2/27-2/28 to the cold north in Anoka, MN

Growing up in the Northwest, I have always known the summers to be not too hot and the winters being not too cold. If Seattle diverges beyond the norm, the city shuts down. If it is too hot, work is not done. If it is too cold and snowy, no one makes it to work to work. Was I ever amazed while we were in Anoka, MN. Life goes on like normal the mercury doesn't rise much above 15 degrees. At concert time on February 28th, the temperature was zero. I thought maybe 25 people would show up. That would be the case if we were in Seattle.
But in Anoka, life goes on as usual. There were almost 1000 people there! We were thrilled.
On the way to Anoka, we were able to have dinner with good friends, the Gaudians, Bryce Cindy and their two children Laura and Caleb at their lovely farm home in Hayward, MN which is very near Albert Lea. Southern Minnesota is famous for being the originator of SPAM. In fact there is a museum in Southern Minnesota where on display in nothing but SPAM products.
We didn't have dinner at the Gaudians but Terriyaki Chicken. We appreciate home cooking being on the road in eating out so often. Bryce is a good friend from way back a long time ago. We met through a mutual friend while Bryce was stationed in Seattle with the Coast Guard.
The harp is like a big baby in the cold. While we ate, I had to keep the engine running so that the car wouldn't get too cold. The harp is a "bear" to tune after it has been in the cold.
After our concert on the 28th, we were invited to a fabulous reception for the community concert board. We enjoy the receptions just as much as they do. Privately I was told that they like to "rub elbows with the artists." If their is dessert involved, I am very happy to oblige! Receptions can't always be done for all the artists because most artists consist of more than two people. It would be difficult to host the St Petersburg Ballet with orchestra in one's home!