Wedding this Saturday

If you did not get invited just show up.

I love Christine. We do so many things together.
5 years together. We met at a Slowfood meeting on January 5th.

We both think how lucky we are to have so many friends.

Love to all
Mike and Christine
See you Saturday 3 pm

Christine and Mike's Wedding ,Casa Somerset.

To have and to hold, from this day forward…



You are invited to witness the joining in marriage of

Christine Thomas
And
Michael Hursey

Saturday, November 1st at 3pm.
Casa Somerset
16315 W. 287th St.
Paola, KS. 66071


Immediately following the marriage ceremony will be
The Blessing of the Vines and The House
By Ursuline Academy of Paola

Afterwards, please join us across the street
For a light evening meal and refreshments.

We will have pasta and ask that you might bring
A dish that will go with pasta to share.

In lieu of gifts, we are asking our friends to bring wine for the party.

We hope that this celebration on November 1st, All Saints Day,
which is celebrated by a feast, will be an annual event with our good friends.
Life is all about Family and Friends.

This is Mike's Love of Christine, I love you Christine!!!!!


An RSVP (reply) to this invitation would be appreciated.


Our love will continue to grow
Like a well-tended vineyard,
Growing stronger and more bountiful with time.

This is the day of the Saint and the Day of the Feast!!!!

Whole Foods Cooking Studio

On October 12th, Hilary Cooley and I attended a class on "Learning to Live Green" at the Whole Foods Cooking Studio.

While we listened to several speakers, Chef Chris Clarke prepared a great lunch, which included "Manna from Heaven", which is a baked cornbread french toast with the consistency of bread pudding. It was absolutely delicious! Also served was braised kale with bacon, and and apple and onion dish. Yum!

The first speaker was Christina, a team leader at Whole Foods Market. She discussed Whole Foods' commitment to being green. It was interesting to know that they started out slowly and have now gotten other businesses in their area involved. I loved her comment, "You have to be willing to sort through the trash". Whole Foods actually does trash audits to check for correct sorting of their trash. It must pay off, the Overland Park store has diverted 295K pounds of trash in the last 2 years!

Our second speaker was Katherine Kelly, from KCCUA. She asked the group, "What would a sustainable environment in Kansas City look like?" The group offered their ideas, we all seemed to know WHAT we need, but not HOW we would achieve it. Katherine suggested the following:
... Is it good for my body?
... Was it grown fairly?
... Support your local farmers
... Grow more farmers
... Keep the vision of what a sustainable K.C. should look like, and work backwards

Our last speaker was Rebecca Miller from Whole Foods. Rebecca discussed many environmental topics, but her focus was on making your events "greener".
Her ideas included:
... Use 3 colors of trash cans
......... Green - compostables including cardboard, paper napkins, paper plates and cups
......... Blue - recycleables including glass, aluminum, and numbered plastics
......... Red - paper trash that is clean
Rebecca suggested either posting signs depicting what goes where, or even stationing people by the trash cans to show what goes where.

Other event suggestions were:
... Buy organic, if not wash thoroughly
... Use paper plates and cups
... Use silverware, not plastic
* Corn-based silverware could contain genetically modified corn so Whole Foods will not use it
... Think about your food choices; buy on sale, use smaller portions
... Consider 5 gallon jugs of water to avoid plastic bottles

We got some great handouts in class. One of my favorites is the class schedule for the Whole Foods Market Metcalf Cooking School. The prices are reasonable and the subjects are interesting. Check them out at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/metcalf-cs

It was a great "green" day!
Christine

Our Lady of Las Lajas

I have been to churches all over the world. I remember the first time I was at Orvietto in Italy, what a beautiful church. Two years later, I went back and prayed and contemplated what is important in life.

My daughter in law, Beatriz, took me to Our Lady of Las Lajas, which overlooks the Guaitara River in Colombia, near the border of Equador. The church is well-known for it's miracles. When you look at it from above, it looks so small way down in the valley. But, I am telling you, you must be in good shape to get there. We walked for a long time. Along the way I had to rest often, with the thought that it would be even harder going back up. My son Joe, Beatriz, and her college friend Vicki and I started down. I knew I had to see this sight.

