Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local–and aims to help you thrive in Minot. For more road trip ideas see here. For parks in town see here and here.
Before moving to North Dakota I didn’t give much thought to this state. Honestly it was a place I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to, let alone spend years living here. Even after moving into North Dakota, it took me a while to get under the surface and really start enjoying the special things that make life here so great. Things that you can’t find just anywhere.
That’s why I started writing the Minot Monday posts. To help others acclimate and start thriving in Minot more quickly than I did.
One thing I’ve come to love about North Dakota is the opportunity to explore nearly-forgotten places. Yes, I’m talking about our plentiful ghost towns. These places have an indescribable eerie beauty you have to experience to fully understand.
North Dakota ghost towns are plentiful and spread all across the state. Visiting a ghost town makes a great day trip outing (see more day/weekend trip ideas here from BeLOCAL). It’s also fun to stop at one along the way if you are headed out on a road trip. Exploring North Dakota ghosts towns is also a perfect activity to partake in while we continue to observe social distancing rules. You can’t get much more distanced than visiting a town that has been abandoned.
Finding North Dakota ghost towns is pretty easy due to some great resources and people who are passionate about sharing this style of history.
Ghosts of North Dakota is the absolute best resource for finding ghost towns. On their site you can search for a town by name and learn the history of the place you intend to go.
Ghosts of North Dakota also has a Google map with a pin in each ghost town. This way you can get driving directions as well.
The closest ghost towns to Minot are Tagus, Ruso, Bergen, Balfour and Kief. (Personally, I really like Balfour.) From Minot getting to a ghost town will take 30-60 minutes. This is a bit of a drive, but a short one according to North Dakota standards. The drives are scenic and part of the fun of finding these places.
Know Before You Go
These were taken inside the church in Balfour. So many things looked like the congregants has just been there and walked away.
Before you go visiting a North Dakota ghost town, here are a couple things to keep in mind.
Pack snacks or lunch. Driving out into the North Dakota country side is beautiful, but food is scarce. Plan to take car snacks or a picnic lunch if you’ll be getting hungry.
Fuel up first. Again, there isn’t much between towns in North Dakota. Be sure your car has enough fuel before you set out.
Take bug spray. Remember how we talked about ticks last week? Tall grass and country paths are prime tick territory. Remember your bug spray and use it. Also…remember to check for ticks–actually just reread the tick post.
Wear good shoes. This is not a good time for sandals or cheap flip flops. Wear something sturdy with closed toes.
Take a camera and a car charger. You’ll obviously want awesome photos, duh. But signal can be shotty in these places, so be sure to remember a car charger so you don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead phone.
Be respectful. While these are “ghost towns,” some still have a handful of residents living there. Abide by signs, be kind and respectful toward structures, pick up your litter, these are places for everyone to enjoy.
I hope you’ll go out and explore a North Dakota ghost town this summer. Be safe and let me know how you like it! Remember to join me on Instagram and Facebook for more Minot fun and lots of intentional, encouraging living. And please, help keep AmyAllender.com up and running. If you like what you read, remember to share with your friends!
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and thriving in Minot. Tick season runs from April 1-July 1 and today I’m talking all about North Dakota ticks and how to remove ticks. Don’t let ticks stop you from enjoying the season. For ideas on parks check this out–for day/weekend trips look here.
Summers Here Are {almost} Perfect
I always tell folks moving to Minot that the “summer is always worth the wait.” It’s true. There is nothing better than a North Dakota summer. Days are long. Daylight hours are extensive. Although the locals complain about the “humidity” those of us from basically any other state will hardly detect moisture in the air. Crops stretch out across the fields as far as the eye can see. Parks, lakes, community, events and long days spent outdoors make this coming season sublime.
However, nothing is perfect. There are a couple drawbacks to living in a place with such a great summer. Namely ticks and mosquitoes. We’ll chat about mosquitoes a little later. Today we are going to talk ticks.
I’ve talked with lots newcomers who are (unpleasantly) surprised by ticks upon relocating to Minot. While it is amazing that anything living outdoors can survive the winter, ticks come back every year with persistence.
There have been years that I’ve lived in Minot and not had to pick off a single tick. Other years, I’ve picked off more than my fair share. Either way, it’s best to be prepared. As the catchy opening songs to one of my favorite 80’s sitcoms says, “You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and then you have the facts of life.”
Realistic Precautions
I’ve got a lot of information in this post. The point is not to scare you into wearing tall socks over long pants and baseball caps all summer. Rather, This is information to help those new to the area–or new to an area with lots of ticks.
If you’ll be deep in the forest, by all means, take the upmost precautions. If you’ll be walking through tall grass or spending a day at the lake, just be sensible. Use common sense and appropriate preventative measures. In my experience, most ticks can be prevented with bug spray, socks, closed toe shoes and a quick tick-check before getting the car to head home.
Where Are Ticks in North Dakota?
True, North Dakota isn’t lush with forests. Traditional hiking trails may not be abundant…but we do have ticks. And they are plentiful this time of year.
Ticks love wooded and grassy areas. As with most creepy things, they like the dark and are less likely to be found in bright, sunny spots. In North Dakota, they are notorious for living along lakes–a North Dakotans favorite summer pastime. They are also common on trails (even those in town) and in taller grass near fields (I used to always pick up ticks when I did photography in the countryside).
Ticks favor taller grass, so lawns are usually safe, but the edges of a property may make a good habitat for them.
Prevention First
The best way to avoid needing to pick off (or out) a tick is preventing them from crawling on you in the first place. Ticks are notorious for living in grassy areas along our trails, lakes and fields. If you are going to be spending time outside be sure to use bug spray. Spray your feet, ankles and legs well, as this is a prime zone for a tick to climb on.
If you know you’ll be trudging through tall grass wear long pants and closed shoes. A hat will protect your head and hair. And speaking of hair–if yours is long braid it or put it up if you know you’ll be in a place that may have ticks.
