Jazzy Jams

To deal with the heat this past weekend, Jeff and I employed a dip in, dip out strategy that ended up working out pretty well. A Saturday morning stroll to breakfast was punctuated by pit stops at an estate sale, a small art festival, and the tea store. After a few hours of wandering about, we made it home and curled up in the sanctuary of the air conditioning, Jeff brewing beer while I read on the couch.

That evening the Roots Festival in Lowertown St Paul beckoned, with free bluegrass and jazz in Mears Park. We grabbed a blanket and made our way downtown, arriving to a join a sizeable crowd in the park. We found a place to sit, and Jeff scouted out the food options. We shared jalapeno popper wontons, pulled pork tacos, sweet potato fries, and a bison bratwurst (thanks Senor Wongs and Heartland!). Jeff enjoyed a few glasses of Bell's pale ale, while I was grateful for water and later some iced tea. We relaxed, enjoying the music and the people watching.





Sunday brought more of the same intense heat and humidity. After an early morning spin class, we had to admit defeat, and settled in to enjoy the day inside. My friend Patrick came over to teach me how to make jam. A few hours of mashing and stirring and mixing and we were able to produce a good amount of beautiful banana jam. Delicious with peanut butter or on waffles.

Jeff brewed more beer after that, while I continued to enjoy a good book. Evening came and we made the decision to brave the weather and grill outside. Barbequed chicken, Minnesota sweet corn, and flat bread charred on the grill were a worthwhile payment for hovering over the charcoal. Ice cream cones were an added bonus, albeit enjoyed inside rather than out.

We were domestic (nesting perhaps?) but active, and we have the jars and bottles to prove it!