In the Midwest there is a lot of things we are very excited about that people from other parts of the country may not understand. Some of these items include:
- Farm animals
- Hunting
- Eating local produce, meat, diary, etc
- Actually knowing farmers who have live stock and crops
- The farm smells that bring comfort (pigs, ponds, or soy beans to name a few)
- Our Iowan mountains….that are really just rolling hills
- Silos
- John Deere families vs Case families, which I am part of a Case family…. thanks to my Papa
- Swimming in ponds, creeks, and rock quarries
- The weather’s never ending ability to change throughout the day. You can go from turning on your air conditioning, to turning on the heat, to opening your windows, and back around again in the short period of one day…
A huge summer event that has become a favorite of mine is the Iowa State Fair. It is huge. It is fabulous. It is every year. And it is open to everyone that wants to buy a ticket. At the fair there isn’t just rides and games, but there is food. And all of this food is fried and on a stick. Those who are not from the Midwest may not understand how important it is to eat food that is dipped in batter, butter, and fried when you are on “vacation”. This year my summer vacation was going up to the fair for the day with my mom and my 5 year old niece. I had an amazing time with these two, and I can’t wait to head back next year with more of my family members.
Welcome to the fair!
Piggy!
Ribbon winning flowers
Little muckin!
Cruising along
Her own bag of cotton candy (one of my favorites ever!)
Too many options to choice from….
Just blow drying a sheep for show. Hello Iowa.
Myself and a pig!
Rocking the full cowboy gear 🙂
Some of the rides
One of the many, many, many pieces of food that was consumed that day
She does love fried pickles!
One of my prizes!
I continue to think about moving away after I graduate in May, but really could I leave this state that has taken care of me for 21 years of my life? It is welcoming. It is cozy. My family is here. I know and love how the state runs. It is a good thing that I have time to figure it out still before any actions have to be taken.
What makes your state the best? How are you comforted by it?
Until again, alc
Pug it up and change. 