One from the Heart
By Chris Lee
Photo by Steve McHugh
For Minnesotans, 2007 has been one of those years. We got a one-two punch: First, the 35W bridge fell into the Mississippi, taking with it 13 lives and our trust in the state’s infrastructure. Less than three weeks later, a record rainfall swept away homes and upturned lives in the southeastern Minnesota towns of Rushford and Stockton.
Both disasters produced acts of quiet heroism and selflessness, Minnesota-style. Between those two events came another that wasn’t so quiet, but just as selfless: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition came to the Twin Cities on August 21 to give a home to the Swenson-Lees of Minnetonka, a family sorely in need of a new beginning. Their story, featured in “Extreme Heart” and on the 100th episode of the show November 25, will touch your heart. So will the can-do spirit of the thousands of local volunteers—builders, craftspeople, and suppliers—who built the new 5,600-square-foot house in just 99 hours.
Our celebration of the joy of giving continues with “Sweet Tradition.” Meet the Anselmo family of Edina and join them for a caramel or homemade Nut Goodie. (You’ll find all of Jeanne Anselmo’s candy recipes here.) Even the youngest members of the family wrap and package Jeanne’s special holiday caramels—and learn to pass along the Christmas spirit by sharing the sweets with friends and neighbors.
For more grown-up fun, visit Tim Ricker and David Lepak for “Christmas on Crocus Hill.” Each year, the two re-create a European hunting-lodge holiday in their St. Paul home for the celebratory pleasure of family and friends. Across town, join Marsha Hunt for “Tidings of Joy,” a holiday gathering aglow with brilliant color and nostalgia.
For your own holiday gift giving, check out “Make It Sparkle:" 25 great ideas for everyone on your list, from foodies to pampered pups to guys who love gadgets.
Here’s to 2008.
Chris Lee, Editor
clee@mhmag.com
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