Yes, I’ve made it a point that I’d visit with my “family” and friends back in Minnesota (it’s my second home on earth) — not a one-time thingy. Some of them in the Twin Cities area, while the rest are way up in Bemidji. Of course, money is the biggest concern. Struggling to save up. Haha!

Oh, and yes! Please drop me a note when you’re planning on a trip to Malaysia. In fact, my American best friend and her boyfriend (both Prior Lake natives) will be staying in Southeast Asia for 10 months, beginning May, and during which we are hoping for a reunion. (Been close to two years since I left the States.)

Anyhow, I’ll definitely be back to “listen” to your stories. You can visit with me over on my journal, if you have the time. Take care. =)

You know why I was excited upon finding your blog? Here is another Minnesotan! (The same happened when I discovered Cooking for Seven, Erica Lea’s blog, who is based in northern Minnesota.) I’m actually from Malaysia, and has returned home upon graduation, after a three-year stay in Bemidji. Reading your words brings me back to Minnesota. (Oh, I miss the life back in America.) My American family friends also churn out artisan syrup at this time of year, with the maples in their 40-acre backyard. I was totally blown away the first time I saw it, as a city girl who grew up in a crowded Asian metropolis.

“Spring in Minnesota is delicious …” — agreed, albeit too cold for me, still. Haha! Another exciting part about the spring in Minnesota has to do with rhubarb, particularly late in the spring. I got to visit with an American expat here in Kuala Lumpur, the thing we miss a lot would be rhubarb. It’s not easily accessible and pricey.

Thank you so much for such a beautiful blog. Keep it up!

With warmest regards, all the way from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.