It was fun. My first lady is a fine woman. If you're interested, I've
posted pictures on my webpage: <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> Here's
the text:

..Dinner at The Governor's Residence 6-16-05
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcer: "When last we left Barb, she was preparing for a dinner in
her honor, as a Notable Minnesota Woman at the Governor's Residence in
St. Paul. Our story continues."

I'd initially had some "Oh, my god, what am I going to wear" angst. The
First Lady's assistant had been helpful in saying it was a casual event
(but not shorts or jeans casual); that the first lady would probably
wear a summer dress and it would be outside, weather permitting. The
weather permitted. I recalled Thoreau's remark, "Distrust any enterprise
which requires new clothes," and decided that the skirt and sweater I'd
worn in Paris a year ago would be appropriate for this event. It was.

I spent the morning and afternoon baking white bread and brownies to
include in my hostess gift for Minnesota's First Lady, The Honorable
Mary Pawlenty. Because I was invited to this event by virtue of my
preserving prowess, it seemed only right that I bring a gift of homemade
treats.

A perfect loaf of white bread and a batch of brownies (with pecans) was
added to the basket of jams (including my Gedney products), jellies,
pickles, and relish at about 4:45 p.m. The white bread was still warm;
I'd packaged the tray of brownies in shrink-wrap. I'd found an ideal
picnic-type basket to contain the goodies. I found a pickle hat to
include in my car; can you believe I'd forgotten to put one in at home!

I showered, shampooed, styled, and began the reclamation project of
"doing my face." I'm blessed with good genes, so that's not a big worry
with me. Eyeshadow, liner, and mascara were applied; brows were filled
in, (Did you know that eyebrow hair doesn't grow back the way it did
when you're younger?) Foundation, powder and blush. Not bad. Some guy
pinched me on his way past the bathroom. I took it as a compliment.

I managed a pair of hose without runners, dressed and went across the
street to Dorothy's for a jewelry consultation. Would it be the
sparklies or the opals from Australia? The little opals won out,
matching pendant and earrings.

I'd found a new straw hat at the Landscape Arboretum a week ago when Rob
and I visited and put Mom's pin on it. This pin was her "mother's ring."
Mom never wore jewelry other than necklaces and brooches and my sister
Mary had the pin made for her. It's a crown with our birthstones in it
-- I wear it to remind me of her and like to think that her children
were the jewels in her crown.

I was stylin'.

The invitation had stated that picture identification would be required
for admission to the Residence. I can do that. When I arrived at the
Residence I was asked for my name and picture identification. I said I
supposed I could provide a driver's license but wondered if another
picture would do. No, Margaret, I did not offer a look at my tattoos *
you may rest easy. I did, however, remove a jar of my Gedney State Fair
Cherry Jam from the basket and held it to my face for comparison. The
trooper and the other chap said it would do. They said the basket looked
heavy (it was). The basket contained about 14 jars of homemade goodies,
the loaf of bread and the package of brownies (complete with recipe).

Did I mention the perfect weather? Sunny and mid-70s, I'd guess. The
Governor's Residence (http://www.admin.state.mn.us/buildings/residence/)
is a beautiful building with a wrought iron fence around it, located on
St. Paul's Summit Avenue. It looked ready for company.

The First Lady was standing in the entryway welcoming her guests. With
all due respect, this woman is a dish! She wore a cute white sleeveless
dress with eyelet embroidery and a scalloped hem. She has a trim figure,
long brown hair, and an incredible smile and personal warmth. I'm
tellin' ya, my governor got himself a prize in that one.

I approached and introduced myself and she exclaimed, "Oh, you're my jam
lady!" She said a few other very nice things about me but I won't spell
them out here because I wouldn't want any of the other honorees who
might happen upon this to feel bad. "-) I presented my hostess gift and
she was genuinely thrilled to receive it. And I was genuinely thrilled
to present it.

