Howdy!
Well, Memorial Day weekend is finally coming to a close! We have jammed so much into the past several days between strolling through the Farmer’s Market, spending a lazy afternoon fishing, and eating our way through a BBQ festival – but we decided to not stop there.
Last night Ben and I wrapped up the festivities by attending a surprise benefit BBQ for a friend of his battling cancer!
His motto going through this battle has been “Just try and ruin my day.” Love that positive outlook!
It was SO hot outside, but luckily the BBQ was held at a nice little shelter in a cute little park that I didn’t even know existed!
There were a lot of folks that came out in support and we had a good time chatting,
grilling,
and eating! I was still stuffed from the super ‘Q we had at my parent’s house, but all bets are usually off when I see baked beans. I just love ’em!
We called it a night pretty early since we had to be up bright and early this morning to drive to western Iowa. We spent the day with Ben’s Grandma for her 86th birthday and Memorial Day. Happy Birthday Grandma P!
The drive west took about 2 hours, and I actually love it. It’s so scenic and picturesque. You know you’re in the Midwest when you get stuck behind tractors going 15 miles an hour…
when your backyard is a soy bean field…
when windmills, not skyscrapers, dot the landscape…
and when the view out the window is picture perfect! Go Midwest!
Ben loves it too. I swear… ;)
After visiting with Ben’s Grandma and visiting some family gravesites, we all headed 25 minutes west to Omaha, Nebraska for lunch at Upstream Brewery!
I’m told that Upstream used to be an old firehouse. It was super lofty, funky and had a great atmosphere!
I ordered the Chicken Prosciutto Salad.
Fresh garden greens, artichoke hearts, grilled chicken, prosciutto and center-cut bacon. It was HUGE and 30 minutes into eating, it looked like I had barely made a dent!
Perhaps I was saving room for dessert – Macadamia Nut Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Creme Anglaise. O.M.G. Bliss….
I read American Wife on the way home – I’m obsessed. It’s loosely based on Laura Bush’s life and is captivating. I started reading this morning and am more than half way through, if that tells you anything!
Ben’s parent’s dog also caught up on some reading on the way home. She’s quick as a whip.
I’m off to RELAX before the start of my short work week.
Happy Memorial Day everybody!!!
Carley @Health Hair & Hope 12.10.2011
Brings tears to my eyes in how frickin lovely the midwest is. Glad you love it! There are sure not people anywhere as nice as the midwesterners!
Andrea @ Iowa Dog Blog 08.15.2011
Ha! I also have a picture of my dog “reading.”
You Know You’re From the Midwest… | Iowa Girl Eats 11.01.2010
[…] another edition of You Know You’re From the Midwest When… (here’s editions one, two & three!) You know you’re from the Midwest when you don’t say “Maid […]
terra 06.03.2010
I recently read American Wife and was blown way – it’s a brilliant book!
Jessica 06.02.2010
Just finished American Wife… SO GOOD! I loved it too!
Laura 06.01.2010
I just finished American Wife and absolutely loved it. SO GOOD! Curtis Sittenfeld’s two other books are also fantastic. Love your blog btw, this might be my first time commenting but I’ve been enjoying it for quite a while!
I Have a Problem… | Iowa Girl Eats 06.01.2010
[…] I just realized tastes the exact same as my Chocolate Macadamia Nut Brownie from yesterday, but is probably 1/10 the calories. These bars are genius, I’m telling […]
AP 06.01.2010
I too get carsick! In fact, I don’t even have to be reading… ugh. In the front seat I’m usually ok though, so you’ll find me driving a lot :)
Looks like a fun weekend.
Tracy 06.01.2010
I’m reading American Wife, too! Definitely a page-turner!
Jill S 06.01.2010
The Upstream is awesome – next time make sure you have a beer! I have had one too many happy hours there when I worked downtown :) Good thing I live in CB so it’s close!
CathyD 06.01.2010
I LOVED American Wife!! It was a really different read for me and I really enjoy a book sways from the “usual read”.
LindsayH 06.01.2010
my family loves the upstream too :) my sister is having her rehearsal dinner there later this year!
Beth 06.01.2010
I have to go to Omaha this month for work-I’m excited to try this place out. The food looks great!
Sarah 06.01.2010
I love the Upstream too, I am from Omaha. We have two locations, but the Old Market one is my favorite :)
Glad you enjoyed your weekend!
Welcome Back + Special One Day Giveaway! | Iowa Girl Eats 06.01.2010
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Jo 06.01.2010
The midwest sounds/looks a lot like Scotland except we have more hills and the tractors aren’t as fancy!
Brynne 05.31.2010
Just finished American Wife and loved it – let us know what you think!