A couple of years ago, my friend Jess told me about the Pizza Farm. At first, I was not sure what to think of such a place. Was it a farm house made entirely of pizza boxes? Could farmers actually grow pizzas from the soil? Despite growing up in a tiny farming community in the middle of North Dakota, even this was something I had never heard of. What, pray tell, was a Pizza Farm? Jess explained. The Pizza Farm is a real farm tucked back in the fields of Wisconsin where, every Tuesday night in the summer months, they bake lovely pizzas made fresh from ingredients they produce themselves. It was local food done with great care and attention. Once I understood what this mythical place really was, I knew I had to check it out. Unfortunately, on most Tuesdays I am at work. This makes a mid-day trek to rural Wisconsin somewhat challenging. Enter, my summer Stay-cation and a whole week of leisurely time just perfect for a pizza adventure.Jess and I made our plans and hopped in the car on a tragically hot and steamy August day. We set out to find this gem of pizza nirvana. A couple hours later, a few pit stops to take in the local scenery and we were there. Eureka! We found it.
The farm is just a few miles outside of Stockholm, WI. You will find no signs directing you to the location. They don't advertise. They don't have to. Our arrival at 5pm was fortuitous as several hungry visitors preceded us and had descended like a swarm of locusts. As we got in line to order, several more ravenous guests were flanking us to the right and left. This place was certainly popular. Jess and I arrived just in time and were able to place our order quickly after spending a few minutes studying the chalkboard menu. The pizza options reflect the bounty of the land -- onion, herbs, eggplant, beets, fresh tomato. They have sausage made from "happy pigs" and cheese made the milk of cows and sheep residing in the pasture just a few clicks away. Add in a few delights like kalamata olives and you have yourself one delicious pizza.
It only took about 10 minutes for us to get our pie. They have 2 big wood burning ovens going and, apparently, dish out about one pizza each minute. Don't expect any fancy sides or accompaniments. It's just pizza. They don't even sell beverages and they don't have plates or napkins. Everything is bring your own and you take your trash with you when you leave. There are some nice open spots of grass where you can throw down a blanket, catch some shade and enjoy your food.I would highly recommend making a Tuesday trip to the Pizza Farm. Bring a little salt and pepper with you (pizzas could have used a little seasoning), grab a 6 pack of beer or a bottle of wine and take in this sustainable and satisfying culinary find. Oh, and if the pizza alone doesn't hit the spot, there is a great little pie shop in Stockholm where you can pick up some yummy baked goodness.In my next life, I want to live on a Pizza Farm and grow a Pizza Garden and maybe, just maybe, I'll have a Calzone Community of my very own.
Back with more Besties y'all. Did you miss me?Past week's winners are . . .Brazilian BlowoutA few weeks ago, I asked you, my dear blog readers, to weigh in on the hair question hanging over my head. Should I try this new, hair smoothing process and join the ranks of the frizzy and fly-away discontented? Do I drop the considerable cash outlay in the hope of experiencing a straighter and sleeker do? Well, my friends, I did it. I made that appointment and last week it happened. After 90 minutes and some close encounters with a 450 degree flat iron, my dream was completed. It looks pretty good too! I've washed my hair a few times already and still it remains smooth and silky. It is supposed to last for 3 months so I will report back with the longer-term results. We'll see . . . here is the before and after.Before [super wavy, sometimes out-of-control, frizzy in humidity and generally unkempt]:
After:
Oh, CanadaOver the weekend, Mr. Oz and I had the distinct pleasure to spend several days with my family at a cabin on Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada. Beautiful weather. Amazingly tranquil location far, far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. We did not have cell coverage or internet service, no t.v. and few distractions other than fishing, sunning, playing games and enjoying some fine adult beverages. It was great to forcefully unplug. Of course, there were a lot of laughs all around as well as some tasty food including a fish fry consisting of fish caught by my family the previous day! The abundance of wildlife is also quite incredible. We saw a bald eagle and the elusive Whistle Pig. That's right. Whistle Pig. Look it up. It's a real animal. 
My sister and her husband were excellent hosts. They rolled out the red carpet treatment for us despite all of the work it must have taken to prepare and clean up afterward. Thanks Scribble and Mr. Scribble! Thank you Canada and your crazy socialist medicine, maple leaves and strange obsession with the Queen. It was awesome, eh.Jon Stewart & The Daily Show Rips on the GovernmentThis speaks for itself. So hilarious and yet so provokingly truthful. Someone recently told me that in a nationwide poll, Jon Stewart was named the most trusted person in the media. I tend to agree with this, but also am filled with sadness that a satirist and comedian is who we have to go to for an accurate reporting of our news. Is it wrong to believe that our leaders should stand on their principles and move forward with the things they promised? Or, do we relegate this to the stuff of pure naivety and misguided hope? When do we stop allowing ourselves to be pandered to and duped and, instead, insist on follow through and "change we can believe in?" While many things in this world are nuanced shades of gray, integrity is not one of them. Either you have it or you don't. I, for one, am still hopeful that these promises will be kept. I believe in you, Mr. President. Do you believe in us?