I went out to the tented patio where about 30 other women were mingling.
I was immediately offered a beverage and accepted a glass of rosé. The
white was a chardonnay and I didn't ask about the red. I spotted another
woman who also appeared to be looking for someone to chat with and we
introduced ourselves and the first question we had for each other,
blurted out at the same instant, was, "And why are you here?" :-) Her
name is Donna and I don't remember her last name and she's involved with
some pretty darned impressive volunteer programs and projects. I can't
wait to receive the list of names and notes about each of the women
being recognized at the dinner.

It was a very diverse group of females, ranging in age from 10 years old
to 101 years old, including at least three teen-age girls. Very cool.
The group included some names I recognized: Minneapolis' first female
fire chief, Bonnie Bleskachek; noted cookbook author Beatrice Ojakangas;
Minnesota's first ever Hmong state senator, Mee Moua; and the Minnesota
State Fair Prestigious Processor of the Pantry, me.

First Lady Pawlenty joined us at our table for a buffet service of
dinner. Foodie alert! The menu: Caesar Salad, Pasta Salad with Marinated
Italian Vegetables, Grilled Salmon with Tropical Salsa, Stir Fried Asian
Vegetables with Crispy Tofu, Coconut Rice, and Ice Cream Sundae Station.
All was delicious and pleasing to the eye.

I sat next between my new best friend Donna and Alexandra Yang
(http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...n/11375081.htm
). On the other side of Alexandra was a 17-year-old Harvard-bound young
lady who's been doing research at the U of MN for three years while in
high school. Our table also included two authors and a 14-year old who
has done some truly remarkable volunteer product-gathering for homeless
folks. And she just turned 14.

Mouth Engaged Before Brain Engaged Moment: Did I bring along my
Prestigious Processor of the Pantry Medallion? Well, ye-e-a-ah. It was
passed around our table and when it arrived at the First Lady, she
admired it and made like she was going to put it in her purse, and said,
"Oh, I wonder what happened to Barb's medallion." And I said, "Don't
even think about it, honey; I know where you live." She laughed. I
think. Sometimes being impulsive isn't such a good thing. . . .

A few women were invited to speak about their accomplishments. Yeah, I
did. I told them that modesty doesn't become me. My words followed the
Minneapolis Fire Chief , First District Court Judge Leslie Metzen, and
State Senator Mee Moua (Holy moley, is she dynamic.) Sometimes being
impulsive isn't such a bad thing. . . . about each time I'd think I was
out of my league, I'd remind myself that I bet I knew more about making
jam than the rest of them combined. I told them who I was, why I was
there, about my Gedney jams, and that what I am really most proud of is
that I'm a mom. I told them about Chris and Becky's work and a little
bit about my mom's life. I saw lots of nodding heads when I said that
being a mom was my best thing. For all the diversity of paying
occupations present in the space, every one of them seemed to recognize
the value of a mom, homemade jam aside. And a number of them approached
me at the close of the evening with appreciative and positive comments
about my words and the promise that they'd be looking for my jam in the
grocery stores. Leave us hope.

My only regret of the evening is that I did not get to talk with most of
the women. Damn! But I'll have their names and will find out how to
contact some I'll especially want to meet * after all, they haven't had
any really good jam until they've had some of mine! "-)

The First Lady was gracious and posed for some pictures with me and her
gift basket. I did not show her my tattoos. I mean, why make her
jealous, eh?

-Barb
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 6/6/05 Sam I Am!
June 25, 1945: Me and Carly Simon. I wonder if she makes jam.
(It's not too early to shop -- good chocolate and cheap gin.
Or is it cheap chocolate and good gin? I never
remember. No jam--coal to Newcastle and all that. "-)