The closer we got the more anxious I became. Along the way you could see plaques on the walls and other items people had brought to tell the story of their miracle from this church. This would make a believer out of almost anyone. People were flocking there for a miracle. There was a little hut- like building where people were lighting candles in front of the church. We went inside and prayed. It was a very moving experience. We prayed for our own hopes and dreams, and for the good of all. After some time, it was time to move back up. I kept stopping to rest,but also to read the stories of the miracles. I could have spent days there.

We made it back to the top, I was worn and moved. I just had to reflect for a while. This memory will never leave me.

I cannot thank my wonderful daughter in law, Beatriz, for taking me there. I did not know her well at that time, but I knew my son had the right wife then. Her heart is always in the right place and her priorities are right. I love her very much for the wife she is to my son, and the mother she is to my Grandson. I know they are in great hands with her leading them. Her mother and father taught her well.

A memory forever. Hope you go to the websites and enjoy.

http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j145sdLasLajas_8-16.htmhttp://www.ipitimes.com/lle.htm

Overland Park Farmers Market

It was probably my last time this year at the Farmer's Market in Overland Park. It really is a great way to start your day and bring you back to where you should be. It is fall and you could tell today that the market's days are numbered for this year.

Several of the vendors had winter coats with hoods up this morning. When you get there really early in October, it must be cold. The number of vendors is dwindling now. Those with summer products only are gone. There were a lot of apples for sale this week. Along with apples, we saw sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkins, and several booths had bittersweet. Bittersweet makes great fall and winter decorations. It grows as a vine which tends to twist around itself and may be used for wreaths and other fall craft projects!

We wanted to purchase some squash and found many varieties. I even bought some radishes. I had to get a couple of the last heirloom tomatoes, we will enjoy those tonight. There were pumpkins EVERYWHERE!!!

Winter is coming to Kansas, the days are getting shorter. We even saw a wooly worm. There seems to be several theories about whether wooly worms can predict the winter weather. One theory is that if the wooly worm has more black than reddish brown, the winter will be severe. I won't say that I believe this, but last year, most of the wooly worms at my house were mostly black. And you know what last winter was like. Fortunately, this year's crop seems to have more reddish brown than last year!

It was a beautiful day today, I raked leaves in Christine's yard. Planted mums. What a great fall day in Kansas.

Mike and Christine

Civita di Bagnoregio

http://www.civitadibagnoregio.it/ This is it, I have never been to a place that took my breath away like this. You can see for 200 miles off of the top of the town, I really believe it. The Umbrian Hill towns. I have been here three times and it is always the same feeling. This is where God wants me to be. This is where I would come for peace on earth. Giorgio Caponetti brought me here the first time. When I looked at it, there was a ring of clouds around it. It was unforgettable!

I told Christine about this most perfect place on earth. I brought her here two years ago. I wanted to show her the church. A Saint on each side of the alter, in glass caskets. They have been there for years. I also wanted her to see the stone olive wheel for making the oil of the land. Producing the extra virgin olio.

There are still many living there after 1500 years. There is now a B&B, it is operated by Franco Sala. I was there with Christine the last time. I missed Franco, but his staff was so wonderful. They gave me a tour of the B&B and we shared some local vino.

I have thought since my first visit that I would like to come here when I retire, to get back to what is important in life. Come and stay with my friend Franco.

If you can believe this, my classmate from high school in Indiana, Lake Station or East Gary, when we attended just sent me an email saying he was there. Bruce Ranger just went to Italy and was so taken by all that he saw. We compared notes and found we had both been to some of the same places. The world is getting smaller.

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/civitabd.htm

http://www.casacaponetti.com/

Lorenzo's Olive oil

A couple of years ago, Christine and I were in Italy for our Slowfood convention in Turin. We left the group after the convention, and headed to Tuscania, in the beautiful Etruscan Valley. I wanted her to meet the Caponetti family that I love so much and I wanted to show her all of the Etruscan caves on the property. We arrived at Caponetti's and we were greeted by the family, Laura and Georgio. This close-knit family is a delight! It brings good feelings to your heart when you arrive. This is my Italian family. Christine and I shared this wonderful experience. It was my first trip to visit the Caponetti's during harvest of the olives. As you can see from the pictures, we really got into the olive harvest! All of the olives are harvested by hand there. They are then taken to the processor in town. You can see the stones that are used to get the oil from the olives. It was a wonderful experience.

