Last weekend I was UP NORTH in Lutsen, Minnesota. I've been trying to feel more at home in Minnesota, which maybe is a stupid goal. At any rate, in sync with that goal and in preparation for the End Times aka The Apocalypse aka Global Warming's Logical Conclusion I've been trying to get to know the natural world around these parts.
I've been inspired by my amazing colleague and friend Erin Strauss, and her partner, the equally amazing Liesl Strauss. They are both science educators and naturalists and I've caught their enthusiasm for natural forms (except for ticks).
While up in Lutsen at the Temperance River (great name) park office, I purchased Trees of Minnesota: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela and proceeded to identify...three trees!
I also purchased a lovely waking stick made of some kind of willow. I felt superior to people I saw with man-made walking sticks. Although I quickly realized the wisdom of a handle, even if it's a nylon loop. Well, I'll just have to chalk up my supremely natural willow walking stick on my next "hike" (in Crocs) UP NORTH.
My reverie was broken when in Betty's Pies, hallowed hall of homemade pies...there was a sign in a chinky font: TIPPING IS NOT A CITY IN CHINA.
Sigh.
When I talked to the manager about it--he was ASIAN--he said, uncomfortably, "Well, most people think it's funny."
So much for rural love.