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> It was fun. My first lady is a fine woman. If you're interested, I've
> posted pictures on my webpage: <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> Here's
> the text:
>
> .Dinner at The Governor's Residence 6-16-05
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Announcer: "When last we left Barb, she was preparing for a dinner in
> her honor, as a Notable Minnesota Woman at the Governor's Residence in
> St. Paul. Our story continues."
>
> I'd initially had some "Oh, my god, what am I going to wear" angst. The
> First Lady's assistant had been helpful in saying it was a casual event
> (but not shorts or jeans casual); that the first lady would probably
> wear a summer dress and it would be outside, weather permitting. The
> weather permitted. I recalled Thoreau's remark, "Distrust any enterprise
> which requires new clothes," and decided that the skirt and sweater I'd
> worn in Paris a year ago would be appropriate for this event. It was.
>
> I spent the morning and afternoon baking white bread and brownies to
> include in my hostess gift for Minnesota's First Lady, The Honorable
> Mary Pawlenty. Because I was invited to this event by virtue of my
> preserving prowess, it seemed only right that I bring a gift of homemade
> treats.
>
> A perfect loaf of white bread and a batch of brownies (with pecans) was
> added to the basket of jams (including my Gedney products), jellies,
> pickles, and relish at about 4:45 p.m. The white bread was still warm;
> I'd packaged the tray of brownies in shrink-wrap. I'd found an ideal
> picnic-type basket to contain the goodies. I found a pickle hat to
> include in my car; can you believe I'd forgotten to put one in at home!
>
> I showered, shampooed, styled, and began the reclamation project of
> "doing my face." I'm blessed with good genes, so that's not a big worry
> with me. Eyeshadow, liner, and mascara were applied; brows were filled
> in, (Did you know that eyebrow hair doesn't grow back the way it did
> when you're younger?) Foundation, powder and blush. Not bad. Some guy
> pinched me on his way past the bathroom. I took it as a compliment.
>
> I managed a pair of hose without runners, dressed and went across the
> street to Dorothy's for a jewelry consultation. Would it be the
> sparklies or the opals from Australia? The little opals won out,
> matching pendant and earrings.
>
> I'd found a new straw hat at the Landscape Arboretum a week ago when Rob
> and I visited and put Mom's pin on it. This pin was her "mother's ring."
> Mom never wore jewelry other than necklaces and brooches and my sister
> Mary had the pin made for her. It's a crown with our birthstones in it
> -- I wear it to remind me of her and like to think that her children
> were the jewels in her crown.
>
> I was stylin'.
>
> The invitation had stated that picture identification would be required
> for admission to the Residence. I can do that. When I arrived at the
> Residence I was asked for my name and picture identification. I said I
> supposed I could provide a driver's license but wondered if another
> picture would do. No, Margaret, I did not offer a look at my tattoos *
> you may rest easy. I did, however, remove a jar of my Gedney State Fair
> Cherry Jam from the basket and held it to my face for comparison. The
> trooper and the other chap said it would do. They said the basket looked
> heavy (it was). The basket contained about 14 jars of homemade goodies,
> the loaf of bread and the package of brownies (complete with recipe).
>
> Did I mention the perfect weather? Sunny and mid-70s, I'd guess. The
> Governor's Residence (http://www.admin.state.mn.us/buildings/residence/)
> is a beautiful building with a wrought iron fence around it, located on
> St. Paul's Summit Avenue. It looked ready for company.
>
> The First Lady was standing in the entryway welcoming her guests. With
> all due respect, this woman is a dish! She wore a cute white sleeveless
> dress with eyelet embroidery and a scalloped hem. She has a trim figure,
> long brown hair, and an incredible smile and personal warmth. I'm
> tellin' ya, my governor got himself a prize in that one.
>
> I approached and introduced myself and she exclaimed, "Oh, you're my jam
