Tag: Pacific Northwest

Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky.

Sometimes, southern Wisconsin really reminds me of the Pacific Northwest. It's been one week since we've had even a glimpse of the sun. That lone jellyfish cloud in a sea of blue sky last Thursday was the last time I spotted any sort of bright glowing orb (Christmas lights and lava lamps notwithstanding). Not only … Continue reading Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky.

Nostalgia is Fine, But the Midwest is Mine

Three years ago today, we arrived in Rapid City. Happy Dakotaversary to us. Three years, man. It doesn't even seem possible. There's a cliche about time passing in the blink of an eye, but I swear, living here still feels like a novelty. The newness has yet to wear off, and I have no idea … Continue reading Nostalgia is Fine, But the Midwest is Mine

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

It's always a joy to find an unexpected flamingo from an anonymous sender in your mailbox! Actually, there were two — a veritable mini flock, if you will. This ornament and an ice cube tray. I can't wait to make cocktails with flamingo ice! Pretty sure I know who my not-so-secret Santa is in this … Continue reading Breaking Up is Hard to Do

Whine and Dine

I just dropped my parents off at the airport after a weeklong visit. It's always a bittersweet feeling; on the one hand, it's nice to have our routine back (and I've missed driving my car). But the house feels so quiet and empty afterward for those first 24 hours. Having that freedom you take for … Continue reading Whine and Dine

June 24, or, How I Arrived Here (Twice)

Twice on June 24, I arrived in Rapid City. I don't think I even realized that until a couple of days ago. Obviously, the anniversary of our arrival on this date two years ago has been top-of-mind lately. But equally momentous—though I did not realize it at the time—was June 24, 2011. I have a … Continue reading June 24, or, How I Arrived Here (Twice)

Pretzels are the New Pickles

There are surprisingly few things I miss about living in the PNW. Family and friends, of course. Powell's Books. Liberalism. But most of my fondest memories are tempered by reality: the worsening traffic jams, the median home price inching ever closer to $400,000. Tara longs for the ocean at times, and while the ruggedly beautiful … Continue reading Pretzels are the New Pickles

10 Things I Love About You

I woke up Sunday morning and asked Tara, "Hey, wanna move to South Dakota this week?" Fortunately, she was down. So: here we are. Moving week. Four more days! It still feels surreal, even though Tara's last day at work was Friday and mine is Wednesday. This is the final push! She'll be busy packing … Continue reading 10 Things I Love About You

This Looks Familiar

Six years ago, shortly after Tara moved out here, we took a drive and came across a couple who were stuck in the snow. We helped them out of that jam by enlisting the aid of a guy with a pickup truck and a tow hitch who happened to be camping nearby. In an odd … Continue reading This Looks Familiar

From Chinook to Chislic

I came across an article in Portland Monthly last week on bierocks, a Midwestern staple that resembles a glorified Hot Pocket. Apparently I am not the only one who has never heard of them because Microsoft Word doesn't recognize the word, underlining it in red and suggesting I really mean "bureaux." I do not, MS … Continue reading From Chinook to Chislic