At outdoor events (like fireworks displays, airshows, movies/music in the park, etc) remember to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
And don’t forget about your dog! Some of the most horrific tick stories I’ve encountered have had to do with picking ticks off the pup. Be sure to use bug spray on your dog if he’ll be joining you at the lake or on the trail. And treat any pet that goes outside with medication to prevent fleas and ticks, like Frontline. (Ask your vet for specific recommendations for your pet.)
Checking For Ticks
Before we talk about how to remove ticks, let’s talk checking. If you’ve been outside in a place you suspect ticks may be lurking, it’s important to check yourself, pets and children.
Give everyone a once over before getting in the car. Run hands over your clothing and use a mirror (or check each other) to be sure no ticks are clinging to your back or places you can’t see. Run your hands over your dog to feel for bumps. The sooner you can remove a tick the better!
Once you’re home examine your body (and kids’ and pets’ bodies) closely. Use a full length mirror and be sure to check your hair, joints
If prevention doesn’t work, chances are you’ll need to remove a tick this spring or summer. This really gives me the heebie jeebies, even just writing about it. But it’s better to know now than panic later. Actually, it’s best not to panic at all. The keys to tick removal are getting the whole tick out (not leaving the head under the skin) and getting it out as soon as possible.
The “Right” Removal Method
The CDC recommends using fine tipped tweezers to remove a tick. Read details of getting a tick out with tweezers here. Experts agree that this is the best and safest method for removing ticks.
The Right Tweezers
Regular household tweezers will likely get a tick out just fine. But sometimes ticks can be tiny! To be fully prepared, pick up a pair of fine tipped tweezers. The fine points can get closer to the skin and make removal cleaner, less likely to leave the head embedded. Keep a pair in your car or bag, just in case.
Other Methods
It seems like everyone has their own “trick” for getting a tick out. However experts warn against using many of these methods. Dish soap, nail polish, matches and petroleum jelly are all involved in alternative removal methods. You can try them at your own risk, but know that removing a tick with good tweezers is tried, true and safe. (Even if it is nausea-inducing to think about.)
How to Remove Ticks from a Pet
Removing ticks from pets is similar to removing them from a human. Again, use tweezers and get as close to the skin as possible. Remember to check your pet thoroughly (including sneaky places like paws, eyelids, and in the ears). For reference, here is an article about removing ticks from pets.
Enjoy the Season and Be Safe
The point of this is not to cause you to live in fear. Just be aware and take appropriate (but not over the top) precautions. If you pick up a tick this spring/summer it’s not the end of the world. It’s just one of those things that make you North Dakota tough, like the locals.
Hey all–and Happy May Day! Mother’s Day is almost here–and if you are like me, you haven’t given your husband ideas yet…or gotten you own mom’s gift purchased and in the mail just yet. Don’t worry. I’ve got 30+ meaningful Mother’s Day gift ideas for you. There’s something here for every mama–or at least hopefully this will inspire a great gift this year.
Mom Swag
This is my favorite category of Mother’s Day gifts. In my heart, Mother’s Day is a holiday for me to celebrate the gift of being a mom. It’s the perfect time for me to get showered with clothes and accessories that declare to the world I. Am. A. Mom. (And I don’t care who knows.)
Simple, modern jewelry makes great mom swag. I love this bar necklace fromToozy Studio. See other ideas here.
Mom shirts are my favorite. I love this one from Top Tee Shirts, but there are lots more here.
Anyone could buy a coffee cup, but a “mom” water bottle? Now you’re getting creative. I love this one from Sweet Water Decor.
Family Fun
Sometimes the most meaningful Mother’s Day gifts are things that allow the whole family to be together. Or…create easy fun for the kiddos so Mom can have a cup of (hot) coffee.
Arrange for new family photos to be taken. This is something mom usually arranges, and is often like pulling teeth. Coordinating with a photographer and willingness is a great gift for any mom, grandma, or mother-in-law.
Get photos printed! Turn them into a book, canvas, or just get a few framed. Tangible photos are such a treat, and often something that’s pushed to the back of the to-do list.
A game the whole family can enjoy is a meaningful gift. Check out my list of 25 great games for ideas.
Easy, low-work fun for the family is a great gift for a busy mom with littles. Consider getting her season passes to the local zoo, a botanical garden or pool. All ways for her to turn a cranky-kid-day into a great afternoon.
Buy her something that will let her enjoy a favorite activity with the kids in tow. A kids’ bike seat, a hiking back pack, or baking kit (see this post for a few places offering it locally) are just a few ideas. (I love having a kids bike seat for Gideon on my bike. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend time together!)
Around the House
These gift ideas will make life around the house a little easier. Maybe even a little more fun.
A tripod to hold the phone is a great gift–so mom can also be in the photos. Bonus gift–no complaining when she wants to take a photo.
Give her the gift of quick dinners with an Instapot.
If she’s a coffee drinker who loves to go out, get her a fancy coffee maker for the kitchen. (A little spendy, but it’ll eventually pay for itself.) If the maker is out of the budget, get her some nice coffee making syrups and supplies.
Meal help. A meal services is a great choice, but an equally great gift is putting the time and effort into preparing some meals yourself. Here are 10 easy freezer marinades from Taming Twins. Having these ready to go in the freezer would be a real treat!
Homemade
The most meaningful Mother’s Day gifts are often homemade. This is especially true because often Mom is the one coming up with the project and helping the littles carry it out. To have someone else do the prep so she can be surprised by a handcrafted gift is truly special. Here five of my favorite ideas for homemade gifts.
I love the look of custom silhouettes. There are lots of tutorials. Here is one for cutting your silhouette (as pictured above from Design Dazzle), here is one for making a silhouette in PhotoShop.
Add a homemade twist to a potted plant. This is a terra cotta pot I spray painted white, scribbled on with sharpies and spritzed with rubbing alcohol. To finish I sprayed it with a clear, protective coating. Easy and the kids can do the scribbling!
Turn a piece of your child’s art into something wall-worthy by adding a quote on top. You could do this with any abstract piece, but It’s Always Autumn has a really good tutorial for this water color background–and free printable quotes to boot!