My first visit was in 1998 in March, I found this Italian cooking school on the internet, and it sounded so good. I had never been out of the country, except for Mexico. I got on the plane and flew to Rome, where I was supposed to meet an Italian man by the name of Georgio. Two other ladies arrived at the same time, one from Cleveland named April, and one from Atlanta named Jill. Georgio greeted us and off we went to "Casa Caponetti". We made some stops on the way, their home is about hour and half from Rome. There to greet us first were their two dogs, Bloody Mary and Figaro. Then I met Laura, Georgie's wife, and Lorenzo and Chiara their two children. Chiara was still in high school that visit. They took me on tours for a week, they were the perfect fit for my first trip to Italy. Their motto is "A guest may become a friend". I became a friend.

On that first visit to Italy, Georgio took us to a restaurante, called Slowfood. That was my first experience with Slowfood and olive oil. Giorgio set it up so that we got to sample 6 different kinds of oil, Giorgio was the teacher. He explained that it is like tasting great wine. It was an experience I still remember.

I remember so plainly about 5 years back, I asked Lorenzo when he was coming to Paola to do a class on olive oil, and if he could talk for two hours on Olive oil. His response in his deep Italian voice "I can talk for two days on Olive oil". Laura and Lorenzo agreed to come to the US and give some classes for our Slowfood convivium. Their visit here was a great success. Everyone who met Lorenzo and Laura hope they will return some day. I care for Lorenzo like a brother.

We have now call Lorenzo "The King of Olive Oil". Lorenzo is so involved with his passion of the olives. I was so honored for Christine and me to help a little in the harvest of the olives. It was a real treat for us both.

Lorenzo's olive oil in my opinion, is one of the best in the world. I know the first time Leonard, Jasper's brother, saw it in a glass bottle with all of the little pieces of olives floating in the oil, he siad, "That is great olive oil". In the USA we filter out all of the good things from ours. In theirs you can taste the difference, it has to do with the land it is grown on. Lorenzo's olive oil can be brought into the United States, just go to their website, www.casacaponetti.com During harvest it is hard to get into a conversation with Lorenzo on anything but olives. He was up working before dawn and out after dark for many weeks. This is a man who loves his work.

A few months ago, Christine and I went to the Napa Valley and found that they are selling local olive oil there. There were many olive trees that surrounded the millions of grape vines. It was a beautiful scene. Olive oil is a big part of the "Mediterranean Diet" which is good for your health. Check it out!

www.casacaponetti.com

Smelt FIshing with Dad.

I was reading my new edition of the "The Snail". It is my Slowfood magazine. I wait for it to arrive, there are so many interesting articles. http://www.slowfoodusa.com/

This month was on smelt fishing. It brought back memories of my Father. Smelt were stocked in lakes in Michigan to feed the salmon, but some escaped to Lake Michigan where we lived on the Indiana side of the lake.

My Dad and many of his friends would go smelting on Friday nights. I am sure the wives were happy to just get them out of the house. In reading the Slowfood "Snail" story, it was big at the American Legion posts and all of the veterans like my dad would go "smelting" This was different fishing. You took nets and the smelt swam into them. I know that sounds simple, but for a 10 year old going with his dad it was different .

The way it really worked for us was 12 men and their sons would load up to go to Miller Beach in the spring when the smelt were running. We would get there and unload the nets and all of the beer. Then they would place the nets in the lake to wait for the smelt to swim in to the nets. During this time they would kill a case of beer. After that, they would bring in the nets and pull the smelt from the nets. They would then put the nets back out, and kill another case of beer. It said in the article they drank "Miller Beer", but I remember Pabst Blue Ribbon, but I was young. This would go on til they had about a wash tub full of smelt. It would be very dark by the time they finished.

