will include these "healthy foods" in recipes. Upon getting home from the grocery store, Matt proceeded to attempt preparation of the artichokes for a sort of dip. They are very complicated! The best way to prepare them, which we may have the hang of after 2 tries, is to follow these directions:

1. Cut about one inch off of the top, "leafy" part of the artichoke.
2. Starting at the base of the artichoke, peel all outer leaves off of it
3. Cut one inch off of the stem
4. Cut all remaining leaf pieces/green part off of the base
5. Quarter the stem/heart piece you have left
6. rub edges with lemon if you are concerned about browning

After doing this, we put the stem and heart pieces of two artichokes into a food processor along with two avacodos. Add some hot sauce, salt and pepper, and lemon juice, and you have a great artichoke guacamole!

More recipes to come...I recently made a potato/leek soup that turned out great!

Banana Bread!

2011-03-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this isn't one of those healthy recipes I promised you...but it is sure delicious!

INGREDIENTS
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

METHOD
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.
Yield: Makes one loaf.

Recipe courtesy of : http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/

The Weekly

2011-03-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

A little light on the activities this weekend, but if the weather holds there will be plenty to do! I've been walking a lot and have been shocked to see the trails completely empty...c'mon, it's sweatshirt weather out there! At least for you native Minnesotans... anyway, the shops around town had their lights on today and I'm hopeful that they'll be open tomorrow! (that includes the ice cream shop...)

Commonweal Apprentice Company Presents:
Metamorphoses: Our apprentices showcase
their talents with their own feature production of
METAMORPHOSES by Mary Zimmerman. This
Tony-nominated adaptation of the epic poem by
Ovid explores the concept, possibilities, and
consequences of change.
March 31,April 1, 2; 7:30 pm
April 3; 1:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525 $15

Old Barn Resort Karoke Joe:
Old Barn Resort Restaurant & Bar
opening for the season
April 1 at 3 pm. Karaoke Joe from 8 pm
- midnight.Check out our new menu!
Old Barn Resort
467-2152

Spring Cleaning!

2011-03-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

It's that time again--just when it starts to warm up, we all realize how much work we need to do indoors! Here's what we're working on at Coffee street Inn...

**Flipping mattresses
**Cleaning toilet plungers and all garbage cans (the best way to do this is to fill a bathtub with hot water and bleach, then soak your plungers and garbage cans for awhile. Eventually, they become clean enough to safely rinse and dry ;)
**Defrosting fridges and freezers, cleaning ice trays (ice should always appear clear!)
**Throwing out stained towels (a big thank you to those guests who did not use their towels for muddy shoes, dogs, or bikes last year :P)
**Touching up paint in all the rooms...some of it was chipped off when we got new carpets (you should come see all the changes-- I'll give you a tour!!
**Washing all comforters, pillow shams, and bedskirts (don't worrym we do this much more often than seasonally!)
**Shampooing carpets
**Polishing wood floors
**Taking down window treatments, washing, and IRONING (I HATE ironing...)
**Checking all smoke alarms, change lightbulbs
**Dusting all light fixtures
**Running vinegar or lemon juice through coffee pots
**Cleaning windows inside and out
**Using CLR to remove buildup from shower heads and sinks
**Washing the washing machine! Put 2 cups of white vinegar in the machine and run a stain cycle, or let it soak then run a regular cycle
**Getting rid of lost-and-found or mismatched items
**Tuning up our bikes for summer...
**Airing out and sealing our tent for summer...
**Creating a new calendar for 2011 to place in room binders (for all of you to use when you visit!)
**Thinking of new package deals (let me know what you'd like to see!)
**Trying out a few new recipes for summer! This includes use of the grill...
**Bringing the grill back outside, filling the propane tank, and cleaning the grill!
**Re-evaluating a budget for the year
**Packing up old, outdated files to make room for new ones!

Overall, this is exciting stuff! ...Or maybe I'm just an obsessive-compulsive neat freak? Either way, these are a few of the things I've been working on for myself and for the Inn. Post a few of your spring cleaning tips or tricks!

Here's a note from the Mayo Clinic about spring cleaning your diet:
"When you're spring cleaning your home, go one step further and spring clean your diet. Replace the not-so-great food choices you may have been making this winter with some fresh, tasty, and nutrient packed spring-season options.
Delicious and nutritious spring-season options include:
Apricots
Artichokes
Asparagus
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cherries
Collard Greens
Green Beans
Green Onions
Honeydew Melon
Leeks
Lettuce
Mangoes
Mushrooms
Onions
Peas
Pineapple
Radishes
Rhubarb
Spinach
Strawberries"

I have been really good about this as of late! My persuasive sister convinced me--yes, me!!-- to give up sweets for lent. I started a week late but have now gone 2 WEEKS without sweets! Tea has replaced hot chocolate as my afternoon and nightly drink, and I now eat carrots and green beans as a snack. Watch for some healthy recipes involving the foods mentioned in this post!!

The Weekly

2011-03-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Commonweal Apprentice Company Presents:
Metamorphoses: Our apprentices showcase
their talents with their own feature production of
METAMORPHOSES by Mary Zimmerman. This
Tony-nominated adaptation of the epic poem by
Ovid explores the concept, possibilities, and
consequences of change.
March 24, 25, 26, 31; 7:30 pm
March 27; 1:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525 $15

Old Village Hall Spring Wine Dinner
March 25 & 26; 6:30 pm
Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub
467-2962
$55

Lanesboro Barn Dance:
Live music and calling for square area and big circle
dances plus polka, waltz, and schottische. No Partner
needed. All Dances taught. Bring Friends.
March 26; 8 pm
Sons of Norway Hall
$7

Art of Cuisine Benefit Dinner for Lanesboro Arts Center:
with chef Stephen Larson, this
scrumptious four-course dinner will benefit arts
programming at Lanesboro Arts Center. Sealed
bid auction complements the evening.
March 27; 6:30 pm
Quarter/Quarter
Harmony, MN 467-2446 $65

Sourdough Bread: Take 2!

2011-03-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ok--so over the course of the past 2 months or so I have been keeping a sourdough starter. I was spurred onto the idea after looking over another Innkeeper's website and seeing that she had kept one for 10 years! I had no idea such a thing existed (Yes, I do occasionally feel as if I've been living under a rock) and was shocked to find that this "starter" thing can be used for french toast, pancakes, and other breads! I have not tried the former yet, as I am still trying to get my starter just right. For my first attempt at homemade sourdough bread, a few weeks after I began the starter, I used this recipe:

2 Cups of sponge (proofed starter)
3 Cups of unbleached flour
2 tablespoons of olive oil or softened margarine
4 teaspoons of sugar
2 teaspoons of salt

Baked at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes after allowing 3 hours to rise.

My dough didn't rise! Sourdough bread made with a starter is not supposed to need yeast...so I decided I needed to feed the starter more often than once per week. Even though it didn't rise, I baked it anyway. It yielded two huge loaves which were very good but a pretty sweet for my taste. More like Amish friendship bread, perhaps? (I don't know...have to try that too!)

Currently baking is this simple recipe:

3 cups (375g) of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (60g) of prepared starter
Up to 1-1/2 cups (325ml) of water (see text)
1 teaspoon (5ml) of salt
OPTIONAL: 1 tablespoon (15ml) of butter.

It needs to bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

The dough did rise this time! I was very excited. And it looks to be turning out great! I will let you know for sure later...

Starters are a great, easy way to start making your own bread. They ay take a little getting used to, but when made at home bread loaves will be cheaper and healthier. And you can make them however you want! So start experimenting today...it's fun and a great addition to breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Recipes courtesy of http://www.io.com/~sjohn/sour.htm
and
http://www.joejaworski.com/bread/bread2.htm

Finally... a recipe!

2011-03-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty quick and simple recipe that Matt and I like to make. It's adapted from a Tiawanese cookbook, so enjoy!

Spring Rolls

Ingredients:
Cabbage (rolled and sliced)
carrots (grated)
mushrooms (finely chopped)
green onions
Chicken, pork, or shrimp
rice paper (tortilla-shaped rice sheets)

Directions:
This is very easy...simply cook your meat of choice and chop it into small pieces. Combine all the vegetables and green onions in a bowl. The rice aper needs to be soaked for about 10 seconds in order to soften, so find a pan with a lip or a deep plate and pour in some warm water. After swishing the rice paper around in the water, remove it and place on a separate plate to fill. Top it with the meat and vegetable like you would if it was a soft-shelled taco. Roll just like a tortilla, and let it sit for about a minute for the rice paper to dry. It's done!

Sauce: (If you want to try it!)
Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, ginger
--I never really measure out the ingredients, so you can experiment and season to taste.

*Rice noodles are a good addition to the spring rolls!

The Weekly

2011-03-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Bean Bag Tournament:
Sponsored by the Lanesboro Lions.
Money prizes for the top teams
based on the number of participants. Food and
beer/pop available for purchase.
March 19
11:30 am
Registration
12 pm Start
Lanesboro Community Hall
467-3722
$30 team

Eagle Bluff: Discover Maple Syruping:
Have you ever thought about making your own maple
syrup? This seminar is a great introduction to the
process of bringing homemade syrup to your
table. Ages 10 and up
March 19
3 – 5 pm
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
467-2437 $10

Smelt Fry:
All you can eat. Carry outs available.
March 19
5 pm - gone
American Legion Post 40

Commonweal Apprentice Company Presents:
Metamorphoses: Our apprentices showcase
their talents with their own feature production of
METAMORPHOSES by Mary Zimmerman. This
Tony-nominated adaptation of the epic poem by
Ovid explores the concept, possibilities, and
consequences of change.
March 24
7:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$15

The Weekly

2011-03-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

Italian Fest: All Italian, All Weekend!
March 11 & 12
Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub
467-2962

"Over the Back Fence" Community Variety Show:
The theme of "Over the Back Fence"
this month is 'Stormy Weather.' Featuring local
talent as well as musical guest John Smith, a
much-traveled and much-loved singer &
songwriter from Wisconsin. Show re-broadcast
on Sunday nine days later on KFIL 103.1fm.
March 11; 7:30 – 9
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
$5

Songwriting Workshop with JohnSmith:
You will be encouraged to cultivate your own
unique voice as songwriters. Beginers welcome!
You do not even need to play a musical
instrument. JohnSmith will explore the technical
'nuts and bolts' of songwriting--verse, chorus,
bridge, melody, rhythm, rhymes, etc. Through
visualization exercises, group performances, and
personal demonstrations, we will coax and
cultivate each person's inner muse. While
creating a safe and supportive workshop climate,
we will be giving and receiving constructive
feedback as a group. JohnSmith will assist
individuals with experimenting and incorporating
this feedback into works, bridging inspiration and
craft. If there is interest, we may incorporate
issues involved with recording and live
performances. Feel free to bring samples of
songs/poems that inspire you. Bring an open
heart and a curious mind. You are also
encouraged to bring a simple recording device.
March 12; 10 am – 2 pm
St. Mane Theatre 467-2446
Fee is $20-$40
"whatever you can afford!"

Victorian House Green Tea
March 12; 1 – 3 pm
Victorian House B&B and Events
467-3457

Concert: John Smith:
John Smith performing
really excellent, upbeat, touching folk music:
vocals and guitar. "...What you should know
about JohnSmith is that he is the real deal. A
singer/songwriter who has found his voice and
his place and will take you there through his
music. I think it speaks for itself, directly from his
heart to yours. I promise you will be moved,"
says one of the most consistent writers of quality songs that I know.” Lydia Hutchinson, Editor,
March 12; 7:30 pm
Historic St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
$12/ $10 LAC Members

St. Patrick's Church Dinner:
The menu includes:
Chicken Breast Supreme, Dressing,
Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Peas & Yellow Squash,
Pistachio Salad, Coleslaw, Dinner Rolls, Dessert,
Coffee & Milk.
March 13; 11 am – 1:30 pm
St. Patrick’s Church Hall
Carryouts available,
467- 2480
$9 Adults/
$4 children (5-10)
Free 4 and under

You Might Be and Innkeeper If...

2011-03-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

A fun email I received today from a lodging group member... enjoy!

You might be an innkeeper if...

If you have a 1.5 million dollar home and you live in ten thousand dollars of it...

If it's been six months since you opened a new roll of toilet paper for yourself... and you're happy about that...

If you tend to refer to folks by their room names instead of their given names...

If you make eggs every day, but you eat corn flakes...

If you've ever contemplated a piece of bacon on somebody else's plate, wondering if it's been touched...

If your partner can Name That Story as soon as you start it...

If people usually ask what you used to do... before you retired...

If all your free time falls between noon and three...

If you've ever found a pair of underwear in bed and it never even crossed your mind that they might be yours...

If finding someone else's lace panties isn't grounds for divorce...

If you're regularly asked to predict the weather three months in advance (and you don't have a fortune-teller sign out front)...

Jacuzzi rooms? If your water usage exceeds that of a small nation...

If you have an oversized whirlpool bathtub with a sign next to it that says, "Please reuse your towel to conserve water."

If your husband brings home flowers once a week, and they're not for you...

If your best washcloths have been used as makeup removers, carwash cloths, shoe shiners, and to clean the dog's feet...

If your house is pristine, but your bedroom is stacked to the ceiling... "Don't put that there! Put it in my room."

If you've ever washed chocolate out of your pillow cases...

If stain removal is actually interesting...

If there are written instructions anywhere in your rooms (and you don't have teenagers)...

If you consistently vacuum your way backwards out of a room...

If people pay you to put your picture in their scrapbooks...

If, when you're out for dinner, you order dessert and then find yourself figuring out how to duplicate it for a breakfast course...

If you have named or numbered your bedrooms...

If your house has a theme...

