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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Slice

Sandpoint boy adjusting to summer in Indiana

I have been corresponding with Tyson Bird since he was in grade school.

He's a college student now, going to summer school back in Indiana. I asked him about coping with the summer in the Midwest.

"1. Everything sweats. Condensation is everywhere and on everything. lf a drink isn't insulated, it's going to leave a puddle.

"2. It's called a 'cookout.' The word barbecue is reserved for meat cooked on a grill and covered in sauce. Hoosiers would never 'go to a barbecue.'

"3. Air conditioning isn't a 'luxury' or 'option.' Everyone has it. A house might not have working light fixtures, but it will have AC.

"4. Teva sandals aren't cool. In the West, it's helpful to have shoes that go from pavement to mountaintop. In Indiana...not so much.

"5. Fireflies (or 'lightning bugs') aren't exciting if you're from the Midwest. I, however, think they are one of the best parts of summer."



The Slice

The online home for Paul Turner's musings and interactions with disciples of The Slice.