Next came the good part for the wives. The smelt fry Saturday night. All of my dad's buddies would get together. They would clean the smelt ,which was removing the heads and guts. You left on the scales and tails. The tails were the best part. They then fried these fish, with a cornmeal crust. The smelt only got 6 to 12 inches long, and would fry crispy. Everything would all get cooked, the smelt, with the fries, and we had coleslaw and, you guessed it, more beer. You could eat two plates full, they were that good.

This was also an event at local restaurants. Smelt fries.!!! It is such a great memory for me. I think it was the Cedar Crest restaurant in East Gary where my Mom and Dad would take us for smelt on Friday nights. What a treat!

Some day I want to treat Christine to this great meal. (She is a little hesitant...)

It was as American as Apple Pie in Northwest Indiana. I was raised in a town then called East Gary, now it is Lake Station, Indiana. If you really want a treat in the Spring, this is it.

Read Slowfood magazine, the article was by Lynn Peemoeller.

Mike

We are going to miss our Friends on Halloween Cruise.

I have not been home for Halloween in 6 years. I became a cruiseaholic. Halloween is the best cruise on Singles Cruise .com. There is always a costume party on the Halloween cruise. One year Christine and I were pirates. The picture included shows us as Elvis and the Elvis Fan Club groupie. Be sure to check out http://www.singlescruise.com/

After my first cruise, I could not stop talking about it for months. All of the friends I made and the great memories. The next time I went, I knew people from my first cruise, there are so many that go all of the time.

When we get married we still will go on the singles cruises. Many married couples do, not to meet someone, but to be with many crazy people from all over the world. I have made some of the best friends on these cruises. When I told some of my friends that we weren't going this year, they started sending e-mails to us. "You have to go, you will miss all of the FUN!!!!!"

Tony M. from Toronto was my roommate before I met Christine and convinced her to go cruising with me. Tony is a man that lives for Halloween. He brings three complete costumes and changes all night long. He is sooooo funny. He introduced me to Kathy, who some times is sane, but I have not been around her much when she is:)::)There is a picture of Kathy with Christine.

We always go to the Caribbean because we love the islands. Christine and I like to go where it is warm and we can enjoy the water. Cruising is perfect for us! Some of our favorite islands are St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Roatan (which is part of Honduras). We also enjoy the port of Cozumel. It is a complete party port!

On past cruises we have snorkeled and we swam with big sea turtles in Barbados, played with the sting rays on a sand bar in Grand Cayman, and held various sea creatures in Cozumel. Once we stopped at Tortola and walked all over the island. They have an area called The Baths that is fabulous!

On most cruises, there is a midnight buffet and we take pictures of the gorgeous food. Some of it is amazing! Usually we don't eat much because we have already had 5 or 6 meals that day. But some of the desserts are so amazing that you just HAVE to try some!

Don't ever go on a cruise when you are on a diet!

This year, with the house, Christine and I decided that we would pass on our usual fall vacation and focus on the house. Not as much fun, for sure! But definitely worth it!

Mike and Christine

The BBQ Shack,Foodtv Star

Rick Schoenberger has his dream going!! I went Friday morning to the grand opening of his "The BBQ Shack". He has been on the Food TV network, with Guy Fieri doing his show on dives. Rick did a whole hog for the show. Rick has been doing Barbeque since I can remember.

It is his passion!!!

When checking out the walls of the BBQ Shack, I see pictures of Don Knotts. Rick is a big fan of Mayberry and Don. Jasper Mirabile had Don Knotts as his customer for over 41 years. Jasper said he sat in the same booth and ordered the same dish everytime. He said after eating, Don would sign autographs 'til no one wanted anymore. Don told Jasper that if it wasn't for his fans he wouldn't have been anything. I think that is a great man. You can see behind the picture of Rick, Don Knotts is on the wall.

Rick does so much community work, he is always in some kind of charity event. He is all about Paola. Rick is such a great person. He was one of the founders of the largest event in Miami County, the "Roots Festival". If you have never been there, you have really missed something. It is always the last weekend in August.

http://www.thebbqshack.com/

913-294-5908

Mike

UPS in Paola, Great Service.