If pictures of your bedrooms are displayed on the internet (and there is no "X" in your domain name)...

If the recycling guy thinks you have an orange juice addiction...

If there are five copies of every magazine in your house...

If you have ever given instructions to anyone about how to use any plumbing fixture in your bathroom... and all your kids are potty-trained...

If you find yourself explaining, once a week, what a grit is, you might be a Southern innkeeper...

If you've ever had to give directions and you're used to 'talking them in' and you're not an air traffic controller...

If you have a backup bedspread...

If you have seven coffee pots...

If yours is the only house on the block where Sysco stops...

If people pay to sleep in your bed and your profession isn't THAT old...

If you can make three varieties of stuffed French toast in your sleep with one hand tied behind your back...

If your new Neptune is more exciting than your new car...

If you have a clue what a mangle is, and there is one in your bedroom...

If your favorite fantasies are about competent kitchen help and a good laundry service...

If "No Vacancy" can prevent your mother-in-law from visiting...

If people spend their honeymoons with you... you'd BETTER be an innkeeper...

And finally, things you don't want to hear:
I didn't know it would get stuck.
Was it expensive?
Is that price for a week?
Do you take rottweilers? How many?
I think that was already broken.

Great Recipe Substitutions!

2011-03-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile I start making a recipe without checking to make sure I have all the ingredients. Or, I do try to stop at the grocery store in Fountain, MN but realize it closes at 5:30. (Yes, 5:30p.m. Who does that?? No wonder their vegetables are always a bit shriveled...) Anyway, I have found a lot of ingredient substitutions through the internet, and I just wanted to share a few with you!

1. Buttermilk--How many people keep this in their fridge? To make a substitute cup of buttermilk, pour just under one cup of milk and then add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir the mixture and let it stand for 5 minutes, then it's ready to use!

2. Brown sugar--I discovered this one last night as I started making chocolate chunk cookies. I stopped at the store, but it was already 5:45 (imagine that...people cook around dinner-time). SO... it turns out that you can use regular sugar combined with 1-2 tablespoons of molasses. The cookies turned out great! I actually am starting to think that perhaps the substitution was part of my great-grandmother's secret cookie recipe...

3. Chocolate chips (puppy chow only)-- This one courtesy of my sister. If you don't have more chocolate, simply use extra peanut butter in its place! Yum...

4. Half-and-half-- There are a number of different substitutions that will work for this ingredient. For one cup of half-and-half combine: 7/8 cup whole milk plus 1/2 tablespoon butter or margarine, 3 tablespoons oil plus milk to equal one cup, or use 1 cup evaporated milk.

5. Sour cream-- Now this one I just found...it sounds a bit gross but I'm sure it works fine! 3 tablespoons butter plus 7/8 cup sour milk, OR 7/8 cup buttermilk plus 3 tablespoons butter.

Brewing some Java....

2011-03-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

So, I am not a coffee addict, but I definitely enjoy it once and a while. I like to water it down good with lots of sugar.. My favorite mix involves hot chocolate, caramel, and french vanilla creamer. However, my husband is a bit more differentiating when it comes to coffee beans. I just like to smell them. Anyway, here are a few tips for brewing great coffee!

Clean Up:
Clean your equipment regularly! Here at the Inn, I clean the coffeemakers by running vinegar through them. (And then cleansing them multiple times with hot water to get rid of the smell/taste...) Another great cleaning mixture is baking soda and water. Use the ratio one part baking soda to four parts warm water. If left uncleaned, coffee oil residue can build up and leave a bitter taste.

Use the Right Water:
Chlorine-free, filtered or distilled water is best. Regular tap water can cause calcium and mineral buildup on your equipment.

Grind Regularly:
Grinding your own beans daily is best to ensue the freshest smell and taste. Work on the coarseness of your grind, as a grind that's too fine will trap water and taste bitter. A grind that's too coarse tends to make weak coffee. Try to match your grind to your brewing method and filter type.

Know Your Strength:
The general rule for making coffee is one tablespoon of grounds for every six ounces of water. This may differ as you try new beans, so experiment!

Store Wisely:
Beans should be kept in an airtight container and never in the fridge. The freezer should b used only as a last resort.

Information found in "The Nest" magazine. Check them out at thenest.com!

The Weekly

2011-03-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

World Day of Prayer:
St. Patrick's Church is
hosting the World Day of Prayer this year. The
program is written by the women of Chile. They
ask the question, "How many loaves have you?"
Everyone is welcome!
March 4
9 am St. Patrick’s

Tapas Weekend at the Old Village Hall:
All plates $5.
March 4 & 5
4:30 pm - 9
Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub
467 - 2962

Lanesboro Community Theatre Presents
“The Cemetery Club” by Ivan Menchell – a
heart-filled comedy about three widows who meet
monthly for tea and a trip to their husband’s
gravesites. Their tidy little threesome is
unexpectedly disrupted when an eligible
gentlemen innocently appears. Director Barbara
Benson Keith adds, "It's a funny script and I know
people are going to love the show. It's got heart."
Tickets at the door or in advance at the
Lanesboro Art Center. More at this production is
made possible in cooperation with the
Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc,
through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature
March 4 & 5; 7 pm
March 6; 2 pm
St. Mane Theatre
$10 adults/
$8 students and seniors

Lanesboro High School Senior Class Fund Raiser:
All you can eat Brunch. Cost: $10 adult
$6 12 years old and under, preschool free. Egg
bake, blueberry, pecan, chocolate chip or plain
pancakes, ham, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffee,
milk & orange juice.
March 6; 9 am – 1 pm
$10 adult/
$6 12 and Under

Considering the fresh, heavy snow...

2011-02-21T12:08:00.001-08:00

Make a snowman! This is something I've been wanting to do all winter, but for some reason my husband has decided he doesn't like the cold anymore. Go figure! (He works in a cooler and freezer all day, so I guess I can't blame him). Anyway, I haven't even seen any snowmen this year except for the one-foot tall snowman the neighbor made after the very first snow...have you all forgotten how to make them?? I would do it myself, but since Reno isn't much help at such things, you're going to have to do it for me.

Things You'll Need:
Spray Bottles
Mittens For Everyone
Scarves
Snowman Kits
Carrots
Food Coloring
Cameras
Film
Buckets
Cameras
Carrots

1. Shape a handful of snow into a ball. Continue adding more snow and packing the ball until it's too large to hold.

2. Place the ball on the snow in front of you and slowly roll it away from you. As more snow accumulates on the outside of your ball, pack the snow by pressing on it with your gloved hands.

3. Roll and pack the ball over and over until it is the size you want for the bottom of the snowman's body.

4. Repeat for the midsection and head. The bottom should be the biggest ball, and the top should be the smallest.

5. Pack some extra snow between the layers to make them stick together. Place sticks down the center where the sections meet if your snowman is having trouble standing erect.

6. Give the snowman a face. Use coal, rocks, buttons or anything dark and round for the eyes. A horizontal stick or twig will make a good mouth, and a carrot is fine for the pointy nose. If you don't have a carrot, a banana or a candy cane will do the job.

7. Cover the top of his head with an old plant for hair, or give him a knit hat to wear. Top hats will blow away unless secured.

8. Add arms, legs and other accessories. Push sticks into the sides of the middle section and hang old mittens on the ends, then place boots at the bottom for legs. Also consider adding items such as a shirt, a scarf or sunglasses.

**You can spray your snowman with colored water to add rosy cheeks.
**Your snowman's days are numbered, so take plenty of pictures.

Read more: How to Build a Snowman | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_9769_build-snowman.html#ixzz1Ecv1l2v4

Happy Valentine's Day from Reno!

2011-02-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

Ice cream time!

2011-02-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I wish I had an ice cream maker... Perhaps I can borrow the in-laws' sometime...? ;) Anyway, if by whatever means I manage to get one of these, this is what I would make.

Mint Chocolate-Chip Ice Cream!

Ingredients
3 cups half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream
8 large egg yolks
9 ounces sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint oil
3 ounces chocolate-mint candies, coarsely chopped

Directions
Place the half-and-half and the heavy cream into a medium saucepan, over medium heat. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and remove from the heat.

In a medium mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the sugar and whisk to combine. Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding small amounts, until about 1/3 of the cream mixture has been added. Pour in the remainder and return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon and reaches 170 to 175 degrees F. Pour the mixture into a container and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add the peppermint oil and stir to combine. Place the mixture into the refrigerator and once it is cool enough not to form condensation on the lid, cover and store for 4 to 8 hours or until it reaches 40 degrees F or below.

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker; add the chopped candies and process according to the manufacturers directions. This should take approximately 25 to 35 minutes. Serve as is for soft serve or freeze for another 3 to 4 hours to allow the ice cream to harden.

Recipe courtesy of http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/mint-chip-ice-cream-recipe/index.html

The Weekly

2011-02-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

It should be a beautiful weekend, so come visit to see our new carpets and go biking! Here's a list of other things to do, in case those don't sound terribly interesting... ;)

Tapas Weekend at the Old Village Hall:
All plates $5.
Feb 18 & 19; 4:30
Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub
467 - 2962

Eagle Bluff: Becoming an Outdoors Family:
Get your family outside for some winter fun! This
weekend will provide families an opportunity to
play in the snow and learn lifelong outdoor
activities. Class options include: Snowshoeing;
Ice Fishing; Cross Country Skiing; Indoor Rock
Climbing; Treetops High Ropes Course and
more! This event is co-sponsored by the MN
DNR.
Feb 19 & 20
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
467 - 2437
$80 per person;
$300 for a family of four
$75 for each additional person

Eagle Bluff: Open Rock Climbing:
Climb the Wall this President's Day!
Eagle Bluff is opening the indoor climbing room to the public and
everyone over the age of 6 is invited! Harnesses,
helmets and belayers will be provided...just bring
your sneakers and a completed medical release
form. No reservations necessary! Youth under
the age of 18 must be accompanied by and adult.
Feb 21;10 am - 12pm
or
2 - 4 pm
$10 per person,
per session

One of our favorites...

2011-02-17T06:35:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I have been struggling a bit lately in the cooking arena. Maybe it's the fact that I'm tired of washing dishes by hand (no dishwasher) or the fact that I now have to trip over 2 pets while in the kitchen. Or, it could be that I somehow got behind on Inn projects, homework, AND home activities. Also, I could be a little distraught over the fact that my first sourdough bread attempt did not work. At all. Regardless of this, MAtt and I did manage to cook one of our favorite meals the other day. We have also been grilling...hey, it's nice in Minnesota in February! How often does that happen?? Anyway, here it is--you should definitely try it if you like ethnic foods! (Dad...)

Chicken Tikki Masala

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken
2 limes
paprika, cumin, garam masala, and coriander to taste
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finaly chopped
1-3 inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated
2 green chilies (serrano peppers), finely chopped
4 1/2 oz plain yogurt
14 oz can chopped tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
1 bunch cilantro

Preparation:

First, cook the jasmine rice according to package directions. Add chopped cilantro and salt.
Cut the chicken into one-inch chunks and cook with in a large skillet. When nearly cooked, add the onion.
Blend garlic, serrano peppers, lime juice, seasonings, tomatoes, and ginger until mostly smooth. Add to cooked chicken along with yogurt and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened, or about 10 minutes.
Serve on top of the rice.

It's delicious! This recipe has been adapted from the book "Curry Cuisine."

The Weekly--Valentines Day!

2011-02-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

Plenty to do this weekend, so make your last-minute reservations (...guys...) and come to Lanesboro for some fun! I know I shouldn't pick on the guys (hey, my husband surprised me with Valentines Day gifts a full week early!) but I have had a few callers recently... this being the case, Coffee street Inn is offering $15 off any of our single rooms for tomorrow (Friday) night!

Valentines Weekend Dinners:

Pedal Pushers
Sirloin Steak & Grilled Shrimp Dinner:
Includes a soup or salad
and dessert to share
Feb 12 – 14; 5 – 7:30 pm
Pedal Pushers Cafe
467 – 1050
$38 a couple

Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub:
Appetizer: Pistachio Crusted Slipper Lobster
with Truffle Vinaigrette, Smoked Beed Tenderloin
Carpaccio;
Soup/Salad: Black Bean and
Potatoe Soup, Organic Baby Greens with
Pistachio, Red Onion, Cucumber, Tomatoe and
Gorgonzola Dressed with Rasberry Dijon
Vinaigrette;
Entrees: Grilled Ribeye with Tuscan
Sauteed Mushrooms served with Gruyere
Scallion Potatoes, Sauteed Sea Bass with Mirin
Tamari Butter Sauce served with Pacific Rim
Risotto, Roasted Chicken Breast with Tetrazzini
Style Potatoe Noodles;
Desserts: Chocolate
Pate with Crème Anglaise and Raspberry Coulis,
Apple Almond and White Chocolate Tiramisu
Feb 11 – 14; 5 – 9 pm
Old Village Hall
467 – 2962
$33 a person
Wine Pairings
$20

Rhinos Pizza and Subs:
Enjoy Heart Shaped Pizza with your choice of Toppings
Through Feb 14
Rhinos Pizza and Subs
467 – 2200
$12.99

"Over the Back Fence" Community Variety Show:
The theme will
be 'New Beginnings,' hosted by Damon
Prestemon (who co-hosted the first show
seventeen years ago). Musical guest will be the
Elstad Church Choir, and cast members of the
Lanesboro Community Theater's 'The Cemetery
Club' will preview the play. Cast members will
include David Hennessey, Bethany & Robin
Krom, Heidi Dybing, Barb & Pete Keith, John
Black, and others.
Feb 11; 7:30 pm

Pre-show music
at 7 pm with
Tom Schramm
& Paul Schmidt
St. Mane Theatre
467 - 2446 $5

Valentine's Tea at the Victorian House
Feb 12
1 – 3 pm
Victorian House B&B
467 – 3457
$12

Commonweal Presents:
Story of Music,
Stories from Home - The Commonweal
Theatre Company welcomes internationally
acclaimed musician Lauren Pelon and award-
winning poet and essayist Gary Holthaus to the
Commonweal stage. “Story of Music, Stories
from Home” is an evening of music and poetry
offering exciting new and thought-provoking
perceptions of the natural world while celebrating
our own sense of place and community.
Feb 12; 7:30 pm
Commonweal Theatre
467 - 2525
$20

Chili-Glazed Pork with Sweet Potato Hash--Yum!

