I love the cemetery across the street from the subdivision where I live. It's convenient, quiet, and has lovely old trees. I walk there often. I love the Kenosha harbor on Lake Michigan, the farmer's market, the Ravinia Festival, Lake Forest College and its surrounding neighborhood, the maple tree and the river birch tree in our front yard, and my friends in the area. Also, I'm very curious about trying a Paw Paw. They sound delicious.
For those of us who live in cities sacked by tourism, it sometimes feels like all we are the home is is the 10537th McDonald’s, the 76489th souvenier shop and 89542nd specialty coffee shop.
Thanks for giving us an exercise to reconnect and appreciate our hometown.
I’ve heard about paw paws since I was a small child, when my dad would sing the “Picking Up Paw Paws” to me, but I’ve never seen one or even a picture. Very interesting, and now I know why I don’t see them in stores.
And something in my town that I used to love (before I stopped eating meat) was a local barbecue place that isn’t much to look at, the waitresses call everyone “sweetie”, and they always top off your iced tea to go.
I love all the images and home-town pride throughout this post, binding people together who value a unique treasure and the shared values of neighbors.
We found paw paws on our trees for the first time this year. However with the hot weather they ripened quicker than we thought they would. But that's ok because I'm sure the deer and raccoons found them and they did not go to waster.
Love reading all the above. How fun. Never had a paw-paw. Something to look forward to trying.
From midwest- transplanted to PNW. Live near the White River- aptly named as it often appears white from silt that washes off the Emmons Glacier on Mt Rainier. Love to walk next to the river and watch it change through the seasons- salmon coming soon. “The Mountain is out” is a phrase here to mean it’s a clear day- and Mt Rainier is visible. It is a stunning view I never tire of.
When I was a kid I watched Captain Kangaroo. There was a man call Mr. Green Jeans that sang "The Paw-Paw Patch" song. Until now, I thought paw-paw's were something made up for the song. Thanks for enlightening me. They sound delicious. In my area of NY we have the beautiful Finger Lakes. Complete with their deep cold water, cliffs, water falls, hiking trails, grape vineyards, and recreational opportunities galore.
I want to try a paw paw so bad! I have been hearing about them for years! We have many custard apple trees on our farm here in Thailand. I here they are similar? Cant wait to try one some day! enjoy!
The phrase "shining bells in a green valley" evoked a memory of when we were staying in a run-down tourist motel in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. We were in transition for a five-week period in late May/early June. There was an old proud church in town that rang its bells every Sunday and would propel me outside to bask and savor the place we temporarily lived. The motel is gone now, but the park, pond and gazebo are still there!
OMG, I love this post.... First, I have been wanting to find the places and dates to find ripe Paw Paws since hearing about them on the Gastropod podcast. Even in Southern MN, I live a bit too far North to find the trees, so I'd love suggestions from anyone for a future Paw Paw vacation....
One of my "glimmers" or "moments of wonder" (as I call them):
Driving home along the Minnesota River, at just the right time, so that the sun and wind catch the Glitter Trees (Quaking Aspen) at just the right angle... when the light reflects off the leaves like canopies of glistening stars out over the water. And finally arriving home to my certified Super-Mutt, Nika, whose not-so-little body comes alive with the prancing and full body wags of excitement, reuniting after "You've Been Gone for So Long!!!"
I LOVE that image of our beloved Zoe (half Lab, Half golden) who's full body wag powered that tail to sweep everything off the coffee table... spreading the LOVE!
I just had paw paws last week! Such a treat! A neighbor has a small grove in front of their house! They didn’t know what they were until I pointed them out a few years ago! Such a fun surprise!
PS as for persons , my folks basically taught me most of the relevant information, and attitudes, not all perfect but true. Thanks also for the idea of love and gratitude as usual!
Sugar Maple trees and homemade maple syrup, handsome cardinals and also some motley looking molting cardinals, metro parks, the birth place of aviation, a raptor center, and we have paw paws too!
Our suburban Dallas city (Allen, TX) has an extensive network of shady trails that run alongside creeks. Walking the trails is one of my favorite things to do, listening to birdsong, encountering the occasional coyote or snake (it’s always a good reminder that we live in their home!), and saying good morning to every neighbor I pass.
Texas has such an interesting environment - so different from the north to the south. I remember almost getting in an accident in my car because I was so taken by the spring blue bonnets between Austin and Huston! So lovely to hear of your walks along those western trails!
I love the cemetery across the street from the subdivision where I live. It's convenient, quiet, and has lovely old trees. I walk there often. I love the Kenosha harbor on Lake Michigan, the farmer's market, the Ravinia Festival, Lake Forest College and its surrounding neighborhood, the maple tree and the river birch tree in our front yard, and my friends in the area. Also, I'm very curious about trying a Paw Paw. They sound delicious.
