How had I never before realized that my parents’ town’s name is beer-related??? My recent Oktoberfest beer chat with Katie (Katie’s Cucina) and Ricardo (The Beer Guerrilla) made me notice the stein in Steinbach. So when our plane touched down in Manitoba last week I wondered if there would be an Oktoberfest celebration going on.

I had obviously forgotten that until very recently, Steinbach was a dry town. Perhaps “German” and “dry town” don’t fit together in your mind but it’s worth noting that Steinbach is a Mennonite town with a rich history. A rich history that is now informing me of the true meaning of stein in Steinbach, which does not in fact have any relation to beer. It instead means “stony” (the bach meaning “brooke”).

:(

Oh well. There might not be any beer-relatedness in this town’s name nor any Oktoberfest celebrations going on nearby but there is PLENTY of hearty fall food (thanks Mom!), good drink (thanks Dad!) and the best people in the world to hang out with (thanks Mom, Dad, Graz, Mike and Ange! And all the kidlets too, of course).

And Orlando friends, be ready to get your bratwurst on because all these Oktoberfest thoughts have inspired me. When I get home you are totally being invited to an Oktoberfest party chez moi!

One more thing. The main reason we’re in Manitoba this time is to celebrate my wonderful, helpful, loving, good-cooking mom, Phyllis, because it’s her birthday TODAY. If you know her (and even if you don’t) please make sure you wish her a Happy Birthday!

Happy Oktoberfest Everyone.

Happy Birthday Mom. We love you!