A Prairie Home of Our Own

Tonight was filled with many diverse events. My lovely husband picked me up from work, saving me from an all-day meeting, at 4pm. We drove across downtown Minneapolis and spent a few hours discussing mutual funds and investments with our financial planners.

After the meeting we were able to continue on our journey and stopped for dinner at a great Thai restaurant. Apparently the waiter misunderstood me when I asked for my dinner to be mild because it only took three bites before my eyes were watering and my nose was running. While the food was delicious, the spice was a bit too much for me. Jeff had no problem finishing up the Green Curry that I was unable to eat after he finished his Red Curry meal. At least I was able to handle the cream cheese wontons!

We then headed over to the U-MN campus bookstore where Garrison Keillor was scheduled to give a lecture, answer questions, and then host a book-signing for his latest book, Liberty. Garrison's lecture was like having front row seats for a Prairie Home Companion. He recited many sonnets (some in song) and he told a fascinating story of leaving MN after college and the adventures he ran into on the road. In great Garrison Keillor style, the story took many twists and turns, painted a great picture, and by the time he was finished, tied up all the loose ends into a story that tells an important life lesson. Jeff and I stuck around for the Q&A and then waited in line to get our copy of Liberty signed.

I had just finished reading the novel last week and I recommend it as a great, quick read. We were both able to shake Garrison's hand and we had a nice one-minute conversation with him. Jeff even snapped a picture from our cell phone of Garrison and myself together. (He's much taller than I expected.) Our book's front page now reads: "To Jeff & Niki, All The Best, Garrison Keillor, 10-14-08".