Create a fun, succulent garden or planted container. Pocket Full of Posies (in Minot) offers kids kits (pictured), here are terrarium kits on Etsy. Or just go to your local greenhouse and create a pretty container of your own.
Experiences
Some of my favorite gifts have been experiences. Experience gifts can be shared with the whole family, or something just for Mom. Either way, an experience is the gift of breaking out of routine, and having someone else do the prep work–things all moms appreciate.
Tickets to a live event (if events are open and happening this summer.) Think summer theater, a concert, play, or even museum exhibit. This can be for grown ups only, or the whole family.
Sign her up (or investigate) for a class she’d like to take. Derek surprised me with a wheel-thrown pottery class for my birthday and it was great! I learned, had some time to myself and got to let out some creativity.
Get her a DIY kit so she can make something with all supplies and instructions at the ready. Kits are great because she can do them when she has time, right at home. See this post for some offered locally in Minot.
Get her a gym membership or a punch card at a local fitness/yoga studio. Just be sure you aren’t implying she needs to work out.
Pay next year’s dues for a local moms’ group like MOPS. This gift keeps on giving as its a gift of community, activity and fun all rolled into one.
Self Care
Self care gifts always seem to come to mind for Mother’s Day. Is it because we moms always look so worn out? Self care gifts are always great, but instead of picking up (another) bottle of lotion, get inspired by these ideas instead.
Get her some really nice hair-care products. This texture spray from Navy Hair Care is universally great, but you can also ask her stylist for specific tips.
New, nice make up is always a treat. Get her a gift card to a business like Beauty Counter, so she can pick her own, or ask a friend to help you.
Instead of a single bouquet, get her a monthly bouquet. Check your local florist or grocer for availability.
Treat her to a nice pair of shoes this summer to spare her hard working feet from $1 flip flops. I love my Naots, but check with your locally owned shoe shop for more ideas.
The best thing she can do for self care is take time to be alone with God. Look into a new book or Bible for her. I love my Cultural Study Bible and also Praying God’s Word.
Coming Up With Your Own Meaningful Mother’s Day Gifts
If nothing on this list seems just right for the mom on your list here are some things to consider. Hopefully this mini-list will inspire something perfect for the mama you love so much.
What part of her day is most difficult? What would make it easier?
What part of her day is most enjoyable? What would enhance it?
What household tasks does she dislike most? What would ease the burden?
Are there things she’d like to do, but keep getting pushed to the back?
What are her giftings, how can you support her in those?
What does she love to do that’s hard with littles in tow?
Has she complained about something recently? What would resolve the complaint?
What does she like to do that you like to avoid?
Moms often do all of the planning and arranging. What could you plan or arrange for her? (It doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful.)
Happiest giving, friends. Remember, the most important part of meaningful Mother’s Day gifts is to let her know she is seen, loved and appreciated. If your gift does that, you’re doing great.
Today, we are all in for a treat. With help from a local expert, I’ve rounded up 25 board games to play during social distancing.
Right now all of our schedules are being interrupted. Social distancing can have benefits–like spending extra time at home and getting those pushed aside to-do lists finished. But it also has its downside–like extra time at home and having nothing else on the agenda except the to-do list.
It’s hard, there’s no denying it. But this also presents us with an opportunity to connect with others intentionally and get creative with the ways we spend our energy. In my opinion there is no better way to do that than with well picked board games!
On Instagram earlier this week I asked if you all would rather have a round up of board games or books to pass your time and you all overwhelmingly requested games. So that’s exactly what I’ve got for you today. I pulled in my local board game expert, Shar for this one. Shar is a game guru (also a plant and cat guru and overall good person to know) and helped me put together this list of great games with something for everyone.
Game Categories
We broke our quarantine game list into 5 categories:
Classics
Great for 2 players
Easy to Learn
Strategy Games
Gams for People Who Don’t Like Strategy Games
There is some overlap in the games and I’ll denote it along with the description. All descriptions of games come from official manufacturer’s descriptions. All games must be playable with less than 10 people and in a no-contact environment.
Classics
These are games that have been around for a long while and are good for a wide range of players. For players who are intimidated by new games or players who just want to expand their repertoire into the realm of classics–these are a great fit.
(2 players, good for folks who don’t like strategy games)
**In my opinion everyone should learn to play backgammon!!**
Backgammon is one of the most popular board games. Is a two players game where the pieces, also known as stones, are moved counter clockwise in a horseshoe fashion along triangular tracks, also know as points. Backgammon is one of the oldest and best board games and is believed to have been in existence since the time of the Pharaohs. Backgammon is a game that combines elements of strategy and luck.
(2+ players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games.)
It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s exciting, it’s Sequence! Play a card from your hand, and place a chip on a corresponding space on the game board. When you have five in a row, it’s a Sequence. Learn to block your opponents or remove their chips, and watch out for the Jacks – they’re wild! With a little strategy and luck, you’ll be a winner.
(2+ players, good for folks who don’t like strategy games)
Players use skill and strategy to create stacks of sequentially numbered, ascending cards (2,3,4…) until they have no more left to play. Once everyone is dealt their own personal stockpile of cards, play begins by drawing from a central pile and building up to four “build” piles. The first player to deplete all of his or her Skip-Bo stockpile cards is the winner!
Stratego is the classic game of battlefield strategy that has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. For over 50 years, Stratego has thrilled strategy game fans by inspiring them to challenge an opponent and attempt to lead their army to victory. Two players command Napoleonic armies and devise plans to deploy troops, using strategic attacks and clever deception to break through the opponent’s line and capture the flag!
(2+ players, good for folks who don’t like strategy games)
It’s really no surprise that Rummikub is so popular – it has all the elements that make a great game: it’s easy to learn and fast moving, it’s different every time it’s played, it combines luck and strategy, and it changes quickly so every player has a chance to win until the very end. Players take turns placing numbered tiles in runs and groups, rummy style. The ‘board’ continually changes as players adjust the tiles on the table. Be the first player to play every tile on your rack to win.
Two Player Games
These games are great for two players. Perfect for playing only in the family.
