Sunday, May 6, 2007

Small Town, USA

Small town life is so good. I love it here and can't believe how much it feels like "home" to me already. The last week is somewhat of a blur, but I'd like to share some of the things that have stood out to me.

The biggest one is probably grocery shopping. The kids and I went to Hy-Vee, a small chain grocery store that is probably only in the Midwest. There is a WalMart close by, but I wanted to get out of my rut and try something new. Britney would say their meat counter is incredible - and they actually have a meat counter where you can go in and order your "usual" of whatever cuts of meat you like.

At the register, the cashier asked me if I would like to "drive up" today. I thought she was asking for a donation to something, but she politely explained that I could drive up to the curb and they would load my groceries in the car. How's that for service! Anyway, once I explained that we had just moved from out of town and that's why I didn't know what "drive up" meant (duh!), she invited me to church. She was very nice and politely answered my questions about their church the best that she could. I don't know why that stuck with me so much, but it really made an impression.

The other thing that has stood out to me is the wind! While most of the time there is just a nice breeze blowing (kind of like being at the beach), yesterday and Friday were down right gale force winds! Remember watching Little House on the Prairie when it took them pushing against the door of the house to just get it open enough to squeeze inside? That was no exaggeration! We were on the playground the other day when a gust of wind came out of nowhere and literally knocked Carter to the ground. He just layed there for a minute because he didn't know what to do. Then, in true Carter fashion, he laughed and got up and said "silly wind!".

I think my favorite part of Adrian so far is the fact that we can WALK anywhere we need to go. If we were Catholic, we could even walk to church (it's a block from our house). But, the library, bank, grocery store, pharmacy, consignment shop, etc. is all within just a short, flat walk from our house. Hopefully that will motivate me to get some more exercise!

Well, I hope this gave you a little bit of a glimpse into our life here so far. Feel free to call or email anytime (or visit!).

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Lara! (Britney & kids too),
I'm so glad you are liking it and sounds like you are adjusting well to the changes. That is so exciting.:) I can see Carter now getting blown over by the wind and just laughing about it. I hope that Ashlyn is enjoying the new adventure as well.
I have enjoyed reading your blogs and keeping up with you. I hope you have a great week!

Love,
Alea

Anonymous said...

WIND: Yes, you live on the Prairie! We girls always used to wear head-scarves to protect our hair-dos, and I even remember one fad of wearing little netting or tulle bonnets to keep our hair in place. Those were the days. You sound happy and content and I'm so glad. Enjoy all those new learning experiences in a brand-new culture!
We miss you.
Love,
Mom

Anonymous said...

Lara I'm just so happy for you. You seem to be settled and content. Our precious Father is so faithful! Keep posting your blogs, I love reading them. Love, Lisa I.

Anonymous said...

Hey Lara! Your description is just wonderful. I'm just glad it made you think of Little House on the Prarie and not the Wizard of Oz... :-) I miss you bunches, and Elias says to tell Carter hello. (he also said he would share his puffs anytime. ;-) )

Deanna

Anonymous said...

Hola my friend! That sounds like a nice little town. Maybe I need to move up north...no wait, I've already done that...and came crying back home because I can't stand cold weather. = )Seriously though it sounds like you guys are in a nice peaceful area. Praying God keeps revealing those doors for you!

Love you!
Elke