Michelle has been telling me to stop by and see her brand new UPS store in Paola. We have really progressed in the 25 years since I came to Paola.

I met her a few years back when she was shopping in my store, she was having a party and had two very nice young men accompanying her. Cody and Conner, her sons, were just bubbling with excitement about having a PARTY!!! I asked about it and found out it was a regular thing in the Pixler house. They have a theme and Mom, Dad, and the boys, get busy putting it together. The boys are the key to the party. I just watch for them to come into the store to see what the next party is and to see the boys, which are the joy of their family.

Michelle's enthusiasim is contagious. She just cut her hair off for charity. We were talking about how she got into this business, and how she trained. I told her I had a friend on 103rd St, John Fletcher, with a UPS store. She said that was where she trained, and she just loves John. I met him a couple of years ago through Jasper Mirabile, just down the road. John and I have shared a glass of wine at Jasper's before. John is the most likable guy.

This is a very small world, friends just bring friends.

You have to stop by and out Michelle's new store. Michelle will give you the grand tour.

www.theupsstore.com/6042.htm

913-294-2877

Mike

Our Friends in Miami County

Casa Somerset is on the way up!!!! Norm and Annick Good came out and visited us today. The roof over the porch was being built this week. They had not been here since helping with the planting of the grapevines back in May. They were checking to see if I had taken care of their vines. I have!

Norm kept going on about the view from each floor as we went up. When we arrived on the third floor and he could see the Paola Water tower 8 miles away, he was impressed. We gave them a complete tour of Casa Somerset. Then the four of us went to the Somerset Ridge Winery for the German Fest by Chef Kay. She makes the greatest German Potato Salad and Brats with sauerkraut!

Master Chef Kay, Norm, and Annick are leaving the 13th for Sicily without me. They are going with my great friend Jasper Mirabile to his homeland. We are so busy with Casa Somerset this year that we can't go. They will have the trip of a life time. Chef Kay promised to bring me some Silician recipes back. I will write some blogs of their trip. Norm promised when Jasper took them to some of the small growers he would be watching for picture moments.

Norm and Annick told us today that if we weren't friends, they would probably never have come to Miami County. They toured the town square of Paola. They had never been there before. Norm and Annick said how beautiful it is. They were so impressed with Paola.

There is so much happening in Miami County now. I am telling everyone to come here. This is what Agri-tourism is all about. The Louisburg Cidermill, Somerset Ridge Winery, Casa Somerset, and the Paola Town Square. Call me I will take you on a tour of MY County.

There were so many people in Somerset this last two weekends. The Louisburg Cidermill had 12,000 visitors last weekend. There are only 37,000 living in Miami county. It is a wonderful place to live, and also to visit!

Mike

.

Jasper's Wine Event

Let's talk about Cheese and Jasper. He is going to Wisconsin to be the Cheese ambassador. I have been with him in Italy at various farms that produced cheese. He was so involved, wanting to know what it takes to make a great cheese. When we were in Torino at the Slowfood International convention, he said "Mike I have never tasted cheeses like these".

Jasper is all about great products and small producers. He is constantly searching for the best and freshest products, he knows that in order to be a great Chef, you have to have the best products.

He is traveling next week to Sicily, I can only imagine the farms where he will spend time. Christine and I are so busy with the house, that we will not accompany him this trip. This will be a trip to Jasper's family homeland. They know him there.

This Monday evening come to a wine tasting at Jaspers www.jasperskc.com Make your reservations now. The invitaion to the event is below:

Got Wine?
We Do!

Jasper’s Restaurant, Domaine Select Wine Estates,
Pinnacle Imports and veselbev

Jasper’s Ristorante
1201 West 103rd St., Watts Mill Shopping Center
Kansas City, Missouri
October 6th, Monday, 7:00pm
$25.00 per person all inclusive.
Attendance limited.

Join us for a casual walk around tasting on
Jasper’s Patio of a large selection of some our
favorite Italian wine brands from Domaine Select
Estates and chat with their representative Greg Smolick.
Jasper's will be preparing fresh polenta, assorted cheeses, olives, foccacia, salami, nuts, roasted peppers and artichokes as well as capanatta, eggplant Othello and Sicilian pasta.