2011-02-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, while perusing the vast world of Facebook, I stumbled upon a recipe which a high school friend had posted. Not yet having dinner plans for the evening, I decided to try it. I had never used the broiler of an oven before, but it was super easy and the food turned out great! I used 2 pork chops for the meat and spiced it up a little more with garlic, more chili powder than the recipe calls for, pepper, and some serrano pepper. Be sure to baste the meat with the maple syrup! Regular onions can be substituted for shallots, and I used regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes. They turn out a bit more like hashbrowns, but adding some orange zest can help this.

Ingredients
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1⁄4 pounds)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled
2 large shallots, chopped
1 5-ounce package baby spinach, chopped
hot sauce (optional)

Directions
Heat broiler. Place the pork on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Rub with 1 teaspoon of the oil, the chili powder, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Broil, turning occasionally and basting with the maple syrup twice, until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Meanwhile, in a food processor fitted with the coarse grating disk, grate the sweet potatoes.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, tossing occasionally, until tender, 7 to 9 minutes more. Add the spinach and cook, tossing, until just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes more.
Serve the pork and potatoes with the hot sauce, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chili-glazed-pork-with-sweet-potato-hash-00000000050940/index.html

The Month in Review-- January

2011-02-07T06:29:00.001-08:00

Not too many guest notes last month, but they were good ones! Here's what guests said:

"We had an amazing time relaxing at your great establishment, checking out Avian Acres, Ava's Mohair and goats, Frank's spoons, celebrating our family Christmas and our mom's 60th birthday! Thanks for all the extra attention you gave, Kate! Our best to you!" --A family brought together from all over the country in our Cappuccino Suite and Java rooms, 1/30

"We have been here one night and found lots to do. Skiing 8-10 miles today, then breakfast at the Pastry Shoppe. Great! Very comfy room, intriguing little town-- we'll tell our friends!" --A couple in our Mocha room, 1/28

We also received a lovely card in the mail from some guests who stayed over Christmas! They were from Puerto Rico: here to experience the snow and winter activities and to shop. Here is what they said:
"Greeting from Puerto Rico! Thanks for your attention; your hotel is very nice and we enjoyed your town so much. Thank you for your kindness. If you ever come to Puerto Rico, please contact us! God bless you and your family!" --Juan, Nivea, and Chary Rodriguez. They stayed in our Double Espresso room for 4 nights over Christmas: went cross country skiing, antique shopping, and discovered many restaurants. Lucky them-- we got about 5 inches of snow while they stayed here!

I love hearing from our guests at Coffee Street Inn. We are always looking to improve the lodging experience for guests, and you can help! Let us know what we are doing right and also what you think could be altered. If you are a previous guest of ours, please post on TripAdvisor or comment on this post!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g43245-d618629-Reviews-Coffee_Street_Inn-Lanesboro_Minnesota.html

The Weekly

2011-02-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

There is a lot to do this weekend! $5 plates at the Old Village Hall, sculptures and art at the gallery, ice fishing (I should tell my dad and brother, get them to come visit!), a Norwegian meal, a medicinal herb lecture, a candlelight ski (sounds SO fun, though probably very cold...), Dinner on the Bluff, and $1 books! I've got places to go this weekend! Though I will probably be pretty busy around here...guests seem to want to attend these things too ;)

Tapas Weekend:
All plates $5!!
Feb 4 - 6
Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub
467 - 2962

Art Reception: Mixed Media
Sculpture by Patty Carmody Smith:
Lanesboro Arts Center presents "Luminaries:
Figures, Birds, Spheres" Mixed Media Sculpture
by Patty Carmody Smith. Meet the artist at this
reception!
Feb 4; 6 – 8 pm
Lanesboro Arts Center
467 - 2446

Annual Ice Fishing Tourney:
3rd Annual - sponosored by the Root River Saloon.
Prizes awarded staring at 4 pm at Root River
Saloon. MN fishing license required! No shacks
or portables allowed. Bring your own beverages.
Food will be available for purchase. One line per
person.
Feb 5; 10:30 – 12
Registration
Lanesboro Bass Pond
467 - 3355
Adult Division:
$10 entry fee for age 21 and over
Kid's Division:
$5 entry fee

Norwegian Klub Meal:
Also serving chili & side pork.
Feb 5; 12 – till gone
Lanesboro American Legion

Herbal Medicine – Nature’s Pharmacy Class:
Bonnie Kreckow, a
clinical herbalist will give an introduction to herbal
medicine – Nature’s pharmacy. Bonnie has been
an herbal practitioner for 10 years and a student
of medicinal plants for 16 years. She loves
teaching herbal medicine to others and is the
founder of the MidAmerica Herbal Symposium.
Bonnie will explore the plants growing in your
yard, in the woods, along the creek bank and
explain their medicinal qualities. She will start out
with a little history and then get into the plants,
who they are, what they do, and how they do it.
These classes are taught by experienced and
entertaining professionals who will engage,
educate, and inspire participants to live local and
live well.
Feb 5th; 1 pm
Cottage House Inn
467 – 2944
Judy
$15
Payable at Class

From Pasture to Plate:
Andrew Bunge
from Twin Oak Farm and Christian Myrah from
Breezy Bluff Farm will discuss raising and caring
of pasture-raised lamb on the family farm. Will
feature local lamb, how to use a variety of cuts of
meat, recipes, and delicious samples. Following
the class will be Eagle Bluff’s February Dinner on
the Bluff, a delicious meal of local seasonal
foods. Call Eagle Bluff to register for the dinner
(467 – 2437). These classes are taught by
experienced and entertaining professionals who
will engage, educate, and inspire participants to
live local and live well.
Feb 5th; 3:30 pm
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
467 -2944
Judy
$20
Payable at Class

Whalan Candlelight Ski/Walk:
Ski by candle light during the 18th annual Whalan
Candle Light Ski, sponsored by the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources and the Village
of Whalan. For the seventeenth consecutive
year, the beautiful Root River Trail will be lined
with candles with bonfires at each end of the ski
trek. Soup supper and refreshments will be
available at the Whalan Village Hall. Skiers will
need a DNR Ski Pass, available from many
Lanesboro businesses, the Lanesboro Visitor
Center, or online at:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index.html
Need to rent skis? Contact Cedar Valley Resort in Whalan
(507) 467-9000.
Feb 5; 5:30 pm
Whalan MN

Dinner on the Bluff:
Discovery Channel's
'River Warrior' Helps Clean America's Rivers" As
the founder of America's only "industrial strength"
river clean-up organization, Living Lands &
Waters Chad Pregracke tells a compelling and
funny story about growing up on the river and
how his river experiences led to his unique vision
to clean up the Mississippi River. Sponsored in
part by Hiawatha Valley RC&D-Driftless Area
Initiative and Fillmore County Soil & Water
Conservation District.
Feb 5; 5:30 pm
presentation followed by a buffet dinner
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
467 - 2437
$25

USED BOOK SALE
All used books will be
$1.00 or under. There is a great variety of
cookbooks, children's books, fiction and
more. Consignment books not included.
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 11-4
Wed: 10-6
Lanesboro Local Marketplace

Baking Successes for the Week

2011-02-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

I LOVE trying new things-- baking, scrapbooking, new paint colors (as you may see pictures of soon...) or any outdoor activity. Since I already finished as much scrapbooking as I could with the pictures I had printed, new paint colors are in process, and outdoor activities are limited, that eaves baking. As long as I keep flour in the house and finish my homework in time, I am able to try almost any recipe.
I has been a difficult transition being in Lanesboro after living in the twin cities for a few years. I got used to a lot of different foods, most of which I cannot find without driving 40+ miles. Mall pretzels are one of these specialties. (Classy, I know.) Anyway, following is the recipe I used (the pretzels turned out great!) and also a recipe for a sourdough starter, which I began about 4 days ago.

Ingredients
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/8 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour.
Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan.
After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner. Twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution. Place on parchment covered cookie sheets, and let rise 15 to 20 minutes.
Bake at 450 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt, garlic salt or cinnamon sugar.

Note: The dough is pretty difficult to roll, and it helps to roll it some then grab the ends and move it like a jumprope. (hopefully that makes sense...) It helped a lot-- I remembered seeing employees at pretzel stores doing that.

Creating Your Sourdough Starter

The novel thing about sourdough baking is that it requires that you keep something alive in your fridge. I think of my starter as a pet, kept and fed so that Sandra and I will have all the bread we need. Sourdough "starter" is a batter of flour and water, filled with living yeast and bacteria. The yeast and bacteria form a stable symbiotic relationship, and (as long as you keep the starter fed) can live for centuries, a thriving colony of microorganisms. To make sourdough bread, you blend the starter with some flour and make dough. The yeast propogates, and leavens your bread. This is how you make your starter:

Select a container that your "pet" will live in. A wide-mouthed glass jar is best. I use a glass jar with a rubber and wireframe seal; you can find these for $2-$4 in any antique or junk shop. A small crock with a loose lid is also great; these can be bought in cheap sets for serving soup. You can also use a rubbermaid or tupperware container. I've begun starters using the plastic containers that take-out Chinese soup comes in, and then transferred them to jars later! A wide-mouthed mayonnaise or pickle jar will also do just fine. Metallic containers are a bad idea; some of them are reactive and can ruin your starter (for the same reason, avoid using metal utensils to stir your starter).

Blend a cup of warm water and a cup of flour, and pour it into the jar. That's the whole recipe! I use plain, unbleached bread flour most of the time, but I've had good results with all-purpose and whole-wheat flour, too. If you want, you can add a little commercial yeast to a starter to "boost" it. If you do this, sourdough snobs will look down their nose at you - but who cares about snobs? I personally find that (at least here where I live) no yeast "boost" is necessary, and I can make "real" sourdough with no trouble. But if you are having trouble, go ahead and cheat. I won't tell. Note that starter made with commercial yeast often produces a bread with less distinctive sour flavor than the real thing.

Every 24 Hours, Feed the Starter. You should keep the starter in a warm place; 70-80 degrees Farenheit. This allows the yeast already present in the flour (and in the air) to grow rapidly. Temperatures hotter than 100 degrees or so will kill it. You can take comfort from the fact that almost nothing else will do so. The way you feed the starter is to (A) throw away half of it and then (B) add a half-cup of flour and a half-cup of water. Do this every 24 hours. Within three or four days (it can take longer, a week or more, and it can happen more quickly) you should start getting lots of bubbles throughought, and a pleasant sour or beery smell. The starter may start to puff up, too. This is good. Here's the gist: When your starter develops a bubbly froth, it is done. You have succeeded.

Refrigerate the Starter. Keep the starter in your fridge, with a lid on it. Allow a little breathing space in the lid. If you're using a mayo or pickle jar, punch a hole in the lid with a nail, that kind of thing. Once the starter is chilled, it needs to be fed only once a week. Realistically, you can get away with less; it's important to remember that your starter is a colony of life-forms that are almost impossible to kill (except with extreme heat). Even starving them is difficult.

Recipes courtesy of:
http://www.io.com/~sjohn/sour.htm
and
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/mall-pretzels/Detail.aspx

The Weekly

2011-01-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

Winter Wine Dinner
Jan 28 & 29; 6:30 pm
Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub
467-2962
$60 / person

Concert: Lanesboro Arts Center presents Julie Johnson & the No-Accounts
A mix of Minnesota roots music on the flute, bass
flute, mandolin, and guitar (Julie with Doug Otto
& Drew Druckrey). This is the culminating
performance for Julie Johnson's 4-week Artist
Residency here in Lanesboro; Julie has been
working on composing and performing
Minnesota-based folk music. She has performed
classical, jazz, folk, blues & world music in
various venues throughout the world!
Jan 29; 7:30 pm
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
FREE

USED BOOK SALE
All used books will be
$1.00 or under. There is a great variety of
cookbooks, children's books, fiction and
more. Consignment books not included.
Wed Feb 2 ;10 – 6 pm
Lanesboro Local Marketplace

Old Village Hall Dinner

2011-01-28T06:13:00.000-08:00

The Old Village Hall is having one of their wine dinner weekend--tonight and tomorrow! Here is the menu:

Appetizer
Duck Heart Pate with Classic Relishes
1996 Santa Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon

Appetizer
Curried Lamb Crepe Rolls
2006 Pacific Rim Dry Riesling

Salad
Lobster Tail Salad with Charmoula
2007 Toad Hollow Chardonnay

Entree
Elk Osso Buco with Gremolata and Persian Gnocci
OVH Cellar Selection

Dessert
Raspberry Double Chocolate Flourless Torte
Villa Bianchi "New Age" Blanco

Cleaning Tips!

2011-01-25T06:04:00.000-08:00

26 tips for cleaning, restoring, and fixing! A lot of them were surprising to me... be sure to read through the whole list; there are lots of things I’m going to try as soon as spring comes around!

