Recently, I had the opportunity to visit bustling cities like New York City, San Francisco, and even Ensenada. While each place had its unique charm, my heart always leads me back to the Midwest. It is truly a wonderful region to grow up in and to spend one’s later years. Do you feel the same connection to this special area? Here are some indicators that you might be a Midwesterner:
- You find yourself praying for rain to nourish the crops, only to switch gears and pray for it to stop so farmers can harvest their fields.
- You feel trepidation at the thought of hurricanes and earthquakes, yet when the tornado siren blares, you head to the porch to witness the spectacle.
- You’ve navigated more gravel roads than paved ones.
- You’ve experienced the frustration of being stuck behind a combine on the highway.
- The first vehicle you learned to drive was a tractor, not a car.
- You can identify the months when wheat, corn, and soybeans are harvested, and you know when hay is hauled.
- You recognize the unmistakable scent of a feedlot.
- It’s common to see men in ball caps and women with windblown hair.
- Catfish and frog legs are regular menu items at local eateries.
- When relatives from out of state visit, you introduce them to cow tipping or snipe hunting.
- You can buy fishing bait right alongside sandwiches at the convenience store.
- In summer, it’s common to find a pickup truck on every other corner selling fresh vegetables or melons.
- Dressing up means donning your least faded jeans, a button-down shirt, and polishing your boots.
- You’ve instinctively slowed down to avoid hitting a turtle, snake, or even a cow.
- Your yard features a tire swing and an incomplete treehouse.
- Your childhood included swimming in ponds or creeks.
- You’ve cleaned cow manure off your boots.
- You are familiar with the term “mountain oysters.”
- Your local veterinarian is on speed dial and knows your address by heart.
- You know the proper side of a horse to mount and how to secure a saddle.
- You’ve played in haylofts, collected fresh eggs, or been chased by a rooster.
- You’ve worked a pump handle and tasted well water.
This article was originally published on July 22, 2015. For more insights into related topics, visit one of our other blog posts here.
In summary, the Midwest is a unique tapestry of experiences, traditions, and culture that shape those who live there. Whether it’s the agricultural practices or the simple joys of rural life, the Midwestern spirit is something to cherish.