Played within a medieval walled city, Cathedral is a top notch strategic game of power and position where rivals strategically battle to place all of their buildings on the gaming field and lay claim to their territory. Two rivals battle to gain the most territory, using strategy to position their castle building pieces and block their opponent’s moves. The player who is the best at outmaneuvering the other will claim the victory.
Morels, a strategic card game for two players, uses two decks: a Day Deck (84 cards) that includes ten different types of mushrooms as well as baskets, cider, butter, pans, and moons; and a smaller Night Deck (8 cards) of mushrooms to be foraged by moonlight. Each mushroom card has two values: one for selling and one for cooking. Selling two or more like mushrooms grants foraging sticks that expand your options in the forest (that is, the running tableau of eight face-up cards on the table), enabling offensive or defensive plays that change with every game played. Cooking sets of three or more like mushrooms – sizzling in butter or cider if the set is large enough – earns points toward winning the game. With poisonous mushrooms wielding their wrath and a hand-size limit to manage, card selection is a tricky proposition at every turn.
7 Wonders Duel takes the game play and excitement of the original and adapts it for one-on-one battles. Take control of your civilization and decide to invest in science, military or prestige. Two New ways to win will keep you on your toes and watching every move your opponent makes. If you fail to build defenses your capital city may be destroyed, but ignore technology and your people may be left in the dark ages. It’s a constant tug of war.
(2 Players, cooperative, great for folks who don’t like strategy games)
Work together to play tricks and move through the forest. Use the special abilities of the characters to exchange cards with each other, let your teammate follow with any card regardless of suit, and more. Win as a team by collecting all the gems, but be careful to stay on the path and not get lost in the forest!
Inspired by the medieval fortress in southern France of the same name, Carcassonne is a tile-laying game in which players fill in the countryside around the fortified city. As the map grows, so does the opportunity for players to disrupt each other’s plans. With its simple yet rich game mechanics and tiles that can be configured into numerous combinations, Carcassonne appeals to beginners and veteran gamers alike.
Easy To Learn
These next games are perfect to introduce to new players. They’re easy to learn and teach, simple to play and lots of fun for a variety of players.
Dominoes with a Kingdom building twist! each turn, connect a new domino to your existing Kingdom, making sure at least one of its sides connects to a matching terrain Type already in play. The game mechanics for obtaining the tiles is clever: the order who of who picks first depends on which tile was previously chosen. Make sure to secure tiles with crowns- these royal treasures help to multiply the worth of your Kingdom at the end of the game! the game ends when each player has completed a 5 x 5 grid, and then points are counted based on number of connecting tiles and crowns.
Explore and conquer the different terrains, and develop the best and richest territories for your people. Scour lands full of wheat fields, forests, grasslands, swamps, mines, and towns, diversifying your kingdom’s riches along the way. Tax the lands wisely to fund the construction of your towns, pick the buildings you erect carefully, and try to win the Queen’s favor – all while making sure your plans aren’t foiled by the Dragon’s flame. Make sure to strategize and acquire carefully, as others are also competing for the same lands, a stake in the riches, and the heart of the Queen!.
(2+ Players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games, good for kids)
In card game SKYJO the goal is to collect as few points as possible over the course of several turns as after every round every player’s points are counted and added to his score. As soon as a player reaches 100 points or more the player with the fewest points wins. Collecting the fewest points means to look for low or even negative numbers. Further excitement is added by several special rules, which for example make it possible to remove several cards (and with it points) from the game – this can lead to unexpected turns. This motivates daring decisions that might even come back to bite, if the other players can counter faster than expected.
(2+ players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games, good for kids)
Shadows in the Forest is a thrilling, immersive play experience that brings a distinctive twist to game night – you play it in the dark! One player moves the LED lantern around in search of Shadowlings, mysterious creatures who avoid the light. The lantern illuminates the forest and trees, casting real shadows on the game board. The rest of the players work together, strategically moving their Shadowlings to stay out of the light in this innovative board game for kids and families.
(2+ players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games, good for kids)
Five Crowns is a five suited rummy style card game. This award winning, classic game is a quick favorite for both avid and casual card players. Five Crowns features a unique double deck that contains 5 suits: spades, clubs, hearts, diamonds, and stars. This special deck makes it easier to arrange your entire hand into books and runs. The rotating wild card keeps players on their toes The game begins with 3 cards and 3s are wild, the next round has 4 cards and 4s are wild and so on ‘til the Kings Go Wild Make the right combinations, be the first to go out, then watch players scramble as they get one last chance to cut their losses Five Crowns is loved by everyone, easy to play anywhere and a game that you’ll want to play again and again.
(2+ players, easy to learn, good for folks who don’t like strategy games, good for kids)
Designed for ages eight and up, this four-player adventure is an action-packed game of mystery that’s ideal for sleepovers, family game nights, and anytime kids feel like playing in a land of strategy and imagination. Players must find all of their objects and characters while moving carefully through the constantly changing maze, and be the first to make it back to the starting square to win.
Strategy Games
These games take a little longer to learn and have more strategy involved. Perfect for fans of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and 7 Wonders.
Players take on the role of ancient Egyptian architects. Over six rounds, they try to transport stone blocks to end up in the most valuable positions at five construction sites, while thwarting their opponents’ efforts to do the same. To win the game and be named the greatest architect, you must get your blocks to the right place places, in the right order, at the right time.
Plot, scheme, and deceive as you build fantastical cities in Citadels, Bruno Faidutti’ s classic game of card drafting, intrigue, and cunning characters. In Citadels, two to eight players must shrewdly draft characters and use their abilities to create the most lavish, profitable city possible.
Hustle and bustle in the bazaar district of Istanbul: merchants and their assistants are hurrying through the narrow alleys attempting to be more successful than their competitors. Good organization is key: wheelbarrows have to be filled with goods at the warehouses and then swiftly transported by the assistants to the various destinations. The goal of the merchants is to be the first to collect a certain amount of rubies.