List derived from http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/hot-tip/50-hot-tips-to-try-in-2011-136951

1. Remove grease spots in your garage with kitty litter. This is best done when the oil has been freshly spilled, but the kitty litter can also help soak up oil from old stains. (Good thing I have a kitty now! ;)
 2. A crumpled handful aluminum foil can be used to scrub pans if you’re out of scrubbing brushes.  
3. Keep your silverware from tarnishing by storing it on top of a sheet of aluminum foil.
 4. Polish your silverware and leather using a banana skin. Buff with a soft cloth when you're done. (This sounds so strange to me...but I imagine it might work on shoes too?) 
5. Coffee or tea stains can be removed from rugs with beer.
 6. Dishwasher detergent can easily be replaced using 2T baking soda and 2T borax. 
7. To clean your washing machine, run a full cycle with no clothes and 3 cups of vinegar. (Does anyone know how often washing machine needs to be cleaned? I had never heard of the fact, and I’m pretty sure my mom has never done it..right, mom?) 
8. Baking soda can be used as a de-icer on slippery sidewalks. (It may not be a lot cheaper, but I may try this after our next Minnesnowta ice storm!)
9. Sprinkle a bit of Borax in your toilet and let it sit for 5 minutes before cleaning with brush or rag. The bowl will be disinfected without using bleach. 
10. Use white bread to clean walls and wallpaper. Make sure you cut the crust off to avoid scratches. This is an alternative for Mr. Clean wipes or sponges...and is a better use for white bread than eating it would be! (I’m a bit of a health freak, and VERY against white bread.) 
11. Fix a sticky drawer by rubbing a candle on the runners.  
12. Use small pieces of banana skins to deter aphids in your garden by burying them near the insect prone plants. Cut the pieces small so other critters are not attracted. 
13. Keep your freezer from smelling by putting a couple of bowls of coffee grounds inside overnight. (Excellent idea! I was just noticing today that my freezer really does smell...)
 14. Slice wine corks thinly to create your own non-skin pads for vases and other decorations to avoid scratching your furniture. (I LOVE this. I think cork is so cool, and this is a great use for it!) 
15. Buff your stainless steel sink with flour to keep it shiny and new looking. 
16. Prevent a frozen car or bike lock by placing a fridge magnet on the lock overnight during a rain or snow storm. (This would have been helpful to know last year...I left my bike at one apartment and a sudden snowstorm froze the lock solid! Matt and I had a terrible time getting it out...)
 17. Smooth caulk using an ice cube to avoid having it stick to your finger. This will also create a consistent and controllable line. 18. Use a strong salt water solution to get the grime left over from a wilted bouquet of flowers in a vase. A soak and strong shake should get most of it off with minimal effort. (Who doesn’t forget flowers in a vase too long?) 
19. Keep your garden tools in a bucket of sand to keep them looking newer longer. (Definite to-do for spring and summer!)
 20. Clean rough plaster walls using nylon socks to avoid lint that is left behind with regular rags. (I have noticed this lint annoyance when trying to clean walls at the Inn.) 
21. Use clean leftover aluminum foil to sharpen scissors by folding multiple layers of foil into a pad then cutting into the pad a few times. 
22. Clean and polish your windows with newspaper instead of paper towels or rags to avoid lint. 
23. Shine your mirrors using a pot of strong tea that has cooled. First wipe the mirror using the tea then buff it with a dry rag. (Has anyone tried this? My mirrors are about due for a cleaning...) 
24. Untreated wicker furniture can look new again if you scrub it with a stiff brush dipped in salt water. Doing this every year will keep your outdoor wicker furniture looking fresh. (Another Inn to-do!) 
25. Before you throw it in the dump heap, repair cracked china by submerging it in milk and bringing it to a boil. As soon as it starts to boil lower the heat and simmer it for about 45 minutes. The milk protein can repair fine cracks.
 26. Slow the drying of plaster by adding a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar to the mixture to give you some more working time.

The Weekly

2011-01-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

Good thing these are all inside...it's going to be one cold weekend! If you're up for it, definitely come snowmobiling or cross country skiing (Coffee Street Inn still have a few openings for this weekend). I will actually be out of town exploring Decorah, IA. I doubt that it is less frigid than my current location, but the hotel is pet-friendly so Reno and the new kitty Mory can come along!

Bean Bag Tournament
sponsored by the Lanesboro Lions:
Money prizes for the top 5 teams.
Food and beer / pop available for purchase.
Jan 22; 11:30 am - registration
12 noon - start
Lanesboro Community Hall
467-3722 $30/ team

Karoke Joe at the Lanesboro Saloon
Jan 22; 8:30 pm – 12:30 am
Root River Saloon
467-3355

Special Brood Cow & Bred Heifer Auctions
Jan 24; 6 pm
Lanesboro Sales Comission
467-2912

A Note from the Commonweal Theatre...

2011-01-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

14th Annual Ibsen Festival is on the way!
Believe it or not the 2011 season at the Commonweal will begin in just a few months. And as always we'll start the year with the Ibsen Festival. This season we are proud to offer An Enemy of the People. Pitting brother against brother, An Enemy of the People explores the power of the majority versus the individual -- and how individuals will often use "The Majority" to pursue their own personal agendas.

We are thrilled to once again have Jeffrey Hatcher adapting our Ibsen production, so we know the language will resonate clearly with contemporary audiences. As always the Commonweal will host lectures and concerts.

We would love to have YOUR business be an active participant in the Ibsen Festival.
If you have any ideas about how you would like to play a part in the 14th Annual Ibsen Festival, contact Irene ErkenBrack by January 30 so that we may get your event on the schedule.

208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro MN 55949
800-657-7025

Recipe! --Blueberry Pancakes...

2011-01-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

This was a life-changing experience for me...seriously! I just learned how to make pancakes. Well, the right way, anyways. As my husband seems to have a strong dislike of Bisquick and many other pre-made mixes, I have spent a considerable amount of time baking, researching cooking topics, and pouring over cookbooks. I did make pumpkin pancakes in early November, I believe, which Matt did like because they were so light. Do you know what the secret to light pancakes is?? Keeping lumps in the mix! The perfectionist in me always beat those lumps out completely...which was making my pancakes heavier. This discovery combined with an innocent-looking and conveniently on-sale container of blueberries sealed the deal. Here's the recipe I used; it turned out great!

Buttermilk Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or slightly less table salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups buttermilk (2 3/4 cups milk and 3 tbsp lemon juice is what I used, if you don't have actual buttermilk.)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.

1 cup blueberries, fresh or thawed

1. Preheat an electric griddle to 375°F, or place a griddle pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the eggs, buttermilk, and 4 tablespoons melted butter, and whisk to combine. The batter should have small to medium lumps.

2. Test the griddle by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. If the water bounces and spatters, the griddle is hot enough. Spray surface with a non-stick spray or coat with butter.

3. Using a 4-oz. ladle, about 1/2 cup (for a 6-inch pancake), pour the batter in pools 2 inches apart. If you wish to make blueberry pancakes, arrange a handful over the cooking pancake, pressing them in slightly. When the pancakes have bubbles on top and are slightly dry around the edges, about 2 1/2 minutes, flip over. If any batter oozes or blueberries roll out, push them back under with your spatula. Cook until golden on bottom, about 1 minute.

4. Repeat with the remaining batter. You can keep the finished pancakes on a heat-proof plate in the oven at 175°F. Serve warm.

Recipe found at http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/07/blueberry-pancakes-pancake-101/

Re-vamped Package Deals!

2011-01-18T07:09:00.001-08:00

Check these out! There is still lots to do in Lanesboro, despite the efforts of Old Man Winter!! Call our office (507-467-2674) and I can help you plan your relaxing getaway, family trip, or active outdoors experience. Mention this blog post and receive 10% off when you reserve one of the packages below. (Offer not in combination with any other offers.)

January "Snowed-In" Specials!

In-room breakfast any morning, in any of our single rooms!

Or...

Free hot chocolate and cookies!
______________________________________________________________________
Winter Packages! Offered November through March.

Romance and Relaxation Package
--One of our single rooms with private baths (Latte, Java, or Mocha) plus...
--One voucher for a sleigh ride for two (two possible locations)
--One dinner voucher for the Old Village Hall Restaurant
--One circulatory massage voucher for Prana Massage
--Wine and two signature wine glasses from Scenic Valley Winery, delivered to your room
--In-room breakfast at the time of your choice
--$295 total for one night...all arrangements and appointments will be set for you.
Stay two nights or more and receive a $20 discount! (Valentine's Day weekend excluded)

Ladies Getaway Package
--Our Double Espresso room plus...
--One breakfast or lunch voucher for Pedal Pushers Cafe or The Pastry Shoppe
--One drink and appetizer voucher for the Old Village Hall Restaurant
--One crafting voucher for Potiche Pottery and Gifts
--Two circulatory massage vouchers for Prana Massage
--$275 total...all arrangements and appointments will be set for you
Stay two nights or more and receive a $20 discount!

Family Retreat Package
--Our Double Espresso Room plus...
--One voucher for a sleigh ride for four (two possible available)
--One voucher for lunch at Pedal Pushers Cafe
--One crafting voucher for Potiche Pottery
--A group tour of the Lanesboro Arts Center
--$255 total...all arrangements and appointments will be set for you.
*Add a sleigh ride guest= $25 per person
*Upgrade to our Cappuccino Suite with whirlpool tub, living room and full kitchen= $80

The Weekly

2011-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

Art Reception: Lanesboro Arts Center
presents artwork by 9-12th grade students from
Chosen Valley, Fillmore-Central, Lanesboro, and
Rushford-Peterson schools. Join us for this free
reception and see a variety of two-dimensional
and three-dimensional work. The exhibit is
supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Jan 15; 6 – 8 pm
Lanesboro Art Center 467-2446

Variety Show Benefit for Whalan Hall:
Old Pederson (AKA Phil Dybing) will MC
the Variety Show to benefit the renovation of the
Whalan Village Hall. Uff da! It will include lots of
laughter and music. Drawing will be held to
ascertain the winners of the Whalan Hall Raffle.
Jan 15; 7 pm
St. Mane Theatre 467-2111

Toad Runner Express
January 15; 8:30 pm – 12:30 am
Root River Saloon 467-3355

Fish Fry for the Eagles Cancer Telethon
Saturday Jan 15th: 5pm until the Fish is gone.
Sponsored by the American Legion.

Dogs like tasty treats, too!

2011-01-12T16:07:00.001-08:00

Since Coffee Street Inn is pet-friendly, I figured it was just about time I post something for our canine companions. By the way, I don't have anything against cats (my husband may say differently...) but I have never had one and just don't know what they're like! So, I will stick to dogs for now. If any of you happen to have some kittens for sale or for free, let me know, and maybe I'll be able to diversify my blog content a bit. ;)

Apple Cinnamon Drops

1 large apple
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup oatmeal
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/8 cup whole wheat flour

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C).

Core, slice and mince the apple (use a food processor if you have one). In a large bowl, combine the minced apple bits, honey, water, cinnamon, and oatmeal. Gradually blend in the wheat flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough.

In a small bowl, add 1/8 cup wheat flour. Spoon the dough by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches (5cm) apart. Using the bottom of a glass dipped in the wheat flour (to prevent sticking), flatten each spoonful of dough into a circle. Adjust the size of the drops based on how big a treat you like to feed your dog.

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and flip each cookie to brown evenly on both sides. Reduce oven temperature to 325 ° F (180 °C). Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Let cool overnight.

Makes about 3 dozen crunchy cookies, depending on how big you make them.

Puppy Pretzels

1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup water
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons soy flour, low fat
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
1 tablespoon dried liver powder
1 tablespoon bone meal flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg -- beaten (1/2 in recipe, 1/2 in glaze)
2 tablespoons cooking oil
3 tablespoons wheat germ
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.

Combine dry ingredients. Add half of the beaten egg, oil and yeast-water mixture. Mix well.

Knead on a well floured board until dough is firm. Place in oiled bowl, cover and let rise until double in bulk.

Shape into pretzels and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove and brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with wheat germ. Return to oven and bake at 300 degrees for about 15 minutes until nicely browned and quite firm.

Note: You may omit liver powder and bone meal flour if you have difficulty locating them.

Poodle Pasta

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
8 ounces beef liver
3 whole egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 tablespoons butter -- optional
Puree beef liver in blender until smooth. Add eggs and blend for about a minute.Put flour in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center of the flour.
Pour liver and egg mixture into well along with olive oil. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Turn dough out on floured board and knead well for at least 5 minutes or until smooth and shiny.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let dough rest in refrigerator for at least 1 hour, no longer than 2 days.
When ready to make pasta, divide dough into 8 equal portions, approximately 4 oz. each.
Form into desired pasta shapes with hands or use pasta machine.
Cook in rapidly boiling water until al dente. For thin noodles, approximately 10 minutes, for thicker noodles a few minutes longer.
Drain noodles and toss with 1 tablespoon butter per serving, if desired.

Instead of butter, try tossing noodles with 1 tablespoon olive oil, canola oil or other oil high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Recipes courtesy of http://www.bullwrinkle.com/Assets/Recipes/Recipes.htm

The Month in Review--December

2011-01-11T16:22:00.000-08:00

Just a few notes left from our guests last month, but they're good ones!

"The Kelley girls were here, with our mom! We had a great time and loved the play "Little Women." Lots of food, lots of talk, lots of laughs. We will be back as soon as we can; thanks!" --a close-knit family in our Cappuccino Suite December 4 and 5

"Beautiful snowfall, candles, music, and theatre. The Java room was quiet and relaxing. Nice weekend in Lanesboro!" --A couple from Eden Prairie, MN in our Java room December 3

"My birthday! I loved the bed quilt and soft pillows, the shower curtain and painting on the wall, and the fluffy Martha Stewart towels-- thank you! The coffee and hair dryer were a great plus!" --Guests in our Mocha room December 10

Also, a post from Trip Advisor! Coffee Street Inn was recommended by Trip Advisor in 2010...we're excited to work at making the cut again this year!