> lady!" She said a few other very nice things about me but I won't spell
> them out here because I wouldn't want any of the other honorees who
> might happen upon this to feel bad. "-) I presented my hostess gift and
> she was genuinely thrilled to receive it. And I was genuinely thrilled
> to present it.
>
> I went out to the tented patio where about 30 other women were mingling.
> I was immediately offered a beverage and accepted a glass of rosé. The
> white was a chardonnay and I didn't ask about the red. I spotted another
> woman who also appeared to be looking for someone to chat with and we
> introduced ourselves and the first question we had for each other,
> blurted out at the same instant, was, "And why are you here?" :-) Her
> name is Donna and I don't remember her last name and she's involved with
> some pretty darned impressive volunteer programs and projects. I can't
> wait to receive the list of names and notes about each of the women
> being recognized at the dinner.
>
> It was a very diverse group of females, ranging in age from 10 years old
> to 101 years old, including at least three teen-age girls. Very cool.
> The group included some names I recognized: Minneapolis' first female
> fire chief, Bonnie Bleskachek; noted cookbook author Beatrice Ojakangas;
> Minnesota's first ever Hmong state senator, Mee Moua; and the Minnesota
> State Fair Prestigious Processor of the Pantry, me.
>
> First Lady Pawlenty joined us at our table for a buffet service of
> dinner. Foodie alert! The menu: Caesar Salad, Pasta Salad with Marinated
> Italian Vegetables, Grilled Salmon with Tropical Salsa, Stir Fried Asian
> Vegetables with Crispy Tofu, Coconut Rice, and Ice Cream Sundae Station.
> All was delicious and pleasing to the eye.
>
> I sat next between my new best friend Donna and Alexandra Yang
> (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...n/11375081.htm
> ). On the other side of Alexandra was a 17-year-old Harvard-bound young
> lady who's been doing research at the U of MN for three years while in
> high school. Our table also included two authors and a 14-year old who
> has done some truly remarkable volunteer product-gathering for homeless
> folks. And she just turned 14.
>
> Mouth Engaged Before Brain Engaged Moment: Did I bring along my
> Prestigious Processor of the Pantry Medallion? Well, ye-e-a-ah. It was
> passed around our table and when it arrived at the First Lady, she
> admired it and made like she was going to put it in her purse, and said,
> "Oh, I wonder what happened to Barb's medallion." And I said, "Don't
> even think about it, honey; I know where you live." She laughed. I
> think. Sometimes being impulsive isn't such a good thing. . . .
>
> A few women were invited to speak about their accomplishments. Yeah, I
> did. I told them that modesty doesn't become me. My words followed the
> Minneapolis Fire Chief , First District Court Judge Leslie Metzen, and
> State Senator Mee Moua (Holy moley, is she dynamic.) Sometimes being
> impulsive isn't such a bad thing. . . . about each time I'd think I was
> out of my league, I'd remind myself that I bet I knew more about making
> jam than the rest of them combined. I told them who I was, why I was
> there, about my Gedney jams, and that what I am really most proud of is
> that I'm a mom. I told them about Chris and Becky's work and a little
> bit about my mom's life. I saw lots of nodding heads when I said that
> being a mom was my best thing. For all the diversity of paying
> occupations present in the space, every one of them seemed to recognize
> the value of a mom, homemade jam aside. And a number of them approached
> me at the close of the evening with appreciative and positive comments
> about my words and the promise that they'd be looking for my jam in the
> grocery stores. Leave us hope.
>
> My only regret of the evening is that I did not get to talk with most of
> the women. Damn! But I'll have their names and will find out how to
> contact some I'll especially want to meet * after all, they haven't had
> any really good jam until they've had some of mine! "-)
>
> The First Lady was gracious and posed for some pictures with me and her
> gift basket. I did not show her my tattoos. I mean, why make her
> jealous, eh?
>
> -Barb