You take in the role of one of the masked Lords of Waterdeep, secret rulers of the city. Through your agents, you recruit adventurers to go on quests on your behalf, earning rewards and increasing your influence over the city. Expand the city by purchasing new buildings that open up new actions on the board, and hinder—or help—the other lords by playing Intrigue cards to enact your carefully laid plans.
As you advance through Games 1-7 of Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle, you will reveal progressively more challenging adventures and unlock new secrets on your journey to save Hogwarts from the Dark Lord.
**I like this one because it’s a very challenging cooperative game, and not all players need to be HP fans to enjoy the game.**
Non-Strategy
The final category is perfect for players who don’t want to read a long instruction booklet or think too hard about their plays.
The teams compete to see who can make contact with all of their agents first. Spymasters give one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the board. Their teammates try to guess words of the right color while avoiding those that belong to the opposing team. And everyone wants to avoid the assassin.
Ever imagined you were a bean farmer. Sure, who hasn’t. You got your Red beans, your green beans, your black-eyed beans, your coffee beans. But where to plant them. In this card game, smart sowing lets you reap big rewards. Plant The beans you do want, and trade the beans you don’t want to the other players. Adding to the realism of the game, The one who ends up with the most money wins.
(2+ players, easy to learn, non-strategy, good for kids)
Qwirkle combines the game play of Dominoes and Scrabble and is the perfect combination of skill and chance! This easy-to-learn, yet challenging game for children and adults will have all generations on the edge of their seat!
(2+ players, easy to learn, non-strategy, good for kids)
Can you turn “dog” into “log”? You can with Upwords! In this high-stacking word game, players place tile letters onto the game board to create new words, or stack and build on top to change existing words. When it’s your turn, easily place your letters by rotating the lazy Susan game board in your direction. Earn points for words a single tile high and points for letters underneath – the higher you stack, the higher you score! If you form two or more words in a single turn, you’ll earn even more points.
(2+ players, easy to learn, non-strategy, good for kids)
A sprawling country estate filled with unusual weapons, good hiding places, and craven killers. Killers like you. The object? To kill Doctor Lucky. The obstacles? For one thing, all your friends would rather do it first. For another, Doctor Lucky is aptly named.
**It’s kind of like reverse-Clue. This is one of Derek’s favorites.**
Happy Playing!
There you have it, 25 board games to play during social distancing. Remember to wash your hands before and after play. But most importantly, have fun! (PS, for even more games check out the ones I recommended in the 2019 gift guide.)
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. It’s an awesome guide to living like a local and loving life in Minot. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you totally should. All thoughts in this post are my own.
Derek always gets me the best gifts. I guess that’s what happens when you have lived with someone a long while and been best friends a long while before that. He knows my favorite gifts don’t come in jewelry boxes or in the form of the latest technology. To date my favorite gifts from him have included: a wall-mounted pencil sharpener, new headphones for listening to audio books, a two-player bocce ball set, and (most recently) a wheel thrown pottery class from the Minot Adult Learning Center.
In high school I took all the art classes our small school system offered. Each year I excelled at drawing, multi-media, art history and painting. But when the annual pottery unit rolled around I really started to struggle. The whole thing was very frustrating–because ceramics was what I most wanted to be good at. When it was time to put clay on the wheel things literally fell apart for me.
In my entire high school career I only ever got one piece successfully off the wheel. Ever since, I have wanted a second chance. I’ve longed for renewed instruction, and another chance to spin up a bowl or a mug.
But finding an open community class has been much harder than it seemed at first. We’ve lived in six different communities during our ten-year marriage and never has a wheel thrown ceramics class lined up with our schedule (or been available to me.)
Ceramics Through the Minot Adult Learning Center
I’d all but given up when Derek revealed that this year for my birthday he had enrolled me into a wheel class offered through the Minot Adult Learning Center.
The class I took was offered in five courses. Three nights were spent learning technique and building. The last two nights were spent prepping our pieces for the kiln and glazing.
While the pieces I made are not worthy of high praise, the instruction was phenomenal, the other participants were a joy to be around and I had a lot of fun. And I learned a lot too!
Each night of building focused on a different technique (I excelled most at making plates…even though I wanted to make a good bowl more than anything in the world.) After a time of set up and instruction, participants were free to practice building as many pieces as time would allow. I typically only turned out 2ish pieces per class, but others (some who had taken the class before) could turn out many more in a single night.
I loved that supplies were unlimited for use and that the class size was small enough to allow questions to be thoroughly answered and one-on-one help from the instructor when needed.
This was my first time taking a course from the Minot Adult Learning Center and it was a wonderful experience. If you are thinking about taking a class (or teaching–they’re always looking for good instructors!) here are some things to know.
Get the Course Flyer Early
New classes start in the fall, winter and spring. Get the course offerings early from their website so you can check your schedule well in advance.
Sign Up Promptly
Some classes fill up fast. (The wheel thrown pottery course always sells out.) If you know what you want to take sign up early. Don’t risk losing your place. For example, Derek signed me up the day registration opened through the Minot Adult Learning Center. Within two days the class was full.
There Are All Kinds of Classes
Classes aren’t just limited to arts and crafts. The community education program offeres courses in technology, art, wellness, and community enrichment. Their technology courses include classes in PhotoShop, Canva, and using Google apps. Art classes include drawing, painting, ceramics, and rosemaling. Wellness courses include all kinds of fitness classes (including Zumba and aqua aerobics.) And community enrichment includes things like retirement planning, book clubs and drawing social security.
In addition to these classes the Minot Adult Learning Center also offers GED prep, English courses and college/career prep.
Most Classes Have a Fee
Most classes have a fee to cover instruction and supplies. I think the cost is reasonable (especially for the fitness classes–they usually end up being about $4/class!!) However, some offerings are free and open. Check their website and schedule for details.
If you are looking to get out and try something new, I hope you’ll keep the Minot Adult Learning Center on your radar. For more on places to take classes here in Minot check out this post. And be sure to check out BeLOCAL’s listings of places to volunteer, get involved in sports/fitness and take in the arts around town.