"The wife and I stayed at the Coffee St. Inn for our Anniversary weekend. Originally booked Sun. and Mon. nights, due to my wife having her Sat. plans cancelled, I sent an E mail and asked about adding Sat. I was told it was booked and started looking for plan B for Sat. Got an E mail the next day telling me our room opened up. Kate is a wonderful young Innkeeper, just learning the businees and catching on quick. The zucchini bread she made on Sun. morning was terrific. This place overlooks the bluffs on the Root River and has just the coziest little patio/garden area. Parked the car for 2 days, not needing it to explore the wonderful little town. Their Buffalo Bill Days celebration was going on and it was great. Wonderful parade and the fireworks over the bluffs were awesome. Only bad point is that the shops and restaurants close pretty early, we're not night owls, but there was only a few places to go after 9PM. One of them a very loud rowdy bar called the Root River Saloon, great for 20 somethings but not for us. The Riverside on the Root was much nicer but even they shut down at 10PM. Caught a live radio show at the Commonweal Theatre on Sat. Highly recommended. They have some very nice theatre here. Thanks Kate for the zucchini bread you left for us Tues. morning, you're a sweetie. Try this place!!" --Great guests who first stayed in August during Buffalo Bill Days, then again in October! (They made it for my anniversary and my birthday ;)

Me--bundled up against the cold!

2011-01-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

This video, found by Lanesboro, MN in Fillmore County (check them out on Facebook!) best describes how I've been feeling lately. The cold has set in and we are all asking ourselves WHY exactly we live here. My parents are leaving tomorrow for a short trip to Las Vegas after already having a break from the bitter cold during a 10-day trip to Hawaii! Of course, those are both business trips... (right). I guess once your kids are out of the house you can do that sort of thing, which means I have a LONG ways to go. Ah well, a skiing trip is in the cards for Matt and I! I'll have to see about getting some mini "Reno" skis...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62RwHHFuf14

The Weekly

2011-01-06T11:46:00.001-08:00

Just a few events this weekend, but skies should be clear as should the trails-- come and help fill them up!

Victorian Tea
Jan 8, 1 – 3 pm
Victorian House B&B and Events
467 – 3457 $18

Dinner on the Bluff: "Harpy Eagle - Spirit of the Ceiva Tree".
Escape the MN winter doldrums and join Emmy winning
cinematographer, Neil Rettig as he discusses
the raptors of the Tropical Rainforest. He will
be bringing his Harpy Eagle for an up-close
view of this rare and magnificent bird.
Presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed
by a buffet dinner.

Menu: hearty lentil and barley soup; shaved
zucchini salad with parmesan and pine nuts;
chile-honey glazed salmon; tortellini with
asiago-walnut sauce; warm winter
vegetables; fresh baked dinner rolls; kahlua-
spiked frozen mocha lattes.

Jan 8, 5:30 pm
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Reservations are required for this event and can be made by calling:
467-2437

$20

Favorite hot chocolates of winter...

2011-01-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

So hot chocolate is quite possibly my favorite drink (year-round...not just when it's cold!) and I think now would be a fitting time to pay tribute to it's greatness. With freezing temps all over the United States, folks will be looking for hot drinks and hot meals. If you like the recipes (they're very simple) make a reservation at Coffee Street Inn and I will make you a complimentary cup!

Hot Chocolate Zinger:
This was a great drink at my first job-- the Kernel Restaurant in Owatonna-- during the winter months when business was slower than usual and I very cold vehicle to look forward to at the end of my shift. Sugar, coffee, and more sugar. :)
Standard mix of your favorite hot chocolate powder and water, but only fill cup 2/3 full
Add one liquid pouch of french vanilla creamer
Fill the rest of the cup with black coffee
Add caramel to taste

Matt's Hot Chocolate
This wonderful mix was brought to my attention just last year by my husband, Matt. It adds a lot more flavor with just two extra ingredients! I can't believe I never experimented with this before...
Standard mix of your favorite hot chocolate powder and water, leaving just a little space at the top of the cup
Add one tablespoon vanilla (or less, if you prefer)
Sprinkle the top with cinnamon

Classic Winter Hot Chocolate
This is a standard hot chocolate, and it typically made around and after Christmas.
Break a regular red and white candy cane into pieces and place in the bottom of your cup.
For best results, place desired amount of chocolate powder on top of candy cane and boil water in a separate container. I have found that this hot chocolate tastes the best when left sitting for 5 minutes or so so the candy cane can melt sufficiently and the cup is not burning hot when you grab it out of the microwave. Vanilla may also be added to this recipe, though you may find it to just be too much of a good thing!

Have other hot chocolate faves? Comment on this post or on our Facebook wall!
http://www.facebook.com/coffeestreetinn

Dinner Favorites

2010-12-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

My family was visiting from Owatonna this Christmas! We had a great time talking walks in the snow with the dogs, cooking, baking, playing games, and watching movies. My sister, Rebecca, is just two years younger than me, and my brother, Adam, is just one year younger than her. Both are enjoying a break from sports and school, and we had a lot of fun together! Matt had to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but we made due. Here are a few dinner favorites:

Stuffed Mushrooms

Large portabella mushrooms, stems removed
green onions, chopped
bacon, cooked and chopped into small pieces
Parmesan/asiago cheese mix, or whatever kind of cheese you prefer, shredded
*It worked great to put the mushroom caps in with the precooked ham--it only needed to bake for one hour. The caps can them be removed, placed in a separate pan, and stuffed with the green onions, bacon, and shredded cheese. Place back in the oven to let the cheese melt.

Stuffing

Simply add celery and chopped mushroom stems to any stuffing package for extra flavor!

Green Beans

If you're into spices, pan-sear the green beans in oil and add serano pepper and 'Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy' seasoning to taste. I think they taste great when the beans are just a tiny bit burnt and very spicy!

My mom's pumpkin dessert... sorry, can't give that recipe away!

Merry Christmas everyone!

2010-12-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

2010-12-17T15:50:00.000-08:00

Some fun things to do this weekend! My pics are seeing "Due Date" at the movie theatre in Harmony, painting Christmas ornaments at Potiche Pottery, seeing the "live nativity" at Lanesboro Methodist Church Saturday night, shopping and eating free cookies, and seeing "Little Women" at the Commonweal here in town! Oh, and watching the "Muppet Christmas Carol" at the St. Mane Theatre of course! How will I fit it all in?? Find your favorites and post a comment!

Winter Escapade Weekend #3
December 17-19, 2010

Fri, Dec 17th

10 am–7 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5

10 am–5 pm The Art of Food Juried Exhibit Featuring Many Regional Artists Work in a Variety of Media
Lanesboro Arts Center 103 Parkway Ave. N (507) 467-2446

10 am–7 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light
refreshments. Promotions given with purchase of an Escapade Button. Downtown Historic
Lanesboro.

12 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

5–8 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

7:30 pm Holiday Sing-Along with Dan Chouinard & Friends. St. Mane Theatre Lanesboro Arts Center
206 Parkway Ave. (507) 467-2446

7:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women", Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2525. $5.00 discount with button.

9 pm Riverside on the Root Dirty Martini Escapade drink special Highlighting Hot Chocolate with
Spirits. Hot Spirit drinks $1.00 discount with Escapade button.

Sat, Dec 18th

10 am–7 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5

10 am–5 pm The Art of Food Juried Exhibit Featuring Many Regional Artists Work in a Variety of Media
Lanesboro Arts Center 103 Parkway Ave. N (507) 467-2446

10 am–7 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light
refreshments. Promotions given with purchase of a Escapade Button. Downtown Historic
Lanesboro.

12 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

1–3 pm Christmas Tea. Victorian House B&B 709 Parkway Ave S (507) 467-3457 $18.00 reservations
required

1:30–3:30 pm Painting Christmas Ornaments at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5

1:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2525. $5 discount with button.

4:00 pm Holiday Movie St. Mane Theatre Lanesboro Arts Center – “The Muppets Christmas Carol,”
206 Parkway Ave. (507) 467-2446, Free

5 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

7:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2525. $5 discount with button.

9 pm Riverside on the Root Dirty Martini Escapade drink special Highlighting Hot Chocolate with
Spirits. Hot Spirit drinks $1 discount with Escapade button.

Sun, Dec 19

10 am–5 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5

11 am–3 pm The Art of Food Juried Exhibit Featuring Many Regional Artists Work in a Variety of Media
Lanesboro Arts Center 103 Parkway Ave. N, (507) 467-2446.

11 am–5 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light
refreshments. Promotions given with purchase of a Escapade Button. Downtown Historic
Lanesboro.

Morning Church Services in Lanesboro:
8 am St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 100 Ridgeview Ln, (507) 467-2480.
9 am Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 200 Kenilworth Ave S, (507) 467-3344.
10:30 am Lanesboro United Methodist Church, 507 Parkway Ave S, (507) 467-2646.

12 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

1:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2525. $5 discount with button.

5 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

The Weekly-- and Winter Escapade Week #1!

2010-12-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

Weekend #3 Winter Escapades Highlights:

Fri, Dec 17
Holiday Sing-Along with Dan Chouinard & Friends – 7:30 pm

Sat, Dec 18
Muppet’s Christmas Carol at St. Mane Theater – 4 pm

Pick up a full schedule of events at the
Lanesboro Visitor Center.

THIS WEEK AT THE COMMONWEAL
THEATRE COMPANY

Little Women – adapted by the
Commonweal Theatre Company. From
Luisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, sisters
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy find strength through
each other, daring to dream, falling in love,
and spreading their wings in this
heartwarming coming of age story that spans
generations.

Dec
16,17,18,
20,21,22
7:30 pm

Dec 18, 19
1:30 pm

Commonweal Theatre; 467-2525

Give the Gift of Lanesboro for Christmas:
• Season Tickets to the Commonweal Theatre
• Lanesboro Lodging Gift Certificates
(www.lanesboro.com)
• Everything Rhubarb Cookbooks
(at Lanesboro Local, Tours and Treasures,
Scenic Valley Winery, and Potiche Pottery
and Gifts)
• Lanesboro Mugs (at Tours and Treasures,
Scenic Valley Winery, and Potiche Pottery
and Gifts)

Reno loves the snow!

2010-12-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjOyi9Gi268

We bought Reno a cute little boy's hoodie and cut off the sleeves to make it work better for dogs. Reno LOVES running around and jumping through the snow... but he starts shivering after just 10 minutes! He is getting very good at finding his ball when I throw it into a big snow pile and he can't see it. VERY funny :) I may have to buy cross country skis and have Reno pull me around just so he gets his exercise!

The Month in Review-- November

2010-12-16T06:06:00.000-08:00

We had a busier November than usual, and are hoping for the same this month. Trails are groomed for cross country skiing and the town is decorated for holiday festivities so make your reservation now!

Lovely comments from our guests this month-- but no one wrote in our room notebooks! There was just too much to do around here...wine dinners, theatre, the art gallery, free movie showings at the St. Mane, music, and plenty of bicyclers still around believe it or not! Things started to change right at the end of the month with an ice storm followed closely by two blizzards! Lanesboro is now sitting on about an inch of ice. But don-t worry-- the ice is buried in almost 2 feet of snow! Of course, the town is plowed (one advantage of living in a small town...my parents had to wait until the day after the blizzard to be plowed at all) and the rooms at the Inn are all dug out and cozy. Above are a few pictures of winter in Lanesboro to replace our "regularly scheduled" month-in-review... visit our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/coffeestreetinn to see more pictures!

Winter Escapades Weekend #2!

2010-12-09T10:57:00.001-08:00

Winter Escapade Weekend #2
December 10-12, 2010

Fri, Dec 10
10 am–7 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N (507) 467-2929. $5
10 am–7 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light refreshments. Promotions given with purchase of an Escapade Button. Downtown Historic Lanesboro.
3 pm Check In at Escapade Sponsored Lodging Properties and be given 1st clue for $1,000 Medallion Hunt. 1898 Inn, Anna V’s B&B, Art Lofts, Berwood Hill Inn, Cedar Valley Resort, Cottage House Inn, Fillmore House Bed & Breakfast llc, Grandma's Inn, Green Gables Inn, Habberstad House Bed and Breakfast, Hillcrest Hide-Away Bed and Breakfast, Historic Scanlan House B&B Inn, Inn at Sacred Clay Farm, a Minnesota Bed and Breakfast, James A. Thompson House, Marquee Suites, Scandinavian Inn Bed and Breakfast, Stone Mill Suites Historic Inn, and Victorian House B&B
5 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and tastes covered.
5 pm–8 pm Kari's Scandinavian Restaurant "Grandma's Scandinavian Holiday Dinner" 210 Parkway Avenue North. (507) 467-3381, reservations required.
6:30 pm Jolly Old Saint Nick Oreo Cookie Eating Contest, must be 18 - 92 years old. Sponsored by the Legion Auxiliary Legion Post # 40, 103 Elmwood St E (507) 467-3440. $1
7 pm Holiday Concert with Heidi Dybing and Friends at the Son's of Norway Lodge, Parkway Ave. Free
7:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave N (507) 467-2525. $5.00 discount with button.
9 pm Riverside on the Root Dirty Martini Lounge Escapade drink special Highlighting Chocolate Raspberry Martini. $1 discount on Martini's with Escapade Button.