Well done Barb! I bet you were the most prestigious lady there in your
skirt, sweater, and straw hat. My lady loves all thirty or forty of her
straw hats and decorates them for the occasion as you do. You made us
rfp folk very proud.

George

In article >, George
Shirley > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> > I'd found a new straw hat at the Landscape Arboretum a week ago
> > when Rob and I visited and put Mom's pin on it. This pin was her
> > "mother's ring." Mom never wore jewelry other than necklaces and
> > brooches and my sister Mary had the pin made for her. It's a crown
> > with our birthstones in it -- I wear it to remind me of her and
> > like to think that her children were the jewels in her crown.

> > I was stylin'.

> Well done Barb! I bet you were the most prestigious lady there in your
> skirt, sweater, and straw hat. My lady loves all thirty or forty of her
> straw hats and decorates them for the occasion as you do. You made us
> rfp folk very proud.

> George

I can't wait to hear how the goods were received either by staff or
spouse. And I daresy I'll make a trip back with "a little something"
for the Trooper and the manager of the Residence. I don't think I
mentioned how gracious and welcoming *everyone* was -- starting with the
two guys at the front gate, checking people in.
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 6/6/05 Sam I Am!
June 25, 1945: Me and Carly Simon. I wonder if she makes jam.
(It's not too early to shop -- good chocolate and cheap gin.
Or is it cheap chocolate and good gin? I never
remember. No jam--coal to Newcastle and all that. "-)

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, George
> Shirley > wrote:
>
> > Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > > I'd found a new straw hat at the Landscape Arboretum a week ago
> > > when Rob and I visited and put Mom's pin on it. This pin was her
> > > "mother's ring." Mom never wore jewelry other than necklaces and
> > > brooches and my sister Mary had the pin made for her. It's a crown
> > > with our birthstones in it -- I wear it to remind me of her and
> > > like to think that her children were the jewels in her crown.
>
> > > I was stylin'.
>
> > Well done Barb! I bet you were the most prestigious lady there in your
> > skirt, sweater, and straw hat. My lady loves all thirty or forty of her
> > straw hats and decorates them for the occasion as you do. You made us
> > rfp folk very proud.
>
> > George
>
> I can't wait to hear how the goods were received either by staff or
> spouse. And I daresy I'll make a trip back with "a little something"
> for the Trooper and the manager of the Residence. I don't think I
> mentioned how gracious and welcoming *everyone* was -- starting with the
> two guys at the front gate, checking people in.
> --
> -Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 6/6/05 Sam I Am!
> June 25, 1945: Me and Carly Simon. I wonder if she makes jam.
> (It's not too early to shop -- good chocolate and cheap gin.
> Or is it cheap chocolate and good gin? I never
> remember. No jam--coal to Newcastle and all that. "-)

What an honour, Barb! I think that's great, and loved your report! And the
pics!

Kathi

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> It was fun. My first lady is a fine woman. If you're interested, I've
> posted pictures on my webpage: <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> Here's
> the text:
>

First Minnesota - then look out, world! Fun report. Sounds wonderful meeting
new and diverse people.
Edrena.

In article >, The Joneses
> wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > It was fun. My first lady is a fine woman. If you're interested,
> > I've posted pictures on my webpage:
> > <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> Here's the text:

> First Minnesota - then look out, world! Fun report. Sounds wonderful
> meeting
> new and diverse people.
> Edrena.

I was the only woman wearing a hat, Edrena. "-)
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 6/17/05 Pictures & story
from Notable Women's Dinner at the Governor's Residence.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >, The Joneses
> > wrote:
>
> > Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> >
> > > It was fun. My first lady is a fine woman. If you're interested,
> > > I've posted pictures on my webpage:
> > > <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> Here's the text:
>
> > First Minnesota - then look out, world! Fun report. Sounds wonderful
> > meeting
> > new and diverse people.
> > Edrena.
>
> I was the only woman wearing a hat, Edrena. "-)
> --
> -Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 6/17/05 Pictures & story
> from Notable Women's Dinner at the Governor's Residence.

Yeehaa! Not only talented, but classy as well.
Edrena

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >, The Joneses
> > wrote:
>
>> Melba's Jammin' wrote:

>> First Minnesota - then look out, world! Fun report. Sounds wonderful
>> meeting new and diverse people.

Ditto.

> I was the only woman wearing a hat, Edrena. "-)

Class will out!

> June 25, 1945: Me and Carly Simon.

Now just because I'm a day older* doesn't mean you can say "you were
born yesterday."