**Please note: At the time of writing classes at the Minot Adult Learning Center have been temporarily suspended following a recommendation by Governor Burgum. Updates as to when classes will resume will be available on their website and social channels.**
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! Today I’m answering the burning question: What is lefse? And why the heck is it such a big deal? Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL helps newcomers to live like locals–check them out.
Most do not envision North Dakota–or Minot— as a cultural hub. But let me tell you, the culture and traditions can be as thick as pudding around here. And it doesn’t get much thicker than the weird allegiance and allure folks around here have toward lefse.
What is lefse? Glad you asked. Let me tell you. But first, as always, a quick side-anecdote.
Our Introduction to Lefse
When we moved to Minot the first time back in 2012, we were just starting to feel settled when the Norsk Hostfest rolled around. If you want to sound like a local, just call it the Hostfest. You can either say “host-fest” or “hoost-fest” and not look like an idiot. (For more on the Hostfest and other annual happenings, see the listings here in BeLOCAL Minot.)
Since we didn’t know what to expect or what it was all about, we did what any good tourists do: ask the locals.
Everyone (and I do mean everyone) told us the best part is the food. “You’ll love it!” they said. “You have to try the aebelskivers,” they told us. “Be sure to save room for rømmegrøt, it’s my favorite.”
And over and over and over, we were reminded not to forget the lefse. We heard so much about the lefse, it was on our definite list of things to do at the Hostfest.
When we asked our friends the question, “What is lefse?” We got a variety of answers. To sum it all up would be something like this: It’s a flatbread thing, made from potatoes. We roll it up and eat with butter. We all eat and love it, especially around holidays and if you want to fit in here, you’ll love it too.
Confusion
So we got the lefse.
And it was okay.
But we were left feeling like we were missing something. As if everyone was in on something that we didn’t quite get. (A lot like how the character Ben Wyatt doesn’t understand the hype about Li’l Sebastian on Parks and Rec.)
I mean, come on. To our novice, non-Norwegian tongues, it tasted like nothing more than a tortilla with a lot of butter and cinnamon/sugar on it. We didn’t get it.
Appreciation
But as the years went on, something shifted. Gradually, lefse became more and more important to us. I became interested in it. I didn’t just want to eat it, I wanted to make it. And a couple times each year (namely Thanksgiving and Norwegian Independence Day) I had a hankering for it.
As I gave in to my inner desire to conform to all things native North Dakotan, lefse took hold of my heart.
And that’s the thing. Lefse is a big deal to the locals. It’s a tradition that is deeply engrained in life here. So much so, that even a friend who rarely cooks or bakes–and doesn’t even like potatoes–still owns all of the required tools for making it. It’s another weird and wonderful quirk of this place I love so much.
Making Lefse
I had dreams of learning to make lefse. Sadly those dreams never came to fruition while we were living in Minot. However, just over two years ago while we were living in Rapid City, our friend Ben came for a visit and taught us to make lefse.
Ben comes from a family of very talented bakers–especially in the bread realm. His family typically does a big annual lefse making day. They run multiple griddles, have several people rolling, and turn out enough to last through all the major holidays–Thanksgiving, Christmas and Norwegian Independence Day.
In hindsight, I think this is what makes lefse so special. It’s not necessarily about the taste or it’s splendor, but about the nostalgia it stirs. Lefse is holidays. It’s time with family and a recipe that has been used for as long as anyone can remember. That’s what we didn’t get the first time we had it. We had no history with it–and truly that’s what gives it its great flavor.
Over the weekend Ben and I got together again for a lefse making extravaganza. And I knew it would be the perfect Minot Monday post.
What is Lefse?
Okay, okay. I realize I haven’t given you a straight answer.
Lefse is a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread. It is made with potatoes, flour, butter, and milk or cream. It is cooked on a large, flat griddle. Special tools are used to prepare lefse, including long wooden turning sticks and special rolling pins with deep grooves.
Lefse is a lot like a tortilla, but it’s base is potatoes, not flour or corn.
How do you eat lefse?
Good question. According to the Internet, there are lots of ways to eat lefse. I’ll only tell you how people around here eat it. You have three options.
Slathered in butter and rolled up.
Slathered in butter, sprinkled with sugar and rolled up.
Slathered in butter, sprinkled with a sugar-cinnamon combination…and rolled up.
I’ve only had it served slightly warm or a room temperature. No utensils required–like eating a taquito.
What do you need to make lefse?
As mentioned, you’ll need some special supplies if you want to make your own lefse. Honestly, it’s better to have a friend who already owns the stuff. If you live in North Dakota, you probably won’t have to look too far. It’s seriously crazy how many people we know who personally own their own kit. (If you want to invest, here’s a kit.)
Otherwise, you’ll need:
A lefse griddle.
A cloth covered pastry board.
Lefse sticks–used for lifting and turning
A grooved rolling pin and sleeve.
A potato ricer.
At least two linen dish towels–I call these church kitchen towels.
What’s the process?
First, you make the dough. (There are a million recipes out there, here’s a link to one at Sons of Norway–it seemed most appropriate.) Then let it chill over night.
Set up your griddle and pastry board. Get the griddle hot and thoroughly flour your board and pin. Flour is key in lefse making.
Next, you’ll roll out some dough. Ben–my resident expert uses 1/3 cup at a time. He says his mom can roll a perfect circle. Mine, however were always pretty misshapen.
Once the dough is circular and thin (we say thin enough to see the writing on the pastry board through the dough), lift it up with a lefse stick and place it on the griddle.
Let it cook on one side, then turn it with the lefse stick. Once both sides are slightly browned remove it (with the lefse stick) and place it on the dish towel. Cover it with the second towel to keep the moisture in.
Once you are done, you can eat them or store them. To store them, fold each piece in quarters and put them in a gallon zip bag. Then keep them in the fridge or freeze them.
Can I just buy it?
Yep. Grocery stores around here carry lefse. No shame in skipping the process. But you should really make some local friends so you can have the homemade variety at some point.
Conclusion
Now, when someone asks, “What is lefse?” You’ll have all the information they ever wanted to know. The love folks around here have for lefse is deliciously weird and quirky. Which is what makes it so darn great. Have a great week!