Sat, Dec 11
10 am–8 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts; 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5
8:30–9:30 am Buddy the Elf Sled Race at the High School Football Field. Bring your sled to participate. $1
9 am Check In at Escapade Sponsored Lodging Properties and be given 1st clue for $1,000 Medallion Hunt. 1898 Inn, Anna V’s B&B, Art Lofts, Berwood Hill Inn, Cedar Valley Resort, Cottage House Inn, Fillmore House Bed & Breakfast llc, Grandma's Inn, Green Gables Inn, Habberstad House Bed and Breakfast, Hillcrest Hide-Away Bed and Breakfast, Historic Scanlan House B&B Inn, Inn at Sacred Clay Farm, a Minnesota Bed and Breakfast, James A. Thompson House, Marquee Suites, Scandinavian Inn Bed and Breakfast, Stone Mill Suites Historic Inn, and Victorian House B&B
8:30–10:30am Lion’s Breakfast with Santa at the Lanesboro Community Center. Free will donation. Bring a nonperishable food item for the Fillmore County Food Shelf.
10 am–7 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light refreshments. Promotions given with purchase of a Escapade Button. Downtown Historic Lanesboro.
10 am First clue given for the $1,000 medallion at Associated Bank, 118 Parkway Ave N.
10 am–2 pm Lanesboro Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, Lanesboro Dam at 401 Parkway Ave S. $5 per family. $3 for individuals.
11 am 2nd $1,000 medallion clue given at Scenic Valley Winery, 101 Coffee St (507) 467-2958.
11 am–2 pm Commonweal Theatre "Chilling out Station" Free Hot Chocolate and lite Holiday refreshments. Coloring pages for the kids. 206 Parkway Ave N, (507) 467-2525.
11 am–2 pm Jingle all the Way Bingo provided by the Friends of the Lanesboro Library in the lower level
Lanesboro Community Center, 202 Parkway Ave S. $1 per card. Snacks & refreshments for purchase.
11am–2 pm Girl Scout Hot Chocolate and S’mores sale at Sylvan Park 202 Parkway Avenue S. Free will Donation.
11 am–2 pm Bernice the Christmas Chicken Outdoor Winter Olympics. Rubber Chicken Toss, Chicken Batter, Chicken Between Your Knees Timed Maze, Juggling Rubber Chickens and more. Outside the Lanesboro Community Center, 202 Parkway Avenue S.
11 am–2 pm Grandma's old fashion Christmas Cookies, Baked goods and craft sale, signed “Everything Rhubarb cookbooks (great stocking stuffer) and more at the Son's of Norway Lodge, Parkway Ave.
11 am–3 pm Lanesboro History Museum- Free bottled water for First 50 people and photo opportunity with a horse drawn Sleigh (Bring own camera) 105 Parkway Ave S (507) 467-2177.
11 am–3 pm Indoor Carnival located in the Lanesboro Community Center upper level, 202 Parkway Avenue S. Sponsored by the Lanesboro Youth Mission Group. $5 pizza slice, chips and pop with Escapade Button.
12 pm 3rd clue for the $1,000 medallion given at Robin’s Upholstery, Parkway Ave.
12 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escaped sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and tastes covered.
1–3 pm John Black Holiday song review at the Lanesboro Art Center 103 Parkway Ave N. (507) 467-2446
1:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents “Little Women”; Commonweal Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. -N., (507) 467-2525
2:15–2:30 Ugly Sweater Contest at the Son's Of Norway Lodge , Parkway Ave.
2:30–3 pm Holiday Dog Style and Doggie Trick Show at the Sons of Norway Lodge, Parkway Ave. Bring Fido dressed and practiced.
3 pm Naughty or Nice Bean - Bag Tournament at the Lanesboro Community Center, 202 Parkway Avenue S. Beer and munchies for purchase. Sign up by 2pm. $40 per two person team.
4-8 pm Holiday Luminaries out on the sidewalk
4:30–5:30 pm Preble Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Torch Light/Flash Light Family Parade starting at Stone Mill Suites, 100 Beacon St E and going to Lanesboro Methodist Church.
5:30–7:15 pm Lanesboro United Methodist Church "Live Nativity" Open House with refreshments, 507 Parkway Ave S. (507) 467-2646. Free
5–9 pm Riverside on the Root " 5 course Escapade Wine Dinner" w/ Sommieter, Robert Saater White, 109 Parkway Ave S. Call (507) 467-3663 for reservations . $70 per person including tip plus tax.
5:30–8 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and tastes covered.
7:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N (507) 467-2525. $5.00 discount with button.
9–10:30 pm Karaoke at the Root River Saloon,112 Coffee St. (507) 467-3355

Sun, Dec 12
10 am–5 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts,113 Parkway Ave N (507) 467-2929. $5.00
9 am Lodging given 1st $1,000 medallion clue

Morning Church Services:
8 am St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 100 Ridgeview Ln (507) 467-2480.
9 am Bethlehem Lutheran Church 200 Kenilworth Ave S (507) 467-3344.
10:30 am Lanesboro United Methodist Church 507 Parkway Ave S (507) 467-2646.
10 am 4th clue for the $1,000 medallion. Clue at Cheryl’s Apparel, 102 Beacon St E.
11 am 5thd clue for the $1,000 medallion. Clue at Amish Experience 105 Parkway Ave N (507) 467-2992
12pm 6th clue for the $1,000 medallion. Clue at Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave N.
12 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escaped sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and tastes covered.
11–5 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light
refreshments. Promotions given with purchase of a Escapade Button. Downtown Historic Lanesboro.
1:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N (507) 467-2525. $5.00 discount with button.
5 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and tastes covered.

The Weekly-- and Winter Escapade Week #1!

2010-12-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK AT THE COMMONWEAL
THEATRE COMPANY

Little Women – adapted by the
Commonweal Theatre Company. From
Luisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, sisters
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy find strength through
each other, daring to dream, falling in love,
and spreading their wings in this
heartwarming coming of age story that spans
generations.

Dec 9,10,11,16
7:30 pm

Dec 11, 12
1:30 pm

Commonweal
Theatre

Give the Gift of Lanesboro for Christmas:
• Season Tickets to the Commonweal Theatre
• Lanesboro Lodging Gift Certificates
(www.lanesboro.com)
• Everything Rhubarb Cookbooks
(at Lanesboro Local, Tours and Treasures,
Scenic Valley Winery, and Potiche Pottery
and Gifts)
• Lanesboro Mugs
(at Tours and Treasures, Scenic Valley
Winery, and Potiche Pottery and Gifts)

Shop Local!

Warm up winter with Lasagna!

2010-12-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

I made my first lasagna last night! ...And it was so good, Matt ate it for breakfast too! :P

Lazy Lasagna

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
32 oz spaghetti sauce
1 pound cottage cheese
8 oz sour cream
8 uncooked lasagna noodles
3 packages sliced mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup water

Directions:
Brown beef, drain fat, and add spaghetti sauce. Heat through, stirring occasionally.
In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese and sour cream.

Spoon half of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 13 x 9 pan. Place 4 of the noodles over the sauce, then cover with half of the cottage cheese mixture. Top with half the mozzarella, then half the parmesan, and repeat the layers beginning with the meat.

Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350 degrees for one hour; uncover, then bake another 20 minutes.

Winter Escapades Week #1 Schedule

2010-12-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

Winter Escapade Weekend #1
December 3–5, 2010

Fri, Dec 3
10 am–8 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5

10 am–8 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light refreshments.
Promotions given with purchase of an Escapade Button. Downtown Historic Lanesboro.

12 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escaped sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

4 pm–8 pm Lanesboro History Museum-Free bottled water for First 50 people and photo opportunity with a
horse drawn Sleigh (Bring own camera) 105 Parkway Ave S (507) 467-2177.

4–8 pm Holiday Luminaries out on the sidewalk

5–8 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

5–8 pm Kari’s Scandinavian Restaurant Winter Escapade Holiday Delights 210 Parkway Avenue North
(507) 467- 3381 Reservation Required

6–6:45 pm "Opening to the Holiday Season" held at Sylvan Park, sponsored by the Lanesboro Area
Chamber and the City of Lanesboro. Performances by the Rhubarb Sisters, the
Bethlehem Boyz and the School Choir. Official reading of " The Night Before Christmas " by
Nancy Huisenga. Appearances by Santa, Mrs. Clause, Scrooge, Escapade Royalty. Hot
Chocolate for everyone. Free

7:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women", Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2525. $5.00 discount with button.

9 pm Riverside on the Root Dirty Martini Escapade drink special Highlighting Hot Chocolate with
Spirits. Hot Spirit drinks $1.00 discount with Escapade button.

Sat, Dec 4
10 am–7 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5

10:30 am–8 pm Signed “Everything Rhubarb” Cookbooks (great stocking suffers) bring your camera for photos
with the Rhubarb photo board and Bernice the Christmas Chicken at Lanesboro Local, 207
Parkway Ave N 507-467-2944.

10 am–7 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light refreshments.
Promotions given with purchase of an Escapade Button. Downtown Historic Lanesboro.

12 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escapade sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

1:30–3:30 pm Painting Christmas Ornaments with Santa at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5

1:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2525. $5 discount with button.

4 pm Free Christmas Movie "Elf" 2003 Featuring Will Ferrell at the Commonweal Theatre, 206
Parkway Ave N (507) 467-2525. Sponsored by the Fillmore House B&B. FREE

5 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escaped sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

6 pm Holiday Dinner Dance - "The Gift" in the upper level of the Lanesboro Community Center, 202
Parkway Avenue. Advance tickets at Olivia’s Attic, 100 Coffee St E. $30 per person

7:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2525. $5 discount with button.

9 pm Riverside on the Root Dirty Martini Escapade drink special Highlighting Hot Chocolate with
Spirits. Hot Spirit drinks $1 discount with Escapade button.

Sun, Dec 5
9 am–5 pm Escapade Button Purchase all day at Potiche Pottery and Gifts, 113 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2929. $5

11 am–5 pm Holiday Retail Open House with Special Holiday Promotions with cookies and light
refreshments. Promotions given with purchase of a Escapade Button. Downtown Historic
Lanesboro.

Morning Church Services in Lanesboro:
8 am St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 100 Ridgeview Ln (507) 467-2480.
9 am Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 200 Kenilworth Ave S (507) 467-3344.
10:30 am Lanesboro United Methodist Church, 507 Parkway Ave S (507) 467-2646.

12 pm Dining at one of the Winter Escaped sponsored restaurants- we’ve got your appetites and
tastes covered.

1:30 pm Commonweal Theatre Co. presents "Little Women"; Commonweal Theatre 206 Parkway Ave N
(507) 467-2525. $5 discount with button.

2–6 pm Christmas Inn Tour, purchase tickets in advance online at www.lanesboro.com, or at the
Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce, 100 Milwaukee Road $20. Stay at participating Inns and
receive Inn Tour tickets ½ off.

The Weekly-- and Winter Escapade Week #1!

2010-12-02T16:16:00.000-08:00

Weekend #1 Winter Escapades
Highlights:
Fri, Dec 3
"Opening to the Holiday Season" held at
Sylvan Park – 6 pm – Performances by the
Rhubarb Sisters, Bethlehem Boys, and the
School Choir, Appearances by Santa, Mrs.
Clause, Scrooge, Escapade Royalty, Hot
Chocolate for Everyone.

Sat, Dec 4
Free Christmas Movie "Elf" at the
Commonweal Theatre – 4 pm
Holiday Dinner Dance at the Community
Center - "The Gift" – 6 pm

Sun, Dec 5
Christmas Inn Tour 2 – 6 pm

Pick up a full schedule of events at the
Lanesboro Visitor Center.

Lanesboro Christmas Inn Tour:
Tickets Available at the Lanesboro Visitor
Center on Sunday beginning at 10:30 am

Troubled Waters, A Mississippi River
Story: With a discussion afterwards about the
controversy at the University of Minnesota over
the showing of the film, led by Loni Kemp.
Troubled Waters, is a new documentary about
the Mississippi River, by the Emmy Award-
winning team that created Minnesota: A History
of the Land. This story traces the development of
America's bountiful agricultural heartland and its
effect on the legendary river. Through beautiful
photography and inspiring narrative, the film
offers solutions to the river's troubles through
Dec 7
7:00 pm St. Mane
Theatre 875-2571 Free Will Donation
No Tickets Required
The Root River watershed is a part of this story. The
University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum of Natural
History produced the film over nearly four years,
telling the story of agriculture, pollution and
farming solutions to clean up the great river.
Learn about the turmoil at the University of
Minnesota caused when the film's scheduled
premiere and broadcast on Twin Cities Public
Television were abruptly cancelled and later
reinstated.

THIS WEEK AT THE COMMONWEAL
THEATRE COMPANY

Little Women – adapted by the
Commonweal Theatre Company. From
Luisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, sisters
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy find strength through
each other, daring to dream, falling in love,
and spreading their wings in this
heartwarming coming of age story that spans
generations.
Dec 2, 3, 4, 9
7:30 pm

Dec 4, 5
1:30 pm

Commonweal Theatre; 467-2525

Give the Gift of Lanesboro for Christmas:
• Season Tickets to the Commonweal
Theatre
• Lanesboro Lodging Gift Certificates
(www.lanesboro.com)
• Everything Rhubarb Cookbooks
(at Lanesboro Local, Tours and
Treasures, Scenic Valley Winery, and
Potiche Pottery and Gifts)
• Lanesboro Mugs
(at Tours and Treasures, Scenic Valley
Winery, and Potiche Pottery and Gifts)

Shop Local!

Lanesboro Inn Tour!

2010-11-29T15:18:00.001-08:00

This will be the SECOND year Lanesboro has hosted an "Inn Tour," and it is definitely going to be exciting! I have my own tickets, since I've been walking by all the big bed and breakfasts and other Inns all summer, just dying to go inside. This is my chance! Maybe Coffee Street Inn will be on the tour next year...? No one knows for sure!

Check out the link, and book with Coffee Street Inn this weekend!

http://www.lanesboro.com/inn-tour/index.php

Garlic Thyme bread

2010-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

I made this bread last night and it was delicious! I made a few changed though: see them at the bottom.

