We took the scenic route from Mankato, which runs along the south edge of the valley and offers sweeping views. Luck rode with us. The sun broke through the clouds just as we turned north on Hwy. 15 to get into town.
All my shots went well and we even stumbled upon a farm show where, unbeknownst to me, my client was exhibiting. When I was all done with work, I wandered the show floor as hubby talked tractors in another aisle.
I came upon a booth where the local farm and fleet had spring babies on display -- chicks, nubian goats, piglets and ducklings. One of the goats thought my scarf was lunch. He was cuter than cute, making me wonder: If I decide to raise such darlings, will I ever be able to convert them to income, if you know what I mean?
Later, I bent over the tub of downy chicks and reached down to scoop one up. At the sight of my arm, they all darted toward the other end of the tub. It dawned on me at that moment where the slang "chicken" originated. I was able to get a hold of one, who "peep"ed all the while I held it. Again, I had a hard time picturing the chick as an evenual meal. Maybe it becomes easier after they grow old and obnoxious. (Crazy?)
The Kaiserhoff never fails to give a weary photographer and her assistant a satisfying end to a job-well-done. Bratwurst, german potato salad, ribs, saurkraut and Schells Snowstorm is reason enough to travel to New Ulm. That, and a drive past New Ulm's tribute to Herman the German.