For those of us who live in cities sacked by tourism, it sometimes feels like all we are the home is is the 10537th McDonald’s, the 76489th souvenier shop and 89542nd specialty coffee shop.
Thanks for giving us an exercise to reconnect and appreciate our hometown.
I’ve heard about paw paws since I was a small child, when my dad would sing the “Picking Up Paw Paws” to me, but I’ve never seen one or even a picture. Very interesting, and now I know why I don’t see them in stores.
And something in my town that I used to love (before I stopped eating meat) was a local barbecue place that isn’t much to look at, the waitresses call everyone “sweetie”, and they always top off your iced tea to go.
I love all the images and home-town pride throughout this post, binding people together who value a unique treasure and the shared values of neighbors.
We found paw paws on our trees for the first time this year. However with the hot weather they ripened quicker than we thought they would. But that's ok because I'm sure the deer and raccoons found them and they did not go to waster.
Terre Haute is the place the first curved Coca-Cola bottle was, made and it's known as the, crossroads of America
Love reading all the above. How fun. Never had a paw-paw. Something to look forward to trying.
From midwest- transplanted to PNW. Live near the White River- aptly named as it often appears white from silt that washes off the Emmons Glacier on Mt Rainier. Love to walk next to the river and watch it change through the seasons- salmon coming soon. “The Mountain is out” is a phrase here to mean it’s a clear day- and Mt Rainier is visible. It is a stunning view I never tire of.
When I was a kid I watched Captain Kangaroo. There was a man call Mr. Green Jeans that sang "The Paw-Paw Patch" song. Until now, I thought paw-paw's were something made up for the song. Thanks for enlightening me. They sound delicious. In my area of NY we have the beautiful Finger Lakes. Complete with their deep cold water, cliffs, water falls, hiking trails, grape vineyards, and recreational opportunities galore.
I want to try a paw paw so bad! I have been hearing about them for years! We have many custard apple trees on our farm here in Thailand. I here they are similar? Cant wait to try one some day! enjoy!
The phrase "shining bells in a green valley" evoked a memory of when we were staying in a run-down tourist motel in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. We were in transition for a five-week period in late May/early June. There was an old proud church in town that rang its bells every Sunday and would propel me outside to bask and savor the place we temporarily lived. The motel is gone now, but the park, pond and gazebo are still there!
OMG, I love this post.... First, I have been wanting to find the places and dates to find ripe Paw Paws since hearing about them on the Gastropod podcast. Even in Southern MN, I live a bit too far North to find the trees, so I'd love suggestions from anyone for a future Paw Paw vacation....
One of my "glimmers" or "moments of wonder" (as I call them):
Driving home along the Minnesota River, at just the right time, so that the sun and wind catch the Glitter Trees (Quaking Aspen) at just the right angle... when the light reflects off the leaves like canopies of glistening stars out over the water. And finally arriving home to my certified Super-Mutt, Nika, whose not-so-little body comes alive with the prancing and full body wags of excitement, reuniting after "You've Been Gone for So Long!!!"
Full body wags from Super Mutt buddy Nika….I love it. Your descriptions of Southern MN is beautiful!!
I LOVE that image of our beloved Zoe (half Lab, Half golden) who's full body wag powered that tail to sweep everything off the coffee table... spreading the LOVE!
My mother said Paw-paws were her absolute favorite fruit. I was always looking for them. I never found any.
I just had paw paws last week! Such a treat! A neighbor has a small grove in front of their house! They didn’t know what they were until I pointed them out a few years ago! Such a fun surprise!
Hi Carrie
Yes the history, claim to fame is always interesting, and the stories behind it.
Home of the Derby, and Bourbon , my birth town, and State.
And now the Blue River is my overlook now, in the woods and trees and frogs, are my key words per se.
☮️🐧
PS as for persons , my folks basically taught me most of the relevant information, and attitudes, not all perfect but true. Thanks also for the idea of love and gratitude as usual!
Sugar Maple trees and homemade maple syrup, handsome cardinals and also some motley looking molting cardinals, metro parks, the birth place of aviation, a raptor center, and we have paw paws too!
Our suburban Dallas city (Allen, TX) has an extensive network of shady trails that run alongside creeks. Walking the trails is one of my favorite things to do, listening to birdsong, encountering the occasional coyote or snake (it’s always a good reminder that we live in their home!), and saying good morning to every neighbor I pass.
Texas has such an interesting environment - so different from the north to the south. I remember almost getting in an accident in my car because I was so taken by the spring blue bonnets between Austin and Huston! So lovely to hear of your walks along those western trails!