Ingredients:
1 package dry active yeast
1 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 -1 1/2 cup white flour
cornmeal, for dusting

Directions:
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine yeast and water, and allow to stand in a warm place for 10 minutes or until foamy.
2. Stir in oil, salt, garlic, thyme, and whole wheat flour.
3. Add white flour 1/4 cup at a time, as needed, until a stiff manageable dough is formed.
4. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and set aside in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.6(For even more garlicky flavour, after the dough has risen once, punch it down and place in refrigerator for 1 to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature, and then proceed with the following directions.)

Preheat oven to 450° and dust a baking sheet with cornmeal.
7. If desired, work a bit of parmesan-reggiano into the dough at this point with some olive oil for extra flavour.
8. Form the dough into a round, place on prepared cooking sheet, cover with plastic, and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Brush lightly with cold water, bake for 5 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 400° and continue baking for 20-30 minutes, or until loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

My changes:
I didn't have any whole wheat flour on hand, so I used regular flour for all of it. I did end up needing about 2 more cups of flour than the recipe called for in order to make a solid dough. Since Matt and I keep a thyme plant in the house, I used about double what the recipe called for. I also used 7 garlic cloves. I didn't want to wait the three days for the bread to be ready, so I baked it at 400 degrees for 35 minutes. It turned out perfectly! I oiled the cooking sheet and lightly dusted it with flour instead of cornmeal. I also skipped brushing the rounds with cold water.

Original recipe brought to you by food.com

A day in the life...

2010-11-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

Whew, I have been busy! I suspect you have too, what with family and friends and pets and cleaning and cooking and crazy weather... we Minnesotans never seem to catch a break! I have been doing such a variety of tasks lately, I thought it might be fun to share a bit with you. At any point, I have a very long running task list to which I am continually both added items and crossing them off. I do somewhat enjoy this, so I write out every little task, no matter how little time it will take. Here is this task list which was completed last week:

Sweep dirt out of garage (apparently the bottom of a bag of dirt was already ripped at the time I tried moving it)
Organize garage (grill, car stuff, chairs, bags, ice bite, bikes, coolers, etc)
Cushions off of swinging chair and into bags, then to the garage (hopefully on a dry day...hard to find this time of year!)
Cover swinging chair (and watch it blow across the patio in the huge gusts on Tuesday!)
Clean Java
Empty Suite dishwasher
Run self-clean on Suite oven
Replace Suite kitchen light bulbs (4 out of the five suddenly stopped working
Cut down all outside plants (...am I doing this right??)
Cover air conditioning units
Clean stairwell into basement (Geez, these spiders reclaimed their territory fast!)
Wash jeep
Iron Espresso 2 comforter, Espresso 3 sheets (Ironing takes forever! The college student in me tried putting them in the dryer for awhile...it always worked with my clothes!)
Make Espresso 2 bed
Label all mattresses (Winter/Summer mattress flip!)
Upper office cabinet inventory (3rd time this year)
Wash kitchen floor in house
Wash stairs and bedroom (in house Reno's dog hair is everywhere!)
Steam clean area rug from the Suite (fix steam vac??)
Replace flood light at the back of the house (1st try-- new bulb was already broken. 2nd try-- apparently florescent light bulbs don't work so well in the freezing cold? 3rd try-- works for now...)
Replace furnace filters
Put a nail in the basement stairwell for large shovel
Get ice bite and shovels ready! (Too bad we didn't need it last weekend...)
Fix window shade in house (3rd time! I need Matt for this...)
Put window screen in Suite back on (Another Matt project...isn't he great? :)
Find an exam proctor
Accounting, Intro to Business, and Global Citizenship reading and homework
Call Riverside on the Root, the Old Village Hall, and Tours and Treasures
Call about carpeting (inconclusive as of yet)
Finish all loads of laundry (our dryer was out of commission for 4 days)
Clean Latte
Email Sam about Thanksgiving hours
Pick up brochures from Prana Massage (get a free massage?? No dice..)

...And that's it :) Time to start a new list! Fortunately, there is plenty to be done. Repainting, getting carpeting installed, dusting and other deep cleaning, and daily maintenance. Winter will surely leave me no shortage of daily tasks!

Cinnamon Popcorn!

2010-11-29T07:35:00.000-08:00

Cinnamon Popcorn for the Holidays! (courtesy of a friend's friend :)

Cinnamon Popcorn

8 quarts freshly popped corn
1 cup sugar
1 cup cinnamon imperials
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 250*. In saucepan, combine sugar, cinnamon imperials, light corn syrup, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Add vanilla and baking soda; mix well. Pour over popped corn and mix well. Place in large roasting pan or on two cookie sheets and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes.

The Weekly

2010-11-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

8th Annual Community Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner:
The menu: Turkey,
dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry
sauce, pumpkin pie or apple pie, milk, and
coffee. Open to everyone. Come and enjoy a
Thanksgiving Dinner and fellowship at no cost.
Freewill donations will go to the Preston Food
Shelf. East Fillmore County Chapter of Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans will once again
supplement the donations received from the food
shelf.
Nov 25
11 am – 1 pm; FREE!
Lanesboro United Methodist Church

THIS WEEK AT THE COMMONWEAL THEATRE COMPANY

Little Women – adapted by the
Commonweal Theatre Company. From
Luisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, sisters
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy find strength through
each other, daring to dream, falling in love,
and spreading their wings in this
heartwarming coming of age story that spans
generations.

Nov 18, 19
7:30 pm
(Previews) $15

Nov 20
7:30 pm $25

Nov 21
1:30 pm $25

Lanesboro Holiday Open House!

2010-11-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

A full Weekend of activities coming right up... I'm excited!!

Illumination of Lanesboro's downtown for the Holidays

Refreshments and special promotions in downtown stores

Commonweal presents: Little Women (see next post for times)

Lanesboro Library Book Fair!
Thursday 3-8, Friday 3-6, Saturday 9-2

Amish Community Tours

Marshmallow Roast at the Feed Mill
Saturday from 1-3pm

Fish Fry at the American Legion
Saturday 5pm until gone!

Norwegian Meatball Dinner at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Sunday 12-6

Holiday Open House Wine Dinner at Riverside on the Root!
Saturday, November 20
$70 per person
See riversideontheroot.com for the full menu!

Old Barn Resort end-of-season party
All weekend!
Specials and karaoke

Bluff Country Holiday Fests!

2010-11-17T12:46:00.001-08:00

LOTS going on this weekend! Lanesboro and Harmony are having their Holiday Fests. I have coupons all over the place, and several fliers with specials stores are offering!

In Harmony, look for these events:

Amish Tours by van
A $4 showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 1!
A chili supper at the Legion
Needlework displays
Woodcarving demonstrations
Free hot chocolate!
...and LOTS more :)

In Lanesboro, look for:

deals at all the shops in town!
"Little Women" showing at the Commonweal Theatre
"Amish Experience" Holiday open house
A meatball supper
A fish fry
A party at the Old Barn Resort

We still have a few openings for this weekend, so stop in for a great room and homemade pumpkin pie!

Last Review...from Micah and Sarah!

2010-11-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

The month in review-- October (A little late!)

2010-11-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

October was the perfect month for a visit to Lanesboro! The weather was AWESOME, restaurant specials were great, and there were fewer visitors with whom to share the trail and shops. Make a note for next year...
Anyway, here is what our guests had to say!

"Thank you for a great visit-- friendly service from the moment of check-in! This is our second time staying here-- once again, a fabulous place to stay. Close to downtown, clean rooms, comfortable beds, and quiet too. The garden is so pretty. Love it here" ---A couple from Ham Lake, MN staying in our Java room, 10/10/2010

"We enjoyed a wonderful four days here at the Coffee Street Inn and on the Root River Bike Trail. How lovely to have had such beautiful, sunny, warm October weather. This is a beautiful part of Minnesota and we hope to return in the future. Your room was very cozy and friendly." --A couple from Oak Park, IL staying in our Latte room, 10/12

"First time in Lanesboro. Beautiful town, great sunny weather and good food at Pedal Pushers. Enjoyed biking on the trail. Your room was cozy and comfortable. Deck and flower garden were a delight! Thank you!" --A couple from Cottage Grove, MN staying in our Latte room, 10/14

"What a fantastic weekend! The weather warmed up just for us and we had a great time exploring the town and the trails, and soaking up the local culture at the Commonweal Theatre. Great food and great coffee...seriously haven't had a bad cup since we got here! Thanks for a cozy place to stay, we'll be back!" --Two friends from the twin cities, MN in our Latte room, 10/31

"A good time was had by all. Good trails and good food--Kari's and Riverside on the Root in Lanesboro and great pie in Whalan. The room was cozy with the five of us but very doable (we weren't in the room much-- on the trail!). 55 miles for us amateurs and 75 for the one avid biker. Thanks!" --A family including grandparents, parents, and a granddaughter in our Double Espresso room, 10/11

"Such a quaint lovely town! 1st time in the area, love it! The Inn was so clean and I loved the bathtub. Enjoyed the trail and best steak in town at Riverside on the Root. Plan on a bike trip next spring." --A woman from White Deer Lake, MN, 10/31

"Wow! what a wonderful stay. The accommodations were perfect for the six of us-- parents, kids, and grandparents. Weather was fantastic for shopping on Friday...supper here and games at the table until late into the night. We'll be back!" --A family from Sleepy Eye, MN and Savage, MN, 10/23

There is one more review.. from some friends of Matt and I--Micah and Sarah Bloom. They came here for their "babymoon" which is somewhat like a honeymoon, but more of a getaway before the birth of their 4th child. We had a great time visiting, jamming (Micah and Matt on guitar, me attempting to fiddle on my violin, and Sarah handing music). We had a great dinner at Pedal Pushers, and we learned all about the wonders of making lip balms at a shop in town. They even got out biking! Anyway, Micah drew an awesome picture in the little notebook and just typing his comments on here does not do it justice. So I'm going to scan in the page for you all to see! Next post...

2010-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

A few photos from fall...

Family over Labor Day Weekend

An old car at the antique gas station in Whalan

A dog that rarely gets tried...Reno!

A beautiful sunset...around 5:15 thanks to Daylight Savings

Wild game recipes...in honor of deer season!

2010-11-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

Here are a few recipes for that deer you shot this season! Courtesy of:

Dave Belanger
Taxidermist with:
West Michigan Taxidermy, Inc.
Coopersville, Michigan 49404
Phone 1-616-837-9094

Ingredients:
1 cup of Soysauce
1 cup of Pineapple Juice
1 clove of minced or chopped Garlic
1/2 chopped onion
Lowrey's Seasoning to taste
White Pepper to taste

Directions:
Mix the Soy Sauce and Pineapple Juice thoroughly together, adding the Lowrey's and White Pepper.
If you have an injector, wrap Steaks or Back Straps in Plastic Wrap and inject meat with the mixture. The plastic wrap will prevent making a mess over your wife's clean counters.
Once this is complete, add the garlic and onions into your marinade.
Unwrap the meat out of the plastic, and place into a 1/2" container with a lid. We have the Tilia Food saver container and love to use it, as it will force the marinade into the meat much quicker.
Otherwise, use a lidded container. Add the meat and pour the remaining marinade over top of your venison.
Put the lid on and set in the refrigerator over night for best results.
The next day, fire up the grill. Let it heat up to a high heat.
Once to temperature, throw them Bad Boys on the grill for about 2 minutes per side, depending on how thick a cut. I prefer a 1-1/2" cut of meat.

Easy Venison Stroganoff

Ingredients:
1-2# of trimmed and cubed Venison
1 whole Onion
1 clove of crushed Garlic
2 cups of fresh Sliced mushrooms..or more if you'd like.
2 TBS of Olive Oil
Salt to taste
White Pepper to taste.
2 Cans of Golden Mushroom Soup
1 cup of sour Cream
Egg Noodles

Directions:
Heat frying pan
Add your Olive Oil and let it come to heat.
Now, add your Venison, Garlic, Mushrooms and Onions and brown for about 2 minutes
Add your Mushroom soup and sour cream and stir thoroughly while adding salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a low boil.
Turn heat to low, and allow to simmer for at least 1/2 hour with a lid on. Stir every so often.
Boil Noodles and Strain.
Ladle your stroganoff over noodles

Mmmm that stroganoff sounds great! Now, if only I had a dad, brother, or husband that could get a deer this season... ;)

The Weekly

2010-11-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

Still plenty to do this weekend: bikes may be out, but arts are definitely in! Come out to the Commonweal Theatre for a GREAT show and plan on the following family activities.

Kids Create- Family Art Activity:
Lanesboro Arts Center hosts a Kids Create!
Family Art Activity: "Food is Art" with Sara
Decker, Peggy Hanson & Frank Wright. All ages
welcome.
Nov 13
1 – 3 pm St. Mane Theatre 467-2446 FREE

Literary Reading: Emilio DeGrazia reads
from "Walking on Air in a Field of Greens"
- Lanesboro Arts Center hosts Winona writer
Emilio DeGrazia for a reading from his new book
"Walking on Air in a Field of Greens" in the
Galleries. The book is in the form of a series of
tales and reflections on the author's deep-seeded
roots in southern Italy, with titles such as "The
Taste of Feathers," "The Trip Back Home,"
"Bread," "Aria," and "The Warrior and His Bride."
Nov 13
3:30 – 4:30 pm Lanesboro Arts Center 467-2446 FREE

Book Fair at the Lanesboro Public Library:
Come to our book fair, check out our
super selections! Reading saves the day... Thur,
Nov 18th 3 - 8 pm; Fri, Nov 19th 3 - 6 pm; Sat,
Nov 20 9 am - 2 pm.
Nov 18 – 20 Lanesboro Public Library 467-2649

Old Barn Resort End of the Season Party
and Full Beaver Moon: Old Barn Resort End
of the Season Party. Food & dink specials all
weekend. Karaoke Joe on Sat, Nov 20 from 8 pm
- 12 am.
Nov 18 – 20 Old Barn Resort

THIS WEEK AT THE COMMONWEAL
THEATRE COMPANY

Little Women – adapted by the
Commonweal Theatre Company. From
Luisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, sisters
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy find strength through
each other, daring to dream, falling in love,
and spreading their wings in this
heartwarming coming of age story that spans
generations.

