I am not sure how extensively George and Lillian traveled the world but I have found a few items indicating they did do some exploring.  I have a copy of George’s passport application that he filled out on behalf of himself and Lillian in December of 1923.

On the countries of Greece, France, Spain, Italy, England, and Turkey are indicated. Records show that they sailed from England in 1924 and from Havana, Cuba, in 1926 so it seems they did get around a bit. I don’t know if they ever reached India, but I hope they would have enjoyed the program we have coming up at the Hormel Home on Feb. 23.

In partnership with Austin’s Community Education program the HHH will offer an Indian Culinary Experience from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23.

 A taste of India

Austin Pediatrician, Dr. Vijay Chawla, and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, will share treasured family recipes from Northern India. You will experience the true taste of home-cooked, all natural Indian cuisine such as Chicken Masala and Rice Pilau. Dr. Chawla and her family have created a brand of spices that make preparing traditional Indian food easier for the fast-paced American home. You can find out more about their company, Kaveli Foods, at www.kavelifoods.com.

I know Lillian loved to cook and was a wonderful hostess. I also know that George grew up on German delicacies made by his mother. I can only assume that they might have welcomed the exposure to this more exotic cuisine.

You can register for the class by calling 507-460-1706 or online at http://austin.revtrak.net.  The cost is $20 per person.

 Autism Awareness

On another note, I recently attended a meeting in Rochester for the southeast Minnesota Autism Awareness group.

This group was formed as a way to consolidate a list of Autism resources available in our area. This is a great comprehensive tool for families affected by ASD. The list is available on their website www.semnaa.com along with a calendar of events.  Those in attendance at the meeting were very interested in and impressed by the services available in Austin such as the summer camps, the monthly respite nights and the Peer Power Partners Program.

There are currently few similar programs in Rochester specifically for the ASD community.  I am proud that we are able to offer such unique programs and thank those of you who have supported us in the past.

Registration has begun for the Stepping Out for Autism Walk, our annual fundraiser, to be held on April 26 from 10-12:30 p.m. at Bandshell Community Park (Skinner’s Hill).  Individual, family and team registration forms are available to print at www.hormelhistorichome.org.

Winter Arts Triathlon 

Monday, February 17, 2014

Free activities will be offered for kids pre-K-fifth-grade by the Hormel Historic Home and the Paramount Theatre to provide a fun way to spend this No School Day.

No registration required. Parent supervision required. Visit the Paramount from 2 to 3 p.m. and the HHH from 3 to 4 p.m. for fun games, activities, and treats.

Social Concerns: Digging Into Clutter

Presented by April Strand of Simply Organized,

10 a.m., Feb. 18

April is a professional organizer who will share ideas to help you organize your home and life one room at a time. Please call to register and let us know what is the most troublesome spot in your home or office to keep organized.