Sloppy Greek Pitas with Creamy Cucumber Relish

It’s that State Fair time of year here in Minnesota and with everything, but the kitchen sink, being deep-fried, dipped or drenched, I felt encouraged to create a hand-held sandwich with a healthier twist. 

It’s a healthier remake of the Sloppy Joe and has a Greek Mediterranean twist. 

Our Minnesota State Fair, like many, has some unique and creative food concoctions transformed on a stick, in a waffle, between a bun or beside a mountain of whipped cream. So, if these don't sit well with you, here is my fair food creation minus the grease bomb gut feeling or the sugar laden high.  

A Tale of a Fateful Trip!

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip....

If you grew up in the 70's and, maybe like me, Gilligan's Island was a favorite T.V. show as a kid. Then, of course, you must remember the iconic theme song that would start every episode. 

This song is carved in my memory and it's still a good sing-along even if I heard it today. The little ditty told a tale of a cast of characters on a 3 hour tour aboard a tiny ship that would be tossed in a rainstorm and land on an uncharted island. 

You're probably wondering why in the world I would be dredging up flashbacks of a childhood T.V. show. 

Oddly enough, it's what came into my head when thinking about my trip aboard our little boat and motoring down the Mississippi River on one fateful afternoon. 

This sailing story also has a Gilligan, that'd be me and a Skipper too, that'd be Mister O. However, our cast of characters didn't sail with us for a 3 hour tour, but rather would be met along the way to our charted destination. 

How Stormy Weather Brightened the Blues With Harmony

It was ironic that a summer thunderstorm to start a Saturday morning was the day we had planned for the blues. 

As I sipped my coffee gazing out the window to watch the rain drops bounce off the pavement, I had a sense of mixed feelings. It was relaxing to watch the rain and hear the rumbling of thunder in the distance, but this was also the day we had planned to go to the Lowertown Blues and Funk Festival. 

It was the annual outdoor music fest taking place at in downtown St Paul. They said the blues and funk party would begin at 11:30 rain or shine. 

However, the weather man was spinning another funky forecast. The threat of possible tornado warnings could put a different twist on the whole shake, rattle and roll event.  

Still sipping my coffee, I watched the birds eat their morning seeds as they soared through the rain back to the trees and I wondered if the day would be saturated in the blues of stormy weather instead. 

August's Picture The Possibilities

Small Town Thunderstorm by Darcy Sime Photography - https://www.flickr.com/photos/djsime

Storm Strikes Quote - http://www.asquareofchocolate.com/

I love when I hear stories of triumph over tragedy. 

Like the storm that rolls through leaving damage in its path, will you triumph to pick up the pieces and move on to a better day. 

This couldn't be more true than when you learn about Norman Malone's heartbreaking story that swiftly turns heartwarming.