Call Jasper’s NOW (816) 941-6600
to make your credit card reservation.
Hope to see you there!

The True Valentine and the Love Machine

Oh was Christine in for a surprise!!!!!

It was Valentine's day and I walked out of my store and here sat the Love Machine. It said on the side "I Love Anke, Love Dick!!" On the front it said The Love Machine. Anke is one of my best friends and I knew she did not know it was here. I picked up my cell and started to call Anna ,who is Anke's best friend and works at my store. Thinking I was going to call the cops, two people (who I don't know) come running at me yelling "don't call the police!" Well I found out it was a crazy boyfriend of Anke's, Dick (who really is Crazy, and actually makes me look sain) and another person. It was soooooo funnnnny!!!!! It said "When the machine is rocking, don't be Knocking" :) :) :)

Well then, the following week is belated Valentine's Day, and at the J.C.Penney warehouse, (guess who works there) Miss Proper, "don't embarass me", Christine, who I might add has ABSOLUTLY NO IDEA of what I am up too...

I did not tell Christine's Mom until about 20 minutes before. I picked her up and she laughed till we arrived at Penneys (and laughed for almost the entire month following). Her son Mark and Toshia her Daughter-in Law-to be also came along for the fun!

I tried to keep it real low profile (in the giant pink motorhome), with only two hundred (or so) of J.C. Penney's management and employees looking out of the windows above...

We arrived and Christine was on the phone with her Boss, and one of her co-workers told her to turn around and look out the window. She told her boss she'd have to call him back...

She was speechless! (Which doesn't happen that often, as I have learned, especially after this:):)

I was in my Chicken Suit (which every self respecting man has), and she finally mustered the strength to come outside, only after I ran around in the parking lot with a sign saying the "The Love Princess". We'll not go into that.

As she surveyed the situation, she looked in the Love Machine and muttered "Oh my God, my Mother is in there... You had this in my neighborhood!"

It was so funny, she kissed me and said I would Pay!!! (Which I have dearly).

Dick (the guy who owns the wonderful Winnebago) is so funny! (Again, another story...)

When we left, it was shift change at Penneys, and I had to get out in my Chicken Suit and direct traffic... (I found out about a chicken trying to cross a road. :)

It was a great day and Christine still is with me, which this post will really make her wonder why!!!!!) I keep telling her to find someone sain. It won't be Dick:):)

Love,

Mike

If you are not in Miami County you are in wrong place this weekend

It is fall everywhere, but nowhere more so than Miami County! There are so many things to do here. I was just reading about all of the events coming up. This is the best value for families this coming weekend.

You can visit our friends Mike and Dee Martin, and their EMU ranch, 4 D acres. It is at 13096 West 287th St. from 10 to 4. Earlier this year, Jasper made an Emu omelete that you would not believe, at the Miami County Farm Tour. He had so many herbs in it ,we had to call an ambulance, people were fainting so fast!! :-)

Call Mike and Dee at 887-837-4119. This is a free visit.

Also, be sure to check out Leland Prothe,"The King Of Pecans". Jasper candied some of his pecans, and people just kept asking for more. Leland is at 33850 Victory Road.

913-849-3358. Just come by and visit. It is free. Buy some pecans, and support our local growers.

Next on the list is the Louisburg Cidermill, on Highway 68. There is no gate charge, but you will not stop eating the applecider donuts!! They are wonderful! There are too many things for kids to do there to mention. A great family time!

Then be sure to visit the Somerset Ridge Winery, take a nice slow tour of the vines. Cindy and Dennis are the best, enjoy the German fest. Check them out at http://www.somersetridge.com/

If you get any time after all of that, come by Casa Somerset, 16315 west 287th st. See the building progress. We are usually there on Sundays.

Mike and Christine

Somerset Ridge Winery, enjoy some wine and take a slow tour of the winery. This is what http://www.slowfoodkc.org/ is all about. slowfoodkc@kc.rr.com if you would like to be on our e-mail list of great events.