Today I had a bridal shower for a daughter of Dennis’ cousin. Some events are obligatory for the sake of remembering family ties. It was a “come and go” event. After greeting the bride to be and taking a cup of coffee I found a table of other attendees. Women can always make small talk and find a common connection.
I had not been in New Ulm other than driving through on route to farther north destinations for a decade or so. Today, I took the time to drive the business district and follow Minnesota Avenue from one end to the other, seeing a mix of residential properties and small town businesses. Community pride in that German-based city is huge. I was surprised that a shop called Elenanor’s was still vacant as it had been in 2000. It had contained every eclectic collectible imaginable and was so enjoyable to stroll through. If I remember correctly, Kevin found the star for the top of his Christmas tree in that shop. Such a thriving main street with this long going vacancy told me there must be more to the story than a shop gone out of business.
I ended up in the Hy-Vee grocery store and stocked up on some produce for the week to come. Of course, I picked up some pre-cooked Johnsonville Brats and a small container of potato salad made with boiled eggs and green onions for supper. When I got home and Dennis saw that I had also bought two cucumbers, he had the peeler out before I could open the refrigerator door. He is set on having sliced cucumbers with sliced onions topped with a light dressing for one of tomorrow’s meals.
No matter the events of the day or times, I can assure you, no one on Stauffer Avenue ever goes hungry.