Have I told you about my helper? Well, actually I have several. It isn't uncommon to see Dad helping load my bread into the van. It is also a common sight to see Mom and both of my sisters tackling the large stack of dirty dishes I have left on the counter. Yet, there is one person who has made this summer's baking possible more than anyone else. Meet Maren, my oldest sister. She has been my personal slave. When too many timers were going at once, it was Maren who was ordered to run and check the baking bread. As the bread cooled it was Maren who kept an eye on it and bagged it when ready. It was Maren who swept up my flour messes on the floor. When the kitchen needed to be cleaned up, it was Maren who tackled the mess. I could go on a long time with all the jobs my sister did for me as I baked. Without her help I could not have kept so many people supplied with bread. So to Maren goes my thanks - and so should yours.
There were times this summer when our roles swapped. She became the head baker and I the assistant. Maren measured, stirred, and patiently baked over 300 pounds of granola this summer. (Picture 300 boxes of cereal!) As a result of her work, many customers have been happy and healthy because of this nutritious food. Once again, if you were one of these people (the happy/healthy ones), it is to Maren your thanks should go.
Most likely when she sees this post, she will say, "You didn't have to do that. You could have spent that time baking or resting instead". But no, Maren, you are worth much more than these words and a few minutes of typing. Thank you!
Love,
Elsa
A few of the 300+ pounds of Maren's granola.
We're ready to go! It is 8:00 AM, and the van is loaded with bread, granola, and all the sweets. There is no way all this baking could fit in here without the racks Dad made!
An inside view of the packed van. Maren's oraganization is key.
Me at the wheel, ready for the hour drive to Detroit Lakes.
This is customer appreciation day. To make it special, I have "brownie bite" samples. 
Backing up a little... 
... and close up.
A veiw from behind the tables. They are looking a bit empty.
My family joins in on the festive day with a little picnic. Sure it is nice to sell out, but nothing could be better than a little time with the whole family!
