Alicia: I wear my empty original engagement ring on a chain around my neck – we had the rock re-set in something new – and every time I look at it, it still cracks me up, too. Whew!

Heidi: Gooseberry Falls and Temperance are two of our very favorite places for hiking to waterfalls. So beautiful up there, no wonder you have such fond memories. They were lovely and make me want to sit in a booth at Betty’s more than ever.

Carolyn: I can’t wait to make another one either – warm or cool!

The old, little Betty’s Pies. When it had criss cross cut fries. And every one had to cram inside because it was very small. (Are the “bathrooms” still out back?) We would go at least once during our week vacation, after a hike at Gooseberry Falls or the Temperance River. I remember one time in particular. It was rainy and the windows were steamy. I was waiting for my burger basket and a piece of coconut cream pie. I would alternately look out the window at the Lake Superior waves, big and crashing on the shore, and then around the warm cafe at the hand printed signs and kitchen-ey knick knacks that were the decorations. I felt so secure and so happy and so in love with that big lake and the pie that about to come. It is a moment that has always stayed with me .

I just started taking my family up to the North Shore (as we Minnesotans call it) in the last few years. Betty’s Pies has gotten bigger and some of my old haunts are gone but on my list of “to do’s” is always – have a piece of pie.

April:
That ‘pasty chicken butt’ post of yours is still cracking me up. Lots of berries at the farmer’s market…