It's been almost a year since our move from beautiful Washington state to the equally gorgeous Missouri. In that time this born and raised Pacific Northwesterner has learned a few key things about life in the Midwest, and in life in general.
In Washington it's quite an uncommon site (really uncommon) unless you're watching the General Lee on the Dukes of Hazzard, the Confederate flag has been at the center of so much conterversy as of late with a huge push that it represents a group of racist Americans. Here, in the heart of America, the Confederate flag flies proudly in front yards, in back of pickup trucks, and across all types of apparel young and old. I see men and women have it permently added to their skin, jewelry worn, belt buckles shinning. And you know what? They are some of the nicest, kindest, funniest damn people I have ever met. Not one of the folks I have met has made any racist comments, or present that sort of view. Most people I've met are just hard working honest folk that's trying to survive like me.
With a heat index reaching 100°+ and humidity 100% at times it's no wonder that all native Missourians flock to a riverway near them! It didn't take us long to catch on either, it's the only way to survive the long hot summer. Our son Austin who didn't really like the water before couldn't resist the inviting cool down. Growing up on the Olympic Peninsula I'm no stranger to the water and found the river to be my piece of home. It's where you meet up with your friends to have a barbeque and a beer. Or bring a fishing pole...better yet try you're hand at catching crawfish! Floating has got to be the #1 thing I have been told do since moving here. Seems like everyone goes on a big float trip , yes trip... they will float for miles! So some point this summer I'm sure we'll have a float story to share.
Fridays in the fall only mean one thing around here so you better be representing your favorite high school team! Football under the lights is HUGE here, a giant difference from our hometown football back in Washington. Everyone wears the Liberty Eagles gear year round, but its a whole new world when that pigskin comes out. So popular, that we even get a casual Friday at work to show our pride and support. I jumped at the oppertunity to not only wear a t-shirt, but also the chance to represent the place I now call home. The town comes absolutely alive on these nights! Something else that's different from the PNW is that you can still find local high school games being broadcasted on FM radio, and not just one or two games, dozen of local area games can be picked up.
Coming from a place that had an abundant of wildlife and sealife, we did our research on what creatures we may have in our new home. Of course there is an array of beautiful birds, white tail deer, and a fair share of poisonous arachnids and seperents in Missouri. Luckily we haven't had too many personal encounters with the latter. The snake in the picture (above) was captured by the neighbor kids up the road....it's a harmless, beneficial Black Rat snake. We've also have come across brightly colored turtles, frogs, praying mantis (below) , and armadillos! Most right in our backyard, which is pretty awesome. Two of my favorite insects come out to play in the heat of the summer nights. I was told how amazing the fireflies were here, but words and pictures cannot do the magical feeling of hundreds floating across a pasture justice. Add in the sounds of crickets and cicadas and it's heaven.
What I was not prepared for, was the utter on slaught of tiny blood sucking, skin crawling ticks! I will admit these multiple species insect pushed me close to my freak out point. I can handle spiders no problem but checking everyone (including our dogs) on a daily basis for these pest created a special kind of hate. This year we are more prepared, and been clearing away the thousands of leaves on our property. Fingers crossed our preventive measures reduce these tiny heathens!
Overall, my learning curve here in the Midwest has been a sucessful one. It seems the pace of life slowdowns, and everyone tries to enjoy it. I see 70 year old ranchers along side their teenage grandkids working the fields like generations before them, babies dressed in their Sunday best, and women who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty to cultivate a little earth. Here, cowboy boots and skoal rings are mandatory attire, as well as the red clay stuck to the bottom of their boots. So if nothing else life in the Midwest has taught me to continue to work hard, but slow down and enjoy this ride we call life.