Culture Shock

Humidity is something that we are trying to adjust to. We woke up this morning to 100% humidity. The rain was heavy, and even after it stopped, the air stayed thick all day. The kids kept asking why their clothes were wet and why they are sweating so much. The temperature in Morrision probably never topped 85 today, but with the mugginess, it was tough on all of us westsiders.

Morrison has a history. I will try to learn it before we leave in 5 days. Why do almost all towns like Morrison (and Colville) have streets named after the first 4 presidents and various trees?

Cousin KC fried up some catfish for everyone. Ella wouldn't eat any because she heard somewhere what they eat. I think I may have used a Grandpa Ed term once (something about a krikled-neck-turd-snapper). Actually, KC did a great job. The fish was good and the hospitality has been appreciated by all.

The fish-fry was out at Aunt Jane's farm in KC's "milk-house bar." Ray and Grandpa Greg enjoyed some of the pictures hanging on the walls. Ray's comment was, "this is nicer than my house."

Marci and Ray with the Honoree herself - Grandma Sissy (my favorite trombone player)). Sissy turns 89 this year and will be honored during a large celebration on Sunday. She has had tears in her eyes all day today.

The kids all had fun playing games and getting to know each other. It is fun to get to know your cousins.

We do take requests here on the FROG. Amy asked for a tummy picture of Corey (or Tia as Sam-and-Ella call her). Corey and baby look great.

We do live in different cultures between Colville and Morrison. Just some examples- I asked several stores for a block of ice today and was scowled at like I was the village idiot. But you can buy a 20 pound bag of cubed ice here. Do you know how many ice cubes are in a 20 pound bag? Main street Morrison is a one way street, however, there is no one way street sign for those of us from Colville. People look at me as if I were from Finland or something. When you are asked in Morrison if you like fish, what they mean is do you like fried cat fish. I do like fried cat fish, but that is what fish is here, just so you know (how was that salmon and halibut you just got, Dad?). ALL streams, rivers, creeks (pronounced cricks) and any other kind of moving water are muddy. Oh and this just came to mind... Minnesota may be the land of 10,000 lakes, but I didn't see a single one the entire 15 hours that I was there. Thanks to Dog Boy and Fricke for the firefly responses (see comments on past FROG entries).

I will go out and explore a bit tomorrow, Brent