Minot Monday and this post about Kroll’s Diner in Minot is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local. See other eateries listed here. All thoughts and opinions seen here are my own.
Happy Minot Monday! I thought it was high time I start adding some food profiles into our Minot Monday posts. When I move to a new place I like to explore eateries. So mixed in with tips on things to do and how to navigate life in Minot, I’ll start adding in some of my favorite places to eat. Today, because I’m a huge fan of diners and dives, I’m profiling Kroll’s Diner in Minot.
Where is Kroll’s Diner in Minot?
Kroll’s Diner is an adorable 50’s style diner that specializes in German and American food. It’s got a pretty chrome exterior and the inside is decked out with checkered floors, vinyl seats and neon lights. Kroll’s Diner in Minot is easy to get to. It’s just off of 20th Ave SE. From Broadway, you’ll drive all the way until 20th starts to turn by the Sierra Inn. By that point you’ll be looking right at Kroll’s.
Kneophla Soup
For nearly a week now, I’ve had a hankering for Kroll’s. It’s been cold (obviously, it’s winter in Minot), and temps have been fluctuating above freezing. Snow has melted a bit, leaving me damp and chilled to the bone. When I get cold like that I want a good, hot bowl of soup.
Particularly knoephla soup.
Kneophla soup is a German dish, and in my opinion Kroll’s has the best. Oh, wait. You don’t know what kneophla soup is? Let me enlighten you.
Kneophla soup is potato soup with little doughy dumplings in it. It’s broth is thick and creamy. If you are into doughy textures, you’ll love it. If that thought makes you gag, you better skip it.
Last night, we went out and I finally got the big bowl of kneophla soup I’ve been craving so long.
My Other Favorite Menu Items
Outside of the soup, I’m also a big fan of another German dish called, fleischkuekle. It’s meat wrapped in a pastry and fried. At Kroll’s Diner it comes with mashed potatoes and choice of side (obviously, I think you should get the kneophla.)
Besides that, I love the grilled cheese, any of their burgers, and anything off of the breakfast menu (which is served all day.)
Dessert
Lots of folks rave about the milkshakes, but I prefer their sundaes or root beer floats. Sometimes when the shake machine is really busy, the shakes can start to taste machine-y. (Just my opinion, like I said, most people love the shakes and malts.) Also, you should know the pastries and baked goods are top notch.
Last night when we were at Kroll’s Diner in Minot, they were busy and understaffed. However, the service was spectacular–especially when I mentioned that I was with a hungry (boarder line hangry) toddler. Guys, our food came our lightning fast. It was incredible.
Eating With Kids
Pro tip–if you’re with a hungry kid, take a look at their kids menu online and put that order in when you order drinks. Then you can get the littles settled and eating before your food comes and yours will still be hot when you are ready to eat. (Pssst–BeLOCAL has a list of places in town where kids eat FREE!)
Tips and Specials at Kroll’s Diner in Minot
If you really want to eat like a pro at Kroll’s Diner in Minot, take advantage of their specials and these tips.
It’s a great and often overlooked breakfast spot.
All items are available to go.
Weekdays they offer a $5.99 lunch special, it’s really good value.
Mondays are 2-for-1 milkshakes
Wednesday is 2-for-1 root beer floats
Sunday after 3pm is 2-for-1 root beer floats
Happy eating! For other Minot eateries, see the listings in BeLOCAL Minot.
I know it looks like I’m pulling up carpet, but I’m actually “reading.”
Are you ready for book recommendations? Here are eight Christian nonfiction books to read this year!
Some people think winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. I think winter is the perfect time to plug in my ear buds and get stuff done. That’s right, I’m an unapologetic, audiobook junkie. And yes, I consider listening to books reading. So when you hear me say, “I just finished reading ______…” It’s safe to assume I mean listening. No matter how you like to take your stories, I know most of us kindred “readers” like recommendations from friends. Today I’m sharing eight great nonfiction books read this year.
If you want different genres recommended, by all means let me know! I’ve got a million books on my “have read” list I’d love to share with you.
I find faith journeys and memoirs endlessly fascinating. Stories are wonderful, and often the true tales are those most perfectly written. The following list of Christian nonfiction books to read is in the order of most recently returned to the library (app.) All of the books below are among those I read in 2019. Descriptions have been pulled from their official blurbs.
Gay Girl Good God
In Gay Girl, Good God, author Jackie Hill Perry shares her own story, offering practical tools that helped her in the process of finding wholeness. Jackie grew up fatherless and experienced gender confusion. She embraced masculinity and homosexuality with every fiber of her being. She knew that Christians had a lot to say about all of the above. But was she supposed to change herself? How was she supposed to stop loving women, when homosexuality felt more natural to her than heterosexuality ever could?
At age nineteen, Jackie came face-to-face with what it meant to be made new. And not in a church, or through contact with Christians. God broke in and turned her heart toward Him right in her own bedroom in light of His gospel.
Read in order to understand. Read in order to hope. Or read in order, like Jackie, to be made new.
Why I like it: Jackie Hill Perry is a poet and you can tell the minute you start reading. The language might be a little flowery for some, but I found her poetic style perfect for understanding the emotion she conveys as she explains her story.
Becoming a Welcoming Church
Most church members don’t see their churches clearly.
In almost all of Thom S. Rainer’s consultations, church members perceive their church to be friendly. But as he surveyed guests, he found that the guests typically saw church members as unfriendly. The perception chasm existed because the members were indeed friendly . . . to one another.
The guests felt like they crashed a private party.
Bestselling author Thom Rainer (I Am a Church Member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church) has a game plan for churches to become more hospitable. In a format that is suitable for church members to read individually or study together, Rainer guides readers toward a practical framework for making a difference for those who visit their church. Churches may use Becoming a Welcoming Church to assess and audit where they are on a spectrum between welcoming and wanting. Additionally, churches can use the companion book We Want You Here to send guests home with a compelling vision for what pastors want every guest to know when they visit.
