On this date in 1861, the State of Kansas was admitted to the Union. I looked at last year’s Kansas Day post, and every sentiment I expressed there still applies.
I’d love to be back there again, to live out my remaining days amongst salt of the earth people, to be able to see the Chieves and Jayhawks without paying out the wazoo for some sports package. I’d love to be able to drive to my maternal side of the family for their annual October dinner. I’d love to live in a place that’s a real community, where people look out after each other without being overbearing buttinskis. I’d love to live in a place where Friday night high school football is the event of the week. I’d love to live in a place where wheat fields wave like the sea. Did you know there are more colors of green and gold in a wheat field than you ever imagined? I ‘d love to see a sunset that stretches for miles across the sky. I’d love to be there in pheasant season, and know some hunters who share their bounty (SWMBO and I have had some magnificent pheasant out of our smoke pit).
Man, I miss all that.
-k-
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Even though I was 12 when we moved out of the Midwest, I’ve come to think of myself as a Southerner. I talk with a Southern drawl, I use Southern colloquialisms and I have no intention of ever moving out of the South, or even the CSRA for that matter.
But, man oh man, can you make me miss Norton. It really had a much bigger impact on who I am than I tend to give it credit for. I think that my way of treating and respecting others is a direct result of the social pressures of Norton. That little corner of the world had a way imbuing people with basic decency.
I hope I can pass that sort of thing to my kids, though I won’t have the help of the place itself.
Sounds like a great place. Here’s a hot cocoa toast to Kansas.
Actually, I forgot, it’s hot cocoa AND a thimble of scotch. It was the last bit left in a bottle from the Christmas celebrations. It looked like a horrible thing to let go to waste (it was likely to evaporate if left forgotten) while I was rummaging in the cupboard for cocoa.
Hot cocoa and scotch actually tastes good together. Similar to coffee and Frangelico.
Anyway, here’s another toast to Kansas.
James, you come from good stock, and I’m supremely confident in your ability to pass on those good Kansas values to your kids. I’m a fan of the South as well. Unfortunately, NoVA isn’t South.
PJ, interesting sounding libation. I may have to try that myself. How big a thimble do I use?
-k-
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Happy Kansas Day!…
On this very day, 146 years ago, Kansas was granted statehood into this great union…hence Kansas Day. In honor of this historic day I give you a great quote from Ken Nelson, via Dave Slusher…both Kansas-Expatriates.
Enjoy the quote even if…