Rochester with the Mister

The 3.5 hour drive to Rochester from Des Moines took us 5.5. Not a big deal though, we really had some time to burn and decided to take a little detour to Hayward, Minnesota. The large sign on the I-35 was screaming at me "Huge Quilt Shop! Hayward. Exit 163." I couldn't resist and KP was kind enough to oblige.

It wasn't until we got to the shop that we realized it was called Calico Hutch. HUTCH? That is my son's nickname! I took that as a sign that we were supposed to be there. It set my heart at peace for some reason.  

Bringing out the blue hair in me!

That sign was not lying. That was the biggest, coolest quilt shop I have ever stepped foot. While paying an arm and a leg for all the wonderful, new, quality fabrics for Kathol Company, the women cutting recommended having lunch at a local bar and grill. That is when we headed to Julio's. 

What a little gem. Good food, great people and KP found the menu item he had been dreaming about the entire trip: A bloody, buddy!

Check out that salami! Holy Genoa!

Hayward, a quaint town of 200, obviously takes advantage of those who are down for stimulating their economy. The bar then recommended we went to Nick's meats to try their award winning beef jerky. That we did. 

Everyone has heard of a Sausage Fest but who really gets first place? 

With only an hour left, it was time to get to Rochester and check in to the hotel. After I tucked in my husband, I took an hour stroll around the Mayo/University of Minnesota, Rochester Campus. As I mentioned before, I had always wanted to go to see this place, but never as a patient. I ho-hummed around the entrance, in the midst of hundreds of doctors. I know this from their suits and badges that donned D.O. and M.D. after their names. I took this beautiful shot right before I puffed my chest and and walked inside. 

In all its glory.

 Once inside, it was easier than I thought. I they had rope lines like the hotels in Las Vegas. They has something like 20 stations of attendants to help you check in and get your number. Yes, I am now a number at the Mayo Clinic. Do I care. Nope. Actually, I am excited. I feel blessed to be given the opportunity for this type of treatment. I swallowed hard trying not to think of the cost.

I left feeling a little empowered. I am ready to take this thing by the horns. That is until tomorrow, when I freak out a little bit. Oh well, in the courtyard there is a lovely place to just sit - and I did just that. I sat right in front of the Peace Fountain which sits in front of an old theatre the historical society has adopted and Barnes & Noble inhabits.

The Peace Fountain

I sat until it was dinner time. We headed out for the early bird special because fasting started at 7. Don't worry, I had another beer.