Why I like it: As far as Christian nonfiction books to read go, I loved this book and plan to reread it again soon. As a self-described “church lady” I love the Church and want others to love it too. However, as an individual who has moved frequently and been a visitor to many churches, I understand the hurt that can come from an “unwelcoming” church.
This book is well studied and backed by lots of data. It offers solutions for becoming welcoming on both a corporate and individual level. Best of all, it sees being welcoming as something that may have eternal impact–a perspective I deeply appreciate.
Forensic Faith
Forensic Faith will help readers:
• understand why they have a duty to defend the truth • develop a training strategy to master the evidence for Christianity • learn how to employ the techniques of a detective to discover new insights from God’s Word • become better communicators by learning the skills of professional case makers
With real-life detective stories, fascinating strategies, and biblical insights, Wallace teaches readers cold-case investigative disciplines they can apply to their Christian faith. Forensic Faith is an engaging, fresh look at what it means to be a Christian.
Why I like it: Years ago a friend and fellow high school youth group volunteer told me he’d asked his student small group, “Why are you a Christian.” He said hardly any could articulate a reason. At that moment I was convicted. Could I articulate the reason for my own faith? Since then, I’ve been intentional about feeding my mind “facts for my faith.” I’m not talking deep apologetics or even being able to debate someone. Just easy, consice items I find compelling reasons for my faith.
I’m a huge J Warner Wallace fan. His writing style is engaging and the information he presents makes sense and is easy to apply. I think it’s important for all Christians to be able to give reasons for our belief and J Warner Wallace’s books are a great place to start.
Lies Women Believe
Satan is the master deceiver; his lies are endless. And the lies Christian women believe are at the root of most of their struggles.
“Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation,” says Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. “Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners.”
In this bestseller, Lies Women Believe, Nancy exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women—lies about God, sin, priorities, marriage and family, emotions, and more. She then sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God’s grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. Nancy offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome Satan’s deceptions: God’s truth!
Why I liked it: I have gained so much mental, emotional and spiritual freedom by identifying lies in my life and dispelling them with God’s truth. (See a post all about this here and here.) Lies Women Believe helped me see commonalities in the deception in my life. It also let me know that I’m not the only one who believe hurtful lies. The truth presented is easy to understand and apply to daily living.
Unveiling Grace
From a rare insider’s point of view, Unveiling Grace looks at how Latter-day Saints are “wooing our country” with their religion, lifestyle, and culture. It is also a gripping story of how an entire family, deeply enmeshed in Mormonism, found their way out and what they can tell others about their lives as faithful Mormons.
Why I liked it: This is one of my favorite Christian nonfiction books to read. I liked this book so much I listened to it twice in a row. (All within the allotted fourteen day loan period from the library.) Seriously, I thought it was that good. Unveiling Grace is the best book I’ve read regarding Mormonism. It’s not scandalous–no plural marriages, or abuse here. The pages explore a “normal” family’s life in the Mormon church and how/why they all eventually left and turned to Christ and the God of the Bible.
As a Christian, I’m deeply interested what draws individuals of other religions to Christ. This book cleared up misconceptions and left me less ignorant about a religion that is mainstream in America.
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert
Rosaria, by the standards of many, was living a very good life. She had a tenured position at a large university in a field for which she cared deeply. She owned two homes with her partner, in which they provided hospitality to students and activists that were looking to make a difference in the world. In the community, Rosaria was involved in volunteer work. At the university, she was a respected advisor of students and her department’s curriculum.
Then, in her late 30’s, Rosaria encountered something that turned her world upside down–the idea that Christianity, a religion she had regarded as problematic and sometimes downright damaging, might be right about who God was. That idea seemed to fly in the face of the people and causes that she most loved. What follows is a story of what she describes as a train wreck at the hand of the supernatural. These are her secret thoughts about those events, written as only a reflective English professor could.
Why I liked it: This is another Christian testimony memoir (are you seeing that this is one of my favorite genres?) Rosaria’s testimony is a great reminder that kindness and hospitality are some of God’s best evangelism tools. Rosaria’s heart wasn’t won over by a debate or deep apologetics. Genuine love from a Christian couple softened her heart to God’s truth.
For Christians who think they need all the answers before reaching out to someone of a radically different mindset or culture–this is a great read. Her story is a clear picture of how Jesus still transforms lives–even in our secular culture.
Escape From Camp 14
North Korea’s political prison camps have existed twice as long as Stalin’s Soviet gulags and twelve times as long as the Nazi concentration camps. No one born and raised in these camps is known to have escaped. No one, that is, except Shin Dong-hyuk.
In Escape From Camp 14, Blaine Harden unlocks the secrets of the world’s most repressive totalitarian state through the story of Shin’s shocking imprisonment and his astounding getaway. Shin knew nothing of civilized existence—he saw his mother as a competitor for food, guards raised him to be a snitch, and he witnessed the execution of his mother and brother.
The late “Dear Leader” Kim Jong Il was recognized throughout the world, but his country remains sealed as his third son and chosen heir, Kim Jong Eun, consolidates power. Few foreigners are allowed in, and few North Koreans are able to leave. North Korea is hungry, bankrupt, and armed with nuclear weapons. It is also a human rights catastrophe. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people work as slaves in its political prison camps. These camps are clearly visible in satellite photographs, yet North Korea’s government denies they exist.
Harden’s harrowing narrative exposes this hidden dystopia, focusing on an extraordinary young man who came of age inside the highest security prison in the highest security state. Escape from Camp 14 offers an unequalled inside account of one of the world’s darkest nations. It is a tale of endurance and courage, survival and hope.
Why I liked it: This isn’t strictly a Christian nonfiction book to read. Shin Dong-hyuk’s story isn’t a conversion story. It’s an escape story. I think believers should be invested in prayer toward the priceless men, women and children of North Korea. After his escape, the book does indicate he encountered and embraced Christianity.
Christian NonFiction Books To Read
There you have it! I hope these recommendations of Christian nonfiction books to read come in handy this year. Happy reading (or listening). What books did you love this year?
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