#rivervale_lodge

To think, this might be the last time I prepare lutefisk. Kerri considers the possibility, then scoffs silently. Nonsense. She'll be back to visit.

She goes back to preparing the feast, which features all of Brekke and Frank's favorite dishes.

Dagmar is very, very stoically focused on slicing up an entire bag of onions.

Kerri glances over at her. They're both quieter than usual as they work. Part of that's because Dagmar doesn't need much direction anymore -- Kerri can trust she knows what she's doing.

After all, Dagmar was trained by the best.

"Any last-minute suggestions for the menu?"

A crease between her brows.

Kerri doesn't prod her. There's no rush. The work's getting done.

"Riskrem? I think we have enough leftover rice."

"Oooh, good call. Let me check." A quick glance in the fridge. "Yup. Riskrem it is."

"Plus it's good with coffee. Sally Mae said something about getting good beans for the party."

Kerri gives a slight chuckle. "She keeps trying. I hope she doesn't try to get anything too fancy and flavored. But if she does, I'm sure somebody will like it."

"Hmm. Our coffee consumption is going to decrease abruptly. I guess I need to find more coffee-flavored recipes so Joe-Joe doesn't feel underappreciated."

"I mean, I like the fancy stuff. But no, it's just coffee-coffee and not espresso."

A grin. "Then we must make sure to keep the fancy stuff on hand."

A touch of purple and she shrugs.

The work continues. Some foods are baking. Some are prepared and waiting for the grill. And now the work commences on the Riskrem.

After a few minutes, Kerri glances over. "How are things at Rutgers, now? Classes have started, right?"

"Not yet - after Labor Day. Sy & I were up getting the apartment paperwork done, and we can move in the first."

"Good. Sounds like things are going well with you two?" Girl-talk tone.

Another blush!

"Yeah. Much better."

"Good. I'm glad, for both of you." She looks like she wants to pry a bit, but she restrains herself. "And it's the same apartment, right? Or did you decide on a different one?"

"There was a two-bedroom we found. I liked the old place, but this one's more affordable and we didn't need to get another roommate."

"That's probably smart. I'm guessing it's not over a wing place, though."

Siiigh.

"Alas."

"It's only a few blocks away, though. I can walk it."

"True. Or learn to make your own." A wink. "You could do it."

Siv comes with a cardboard box "Okay, got the banner made, tastefully saying 'Journey with Love' on it. Got little origami viking ships for light decorations. Mountain talked me into party hats but I am thinking there is NO Way we're getting them to wear them..."

"Oh god, not deep frying... I dunno, Kerri... hey Siv!"

"Nice job, Siv. And no, I'm not going to try to get them to wear those. Somebody else is welcome to brave that challenge."

"Well, they're goofy little felt hagar horrible hats, historically inaccurate horns and all" She looks bemused "Hey yourself ,Dagmar. You're looking happy. Still riding that post Olympic buzz or was track summer training extra cool?"

"Track camp was good! I'm not the only troll on the team anymore, there's a freshman. She seems nice."

"Oh? Are you taking her under your upper-classman wing?"

"Excellent" Siv says with a smile, as if she were in a great mood.

Kerri gives Siv a second-look, assessing whether that smile is authentic.

"I.. I guess? I mean, I was showing her the ropes."

Siv is a spy, trained in the art of deception! But Kerri has known her for years, and is even more trained in the art of 'detect BS' so... yes, the joy is a mask.

Kerri nods approval at Dagmar's response.

"Siv...Dagmar just suggested we add Riskrem to the menu. Can you do me a favor and ...." she names the next couple of steps on the recipe.

"Sure" Siv says, "You don't want me to put up the decorations first?"

"I think Siv has the best odds of getting them to wear the hats. 'Specially if she asks Frank."

has renamed the channel from "rivervalelodge" to "kerriskornerribsn_beer"

has renamed the channel from "kerriskornerribsnbeer" to "rivervale_lodge"

"It's true, 'Fishie,'" Kerri says with a wink. "And sure, if you want to do decorations first, that's great."

Kerri swats a rename-gnat out of the air.

A light touch on Dagmar's lower back, out of nowhere. It might startle anyone else, but perhaps not Dagmar, as Symon creeps into her shadow.

"Da might put up more of a fight then ye think, my big eyes and pout don't work as well as they used to" A chuckle ,and she gets to putting the decorations up . She doesn't reespond to Fishie but does say "I'll do the Riskrem right after" Clearly she wants to keep busy

A flash of a small smile.