The differences between where we live and the places we visit are always an interesting study to me. We have been to Missouri before (besides the family connection, Rick did a six-week residency there during vet school), so I was braced for the heat and humidity. But I had forgotten how wooded and hilly it is, with dense undergrowth and lots of enviably green, lush grass. Above was the lovely view out the patio door at Rick's cousin's house, where we spent our first night. No wonder all the cattle we saw were fat and happy!
I had also forgotten the BUGS. When we arrived at Rick's cousin's Friday night, there was a thick swarm around the porch light. Cicadas droned LOUDLY day and night everywhere we went; tent caterpillars festooned nearly every tree. These two beautiful butterflies landed in my path at Silver Dollar City, reminding me that some "bugs" are breathtaking in a good way. :-)
This fellow was on the country road we traveled one day. We don't see turtles in our area although there must be some; we stopped so Brian could see it and then moved it out of harm's way. Rick's aunt said box turtles are becoming scarce because of road kills, often intentionally run over for the sound they make. That made me very sad; I don't understand people who do things like that.Another huge difference I had forgotten about was the food. I didn't expect to see an espresso stand on every corner; I know that's a NW phenomenon. But when we stopped to eat supper Friday evening on our way to Rick's cousin's, it all came rushing back: this is not vegetarian-friendly country. Instead of lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains and an impressive assortment of options for the non-carnivore, most menus feature meat: meat and fried foods, meat and "well" cooked vegetable sides flavored with more meat, beans with meat, salads with meat - and lots of white bread, biscuits and potatoes. Never fear; we didn't starve. But our systems noticed the lack of fiber, and we were all craving some heapin' helpin's of lightly steamed veggies and my whole-grain homemade bread by the time time we got home Wednesday night!
That's it for now at . . .
6 comments:
What a little sweetie that tortoise is! I love seeing the different wildlife when I go away (come to think of it, that is my main reason for going on holiday!) but in particular I like photographing butterflies and reptiles. No idea why, they just appeal!
Looks like you had a fab time, hope you're enjoying proper food now though. I found it pretty tough in Wyoming some of the time! I thought English Fry-ups were a coronary on a plate... clearly we have much to learn from certain spots across the pond!!
I had a pet box turtle as a child, Touche. He was one of my favorites. :)
I do love to travel, but sometimes it's good to return home to what is comfortable for us!
I miss turtles!!!! We don't have them here, but then this area is "the Bones of the Earth" as MBB said to me once.
Thank you, Michelle - for brining back fond memories of the midwest - even if it does include bugs. ;)
Yes, the food is so different in the middle stripe of the country. Spent a lot of time in Minneapolis this year when my sister was sick; I craved so many things that you only get on the west coast. Loved the chickens. My egg lady has barred Plymouth Rock birds. They are beautiful. Glad you are home safe and sound and had a good time.
Looks like a great trip! I love the pic of the little box turtle, disgusts me how people purposfully run them over though! They outta be... well, nevermind. But if I had my way with them...
Funny how you crave the food from home. I like meat but we don't eat it every night and certainly not fried. I also love my veggies lightly steamed and fresh whole wheat bread is the best! :D
I think it's interesting how many of us have roots down there. My relatives came to Frankfort, Kentucky from Scotland, then moved to Missouri - does it end with an "a" or an '"i? And boy oh boy is it humid. You wear the air.
Post a Comment