Commerce East – Café Cravings

A sample from CRAVINGS

Our blog group went to Café Cravings at the Maplewood Library today to complete our blogging. We tried their brownies, peanut butter cookies and a Morning Glory muffin. The brownies were a hit for AvatarAng and B. AvatarAng took a look at the brownie on B’s plate and requested for a piece of his own. We meant to take pictures but we forgot the camera. You’ll just have to take our words for it.

As for the blog topic for this week, our conversations turned to weekend plans. AvatarAng plans to watch the re-release of the Lion King on DVD. Miss M will be going camping and Miss H doesn’t know yet. B thinks if he could get out of the house tonight, he will probably go out to eat.

We hope you all had a safe weekend!  We recommend checking out Café Cravings at any of their metro locations for a quick pick-me-up this week.

Commerce East: Happy Places

In class earlier this week, a question was posed: where would you rather be?

“While getting my teeth cleaned, I watched a video on Greece. That’s where I’d rather be then the dental office.” – O

“Camping.” – S

“Hot spring…(with a snow covered backdrop)” – G  

“Wedding.” – AvatarAng

“Jamaica. I’ve never been there...I don’t know. Somewhere with a beach.” – G

“Sicily.” – G

“At home. In bed. I’m tired.” – MovieLover

“Hawaii.” - M

West side Blog Pine Tree Apple Orchard 9-14-11

The Pine Tree Apple Orchard is an exciting place to in the fall. They offer weekend entertainment with pony rides, wagon rides, and a corn maze. You can pick your own pumpkins and a large variety of apples. They have homemade bakery products, caramel apples and fresh cider to enjoy while you explore the orchards.

Sassy, Star Gazer, Dragon Lady and Linda Lu are all excited to visit in the next few weeks. Our class enjoyed sharing what our favorite apples were: Sassy loves Fireside,  Star Gazer likes Honey Crisp but was able to taste a new apple called the Sweet Tango. It was very crisp and VERY tart. She said it tasted kind of like a sweet tart; it was a little sweet at first and then tart. Star Gazer really liked them. During the next few weeks our class is hoping to make a trip there so we can experience first hand the adventures they offer.

Pine Tree Orchard is located in White Bear Lake. Hundreds of families have made this family tradition each year by visiting Pine Tree Orchard. I know I’m looking forward to visiting this year and buying apples. To get more information and directions go their website at http://www.pinetreeappleorchard.com/

Westside- Fall activities

The Farmers Market, Renaissance fair, Apple orchards, pumpkin patches and hay rides are all things we are looking forward to this fall. The Phantom, Sassy, Ray Ray and Star Gazer are all excited to have the fall colors start coming out. Sassy has already attended the Renaissance Festival and said it was lots of fun. She had her hair braided and flowers put into the braid, it looks great! To find out more about the Renaissance Fest check out their website at http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/.  Linda Lu visited the North Shore last week and brought back beautiful pictures of the falls and Lake Superior.

Princess Nor, Ms. Pacman and Fan Lady all took rides this weekend to see the fall colors. They all said we need to wait a few more weeks to enjoy all the colors.  Webkin is looking forward to mow for the last time and collecting the leaves on his riding mower.  Speaking of fall colors, The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has the widest variety of trees you'll see anywhere in Minnesota. Take a scenic drive through the Arboretum's forest, or walk around and admire the leaves. To visit the U of M Landscape Arboretum check out their website www.arboretum.umn.edu/planyourvisit.aspx.

Another great place to find out about fall activities is to explore our local papers www.startribune.com or www.twincities.com or look at your local church bulletin to find various cities fall festivals. Fall festivals are a great way to explore our local farmer’s produce and various arts & crafts.

Make sure you take time to enjoy all the beautiful color that will be here soon, they don’t last very long and we all know what comes after fall!

Commerce East – Are we speaking the same language?

Imagine your first day at work and everyone speaks, say, Pandorian. You understand the universal language of a smile, a wave, a frown, a raised voice indicating displeasure. Everything else is lost to you.

Someone you just met smiles and places some strange looking items in front of you. The person points to the items, then at you, then back to the items.

            Blah, blah, blah. Smile.

            Blah, blah, blah. Smile.

Seeing you look utterly confused, the person starts again. This time, the person picks up the items, assembles it, takes it apart, and points at you, all the while, blah, blah, blah. Smile. Nod. Smile.

Then you are left with the items. You try to figure out the items and attempt to copy what the smiling person had shown you. What are you suppose to do with them again? You thought to yourself.

But you can only pick up the items and look at them. Before you can even fit things into some sort of logical order, to your horror, more strange items are placed in front of you. Another smiling person touches your shoulder and makes a strange gesture with her hand.

            A frown.

            A smile.

            Blah, blah, blah.

Frustrated you ask, “what?’

            Blah, blah, blah.

            Frown.

            Blah, blah, blah.

            Head shakes in disapproval.

You understand that.

Before you know it, you are screaming at the top of your lungs for someone to understand you. To make it worst, your boss takes you aside.

            Blah, blah, blah.

In your head, you’re screaming for understanding. By the end of your first day, you are relieved to say, “TGIF!”

Just something to think about.