Tuesday's Tea Time in Aitkin (Minnesota)

We had the joy of being invited to tea yesterday at the home of Sally & Frank Bowser, just east of Aitkin. The Bowser's are friends of our friends, Judy and Leon and had extended the invitation to "High Tea." The Bowser's home is alongside an "ox bow" on the Mississippi River and had a thin layer of ice on it yesterday.

The Bowser's have a fascinating story. They met as exchange students while attending the University of Minnesota. Frank was from Boston (in the southeast corner of Lincolnshire, UK) and Sally is a Minnesota native with Finnish roots. After farming for a number of years in the United Kingdom, they emigrated to Minnesota and set about transforming the farm into an oasis of hospitality.

We met their "lodger," Dr. Abby (didn't get her last name), an intern at the Riverwood Hospital here in Aitkin, MN.

Well, everyone had a grand time, enjoying trifle, cake, and homemade rolls (with whipped honey and a lemon cheese spread). Of course, there was lots of properly brewed tea available and lots of stories to share.