The Midwest, A to Z: lakes, Route 66 and Stay-Home Vacations

The February Midwest Living Magazine, in honor of its 20th anniversary, compiled a list of what makes the Midwest so special and did it alphabetically. Here is their list with their and my comments:

a- for the American Gothic painting by Grant Wood of the couple with a pitchfork in front of the home in Eldon, Iowa.
b- blue jeans for an honest day's work. I would have said Chicago Blues. The World Capital of the Blues.
c- corn on the cob- mighty fine here in Illinois

d- Diner- good food for cheap
e- education- great schools like Northern Illinois University in Dekalb and Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Il.
f- fair- like the great Illinois State Fair in Springfield right on Route 66.

g- Gateway Arch in St. Louis and right by Route 66
h- horizon with wide open spaces, great sunsets, endless seas of sky and earth.
i- Indy racing- nothing beats fun at the Old Brickyard.

j- jazz from Kansas City. Also blues in Chicago and Motown in Detroit.
k- kitchen table where families, friends gather at home
l- lakes and lots of them from Minnesota, the "Land of a Thousand Lakes", the Great Lakes, and Illinois' Chain of Lakes.

m- Main Street the heart of our small towns to congregate, work, and play. Then there's the annual Corn Festival on DeKalb, Illinois' main street, the Lincoln Highway.
n- Neighbors helping hands, more than just the people next door.
o- oaks tall and mighty and digging those acorns. But don't stand under one when the acorns are dropping.

p- prairie style - Frank Lloyd Wright's simple design inspired by long expanses.
q- quilts- ozy, colorful fabrics hearken to the pioneer past.
r- ROUTE 66- getting your kicks in Illinois, Missouri, and 13.2 miles in Kansas.

s- seasons- nothing like the change of seasons, especially magnificent fall.
t- thunderstorms lighting up the landscape
u- U-pick fresh produce and a hands-on connection to the land.

v- vacations- close-to-home beaches, mountains, forests, prairies, museums, parks,small-town charm, and big-city culture.
w- walleye- "What the Hell You Got Against Fish?" Thanks to Pat Dailey, the voice of the Great Lakes.
x-roads- the crossroads of the country

y- yards- freedom and space for living. I cut mine about once a week, more when it rains a lot.
z- zany- our sense of humor and sites that show it, like big balls of twine, Nebraska's Carhenge, and the Oz museum in Liberal, Kansas. Liberal got its name when free water was given to travelers in covered wagons. The people would say, "Mighty liberal of you."

Loving This Great Midwest. --RoadDog