Nov 12, 13, 18
7:30 pm

Nov 14
1:30 pm

Commonweal Theatre $15

Regional:
Studio Art Class - Paper Making & Card
Making: Paper Making & Greeting Card Class
with Doris Morken; 6 - 8 pm
Nov 8 & 11
6 – 8 pm Bluff Country Artists Gallery
Spring Grove
5074982787 $5

Another pumpkin recipe!

2010-10-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin BREAD this time. Yum.... anything in bread sounds good, right? I was actually thinking more along the lines of a coffee cake for this recipe, but I thought that you may prefer this recipe over the pumpkin soup! (It's easier, too).

Ingredients
First Dough:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp yeast
water

Other Ingredients:
4 cups flour
10 oz. pumpkin, roasted and mashed
7 tbsp water
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 tbsp butter
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp yeast

I'm told you can also add raisins or ginger for more flavor.

Preparation
Prepare the first dough. Add enough water to form a smooth dough, then let stand for 3 hours. Knead the rest of the ingredients into the dough until well-blended, then allow to rest for 40 minutes.
Cut the dough into 2 pieces and shape into loaves as you desire. Allow to rise for another hour, then bake at 450 degrees for 25 minutes.

This recipe brought to you from the book "Pizza, bread, and savory tarts."

Fall Cleaning, Part 2!

2010-10-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist-- I have a few more messy jobs for you this fall! (Plus, I have been a bad blogger lately... I forgot to post "The Weekly" last week and have not done anything creative!!)

Whew, now that the weather--mostly the wind!--has calmed down a bit, it is a great time to do a bit of outside work. A lot of these tasks are things I have been doing as I "winterize" this place! We got a bit of a scare this week with the the threat of snow...so I actually had to do all this work in the freezing cold and howling wind. Lucky you.

First-- clean out your shed or garage! You may need to store items for winter, and you need to have a clean space for this. With the shed here at the Inn, it worked best to take everything out, sweep it out, throw old/ruined items away, and leave everything out until your deck/patio items have been placed inside. (step 2 in today's cleaning process :)

Second-- clean off your deck/patio area. Clean your grill WELL for once, and put it in your shed or garage, preferably covered, for the winter. Keeping your grill clean and out of the elements will help it to last longer. Throw out all the old, wintering plants you have been holding on to. Sure, they may still look "ok," but it's fall and "the look" of the season is changing. Clean any glass such as patio tabletops and store inside for the winter. This glass can be stored in the basement, and is best kept in a cardboard sleeve of sorts. Find a box large enough, and tape it together on three sides so there is only space to slip the glass top inside. Be sure to label it as FRAGILE, especially if you keep several other items in your basement! Some patio furniture may not need to be put away for the winter, but any items made of wicker or plastic definitely should be. Though Lanesboro is in "the tropics of Minnesota," it does get cold enough for plastic to crack, and the moisture of snow is hard on wicker. Before putting the wicker items, if any, away, get out your trusty hot glue gun and fix any places where the wicker is unraveling. Remove any chair cushions from outside and seal in large garbage bags, then place them in the shed, garage, basement, or other place where they can avoid damage from moisture. You may need to buy a rust remover to get rid of rust stains on you patio area. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, or the orange-y stains could turn into bleach spots! Sweep or blow off leaves and other debris.

Third-- Clean out your refrigerator, freezer, and closet. Honestly, not everything lasts forever even if you freeze it. Do you have just a half cup of rhubarb or zucchini left? PROBABLY not going to use it. Frozen fruit? ...how long has it been in there? Hamburger and hotdog buns should also be discarded. Toss any opened packages of frozen meals that you have not used recently-- these tend to get freezer burn. In your fridge, look for these items: expired eggs, expired yogurt, rotten vegetables in the bottom drawers, sweets (you don't NEED to toss these, but as it gets to be winter nearly everyone gains weight) and old leftovers. Leftovers should not be kept for more than a week, so be diligent in eating those up! When everything is out of your fridge and freezer, wipe them out using hot, soapy water. As for your closet, make sure everything fits you. Are there any items you did not wear this summer? Don't make excuses...if you didn't wear it over the course of this past summer's months, you will very likely find no reason to wear it next summer. Throw away all socks and underwear with holes. Get rid of old swimsuits. Place tank tops and shorts in storage or a specific area of your closet and bring out the long sleeved shirts, jackets, gloves, and hats! Make a list of items thrown away that need to be replaced, such as socks, and donate your used clothes to a Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Finally- clean your floors and furniture! For carpet, move all furniture to the kitchen or other large tiled area temporarily. Get out that great vacuum you got for your wedding, or some sort of shampooer and really clean! If shampooing, be sure to allow adequate drying time, and find a few fans to speed the process. Use one of the attachments to go around the edges of each carpeted room-- dust, pieces of food, and other interesting items can accumulate here. Before putting furniture back, remove cushions and vacuum them. Also vacuum the fabrics that are not removable, and the space underneath the cushions. Once the furniture is put back, clean your other flooring! A mixture of Lysol and warm water works great for tile and linoleum, while most wood flooring has specific cleaners you can find anywhere.

I still have the extreme vacuuming and closet cleaning to do... but really this is a great task list that will keep you busy for a while. Just be sure to finish before the snow comes!

Pumpkin Soup!

2010-10-29T13:26:00.001-07:00

As it is nearing the end of October, a lot of families are going to find themselves with pumpkins! In the process of carving, some of the pieces can be saved to create great meals and snacks. I know my husband Matt loves baked pumpkin seeds... we may even get a taste of them tonight if guests check in early and we have time for carving! Pumpkin seeds are easy, though. Just put them on a baking sheet, add a little salt, and bake for 10-15 minutes. Pumpkin soup is a bit more difficult...
If you're like me, you have a problem with pureed food. My dad's favorite meal for a while last year was squash soup...which to me looked and tasted just like baby food. Pumpkins in soup do not have to be blended, however. Just cut the pumpkin into chunks as best you can. Here is a recipe for you to try!

Ingredients

4 or more cups pumpkin
1/4 cup lentils
1/4 cup wild rice
1/4 cup barley
1 cup chopped potato
1 chopped carrot
1 chopped onion
1 cup any kind of beans
1/4 cup celery
1 can tomatoes (or 2 fresh chopped)
1/4 cup chicken soup base
1 cup ground pork, chicken, or ham

Boil everything together for 15 minutes...only cook the meat separately. Drain and add the chicken soup base, boil a little while longer. Add salt and pepper to taste!

The Weekly

2010-10-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

Brrr...it's getting chilly but there is still plenty to do in Bluff County! Bring your pets and let them loose to enjoy the bike trail; Reno and I certainly have been doing so since there are fewer people out and about on it! Enjoy awesome live theatre at the Commonweal, and beer and wine dinners coming soon at Riverside on the Root and the Old Village Hall. Come to Bluff Country to get away from the city and enjoy a relaxing massage or time spent in a jacuzzi tub in our mini-cappuccino suite. Take a look at our package deals, posted earlier, for a sneak peak of what winter-time could look like for you!

Haunted High Ropes: Prepare to be spooked this Halloween! Join us after dark for a Treetops High Ropes Course event unlike any other! Ghoulishly goofy staff will guide you through our decorated treetops high ropes course and help you celebrate Halloween. Fourth graders to adults are invited to join in the celebration. Families with younger kids are also able to participate with minor restrictions - call for details. Costumes are welcome as long as they do not
interfere with the safety harness or helmet.

Oct 29
6 – 10 pm Eagle Bluff
Environmental
Learning
Center
467-2437 $20

Octoberfest at the Lanesboro Farmers Market: Meet a sheep from Kindred Spirit Farm and watch Stacey spin wool.
• Free hot cider and coffee
• End of season sale prices
• Enter to win a painted pumpkin & more!

Oct 30
9 am – 12 Sylvan Park
Lanesboro

THIS WEEK AT THE COMMONWEAL
THEATRE COMPANY

The Turn of the Screw - In one of the most terrifying ghost stories of all time, a governess alone in the English countryside suspects the children in her care are connected to spirits seen roaming the estate. Is this merely paranoia or does something sinister lurk behind these innocent faces?

Oct 28, 29, 30, Nov 4 at 7:30 pm

Oct 31 at 1:30 pm

Commonweal Theatre---467-2525; tickets $25

Regional: Rosemaling Exhibit by Betty Dowe: On Exhibit Nov 2 – Dec 6
Bluff Country Artists Gallery, Spring Grove
507-498-2787

Special--This weekend!

2010-10-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Starting this weekend-- Don't worry booking two nights in a row, or even paying full price! Feel free to book Friday or Saturday nights individually for just a one night stay, and subtract $35 off of the regular price for October! You pay $70 instead of $95...last chance for a fall visit!

The Weekly

2010-10-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

A bit light on activities this weekend, but who needs them all when the weather is this great?? The few events will fill in your biking breaks and evenings perfectly.

Meet the Author! Join the Commonweal Theatre for a wine and cheese reception to celebrate the release of company member Scott Dixon's new book, Beyond Midnight. Copies are available for purchase at the theatre.
Oct 16
3 pm
Commonweal Events Hall

Live Music! Triple billing: "Molly Maher and her Disbelievers" AND "Randy Weeks" AND "Erik Koskinen Band": Lanesboro Arts Center presents "Music on the Slant" - a night of live music upstairs at the Legion featuring three bands! These guys are good! Music has been called "Lucinda Williams meets Bonnie Raitt." Cash bar. Sponsored by Slant Avenue Mercantile.
Oct 16
7:30 pm
American Legion Lanesboro
467-2446
$5

St. Patricks Church Fall Fest: Bake Sale, Theme Baskets via Silent Auction, Treasure Shoppe, Raffle Ticket and Lunch which begins at 11:00 am. Meatloaf, party potatoes, corn, broccoli grape salad, warm crusty buns, pickles, apple pie squares with ice cream, coffee and milk.
Oct 17
9 am – 1:30 pm
St. Patricks Church Hall

Commonweal Presents: Lessons from Cancer College - What happens when a middle-aged college professor finds herself enrolled in a nine-month course of treatment for breast cancer? This one-woman show explores the anxiety and questions that emerge when the teacher becomes the student--of a disease, of a battery of treatments, and of her own changing body. Assuming it will be a manageable task to continue teaching through cancer, she’s is surprised--and ultimately healed--by the revelation that somehow cancer is teaching through her. Kristen Underwood performs this original adaptation that resonates with power and humor.
Oct 19 & 20
7:30 pm

Commonweal Theatre
467-2525
$15

THIS WEEK AT THE COMMONWEAL THEATRE COMPANY
Enchanted April – a renewal of hope and love await four women from different walks of life when a shared vacation to a secluded Italian villa transforms these strangers into friends. This romantic comedy, set in the 1920’s, breathes new life into the most stifled of souls.

The Turn of the Screw - In one of the most terrifying ghost stories of all time, a governess alone in the English countryside suspects the children in her care are connected to spirits seen roaming the estate. Is this merely paranoia or does something sinister lurk behind these innocent faces?

Lanesboro in the News!

2010-10-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

A bit about tourism and southeastern Minnesota, as reported by David Springer:

http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S1786635.shtml?cat=10151

The Month in Review--September

2010-10-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here's what our guests had to say this past month...

"We had a fantastic weekend. The room, hospitality, an food at the Coffee Street Inn were perfect--comfortable, quiet, and relaxing. And it is so convenient to everywhere we wanted to go. We came for the biking (which we enjoyed greatly), but also took in the Commonweal Theatre, kayaking, and lots of good food. We'll definitely be back to this great little town and the Coffee Street Inn, thanks so much!" --A couple from Maple Grove, MN, in our Java room 9/6/10

"We really enjoyed our stay at Coffee Street Inn. Lanesboro is such a pretty own. We love kayaking on the Root [river] ad biking to the other towns. Pizza at Rhino's was delicious! We look forward to coming back; friendly town and friendly employees at Coffee Street Inn. We also loved the patio and deck! Thank you!" --A couple from Atkins, IA in our Java room 9/14

"We had a very nice stay. First time in Bluff Country where I didn't camp and I am hooked on staying in a very comfortable, quaint Inn. Biked 30 miles at a comfortable pace, had a nice dinner by the river and the breakfast cart with coffee was a nice surprise. What a great time in Lanesboro...we will hopefully be back to cross country ski!" --A couple from Madison Lake, MN in our Mocha room 9/5

"On a cooler and rainy weekend Lanesboro's Coffee Street Inn was a lovely retreat. We enjoyed our time here!" --A couple from Minnetonka, MN in our Java room 9/26

"We loved our visit here so much! The room was clean and roomy. We very much appreciated being able to keep our dog with us during our stay. We loved to 7:30 breakfast each day and the awesome deck! We will certainly try to come back soon." A couple in our Double Espresso room 9/6

"We had such a nice visit to Lanesboro. WE have come to Lanesboro before, but we have always camped here. This was much more comfortable (though I was on the air mattress). Grandma and Grandpa were here, and we certainly enjoyed your place!" --A family (parents, grandparents, daughter, and a dog!) in our Double Espresso room 9/26

"Lotsa fun!" --A family coming together in our Cappuccino Suite from New Mexico and South Dakota