Some things will never change. One of the things that will never ever change about me is having a lot of qualities and traits of being from the midwest.

First and foremost, midwesterners are known for their hospitality. They are often known for being just doggone nice and friendly and yep–that’s me. When we are in the “city”, I am always surprised at how people avoid eye contact and speaking to each other. Nope, that is not me. I like to greet folks with a smile and a hello. Just how I was raised.

A lot of foods are common in the. midwest. Casseroles (or hot dish in some states) is a staple and grace many a table and church supper spread. I have quite a few in my repertoire and my boys often kid me about all the casseroles they ate while growing up. They were inexpensive and easy to make ahead for the working mom and they just worked. I love a good casserole. Puppy Chow is another fun food associated with the midwest and our son Aaron loves Puppy Chow. Another name (not midwestern) for this is Muddy Buddies. Not the same ring to it in my opinion.

What reminded me of things that are truly midwestern was this weekend when a friend was having refrigerator issues. Of course being good midwesterners, we have a freezer and a spare fridge in the garage. That was always a thing. You had extra space for things that you might be able to stock up on and keep in the freezer. We used to get quarters or sides of beef to keep in the freezer. It was just what you did. But because we are good midwesterners, we also had an extra little mini fridge that we keep in the apartment space over the garage so we were able to loan that out to a friend in need. Of course we always have a stockpile of canned goods that are easily used which have come in handy during hurricanes and power losses.

I have also been told I have an accent. I think my accent is a bit of a mutt accent because I have lived in so many different places but I guess that midwestern twang comes out now and then. I don’t think that is a bad thing.

I also have heard that being from the midwest means that you are a story teller and can not have a conversation without going into great detail. I have a blogger friend that calls that “going to Ohio” and I get it. Sometimes you need the back story on how something happened or more frequently – how you got to the place you got including detailed directions of what roads were taken. it’s funny how when you grow up with something you just don’t consider it out of the ordinary at all.

So tell me – if you have anything that you associate with the area of the country where you grew up. I would love to hear all about it so leave me a comment and let me know what has stayed with you over the years.