*although '52

B/

In article >,
wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > In article >, The Joneses
> > > wrote:
> >
> >> Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> > I was the only woman wearing a hat, Edrena. "-)
>
> Class will out!

I don't know. I got to thinking maybe I don't know hat etiquette or
something -- like you don't wear one after 5:00 or something? I have to
say I was surprised.

> > June 25, 1945: Me and Carly Simon.
>
> Now just because I'm a day older* doesn't mean you can say "you were
> born yesterday."
>
> *although '52
>
> B/

Young pup!
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 6/17/05 Pictures & story
from Notable Women's Dinner at the Governor's Residence.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> In article >,
> wrote:
>
>
>>Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>>
>>
>>>In article >, The Joneses
> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
>
>>>I was the only woman wearing a hat, Edrena. "-)
>>
>>Class will out!
>
>
> I don't know. I got to thinking maybe I don't know hat etiquette or
> something -- like you don't wear one after 5:00 or something? I have to
> say I was surprised.
>
>
>> > June 25, 1945: Me and Carly Simon.
>>
>>Now just because I'm a day older* doesn't mean you can say "you were
>>born yesterday."
>>
>>*although '52
>>
>>B/
>
>
> Young pup!

Is Brian saying he was born in 1952? My Gawd, I've got shoes older than
he is!

George

Thanks for the report, Barb. And the photos. Now I finally get to see
my jam lady. You were the one on the left, right? (or right, left)

So your hostess gift basket inluded brownies, quickly mentioned? Were
they labelled with the original and authentic full name -- the name
that got me into trouble when I brought them to work.

In article .com>,
" > wrote:

> Thanks for the report, Barb. And the photos. Now I finally get to see
> my jam lady. You were the one on the left, right? (or right, left)
>
> So your hostess gift basket inluded brownies, quickly mentioned? Were
> they labelled with the original and authentic full name -- the name
> that got me into trouble when I brought them to work.

I'm the one with the stunning silver hair, wearing the hat. You
silver-tongued fox, you. And yes, most assuredly, they were labeled
with their original and authentic full name. The First Lady's assistant
quickly said, when the First Lady reacted, "that's their real name --
they're all over the internet." <8-0) The Apricot Jam label says,
"Obscenely delicious‹look out for the Vice Squad!"
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 6/17/05 Pictures & story
from Notable Women's Dinner at the Governor's Residence.

On Sat, 18 Jun 2005 23:32:26 -0500, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>In article .com>,
" > wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the report, Barb. And the photos. Now I finally get to see
>> my jam lady. You were the one on the left, right? (or right, left)
>>
>> So your hostess gift basket inluded brownies, quickly mentioned? Were
>> they labelled with the original and authentic full name -- the name
>> that got me into trouble when I brought them to work.
>
>I'm the one with the stunning silver hair, wearing the hat. You
>silver-tongued fox, you. And yes, most assuredly, they were labeled
>with their original and authentic full name. The First Lady's assistant
>quickly said, when the First Lady reacted, "that's their real name --
>they're all over the internet." <8-0) The Apricot Jam label says,
>"Obscenely delicious‹look out for the Vice Squad!"

Ok, for the uninitiated amongst us, what is the name of these
brownies?

Loki

In article >,
wrote:

> On Sat, 18 Jun 2005 23:32:26 -0500, Melba's Jammin'
> > wrote:
>
> >In article .com>,
> " > wrote:
> >> So your hostess gift basket inluded brownies, quickly mentioned? Were
> >> they labelled with the original and authentic full name -- the name
> >> that got me into trouble when I brought them to work.

> Ok, for the uninitiated amongst us, what is the name of these
> brownies?
>
> Loki

Just for the heck of it, I Googled with this (sans quotation marks)
"Brownies + Barb" Lo, if it wasn't the first one on the list.
Charlotte Blackmer's got it in her weblog.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&i...wnies+%2B+Barb

They're pretty good, Loki.
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> 6/17/05 Pictures & story
from Notable Women's Dinner at the Governor's Residence.