Day 537

In keeping with my focus on gratitude (Thank you, sweet Sue.), I have been noticing this sign on our walks. Each time I pass it, my smile gets bigger and brighter! "Then Pie" is SUCH a Minnesota Thing!!!

Perhaps it is due to the cold weather and impending 'nesting' that is such a part of our winter existence, but gathering for food is an essential part of our winter. Whether it is hot chocolate, warm cookies, Sunday dinner or 'PIE', we Minnesotans will congregate around any table...big or small...to feast and simply be together. Food is the bait, but camaraderie is the goal!

As we gather, there will always be a few comments about the weather, memories of past winters and a few "You Betchas" or "Dontcha Knows" sprinkled in for good measure. We catch up on the important things, like family, friends, travels and other life events as we sit by the fireplace or gather in the warm glow of candles at the table. If you look up "cozy" in the dictionary, you will probably see a picture of Minnesotans inside in the winter!

Of course, as we part ways, and venture out into the cold, there is ALWAYS the Minnesota Goodbye!

1. "Well, it's time we should be heading home!" (At the gathering place)

2. "Bundle up everybody and let's do our hugs indoors!" (At the point of exit)

3. "Wait!! Here's a container of hot dish and a loaf of bread to take home!" (From the hostess)

4. "One more hug for the road!" (Entire ensemble)

5. Quick dash though the door with exclamations of the bitter cold and then the door closes until the next gathering!

FYI. Of course, this Minnesota Goodbye is expedited due to the cold. In warmer months, it will flow outside for another 15 to 20 minutes!

So, I am thankful for gatherings, hellos and goodbyes, good food, PIE and Minnesota in the winter! It might be frigid outside, but the coziness inside our gathering places makes it worth every 'below zero degree'...Dontcha know!